Archives Celebration Pages
To view older archived celebrations, click on one of the following links:-
Archive Celebrations 2008
Archive Celebrations 2008
Archive Celebrations 2007
Archive Celebrations 2006 and older
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Alec’s 50 years in Henry Cook Chapter (Alec Brown)
Harry’s service to Semper Sursum Chapter (Harry Wildgoose)
Wilf is a credit to his community (Thomas Wilfred Thompson)
George celebrates in amalgamated lodge (George Wilkinson)
Alex is an example of what makes a good Freemason (Alex Sharp)
Tom has rarely missed a meeting (Tom Foster)
JAKE CELEBRATES (Jake Stirrup)
Jim’s 50 years in Chapter (Jim Gornall)
Great Scot! Nat notches up 50 (Nat Killen)
Eddie’s 50 years in the Royal Arch (Eddie Foulkes)
A man of ‘integrity and commitment’ (John Bathe)
Alan’s 50 years in the Royal Arch (Alan Jenkinson)
A man of integrity and commitment (Jack Humphrey)
Maurice’s 50 years in Carnforth Lodge (Maurice Townley)
A Masonic milestone for Tom (Thomas Gilpin Wilson)
VALE MASON CELEBRATES 50th (Geoffrey James Morrow)
Colin celebrates 50 years service (Colin Edward Percy)
Ray celebrates his 50th at Old Lerpoolian Lodge (Ray Harwood Grist)
George’s golden years (George Kendall Gillberry)
Robert James Bithel celebrates 50 years in the Royal Arch
60th anniversary celebrations for James Leishman Barclay
John celebrates 50 anniversary (John Latham)
Alec’s 50 years in Henry Cook Chapter
Alec Brown, who celebrated his golden jubilee in the Craft in 2008, has now celebrated 50 years as a Royal Arch Freemason.
At a meeting of Henry Cook Chapter No 1021 Alec’s service was commemorated when he was presented with a scroll signed by the Provincial Grand Superintendent.
Alec spent the greater part of his domestic life in the Barrow area, having attending local schools including the Technical School where he studied Naval Architecture and Ship Detail calculation. In consequence when it came to the compulsory National Service, he was taken by the Royal Navy in 1945, serving initially at Chatham, with trips to the far east, namely Ceylon, Hong Kong and Japan.
He indulged his passion for rugby, playing both codes, and had, shortly before being called up, signed on for Rochdale Hornets.
Demobbed in 1947 Alec returned home to Barrow and married Elsie. They have one daughter, Pauline but very sadly Elsie died in 1963. Pauline married and Alec is now the proud grandfather.
After demob Alec started work with the Orient Line, which was having its great passenger liner Orcades built in Barrow. This was followed by work on the Oronsay, the Orsova and the Oriana.
Alec was initiated into Hartington Lodge in 1958 and exalted into Royal Arch Masonry in Henry Cook Chapter in 1959. He served the several progressive offices until he gained the first chair of the Chapter in March 1976. Alec later served the Chapter as DC. In the Craft he holds the high rank of PPrJGW and in the Royal Arch that of PPrPGSoj, which was accorded to him in 1985.
Alec has also enjoyed Mark Masonry, being a long-standing member of Furness Mark Lodge No 36, which he joined in 1964. Master in 1979, Alec was appointed PPrGJD in May 1984 in that degree, and now holds the rank of PPrGSW, which was awarded in May 2000.
A commemorative scroll was read by Group Chairman, Rowly Saunders and formally presented by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Dunn.
Alec Brown is congratulated on his golden jubilee as a Royal Arch Freemason by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Dunn.
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Harry’s service to Semper Sursum Chapter
The service given to Semper Sursum Chapter by Harry Charles Wildgoose was highlighted when he celebrated 50 years as a Royal Arch Freemason. Apart from “climbing the ladder” and occupying the three Chairs, he has been Scribe E, ADC and for eight years was DC.
Harry was born in May 1923 and after schooling in Barrow, started work in the drawing office at Vickers Armstrongs. A diligent worker in due course he qualified as a Chartered Engineer.
Harry married Kathleen at Abbey Road Methodist Church in 1952, and they had two sons, Keith and Stephen. They settled down to family life, buying a newly built bungalow in Hawkshead Gardens where Harry was able to enjoy his passion for gardening. Whilst the boys were growing up, he was involved in important engineering works firstly at Vickers in Barrow, then in London, on power station design, followed by trips to Derby. During these excursions Harry had not only started his family but also become a Freemason, joining Semper Sursum Lodge in 1957.
Harry worked his way steadily through the ranks of the lodge where in due course he assumed the Chair and since that occasion he has conducted and assisted in many ceremonies. He has attained the very high rank in the Craft of PPrJGW.
A year after becoming a Master Mason Harry was exaltation into Semper Sursum Chapter in 1960. This was followed by him taking on the progressive offices until he became First Principal in 1972. He did not retire and put his feet up after that, but took on the duties of Scribe E in 1975, a post which he filled for three years before moving back onto the floor as ADC in 1982/3 and DC in 1983, a position he filled for eight years. In addition to carrying out the duties of the various offices, Harry regularly assisted at installations by reading the scriptures and at Exaltations by explaining the signs.
This dedication was recognised in 1980, when he was appointed to the important acting rank of Past Provincial Principal Grand Sojourner. This was capped in 1985 when he was rewarded with the very high rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah.
A commemorative scroll was read by Group Chairman, Rowley Saunders and formally presented it to Harry by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Dunn.
Harry Wildgoose is congratulated on his 50th anniversary of becoming a Royal Arch Freemason by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Dunn.
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Wilf is a credit to his community
Brethren from the Lodge of Unity No 613 gathered with guests to celebrate the Masonic Golden Jubilee of Bro Thomas Wilfred Thompson at Southport Masonic Hall. Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Moore was on hand to take the chair and celebrate the life of WilfThompson.
Wilf was born to a Scottish father and Irish mother and was educated at St Mary’s School in Scarisbrick and later at the Southport Technical College after which he started as an indentured apprentice in engineering.
In 1944 he joined the Brigade of Guards and rose to Provost of the 1st. Battalion. Whilst in military service he was at one time loaned to a military prison to install discipline and assisted with field security in North Africa. In 1949 he was released from the forces under an interrupted war service scheme and resumed civilian work as a machine tool setter at Brockhouse Engineering. He left here to join Leyland Motors which was starting up a new factory for the MOD manufacturing fighting vehicles. Wilf worked at what was, at that time, the largest machine tool unit in Europe. He rose to become the works manager and the works director was none other than Arthur Hosker, the late father of our Provincial Grand Master. It was at this point that John indicated that he had told the Provincial Grand Master of this situation. The Provincial Grand Master had been delighted to receive the news and reflected on his pride in his father. He then went on to thank Wilf for bringing him this story and wished him a happy golden jubilee.
During his time at Leyland, Wilf was initiated into New Hall Lodge No 5940 in Leyland. He was also a member of Townly Parker Lodge and Southport Lodge but work continually took him out of the area and he was not able to progress up the ladder.
Wilf has led a very interesting, busy and successful life. Whilst working at Spurrier Works he became the Honorary President of the Cricket, Bowling, Car, Fishing and Swimming Clubs. Add to that his involvement with the Rosicrucian Order, becoming a Reiki Master, member of a mountain rescue team, judo club and outdoor pursuits centre he has been a credit to his community, country and Freemasonry in general for which he has proposed many candidates over the years.
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George celebrates in amalgamated lodge
George Henry Wilkinson who was involved in the amalgamation of four lodges to form the Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086 celebrated the 50th anniversary of his initiation in the new lodge.
He was presented with a special commemorative certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham.
George was born in 1924 in Anfield, Liverpool and attended three schools in the area, Pinehurst Avenue, Anfield Road and St Margaret’s. He started work in a shipping agent’s office in the city at 7/6d per week for one year. He then moved to a tin mining company’s office, also in the city, for £1 per week working on export/ import shipping. In 1942 he volunteered for the RAF and ultimately served as an airframe fitter in the UK, Italy and Egypt for more than two years attaining the rank of corporal until being demobbed in 1947.
George had been an active member of the Boys’ Brigade from 1936–42 and then as an officer from1947 to 1954 as a PT Instructor. He played football for the BB Company team, occasionally for his school teams and later several times for RAF station teams.
He met his wife, Jean, during the war in Blackpool and they were married on his return home in 1947 to have 54 years of marriage until her death in 2002. He has a daughter and two grandsons.
George returned to his old job in 1947 and stayed until it closed down in 1978 when he became redundant. He was immediately offered a job with a Metallurgical Chemists and Assayers in St.Helens as office manager of the bulk shipping department where he stayed until his retirement in 1989.
George was nitiated into the Lodge of Prudence No 2114 in January 1960 in the Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool. He already had relatives in the lodge but was unaware at the time including WBro E Bromley, WM in 1918; WBro R Foggo, WM in 1942; WBro A Crone, WM in 1957 and his father-in-law, Bro. H Oldham, a steward in 1936, but who died shortly afterwards. He served in all the offices until attaining the Chair in 1971. For 18 years he served as social secretary.
He joined the Unity Mark Lodge No 544 at Hope St. Liverpool and became WM in 1969. He was a member for 10 years.
He was Installed as Worshipful Master in 1971 and held his ladies’ social at the Blundellsands Hotel in January 1972 when more than 200 attended. In 1973 he was elected RMBI representative but only served for six months as he became Lodge Secretary for the next 21 years.
George was promoted to PPrJGD in 1982 and in that year he was instrumental in moving the lodge from Hope Street to Woolton Hall, mainly for financial and numerical reasons.
He organised all the lodge’s centenary celebrations in 1986 including centenary jewels, new lodge regalia, new tracing board and publishing a 36-page booklet of the lodge’s history. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of PPrJGW.
George joined the Chapter of St Margaret No 4619 in 1991. George decided not to progress through the Chairs but held several offices including Scribe Nehemiah since 1994.
In 1994 he organised the 1000th meeting of the lodge and the visit of the Provincial Grand Master Kenneth Moxley.
George relinquished the job as lodge secretary in 1994 and immediately became lodge treasurer. He was also group representative until the lodge folded in 2005.
In 2005 he was heavily involved in the amalgamation of the four Lodges (Prudence, Allerton, Warbreck and Walton) to form the new lodge, Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086, moving to new premises at Woolton Golf Club. He became group representative, lodge auditor and assistant almoner. He has also been the social secretary for the past two years.
George Wilkinson is pictured with, left to right: David Hawkes (Wooton Group Chairman), Paul Lundy (Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies), Roy Hedges (Worshipful Master), David Hilliard (Woolton Group Vice-chairman) and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham.
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Alex is an example of what makes a good Freemason
The entire life of Alexander Chalmers Sharp has been an example of what makes a good Freemason.
This was said by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ray Martland at a special meeting of Arrowhead Chapter at Bryn to celebrate Alex’s 50 years as a Royal Arch Freemason.
Ray Martland opened the meeting by saying: “Companion’s, since I became a Freemason there has always been one meeting that I have never failed to enjoy - and it is of course a celebration of a Freemason’s long membership of the Craft or Royal Arch, usually 50 years.
“I think we all love celebrations for different reasons but I think that perhaps the main one is that they re-affirm our faith in this wonderful “organisation” of ours, where we respect age and the experience and wisdom that it brings. In a world where people seem ever more disrespectful of everything, it’s a delight to attend an event like this where we genuinely celebrate a long life and a long contribution to society and to this ‘organisation’ that binds us all.”
On 15 February 1932 at Loch View in Lanarkshire, Mrs. Christina Sharp gave birth to a son called Alexander Chalmers. Sadly, Alex’s mother died three weeks after he was born and he had to be reared by his grandparents.
He commenced his formal education at New Mains Public School and then went onto Wishaw Central High School. Alex joined the Boys Brigade at the age of seven and is still a member to this date. He later became a Founder of the 9th Wigan Group.
Also at the age of seven, he joined the Coltness Works Silver Band and maintained membership for eight years and whilst only 13 he played in the company of the Queen and two Princesses.
Alex went on to become a member of a number of church choirs and on leaving school, he served an apprenticeship at Coltness Iron and Steel Company for six years, where his father, Thomas, was the works engineer.
At the age of 20, National Service came along and he joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, spending two years in Germany. Whilst over there he played regularly in a dance band and on one occasion whilst on duty to provide tea for those on guard duty and passing the band stand, he was spotted by a colleague and for the next six months it could be said that he blew his own trumpet.
On demobilisation from the REME Alex returned to Scotland but in 1963 an opportunity arose to go take a post in London becoming a production engineer at the Lyons Catering organisation and later southern area manager for the vending division of Lyons.
A move back up North came about when the vending sivision transferred him to Pilkington Brothers at St Helens, where he worked Monday and Friday of the week, returning to London at the weekend.
Whilst in London Alex joined the Marlow Town Band and on one occasion he had packed a bag of plums in the instrument case, but what he hadn’t noticed was that two of the plums had rolled out into the bell of the baritone horn. When it came his turn to play, no note! Turning the instrument upside-down out rolled the two plumbs, across the stage and right in front of the conductor.
Alex moved back to the North when he took employment at Metal Closures at Skelmersdale in Personnel and Training. On moving to Appley Bridge he eventually found his way to the Park Pallet Company, becoming works manager. The company was then owned by Danny Jones and Ray Martland and a strong relationship built between the three of them. Teddy Gent, former manager of the Masonic Hall at Tower Buildings, became stores manager and often went to work wearing a bowler hat. His next step was to join Government Training covering a large area including Scotland down to Hull and Wales, then he met Marjorie and he married in 1978.
Along came the big change with a move to Tower Buildings as manager with Marjorie at his side. New Year’s Eve parties were legendary, always wearing a kilt, he was often teased by a number of ladies asking to know what a Scot wore beneath. On another occasion he returned to Tower Buildings following a night out to discover that rain was pouring into the robing room and still dressed in his kilt he proceeded to clear the gutter through one of the high level windows, in a howling gale and in full view of busy Wallgate.
Marjorie has been unwell recently with a pain in her side, but uncomplainingly that she said that she had got used to having a pain in the neck over the years.
Alex ever busy as usual, became conductor of the Masonic Choir and Pemberton Old Band and not satisfied with that he took up prison visiting. Fortunately they always let him out again.
He was initiated into the Lodge St. Clair No 427 in the Scottish Constitution on 16 October1956 and one of the members of that lodge, John Donaldson, was able to be present at the celebration.
Later Alex joined Pillar Lodge in London before joining Arrowhead Lodge No 8500 on 11 November 1974, becoming Worshipful Master on 9 March 1981. Later he became secretary for three years followed by charity steward in 1986 for five years and then ADC in 1991 for two years. Still keeping active in the lodge he served as almoner in 1994 for further four years.
He then took up a major appointment in 1997 as secretary of Masonic Provincial Ball which gave him a great deal of satisfaction for 11 years.
His first Provincial Rank was as a Provincial Grand Steward on 23 May 1989 and joined Quingenti and Lathom Lodges, something of which he is very proud.
Promotion followed four years later to PPrSGD and six years after that he was promoted to PPrJGW. In 2002 came the big one, Grand Rank as PAGDC.
Alex is also an Honorary Member of the Lodge of Antiquity, Wigan and Heber Lodge.
His good friend, John Donaldson, who had travelled down from Scotland specially for the celebration was asked to read the minutes of Camnenthan Chapter No 321 SC describing Alex’s exaltation into the Royal Arch on17 February 1960.
He became a Founder of Arrowhead Chapter 8500 in 1981 and was its founding treasurer and became Scribe Ezra from 1982 to 1984. He was MEZ in Arrowhead Chapter in 1987 and his first Provincial Rank was that of PPrPGSoj in 1989.
Promotion followed in1998 to PPrGSN and four years later to Grand Rank as PGStdB. Both his Grand Ranks, Craft and Royal Arch were conferred in same year.
He was advanced to the Mark degree in Scotland and later became a joining member of Murray Mark Lodge No. 490 in 1976 in Wigan. Current Group Chairman, Danny Jones became Master in 1984 and installed Ray Martland in 1985 and he in turn Installed Alex in 1986.
In 1992 he was appointed Provincial Grand Junior Warden allowing him to make a grand tour of the Mark Province and in Grand Mark Lodge he holds the rank of PGJO. In Royal Ark Mariner he is a member of Leyland RAM Lodge. He joined Red Cross and became Grand Orator of England and Marshall of Rose Hill Conclave. In Rose Croix he is a member of Benedicta Chapter 1062 and a Founder of Benedict’s Chapter No 1062 in 1993. He holds the 30th Degree in this Order. In 1961 he joined Faith Preceptory No. 41, Knights Templar and holds the rank of Pr. 2nd Herald.
In the Order of the Secret Monitor he is a member of Ancient and Loyal Conclave No 315 and holds the rank of PGStdB but his greatest achievement is in the Royal Order of Scotland which he joined in 1984, becoming Provincial Grand Secretary for the County Palatine of Lancaster and Chester in 1987, Provincial GJW in 1996 and a year later appointed Provincial Grand Master which he served with great distinction until October 2009.
Ray Martland said to Alex at his celebration “There is no doubt that your entire life has been an example of what makes a good Freemason, as well as a good citizen, a good husband, and in every way, a contributor to society as a whole. It is a tribute to you that among your many guests you have a Past Provincial Grand Master and Past Grand Superintendent along with other distinguished Companions.
“There is also no doubt Alex, that, during the last 50 years, anyone who happened to learn that you are a Freemason, could not fail to see you as anything other than a good ambassador for our Order, and it now affords me great pleasure to ask EComp. Malcolm Taylor, the Vice-Chairman of the Wigan and District Masonic Group of Lodges and Chapters, to read to you a certificate, which is an acknowledgement of the Province of West Lancashire’s great appreciation of your half a century of membership of the Royal Arch.”
Malcolm Taylor then read the special commemorative certificate before it was presented to Alex.
Alex Sharp with some of the guests at the meeting to celebrate his 50 years in the Royal Arch.
Ray Martland presents Alex with his special commemorative certificate watched by Colin Penty Wright.
Alex and his wife Marjorie.
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Tom has rarely missed a meeting
Tom Foster’s enthusiasm for Freemasonry is such that he has rarely missed a meeting of any of his lodges during the 50 years he has been a member.
Despite poor weather there was a large attendance at Hartington Lodge No 1021 to celebrate Tom’s special anniversary.
Born in September 1923 in the small colliery village of Thornley in County Durham Tom broke with village mining tradition and took an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator with Easington Rural District Council.
When war broke out Tom became a runner for the auxiliary fire service until he was old enough to volunteer for aircrew duties with the RAF. He underwent training for wireless operator/air gunner/radar operator for which he was posted to Walney Airfield in Barrow-in-Furness. It was then that he met Nora. Subsequent postings took him to coastal command on Catalina Flying Boats then off to Gibraltar to join 202 Squadron. The squadron was then posted to Boa Island in Loch Earnie in County Fermanagh. On completion of this tour of duty Tom elected to join the air sea rescue services. On arrival in Scotland for training on Warwick Aircraft, which carried a boat below the fuselage which could be dropped to survivors, the aircraft were withdrawn from service whilst a tendency for their undercarriage to collapse was investigated. This afforded Tom extended leave during which he and Nora married in May 1946.
After demob in October 1946, the Barrow-in-Furness County Borough Police Force beckoned and Tom eventually became Beat Sergeant then Station Sergeant and retired as an Inspector. His career saw many changes as the Barrow Force amalgamated with the Lancashire Constabulary and was then moved into the Cumbria Constabulary. This meant Tom served three constabularies without leaving Barrow! After retiring from the Police in 1976 Tom served as Head of Security for Glaxo Chemicals until 1985.
In mid 1950 Brothers Rae and Warbrick proposed Tom for Hartington Lodge. However, the waiting list was five years so it was January 1960 before he was initiated and soon became a highly regarded member of the lodge. Having served every office he took the chair in 1973 later serving five years as ADC and eight years as DC.
In 1977 Tom was selected as Captain of Stewards at the Installation meeting of the Provincial Grand Meeting at Blackpool. His first Provincial appointment to PPrJGD came in 1979 with promotion to PPrJGW. in 1986. Tom became Lodge Charity Steward in 1989 and served five years in that post during which time he assisted the group charity steward, Wilf Hackett as treasurer.
A founder member of Lonsdale Lodge of Installed Masters, Tom acted as DC at its consecration in 1992 becoming WM in 1999. His support for the Group Fellowship was as treasurer for nine years.
In the Royal Arch Tom was exalted into Henry Cook Chapter in 1961 and served as DC for several years after passing through the three chairs. Tom is also a member of Furness Mark Lodge.
Tom has lost none of his enthusiasm and rarely misses any meeting of his lodges and Chapter as a result of which the celebration was, despite the snow and ice, filled with well wishers. Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner presented Tom with a commemorative certificate from the Province.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner congratulates Tom Foster on the 50th anniversary of his initiation watched by Rowley Saunders, group chairman
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JAKE CELEBRATES
Jake Stirrup of Liverpool Charter Lodge celebrated 50 years in Masonry and is pictured being presented with his commemorative certificate by assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield watched by Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Sam Robinson.
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Jim’s 50 years in Chapter
Jim Gornall has celebrated 50 years in the Royal Arch in the Chapter of Lebanon No 86. Jim is a member of Lodge of Loyalty 86 and is well known and respected in the St Helens and Prescot Group. He is the father of Jim Gornall the group chairman. Jim is pictured during the toast to his health.
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Great Scot! Nat notches up 50
"BEEN THERE, done that, got the T-shirt." They could be passwords relating to the Masonic career of Nat Killen of Kingsway Lodge No 7870. But this would not be an idle boast; it would be a proud proclamation regarding his varied, interesting and much-loved years in the Craft. Now, as he celebrates 50 years in Masonry, Nat can look back on a lively, busy and always interesting time at his favourite 'hobby'.
To mark the occasion of Nat’s remarkable achievement of 50 years as a Freemason, Kingsway Lodge held a celebration meeting and were honoured to have Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dennis Rudd present to mark the Province’s official recognition of Nat’s achievements.
As he belongs to 15 other Masonic orders, it makes his progression difficult to detail in such a short space, so we have included some of the more important pointers along the way which has seen him promoted to the high rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.
It all began for Nat in his native Scotland when, at the age of 21 and a member of a Masonic family in which his dad and several uncles were Masons, he decided it was time to enquire about the Craft. He did just that; and in August 1959, an enthusiastic Nat applied to join St Clair of Dysart No 520 in the Scottish Constitution, his mother's cousin's lodge. Off to a flying start, Nat was initiated two months later, passed in January 1960 and raised in the February, before going into the Mark degree the following month. He then settled down in the district of Kirkcaldy, Fife, to enjoy his Masonry and his job as a railwayman, but before very long he had to move to Glasgow to continue his employment. Luckily, he had been persuaded to become a life member of St Clair and he decided to continue his interest in Masonry in Glasgow by visiting various lodges in the area.
Soon, however, when Dr Beeching's axe forced the closure of many railways, Nat found himself looking for a new career. This, he decided, was to be in the police, after he had been attracted by an advertisement for a post in Lancashire. So it was in 1964 that he began his initial training at Droylsden in a job which was later to involve him in digging on the Yorkshire Moors in a team investigating the infamous moors murders.
His next post, as a traffic officer at Widnes, four years later, led to his first contact with Masonry in the town. He recalls how, on duty one evening, he had to reprehend a motorist who was "going a bit too fast." Nat followed the motorist down Kingsway to his destination which happened to be Widnes Masonic Hall.
After a brief 'conversation' warning the errant driver of speed restrictions, Nat discovered that the motorist was a Mason, who then invited him to have a look around the Hall. Being suitably impressed, Nat later thought about joining a lodge in Widnes but was not entirely sure of the best way to proceed. "Then, out of the blue, my sergeant, who was not a Mason himself but knew of my interest, asked his colleague Billy Hill, a Kingsway Mason, to have a word with me."
The pair soon got together and before very long Nat found himself on the guest list to many of Billy's Kingsway Lodge meetings. It was here that Nat came across what he calls "that English Masonic phenomenon" - the festive board. "We just didn't dine like that after meetings in Scotland," he explained. Nat says he soon realised that as a member, "I felt I must join the Lodge in order to start paying my way". That was December 1970, with Nat going straight onto the steward’s list in Kingsway Lodge No 7870.
Twelve Years later he became Master of the Lodge having been social secretary along the way. He became Lodge Almoner in 1988, a post he is still proud to hold today. He had a second spell as Master of Kingsway Lodge in 1997-98. Now, as be celebrates this latest milestone, 50 years in Masonry, Nat reflects on landmarks along the way and points out that one of the things he is most pleased with is having introduced three members to Kingsway Lodge who are still active in the lodge today. They are his son Alex, son-in-law Gary Isherwood and former police colleague Ian Rowan.
It has been 50 years of great satisfaction, he claims, especially the Almoner's job, letting people know they are not forgotten, offering friendship close at hand and giving help where help is required.
Nat has always been proud to be a Mason and claims that right from the early days he has not been afraid to let people know of his involvement. "I think we should be more open about our interest," he says. And as if to prove the point, he showed a photograph of his wedding at which he wore his Masonic apron and sash..
Nat Killeen is congratulated on reaching his golden jubilee by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead.
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Eddie’s 50 years in the Royal Arch
On Tuesday 24 November 2009, at Leigh Masonic Hall, Eddie Foulkes PPrGStdB celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the Royal Arch. Present at the celebration were 42 of his friends and Companions alongside the presiding officer, Steven Reid, the Deputy Grand Superintendent.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent was accompanied by the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Ray Martland and a full complement of group officials.
Eddie was born in Leigh, attended Leigh Grammar School and Manchester College of Commerce. On joining Freemasonry, his talents were soon recognised and he became a founder director and the first company secretary of Leigh Masonic Hall. In his professional career he became the company secretary for a large international textile company based in London.
On his retirement he returned to the North and the Fylde coast where he enjoys a round of golf or even two at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club.
The Deputy Grand Superintendent presented a certificate on behalf of the Province of West Lancashire to commemorate the occasion.
E.Comp Peter Battye, friend of 50 years standing, proposed the toast to the celebrant and presented Eddie with a gift on behalf of the members of Marquis of Lorne Chapter No 1354.
Eddie, now also a member of Semper Fidelis Lodge, brought a number of his friends all the way from Lytham St. Annes to share in his joy. A wonderful milestone in Freemasonry.
Deputy Grand Superintendent Steven Reid congratulates Eddie Foulkes on his 50 years as a Royal Arch Freemason.
Pictured, left to right, are: Tony Bent, Eddie Foulkes, Steven Reid and Ray Martland.
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A man of ‘integrity and commitment’
The “integrity, commitment and especially the humour” of John Bathe were praised by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson at a special meeting to celebrate John’s diamond jubilee of his initiation.
Terry started describing John’s early life by telling the meeting that he was born in Canning Town, London, on 27 June, 1925, and was one of five children. His parents were strict Methodists, and even more strictly teetotal. As Terry pointed out: ” Where did it all go wrong?”
Terry went on to explain that in 1941, at the age of 16 John had joined the Merchant Navy as a laundry boy, serving on troop ships bound for Italy and North Africa. Then at the age of 18, he joined the crew of the legendry, SS Ile De France.
The Ile De France was launched in March 1926, and was the first large liner to be built after the conclusion of World War One. It was the Ile De France that heralded the inception of modernistic Art Deco into the design of passenger shipbuilding. In 1941, she was converted to a troopship carrying American and Canadian troops across the Atlantic until 1945, when she was decommissioned.
1In 1945 with the end of the war John went to work for his family firm repairing bomb damaged buildings.
Terry then informed the brethren that the date of 27 June 2008, was a cause for extreme celebrations. On Veterans’ Day in Blackpool, John along with four others received, from General Sir Richard Dannatt. Chief of the General Staff; and Veterans’ Minister, Derek Twigg for his service to the Battle of the Atlandtic the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
This is without doubt a great honour, and carries certain privileges, for example. A Freeman of the City of London, has traditionally but apocryphally associated with the honour the following advantages;
The right to drive sheep over the London Bridge.
Have a Silken rope, if hanged.
To carry a naked sword in public.
If found drunk and incapable, the police will bungle him or her into a taxi, and send them home, rather than throw them into the cells.
As yet John has not taken up any of these options.
John’s Masonic career is a long and varied one, being a member of several lodges throughout the country: Knighton Lodge No 5899, Leicester; Prescot Lodge No 5470, Prescot; Hope Lodge No 54, Rochdale; Paragon Lodge No 5815, Bridge Street, Manchester; Sanaritan Lodge No 3366, Bridge Street, Manchester. He was Initiated into Leyton Jubilee Lodge No 6424, finally becoming a joining member of Mereside Lodge No 6360, and was in the year if 2004, appointed to the rank of PPrJGD.
Terry concluded by praising the integrity, commitment and especially the humour of John. He was then presented him with a scroll, from Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker which had been read at the meeting by the Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian J.Robertson.
Pictured at the diamond jubilee celebrations are Terry Hudson, John Bathe, Richard Gosling (Mereside Lodge No 6360) and Ian J.Robertson.
The SS Ile De France on which John was a member of the crew.
One of the staterooms on the SS Ile De France.
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Alan’s 50 years in the Royal Arch
EComp Alan Jenkinson of Scorton Chapter celebrated 50 Years of Royal Arch Masonry at the Masonic Hall in Garstang.
Alan is a very well known Garstang Mason, who has been a member of Scorton Lodge for 52 years and he was also a founder member of Pilling Lodge in 1962. He was exalted into Scorton Chapter on t26 October 1959.
The occasion was well attended, with the Assistant to the Grand Principals Alan Dunn conducting the ceremony. Alan had the support of the group officers as well as four acting Provincial Officers Alan Mills, Ron Gibson and Mike Walling from the Lancaster and Morecambe Group, and Nigel Higginson from the Furness and South Lakeland Group.
The Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals gave a brief account of Alan’s Masonic and non Masonic life. In Masonry Alan’s career is both long and varied as he has also reached high office in several side degrees. He is in both Pilling and Scorton Craft Lodges, and in 1996 he was in the Chair of Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters.
In Royal Arch he has reached the high office of PPrGSN which was accorded to him in 1990. He is a member of Royds Preceptory of Knights Templar, where he currently holds the rank of Past Grand Chamberlin, and he was a founder member of both Northern Light Preceptory and The Westmorland Preceptory. He is a member of Knight Templar Priest. He has been a member of Morecambe Rose Croix, and is a member of the order of St Thomas of Acorn. This list illustrates Alan’s incredible dedication to Freemasonry.
On the non Masonic side Alan has been a staunch member of St John the Baptists Church in Pillng for 57 years, and he is also a member of Probus the organisation for retired business men and women.
At the festive board the Jim Wilson the group chairman proposed the toast to the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals welcoming him to Garstang, introducing him to those gathered and highlighting some of his Masonic career particularly the service he had given to the Masonic charities for many years. The toast to the celebrant was proposed by his old friend and Past Assistant to the Grand Principals Tom Rowley, whose association with Alan goes back to 1974.
Pictured are Jim Wilson, Alan Jenkinson and Alan Dunn.
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A man of integrity and commitment
The Blackpool Lodge of Integrity No 5864 celebrated 50 years in masonry with its distinguished member, former Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jack Humphrey, PSGD.
Jack was described by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson as a man with “integrity and commitment”.
Terry opened the meeting by giving a detailed description of Jack’s early years in Yorkshire. The family had originated from a small coal mining village of Worsbo-Bridge, near Barnsley.
Terry explained that in the early 1930s the family moved to Blackpool, buying a small hotel on the South Promenade called the “St Albans”.
Around the age of 14, Jack developed two great loves, art and football. He held the distinction of playing for Blackpool Schoolboys in 1933.
Moving on to the war years, Terry described how in 1940, Winston Churchill had initiated an organisation called the Special Operations Executive. ( SOE). This force was designed to conduct warfare by means other than direct military engagement. The mission was to encourage espionage behind enemy lines.
Jack joined Force 133, which was a code name for SOE. He was to be moved to the theatre of war that covered the Greek Islands and directly he was sent to Cyprus, becoming part of the crew of a 39-foot two masted vessel. His job entailed gun running, putting in and taking out spies, picking up Allied airmen who had been shot down and just as important, if not more so, distributing food to the islands, some of which were up to 450 miles behind enemy territory.
To honour the crew, in 1944, Jack was made a Freeman of the Greek Island of Tinos, a recognition of which he is very proud.
Terry then reminded the brethren of Jack’s artistic and creative skills. Jack turned his talents to clay modelling and gained many commissions. One was to model the head of that famous Blackpool wrestler, Jack Pye.
Another was the bust of Sir Winston Churchill which was cast in bronze and placed on exhibition in Liverpool - and was never seen again.
Jack’s Masonic history is a long and varied one. He took over from Eddie Glover as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master a position he held with dignity until 1998.
Terry concluded by saying that Jack had proved himself to be a man of consummate integrity and commitment, who over the years had become the most illustrious and distinguished brother in the history of the Blackpool Lodge of Integrity 5864 and a member the brethren could be properly very proud of.
The presentation of a commemorative scroll from Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker was made by the Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian.J.Robertson.
Picturerd, from left to right, are: Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson. Jack Humphrey and WM Roy James.
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Maurice’s 50 years in Carnforth Lodge
Former top police officer Maurice Townley of Carnforth Lodge has celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry. The lodge room was full to see Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner take charge when offered the gavel of Carnforth Lodge and he was supported by all three group officers and three acting Provincial Grand Officers.
Phil spoke to those present of the events that took place 50 years ago to bring into context the length of time Maurice had been a Mason. He then gave those present a summary of the “life and times” of Maurice Townley.
Maurice was born in Lancaster in 1933 being the seventh of nine children, and he attended school in Lancaster. He worked on various farms until he was called up for National Service at the age of 19. It was in the army that Maurice found the occupation he was to follow for the rest of his life, as he became a military policeman. On leaving the Army he joined the Lancashire Constabulary and was initially stationed at Liverpool. This was to be the first of many postings that saw him rise through the ranks to the level of Chief Superintendant. Maurice joined the Carnforth Lodge in 1959 though in none of the intervening years has he ever lived close to the town, travelling the length and breadth of Lancashire with his job. This, however, has never proved to be an impediment to his continued membership, though it has restricted his attendance. Maurice retired from the police in 1984 and has continued to live in the south of the county since. He was Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1973, and declined promotion in the craft because of his situation. He has, however, always been a strong supporter of the lodge and a committed and well respected member of it.
At the festive board the toast to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master was proposed by Tony Harrison the Vice-chairman of the Lancaster and District Group of Lodges, and Phil replied in his own inimitable style. The toast to the celebrant was very well proposed by Geoff Ireland a long-time acquaintance and friend of Maurice, and in his eloquent and amusing reply Maurice showed how well his years at the top of Her Majesty Police Force had prepared him for public speaking.
Jim Wilson (group chairman), Maurice Townley, Phil Gardner, and Daniel James Wilson (WM of Carnforth).
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A Masonic milestone for Tom
At the meeting of Morcambe Lodge No 1561 members and guests celebrated the milestone of 50 years in Freemasonry achieved by Thomas Gilpin Wilson.
The Lodge was honoured by the presence of Phil Gardner, Senior Grand Deacon of England, and Assisitant Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire. On this occasion Phil accepted the Master’s gavel to allow him to take the Chair and to take the lead the celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry by a much respected and well-loved Brother.
In his fascinating and thought-provoking presentation to the Lodge, Phil invited those present to share some thoughts on how we, as human beings, mark the passage of time and why we find it important so to do. He continued by giving the Lodge a précis of the personal and Masonic history of Tom Wilson.
Born in Lancaster in July 1930, he attended Lancaster Royal Grammar School, becoming head boy in 1949. He was called up for National Service in 1950-51 serving in the Military Police and was involved in weapons training at the Royal Military Police Depot in Surrey.
Tom was the Military Police Rifle Shooting Champion and after joining the civilian Police Service on his discharge became National British Police Shooting Champion in 1963 and 1964. He was also a gold medallist pistol shooter at Bisley in 1982.
In his police career Tom was an advanced driver and senior firearms instructor, and was awarded the Queen’s Police Silver Jubilee Medal.
Tom’s Masonic career began in September 1959 when he was initiated into Old Lancastrian Lodge, becoming WM in 1984. His hard work and dedication were rewarded by being honoured with the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works in 1994.
Sadly, Old Lancastrian Lodge handed in its warrant in 2003 and Tom, like several others, found a Masonic home in Morecambe Lodge.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master then called on the group chairman, Jim Wilson, to read a certificate which had been received from the Provincial Grand Master. The APGM then presented the certificate to Tom.
At the Festive Board, Tom amused and entertained the members and guests with a number of anecdotes from his career in the police force, which included working with the SAS.
Pictured, left to right, are: Paul Hesketh (Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies) Tony Harrison (vice-chairman) - Peter Jackson (WM), Thomas Wilson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner and Jim Wilson (group chairman)
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VALE MASON CELEBRATES 50th
Geoffrey James Morrow of Vale Lodge has celebrated 50 years in Masonry. Geoff joined Vale Lodge on 25 November 1959 and despite moving to the Isle of Man in May 1983 has remained a staunch supporter of the Lodge.
The celebration of Geoff’s 50th was conducted by Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore with responsibility for the Ormskirk and District and the Southport Groups. The group’s own APGM, Phil Gardner, could not conduct the ceremony due to family commitments. John was accompanied by both the group chairman Jim Wilson and vice-chairman Tony Harrison, and had the services of Keith Kemp as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
In lodge John welcomed Geoff and congratulated him on achieving such a significant milestone in his Masonic career. He also relayed to the brethren a summary of what had been and still is a remarkable life. Geoff was born in Bolton-le-Sands in 1932. He was educated at Morecambe Grammar School leaving in 1950, and he then went to work for Storey Brothers in Lancaster. He worked there until being called up for National Service in the RAF in 1958. In his response to his toast at the festive board Geoff recalled how much easier his two years in the RAF become when his commanding officer, who was a Freemason found out he was to be initiated into Vale Lodge.
Geoff now lives in Port Erin on the Isle of Man with his wife Betty who is the daughter of a former secretary of Vale Lodge, and to whom he has been married for more than 50 years. He is. However. still an incredible active and busy individual and returns to Lancaster to fish on the Lune most weekends in summer. In addition he finds time to be the treasurer of Castletown Masonic Club, and the secretary of the Probus Club of Rushden, of which he is to become their president next year.
In his Masonic life Geoff has achieved Provincial honours in both the Provinces of West Lancashire and the Isle of Man being a Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in the former and a Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in the latter. In the Isle of Man he is a member of Mona Lodge and Mona Chapter.
At the festive board the toast to John Moore was very ably proposed by Jim Wilson. In his reply John referred to the 2010 Festival, the 2010 Grand Ball at the Rebock Stadium, and to the new innovation by province – the Membership Officer - and he also again congratulated the celebrant.
The toast to the celebrant was proposed by his good friend of many years Colin Martin who obviously had many fond memories of Geoff and his wife. In the response to his toast Geoff delighted those present with his wit and humour, and at the end of it, to his surprise was presented with a Fiftieth Birthday Cake with a beautifully iced Masonic apron on top of it, which had been made by his daughter. The cake had to be eaten by those present as Geoff in keeping with his still active life style was going fishing in Scotland the following day.
Jim Wilson, Stewart Brackstone, Geof Morrow and John V Moore.
Geoff’s special cake which was made by his daughter.
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Colin celebrates 50 years service
Assistant Provincial Grand Master H Dennis Rudd attended the Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086 in the Woolton Group at the celebrations to mark the 50 years in the Craft enjoyed by Colin Edward Percy. Dennis highlighted Colin’s chequered work and sports history and Masonic career for the benefit of the many members and visitors present, there to toast Colin’s achievement.
Dennis began by saying he would start where all good stories do and the very beginning - on April 9 1935 when Colin was born. His education began in 1939 at Ranworth Square Primary and one of his classmates was none other than Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks. Colin went on to continue his education at Abbotsford Road Secondary till 1951. Dennis noted that interestingly he had beaten VWBro Gillbanks to the 50-year milestone mark as Brian would not be celebrating his Golden Jubilee until April.
Colin went on to an apprenticeship with printers Turner Routledge and Co in 1950 but was called up for National Service for two years in the Royal Signals at Catterick and the War Office in London. He returned to the printing trade in 1959 with Eric Bemrose Ltd where he worked till 1997 when the company went into liquidation and Colin found himself made redundant. Even at 62 he got other employment with a firm of solicitors in Manchester as office manager untill he suffered a serious heart attack which necessitated a valve replacement and being fitted with a pacemaker. Lightening the moment Dennis joked, “We are all pleased to see that all the batteries are still fully charged and working normally.”
Colin was an avid footballer and had trials for Everton in 1953. He captained Liverpool Boys’ Club on a tour of Holland and Germany and in the Army he captained the regimental team which won the London District Knock-out Cup in 1955. He also played for Marine FC in the Lancashire Combination. Dennis enquired if he was the same Colin Percy who regularly appeared in his notebook when he refereed at Marine all those years ago. A knee injury put paid to Colin’s footballing aspirations and though he moved to cricket at Ormskirk CC from 1963 to ’69 a serious industrial accident resulted in the loss of four fingers and his cricket career. Colin, undaunted, moved on to golf and despite his injury saw him attain a 14 handicap at Shaw Hill Golf Club until he gave up membership in 1997.
Dennis next turned Colin’s Masonic career. He was initiated into Woolton Lodge on 18 November 1959. He had progressed up the ladder of offices to Junior Deacon when he suffered the loss of his fingers which put his Masonic career on temporary hold. Some years later he went ‘back on the ladder’ and attained the Chair in 1988. His services to the Craft were acknowledged in 1997 when he was offered the rank of PPrAGDC. Dennis’s understanding was that Colin was told he could not wear his Past Master’s jewel when wearing his provincial regalia. Though this was totally incorrect, Colin being a man of principle and being so proud of the jewel given him by his lodge, decided to refuse the honour.
He went on to join Corinthian Rose Croix Chapter in 1976 becoming its most Wise Sovereign in 1986 and he also attained the 30th Degree. He was exalted into Thornton Chapter 8008 in Bootle in the Royal Arch and was first Principal in 1991. In 1996 he learned that Walton Priory Chapter had a candidate and required a Principal Sojourner to assist in the ceremony. Dennis was not sure whether Colin did take that part but he did know that he went on to serve there and still serves as Scribe E.
His service to the RA was recognised when he was appointed PPrGStdB in 1998 and in 2005 he was promoted to the high rank of PPrGSN.
Denis concluded by saying that he hoped he had done Colin justice in the retelling of his history. He spoke of his pleasure and delight that he had been asked to officiate at the milestone of his golden jubilee and after asking Woolton Group Vice-chairman David Hilliard to read the commemorative certificate from the PGM he presented it to Colin.
Pictured, left to right, are Sam Robinson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master H Dennis Rudd, Colin Percy and WM Roy Hedges.
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Ray celebrates his 50th at Old Lerpoolian Lodge
Assistant Provincial Grand Master H Dennis Rudd had the pleasant duty of officiating at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Raymond (Ray) Harwood Grist, MBE, at the uniquely named Old Lerpoolian Lodge No 9270 in the Woolton Group.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master gave members and visitors alike an insight into the life and times of Ray. Dennis, on taking the Chair of the lodge, advised that Ray’s story began on 30 July 1928 at Bredbury in Cheshire where he was born and educated before moving to Hyde and to Greenfield School during the Second World War. Thereafter Ray joined the Royal Navy at age 16 in 1944 and after many promotions eventually rose to the high rank of Commander in 1975 spending some of his naval career on secondment to the Malaysian Navy responsible for officer training in logistics.
In 1967 his service in the RN was recognised when he received the MBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
After retiring from the Royal Navy, Ray became the Bursar of Liverpool College in 1980. Astute management by the new Bursar in the eighties overcame very difficult financial problems which the college faced prior to his appointment which led eventually to the expansion of the school. Dennis said that in conjunction with the headmaster of the college, “their efforts were described not so much as the wind of change but a gale blowing through Mossley,” to which the present pupils owe a debt of gratitude - a fact acknowledged by the present board of governors when Ray retired from the college in 1993.
Ray married wife Dorothy on 16 April 1949 and particularly through his college years she proved a pillar of support. One son, David, lives in Sweden and has three children. His brother, Peter, is estates manager for St Paul’s School in London. Sadly Dorothy passed away in 2005 after 51 years of happy marriage. Ray found happiness again with second wife, Pat, whom he married in 2006.
Ray is an active member of St Peter’s Church in Woolton and though his sporting activities are confined to being an avid supporter of West Ham likes to watch from the terraces when they come to Anfield.
Ray was initiated into Royal Navy Lodge No 3337 in November 1959. His Mother Lodge interestingly celebrated its centenary in January 2009. Whilst in Indonesia Ray joined Stamford Raffles Lodge No 7444 in June 1969. Ray was proposed, after he retired as bursar, as a joining member into Old Lerpoolian Lodge by the late Tanny Globe in October 1993 and became WM in 1997. His services to the Craft were recognised in May 2003 when he was appointed PPrJGD.
EComp Peter Gaskin proposed Ray into Blundellsands Chapter No 2289 in January 2009. Dennis owned up to assuming that he was a joining member as he had no details on his Exaltation and could scarce believe that someone as dedicated to Freemasonry would wait so long before joining the Royal Arch.
In conclusion Dennis said he hoped that he had done justice in his accounting of Ray’s years of service to country, to the College and to Freemasonry. On congratulating him on his milestone achievement of 50 years service he presented him with his commemorative certificate from the PGM and asked the Woolton Group Vice-chairman, David Hilliard, to read it aloud for the benefit of the lodge and the many visitors.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd, Robert Wright, Ray Grist, David Hilliard and WM M Mansfield-Corbett at Ray’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
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George’s golden years
The 50th anniversary of George Kendall Gillberry initiation was celebrated by members and visitors to Wavertree Gateacre Queensway Lodge No 2294. The lodge was honoured for the occasion by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Liverpool Trafalgar Group Stanley Oldfield.
Stanley told the assembled members of Lodge 2294 and their guests that George Kendall Gillberry was born in Liverpool in 1936. George passed the Margaret Bryce Smith Scholarship and gained entry in to The Liverpool Institute High School for Boys until the age of 18.
At the age of 13 he joined the School Combined Cadet Force and “took to it like a duck takes to water”. His enthusiasm and commitment to the force was so great that he passed all of the tests presented to him but this was to the detriment of his school work and so remedial action had to be taken. Happily his schoolwork improved and eventually he entered sixth form. Meanwhile in the Cadet Force George had risen to the rank of RSM.
His career in the Army began by passing the Regular Commission Board at Wiltshire on 9 December 1954. This was followed by basic training at Harrington Barracks Formby. The Platoon Sergeant turned out to be a drinking man and so because of past experience within the Cadet Force George took over the training resulting in the Best Platoon Award. However, he suffered tremendously in the camp boxing - for the noble art was not his forte. George thought his opponents were out to kill him.
In March 1955 he went to RMA Sandhurst and this proved to be a totally different experience for him and there he passed out as 2nd Lt G K Gillberry RASC. He was then posted to Aldershot where it was still the tradition for officers to ride horses. It was the same officer who selected boxing opponents who also chose the horses, with a huge black brute of a horse named Buller selected for George. He was later posted to Regent’s Park Barracks, London, as a Platoon Commander in charge of chromium plated lorries for the transportation of the Queen’s baggage. Also in the barracks were two Rolls Royce cars for the Chief of the Imperial General Staff and for Field Marshall Montgomery.
It was during the early part of his Army career that he became a Freemason. On 12 January 1959 he was initiated into Gateacre Lodge No 6782 this being his father’s Lodge and as both his parents where from Liverpool it seemed highly appropriate
On his return to Aldershot towards the end of the National Service era and George being newly married to Shirley gave great thought to his future in the Army. A Captain’s pay being 6 shillings per day and a Major’s pay being 7 shillings. George decided to become a Petroleum Officer in charge of supplies. His career then took him to various depots in the UK, Germany and the Far East. This enabled him to attain the very high rank of Colonel.
His favourite posting throughout his career was to Singapore where he was Staff Captain GHQ. He sailed on the Oxfordshire for a tour of duty in Malta and Aden. During this time he visited Thailand and Hong Kong for holiday time with his family for “a change of air” in the Cameron Highlands and Penang. It was around this time that he was awarded the GSM medal.
On reflection, although his time in Singapore was the happiest, the most enjoyable and rewarding was as CO West Moors Petroleum Centre in Dorset. It was during this time that the Falklands War broke out and the loss of all of the kerosene on the Atlantic Conveyer was a great blow to him when the ship was mistaken on the an aircraft carrier. On a more personal and sad occurrence for him it was at this time that his wife Shirley lost her eyesight.
His final posting was to COD Bicester in 1989 and he should have retired from the Amy in August 1991 but because of the effects of the War in Iraq the MOD asked him, as a special request, to remain to sort out the difficulties of stores and supplies. Sadly for him on Remembrance Day of that year he had a stroke and his health suffered severely he remained in hospital until April 1992. His wife Shirley died in 1994.
During his Army career George has been very active in Freemasonry. He has been a member of Lodges in the UK, Far East, Germany and many other degrees many of which he has been a founder member. He holds very high rank in the English, Irish, and Scottish constitutions and likewise in side orders.
It has always been an of his ambition to revisit all of his former Lodges and accompanied by his wife Margret whom he married in 1995 embarked on a world tour in 1998 visiting many of his former Lodges and some in New Zealand.
His eldest daughter Susan met her husband whilst studying engineering at Oxford where they both read engineering. His youngest daughter is a GP in Somerset and both his girls have made George very proud by producing seven grandchildren in all.
Stanley Oldfield congratulated George on such an outstanding career both in his Army service and also his very commendable service to Freemasonry.
Pictured, left to right, are: MJ Winterbottom PAGDC, WM John Derek Gaskell, George Kendall Gillberry PPrJGW, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stanley Oldfield and Kevin Poyton.
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Robert James Bithell celebrates 50 years in the Royal Arch
The celebration of 50 years in Royal Arch Masonry of EComp Robert (Bob) James Bithell PPrGSN took place in the presence of EComp S R Clive Jeffries, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and other Grand Officers in Temple Chapter No 1094 at the Masonic Hall Liverpool.
In his address to the Chapter Clive said, “Today is one of those happy occasions when we join together in the celebration of a milestone in the Masonic life of Excellent Companion Bob Bithell - 50 years membership of the Royal Arch. These days 50th anniversaries are arriving more frequently, particularly in Craft Masonry but in the Royal Arch a Golden Jubilee is still a comparative rarity which makes today’s occasion all the more special.
“I feel extremely pleased to be able to officiate at Bob’s Golden Jubilee and to be once again in Temple Chapter where I’ve always been made welcome and where I have many good friends.”
Robert James Bithell was born in Liverpool on November 22nd 1918, some 11 years after the end of the Great War. He was educated at the Liverpool Institute till aged 16 years and though he had the opportunity of continuing his education to age 18 “due to hard times” he left school and took employment.
He left school with the then Higher School Certificate with qualifications in calculus, matriculation and further mathematics. He lived with his parents, Alfred and Ethel and his late sister Thelma and from them and his schooling at the Liverpool Institute he received the best possible grounding for his future life. On leaving school he went to work for the same company as his father, Pelling and Stanley, working in the sales department until his military service and then returned to the same company. Later he moved to the English Electric Co as chief storekeeper until his retirement.
Bob was a keen cross country runner with Sefton Harriers taking an interest in the running of the club and he later took over its administration and management with great pride.
He met his wife Una when he started work at Pelling and Stanley and she certainly made an impression on him as they subsequently married in May 1947. They recently celebrated 61 happy years of marriage. They have two children, Alan, who resides in Yorkshire and Pamela who lives in the United States and between them they have presented Bob and Una with five grandchildren, two girls and three boys.
On the outbreak of the Second World War Bob was called up into the RASC with whom he saw active service in France, North Africa and was involved in the action at Tobruk, later in Italy and Palestine before returning to England until the end of the war. He continued his involvement with the Territorial Army, having joined shortly after leaving school and was a member of the TA for 20 years.
One of his major interests was the Boys’ Brigade of which he was captain of the 32nd Liverpool Brigade on two separate occasions seeing 14 years service in that very responsible office. He rose to become Battalion President; a reflection of the esteem and respect his fellow officers held for him.
Bob was initiated into the Prince of Wales Lodge No 1035 in May 1954 though sadly this Lodge has now closed he was WM. In 1989 he became founder of the Boys’ Brigade Lodge, Sure and Stedfast No 9326 and became its first WM. His work in Craft was recognised by his appointment in 1984 to PPrSGD and in1991 he was promoted to PPrJGW.
In the Royal Arch he was exalted into the Prince of Wales Chapter No 1035 on May 16 1959 and served as MEZ on three separate occasions. When Prince of Wales Chapter closed, together with other Companions, he joined Temple Chapter on 2006. Bob is also a member of Sure and Stedfast Chapter of Temperance and Felicity No 9326 which he joined in 2001.
Provincial Grand Chapter rewarded his work in 1989 by appointing him to the Acting rank of PrGSwdB. Further promotions followed and he was made PPrGSoj in 1993 and to the very high rank of PPrGSN in 2002. This reflects the esteem in which he is held in by the Province and by Companions and friends.
Clive went on to say, “Bob you have enjoyed a very full and interesting life – a life of service to your country, to various military and sporting organisations and of course a life of devotion to your family. It gives me the greatest pleasure on behalf of the Grand superintendent and the province of West Lancashire to present you with this certificate to acknowledge the long and distinguished service you have given to Royal Arch Masonry and to the Chapters of which you have been a member over the last 50 years.
Pictured Bob Bithell receives his certificate for 50 years service in Royal Arch from Clive Jeffries and M J Winterbottom and the three Principals of Temple Chapter
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60th anniversary celebrations for James Leishman Barclay
WBro James (Jim) Leishman Barclay celebrated a magnificent 60 years of Freemasonry at Symphony Lodge No 4924, Blackpool Group, surrounded by friends and colleagues some of whom had made the trip ‘over the border’ from Scotland to join the ‘bonny’ celebrations.
Jim was born on the 18th April 1926, in Glasgow. His nephew was Archie Kirkwood, the Liberal Democrat MP who was made a Knight of the Realm before being elevated to Baron Kirkwood of Kirkhope.
During the war years Jim was engaged in the shipbuilding industry on the Clyde, employed in the repair and maintenance of Royal and Merchant Navy vessels.
In 1952 he married Jean with whom he shared over 55 years of happy marriage.
In the late 1980s Jim and his family moved from Scotland to Blackpool where he became a director of the Tower Taxi Group before transferring over to Streamline Taxis also as a director.
His Masonic career started at the age of 23 when, in May 1949, he became a Freemason being proposed into Lodge Alexandre in Dennistoun, Glasgow. He joined Kilgrimol Lodge in 1991 and in 1997 became a joining member of Symphony Lodge No 4924, becoming Worshipful Master in 2004. At a recent meeting he was honoured by the lodge for his years of service by being made an Honorary Member.
During his presentation Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson said that he was still very confused with regards to the derivation of Jim’s birth name, Leishman.
He explained that it has been a Scottish custom for boys to take their father’s mother’s maiden name and for girls to take their mother’s father’s name – apparently so as not to lose the family name.
If anyone is still confused Terry asks them not to contact him…
Picture left to right Terry Hudson, James Leishman Barclay, WM Thomas Brian Jackson and RW Frederick R R Lowrie Past Substitute Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
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John celebrates 50 anniversary
To mark the 50 anniversary of John Latham in Craft Masonry, Foundation Lodge No 5394 held a celebration meeting which was attended by Jon Clipsham (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) and brethren from West Lancashire and from the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland.
John Spencer Latham was born in Heaton Moor on 12 December 1925. From 1931 to 1937 he attended Heaton Moor Council School, progressing to Stockport School where he gained his Higher School Certificate in 1943. John was fortunate to gain a state bursary and went on to the University of Wales in Bangor, where he read Communications, Physics, and Pure Maths, and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.
On leaving University John put his University education immediately to good use, and joined the Royal Navy Signal School Special Branch in Petersfield, Hampshire. His first rank was midshipman, and in 1946 he was promoted to sub-lieutenant. At the age of 30, in January 1947 John opted to return to the family roller blind business.
After a couple of years John left the family business for pastures new and gained a position as a Development Engineer at Metropolitan Vickers in Trafford Park. Metrovicks went through a series of major changes and was eventually taken over by GEC. John finally transferred to the Marconi division of the company and relocated to Leicester from where he retired in 1989.
On second of April 1949 John married his wife, Barbara and earlier this year they celebrated their diamond anniversary - 60 years of marriage. John and Barbara have two children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
John was initiated on fith October 1959, into Foundation Lodge No 5394 passed to the Second Degree on first February 1960 and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on 2nd May 1960. He was installed into the chair of this Lodge for the first time on third January 1972. John’s skill with ritual was renowned; he gave explanations of the tracing boards on 35 separate occasions!
John attended meetings of the lodge regularly until in 2002, diabetes sadly curtailed his frequent four hour round trips to the lodge meetings. The Provincial Grand Master recognised John’s contributions to the craft with a first appointment as Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1981, and a promotion to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in 1997. John was also a member of Foundation Royal Arch Chapter, being exalted in September 1963.
During John’s time in Leicester he joined Guthlaxton Lodge No 7717, in the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland, and served as master of that Lodge in 2002. John’s passion for ritual continued as he joined the Leicester Union Lodge of Instruction, serving as its Librarian up till last year, when he retired and also served as preceptor for 10 years. John was a joining member of East Goscote Chapter No 2865 in January 2001, and served as its First Principal in 2008.
A pleasant surprise arose in the evening’s celebrations when Peter Beswick, South Eastern Group Secretary, read out an individual letter from the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland, Right Worshipful Brother Michael H Roalfe JP, who also wished to pass on to John his own personal congratulations.
Pictured Left to Right: WBro Mike Adams , (Chairman of the South Eastern Group), the celebrant WBro.John Latham and WBro Jon Clipsham (Assistant Provincial Grand Master).
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