The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, was joined by Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Chris Elliott, the Provincial Grand Secretary at Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 9 in South Molton, North Devon recently.

They were accompanied by a number of Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge Officers, where were present to witness and celebrate initially the Installation of the New Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Brother Ian Puttock, which was undertaken in the normal fine form.

Following the Installation ceremony, Very Worshipful Brother Sidney Claude Squire, P.G.J.O., was presented with his certificate recognising his 50 years in this wonderful degree of Mark Masonry by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

V.W. Bro Claude (as he is known to his friends) was advanced into the Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 9 on the 18th January 1974, and he progressed through the offices of the lodge, becoming the Worshipful Master in May 1984. He was awarded a first appointment of Provincial Grand Junior Overseer in 1987, and was promoted to Provincial Grand Junior Warden in 1994, and to Past Provincial Grand Senior Overseer the following Year. Grand appointments followed with a first appointment to Grand Steward in 2000, with further promotions to Past Grand Junior Deacon and Past Grand Junior Overseer. Sid is also still a subscribing member of the Grand Stewards lodge to this day.

Not just content with Mark Masonry alone, Claude was elevated into the Benevolence Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 1264 in 1986, and became a founder member of the Fortescue Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 9 in 1993, becoming the Worshipful Commander of this lodge in 2009. He was also rewarded for his service to the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity by receiving his Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 2005.

A fantastic achievement by a true gentleman of the order, and many congratulations from the brethren across the Province.