The brethren of Ashmole Lodge No 5128 gathered at Warrington Masonic Hall to celebrate the golden jubilee of Michael (Mike) Moore, marking 50 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry. The principal guest, Andrew Whittle, presided over the celebration and shared a warm and engaging account of Mike’s life and Masonic journey.
Andrew Whittle regaled the brethren with Mike’s personal and Masonic history, saying: “Born in September 1949 at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford, Mike grew up in a close-knit family. His mother, May, was a nurse from the Yorkshire Dales, and his father John worked in glass technology and had served in the Royal Navy. The family later moved to Church Lawton, where Mike enjoyed village life, excelled at school, and became a scout troop leader.
After passing his 11 Plus, he attended Sandbach Grammar School. A later move to Culcheth brought him to Newton-le-Willows Grammar School, followed by Wigan Technical College, where he achieved A-levels in biology, physics, and chemistry. He earned a place at Liverpool University to study veterinary science, but family responsibilities forced him to change course. He graduated in 1972 with a BSc in Life Science.
A chance incident in Liverpool where Mike witnessed a man injuring himself inside a police van led detectives to encourage him to consider policing. The appeal of a police house for his young family helped shape his decision. He joined Lancashire Constabulary in June 1972 on the accelerated promotion scheme.
Mike quickly gained a reputation as a fair but firm officer. His early years included dangerous encounters, including one in which a man swung across Mike’s face slashing him millimetres from his eye, leaving a scar he still carries. He passed his Sergeant’s Exam in 1974 and Inspector’s in 1975, became an advanced police driver, and served in roles including custody officer, community beat sergeant and traffic officer. In 1984 he received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for courage after restraining a distressed 14‑year‑old on a rooftop for over half an hour, preventing a fatal fall. The document notes that the actions of Mike, saved that young man’s life.
A career change for Mike’s continued with instructional roles at Bruche Police Training Centre, service during the Miners’ Strike, and later promotion to Inspector in 2000. He retired in 2002 after more than 30 years of service, later returning briefly as a civilian Warrants Officer.
Mike married his first wife in 1971 and welcomed his daughter Louise the same year, followed by Beth in 1980. His police duties placed strain on family life, and the marriage ended in 1983. His daughters later emigrated to the United States with their mother, though Louise returned to the UK in 2000.
He met Chris, a nurse and former police officer, and they married in 1986. Due to ill health, Chris retired in 1990, and Mike has cared for her ever since. After a period living in the Yorkshire Dales, where Mike worked as a rope maker, youth outreach volunteer and deli assistant, they returned to Warrington to support Chris’s parents. Mike later volunteered at St Rocco’s Hospice and worked as a PAT tester and driver.
Mike was initiated into Ashmole Lodge on 22 January 1976, coincidentally the same day as Concorde’s first commercial flight. He was passed in April and raised in November 1976, with his father John conducting his third-degree ceremony, described as ‘very moving for both’. He progressed through the Lodge offices and became WM in 1984, later serving as secretary, director of ceremonies, assistant DC, and Royal Arch representative.
His Provincial honours include; 1994, Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, 2010, Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, and 2017, Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. He joined the Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters No 9057 in 2003 and was again installed as WM of Ashmole Lodge in 2025 so he could preside during his jubilee year.
In Royal Arch Masonry, Mike was exalted into the Chapter of Friendship No 2963 in 1981, later serving as almoner and scribe Ezra. His Provincial Chapter honours include; 1996, acting Provincial Grand Steward and 2000, Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. He also joined the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter of West Lancashire No.8516 in 1996 and Chapter of Elias Ashmole No.148 in 2024.
During the ceremony, the Warrington Group Chairman, John Tyrer read the certificate from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, and Andrew Whittle presented Mike with both the certificate and a commemorative lapel pin. The evening carried an ‘international feel’ thanks to four of Mike’s friends from West Yorkshire attending. The festive board was warm and joyful, with Andrew Whittle giving the toast Mike, as the brethren celebrated his remarkable 50 years of service.