After a relatively short regular meeting of Grey Friars Lodge on Monday 27 February 2023, wives, partners, guests and friends of members were invited into the Lodge room.
The guest of honour was Liz Neale, the wife of member WBro John Neale who reached his 50 years membership milestone in January 2023. John has been in poor health for a number of years suffering with dementia. He is now resident in a care home and unable to attend Lodge. Liz received his Jubilee Certificate on John’s behalf.
Liz Neale receiving Jubilee Certificate from Gerry Crawford
Those who have had the privilege of knowing John remember him as one of the old-school Lodge characters.
Born in 1931 in Clapham, London, he had a very hard childhood. His father died when John was 2 years old and he was brought up by grandparents.
After military service in the Military Police, he stablished a successful steel fixing company and undertook major contracts which eventually brought him to Northampton where he married Liz in 1983.
In January 1973 he was initiated into Clapham Lodge No 1365 which, sadly, was erased in January 2006.
He became a joining member of Grey Friars Lodge No 4990 in Northampton in April 1990 and its Worshipful Master in 1886. Appointed to Provincial Grand Rank and receiving several promotions, his last was in 2013 to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
John Neale
In his heyday, he was astute, didn’t suffer fools gladly and a stern task master in the work environment. Out of work he had a much softer side, being social, sociable, liking a laugh, fun to be with and generous.
In presenting the Jubilee Certificate to Liz on John’s behalf, WBro Gerry Crawford thanked her for supporting John in his long Masonic career.
As a token of the Lodge’s appreciation, Worshipful Master, WBro Clark Gilkes, presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Clark Gilkes presenting fkowers to Liz Neale
Everyone then enjoyed an excellent Festive Board.