Provincial Team visit to Somersetshire Lodge No 2925, London
Somersetshire Lodge 2925 (Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London) meets at Mark Masons Hall in St. James, London, and was the destination of the Provincial team on their recent fraternal visit. Prior to the Pandemic this had become something of a tradition and one of the highlights of the masonic year.
The WM Iain Robertson kindly invited the Provincial Team to conduct a third degree Ceremony which took place in the impressive Grand Temple. The PGM David Medlock entered in procession and accepted the Gavel before passing it on to APGM Martin Slocombe who conducted the Ceremony. Martin placed members of the team in each of the active offices and on behalf of the Lodge of Saint George 3158 (Taunton), Raised Justin Hanning to the degree of a Master Mason.
The PGM then presented a 60 year Certificate to W. Bro. Colin Coles PSGD, a member of both Somersetshire 2925 and Parrett & Axe 814. The festive board was a very up-beat occasion with the Somersetshire Lodge tradition of ‘cross toasting’ one of the highlights.
The festive board was lively, with excellent food, great company, and the very special Somerstshire open toasting session, where anyone can rise to toast anyone for any reason! For example, could you rise to drink a toast with someone that has never had Covid…
W.Bro. Colin Coles PSGD celebrates 60 years in Freemasonry.
The PGM for Somerset, The R.W. Bro. David Medlock was delighted to be able to present Colin Coles of Parrett and Axe 814 and Somersetshire 2925 with a Certificate marking 60 years in Freemasonry.
Born in Reading Berkshire, Colin was initiated into Sloane Lodge 4333 in London in October 1960. He joined Parrett and Axe in 1991 and Somersetshire in 1997. Along the way he has been a member of several other Lodges and a founder member of two, Manor of St James 9179 (London) and Bond of Friendship 8457 (Surrey).
During his lifetime Colin has had a long and distinguished career. Following his National Service in the Household Cavalry he joined the Metropolitan Police rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent. He is a keen sailor and motorcyclist as well as an electrician, carpenter and plumber. Skills that served him well as he spent many happy hours renovating his Somerset Cottage.
He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. One of the highlights of his masonic life was in 1984 when, as a newly appointed Senior Grand Deacon he was invited to act as an escort to the Grand Master, The Duke of Kent on the occasion of his visit to the installation meeting of the Grand Stewards Lodge. The Master being installed in the Chair was none other than the Duke’s brother – Prince Michael of Kent!
Congratulations Colin on your 60 years in Freemasonry from all of us in the Province of Somerset.
Barry Davies
PCO Somerset