The Brethren of Seaton Valley Lodge enjoyed a particularly memorable meeting on Wednesday 2 September, when Worshipful Brother Robert “Bob” Stannard celebrated an outstanding fifty years in Freemasonry.
The evening was made all the more distinctive when Bob was presented with his Golden Jubilee Certificate by his namesake, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Kevin Stannard.
Bob was initiated into St Anthony’s Lodge on 28 May 1976. Having formed close friendships with several members of Seaton Valley Lodge, he subsequently joined the Lodge in 1979.
He was exalted into Astley Royal Arch Chapter in 1985 and, two years later, was installed as Master of Seaton Valley Lodge, having progressed through each of the Lodge offices.
In recognition of his considerable service to Freemasonry, Bob was appointed Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1996. Further recognition followed in 2005, when he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Registrar.
For two decades prior to the pandemic, Bob also served faithfully as the Lodge Organist, sharing a musical talent that is becoming increasingly rare within Freemasonry and contributing greatly to the character and atmosphere of the Lodge’s meetings.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Bob’s son, Brother Adam Stannard, was present to see his father receive his certificate.
Adam has himself been a member of Seaton Valley Lodge for more than twenty-five years, despite the considerable demands of a distinguished medical career. He previously served as a Royal Naval Medical Officer and is now a senior consultant surgeon on Teesside.
Bro. Adam Stannard, W. Bro. Bob Stannard and RW Bro. Kevin Stannard, Provincial Grand Master, following the presentation of Bob’s Golden Jubilee Certificate.
The Provincial Grand Master was delighted to share this important milestone with the Lodge and to have the privilege of presenting the certificate to his namesake.
Warm congratulations are extended to W. Bro. Bob Stannard on achieving fifty remarkable years in Freemasonry. His enduring commitment to Seaton Valley Lodge and the wider Province stands as a wonderful example of dedication, service and brotherly affection.