By Ed Thompson, Senior Deacon, Principal Sojourner  29th May 2026

Technical Chapter were on the road again. The drive to Northallerton took just over 90 minutes. I drove and was in good company - E Comp Eddie Wildman of Kingston Chapter No.1010 along with Technical Companion Nandakumar Thekkootu Pisharam (‘Nanda’). It was mine and Nanda’s first time in Northallerton however Eddie had previously visited Anchor Lodge No.1337 on a separate occasion, but not their Chapter. So, it promised to be an interesting experience for all of us.

We arrived in decent time and were warmly welcomed to Northallerton Masonic Hall by Companions already there, of which there were many. Anchor Chapter is well supported, and their companions commit themselves heartfully.

I did not just simply need to see their strong attendance to understand their enthusiasm as a Chapter. At Humber Chapter No.57’s installation earlier in the year, they brought 8 companions to visit. Technical Chapter brought 7.

 On that evening, the Southern Travelling Sceptre was claimed by Anchor as they had the most visitors present on that occasion.  There are 3 Travelling Sceptres in YNER Chapter Province, each representing the geographical areas – Southern, Central and Northern. To claim all 3, a remarkable feat that Anchor Chapter achieved, the successful Chapter with etch its name on the Provincial Wall of Fame. Falling short at Humber Chapter’s Installation by just 1 companion, Anchor kindly agreed to relinquish the Southern Sceptre to Technical, once they achieved their noble goal.

Their main business was very informative and insightful. Provided by information from Solomon –UGLE’s online learning platform – each Chapter officer explained the history and meaning behind their respective roles. Further education was also given on some of the Chapter banners. After which, they balloted for a candidate to be Exalted in their September meeting. The Sceptres were then presented and handed back to their respective geographic areas.

Companions Nandakumar Thekkootu Pisharam and Ed Thompson

presented with Southern Travelling Sceptre

Companions of Anchor Chapter presenting the Travelling Sceptres to Companions of their respective regions.

Eddie, who was great company in my passenger seat on the long drive North, gave his regards firstly from the Supreme Grand Chapter of England and secondly from Kingston Chapter No.1010. Stood with Nanda, I gave regards from Technical Chapter No.5666.

The festive board was filled with warmth, fun and great fraternal cheer. Although football talk was frequent, as a Hull City supporter, I only made occasional digs at the Middlesbrough fans present - of which there were many.

Whilst Middlesbrough’s position in the final – placed in there retrospectively by an Independent Football Panel after their controversial semifinal defeat - was a dubious one, Eddie, Nanda and I were in the right place on that Friday evening. It was a truly fantastic night and well worth the long travel and late night.

Technical Lodge now has the Travelling Gavel in Craft as well as the Southern Travelling Sceptre in Chapter. We now look forward to welcoming visitors to our proud Masonic Unit which we all love and cherish.

L to R: Companion Nandakumar Thekkootu Pisharam, Companion Ed Thompson, E Comp Eddie Wildman