Eccles Lodge surges forward into second half-century
April 15, 2026
Fiftieth anniversary celebrated at Lodge of Old Clee
April 16, 2026
Sixteen years after Tony Reeve took the chair of Scunthorpe-based Pharos Lodge for the first time he’s gone in again – close to his 80th birthday.
And that was also a milestone for fellow Lodge member Pete Adams, who put Tony in the chair the first time but didn’t serve as IPM because he immediately took on the role of Lodge Treasurer, which he’s held ever since.
Former work colleague and fellow Lodge member Nigel Dransfield praised Tony’s commitment to the Lodge, into which he’d been initiated in 1992. He said: “This Lodge is lucky to have had Tony for all these years. He has been committed to it throughout his membership and has done much to keep us going through some tough times.”
Tony, who was Lodge Secretary for a number of years as well as being Chairman of Bottesford Town Football Club for three decades, said he had never been able to master ritual as well as he would have liked, but added: “The Lodge needed someone to take the chair for this year, after which we have a young team coming through. They are enthusiastic and keen to learn.”
Tony had invited two Past Masters from other Scunthorpe Lodges who’d been in their respective chairs during his first mastership to share in his second installation. He said attending each others’ ceremonies had been a tradition amongst the Scunthorpe Lodges. “That’s how we formed strong and lasting friendships, and why I’m pleased Cliff Holl and Gerald Denton are here tonight.” The fourth member of the quartet has passed to the Grand Lodge above.
In our main picture Tony is flanked by his wardens Rob Gunther (left) and Mark Hill. He’s seen below with his officers, Lodge members, the PGM’s representative Phil Ablott and Phil’s D.C. David Dernley.
