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“Well this could be the last time . . . . . . . . . . this could be the last, maybe the last time, I don’t know!” The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent was addressing 245 companions, from Brockworth to Bombay, at his tenth Provincial Grand Chapter convocation. Graham King, who has steered the Royal Arch Province of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire in such a relaxed and popular manner since 2008, quoted Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, taking a light-hearted look at the future . . . . . and at no time did he ‘Paint it Black’! The setting once again was the very suitable The Crypt School in Gloucester. Speculating on his own future as MEGS, it was clear that it wouldn’t take ‘Wild Horses’ to keep him in situ. In suggesting that ‘You can’t always get what you want’, it was nevertheless with a great deal of ‘Satisfaction’ that he referred the successful programme of communication; in particular the ‘Talking Heads’ presentations which are available to RA chapters and Craft lodges.

Rolling Stone

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3rd Provincial Grand Principal Ken Tilley of Regency Chapter was installed as Provincial Grand Joshua. Here he is congratulated by Dr David Paterson.

For supporting him so well as 3rd Provincial Grand Principal for the past year, the MEGS paid tribute to Mike Lettey; (below right with Nigel Bridges and Ian Crowe).

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‘Mother’s Little Helper’ Graham paid tribute to Bob Stacey (above left), who had worked tirelessly to ensure the proceedings worked smoothly.

‘Street Fightin’ Man’ Reappointed Assistant Grand Scribe E, Trevor Merritt (above right) reported for duty despite losing a very recent battle with an uneven pavement.

‘Can’t you hear me Knocking?’ Nick Hughes from Gloucestershire Schools Chapter was reappointed Provincial Grand Janitor.

‘Start me up’ Companions were reminded that Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Dennis Beale (left), would be holding an open day at his home, next to the Severn Bore Inn at Minsterworth on Sunday 13th August. From 10am, Dennis and Ginnie will be providing refreshments whilst masons, families and friends can view his extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and cars. See here for details: http://www.glosmasons.org.uk/sites/www.glosmasons.org.uk/files/poster.pdf

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‘Standing in the shadow’ Continuing the Rolling Stones theme, Graham’s Deputy, Ray Bennett said “I could be considered a ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’” when he sprang to his feet to propose the toast to the MEGS at the Festive Board. He referred to the surprise emigration last year when Graham and his ‘Honky-Tonk Woman’ Jackie upped sticks to the Forest of Dean; which produced cries of support from the far side of the dining room. Clearly demonstrating that he was brave enough to ‘Play with fire’, Ray delivered some comical lines. Ray is pictured above with his Bristol counterpart, Peter Wills.

‘Little Red Rooster’ Graham responded to his toast with matched courage, suggesting ‘Little Red Rooster’ was a more apt nickname for his deputy.

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‘All sold out’ Working behind the scenes were those companions running the raffle and bars.

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‘It’s all over now’ ‘Out of time,’ companions dispersed from what was surely a most entertaining convocation. They will undoubtedly be looking forward to next year, perhaps with the invitation, “Let’s spend the day together.” More photos on the Royal Arch website . . . http://glosandhereroyalarch.com/ Meantime . . . . . .

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