On Friday 15th October Watling Street Chapter, held their Installation Convocation at the historic St. Giles Parish Rooms, Stony Stratford.

The companions present had the pleasure of seeing the installation of Eric Tchambak as First Principal, John Wright as Second Principal and Gary Charnock as Third Principal. The Installation was led by the Chapters hard working Director of Ceremonies Stuart Barnard, all to high standard.

As the chapter was short on the evening of a number of Officers Stuart stood in for more than one during the course of the ceremony, well done Stuart!

The Chapter announced candidates for their next few meetings, a growing and healthy Chapter.

Following the Convocation, the companions held their Festive Board in a private dining room at "The Bull Hotel", The best of food, wine, toasts and companionship.

The Bull Hotel, Stony Stratford.

According to folklore during the great coaching era late 18th century and early 19th century Stoney Stratford was an important and driving stop over point for travellers and tradesmen.

The two main coach ins were called The Cock and The Bull. Both became known throughout the country as the centre of all news travelling either by foot or by horse.

The competing inns established a rivalry as to which could produce the most exciting and scurrilous travellers tales to be passed on to the major cities and as a result many unbelievable stories were dismissed as 'cock and bull' tales.