The 16 January 2025 marked a very significant night for W Bro Anthony (Tony) Wood of Victoria Lodge No 1345 at Swinton Masonic Hall as he marked his 50th year in Freemasonry. The lodge and guests were honoured to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stuart Boyd.
Stuart was accompanied by Trafford Group Chairman Patrick Walsh, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Peter Littlehales and Provincial Grand Steward Timothy Plumpton together with other grand and Provincial grand officers.
After the initial business was taken care of, the lodge was pleased to receive Stuart, who was presented to the WM, Robert Markland. After the salutations to Stuart, Robert then offered Stuart the gavel of the lodge and on this occasion, he accepted it.
The Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies then made preparations to collect Tony and place him on a comfortable chair in front of Stuart. Having previously spent some time with Tony, Stuart set the scene for Tony, the man and the Mason.
Stuart said that the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Matthews had produced and signed a celebratory certificate to commemorate the evening, which was read out by Trafford Group Chairman Patrick Walsh and presented to Tony by Stuart followed by very richly deserved applause from all present.
It was now time for Stuart to hand back the lodge by passing the gavel back to the WM. When it was time for Stuart to retire from the lodge, he invited the night’s celebrant Tony to retire with him and the other officers.
When all other lodge business had been completed, the lodge was closed and the brethren retired. A most pleasant social board then took place during which Jeffrey Winstanley gave a toast to Tony, having known him for so many years there were a number of things to regale those present with.
After the toast, Tony a gave a most humbled response and thanked Jeffery and everyone else for being there to support him on his special night.
