Celebrating 50 Years in Freemasonry
W.Bro. Ernest Nicholls & W.Bro. Mick Smith
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Mrs.Daphne Nicholls & W.Bro. Ernest Nicholls
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W.Bro.Ernest Nicholls & R.W. Bro. Geoffrey Dearing, Provincial Grand Master
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Our meeting on the 11th of May 2015 was a White Table event to celebrate W.Bro. Ernest Nicholls' 50th anniversary of his Initiation into Freemasonry.
Ernie is an extremely popular and well known figure in the world of Freemasonry and it was good to see so many of his friends come to be part of his celebrations.
After the usual Lodge business, the guests were invited into the Lodge.
It was also good to see Ernie's wife Daphne sitting at his side.
There, the Secretary read an extract from the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday the 3rd of May 1965, the day of Ernie's Initiation into Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Master then rose and gave a most entertaining and interesting tribute to Ernie.
In part of the tribute, the Provincial Grand Master told of the green Maidstone and District single decker bus that Ernie used to drive to collect the workers for his farm.
The destination board on the bus had been customised by Ernie to show pictures of fruit.
The Provincial Grand Master added later that this bus had been restored and there was a good possibility it could be seen at rallies in the summer. (If anyone sees it, please do take a photograph and email it to the Lodge Secretary).
He then presented Ernie with his 50 years Certificate.
Following on from the Provincial Grand Master came a tribute from W.Bro. Ray King.
Ray received his 50 years award in 2014 so was actually present at Ernie's Initiation.
He described Ernie as a good and true friend and a gentle man in every way.
The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Mick Smith, presented Ernie with a 50 year pin and an engraved glass plaque, a gift from the members of the South Kent Lodge.
Ernie then responded to these wonderful tributes, speaking of his recollections from the times he was a young man finding his way in life.
Finally, it was time to pay tribute to the most important person in Ernie's life, his wife Daphne.
She has supported him throughout his Masonic career, and there is no doubt Daphne and Ernie are, and still remain, a strong team.
There then followed a Festive Board, where Ernie was presented with a celebration cake.
There is no doubt that Ernie is an inspiration and example to us all and long may he continue to be.
Ernie is an extremely popular and well known figure in the world of Freemasonry and it was good to see so many of his friends come to be part of his celebrations.
After the usual Lodge business, the guests were invited into the Lodge.
It was also good to see Ernie's wife Daphne sitting at his side.
There, the Secretary read an extract from the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday the 3rd of May 1965, the day of Ernie's Initiation into Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Master then rose and gave a most entertaining and interesting tribute to Ernie.
In part of the tribute, the Provincial Grand Master told of the green Maidstone and District single decker bus that Ernie used to drive to collect the workers for his farm.
The destination board on the bus had been customised by Ernie to show pictures of fruit.
The Provincial Grand Master added later that this bus had been restored and there was a good possibility it could be seen at rallies in the summer. (If anyone sees it, please do take a photograph and email it to the Lodge Secretary).
He then presented Ernie with his 50 years Certificate.
Following on from the Provincial Grand Master came a tribute from W.Bro. Ray King.
Ray received his 50 years award in 2014 so was actually present at Ernie's Initiation.
He described Ernie as a good and true friend and a gentle man in every way.
The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Mick Smith, presented Ernie with a 50 year pin and an engraved glass plaque, a gift from the members of the South Kent Lodge.
Ernie then responded to these wonderful tributes, speaking of his recollections from the times he was a young man finding his way in life.
Finally, it was time to pay tribute to the most important person in Ernie's life, his wife Daphne.
She has supported him throughout his Masonic career, and there is no doubt Daphne and Ernie are, and still remain, a strong team.
There then followed a Festive Board, where Ernie was presented with a celebration cake.
There is no doubt that Ernie is an inspiration and example to us all and long may he continue to be.
