Double Exaltation at King Alfred

On 10 May, the King Alfred meeting was special for two key reasons. Firstly there was to be a joint Exaltation, the only time this has been attempted in King Alfred Chapter, and secondly a number of eminent visiting companions stood in to assist in the ceremony, many at short notice.

The first task for the evening was for Z, E Comp Sandy Glen, to welcome E Comp Ray Beckingham, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, on his official visit, escorted by E Comp Jeff Lester, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The candidates for this special convocation were Mike Dew and his son Andrew Richards, both from Tivoli Lodge and proposed by Comp Danny Kennedy. They were conducted in the ceremony by Comp. Justin Pursey, and secondly by E Comp Malcolm Beard, the double Exaltation being specially arranged so that both candidates were involved in all parts.

In terms of the companions taking part in the ceremony, as he entered the Masonic Hall the past MEGS, E Comp John Bennett, was offered the opportunity to stand in as H and was delighted to assist. This was due to the current H standing in as Scribe E, who was unfortunately unavoidably absent.

Additionally, E Comp Tony Cooper, Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, assisted as DC whilst E Comp Ian White was in hospital, and E Comp Andy Clapp, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, assisted as ADC (whilst Malcolm Beard was acting sojourner). Comp Bill Stagg brightened up the ceremony with music whilst our usual guest organist was absent. At short notice Comp Danny Kennedy stood in as Scribe N.

All present agreed that this double exaltation was a special occasion for all, with credit to Sandy Glen for all the organisation.

Here we see Sandy Glen as Z, John Bennett as stand-in H, Jeremy Thomas as J, with our candidates Andrew Richards (l) and Mike Dew (r)

Jeff Lester, Ray Beckingham and Matt Jarvis, Provincial Principal Grand Sojourner are shown above added to the former five.