Wednesday, 14 October 2026 brought senior leaders of the Craft from several Provinces together at Manchester Hall to celebrate the remarkable achievement of RW Bro Stephen Blank’s 50 years in Freemasonry.
The members of Zion Menorah Lodge hosted a wonderful evening, warmly welcoming guests that included not only Freemasons but also wives, partners, family members, friends of the celebrant, and many other well-wishers.
The meeting was held in the magnificent Goulbourne Lodge Room, whose size and grandeur provided the perfect setting for such a prestigious and well-attended occasion. The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master, who subsequently received the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of East Lancashire, RW Bro Robert Frankle, accompanied by the current Provincial Grand Masters of Herefordshire, Cheshire and other Provinces, together with representatives from United Grand Lodge. They were joined by a Provincial Deputation that included the Provincial Grand Wardens for East Lancashire, WBro Stephen Boyle and WBro Kevin Reaney, together with Assistant Provincial Grand Masters WBro Dr Mohamad Afsa and WBro David McGurty.
The Worshipful Master offered the gavel to the Provincial Grand Master, which he graciously accepted. After introducing the members of his delegation, the Provincial Grand Master called off the Lodge, enabling non-Masonic guests to enter the Lodge room. The sight of brethren, family and friends gathered together created a truly colourful and inspiring spectacle.
The Provincial Grand Master then invited RW Bro Blank into the body of the Lodge and called upon WBro Jo Glass to share reflections on his long-standing friendship with, and admiration for, the celebrant. With warmth, humour and a touch of self-deprecation, WBro Glass recounted stories stretching back to their childhood and continuing through to the present day. His memories touched upon education, sporting achievements, professional careers, family life and, of course, Freemasonry. Through these heartfelt recollections it became clear to everyone present that RW Bro Blank has consistently demonstrated talent, dedication and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of his life. The presentation was warmly received and greatly enjoyed by all.
The Provincial Grand Master then joined the celebrant in conversation, focusing on his distinguished Masonic career. It was evident that RW Bro Blank had been recognised as a person of considerable promise from the earliest days of his Masonic journey. Throughout his progression he excelled in every office entrusted to him, ultimately serving at United Grand Lodge with Acting Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies rank, illustrated the respect he has earned and the diligence with which he has served the Craft throughout his career.
Following the presentation of a personal letter from the Provincial Grand Master, together with an illuminated certificate and a commemorative lapel pin marking his fifty years of service, RW Bro Blank was paraded around the Lodge to the enthusiastic acclaim of both his fellow brethren and non-Masonic guests.
The social board brought the celebrations to a fitting conclusion. Alongside the customary toasts and responses, the principal toast to RW Bro Blank was proposed by his son, who offered a heartfelt and humorous insight into the life of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Cheshire as both a father and a family man. His remarks provided a touching and personal dimension to an already memorable evening.
It was a privilege to be present at such a special occasion and to celebrate the achievements of an inspirational Freemason whose dedication, service and friendship have enriched the lives of so many.
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