On Sunday 22nd January 2023 RWBro Barrie Hall made a special visit to WBro Tony Watts at his home. This visit was to present W.Bro Tony Watts with a Diamond Jubilee Certificate.
It is always a very special occasion to acknowledge 60 years service in Freemasonry, and this was no exception.
Tony was initiated in 1963 into St John's lodge No. 3972 where his father was a member and in 1975 as a former pupil, became a joining member of the Old Wellingburian Lodge No 5570, where he progressed to Worshipful Master in 1987 and later served as Treasurer for a number of years.
Provincial promotions followed as PProvJGD in 1993, PProvGSuptWks in 1998, PProvGReg in 2012 and it is wonderful that WBro Tony is to receive a further promotion to PPJGW in May 2023.
A keen sailor, Tony also played Rugby for Northampton Saints Wanderers for number of years, although he says this may have contributed to the back problems he is now experiencing later in life!
In his career, Tony was Sales Operations Manager for Perkins Diesel Engineering and was responsible for Europe, Middle East and Africa resulting in a great deal of travel, which at times restricted his attendance at lodge.
On behalf of the Old Wellingburian Lodge, (pictured above) WBro Jerry Higgins (Secretary) and WBro Stephen Wood (Almoner) also presented flowers to Mrs Connie Watts with thanks for her great support over the years. Connie has her own connections with Wellingborough School where she was Secretary of the Junior School for nearly 40 years.
Concluding a most happy occasion, RWBro. Barrie Hall wished Tony and Connie well with these words:
May you continue to step boldly forward on this great highway of Masonry with a smile on your lips and a song in your heart, and may the Great Architect of the Universe walk with you.