W. Bro. Eric Saxton was born on 18th August, 1932 at Sutton-in-Ashfield where he has lived all of his life.

He was initiated into the de Sutton Lodge No.7067 on the 24th February, 1959, raised on the 27th September, 1962 and was installed as Worshipful Master on the 25th September, 1973.

Eric's Masonic career has been full and varied, having held many offices in and out of the lodge. In de Sutton Lodge he has been Charity Steward, Assistant Director of Ceremonies and Director of Ceremonies. He was its Representative on the Provincial Grand Lodge Charity Committee, Benevolent and Educational from 19'19 to 2001.

In 1978 he founded and was Director of Ceremonies of the joint de Sutton and Elliott Lodges Practice Circle a position he held until those Lodges moved from Sutton-in-Ashfield to Mansfield. His work in and for the de Sutton Lodge was recognised in 2001 when he was made an Honorary Member.

W. Bro. Saxton was a Founder Member of the Elliott Lodge No. 8569 which was consecrated on the 20th May, 1974. He acted as its Immediate Past Master in its first year which was concurrent to his being Worshipful Master of the de Sutton Lodge. He was also a Founder Member of the North Notts Masters' Lodge which was consecrated on the 13th January, 1993 and became Worshipful Master in 1998. Eric has also held various pastoral offices in that lodge.

His first appointment to Provincial Grand Lodge was in 1980 when he became a Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies. Promotions came in 1982 (Provincial Senior Grand Deacon), 1987 (Past Provincial Grand Registrar) and 1989 (Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden). Eric's Grand Rank appointment came in 1997 when he became Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. As a Grand Officer he was at one time the Grand Liaison Officer to 5 lodges. He has served on various Provincial committees as well as being active on committees at the Mansfield Masonic Hall.

W. Bro. Saxton is a member of various Progressive degrees, his first one being in 1980.

The Photograph shows VW Bro Reginald Green present Eric with his 50 year Certificate.

Congratulations, Eric on reaching such a milestone and for your invaluable input into Freemasonry – Peter Olko, Editor