A time for Happiness

The Provincial Secretariat arranged a superb retirement dinner for WBro Michael Nicholson, PProvSGW, to mark his farewell from formal duties at the Provincial Office. Mike is well known across the Province and the support and help he has given to Lodges and Chapters, the Provincial Executive and others has been quite profound over recent years.

Mike and Audrey started the evening joining the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, and Dorothy for pre-dinner drinks before all joined with the rest of the evenings guests upstairs at Freemasons' Hall. Many shared the evening with Mike and Audrey including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Harold Woodward, the Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro Alan Garnett, colleagues from the Provincial Secretariat, colleagues from the Salford District where Michael had previously served as Deputy Chairman and a number of friends from around the Province.

Mike and Audrey with Jack and Dorothy Price

Mike and Audrey surrounded by friends and family

Following the sumptuous carvery dinner Jack Price said a few words. "Every time I hear Michael's voice I am taken back to the sound of my old boss, 'George Nick', Michaels' father. During his time Mike has served as a great servant both as a Police Officer and, later, as a member of the Provincial Team. Mike works quietly, effectively, courteously and always has a smile to greet anybody. He has a trememdous gift with communication and has a great love and respect for all Freemasons. Behind every good man is a good woman and Audrey is exceptional.

Michael - you have seen a lot of water pass under the bridge and been with us for a long time. We are all deeply grateful and are sure you won't give up working in some capacity or other. Retirement is a time for happiness for as long as possible. Let's hope that it is so"!

Following the toast which was met with great acclaim Mike responded:

Michael giving reponse to the toast to his health

"Thank you all for sharing this meal with me as I ride off into the sunset. This is the 2nd time I have retired; the first time was in 1990 as a Police Officer. In 1994 I joined Freemasonry and took office in the Secretariat in 2001. I soon discovered the first major obstacle to overcome - the Provincial Grand Secretary :-). I think he was a bit 'iffy' about employing a retired Police Officer but very soon I was employed full time. I have met many very nice people including Harold Woodward and Jack Price. In the early days, before people got to know me I had some suspicious looks. I often returned these not knowing who they were and wondering perhaps if they had previously assisted me with my enquiries :-).

The years have slipped by and I must thank many people but especially Susan, Julie, Karen, Diane, Anne, Fiona and the volunteers from the office, Ian Ronson, David Winstanley, Eddie Tyler, Tony Hewitt, Brian W Robinson and Fred Beadsworth. Then there is Andrew Holland who is replacing me so adequately that I have to go. Finally, Alan Garnett - who has helped to make me life so pleasant and who is devoted to the well being of the Province.

My chair collapsed this afternoon with 25 minutes to go so there was a message.

Thank you to everyone for the happy memories"!

Following this speech Mike was presented with a parting gift - a lovely Dell Laptop which will enable him to keep in touch and continue to work from home!!!!

Mike with Audrey and his much loved Sister, Sheilah Renshaw