Syd Little joins Onward Lodge

By all accounts Onward Lodge No 5540 was the place to be for a fun packed evening at Fleetwood Masonic Hall, with a celebrity initiation being the main business of the evening.  Appearing on the lodge summons was the item, ‘To Initiate into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry, Mr Cyril Mead (aka Syd Little) a self employed entertainer.’ Syd Little is of course one half of the comedy duo of Little and Large who regularly appeared on our television screens in a career which spanned over 14 years.

Syd was later to catch sight of another, though unexpected, celebrity visitor present at Fleetwood to witness him being initiated in the person of fellow entertainer Charlie Cairoli, who is a member of Emblem Lodge No 6727 which meets in Adelaide Street, Blackpool. Charlie was smuggled in as an additional surprise for Syd by another mutual friend Ian Smith Blackpool Group Membership Officer.

Once the business of the lodge was well underway, James Rashid the WM handed over the gavel to Syd’s proposer and friend, lodge ADC John Kelley. John was ably assisted by acting Junior Deacon Roy Hoole and the rest of the Onward Lodge team who then initiated the newest member of the lodge. Paul Stringer gave a word perfect explanation of the working tools and Derek Shield delivered the ancient charge.  Syd was welcomed to Onward Lodge on behalf of Grand Lodge by Bill Eardley, The North Fylde Group Vice Chairman Duncan Smith congratulated Syd on behalf of the province and group mentor David Cook presented him with a ‘starter pack’ which gives new Masons an introduction to the Craft. James Rashid also added his congratulations and welcome to Syd on resuming the chair.

 After the meeting Syd added further spice to the festive board which featured curry amongst its three courses, as he recounted tales from his showbiz career, liberally peppered with funny anecdotes and jokes.  Charlie Cairoli, who Syd first met when he was working with Charlie’s world famous father who was a much loved and celebrated clown at Blackpool’s Tower Circus, also joined in the fun.  Syd has just returned from a cruise in the Caribbean where he has been topping the bill as part of the ship’s onboard entertainment. With his first port of call, on his return, being to join Onward Lodge, doubtless there will be many more entertaining evenings on the hori