Cleveleys Masonic Hall was the venue for a very special celebration for Warren Yates, a member of Wyre Lodge No 7704. Many brethren asked the question: “Is he old enough to be celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry?” Well yes, he is, having joined Halcyon Lodge No 6500 as a Lewis in 1976, with his father Clifford occupying the position of junior deacon.
The evening started with Wyre Lodge WM Mark Clifford, also known as ‘Bomber’ to his friends, opening the lodge. Mark welcomed the guests and quickly moving through the administrative parts of the summons. Once the lodge was opened in the third degree, a knock came on the door and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes, entered the lodge room to announce that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax was outside the door and demanded admission.
Accompanying Michael were North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross along with fellow grand officers Keith Jackson and Andrew Wiltshire. They were supported by Provincial Junior Grand Warden Ezra McGowan, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon David Sangster, Provincial Junior Grand Deacons Paul Cummings and Paul Easton, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Alan Barlow with Provincial Grand Stewards Chris Hardingham and Adam Turner.
Once the usual greetings had been exchanged, Mark offered the gavel of the lodge to Michael, who on this occasion retained it and proceeded to occupy the master’s chair. Michael was saluted by the brethren assembled, then promptly returned the lodge to the first degree and commenced his presentation by asking the director of ceremonies to place Warren in a chair before him.
Warren was born in Preston and was the only child of Marian and Clifford. His father was an electrician and mother a hairdresser. He attended King Edward Junior School before moving to Longridge Comprehensive School where he particularly enjoyed art and rural sciences. He enjoyed playing badminton and played for his school and for the Longridge team. Warren lived opposite the school and spent much of his time working in the nearby poultry farm where he remembers spending time with one of his friends playing ‘catch’ with the eggs. On one occasion he had been mucking out the hen coops and whilst transporting a full wheelbarrow had an incident which ended with him cycling home covered in the chicken muck. On arriving home his mother took one look and made him strip off outside so that he wouldn’t bring the mess and smell inside! He was always a prankster and, on another occasion, having access to eggs, whilst at school he placed some in a friend’s pockets and on his chair, we can only imagine the result! Michael warned everyone assembled: “Brethren please take care when sitting down this evening!”
Warren’s working life started at County Hall in Preston where he worked as an office clerk. He then moved to working for a furniture manufacturer, Unit Design, where he was involved both in the sales and fitting of bespoke furniture where he remembers supplying and fitting wardrobes for a previous Assistant Provincial Grand Master and also his father. Michael was of course referring to his own father, Leon Tax and his grandfather Raymond.
Whilst working for Unit Design, Warren’s pranking continued and he spent a lot of time playing pranks on an apprentice by hiding his motorbike, on one occasion even getting it onto the roof of the building. He had great fun with this prank until one day the apprentice searched everywhere for his bike, on giving up and asking where Warren had hidden it this time, he was informed that Warren hadn’t actually done anything that day, it had actually been stolen!
Warren then went to work as a salesman for McVities Confectionary, selling their goods around Lancashire and Liverpool. He was very successful in this and at one point even won a holiday in Athens for opening the most accounts. He then moved into the health service, working on the ambulances, which at times was both rewarding and extremely difficult as there is nothing better than being able to assist someone during their difficult times. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true when one is unable to save a person’s life. This ultimately took its toll on Warren’s health and 11 years ago he suffered a heart attack whilst actually driving an ambulance. Following a long period of recovery, it was obvious that he wouldn’t be able to return to that role.
Warren believes things happen for a reason, for during his period of recovery his mother was taken ill with cancer and being off work did enable him to spend more time supporting her during the latter stages of her life. For the last few years whilst Warren continues to work he has taken it a little easier and currently works at Morrisons supermarket on the tobacco counter. Warren is married to Kate and they have two step children. Besides his Freemasonry and the occasional pranks, Warren enjoys renovating houses and has improved a number of properties over the years, it is something he really enjoys doing.
Warren was introduced to Freemasonry through his father when he attended his first ladies’ night at Halcyon Lodge aged just 12 years of age. He was proposed into Halcyon Lodge by his father and seconded by Tom Hall and was initiated on 14 May 1976. Having advised the brethren of this, Michael Tax called on John Davies to read a précis of the minutes of the meeting held on that date. As already mentioned, Warren’s father occupied the position of junior deacon for the ceremony, which must have been a very special moment for him. Warren remembers that he was amazed by all the people that were present, especially his former colleagues from Preston County Hall. He was passed nearly a year later on 14 April 1977 and raised on 14 October the same year.
In 1983 Warren was working and living on the Fylde coast and so he took the decision to leave Halcyon Lodge and became a joining member of Tithebarn Lodge No 8446. He progressed through the various offices and on 17 January 2007 was eventually installed into the chair of King Solomon. In 2018 he was installed for a second term in Tithebarn Lodge. In 2024 Warren joined Dona Conferentes Lodge No 9392, which is the almoner and charity stewards lodge and in January 2025 joined Wyre Lodge where he immediately took up the office of assistant secretary. At the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 7 May 2015, Warren was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He was exalted into Preston Portcullis Chapter No 6316 on 25 November 2010, this being the chapter most closely associated with Halcyon Lodge. Warren thought that it was the best option, however, as it turned out he didn’t really take to it at that time and there were not many people that he actually knew, so after just over four years he decided to step away. He was, however, talked into becoming a joining member of North Shore Chapter No 7916 in 2022 and has progressed through the offices to be third principal of the chapter. Michael added: “I am sure that you look forward to progressing through to be first principal in the near future.”
Michael brought his presentation to a close by presenting Warren with a certificate from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, commemorating his 50 years in Freemasonry, followed by the group chairman, John Cross, presenting Warren with a lapel badge to mark the tremendous milestone in his life of dedication to the Craft. As a great last surprise, Michael announced that Warren was promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and placed the collar of that rank over Warren’s shoulders. It was quite clear to all that Warren was genuinely moved by this honour.
The presentations at an end, Michael returned the gavel to Mark Clifford so that he could complete the evening’s business, close the lodge and invite the guests to join the brethren of the lodge in order to continue the celebration in the dining room for an Indian themed festive board. In response to the toast to grand officers, Michael thanked the other grand officers and all the acting Provincial grand officers for their support. He also praised the secretary for his hard work in ensuring the smooth running and success of the meeting and festive board. He went on to talk about membership and the Membership Pathway, the need to complete our Masonic journey by joining the Royal Arch and the use of the United Grand Lodge Portal website for keeping members details up to date.
Warren thanked everyone for their support on the evening and especially for their generosity, as the charitable donations had raised in excess of £500. This sum was helped in no short measure by Bob Hopwood who had introduced a giant-sized soft toy for the brother who purchased the final number in the Westhoughton raffle. The evening was brought to a close by lodge tyler Steven Pye who proposed the tyler’s toast.
