WBro Prof Ian Rogerson, with APGM WBro Peter Hewitt, the District Delegation and Members of Grants Lodge
WBro Prof Ian Rogerson, with APGM WBro Peter Hewitt and Members of Grants Lodge
Monday 18th January 2016 saw Grant’s Lodge No. 8825 celebrate WBro Professor Ian Rogerson’s, 50th year in Masonary.
WBro Peter Hewitt PAGDC APGM, accompanied by a District delegation, accepted the gavel from WBro Alan Kirwilliam to preside over the presentation of the certificate and letter from the PGM.
WBro Peter Hewitt, APGM, presents the Certificate to WBro Ian Rogerson watched by WBro Alan Kirwilliam
Ian became a Freemason on 15th December 1965, being initiated into the Poulton Hall Lodge No. 6647 in Morecombe. He became a mason after asking his future father in law for his daughter Val’s, hand in marriage. He was asked if he was a Freemason, to which the answer was no, only to be told that if he wished to marry Val then he must become a Freemason.
In the year Ian became a Freemason Sir Winston Churchill died, the Pennine Way was officially opened, 70 mph speed limits were introduced and the Government revealed plans for the blood alcohol drink drive limit.
Ian became a keen Freemason and was able to balance his home life, career and Freemasonry as he moved around the country with his career starting with stamping books in the library and ending as Professor Dr Ian Rogerson PhD DLitt, Emeritus Professor at MMU, Honorary Research Fellow of the John Rylands Research Institute of the VU Manchester and Honorary Companion of the VU Manchester.
The presentation and evening was of the highest order with a most amazing atmosphere both in the Lodge and later at the social board. It was clear to all present that a lot of work had gone into the evening and speaking on behalf of the district team and myself, I had a wonderful evening.
Ashday Lea provided an excellent venue as ever.
It should be noted that WBro Peter Hewitt, PAGDC, APGM, took the chair with less than 24hrs notice and did a sterling job.
To the officers and members of Grant’s Lodge, thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
WBro Leigh Rickett, District Communications Officer