It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of W Bro Neville Hugh Manning PAGDC PProvGDC to the Grand Lodge Above on November 5th 2023 aged 85 years. WBro Neville was initiated into Eleanor Cross Lodge No.1764 on 12 December 1980, becoming Master in 1990. He served for many years as Director of Ceremonies and became Master again in 2011.
Neville was born in Milton Malsor, educated at Towcester Grammar School and served in the Royal Marines before becoming a building society manager. He was married to Denise with whom he had two daughters.
He was appointed as Past Provincial Grand Steward in 1993 and became a member of the Palmer Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards No.8995.
In 1996 he was appointed Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies and was promoted to Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2000, serving until 2006 and being granted Grand Rank in 2002 as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
In 2001 he was invited to join Three Counties Lodge No.9278 and served as its Director of Ceremonies for twenty years from 2002-2022.
He was a founder member of Towcestrian Lodge No.9510, serving as its first Director of Ceremonies, alongside his good friend as ADC, RWBro Max Bayes PProvPGM.
The former Northampton Saints rugby player, was also a founder of Webb Ellis Lodge No.9740. Neville made his Saints debut in 1968 when nearly 30 but still went on to make 99 appearances. Although all who met Neville will confirm he was the absolute gentleman, those who saw him play attest to him being a ferocious forward!
There will be many in the Province who will remember with great fondness his encouragement and sage advice as an important part of their advancement in masonic knowledge.
WBro William Diggins, Provincial Grand Secretary, said “Neville was a man of great honour and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on our Freemason community. His commitment to our principles was evident during his six-year tenure as the Provincial Director of Ceremonies from 2000 to 2006. His leadership and service have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Details of the funeral:
Northampton Crematorium
Towcester Rd, Milton Malsor, Northampton NN4 9RN
11.15am Wednesday 29th November
Afterward at:
Old Northamptonians Rugby Clubhouse
Billing Rd, Northampton NN1 5RX