W.Bro. Bill Done. P.Pr.J.G.W. 50^th, Celebration.

A GLOWING TRIBUTE.

W.Bro. Terry Hudson. P.S.G.D.  Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented a glowing tribute to W.Bro Done on his 50^th year in Freemasonry and he outlined his special devotion to Emblem Lodge No. 6727, which is a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges.

Terry opened by informing the brethren that Bill was a Blackpool Lad, having been born in the town on 18^th, April, 1932.  Bill’s father, (William), was also a Blackpool Freemason, being a Past Master of Emblem Lodge, this fact, as Terry pointed out would have a significant bearing on Bill’s later life.  As a child, Bill along with his young pals would spend hours playing on what was known as the “Mason’s Car Park”. Ironically this is the site where the Blackpool Masonic Hall now stands.

Bill served his National Service in the R.A.F. and trained as an engine mechanic specialising on Meteor Jet engines. Also while serving in the R.A.F. Bill attended evening classes at the local Art College giving him an interest in Fine Art which has remained with him all his life. Terry added that Bill will also have completed 50 years membership of the Blackpool Arts Society, another wonderful accomplishment.

 During Bill’s working life, he had held many leading positions on various local councils, and at the point of his retirement, Bill held the senior position of, Improvement Grant Officer for the Blackpool Borough Council.  As Terry had pointed out earlier, Bill’s interest in Freemasonry was stimulated by his father, who had proposed him into Emblem Lodge No 6727. in 1960. Following on from this Bill became the Master of the Lodge in 1974, and had the privilege of listening to the Address to the Master, given by his father.

Bill served Emblem Lodge as Chaplain for the grand total of twelve years, and was appointed to the rank of, P.Pr.J.G.D. in I985.  Bill again became Master for the second time in 1990, holding the Lodge together during a turbulent time. A situation for which the members of Emblem Lodge are forever in his debt.  Terry described Bill as being a dedicated Mason, and one who shows great kindness.  He was of a generous nature with a gentle demeanour, and also, being of wise council, all attributes which have endeared him to all who know him.   His loyalty and commitment to Emblem Lodge and Freemasonry in general was recognised by the Province in 1992 when he was promoted to the pre-eminent rank of P.Pr.J.G.W.

 At this conjuncture the Group Chairman; W.Bro. Ian Robertson read and presented the scroll which had been received from the R.W.Pr.G.M. Bro. Peter John Hosker. Celebrating  W.Bro. Done’s 50 years in Freemasonry.  

 Terry then concluded by offering Bill his warmest personal congratulations on achieving this wonderful milestone in his Masonic career and went on to say how he felt it was a privilege and a pleasure to be in attendance on the evening and to have taken part in such a happy and rewarding event.