On Thursday, 21 November, Dormer St Margaret’s Lodge met at Salford Masonic Hall to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary in Freemasonry of Arthur Halliday, known to all as Syd. Members of the Lodge, visiting brethren, partners and guests gathered to mark this significant milestone in Syd’s long and dedicated Masonic journey.
The Lodge was opened by Ben Davies, who took the Chair of King Solomon for the evening, with Craig Hindel as Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies. It was a particularly notable occasion as this marked the first official outing for Mo Afsa in his new role as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He was accompanied by an Area delegation that was slightly smaller than usual, reflecting the fact that a number of Area officers are members of the Lodge.
After opening the Lodge, Ben Davies congratulated a number of brethren on their recent appointments and promotions within Provincial Grand Lodge. When the Assistant Provincial Grand Master entered the Lodge room, Ben noted how pleasing it was to be part of his first official visit and what an honour it was to offer him the gavel. On this occasion, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master was pleased to accept.
After the Lodge was called off and partners and guests were invited into the Lodge room, tributes were given to mark Syd’s fifty years of service. Andrew Foster delivered a personal tribute on behalf of the Lodge, reflecting on Syd’s dedication, friendship and the many ways he has supported his brethren over the years. This was followed by a sincere tribute from the Assistant Provincial Grand Master on behalf of the Province. Chris Armstrong, Area Chairman, then presented Syd with his fiftieth anniversary pin badge to mark the occasion.
Following the meeting, the Social Board was conducted by the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. A further personal tribute to Syd was delivered by Andrew Rowe, continuing the warm and appreciative tone of the evening. During the Social Board, the Hall Management Team also presented Syd with gifts and a tribute in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Salford Masonic Hall building. It was noted with affection that there is scarcely a room in the Hall that has not, at some point, been painted by Syd.
In appreciation of the support shown at home, the Hall Management Team also presented a bouquet of flowers to Syd’s wife, Irene, in recognition of the time she has graciously allowed him to dedicate to the Hall over many years.
The evening also raised over three hundred pounds for good causes, reflecting the generosity of those in attendance.
Dormer St Margaret’s Lodge and the Province warmly congratulate Arthur Haliday, known to all as Syd, on reaching fifty years in Freemasonry and thank him for his long standing service, dedication and tireless support to both his Lodge and the Hall.
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