The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, joined the brethren of the Ashburton Mark Lodge 1038 recently as they celebrated a special anniversary for one of their brethren. He was accompanied on this occasion by Right Worshipful Brother John P. Clendinning, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, Grand Steward and the Provincial Grand Secretary.
The lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Jon Webber, and after completing the initial business of the evening, invited the Provincial Grand Master to address the brethren and celebrate the achievement of 60 years in Mark Masonry by Worshipful Brother Cyril “Heath” Dadd, or to some more affectionately known as “Farmer Dadd”. Brother Heath was also accompanied by his two sons in law, Worshipful Brother Robert Hendy, the Provincial Grand Junior Warden and Brother Richard Barter, the Register of Marks within the Ashburton lodge.
After being joined by Brother Dadd on the floor of the lodge, the Provincial Grand Master became the new Eamon Andrews, as he discussed the life and times of Brother Heath, over his amazing one hundred years of his life. He recounted memories from his childhood, his love of farming and tractors, and helping his father on the farm. He was also reminded of coming 3rd in the local adult ploughing competition at Seale Hayne College, at the early age of 13. His vivid memories of that time were when he was watching the German wartime bombers flying over the edge of Dartmoor and turning to undertake raids on the city of Plymouth, whilst also dropping their unused bombs on Dartmoor.
Heath, along with his family continued to farm in the Bovey Tracey area, and in the 1990’s diversified by creating a Driving range and Pitch and Putt course. This is now known as the Bovey Tracey Golf Club. He was a keen member and follower of the National Farmers Union in the area. He celebrated his 100th birthday on the 31st of July 2025.
Heath was initiated into the craft in September 1962. In 1988, he became a founder member of the Devon Farmers Lodge 9250, receiving his 60-year award in 2022 and becoming an honorary member of that lodge in 2023. He was promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Junior Deacon in 2013.
In Mark Masonry Brother Heath was advanced into the Ashburton lodge of Mark Master Masons 1038 on the 10th of February 1966. Whilst remaining as a Brother, he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer in 1987 and was made an honorary member of the lodge in 2025. He was a founder member of the Uffculme Cornerstone Lodge of Mark Master Masons and is still a member of that lodge.
The Provincial Grand Secretary, Worshipful Brother Robert Palmer, then read the Grand Lodge citation, along with the Provincial citation, which were then handed to Brother heath to recognise that achievement.
The Provincial Grand Master then had the honour to further recognise him for his achievements and dedication by promoting him to Past Provincial Grand Senior Deacon, which culminated in a standing ovation for Brother Heath.
The meeting then closed and more than 30 brethren present retired to the refectory and enjoyed a fabulous meal alongside Brother Heath.
Having been a loyal and dedicated Mason in all the lodges in which he has been a member, having lived a remarkable and fulfilling life, it was with great delight that the brethren of Ashburton Mark Lodge, alongside the Provincial Grand Master, were able to celebrate this Diamond Jubilee. Congratulations to Brother Heath having completed 60 year’s dedicated service to the Mark Degree.