Peace and Unity Lodge No 3966 is part of the Blackpool Group of Lodges and Chapters and brethren from the local Fylde area and from across the Province and beyond gathered at Blackpool Masonic Hall to witness a very rare event in the group’s calendar: a celebration of a brother’s 60 years as a Freemason.
It only seems like a short time, definitely not 10 years, since Kenneth Yardley Sykes (Ken) celebrated his 50th anniversary of his initiation as a Freemason in this very Masonic hall. An event the group publicity officer distinctly remembers covering as a recently appointed group publicity officer. Who knows where all the time goes?
The normal lodge business was efficiently undertaken by WM Cameron Afzal and the officers of the lodge. At the appropriate moment, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ryan Modlin entered the lodge and announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Frederick Barr, demanded admission. David processed into the lodge accompanied by fellow Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Stuart Thomas, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Duncan Smith, Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group secretary Michael Tax and Acting Provincial Grand Lodge Officers David Sangster, Paul Cummings, Paul Easton, Adam Simpson, Chris Hardingham and Neil Higgins. Cameron formally greeted David and offered him the gavel of the lodge and on this occasion, David accepted and occupied the chair of King Solomon. In due course, David invited the celebrant, Ken, to be seated in front of him to begin his presentation. Ken requested that he may remain seated with the Provincial officers so that he could witness the reactions of the assembled brethren. This request from Ken was, of course, acquiesced.
A very detailed and informative presentation then followed, which gave a very interesting insight into Ken’s home and work life, his birth in Leopold Grove, Blackpool, the eldest of two siblings, his sister being two years younger. Ken’s father was a painter and decorator and also served as a gunnery instructor and marksman in the Navy during the war. Ken’s mother worked in a dress shop on Whitegate Drive in Blackpool before running a boarding house in Leopold Grove where Ken was born.
Ken’s formative years and schooling were spent in Blackpool, attending local schools and then attending the local technical college to complete his education. Participating in sports but excelling in geography and maths.
His first employment after leaving education was at the Department of Employment at Reading, eventually being promoted to careers officer. Ken returned to the Department of Employment at Blackpool where he was appointed as temporary manager based at Foxhall Road. Eventually being promoted to manager in the job benefits section. Ken retired at the age of 50, forming a small business with a colleague to complete small maintenance work such as fitting notice boards, shelves, etc., all those little jobs that were not worth anything to a large company. With their small van, they carried out their work throughout the north west.
David detailed Ken’s family life and his marriage to Marjorie, whom he met at the Employment Exchange on Tyldesley Road in Blackpool where she was temporarily employed. Ken and Marjorie were married in 1969 and moved to Norcross and in due time, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters.
In a change of direction, Ken became a scout leader in 1980, training scouts to read a map, navigate using a compass, tie knots and construct various structures using only poles and bits of wood. Ken retired from scouting at 65 and was encouraged by Marjorie to accompany her in trying scuba diving. Gradually earning their scuba diving PADI certificates. Both enjoyed many scuba dives in the Red Sea. Their retirement gave them ample time for holidays and pursuing various pastimes and 2008 saw the arrival of four granddaughters, which introduced new experiences and responsibilities.
Ken is also a member of the U3A, The University of the Third Age, which comprises members who have stepped away from full-time work, who learn together, make friends and have fun. As a member of the local U3A walking group, Ken organises and plans walks around the Northwest. Although his hiking has gradually become gentle ambling as the years have progressed.
The one main interest which Ken has enjoyed for most of his life is Freemasonry, where he has faced the challenges of Masonic membership and the value of making lifelong friends. Ken’s father was a Freemason, as was his uncle, Ernest Yardley, an East Lancashire Freemason, from whom Ken’s middle name originated. This influence ultimately led to Ken becoming a Freemason himself in 1965. Being proposed by his father Wilfred when only 21 years old, a Lewis. Seconded by Harry Lamb, and subsequently being initiated on Friday, 24 September 1965, at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool.
Ken progressed through the offices of the lodge, ultimately being installed as WM of Peace and Unity Lodge on 25 March 1977. Holding the lodge’s Ladies Night at the Imperial Hotel, ceremonies in lodge included two initiations, two passings and two raisings. During his tenure as WM, the lodge celebrated the 60 years in Freemasonry of Bill Foster. The lodge was honoured with the attendance of Sir Knowles Edge BT. After leaving the chair of King Solomon, Ken remained very active with a succession of offices within the lodge.
Appointment in Provincial Grand Lodge came in 1981 with the rank of PPrAGDC. With a promotion to PPrGSuptWks in 1998 and another promotion to the very high rank of PPrJGW in 2008. In Provincial Grand Chapter, Ken was appointed to the rank of PPrAGSoj in 2008 with a promotion to PPrGSwdB in 2016.
With his home life, work, hobbies and Freemasonry, Ken has had a very busy, interesting and successful life with a 60-year service to Freemasonry, which is an example to us all. David informed the brethren that Ken had received a congratulatory phone call from the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews, who sent his personal greetings in the form of a certificate, which David proudly presented to Ken.
David concluded the presentation by offering Ken his own personal congratulations on achieving this wonderful milestone in his Masonic career. David called upon the Blackpool Group Chairman, Stephen Jelly, to read aloud the certificate from Mark Matthews. Stephen also had the great pleasure of presenting Ken with a 60-year lapel badge, to complement the 50-year lapel badge that Ken already wears.
A splendid festive board followed, with a three-course menu supplied by Masonic Catering Ltd. This comprised of a starter of tomato soup, followed by an ‘all-day breakfast’ and lemon cheesecake to finish.
The toast to Ken’s health was given by lodge member Peter Riddle, who talked about Ken’s 60 years in Peace and Unity Lodge and the immense contribution that he has given to the lodge and Freemasonry. The WM, Cameron, had the honour of presenting Ken with a new walking stick to assist him on his rambles and walks. Cameron also presented Ken with a cut-glass diamond-shaped gift to commemorate this special event. Ken was also given a gift of flowers to present to his wife, Marjorie.
Ken responded to the toast to his health by thanking everyone for the gifts, their support and attendance on this significant occasion in his life. Going on to say that he has immensely enjoyed his 60 years in the lodge, a highlight has been watching new initiates progress through the lodge and he is very proud to be a Freemason this day.
A standing ovation was given to Ken and the night ended with the lodge tyler giving the final toast of the evening.
