On Tuesday, 17th June 2025, a significant milestone was celebrated at Fern Avenue Masonic Hall, as W Bro. Sydney Alan Winter PProvJGW marked 50 years of loyal and distinguished service to Freemasonry. The special occasion took place during a regular meeting of Lodge de Loraine No. 541.
W Bro. John Yim Chan PSGD, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master – and a long-time friend and Masonic companion of Alan’s since the 1970s – was invited to present the 50th Year Certificate. The pair’s shared Masonic journey has spanned decades, including the time when W Bro. John served as Visiting Grand Officer to Excelsior Lodge No. 6609 during its time at West Avenue, Gosforth in the late 1990s.
W Bro. Sydney Alan Winter PProvJGW proudly receives his 50th Year Certificate from W Bro. John Yim Chan PSGD in the company of Brethren at Lodge de Loraine No. 541.
Following the closure of Excelsior Lodge in 2024, W Bro. Alan, along with 11 fellow Brethren, transitioned to Lodge de Loraine, where they have since become well established.
During the evening’s celebration, the Lodge Secretary, W Bro. Nigel Hedley MBE, read out Alan’s comprehensive Masonic history, followed by Worshipful Master W Bro. Keith Martin PProvGReg reading the formal certificate presentation.
W Bro. Alan was born on 27th April 1944 and was initiated into Excelsior Lodge No. 6609 on 13th May 1975. He advanced quickly through the degrees, being passed on 12th June and raised on 14th October of the same year. He went on to serve as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in March 1983, as Lodge Almoner for an incredible 40 years, and as Lodge Secretary for 18 years from 2001 until 2019.
He became a Life Member of Lodge Irvine St. Andrew No. 149 (Scottish Constitution) on 15th June 2008.
W Bro. Alan’s commitment extended beyond the Craft into the Royal Arch. He was exalted into Victory Chapter No. 3986 on 12th October 1977 and served as Most Excellent Z on 9th March 2001, followed by six years as Scribe E from 2007 to 2013. He was also the Founding Assistant Scribe E of Oriental Chapter No. 9371 in December 2005 and later served as Most Excellent Z in December 2011.
His Provincial honours reflect his years of service and leadership:
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In Craft Freemasonry:
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Past Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar (1994)
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Past Provincial Grand Registrar (2001)
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Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden (2007)
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In Royal Arch:
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Past Provincial Grand Sojourner (2007)
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Past Provincial Grand Registrar (2013)
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Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah (2018)
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A moment of celebration and brotherhood as W Bro. Alan Winter marks 50 years in Freemasonry, surrounded by long-standing friends and fellow Masons.
Professionally, Alan served as a Building Officer with the Newcastle Area Health Authority Estates Department for 33 years before his retirement. Away from the Lodge, Alan enjoys family life with his wife Wendy, his partner of 57 years, their daughter and son, and three grandsons.