On Friday, 28th November, shortly after The Old Blue Lamp Lodge No 9543 was opened by the Worshipful Master, WBro Dr P De Loughhery, the Inner Guard announced that there was a report. This turned out to be from Richard Sagar, acting as the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, who was then admitted and informed the WM that the Deputy Provincial Grand Master demanded admission.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro John Griffin, was accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Wes Marchant; the Provincial Grand Senior Warden, WBro Steve Boyle; the Provincial Grand Junior Warden, WBro Kevin Reaney; and the Southern Area Chairman, WBro Nigel Johnson, as they were admitted into the lodge. The WM offered the gavel to the DepPGM, who accepted it and took the chair, with his Wardens installed in their respective positions.

The DepPGM then introduced the members of the delegation he entered with and the members of the Southern Area Provincial team already seated in the lodge: Officer Michael Porter, PProvGSwdB; Area Secretary WBro David Thomas, PPGSuptWks; Area Communications Officer WBro Bruce Robbins, PProvDepGDC; Area Mentor WBro Stephen Ridgway, PProvDepGDC; and Officer of the Year WBro David Adams, ProvJGD.

The next item on the agenda was to celebrate the 60 years in the Craft of W.Bro William B Buckley. At this point, the DepPGM called off the meeting and requested that WBro Buckley’s son, who had travelled from France for the occasion, be admitted for the duration of the celebration.

WBro William Buckley PPJGD then shared a personal account of how he had known Bill for many years. He mentioned that Bill had been married to Marjorie for over 57 years, and that they had a son, a daughter, and five grandchildren. Bill is known for cherishing family gatherings and taking joy in being surrounded by loved ones. A lifelong sportsman, he has tried many pursuits, although football has always been his great passion. He represented the Police Force in football at both Division and Force level and is also a devoted angler.

Bill’s policing career began in 1953 when he joined Salford City Police as a cadet, later becoming a Constable in 1956. He served in uniform, including two years in the Traffic Department, where he was among the first officers to ride the newly introduced high-powered motorcycles. He later transferred to the C.I.D., where he remained for the rest of his career. His record there was exemplary, earning him a series of promotions for his work with the Regional Crime Squads in Manchester and Bolton, culminating in his appointment as Detective Chief Inspector. Bill retired in 1986. Although WBro Buckley never served alongside Bill, their paths crossed often. Bill is widely respected, and the speaker expressed pride in attending his 60th anniversary as a Mason.

Following this personal tribute, the DepPGM highlighted a shared connection, noting that both he and Bill had served in the police force in similar areas at different times. He mentioned how Bill had started as a Cadet and then worked as a police officer for 30 years, including in traffic and later in the CID. The DepPGM stated that Bill was initiated into Fidelitas Lodge No. 4706 on 24 November 1965 and served as Master of the lodge in 1977. Bill joined The Old Blue Lamp no 9543 in November 1994. In 1986, he received provincial rank as Assistant Grand Sword Bearer, and 18 months later was promoted to his current rank of ProvJGD.

The DepPGM highlighted Bill’s long-term and heartfelt commitments to family, work, and lodge. Having been married to Marjorie for 67 years, he remains deeply dedicated to his family, including his son, daughter, and five grandchildren, while also showing his devotion to the community through his work and his involvement in Freemasonry. Everyone present shared the sentiment expressed by the DepPGM that it was an honour to celebrate Bill’s many years as a Freemason. It is no surprise that the following social gathering offered more opportunities for attendees to share these sentiments. APGM Wes Marchant served as a police officer in the same areas as Bill, as did other lodge members. This event demonstrated to those present how the core values uniting Freemasons are rooted in broader commitments to work, family, and community.