APGM Paul O’Carroll out with his bicycle
The general desire of knowledge and the sincere wish of helping others is the real nature of a Mason. For this occasion, I thought that in talking about W Bro Paul O’Carroll, Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM), the most accurate example was the chequered floor, also known as Mosaic floor, an emblem meant to represent the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple, paved in white and black pattern.
The meaning goes beyond what the eyes see. This floor represents our soul and how we can improve the person we are every day, trying to make a better version of what we were yesterday, and that’s what W Bro O’Carroll does throughout his life.
When asked why he joined Freemasonry, he said: I was introduced to Freemasonry in 2002 by a friend who worked for my company. I had to wait 18 months to join. My original reasons for joining were to meet like-minded men and to improve my confidence when public speaking. Of course, the deeper you dive into the craft the more you realise what a philosophical journey it can be.
Paul has a very busy schedule with his company and his role in the Province, so whenever he has the opportunity, Paul enjoys gardening with his partner Jane, his partner for the last five years, or going out cycling for miles with his close friends.
One of his passions, is Manchester City, he is a fanatic of the team, following them everywhere, with his son Oliver who was initiated in Friendship Lodge 44, six years ago. This year Oliver will be exalted in the Royal Arch. Father and son also work together. Paul also has a daughter Ysabel, who, last year, moved to Bali where she owns her own social media business.
Another of his passion is collecting watches, from very well-known brands to very singular pieces, who he likes to talk about with anyone who shares the same passion for watches, telling the story, talking about mechanism and trying their watches on to feel them on their wrist.
Paul is a person who enjoys life in full, is happy and see his offsprings going far in life and sharing many happy moments with Jane, living each day to its fullest. Like many other brethren, he is a family person, and in Jane he found a great a partner and a friend who hugely supports his Freemasonry. They travel together a lot and make memories.
On this occasion, it came naturally to ask Paul, what does he feel he has to do to help new the generation going through life and Freemason? “Give knowledgeable advice to your family on the basis that you are human, and invariably, you will have made life mistakes, which hopefully you have gained wisdom from which can be passed on. Regarding Freemasonry, travel at your own pace, ask lots of questions, keep perspective on your family and work, and most of all, enjoy the unique experience of Freemasonry”.
Story by Bro Francesco Toto
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