On the evening of the 30th of October, companions from across East Lancashire gathered at Salford Masonic Hall to be a part of a Banner Dedication, a ceremony that many will never have seen or witness again.
Once the Companions were seated, The Three Principals, David Conway, Harvey Kaye, and Ian Caplin opened the Chapter. Before long, there was a report, and Andrew Procter, The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, entered the chapter and announced that the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Paul Bowen, was outside the Chapter with a Provincial Deputation and demanded admission.
Once the Deputation was seated, David Conway, the first Principal, welcomed the Deputation and offered the Deputy Grand Superintendent his sceptre, which he accepted. The Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals then took their respective chairs.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent then gave thanks for the warm welcome received by the companions present and introduced the Provincial Deputation. Prof Tony Freemont 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, David Hudson 3rd Provincial Grand Principal, Mo Afsa Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Steven Boyle Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Andrew Proctor Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Jonathan Basger Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Bill Spiby Provincial Membership Officer, and Lee Gridley Provincial Grand Steward.
The companions were given an oration by the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and then a banner party was formed and left the Chapter. On its return, the banner party presented the banner to the Deputy Grand Superintendent before parading it around the Chapter for the companions. The Banner was then placed at the right of the Three Principals Chairs.
The First Principal then had the honour of presenting the Deputy Grand Superintendent with a donation of £500 for the 2026 Festival.
With the Banner Dedication complete, the Three Principals retook their chairs, and the Provincial Deputation retired. The chapter then completed the remaining business and was closed.
The social board that followed was a buzz with lots of companions from across the province and also welcoming a potential new candidate to join the chapter, a fabulous evening and a bright future for St Johns Chapter.