On 30th November Devon and Somerset Farmers Chapter held their Annual Installation meeting. This is normally a well supported gathering but attendance this year was exceptional. Over 100 Companions sat down to dine. Why, you might ask, should this be so? Well, lurking down the agenda at item 9 was “Presentation of 50 Year Certificate to E Comp S H A F Hopkins by E Comps S Rowe and J Bennett”. Those who know Stanley will immediately realise why this made the attendance so great. Stanley, during those 50 years, has touched the lives of many, many Freemasons in the Craft, the Royal Arch and other organisations. He is a highly respected and immensely approachable Mason.
However, let me now return to a more chronologically correct report on the evening in Uffculme. Opening of the Chapter was slightly delayed as the MEZ had not arrived. A late substitute having been drummed into action the opening matters were attended to and the visiting dignitaries were about to be received when E Comp Sid Lunn arrived and was hurriedly moved into the main chair. Once settled E Comp Simon Rowe, MEGS Devonshire, and E Comp John Bennett, MEGS Somerset, along with members of their Executives were duly received into the Temple and took appropriate seats. Some early matters were soon attended to in 9250’s normal laid back style before the first main item of the evening, the Installation of the new Principals, was addressed. E Comp Lunn led the proceedings steadily along until E Comp T Coleridge was the new MEZ, E Comp P Waterman the H and E Comp N Male the J.
They then Invested their Officers for the ensuing year. Once this had all been completed the next agenda item (no 9), the second major event of the evening, was tackled. At the outset E Comp S Rowe explained that whilst a more intimate celebration of Stanley’s 50 years in the RA had already taken place in his original Chapter, Parrett and Axe No 814, tonight was a more public gathering for both Devon and Somerset. He then handed over to E Comp J Bennett to give the formal exposition. John commenced with a precis of Stanley’s masonic career, however, with a career that had ranged so widely in both Somerset and Devon as well as considerable involvement at Supreme Grand Chapter it could not be brief.
Stanley had also served as Provincial Grand Master of Somerset for ten years a little while ago and now held the very elevated rank of Past Grand Scribe Nehemiah in Supreme Grand Chapter. When John had finished and had praised Stanley for his commitment and support Simon followed with a quick “ditto”. John then made a formal presentation of a certificate from Somerset while Simon followed with one from Devonshire.Stanley then thanked the Companions for their good wishes with a very apposite and humorous response as can be seen in the photograph on the left which just caught some of the smiles his remarks elicited. Before he returned to his seat he posed with the new Principals who were each enjoying this memorable start to their year in office.
Here are closer views of the two certificates.
The final business for the evening was soon completed and once the visiting dignitaries had processed out the Chapter was closed and the rest of the Companions packed their regalia away and the whole company reassembled downstairs in the bar/dining room. With, I understand, 105 dining the main dining room was packed and some had to be seated in the adjoining ante-room. A very convivial atmosphere prevailed and the rooms were abuzz with good humour. When the toasts were reached at the end of the meal an extra one to E Comp Stanley was included. This was given by one of the senior Chapter members who had known Stanley since childhood. He gave a wide-ranging and comprehensive exposition. In response Stanley carefully addressed all the different ranks present then said “Thank you” before sitting down to wide acclamation. He always could find the right words for the occasion.
Again, I close this report with some pictures taken at table. I hope they convey the very relaxed atmosphere that had prevailed both in the Temple and the dining room.
All good things must come to end and this gathering was no exception. Soon there was minor traffic congestion in the centre of Uffculme as Companions made their way home in high spirits.
Arthur W Rowe