The 2025 Annual General meeting for the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight was held for the fourth time at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London, and for the fourth time the decision to hold it at this superb venue was vilified. Numerous articles have already been published on social media, and emailed from Province with detailed information as to events on that day. It is not my intention to repeat what has already been written.
Amongst the 1100 + in attendance at Freemasons hall, and the many hundreds of appointments and promotions, were many Masons from our own south-east area. In particular, there were three who received a first appointment to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer, a “Rosette Provincial apron.” These Brethren, having chosen not to take progressive offices, have established themselves in vital roles within their Lodges and their work and efforts form the very backbone of our fraternity.
Brother Andrew Bartlett has just celebrated his 76th birthday. He is married and has two grown children. Born in Emsworth, he now lives in Purbrook. A time served carpenter and joiner, Alan joined the ambulance service at 21 Where he remained for 43 years, ending his career as a training manager. He is now retired.
Andy was introduced to Freemasonry by work colleagues who invited him along to “open evenings.” This obviously appealed to him as he was initiated into Drayton lodge in 2008 (estimated). He has been Treasurer of Drayton Lodge for about six years, and is also a member of Portsdown Chapter.
Advancing through the progressive offices was never something that Andy was particularly interested in doing. He was attracted to Masonry for its rich history and the camaraderie it offered.
Andy was unable to attend the AGM due to a family issue that forced him to cancel at short notice.
Chris joined the British transport Police as a cadet aged 18, serving in Central London before joining Hampshire Constabulary in 1968, finally retiring in 1997 having served most of that time as a village (community) Policeman. Chris has great passion and expertise for rod making and fishing. He has worked as a licensed fishing coach, and turned rod making into a business following his retirement from the Police. He was justifiably proud as he told me he is the only non US citizen to be inducted into the custom Rod Builders Guild (of America) Hall of Fame, as a “Legacy Legend of rod building.” See https://rodguild.com/legacy-legends/.
Chris has two children from his first marriage. His second marriage was to Wendy in 1985. She sadly passed away in 2019.
Chris discovered early on that ritual (“ceremony” to be politically correct) was not something that he enjoyed. However, he is fully prepared to get involved in other Lodge duties and enjoys the social side of Masonry. He has since Joined Cathedral Lodge and served as their Tyler for several years before eventually becoming their Treasurer, an office he has held for the last five years. With his love of fishing, Chris was keen to be a founder member of the Country Sports Lodge. At the consecration of the Country Sports Lodge, he was installed as their Tyler. He served in that office for two years and was the author of the Country Sports toast. As can be seen from his picture, he attended Freemasons hall in person to his collar.
David Bourne of Taverners was also in receipt of a “rosette apron” where he has served his Lodge for several years in the office of Almoner.
These three men punctuate the point that everyone in Masonry has a place to which they can bring significant value.
I am sure that you will join me in giving sincere congratulations to all those who received an appointment or promotion at this year’s AGM.