At the September meeting of Medeshamstede Lodge No. 6104, there was quite a surprise for the Lodge's tyler, Bro Peter Sidwell, when he was summoned into the Lodge room and presented with a certificate by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell, to celebrate 60-years in Freemasonry.
Bro Peter Sidwell receiving his Diamond Jubilee Certificate from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Trevor Boswell
Bro Peter was initially a member of Jersey Lodge No. 2334 at Bicester, Oxford before joining St Peters Lodge No. 442 after moving to Peterborough.
He is currently a member of Medeshamstede Lodge No. 6104, Scout Lodge No. 9814, Nantahala Lodge No. 9805 and Dr Oliver Chapter No. 3964.
Before he retired, Bro Peter was a commercial traveller selling household products to businesses covering the Midlands. He used to sell shoe laces to Richard Morris's late father-in-law, Reg Wright.
Bro Peter has been active in local Scouting and Guiding Districts for some considerable time and has held District appointments in both organisations. He met his wife, Ann, as a result of his involvement in these groups, and was a member of the now disbanded St Michael's Scout Group at Newark Hill for many years,
Notwithstanding being 86-years young, Bro Peter continues to sit on the Scout Group Executive at Werrington, a village where he used to live and the location of Peter's first Scouting experience since moving to the Peterborough. Many a time Peter has taken part in the Werrington Carnival Parade wearing suitable attire!
In addition to Scouting and Guiding, Bro Peter has also been involved in the local amateur theatre scene for many years, something that followed-on from his concert-party involvement in earlier days.
After moving to Peterborough he became involved in providing and supervising the stage make-up for most of the local musical societies including the Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS), Westwood Works Musical Society, Gilbert and Sullivan shows, the Peterborough Opera Company, and of course, Peterborough Gang Shows. He retired from this involvement only quite recently.
Both Peter and Ann are great supporters of the MS Society and Peterborough Cathedral. Peter is a regular contributor to online blogs.
Bro Peter very much enjoys his Freemasonry. He attends all rehearsals, is always enthusiastic and puts himself forward to help whenever his lodge are a man down.
Constantly cheerful, always upbeat, he and his wife are keen supporters of Medehampstede social nights. It is a pleasure to see Bro Peter's contribution to Freemasonry recognised, and all of his Brothers in Freemasonry wish him well.