On Wednesday 9th October Egerton Lodge No. 1392 celebrated the 60th Golden Jubilee for a very special member of the lodge.
WBro Alan Botteley having been initiated into Freemasonry in October 1959, is one of the most iconic members of Egerton Lodge and Wednesday evening was certainly a night to remember.
The Lodge tyled at 6.30pm
Bro Stephen Chadwick, the current Worshipful Master of Egerton Lodge No 1392, opened the Lodge after which the Provincial Deputation entered. The Worshipful Master offered the gavel to the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, which he graciously accepted before occupying the chair to conduct the Golden Jubilee celebration of WBro Alan Botteley.
The Lodge room was full, with members from many other Lodges in attendance, a real mark of the man of the moment.
The Provincial Grand Master then called off the Lodge meeting to allow Alan Botteley’s partner, Christine and his two daughters, accompanied by several of the Lodge member’s wives, to enter the Lodge room to participate in the 60th celebration. This was a complete surprise to Alan who had no idea they were attending, proving that there really are still some secrets in Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Master delivered a fitting tribute to Alan Botteley, in a very personal manner, as they had known each other for many years
WBro Barry Etchells then read out the minutes of the meeting from 5th October 1959 when Alan was initiated into Freemasonry, before then going on to deliver a very personal, in depth, and moving tribute to Alan. It was clear to see that they had both known each other outside of Freemasonry, as well as in it, and that they had formed a real bond of friendship together over many years.
The 60th Golden Jubilee Illuminated Certificate was then read out by the APGM WBro John Griffin, before being presented to Alan by Sir David Trippier.
WBro Steve Holland, the new Bury District Chairman, presented Alan with a special 60th Anniversary lapel badge, on behalf of the District.
Alan Botteley was then escorted around the lodge, by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Simon Archer, to the acclamation of all the ladies and brethren.
The ladies then retired from the Lodge room, and The Provincial Grand Master then re-opened the Lodge for business.
The Worshipful Master then presented the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque, on behalf of the members of the lodge, to the ELMC for £500 to mark the occasion.
The deputation retired and the Worshipful Master concluded the lodge business.
The social board was a very happy and joyous occasion; the dining room was full with a most fabulous atmosphere, everyone present was treated to a fabulous 5 course meal.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, responded after toast number five and delivered another tribute to Alan Botteley.
The APGM WBro John Griffin then toasted the Worshipful Master.
The formal toast to WBro Botteley’s health was proposed by WBro Stanley Reynolds, in a very personal manner and was received with warmth.
Alan Botteley responded in a most suitable manner, at the conclusion of which he received a standing ovation by all present.
Several presentations took place, including a lovely framed picture of the ship Alan had served on during his years of service in the Navy and a lovely cake to mark the special occasion.
A fantastic evening was had by all; the inclusion of the ladies at the celebration gave it a real personal touch; it was certainly one which Egerton Lodge can be justly proud of for many years to come.
GALLERY
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Report and Pictures by Craig Hindle