50th & 60th Anniversary Certificate Presentation

At its regular October meeting on Wednesday 8th October 2008, Thorsby Lodge No. 3106 was honoured with the presence of the R. W. Bro. Robin. K. Wilson, Provincial Grand Master for Nottinghamshire. The PGM had been invited by the Lodge to present a 50th and 60th anniversary certificate to W. Bro. Peter Bull, P.Pr.S.G.W.& C of M, and Bro. Alan Redgate respectively.

Bro. Peter who had travelled from his home in Trowbridge received his certificate from the PGM who had suitably presented Bro. Peters highlights and achievement during his illustrious Masonic career. This is endorsed by the fact, that on his decision to leave Nottingham to be near his family, Bro Peter was made and still is a Honorary Member of 6 Lodges. Bro. Peter gave an emotional response and thanked all concerned.

The PGM then turned his attention to Bro. Alan Redgate who is a third generation member of Thoresby Lodge. Bro. Alan’s grandfather was a founder member, his father joined soon after followed by Bro. Alan himself. Between them they have accumulated and given over 150 years of membership to Thoresby Lodge. Although Bro. Alan had chosen not to progress through the chair he has been a staunch supporter to freemasonry in general and Thorsby Lodge No 3106 in particular. This was recognised by the PGM in his summary of Bro. Alan’s membership not only by presenting him with his 60th anniversary certificate but this was followed by the PGM appointing him to the office of Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. This came as a surprise not only to Bro. Alan but to every brother in the Temple and was received with a standing ovation.

The meeting was followed by the Festive Board which was enjoyed by all concerned particularly Bro. Alan’s guests along with his son James.

My views were shared by all those present that we had attended and witnessed one of the nicest Masonic meetings since joining Freemasonry.

The following letter was receved from W. Bro. Peter following the event.

Thoughts of W. Bro Peter Bull. Sitting in Thoresby Lodge at Goldsmith Street on October 8th 2008 was a very special day for me as I cast my mind back to January 8th 1858, the day I was initiated into Freemasonry and recalled the feeling of apprehension as I waited to be allowed into the temple.

Now 50 years later, I have entered many temples and have enjoyed the ceremonies of various and orders, have served under 5 Provincial Grand Masters (Craft) received many Masonic honours, all of which were and are greatly appreciated.

However, tonight was an extra special night, I had travelled quite a distance, to have the honour along with Bro Alan Redgate to receive from R W Bro. Robin Keith Wilson our 50 and 60 year certificates for services to Freemasonry.

I found it very emotional listening to the Provincial Grand Master's citation before presenting me with my certificate - was it all true? I'm sure that it was, but regrettably my memory does fail me from time time but every minute of my 50 years I have immensely enjoyed.

It was a great joy to see so many of my friends present on the night and the crowning touch, as was evident of the standing ovation it received, was seeing the Provincial Grand Master bestow the honour of Past Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies to Bro. Alan after 60 years as Master Mason.

Since leaving Nottingham, I have joined Clarendon Lodge No. 5908 in the Province of Wiltshire, but ones heart is always with your mother Lodge and the memories after 50 years are immense. - Peter Bull