Such is the esteem in which WBro Stanley George Wilford PSGD is held that the temple at Wellingborough needed additional seating on 20 March. At a regular meeting of John Pyel Lodge No 5195 he received his 60 year Certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes.

First there was a superb initiation ceremony carried out by the WM and his officers on a night that the initiate, Bro James Shearman, will surely remember for the rest of his life.

Following that, the PGM rose to make the presentation after paying tribute to Stan's work in the community as well as in Freemasonry. When he was only 17, Stan's father died from the aftermath of gassing in WW1. Stan took over the family auctioneering business. It grew under his leadership to become a Wellingborough "institution" until sold in 1999, following the untimely death of Stan's son Tim.

(l to r) WBro Stan Wilford receives his certificate from PGM, RWBro Max Bayes

Stan was initiated into John Pyel Lodge in 1952, and installed as WM in 1963. In 1970 he was appointed ProvJGW, and Grand Rank followed in 1982. He was exalted into the Royal Arch (Wellingborough Chapter) in 1965, becoming MEZ in 1979.

Since those early days Stan joined many other Orders achieving Grand Rank in all of them. However, the PGM pointed out what he considered a glaring omission, in that Stan has yet to join the Red Cross of Constantine!

While Stan has had a distinguished masonic career, that is only part of the story. He has also been involved with Palmer Court right from its inception and given great service to the Rotary movement.

Behind the scenes, Stan and his beloved wife Jessie have provided help, support and advice to innumerable people and causes over the years. It was fitting that brethren had travelled from all over the Province for the occasion to show Stan the great affection in which he is held.