What a fantastic night Monday 17th February 2025 at the Masonic Hall Keighley to celebrate with Keith his 60 years in our wonderful order. Much has been said in the past for his 50 years’ service in both Mark and Ram and so no need to repeat it all here. The Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton must be commended for his efforts in talking to Keith ‘live on stage’ or should it be said listening to him!
Keith as everyone knows has a wicked sense of humour and Trevor had to work very hard to keep pace with Keith and his cheeky answers which had everyone in tears of laughter. Poor Trevor was exhausted at the end! Much was talked about both in the Lodge and at the Festive board about Keith’s life his achievements as a man and a Mason and the love of and support of his dear wife Pat who he married in 1955. There was chat about his working life as an electrical engineer, and later as a sales and marketing director. There was talk about his life in the R.A.F. and, his many achievements in the Mark and Masonry in general. He was a founder of the B.D.I.M.A. where he was President in 1987 and served as secretary for 19 years, to mention just a few.
Eventually Trevor managed or just about managed to present Keith with his 60-year certificates from both Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge. Trevor closed by saying I have heard many say you will never be surprised, shocked or, stuck for words and with that he produced the W.Y.M.M.M. Distinguished Service Award to present to Keith. That certainly did stop him in his tracks. The surprise and total shock was all over Keith’s face but the humility clearly showed at being awarded such an honour.
What was abundantly clear was the love and respect that he was held for him by everyone present.
Keith in both the Lodge and Festive board spoke about the many friends he had made over the years and spoke with great affection particularly about W.Bro. Stephen Newton Wood his dear friend for many years who he had known both through work and Masonry. He went on to talk about W.Bro. William R. Light who he had grown very close to over the years saying that he was the love of his life! Perhaps Keith was really referring to Ruth, Billys wife who Keith had also built up a fantastic friendship with over the years.
Tomorrow and in fact every day Keith will pop down to his local café for breakfast and, then later in the day call in at his local for a chat with friends and a glass or two of red wine.
Cheers Keith good health and as you said we will no doubt see you in another 10 years to celebrate your 70 years as a Mark Master Mason.
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager