W Bro Tony Shepherd SLGR witnesses this

Bro Neil Dunnet SLGR was initiated into Mill Hill Lodge No 3574 on 16 December 1969. He was Worshipful Master in 1978 and was honoured with Senior London Grand Rank in 2004.

On Tuesday 17th December 2019 in Temple 15 at Freemasons Hall in the presence of forty members and guests Bro Neil was presented with a fifty year Long Service Certificate by Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master RW Bro Stephen Fenton PJGW.

As part of his Long Service Certificate presentation, Bro Stephen delivered a brief run through of Bro Neil’s private and masonic life in a warm and conversational manner, making particular mention of his brother, Bro Peter Dunnet, who was present as a Lodge member, as well as the fact that Bro Neil was Initiated by his late father.

The Lodge Charity Steward, VW Bro Philip Summers PGSwdB and Lodge Treasurer W Bro Paul Armstrong, PAGDC MetGInsp, were both present
for this special occasion. Lodge Senior Visiting Officer W Bro Martyn Mordecai SLGR and Visiting Officer W Bro Richard Higginson SLGR were also in attendance.

Following the presentation of the Certificate, the Lodge Officers conducted an impressive Passing Ceremony for Bro Panayiotis Chacholiades. Worshipful Master W Bro Alex Hanna delivering the Obligation, Signs and Charge. Lodge Secretary, W Bro Laurie Chalk LGR presented the Second Degree working tools, the Charge after Passing was delivered by W Bro Andreas Alexandrou LGR, W Bro Mark Johnson presented an extended explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board to the approbation of everyone present.

After the Ceremony, Bro Philip informed the brethren that, in conjunction with St Catherine’s Park Lodge No. 2899, a cheque for £1,000 will be presented in person to the Noah’s Ark Hospice next year.

At the meeting’s conclusion, the thirsty brethren retired to the Hilton Hotel, Southampton Row for a well-earned Christmas themed Festive Board where Bro Neil was presented with some gifts by the Brethren of Mill Hill Lodge as a mark of their respect and affection.

In response, Bro Neil thanked everybody for making such a special day an unforgettable experience.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 40 April 2020 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 40 here.