November saw the 50th anniversary in Royal Arch Masonry of Matthew (Roy) Bell. There was an excellent turn out of companions at Silver Jubilee Chapter of Installed First Principals No 8818 to recognise and to celebrate Roy’s milestone in Royal Arch Masonry.
Principal guest for the evening was Malcolm Alexander, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who had the honour of giving an account of Roy’s interesting and busy life before recounting his career in the Royal Arch.
The Hannay Temple was packed to near capacity with grand officers, acting Provincial grand officers and companions, all to honour and pay tribute to a companion who has reached a mammoth milestone in chapter and Craft, having also celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in 2021.
Roy has had a very interesting and fruitful life, is well travelled, having been to numerous destinations with family and friends. He is a committed family man and his contribution to the Craft and chapter has been exemplary. Roy’s annual garden parties in aid of charities have become legendary and his house has always been available for practice nights. This has set such a high benchmark for what a good Freemason should be.
The festive Board followed and after a very interesting and informative toast to Roy’s health by Bill Fawley, Roy had the opportunity to thank all those in attendance before regaling the companions with further tales of his eventful life.
Shortly after, the janitor proposed the last toast of the evening and the companions retired to the bar to continue their celebration of Roy’s 50 years’ service.
