By Comp Edward Thompson, Principal Sojourner

Fifty years in a long time in any measurement. For E Comp Keith Challis of Technical Chapter No.5666, the rescheduled meeting date of Monday 2nd November 2026 marked the exact Fifty year period from his Exaltation in 1976. Bear in mind - Technical Chapter was consecrated in 1946 and is itself Eighty years old as of 2026. So, Keith has been a Companion of Technical for a whopping 62.5% of its entire history. Talk about being part of the furniture! 

After an increasingly shorter but blue and radiant day in November (surprising), the Companions, Brethren (Bro Paul Draper),  Ladies and members of Keith's family gathered in the bar area, looking forward to a 'good do' -  as Keith would say. The companions headed upstairs in good time before 6.30pm and got settled, ready to open the Chapter.  

Although the Temple looked relatively healthy in attendance, the same sadly could not be said of those who were unfortunately absent. Bugs, colds and flus prevented many Companions from attending and stand-ins were required. E Comp Alan Large stood in as Second Assistant Sojourner, Comp Mark Cusack as First Assistant Sojourner and E Comp Paul Hillary as Excellent Joshua. Arguably, the most notable absence was E Comp Hiten Thaker - the Deputy Grand Superintendent and long time Technical Chapter Companion. He had a nasty flu so E Comp Eddie Wildman - Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies - member of Kingston Chapter No.1010 (and fellow Principal Sojourner) stood in as a Provincial Representative. Hopefully everyone will be well again soon - even our Chapter Almoner Comp Bill Turner-Bone was poorly! 

Most Excellent Zerubbabel Rob Atkinson opened the Chapter and E Comp Eddie Wildman was brought in by the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, E Comp Philip Joyner, and a team of Active Officers of the Year. Technical Chapter DC, E Comp Chris Bodsworth called the Chapter off and Keith's family, Ladies and Paul Draper joined us in the Temple. E Comp Wildman led a wonderful conversation with Keith. They covered Keith's earliest memories of Chapter, his Exaltation, how Chapter has changed across time and the highlight - arguably - was Keith's demonstrative delivery of The Charge (Chapter). He did this on the spot and it was breath-taking to witness. Eddie then presented Keith with his Fifty Year Certificate, signed by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Mark Iveson, to rapturous applause. Guests were then escorted out of the Temple by the the DC E Comp Bodsworth and ADC Comp Vesali. The Chapter was called back on. Reports, correspondence and greetings followed before the Chapter was eventually closed. 

Excellent Companions Eddie Wildman and Keith Challis 

The Festive Board was vividly gregarious in nature and the three courses of Tomato Soup, Pork Loin and Profiteroles were well received by all. Naturally, only two toasts were given due to the presence of Ladies and non-Companions (Bro Paul Draper won't be in this category for long). E Comp Wildman spoke briefly on behalf of Province and again gave compliments to E Comp Challis - this was happily accepted by all at the Festive Board.  

Before the Raffle and Parish Notices, MEZ Rob Atkinson  personally and gratefully congratulated Keith - highlighting his ceaseless commitment to Technical as a whole - he responded in his customary humility and humour. Keith was applauded once more.   

It was a special night. Not only in the Masonic life of Keith Challis, but in the history of Technical Chapter as a whole. A steady stalwart of Technical, as committed as a Mason as you will find and - above all - a Great Man... we are so proud to have him.