There were 53 brethren gathered at Blackpool Masonic Hall to help Mike Copley, a highly respected member of Progress Lodge No 4120, celebrate his golden jubilee in Freemasonry. The ceremony was led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Barr. David was accompanied by Stephen Jelly, Blackpool Group Chairman, group secretary Michael Tax and acting Provincial grand officers Colin Rodgers and Ken Greenwood.
The general business of the lodge was dispensed with and the special event of the evening approached. On a report, David and his entourage processed into the lodge, having welcoming David to Progress Lodge, WM Clive Chenery offered David the gavel and on this occasion, he sincerely accepted it and proceeded to occupy the master’s chair. Thanking the lodge for the kind welcome stating what an honour and pleasure it was to be officiating on this unique occasion.
David requested that the celebrant be seated before him. Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Renney gently escorted Mike to a chair facing him. Once comfortably seated, David proceeded to relate some key moments in Michael Anthony Copley’s (commonly known as Mike) life and Masonic career. Beginning with wishing Mike a happy birthday – a double celebration!
Mike was born in 1940 in Blackpool, a true sandgrown’un. His parents had moved from Yorkshire to Blackpool to run a guest house in the resort, which was situated near to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Mike also helped in the running of the guest house.
Being especially good at English and geography, Mike enjoyed school, but struggled with learning dates in history. He found it difficult to learn poetry even though he could recite the ‘working tools’ without any difficulty. A keen sportsman at school, enjoying swimming and attaining his life saving badges and medals. After leaving school Mike started work at a radio and electrical equipment company as well as attending Blackpool Technical College. Eventually serving his time as a Radio and Television Engineer.
Setting his sights on a young lady who worked at another guest house nearby, Mike and Diane were eventually married in 1965 and in the fullness of time, being blessed with two children. Unknown to Mike, Diane’s father was a Freemason and a member of West Lancashire Century Lodge No 2349 as were Diane’s uncles, Dennis and Gordon. Her uncle Walter was a member of Blackpool Lodge of Loyalty No 7332 and her uncle Cedric, a member of Blackpool Lodge of Temperance Lodge No 5303. With all this Masonic pedigree, it was inevitable that Mike and Diane would attend Diane’s father’s Ladies Evening. As Mike needed to leave work early, his manager asked why, when the answer was to attend a Masonic Ladies Night, permission was only granted if he joined Progress Lodge, of which his manager was a member.
Mike was initiated into Progress Lodge on 12 December 1974. Attaining the chair of King Solomon on three occasions, 1981, 1993 and 2020. Further serving the lodge by being director of ceremonies for 17 years, an outstanding commitment to the lodge. Mike’s first appointment to Provincial Grand Lodge was in 1992 as PPJGD, subsequently promoted to the high rank of PPJGW in 2000.
He has had a very busy, interesting and successful life and his services to Freemasonry is an example to us all. He now celebrates his golden jubilee in Freemasonry and everyone wished him the best of health and happiness for many years to come.
Group chairman Stephen Jelly read the 50th certificate issued by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, which he then presented to Mike. Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Phil Renney escorted Mike back to his chair in the lodge room where Stephen presented also him with a 50 years pin badge in appreciation from the Blackpool Group.
After the meeting, the brethren enjoyed a fine meal in the Fylde Suite dining room. Many anecdotes were told to the guests relating to Mike’s life and career. A framed photo of Mike was signed by the members and guests and presented to him along with a 50 years in Freemasonry cake.
An added treat was the presentation of a birthday cake to celebrate Mike’s birthday. A heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ was sung to him. Mike, visibly moved by this gesture, thanked everyone for attending and for making this day so special. Mike then had the added pleasure of presenting David with bouquet of flowers for Mrs Barr, thanking him for all his effort and research into his life and career.