The Masonic Hall at Blackpool was full to capacity to help William Arthur Snell celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry. The celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry is special, not just for the celebrant, but also for everyone who attends the event.
The master of the lodge Andy Inglis and brethren of Clifton Lodge No 703 were pleased to host the event and welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Duncan Smith to present Bill’s history in the Craft.
On a report, Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies announced that the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, demanded admission. Duncan was welcomed to Clifton Lodge by Andy Inglis who offered the gavel of the lodge to Duncan, who was pleased to retain it for a short while. Duncan proceeded to present Bills life and Masonic history to the assembled brethren.
Bill was born in 1935 in Blackpool, a true ‘sandgrown’un’. After finishing school, he went to the Blackpool Technical College to learn all about the automotive trade. Eventually starting work at his father’s garage in Blackpool. In 1969, on the death of his father, he took over the business but it was eventually sold and Bill went to work in London. Missing his northern roots, he returned to Blackpool to become a vehicle salesman.
Bill met his first wife at a dance in Blackpool and they had two daughters. After the breakup of the marriage he met Sandra, eventually getting married again and moving in with Sandra and her son.
Bill’s father was a Freemason in a lodge at Cleveleys, but he wanted to join a different lodge as the start time was too early at Cleveleys. Bill was duly initiated into Mimosa Lodge of Blackpool No 6047 on 18 March 1974. Sadly, Mimosa Lodge of Blackpool handed in its warrant and Bill joined Rectitude Lodge of Blackpool No 4122 and later joined Clifton Lodge where he remains to this day. Bill has had many enjoyable events in Freemasonry, but this day has been the most enjoyable. The saddest was the closure of Mimosa Lodge of Blackpool.
Stephen Jelly, Blackpool Group Chairman, read the 50th certificate from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and then presented Bill with a 50th lapel badge on behalf of the Blackpool Group.
After the presentation, a fine festive board was held in the Masonic museum where further anecdotes were told and an enjoyable meal was had by all. There was also a special 50th cake celebrating the event.