Page 30 - Essex Mason (Issue 87) Online Version

Long Service

Vincent RAYNER 50
Worshipful Brother

Vince was born in Colchester on 5th May 1944 and received his education at the Wilson
Marriage School. Barrack Street Colchester.
Vince has always had a leaning towards showbusiness and even at an early age was keen
on making it his career. However, his father had a different idea and insisted that he should
get himself a ‘proper job’ thus he entered into an apprenticeship in the printing industry.
He worked with two local firms in Colchester and was on the payroll at Benham & Co
and later Spottiswoode- Ballantyne. There, he honed his skills as a Graphic Designer.
These skills are longstanding and he is still in demand today. Indeed, he has prepared the
illustrated covers for the traditional Colchester Oyster Feast for several decades and his
latest work was admired at the feast held only a couple of weeks ago.
Vince’s inclination towards showbusiness wasn’t daunted by his ‘proper job’ and he was able to combine the two, appearing locally
and nationally. As an accomplished guitarist, comedian and singer, many halls have rung out to his echo.
He is probably better known for his involvement in the popular TV comedies: ‘Hello Hello’ and ‘Hi-de-hi’. It was only on the weekend
of 20th October this year that he attended the Phoenix at Charing Cross Road for a reunion gathering of the familiar stars of the series.

As is the case with busy people, Vince was able to combine his acting career with community work and took up a role as a Magistrate
in the Colchester Courts. This he did for 33 years and established himself as a senior member of the bench.
Vince was initiated into Abbeygate Lodge 4219 on 24th October 1969 becoming Master there in 1983. After the decline of Abbeygate
Lodge, Vince turned towards Wivenhoe. He joined Colne Lodge on 11th February 1997 and went on to be Master here twice. The
first time in 2000 and again in 2017.
Whilst at Abbeygate he was renowned as a member of The Abbeygate Choral, an assembly of brothers who roundly entertained
diners at the Christmas Festive Board.
Nowadays, Vince keeps his hand in as a Tour Guide and regularly appears as the ‘shepherd’ on trips to the many attractions in central
London. No doubt regaling them with his comedy repertoire!

50
Kenneth William Butcher
Martello Lodge 7121

APGM W.Bro Lee Taylor
attended The Martello
Lodge 7121 on Saturday
18th May to present a 50
year certificate to Honorary
member W.Bro Ken Butcher
PPSGD. PZ.
Ken has been in the past a DC
for a 20 year period and also a
long term Treasurer and being
one of the stalwarts of the
Lodge the brethren presented
him with a case of his favourite
red wine.
Ken is now 92 and still attends occasionally when his mobility
allows. Many Lodges have brethren of long service and it is
without brethren such as Ken in each lodge that the traditions
have been sustained and continued with importance then as
it is now.
Congratulations W.Bro Kenneth William Butcher.

Celebrate your Lodges Long Serving
Members - Send a Story & Photo to
magazine@essexmason.co.uk
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