The Chapter of Air Unity No 7445 convened on 23rd September 2024 for an evening made all the more memorable by the official visit of E Comp Howard Hughes, PGStB, Third Provincial Grand Principal. E Comp Hughes was escorted by E Comp Ian Ferguson, ProvDepGDC, leading a distinguished delegation of:
- E Comp Martin Mellamphy, Provincial Grand Sojourner
- E Comp Geoff Baker, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer
- E Comp Mandeep Sehmi, Provincial Grand Steward
- E Comp Jim Owens, Past Provincial Grand Steward
Also in attendance for his first unofficial visit was the Chapter’s newly appointed Visiting Officer, E Comp Dennis Hammond, PProvGReg, adding another special note to the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the Exaltation of Comp Arthur Sanchez, a Master Mason from Barra Hall Lodge No 8096. The ceremony was skilfully conducted by E Comp Paul Bennett, PProv2ndAsstGSoj, whose performance was exemplary. E Comp Gordon Gregory, PPrGSN, took on the role of Principal Sojourner and gave a faultless delivery of the Mystical Lecture, adding depth to the evening’s work.
Behind the scenes, Comp Andy Pearce, Scribe E, coordinated the evening’s logistics from none other than a sun-drenched balcony in Texas. However, just a week before the event, he was faced with unexpected news: the kitchen at Cole Court had been closed due to a gas leak!
Faced with the possibility of no dinner, the Scribe E had an exchange of emails with E Comp Hughes, who jokingly offered to bring his own sandwiches, just in case. Luckily, there was no need to raid the nearest supermarket for emergency provisions. The Chapter’s Steward, Comp Felix Penas, stepped in and prepared a fantastic “Filipino surprise” meal that exceeded all expectations.
The menu Felix crafted included:
- Starter: Pork Lumpia Wrapper
- Main: Beef Afritada with Jasmine Rice
- Pescatarian Main: Salmon with Vegetable Noodles
- Dessert: Chocolate Cake with Double Cream
- Tea/Coffee and Petit Fours
The delightful feast was met with great enthusiasm by all at the Festive Board. During his after-dinner remarks, E Comp Hughes humorously admitted that he was relieved he hadn’t packed his sandwiches after all, as Felix’s meal was far superior to anything he could have brought.
The evening was a resounding success, featuring excellent ritual work, strong camaraderie, and a surprise culinary triumph that turned what could have been a “sandwich saga” into an unforgettable night of dining and fellowship.
