Brethren of Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope No 6937 and their guests enjoyed a most memorable evening at Cleveleys Masonic Hall. All had gathered together to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry of John Samuel Chesters, a truly magnificent achievement. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax.
After the routine business of the lodge had been completed by WM Barry Simmonds, Barry announced item five on the summons, to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry of John Samuel Chesters.
On a report, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Philip Renney, announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax demanded admission. Michael processed into the lodge room accompanied by past assistant Provincial grand masters; Harry Cox, David Randerson, Duncan Smith and Malcolm Worsley. Accompanied by grand officers Peter Greathead, Keith Jackson and John Turpin. Along with North Fylde Group Secretary Mike Brown, supported by Provincial Grand Senior Deacons Kevin Rigg and David Sangster, Provincial Grand Junior Deacon Paul Cummings, Provincial Grand Stewards Chris Hardingham and Adam Turner and Provincial Grand Pursuivant Adam Simpson.
WM Barry offered Michael the gavel of the lodge which he readily accepted and he proceeded to occupy the chair of King Solomon to deliver a sincere account of John’s life and Masonic history.
Michael commenced the presentation by informing the brethren that John was born in 1942 in Stoke on Trent, John also has a brother who recently celebrated his own 50 years in Freemasonry but has sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above.
John’s parents were business owners and the family moved to Blackpool when John was very young. First attending Claremont Infant School, before going on to attend Baines Endowed School. The family moved again, this time to Stockport, to run a family business of a grocery, bakehouse and chip shop.
Growing up, John passed his 11 plus exam and attended Hyde Grammar School, where he perfected his interests in sports. During this time, John was drawn to a local church which held scout meetings and pantomimes, forming a close relationship with a young lady called Marian, being drawn together by their joint love of Manchester City football club.
John and his family moved back to the Fylde coast where John spent his final year of education at Fleetwood Grammar School, excelling in the school rugby team.
Leaving full-time education, John was offered an apprenticeship at the ICI plant in Thornton as a fitter / turner apprentice, also attending the local Technical College. Around this time, John joined the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) unit of the Territorial Army in Fleetwood. Playing rugby for Fleetwood and during the summer, cricket for Thornton Cleveleys Cricket Club.
Mike Brown, Malcolm Worsley, Duncan Smith, Harry Cox, John Chesters, Michael Tax, David Randerson, Keith Jackson, John Turpin, Kevin Rigg, David Sangster, Chris Hardingham and Philip Renney
Sadly, at the age of 21, John contracted pleurisy and spent a number of weeks in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. An incentive to recover as soon as possible was his upcoming wedding to his childhood sweetheart Marian. Making a good recovery, John and Marian were married at the church where they first met in Bredbury. Living and working in Blackpool before moving to their ‘forever home’ in Hambleton.
Through his involvement with Thornton Cleveleys Cricket Club, John met Bernard and David Spencer, a father and son, who were members of Lodge of Good Hope No 6937 meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall. After a wait of almost 18 months, John was eventually initiated into Lodge of Good Hope on 8 April 1976. John was passed to the second degree in 1976 and raised to the third degree in 1977. Progressing through various offices of the lodge before being installed as master in 1990. During John’s year in office he conducted all the ceremonies and delivered a number of lectures.
In 2022 Lodge of Good Hope merged with Norcliffe Lodge No 7371 becoming known as the Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope No 6937. At Provincial Grand Lodge in 1998 John was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon and in 2005, promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.
Throughout John’s Masonic journey with Lodge of Good Hope he has undertaken many duties and roles. Including occupying the chair of King Solomon in 1990. And along with Marian, forming lifelong friendships in the North Fylde Group. A keen golfer, John has been involved in the organisation of the North Fylde Masonic Golf Tournament, becoming secretary and eventually chairman. And as a performer and singer, John has sung at many lodge installations.
Michael also informed the brethren that John had received a telephone call from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews who congratulated John on his magnificent achievement.
Michael concluded the presentation by saying that John has had a busy, interesting and successful life and his service to Freemasonry is an example to everyone, Michael offered his warmest personal congratulations to John on achieving this wonderful milestone in his Masonic career, stating that it is being both a privilege and a pleasure to be part of this happy and enjoyable occasion.
Michael then invited North Fylde Group Secretary Mike Brown to read aloud the scroll from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Mike also had he honour of presenting John with a 50 years in Freemasonry lapel badge on behalf of the North Fylde Group.
After the completion of the remaining lodge business, the brethren retired to the dining room to continue the celebrations and enjoy a fine meal, fine wine, interesting speeches and responses and good company.
