On 8 November 2022, the 60th anniversary of his initiation, Colin Silvester was visited at home by a number of Lofthouse brethren accompanied by W Bro Martin Eggermont PAGDC representing the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Dr David Chambers, all enjoying a finger buffet and the company and humour of Colin and Audrey his wife.

Colin’s father William was a freemason and Colin was initiated into the Lofthouse Lodge when his father was the Worshipful Master. His brother Terry was also initiated as a freemason in Lofthouse Lodge and is a joining member of Old Guisborian Lodge 7793, he remains a member of both.

Colin knew so little when he joined masonry but quickly realised how many people he knew who were already members and noticed how much they enjoyed their time together. He states that ‘in masonry you simply make friends.

He was installed as WM of his lodge on 9 October 1980 and recalls touring the Province visiting other lodges and making more new friends.

He was appointed PPJGW on 19 May 2001.

Colin reminisced on his appointments in the lodge particularly as the DC. All present agreed that they had learnt their masonic standards from him as their role model. He was the ultimately capable DC who controlled lodge installations from start to finish including seating plan and festive board arrangements and he knew the blue book back to front. His calligraphy skills were also a work of art.

The photographs show Colin at home receiving his 60 year certificate from W Bro Martin Eggermont (top image) and (below) accompanying Lofthouse brethren, L-R Back row W Bros Don Wray, Colin Fenby, Derek Clements and Eric Turnbull and front row W Bros Jim Taylor and Colin Silvester.