This evening brought the meeting of St Deiniol’s Chapter, and what a gathering it turned out to be. The room was full to the brim with thirty eight in attendance, a number that speaks volumes about the quality of their meetings. In a time when many places are still rebuilding their numbers after the long shadow of covid, St Deiniol’s seems to have missed the memo entirely. Members, visitors, and enthusiasm are all in plentiful supply.
They welcomed two joining members and a new Candidate for Perfection, and in true St Deiniol fashion they did not stop there. Just as the historic Saint was known for his untiring energy, the Chapter that bears his name seems determined to follow in his footsteps.
The MWS Gareth Evans delivered an excellent Perfection ceremony, full of dignity and precision. The moment the newly made Prince took his seat, Gareth simply turned the page and began the ceremony to Enthrone his successor. Two ceremonies in one evening. Most would not even consider attempting it, yet he carried both with confidence and grace. I suppose sitting beside both the Inspector General and the Past Inspector General gives a man a certain incentive to bring his very best.
If you have never visited St Deiniol’s in Hawarden, you really should make a point of doing so. They are an exceptionally friendly Chapter, the room is full which is always heartening to see, and you may witness things you have never seen before. I particularly enjoyed the moment when they held up pictures of the banners of the intermediate degrees as they were conferred. In all my travels I have never seen that done, and it added a lovely touch of colour and symbolism to the evening.
The three of us who travelled up from Valle Crucis agreed it was a fantastic night, and we will certainly be returning.
Pictured are the Inspector General with the new MWS E and P Bro Martin Jones, and their newest Prince E and P Bro Paul James Rimmer. The second picture features Neville Owens, because I am contractually obliged to include him in any photograph I ever take.