Meeting of Combined Chapters of Central Essex
The enjoyment of Combined Chapter meetings and their importance in bringing Companions together
The Chapters of Central Essex held a Combined meeting at Howard Hall, Braintree, on Friday 26th May. Over 65 Companions were in attendance for this cluster event.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Grand Superintendent, Elliott Chevin, along with the Third Provincial Grand Principal, John Hubbard, and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Dr Jack Gilliland.
The Convocation, hosted by Peverel Chapter No. 7743, was opened followed by a Roll-Call of Chapters, confirming that all 15 Chapters of Central Essex were represented.
A talk on the Ensigns and Banners of the tribes of Israel was then delivered with each Chapter presenting a different tribe. We see the banners of the tribes at every meeting, but very rarely do we get to learn about their history. Everyone left having taken a daily advancement in Royal Arch knowledge. It was great to see all Companions from new Exaltees to experienced Grand officers taking part.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent remarked how much the Province enjoys Combined Chapter meetings and their importance in bringing Companions together.
During the Festive Board, the Combined Chapters presented a cheque for £500 to Teddies for Loving Care (TLC). The donation was received by Dr Jack Gilliland, APGP for Peverel Chapter, who reminded the Companions of the importance of supporting local charities and those that may have suffered during our Festival 2022 and the COVID pandemic, including TLC, and further remarked on his own experience of seeing the benefit of TLC when treating young patients. TLC has provided over 3.5million teddies to children in A&E departments across England & Wales to help reduce their shock and provide comfort at distressing times.