100 Years of Membership and dedication, by two of our esteemed Brothers
WBro Rod, with the Worshipful Master, and Trevor Carter APGM
This month we celebrate the presentation of not one, but two 50th Certificates to members of East Kent.
In no particular order, the first was presented to WBro Rod Britton.
Warren Hyder takes up the narrative.
At their December meeting, Wakefield of Hythe Lodge 6059, held a white table event as they marked a very special occasion – the 50-year certificate of WBro Rod Britton.
The evening was attended by more than 45 people including Rod’s wife, daughter and three grandchildren as well as lodge members.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Trevor Carter, kindly attended to present him with his certificate and those in attendance witnessed a very entertaining half an hour where the two shared stories about Rod’s family, career in the Met Police and the importance that Freemasonry has played in his life.
The evening held one extra special surprise for Rod, as his son Carlton (who is also a Freemason), flew unbeknown to his Dad, across the Atlantic from his home in Florida to be admitted into the lodge.
Our second receipicant was unable to attend his lodge, so, like any good Freemason, we came to him.
Simon Jessop writes.
On the 2nd December at the home of WBro Ian Smith to acknowledge his uninterrupted 50 years service in both East Kent and the Province of Cheshire, a 50th Certificate was prensented.
Ian joined Saedingburna lodge No 6728 in April 1974 he continued in this lodge, achieving the provincial rank of ProvPAGReg in 1993, until he moved to Cheshire with his wife who had taken employment there.
He joined Bridgegate lodge No 5961 in February 2020 and was rewarded with promotion to the rank of PPrGStdB in 2008, and further promoted in 2013 to PPrAGSwdB. Upon his wife’s retirement in December 2013 they moved back to Kent now living in Beltinge.
Over his life, Ian has suffered several severe illnesses all of which he has met head on with the love and support of his wife and two daughters. Over the last several years his mobility has been affected to a level B when his movement is curtailed. Having joined Watch and Ward lodge in 2014 as a joining member he took an active part in the life of the lodge being a well known and respected member. His current state of health means VC attendance at lodge meetings is now impossible. He remains in regular contact with the lodge especially those who are former work colleagues.
Ian is still cheerful and determined to get the most from life despite all the challenges. The picture shows Ian receiving his certificate on behalf of the right worshipful provincial grand master from WBro Simon Jessup and WBro Bob Finn (who was incidentally Ian’s best man when he married ‘Jan’. )
Thanks to the photographer WBto. Neil Jessup, the Watch and Ward Almoner.
The picture shows Ian receiving his certificate on behalf of the right worshipful provincial grand master from W.Bro.Simon Jessup and W.Bro. Bob Finn (who was incidentally Ian’s best man when he married ‘Jan’. )
I know that everyone in East Kent, from the Provincial Grand Master Neil Hamilton Johnstone, to our newest members, congratulates both Ian and Rod on their fantatic achievements.