WM Chris Farley opened St Paul’s Lodge No 5459 at Widnes Masonic Hall and completed all the domestic business of the lodge and then welcomed Assistant Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle, Mersey Valley Group Chairman David Atkinson for the celebration of Barrie Collinson’s 60 years of Freemasonry.
Other distinguished brethren in attendance were; Mersey Valley Group Vice Chairman John Gibbon, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Dave Boyes, Provincial Grand Communications Officer Paul Brunskill and Provincial Grand Stewarts Michael Daly and Michael Fox.
After being offered the gavel of the lodge and taking the chair, Andrew Whittle explained to the brethren it is a privilege to take part in the celebration of 60 years in freemasonry for Barrie, and it is with great happiness that he is loved and the very fact that so many brethren are here to take part in this evening’s celebration only serves to reinforce the high regard the celebrant is held in. Andrew then requested Dave Boyes Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, to place Barrie Collinson on the floor of the lodge in a comfortable seat.
Born during wartime in 1940, Barrie attended school in Widnes, where he gained five O levels. At school, he was a keen rugby player and after representing his school he played for Widnes RU. Another passion was scouting, becoming a senior scout with the 12th Widnes Group. Barrie’s education led to a successful career in engineering which culminated in his being appointed a Director of Greenall Whitley. During this period, he was invited to become a Governor of Warrington Collegiate and after 20 years in this role, he was presented with a Fellowship of the College. Not being one to do nothing Barrie was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1995.
Barrie was initiated on 12 December 1962 becoming WM in 1974 of St Wilfrid’s Lodge No 7836, holding various positions including treasurer and group representative, becoming master of the lodge for the second time in 1999.
Provincial rank was bestowed on Barrie in 1984, becoming a Provincial Grand Steward, 2022 saw him promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, the rank he still holds today. The past 60 years have seen Barrie become a member of quite a few other Masonic Orders, in which he has held many positions. To read the full script of Andrew’s presentation of Barrie’s history, click here.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of a certificate that the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews had directed to be raised for the occasion celebrating Barrie’s diamond jubilee in Freemasonry, which was presented by Andrew Whittle. Following the celebration, the brethren retired to the festive board to continue to hear tales of Barrie’s life in Masonry.
