Something in the water? Two 70-year certificates presented with 24 hours

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Left to right, under the watchful eye of Provincial DC Noel Fisher: PGM Dave Wheeler gives Bryan his certificate watched by , John Grimwood, Richard Garn, Tony Stanberry and Tony Miller.

Is there a magic something in the water in the south of the Province? That might account for why two 70-year certificates have been presented within 24 hours at masonic centres a mere dozen miles apart!

What’s more, the milestone involves only the second and third 70-year certificates ever presented in Lincolnshire. The second was to Bryan Robinson at Hundred of Elloe Lodge in Spalding; the third to Eric Jessop at Hereward Lodge in Bourne – and both presentations were part of ceremonies at which new Freemasons were initiated.

Bryan’s certificate was presented by PGM Dave Wheeler, who’d turned up unannounced for the evening, and surprised Lodge Master Roy Mead by taking the gavel – though he handed it back for Roy to carry on with the ceremony.

Retired farmer Bryan, 98, has been a member of all three Spalding Lodges. He was initiated into Hundred of Elloe in March 1954, went on to be its Master in 1966, St Godric Lodge in 1957 and was a founder of Welland Lodge in 1994. He joined the Royal Arch as a member of Welland Chapter in June 1955. He now holds Honorary membership.

Bryan has held many offices, and through his career has been a member of numerous Companion Orders in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire, which has also involved him being a founder member several times.

Eric, who was presented with his certificate by Provincial Junior Grand Warden Paul Ellis, is 96, having been born on New Year’s Day 1928. He was initiated into Hereward Lodge in March 1954, and became its Master in October 1969. As well as receiving a certificate, he was presented with a card signed by lodge members, and a decorated cake.

The Freemasons initiated to embark on their careers in Freemasonry were Matt Alexander at Hundred of Elloe, and Matt Williams at Hereward.

The picture below shows, from left, Provincial Junior Grand Warden Paul Ellis, Hereward Master Graham Dayes, and Eric Jessop.