MIKE’S JUBILEE

The first official visit to the Preston Group by our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Jonathan Heaton was an extra special occasion. The Lodge Room was full to celebrate the occasion of Mike Jones attaining the magic milestone of 50 years as a Freemason.

Along with Jonathan an array of Grand and Provincial Grand Officers joined in the evening’s grand celebration. The evening was further enhanced by the support of a strong contingent from Old Huttonian Lodge where Mike is also a member.

Mike was originally initiated into Ribbleton Lodge but his association with Preston Guild lodge is nearly as long. Just after he became a Mason, he discovered that one of his colleagues at work was also a Mason and a member of Preston Guild Lodge. His very first visit as a new mason was to Preston Guild Lodge. After many memorable years with Ribbleton, that lodge closed and the majority of members, including Mike, became joining members of Preston Guild. The lodge also made sure that the Ribbleton Banner was also in a prominent place behind the Master for the occasion.

Mike was introduced into Freemasonry by his father, Fred, who had become a Mason just a few years earlier. Fate conspired to free up the offices which meant that Mike was Senior Warden for his own father who then went on to install Mike as Master in 1987.

Mike joined Old Huttonian Lodge in 1983 being a former pupil of the school. He went on to serve as Master in 1999. It was fellow Old Huttonian pupil Michael Greenwood who proudly proposed the toast to Mike at the Festive Board.

Mike has rarely been out of an office since he served as Master of Ribbleton and has been a long term holder of the Director of Ceremonies role in both Ribbleton and Old Huttonian. Mike’s service to Freemasonry has been well recognised and he was made a Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2012.

Jonathan was able to meet several newer members of Preston Guild Lodge. He even did a bit of overtime in present Radu Cheosea’s Grand Lodge Certificate to him.

The ceremony was followed by an excellent Festive Board where we learned more from Mike about his marvellous Masonic History and heard some amusing tales of his experiences over 50 great years.