Page 36 - Essex Mason (Issue 87) Online Version

Online Supplement

Ron Marsh

60th anniversary

t was on the 17th of July 1957 that Mr. Ronald Frederick Marsh, entered Loughton Masonic Hall, unaware of what would
Ihappen next, was met by his father John as IG, and was initiated him into freemasonry, so that when he left Loughton
Temple, he was a Brother to all other freemasons worldwide, but particularly Lambourne Lodge no 3945.!
He was only 21 years plus 2 months old, which meant he had a head start regarding longevity in Masonry, but he filled those
early years by progressing through to WM in 1970. He took on ADC and then DC for 8 years followed by 5 years as Chaplain.
He had started work as a pupil civil engineer with Rush and Tomkins, was awarded a state scholarship to read Civil Engineering
at Kings college, London, receiving a BSc , and then moving to Ove Arup for the rest of his outstanding and satisfying career.
He had attended Kings College which entitles him to append AKC after his name, but his earlier school was William D’Aeth in
Dartford, and eventually was the Founding Master of the Dartford school lodge. He was honoured with active provincial grand
rank of Senior Grand deacon, and thence PPSGD, eventually on to PPJGW. Unusually he also attained PPJGW in West Kent
(Dartford).
He was a constant attender at the L.of I., being preceptor for many years, when the L.of I. was weekly, and the excellent ritual
that was typical of Lambourne Lodge was no doubt due a great deal to Bro. Ron’s efforts.
He has been resident in France for several years, but still attended as often as possible, but recently had suffered with back
problems which saw him being bed-bound during 2016/17. However, as part of his rehabilitation he is trying to become
more mobile, and to remain upright. Because of hospital appointments he was able to attend Dartford, but could not make
Lambourne, his Mother lodge who meet in October.

It was therefore agreed to present him with his Certificate to recognise the 60th anniversary of his Initiation, at the William
D’aeth Lodge, after observing the protocols of both Essex and West Kent GL. ,where the RW.Bro. Col. Sir Neil Thorne PPGM.,
presented Bro. Ron with his certificate, with genuine sincerity , especially when Sir Neil, sat with Ron as he was unable to rise
comfortably. This was followed by a presentation by W.Bro Doug. Lee, Lambourne’s Master, of a capo damonte model perhaps
modelled on Bro. Ron himself. At the festive board the host Lodge also presented Bro. Ron with a tankard as their tribute, to
his contribution to them. A summons suitably signed by all present was also handed to Bro, as a memento.
Lambourne Lodge 3945 celebrated its Centenary in September 2019 and W.Bro. Ron was asked to occupy the Masters chair,
which he did, and the opportunity to repeat the presentation, but now with RW.Bro. Rodney Bass was taken. A copy is attached
of the photo!!
Finally, all who know him see him as a big man, both Masonically, and in normal life, with a beard that is as old as his Masonic
career.

Holland-on-Sea Lodge
Tendring Specialist Stroke Services

The Worshipful Master of Holland-on-Sea Lodge, W.Bro Malcolm Claringbull had the
pleasure of presenting a cheque for £300-00 to Tendring Specialist Stroke Services, based
in Frinton Road, Holland on Sea.
£250.00 was raised via our very successful Sunday Lunch held at the Colvin Temple, plus that
was topped up by a very generous £50-00 donation made by one of our Lodge members.
The Stroke Centre badly need to upgrade their kitchen, so this donation will go towards
that project.
The Centre do a fantastic job, however, like so many charities they need the help and
support of the local community to be able to continue offering their wonderful services to
the people within the Clacton Area when it's most needed
Supp-04