The brethren of Birchwood Lodge No 8861 gathered together with their guests to celebrate a remarkable milestone, 50 years in Freemasonry for the master of their lodge, Robert “Bob” Williams. The lodge was honoured to receive as its principal guest Stuart Boyd, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire. He was accompanied by the Warrington Group Chairman, John Tyrer and other distinguished guests.
After opening the lodge, Bob warmly welcomed the distinguished guests before inviting Stuart to accept the gavel. Once assured that Bob was comfortably seated, Stuart proceeded to deliver a heartfelt and engaging account of Bob’s life and Masonic journey.
Bob was born in April 1942 at Warrington Hospital. His father, Robert Amos, worked as a coal dealer, while his mother, Gwendoline, was a devoted homemaker. The family home was at Crow Lane West, Newton le Willows, where Bob joined his three older brothers Thomas, Ivor and Clifford. Bob’s schooldays in Newton le Willows began at Lime Street Infants, followed by Manor Church of England School and later the secondary modern, where he applied himself diligently to all subjects, developing a particular fondness for mathematics.
Alongside his academic interests, Bob was an enthusiastic sportsman. He enjoyed golf, cricket, table tennis and football, excelling especially on the football field. His proudest sporting achievement came when he became a national champion, winning a National Medal in the National Supporters Club competition. Playing at full back for the Earlestown Supporters Club, he was part of the team that triumphed over a highly favoured side from Enfield.
Leaving school at the age of 15, Bob initially pursued his ambition to become a motor mechanic, beginning his working life at Jubilee Garage in Earlestown. He later joined his father’s coal business, working alongside two of his three brothers and delivering up to 20 tonnes of coal a day across Newton le Willows, Burtonwood and Culcheth.
As the youngest son, Bob was encouraged to explore wider opportunities, and soon secured a place on the first under 21 apprenticeship scheme at the Vulcan Foundry. It was here that he first met the head of the training department, Barry Jameson. Although he enjoyed the apprenticeship, Bob’s drive to better himself remained strong, and he eventually moved on in search of improved prospects.
After a varied and industrious early career, Bob chose to take his life in a new direction and enrolled at Warrington Collegiate, training as a teacher. Upon qualifying, he accepted a post within the College’s Special Needs Department, where his patience, empathy and commitment quickly made an impact. He later moved to Newton le Willows High School, continuing to shape and support young lives until his retirement in June 2002 due to ill health.
Throughout every chapter of his journey, Bob has been supported by his devoted wife, Barbara. The couple first met at the Methodist Youth Club in Newton le Willows, and as Barbara fondly recalls Bob ‘won her round’ over the course of a four year courtship. They were married on 24 June 1967 at the Methodist Church and have enjoyed many wonderful holidays together. This year, they look forward to celebrating an extraordinary 59 years of marriage.
Bob’s Masonic journey began when he was initiated into Willows Lodge No 5343 on 25 March 1976. He joined Birchwood Lodge in September 1979, where he went on to serve in every office before becoming WM in 2006. Ever willing to contribute, he has since served as steward for one year, almoner for seven years, assistant director of ceremonies for two years, and director of ceremonies for a further two. In this, his 50th year in the Craft, he returned once again to the master’s Chair of Birchwood Lodge.
Bob is also a member of Academy Lodge No 9382, where he has held the offices of senior deacon and assistant director of ceremonies. In the Royal Arch, he has been a companion of Makerfield Chapter No 2155 and Gilbert Greenall Chapter No 1250. His dedication to Freemasonry has been recognised by the Province of West Lancashire with several honours; he was appointed Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon in 1994, promoted to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works in 2003, and further promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2013.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart Boyd invited John Tyrer to read the certificate prepared for Bob by the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews. John then presented Bob with his 50 year lapel pin. The immediate past master, Chris Keogh, resumed the gavel and closed the lodge, after which the brethren made their way to the festive board.
Following the wine taking, Stuart responded to the toast to the grand officers, expressing his thanks to the brethren and to Bob for a truly splendid evening. David Rogers, secretary of Birchwood Lodge, then delivered a heartfelt tribute to Bob; both the man and the Mason. David spoke very warmly of the guidance and friendship Bob had offered him over the years. Bob responded with sincere gratitude, his emotion evident to all present, reflecting just how much the occasion meant to him.
The brethren of the lodge presented Bob with a hand crafted, cased gavel as a memento of the evening, and flowers were offered to the principal guests. It was a deeply moving and uplifting celebration of an exceptional milestone, 50 years of devoted service to Freemasonry by Robert “Bob” Williams, PPJGW.