On Monday 26 th January, Robert Burns Lodge No. 999 received the Assistant Provincial
Grand Master, WBro Mo Afsa, accompanied by an Area delegation. Once he was in the
chair, he had the pleasure of presenting a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro Steven Sharples,
prior to the main event of the evening.
He addressed WBro Chadwick, reflecting upon events 50 years ago – in 1976 platform
shoes and flares were all the rage, and Bohemian Rhapsody was at the top of the charts,
noting that Paul was initiated into Freemasonry at 31 years of age into St. David’s Lodge
No. 1147.
He then invited WBro Denny Stevens to deliver a tribute to WBro Paul Chadwick on his
50 th Anniversary in Freemasonry. Denny gave a lively personal tribute to WBro Chadwick
referring to his professional career in banking – starting with TSB at 16 years old – and his
determination to attend meetings even when working at a substantial distance from his
Lodge. He reflected upon Paul’s considerable work with young people throughout his
working life. He also revealed WBro Chadwick’s ambition to be a cabbie! Since Paul retired, he has translated this early ambition by volunteering for the NHS, driving patients
to and from hospital.
WBro Afsa then outlined WBro Chadwick’s Masonic career and the many significant
Provincial offices which he had held, in particular that of Provincial Senior Grand Warden,
an office attained by very few Brethren. He noted that WBro Chadwick’s 50 years in
Freemasonry were marked by quiet commitment, steady presence, and faithful service,
upholding the principals and tenets of the Craft in everything he did.
He was then presented with a personal letter of congratulation from the Provincial Grand
Master, RWBro Robert Frankl, and with a framed 50 Year Certificate and a lapel pin. To
great applause he was then perambulated around the Lodge and took his seat to the right
of the APGM.
Following the meeting, the Brethren retired to the social board, which, this being Robert
Burns Lodge, was a fully themed Burns night, complete with the Piping and Address to the
Haggis and jugs of whisky. The celebration continued in a lively manner through the
evening and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the Brethren present.
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