THE members of Granville Masonic Lodge No 3405, which meets in Bude, had cause to celebrate at their meeting in May.

One of their members, Arthur Weed, had reached 50 years’ membership of the fraternity and was presented with a certificate to mark the achievement.

The presentation was made by The Provincial Grand Master of Cornwall Stephen Pearn who gave a very detailed and interesting report of Arthur’s masonic career.

Arthur was initiated in 1966 by his father into The Arts and Sciences Lodge No. 5626 in London. He served in all the offices and became Master in 1985 and again in 2002.

In his early days as a freemason his work as a civil engineer took him abroad and he regularly visited a lodge in Ghana. On moving to the West Country in 1980 he kept up his masonic duties in London and in 1988 he joined Granville Lodge in Bude. He served in various offices including Master and Treasurer, a position he held for 20 years.

He still contributes to all the lodges activities and continues to greatly enjoy his membership.

After the meeting the members enjoyed a celebration dinner where Arthur was given a place of honour at the top table. There was a raffle and collection and a considerable sum was raised for various masonic charities.

Arthur also belongs to various other degrees and orders in freemasonry and enjoys them all. He is married with two grown up sons and lives near Holsworthy.

Anyone wishing to find out more about freemasonry or Granville Lodge should contact the lodge secretary Keith Taylor on 01288 354636 or visit www.ugle.org.uk