At the time of writing, I have the pleasure of being the Master of our 126 year old Lodge. I joined Freemasonry in 2012, following my Father into the 'craft' ."I have had a very varied career, from International Banker, London Taxi Driver, Tour Guide and Historian, Tutor, Gardener and Builder. So, plenty to talk about over a cold drink or two after our meetings".

I have enjoyed every minute, being able to meet and socialise with Brothers of all ages and backgrounds, learning and performing ancient rituals with them, working towards providing funds for countless charities, and growing as an individual through the fraternity the craft teaches.

I was initiated into Freemasonry in 2007 and became a member of Sir Walter St John 2513 in 2013. I have completed my journey through different offices from Junior Deacon eventually to Master of the Lodge where I recently served for 2 years from 2018-2020, being privileged to be the master in our 125th year.

Masonry is a big part of my life and myself, and my family, very much enjoy the social side of it in particular.  I have made many lifelong friends over the years through Masonry.

My masonic life begain in Dundee in 1997 my mother lodge being St Dave 1778 a very old lodge. I was honoured to be invite to rejoin St Walter St John lodge in London recently. I have been very privileged in receiving invitations for visiting numerous  lodges through out the UK in the last 25 years, I have formed so many good friendships through my Mosonic life and enjoy everything it offers.

I have been Lodge member since being initiated into 2513 in 1968.  I have served as Secretary and for a longer time as Assistant Secretary and Almoner.  I trained to teach at St Mark and St John's College in Chelsea going on to be awarded an MBE for services to education, given as much for my Outdoor Pursuits work, pastoral care and discipline in a large comprehensive.

My years at 2513 have provided a great opt out of the pressured world of the classroom and council chamber and he has valued freemasonry for giving me a great set of 'different' friends as brothers.

I was invited to join freemasonry by a friend who had been thinking about asking me for a couple of years, and when asked I said yes without hesitation. I was initiated into Sir Walter St John Lodge on the 27th February 2010, I served as Master in 2017 and currently hold the offices of secretary (since 2018) and Almoner.

People enjoy masonry in many different ways for me I enjoy learning the ritual, the comradery of the festive board, as this is where I get the opportunity to catch up with people who I wouldn’t necessary meet with, perhaps due to home location, age or the type of work they do. Once the formalities are over its great to relax by having a few social beers in the pub afterwards.

I enjoy visiting other lodges as I find this the perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy the meeting whilst meeting brethren from different lodges and backgrounds.

I was initiated in Sir Walter St John Lodge in February 2002 and worked my way up the ladder of progressive offices to become Master in 2010 and again in 2011. Back then the Lodge met at Clerkenwell Masonic Centre - a magnificent and quirky building that once used to be the Middlesex Assizes. Regrettably, the Centre closed in 2014 - but the upside to that was that the Lodge moved to the home of English Freemasonry - Freemasons Hall in Covent Garden! Due to personal reasons, I left the Lodge in 2015 but rejoined in June 2021. I'm also a member of two other lodges, a Royal Arch Chapter in Kent and a Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in Kent.
 

I love the breadth that Freemasonry offers through the atmospheres and contrasts that different Lodges and side orders bring, but I've been really grateful to return back to Sir Walter St John where it all began!
I became interested in Freemasonry through several friends who were Masons through a music and drama group I used to sing with. We would put short half-hour entertainment shows on for retirement homes and on occasion, after dinner for some Masonic Lodges. When we were at one Masonic venue, I asked one of those friends what Freemasonry was all about, and with that conversation he kick-started a masonic journey which I am still travelling on. Being a Freemason is very much a voyage of discovery - about one's self as well as about others - and we all add an additional dimension to the life skills we have already, and learn some new ones, too. 

I had seen Masonic halls in many towns and cities throughout the world and wondered at them. I was thus delighted to be initiated into the lodge on Saturday 5th June 2021, so I can unravel some of the mysteries. At writing, I am at the beginning of my journey, seeking knowledge, companionship, and ever reaching out into the bright white light, grateful to be in the company of the fellows at our lodge and beyond.

Like many of my generation I joined Freemasonry because I was asked, I knew nothing about Freemasonry upon joining my fathers Lodge. My wife and I had attended Masonic dinner dances and had enjoyed the company of the Masonic guests. My father thought I would make a good Freemason and proposed me; that was the start of my 45 year journey.

I am as enthusiastic about Freemasonry now as I was back in 1975. I have learnt I am part of the charitable giving that Masonry is built upon and goes on around the world. Freemasons are always amongst the first to send huge sums of money to assist disaster appeals. Closer to home, children's hospices are supported, homeless charities, children in hospitals, there are hundreds of charities that are supported on a daily basis.

Being a Freemason has made me a better person, more confident and self assured. My Masonic friends and 'Brothers' can be relied upon to help if they are able; if it is within their power they will not to let you down; that's why I am and will remain a Freemason.