Eager to celebrate the 50th anniversary in Freemasonry of Malcolm Burrill, the officers of Wyre Lodge No 7704 dispatched the lodge business with alacrity. This allowed WM, Mark Clifford, an early opportunity to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, who had attended to officiate at this special celebration.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted and announced that the principal guest demanded admission. The WM readily acceded to the request and Michael Tax entered the lodge, supported by grand officers Keith Jackson, John Robbie Porter, John Cross and North Fylde Group Chairman Eddie Wilkinson. Also accompanying Michael were Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer Kevin Byrne, Provincial Grand Standard Bearer Chris Keogh, Provincial Grand Steward Andy Greenlees and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Jez Williams.
The WM welcomed Michael to Wyre Lodge and offered him the gavel, which was accepted. Following salutations from the brethren, Michael introduced the main business of the evening, namely to honour Malcolm Burrill upon reaching 50 years in Freemasonry.
Although Malcolm has never passed through the chair of King Solomon, he accepted one of the most important offices within the lodge in 1980 when he became lodge organist, an office he has held continuously ever since. As a result of his dedication and musical talents, he has also served as guest organist for more than 15 lodges across the Fylde Coast.
At Provincial Grand Lodge on 23 May 1995, Malcolm was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer and, in 2023, was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon.
Malcolm was exalted into the Chapter of Fidelity No 1256, where he soon assumed the office of organist. Following the chapter’s amalgamation, he continued his service in Tithebarn Fidelity Chapter No. 8446. In Provincial Grand Chapter, he was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer on 10 April 2013.
Having concluded his overview of Malcolm’s distinguished career in Freemasonry, Michael called upon North Fylde group Chairman Eddie Wilkinson to read aloud the certificate sent by Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. The certificate was then presented by Michael, after which Eddie presented Malcolm with his 50-year lapel badge.
Upon completion of the presentation, Michael and Malcolm, together with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers, retired from the lodge. The lodge was then closed and the brethren retired to the dining room to enjoy an excellent meal.
A highly enjoyable festive board followed, as is customary at Wyre Lodge. Robb Fitzsimmons and Jez Williams certainly had their work cut out maintaining order amongst the enthusiastic company. Eddie Wilkinson proposed a warm and complimentary toast to the health of Michael Tax and, in his response, Michael thanked Eddie and the members of the group executive for their hard work in assuming responsibility for the running of the group. He also thanked the grand and acting Provincial grand officers for their support before concluding by presenting Malcolm with a copy of the presentation he had delivered in the lodge.
Mike Lumby, WM of Poulton le Fylde Lodge No 4040, then proposed the toast to Malcolm’s health. In doing so, he referred to Malcolm’s many years of loyal support for Blackpool Football Club and fondly recalled the numerous Christmas meetings and ‘Olde English Nights’ at which Malcolm had entertained brethren at festive boards throughout the Fylde. Mike concluded by paying tribute to the countless friendships Malcolm had forged during his 50 years in the Craft.
Mike was followed by the lodge Secretary, Danny Whalley, who presented Malcolm with a commemorative card and photograph on behalf of the lodge. Danny also announced that the lodge had arranged for Malcolm to enjoy the experience of playing the famous Wurlitzer organ at Blackpool Tower.
Responding to the toast and presentations, Malcolm spoke of his delight at seeing so many friends and brethren in attendance and admitted to being overwhelmed by the goodwill shown towards him throughout the evening. That sentiment was reflected in the attendance of more than 80 brethren and guests.
Malcolm recalled that one of his fondest memories from his 91 years was the occasion when he was invited onto the stage during an event featuring the Wurlitzer organ. He concluded by joking that his longevity was due to his pacemaker, which faithfully kept him operating at 60 beats per minute. He then thanked everyone once again for making the evening such a memorable occasion.
The raffle featured a generous collection of prizes and raised an impressive £394. The final total was helped by Bob Hopwood, who donated a fluffy toy for the purchase of the last raffle ticket. This thoroughly enjoyable evening was brought to a close by Ian Benson, who delivered the tyler’s toast.
