"Remember When"

The Lodge of Prudence, No. 219, welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, WBro Martin P Roche, PJGD, APGM, WBro Norman Cope, PAGDC, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and WBro John Farrington, District Chairman, on Tuesday 11 May 2010, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary in Freemasonry for WBro Norman Ashworth Jackson, PProvSGW. Jack Price accepted the gavel from the Master and welcomed the brethren, especially the younger brethren who had come to share the evening. After introducing the Deputation the PGM explained why he was here:

"I have known Norman since my first day in Freemasonry because he was at my Initiation. A member of Manchester St Ann's Lodge, they visited my Lodge frequently and we had a good relationship with each other. Furthermore, Norman and I are both associated with Empire Chapter at Salford and are members of the same Rose Croix. Norman is a great enthusiast and encourager of people. He looks for the best in individuals and became a DC extra-ordinaire in all the Orders he has been associated with".

Deputation - Norman Cope, Jack Price, Norman Jackson, Martin Roche and John Farrington

"Norman has been a great influence on many individuals including myself - as a counsellor, advisor and friend. Circumstances have meant that we haven't spent a lot of time together recently, but we have shared wonderful letters, cards and telephone conversations - all in the name of brotherly love. Norman has had a bumpy ride in recent years - family health problems have given some pressure, but here we are tonight full of spirit and Norman has rightly earned the right to be here. He has given 50 years of masonic service during which time there have been dramatic changes in the world - the boundaries of science, medicine, communication and politics have all changed dramatically. It is good to be able to look back over those years so fondly and 'remember when ...'".

Jack also spoke fondly of the Masonic Hall here is Todmorden; the oldest purpose built masonic hall in the Province with so much history embedded within its walls. "The Friendship evidenced here tonight is an addition to that history".

WBro Peter Dawson then gave a tribute to Norman. He spoke of Norman's ancestors who were involved in the founding of the co-operative movement (Norman's only connection is that he shops there from time to time). He spoke of Norman's education at Meanwoor primary school, Rochdale Grammar School, Rochdale Tech, the College of Technology in Manchester and the college of Estate Management in London, eventually qualifying as a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. He spoke of Norman's lifelong love of cycling (including having cycled with his dear wife, Margaret, across the Alps to San Benedetto Del Tronto). Norman's sons, Paul and Clive, have given them 4 grandchildren of which Norman is very proud. Another love in Norman's life is golf (at one time having a handicap of 12 but his current handicap is only whispered to close friends).

Work was in Manchester and then Sale as a chartered architect and in addition to Freemasonry has been active as a Church Warden and worked on the advisory panel to the Salvation Army. In Freemasonry Norman was DC in the Craft, Royal Arch and Rose Croix all at the same time.

Norman and Margaret now live in Harrogate close to family members. "All who know Norman have a friend, a companion, a mentor or at difficult times a carer. He is an example to everyone. A worthy brother and an excellent Mason".

WBro Martin Roche then read the Illuminated Certificate which the Provincial Grand Master then presented to Norman before he was processed around the Lodge to applause from the brethren.

PGM Presents the Illuminated Certificate

ProvGDC, Norman Cope leads the Birthday Boy to healthy applause

The Festive Board was lively and full of humour. The JW, proposing the toast to the DepPGM, APGMs and Provincial Officers added, "Bro Roche, we have taken a straw poll round this end of the table, and, as our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, we might like you. Now Jim Sooty was a friend of mine and used to come to my house to play Trivial Pursuit with his shoes and socks off. I hope its not going to be the same when you come round"!

The PGM responded to toasts saying that we have had a happy evening in this historic building and there has been an abundance of conversation. This is a good time to talk about my favourite subject, our 'Masonic Family'. It truly is marvellous - mutual regard and respect wherever we meet Freemasons, Grand Officers who nowadays are approachable and willing to help in whichever way they can. Brethren, we all have the same qualifications and have been initiated into the same Order. There is no 'them and us', just our family, all of whom I love dearly". He added, "Here you must work together, the Lodges and Chapters, to look after this wonderful home you have and build on the reputations of the Freemasons who have gone before you".

Toasting the Birthday Boy, Jack said, "Norman has almost been a legend in his own time with a commitment to honour. He has been a great friend and an influence on me and many others. Truly part of Freemasonry - a force for good in all parts of out world".

In response Norman said he was surprised to have been present this evening and was honoured by the presence of the PGM. He had received a lovely letter from Martin Roche who had done his homework and knew all about my wife and I. The certificate I have received tonight is invaluable because it is signed by my friend"

***