On October 27th 2014 Most Excellent Grand Superintendent John Ilott attended his last meeting before he retired from office. The meeting was that of Herts First Principals Chapter 4090, held at Halsey Hall Cheshunt and it was attended by 123 Companions. The meeting held several surprises for E Comp John, the first of which was when three Grand Superintendents from neighbouring Provinces entered the temple after the Chapter had opened, much to the delight of E Comp John. The Scribe E, David Williams had managed to get E Comps Kenneth Benford of Berkshire, Robert Lovesey of Bedfordshire and Wayne Williams of Northants & Huntingdonshire into the centre without E Comp John seeing them so their entrance to the temple was a complete shock but an absolute delight for our retiring Grand Superintendent.
E Comp John gave has final address in the temple when he thanked all those who had served the Province with him over the last 28 years of active office and all the friends he had made within the Province. E Comp wished the Grand Superintendent Designate, James Sharpley the very best of luck and hoped Jim would have as much pleasure in his new role as he had. He then paid special tribute to E Comp Ian Clift, Deputy Grand Superintendent who also retiring from active duties after 23 years since taking his first active role as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1991. He thanked Ian for his devotion to duty and for the special friendship they had forged over the years. E Comp Ian gave his reply and, much to the surprise of E Comp John, presented him with a cheque which was the culmination of a collection from each Chapter within the Province. This was greeted with rapturous applause from all the companions present.
At the Festive Board another surprise awaited E Comp John when the newly installed 1st Principal, Keith Emmerson, presented a decanter and four glasses, engraved with the 4090 logo and inscribed with the message “Presented to M E John Ilott from the Companions of Hertfordshire First Principals Chapter No. 4090, 27th October 2014”. All the companions drank a toast to E Comp John who again thanked all those who had attended this meeting and the retirement party earlier in October. He also mentioned that the 2014 Annual Convocation would be the first that he had missed in more than 30 years and he sincerely wished E Comp James Sharpley a happy & successful meeting and many happy & healthy years ahead.