2nd April 2026

On the evening of 2nd April 2026, a delegation from our Chapter visited Humber 57 Royal Arch Chapter with the objective of claiming the Travelling Sceptre. The party comprised Excellent Companions, Hiten Thacker (APGP), Anthony James, Ian Parkinson, Rob Atkinson, and James Steele, together with Companion Ed Thompson.

The Travelling Sceptre represents an important initiative within the province, fostering fraternal engagement and collaborative visiting between Chapters. this was the brainchild of Excellent Companion Richard Smedley. The process for claiming the Sceptre is governed by established protocols. Chapters must formally notify the holding Chapter of their intention to claim the Sceptre prior to visitation. A visiting Chapter must present a minimum of four Companions on the evening in question, with larger delegations generally strengthening their position for a successful claim. Should the visiting Companions' results prove tied, the Most Excellent Zerubbabel of the holding Chapter determines the outcome.

Our delegation of six arrived at the bar area to assess our prospects, whilst being warmly received by members of Humber 57 Chapter. The occasion held particular significance, as it constituted an Installation ceremony for the three Principals Elect: Excellent Companion R. Smedley (designate for the Chair of Zerubbabel), Excellent Companion A. Todd (designate for Haggai), and Excellent Companion M. Sharpless (designate for Joshua).

Following a private opening behind closed doors conducted by members of Humber 57, all visitors were then admitted into the Chapter. It was then formally opened in due form. The Representative of the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal Officer was Eddie Wildman PAGDC, who was admitted with respect and due recognition.

The ceremony proceeded according to traditional practice. The Most Excellent Zerubbabel requested those below the rank of the 3rd Principal to retire whilst the relevant ceremonial portion was delivered. This procedure was repeated for those below the rank of 2nd Principal and subsequently for all those below the rank of Most Excellent Zerubbabel, establishing a Conclave of 1st Principals only. The newly elected Most Excellent Zerubbabel was then installed, followed by the readmission and installation of the 2nd Principal and subsequently the 3rd Principal. All Companions were finally readmitted and informed of the installations before resuming their seats.

Following the completion of routine business, the Chapter was closed in due and ancient form. The delegation subsequently proceeded to the festive board, where we learned that Anchor Chapter No. 1337 had secured the Travelling Sceptre by a single member. We extend our genuine congratulations to Anchor Chapter on returning to Northallerton with the Travelling Sceptre.

The evening was characterised by genuine fellowship, camaraderie, and the bonds of fraternity that unite our Order. We look forward to future visits and the opportunity to claim the Travelling Sceptre at a forthcoming date.