Ten North Devon Freemasons who are reaching, or have recently reached, the age of 80 came together for a special lunch at the Commodore Hotel in Instow, in what proved to be a very enjoyable celebration of friendship and many years of shared Masonic life.
The gathering was organised by John Rice, bringing together brethren from across North Devon for an informal afternoon in one of the area’s most attractive coastal settings.
The Commodore overlooks the Taw and Torridge estuary at Instow, with views across the water towards Appledore. The family-run hotel has welcomed guests since 1969, and its position on the estuary provided a suitably relaxed setting for the occasion.
There was no formal ceremony and no fundraising target attached to the day. It was simply an opportunity to meet, enjoy lunch together and mark an important milestone among friends.
Freemasonry places considerable value on friendship and fellowship, but those words can sometimes sound rather abstract. A table filled with men who have known one another through Lodge meetings, social occasions and countless shared experiences over many years gives them a much more tangible meaning.
The group enjoyed lunch overlooking the estuary before making the most of the fine setting outside.
Good food, good company and the chance to celebrate reaching 80 with old friends.
With ten brethren around the table, that represented around 800 years of life experience between them — and, judging by the photographs, no shortage of stories still to tell.
Pictured Below, from left: Ray Mackintosh, John Rice, Keith Rodulson, Mike Harding, Bill Rogers, John Bolzon, Chris Turnbull, Brian Martin, Peter Kyle and Ian Pollock.
