Bro Brian Gent has been appointed “Citizen of the Year for 2022” for the town of Guisborough, presented by the Mayor of Guisborough, Councillor Sheila Berry.

In 2001 Brian was initiated into Freemasonry at Zetland Lodge No 561, which meets at Chaloner Street, Guisborough.

At this year’s Provincial meeting he was appointed and invested as Past Provincial Assistant Grand Standard Bearer in recognition of all his work within the lodge in particular, the craft in general, especially his constant fundraising and support for TLC, and his dedicated support to the local community.

Brian held the office of Lodge Almoner for many years administering to the needs of the sick and infirmed, as well as keeping close contact with the widows of the lodge and checking up on those who were absent for whatever reason from the lodge meetings.

He also draws on his considerable skill and experience as an electrician, assisting the Board of Directors for the Masonic Hall at Guisborough to keep the lodge building up to date and making recommendations and improvements to the building for the benefit of all Masons.

Brian had worked for Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Highways Department as a Senior Street Lighting Engineer since 1974 and even when he moved on to a new job, he found he was still responsible for the Christmas Lighting display in Guisborough. He spends many hours ensuring the lights are in good order and properly maintained thereby ensuring a great annual display for the benefit of the community. He also helps as a events volunteer acting as a safety marshal to assist the Town Council.

In 2012 Brian joined the Royal British Legion, recently becoming the Chairman for the Guisborough Branch, where he is heavily involved in the organising and coordination of the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

He also represented the Guisborough Royal British Legion Branch at the Menin Gate in Ypres in 2018 and is currently an “Eyes on, Hands on volunteer“ to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission visiting local churchyards and cemeteries to carry out inspections of graves under the Commission’s care, ensuring they are maintained in a good and clean condition.

Brian and his wife Ros are also volunteers in the community café at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough as a ‘thank you’ for major treatments and care he himself has received at the hospital.

A well deserved reward for which we send hearty congratulations!