A rather warm evening in Bridgwater was the setting for the Installation Meeting with not quite the full-house that we usually have. The Chapter was opened and business dealt with quite speedily, visiting members of Dorset and Gloucester and Hereford 1st Principals were welcomed as well as Somerset Principals.
A ballot was taken for two Honorary Members, Bob Biggs and Joe Hawkins and for three Joining Members, all carried.
MEGS then proposed the adoption of the design for a Chapter Banner which again approved and will be Dedicated at the June Meeting in Taunton. E Comp Bob Moore (Z) then proposed the adoption of new By-laws which was passed and now passed on to Provincial and Supreme Grand Chapter.
E Comp Bob Moore then gave a talk entitled ‘The Symbolism of the Furnishings of a Royal Arch Chapter’. Once again in his eloquent and at times confrontational and thought provoking way Bob kept the companions enthralled and received a worthy applause.
Then followed the Induction of the three new Principals, E Comps John Rudge as Z, Ray Beckingham as H and Maldwyn Davies as J.
The Officers were then invested prior to which the outgoing Treasurer, E Comp Ray Sheppard and DC E Comp Ron Babbage were thanked for their long service in their posts, each received acclamation.
The Almoner, E Comp Terry Wood was unfortunately recovering from his three weeks in hospital but had passed his report to Scribe E. With nothing in AOB or the Risings the Chapter was closed and the majority retired to the Festive Board where an excellent meal and company were enjoyed.
