Enthusiastic Meeting at Calderley
The Calderley Chapter of Union No 906 was duly opened by E Comp Martin Slocombe, MEZ, accompanied by E Comps Julian May, H, and Adrian Halliwell, J. The most Excellent Grand Superintendent (MEGS) for Somerset, Ray Guthrie, was welcomed and proffered the Sceptre, which he declined as he would be working later. After the appointment of Terry Hayes as 2nd Assistant Sojourner, the general duties of the Chapter continued. MEGS then took the floor with E Comp Ray Conneely, Provincial Mentor, for an open discussion on the office of Mentors in Chapters:
Mentoring in the dictionary is wise counselor to the young and inexperienced. It is seen that Mentoring would help in reducing the waning interest in some companions after they have been Exalted. This could lead to them resigning from their Chapter. There are 500+ Companions that are no longer attached to Somerset Chapters. Wouldn’t it be great to encourage some of those back into the fold. There have been many changes over recent years where the ritual has been slimmed down, work is now shared, especially with those Chapters using the Savage Club Ritual. It was suggested that perhaps those unattached could be sent a copy of the Savage Ritual to emphasise the changes afoot.
Mentors should work with all Companions, as we are all Mentors and be able to give wise wisdom to our fellows. Visiting in the Royal Arch is quite low compared with that in the Craft, encourage this to give a greater interest for Companions.
After this well supported discussion the “Rays” were thanked and the Chapter was then closed and Companions moved down stairs for the Festive Board, beautifully prepared by Neil and Zena. One interesting toast was to the Calderley Liaison Officers and Royal Arch Reps when about half those present stood, a magnificent number.
By E Comp: Adrian Halliwell
The Principals: E Comp Julian May, E Comp Martin Slocombe and E Comp Adrian Halliwell
MEGS Ray Guthrie and E Comp Ray Conneely