Interviews

Steven is one of those alarmingly clever people who earned a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Computing from South Bank Polytechnic and then spent all 36 years of his working life with IBM. Now retired, he lives in Poole with his wife, Stephanie, and their cat, Amber. It should be recorded for posterity that the Groegers’ cat probably knows more Masonic ritual than any other feline in the United Kingdom, although she has yet to be awarded Provincial Honours.

An interesting fact: One of Steven’s hobbies is geocaching. In my ignorance, I had to consult W. Bro. Google, who, unlike most senior brethren, answered immediately and without first forming a committee. Apparently, geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunt in which participants use GPS-enabled devices or a smartphone app to track down hidden containers, known as caches, anywhere in the world. Essentially, it involves striding purposefully through the countryside before rummaging behind a suspicious-looking tree. The Groegers have done over 525 geocaches all over the UK and even some at the foot of Table Mountain in South Africa. Some of the caches have only been accessible using Kayaks as they were in the middle of a river! Steven’s expertise in global navigation serves him well in locating some Masonic Halls. Finding your way to some of these can require a satnav, local investigation and the sort of determination normally associated with a background in computer programming.

Steven was Initiated into Prince Edward Lodge No. 1903 on 21 November 1989, duly Passed and Raised, and became Worshipful Master in November 1995. After he vacated the Chair, he took on a variety of roles, including ADC, DC and Charity Steward - proof that in Freemasonry, leaving the top job merely qualifies you for several more jobs. Sadly, Prince Edward Lodge No. 1903 closed in November 2014 and surrendered its warrant. For the avoidance of doubt, no blame was ever apportioned to Steven, despite his having once occupied the Chair.

He became a joining member of several Lodges, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 9263, 12 Brothers Lodge No. 785, Lodge of Unity No. 132 and Thomas Dunckerley Lodge No. 9514, where he now serves as Inner Guard. Steven was appointed Visiting Grand Officer to two Lodges in the Botley Group, then became Assistant Group Representative before stepping up to Group Representative—because apparently one cannot simply attend a meeting and go home. His efforts in Craft Freemasonry were recognised in 1998, when he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward. He became Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies in July 2003 and Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies in July 2005, holding office until 2008. He received Grand Rank as PAGDC in April 2009 and was promoted to PJGD in April 2022.

In the good old days, the usual next step was to join the Holy Royal Arch—or Chapter, as most people called it. Nowadays, the Royal Arch is described as the Fourth Step in Craft Masonry. Whatever the terminology, Steven was Exalted into Prince Edward Chapter No. 1903 in September 1992 and became its Most Excellent Zerubbabel in 1999, and again in 2000 - presumably because perfection, like ritual, occasionally benefits from a second time around. After leaving the Chair, he held several offices, including ADC, DC and Principal Sojourner, and he is currently Treasurer. He was also a joining member of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter No. 9263. More promotions followed, as by now one might reasonably expect. Steven was appointed Provincial Grand Principal Sojourner in 2006, Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 2007 and to Grand Rank as PAGDC in April 2010.

Continuing steadily up the Masonic ladder and showing no sign of asking (or caring) where it ended, Steven was Advanced into William of Orange Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 973 in 1992. He became Worshipful Master in 1999 and again in 2001. Having completed that role twice, he then tried his hand at the offices of ADC, DC and Overseer, just in case there was an unticked box somewhere. He also joined Mercury Mark No. 777 in 2021. Steven was appointed Provincial Grand Registrar in 2006 and promoted to Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2008. He received Grand Rank as PAGDC in 2010 and was promoted in 2021 (and re-appointed in 2022) to Junior Grand Deacon.

Steven lists two of his hobbies as woodworking and kayaking, and he can often be seen splashing around Poole Harbour, sometimes the right way up. Whilst working at IBM, Steven and a colleague provided the results service for the Premier Division Canoeing, including providing the results for display on BBC’s Grandstand for the Europa Cup Canoeing Championship!

So, with a keen interest in both wood and water, what could be a more appropriate Order for Steven to join next than the Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. An additional qualification in Zoology might have been useful, but not essential. He was Elevated into Thomas A Becket RAM No. 775 in 2002 and became Worshipful Commander in 2006. He served as Director of Ceremonies from December for the following two years, ensuring that both ceremony and perambulations remained in good order. Steven resigned from Thomas A Becket RAM in 2014, but the lure of the briny proved impossible to resist and he joined Mercury RAM No. 777 in November 2021. He was appointed to Provincial RAM Rank in 2012 and received Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 2025.

How fortunate that Steven enjoys reading – its quite obvious that he has had to do an awful lot. Possibly the TV in the Groeger residence doesn’t get a lot of use.

Now we reach the colourful Orders with the swords, where the regalia becomes more impressive and the risk of forgetting which hat goes with which meeting rises considerably.
Steven was Installed into William Stuart Preceptory No. 76A of Knights Templar in June 1994 and became Eminent Preceptor in 2003, a role he reprised in October 2018. He served on the Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard from 1997 to 2001, as Deputy Commander from 2001 to 2004, and as Commander from 2004 to 2010. He then served as Provincial Marshal from 2010 to 2015. In 2023, Steven also became a joining member of Barthélemy de Quincy Preceptory No. 647 in Warwickshire.
Promotions? Of course. Steven was appointed Past Provincial Standard Bearer (B) in June 2005 and Provincial Marshal from June 2010 to 2015. He was reappointed Provincial Marshal in 2025 and still holds the position. His Great Priory appointments include Great Captain of Guards (Active) in 2009, Past Great Captain of Guards in April 2010, Great Herald (Active) in 2012, Past Great Herald in April 2013, Deputy Great Marshal (Active) in May 2017, 2018 and 2019, Past Deputy Great Marshal in 2020, and Past Great Registrar in 2022. At this point, the sensible approach is not to ask whether Steven has held an office, but simply to nod and agree with him.

The Rose Croix of Heredom was the next Order to welcome Steven. He became a Knight of the Pelican and Eagle when he was Perfected into Durford Abbey Chapter Rose Croix No. 1103 in 1997. He became Most Wise Sovereign in September 2002 and was promoted to the 30° Degree in 2004, receiving his 31° Degree in 2023.
Steven was a Founder Member of Unity St John Chapter Rose Croix No. 1196 in 2010 and served as Prelate from 2011 until 2025. In 2025, he became Treasurer, presumably having finally found an office that involves numbers.

Next came the Red Cross of Constantine. Steven was Installed into King Aethelwulf Conclave No. 437 in 1995 and took the Chair as Most Puissant Sovereign in 2003. He became Deputy Marshal of the Conclave in December 2007 and then Marshal from 2010 to 2019.
He became an honorary member of Seven Hills Conclave No. 532 in 2019, having served as Deputy Grand Marshal on the Consecration team. He joined Premier Conclave (Time Immemorial) in 2020, then became an honorary member in 2021 after becoming Intendant General for Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Steven became a joining member of Grand Sovereign’s Conclave in 2021 and was appointed Deputy Marshal in 2024.
His appointments included Divisional Steward in 2004, Divisional First Herald in 2005, Divisional Standard Bearer (C) in 2006, Divisional Sword Bearer in 2007, Past Great Vice-Chamberlain in July 2008 and Past Standard Bearer (C) in July 2014. Steven was appointed Deputy Intendant General for Hampshire and Isle of Wight in 2018 and promoted to Deputy Grand Marshal in 2019. In 2021, he received the rare privilege of the appointment to Intendant General for Hampshire and Isle of Wight. A great honour which must have made his heavily reinforced regalia cupboard bulge outwards even more!

We now reach the Degrees about which I confess to knowing very little, so corrections are warmly invited. The next few certainly possess a distinctly Scottish air—although whether this requires a change of tie, leg coverings, or pronunciation remains unclear. A chart showing how the many Masonic Orders are related might be useful here, so here it is.

Steven received his Fourth Grade in Wessex Lodge of Scottish Masters of St Andrew No. 12 in 2011. He was appointed Assistant Master of Ceremonies in 2022, received his Fifth Degree at a ceremony in Bristol in June 2024, and became Master of Ceremonies in September 2024.

Steven then joined the Royal Order of Scotland and was Installed into the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight in January 2023. He was appointed Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in 2024, Provincial Assistant Marischal in September 2025 and Provincial Marischal in 2026. The swords, it seems, were not merely decorative after all.

The Order of Royal and Select Masters are an appendant Order of Freemasonry, frequently known as the “Cryptic Degrees”. There is, of course, nothing a former IBM employee likes better than cryptology, so Steven became a member of King Alfred Council No. 71 in 2024, receiving the Select Master and Royal Master degrees. He received the Most Excellent Master and Super Excellent Master degrees in 2025, became Steward of King Alfred Council that year, and was appointed Conductor of the Council in 2026. If there was a password involved, one suspects he had already reset it, and that it is no longer ‘p a s s w o r d.’

Last—but almost certainly not least—comes the Order of the Pilgrim Preceptors. Steven became a member of Portus Adurni Conclave No. 13 in January 2025. The Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors is an invitation-only side Order tracing the legendary journey of Freemasonry from Jerusalem to England. A considerable distance, although still perhaps shorter than Steven’s list of appointments and awards.
An interesting fact: the name Portus Adurni refers to the third-century Roman shore fort at Portchester, Hampshire, more commonly known to us as Portchester Castle. A location where I used to visit with my family for an ice cream, long before realising it would one day provide useful material for a Masonic biography.

It has been an extraordinary Masonic journey. One which, not being an ex-IBM employee, took me considerably longer to decipher than it appears to have taken Steven to write it. I hope you have enjoyed it, and that Steven has finally run out of Orders to join—although, on the available evidence, I think not.

Iain was born and bred in Brockenhurst in 1935 and has lived there ever since. As the only son of The Hayters, it was Iain’s ambition to join his father at Hayter Brothers Garage, but Mr. Hayter (Snr) insisted that Iain must complete his mechanical apprenticeship elsewhere. So, off he went to become an apprentice at New Forest Garage in Lyndhurst, (Now the Maserati dealership). Iain completed his training after five years and then served two years National Service - in the REME - of course. He travelled to Yeovil and Warminster but couldn’t wait for his time to finish so that he could get back to a proper job!

Iain worked up through the ranks and eventually took over running the garage. He took on a Mazda Dealership and built the business up to include showrooms and workshops.

In 1959 Iain bought a plot of land and built his current home in Brockenhurst. It was close to the local fire station, and he spent the next 25 years there as a volunteer. The last 9 of which he acted as Sub-Officer in charge.

In the occasional spare time he had, Iain played cricket. For 35 years he played as fast bowler and describes himself as a useless batsman! He captained the Saturday team and after retiring from playing, took over as President of the Club. With his usual determination, Iain was instrumental in raising funds to build an all-weather cricket practice square at Brockenhurst College and in recognition of his efforts he received an award from Age Concern, presented to him by Prince Charles at a reception at Clarence House to celebrate the millennium.

As the joints began to stiffen up, Iain made the change from cricket to golf. Even today, at four score years and ten (and a bit), he can still be found on the greens. The Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club began in 1915, and Iain’s father Harry Hayter was one of the founding members. They had the nickname ‘The Artisans’ and the Club still plays a tournament each year for a trophy in their name. At the ripe old age of 90, Iain gets his golf free at the Club, as he is now an Associate Member with over 40 years membership. He was also Captain of the Hampshire & IOW Masonic Golf Society, who play to raise funds for charity.

Sadly, Iain had to leave the garage and hand over the business to care full time for his wife. Some years after she passed on, Iain met Mary, a retired bank Manager and knowing a good thing when he saw one, he married her straight away! They joined the Village Hall Committee and organised many varied social fund-raising functions to secure funds to build a new stage. The Hayters also opened their gardens under the National Garden Scheme, and during the past 22 years have raised £79,000 for worthwhile medical charities.

Iain’s entry into Freemasonry was inevitable, as he lived and worked next door to the old Masonic Hall. One of his primary school teachers was Mrs. Spracklen, and her husband John, who was a founder member of Brockenhurst Lodge, proposed Iain into the Craft and was present at Iain’s initiation. This was cunningly planned to coincide with Iain’s 33rd birthday on December 13th, 1968, in front of a packed Temple with 81 members and quests in attendance. Iain was passed to the Second Degree in October 1969 and raised to the Third Degree in January 1970. He served as W.M twice, once in 1981 and again in 2006. Promotions abounded, and Iain became Provincial Standard Bearer, and his current rank is P.P.S.G.W.

Iain went on to join New Forest Chapter No. 319 (who meet in Lymington), in January 1985, occupying all the routine offices before becoming their MEZ, and was their treasurer and Almoner for several years. The new Powney Chapter No. 3099 is soon going to be consecrated at the Brockenhurst Masonic Centre, and Iain will be a founding member.

Iain joined Sandeman Chapter Rose Croix No. 32 in 1996 and occupied most chairs was before becoming their MWS. He was also their treasurer for 10 years. As expected, promotions followed and Iain now holds the rank of 31st Degree.

A little history about the ‘Old Building’. The hall was originally built as a recreation hall for the New Zealand Hospital during the 1914-18 war. Its original name was the ‘Kia Ora Club’ and it was eventually sold off by Brockenhurst Estates and purchased by a group of far-sighted freemasons for the princely sum of £1,390, 3 shillings and 10 pence (old pennies), around 1950.

When Hayters Garage closed in 2003 and talks were in progress regarding the future development of the site, it became obvious something needed to be done about the rapidly deteriorating Old Masonic Hall on the land adjacent to the garage. Iain was the leading light behind forming a Building Committee, and after much deliberation and negotiation, Planning Permission was obtained, and the construction of the New Brockenhurst Masonic Centre (BMC) began in 2006.

On the 17th of November 2006 the building was complete and was officially opened on a rainy evening by the Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother BrIain Bellinger.

On the same day the PGM unveiled the stone carving of the square and compasses taken from the original building. This monument, and its descriptive plaque, was commissioned and financed by Iain and stands proudly in the car park as a memorial to the old Hall and its unique memories.

As Chairman of the Board, Iain continued to work hard to make the BMC the success it is today. The Centre now welcomes many new Allied Degrees, who have joined the founding lodges of Brockenhurst No. 7070 and Lyndhurst No. 8012, and all of whom now call the building their home. It’s also safe to say that with the excellent standard of catering the Centre now offers, it is the envy of the Province!

The PROBUS Club (PROfessional’ and ‘BUSiness) meet every month and invite an expert speaker to share their knowledge and expertise on topics of interest with their members. Lunch is served at the end of every speaker event. They also arrange regular trips and activities as well as social events. To increase the income for the Centre Iain persuaded the Brockenhurst PROBUS Club to hold their monthly meeting at the centre where they too enjoy the excellent catering and facilities on offer.

Brockenhurst will be remembered for New Forest ponies, the Water Splash, and the Hayter name which has been a long established and well-respected family name in the village, and certainly the Hayter Legacy will live on for many years to come.

David Frederick Coombes was born on 17th August 1940 in Redhill Hospital, Surrey.

David’s working life was every bit as varied as his Masonic life—although, as you are about to discover, his Masonic life takes “varied” to an entirely different level. After leaving school, he attended courses in Rural Crafts, Agricultural Engineering and Blacksmithing: a splendidly practical education which meant he could mend the tractor, repair the gate and forge something impressive before lunch.

David worked predominantly for Air Products Ltd (now PLC), specialists in the manufacture and supply of industrial gases—including nitrogen, oxygen and argon—along with equipment and application technology for industries such as refining, chemicals, metals and electronics. He began as a Technician and progressed through the roles of Area Engineering Manager, Regional Engineering Manager and European Projects Manager, finally becoming UK Systems Manager. In short, he started by fixing things and ended by making sure everyone else fixed them properly.

Interesting Fact No. 1 – David became a Freeman of the City of London in 2015. Honorary versions of the award have been bestowed on such figures as Winston Churchill, Florence Nightingale and Nelson Mandela—distinguished company indeed, although none of them, as far as I know, captained Wellow Golf Club Seniors.
Interesting Fact No. 2 – David was admitted into the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in 2016, proving that those early courses were not merely an elaborate way of avoiding double maths.

Apart from Freemasonry, David’s interests include reading, singing in a community choir and, of course, golf—the traditional pursuit of anyone who enjoys a long walk interrupted by moments of profound disappointment. He has belonged to various local clubs and was Captain of Bramshott Hill GC in 2009 and Captain of Wellow GC Seniors from 2018 to 2019.
Now we must get properly stuck into David’s Masonic activities, so grab a plain-chocolate biscuit, put your feet up and settle in. You may wish to keep a pencil handy, although a spreadsheet might be more appropriate.

Everything in Freemasonry begins with initiation into a Craft Lodge, and David was initiated into Hythe Lodge No. 8546 on 16 October 1984. He served as WM in 1991 and again in 2023. Various promotions followed, and in 2020 he was awarded the rank of PJGD. He was a Founder Member of New Forest Installed Masters Lodge No. 9665 in 1998 and became its WM in 2007. He was also a member of Thomas Dunckerley Lodge No. 9514. David is an Honorary Member of Augustus Webster Lodge No. 3871, Shirley Lodge No. 1112, Lymington Lodge No. 7984, Lodge of Maturity No. 9390, Via Lucis Lodge No. 8228 and Norman Lodge No. 4124.

After Craft, it is usual to progress into Royal Arch Chapter, and nothing was going to stop David - certainly not the prospect of learning more ritual. He was exalted into Wilfrid Attenborough Chapter No. 7672 on 20 November 1989 and became its MEZ in 1999. Further promotions followed, and in 2012 he was awarded PAGDC. David was a member of Hampshire & IOW 1st Principals Chapter and is an Honorary Member of Bramston Beach Chapter No. 2955.

The next Order tends to be Mark Master Masons, and David was advanced into New Forest Lodge No. 611 on 12 April 1999. He became a Joining Member of Brocas Hyrst Lodge No. 1733 on 12 November and served as WM from 2014–15. He also became a Joining Member of Mercury Lodge No. 777 in April 2017. In 2025, he was awarded the rank of PGStdB, another set of letters for the collection, and by now probably a second line on the business card.

David was perfected into Fides et Justitia Chapter Rose Croix No. 294 on 16 November 1990 and became MWS in 2005. He achieved his 30º in 2007 and his 31º in 2012. At this point, most people would consider the diary sufficiently full. David, however, was clearly only warming up.

Dressing up and waving a sword was next on David’s to-do list, so he joined the Order of Knights Templar. He was installed as a Knight in St Michael & St Mary Preceptory No. 432 on 22 March 1993, becoming its EP in 2001. Promotions followed yet again, and in 2010 he was awarded PGtHer before reaching the top of the tree as Provincial Prior for the District of Hampshire & IOW from 2013 to 2017.

He is an Honorary Member of Royal Gloucester Preceptory No. 32, Parsifal Preceptory No. 2017, Emmaus Preceptory No. 2017, Excalibur Preceptory No. 2017, William Stuart Preceptory No. 76A, Royal Naval Preceptory No. 2 and Pilgrim Preceptory No. 357. David also became a Knight Commander of the United Orders (KCT/KCM) in November 2022 and is a member of Grand Masters Preceptory No. 678. By this stage, “Have you joined?” had become less of a question and more of a clerical formality.

David was elevated into Solent Royal Ark Mariners (RAM) No. 63 on 21 April 2004. He was also a Joining Member of Mercury RAM No. 777 in April 2017 and became its Worshipful Commander in 2025. Given the nautical theme, it is reassuring that a man with so many commitments still managed to keep his head above water.

Red Cross of Constantine was next, and David joined Mystic Rose Conclave & Commandery No. 464 on 4 September 2008. He resigned in 2010—possibly the only evidence in this entire account that he ever found an Order he did not have time for.

Now we are entering uncharted territory for me, as I know very little (by which I mean nothing) about the Orders that follow.

David joined the Knights Templar Priests and was admitted into Parsifal Tabernacle No. 224 on 8 November 2006, remaining a member until 2010. One suspects that by then even his calendar was gasping for a breather.

David also became a member of the Province of Southern Counties Royal Order of Scotland, where he was advanced and promoted in June 2007. He became a Founder Member of the Hampshire and IOW Royal Order of Scotland in 2004, and served as Past Provincial Deputy Mareschal. Even his past offices seem to come with more words than most people’s entire CV's.

David evidently had a hankering for Scottish Degrees and was installed into Scottish Masters Wessex Lodge No. 12 in February 2008. He was also involved with St James Lodge No. 2 in London, where he achieved 5th Grade in 2011 (SqN) and 6th Grade in 2014 (KBHC), served as WDM in 2015–16, became Assistant Grand Mareschal in 2017 and Past Deputy Grand Mareschal in 2021. In the Prefecture of Avalon, he was Deputy Mareschal from 2016 to 2017 and Dean from 2018 to 2020.

A keen supporter of Charity, David has always tried to find fresh ideas which will inspire sponsorship. He competed in the London Marathon in 1981, followed by a Bungie Jump and Wing walking (but not all on the same day!) He was part of HL relay trek from Lands’ End to John O`Groats. He participated in Dawn to Dusk golf. He walked from Knole Road Masonic Centre in Bournemouth on a circular walk, including the South Island to every Hampshire & Isle of Wight Knights Templar Preceptory Building.

David is married to Pam, and they live in Romsey. He has received tremendous support from his extended family: Duncan, Lesley and Adam, all of whom had brought him great joy and comfort, and who can't wait to throw out all of his dusty old masonic briefcases. David probably has a separate storage unit somewhere near to where he lives which contains his vast collection of Masonic awards, certificates and golf trophies.

A remarkable Masonic achievement.

Having already celebrated John’s amazing charitable work, it is now time to meet John Donoghue the Freemason—a man whose Masonic CV is so extensive it really ought to come with an index, a map and perhaps a break for light refreshment.

John was born in Drogheda, the historic industrial and port town on the River Boyne in County Louth, Southern Ireland. Several famous actors and musicians have come from Drogheda, including Pierce Brosnan. Having realised that the role of James Bond was unlikely to be his, John decided to devote his dramatic talents to Masonry instead - where the costumes are nearly as impressive and the scripts considerably longer.

John became a Freemason in 1990, joining Southern Star Lodge No. 1158, which now meets at Great Queen Street in London. He is also a member of Jubilee Lodge No. 8822, Beach Lodge No. 2955, St. Marylebone Lodge No. 1305, Brevity Lodge No. 9903 and Twynham Lodge No. 5889. He has served as Worshipful Master an astonishing eleven times (to date) and is an Honorary Member of seven Lodges. At this point, it may be quicker to list the Lodges he hasn’t joined.

His promotions came thick and fast from 2010 onwards, and he currently holds the Grand Rank of P.A.G.D.C. He was appointed to London Grand Rank and has since been promoted again within LGR - an achievement unusual enough to suggest that somebody, somewhere, has actually managed to keep track of everything he does.

John joined the Royal Arch through Octa Chapter No. 4397 and went on to serve as its MEZ. He was awarded Active Sword Bearer and is now ProvGSN. He joined Vale of Avon Mark Lodge No. 867, where he has been Worshipful Master twice, and Rose Croix Sandeman Chapter No. 32, receiving his 30th Degree in 2015. By then, his regalia cupboard may well have required planning permission.

John has also passed through the Chair in Royal and Select Masters and in the Knights Templar Priests. He is currently in the Chair of the OSM and is also a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees, the Royal Ark Mariners and the Royal Order of Scotland. In short, if there is a Masonic meeting taking place within reasonable travelling distance, John probably has an apron for it.

John has been married to Barbara for 48 years, and they live in Wimborne. It has been suggested that Barbara should receive an award for a lifetime spent supporting such an active Freemason. Frankly, a medal seems the minimum; naming a Lodge after her might be more appropriate.

One particularly interesting detail can be found at the Provincial Office of Hampshire and Isle of Wight at Chandler’s Ford, where three Tracing Boards are displayed on the walls. These were made by Barbara, presumably during those long Masonic evenings when John popped out for a meeting and returned several offices later.

I hope I have managed to get all the facts correct. Following John’s Masonic journey is rather like travelling around a Monopoly board: every time you think you have completed the circuit, he passes Go, collects another collar and joins another Order.

Johns charitable journey began when in 2006 his daughter, Tara, was diagnosed with lupus and became seriously ill. She was undergoing dialysis, had received four blood transfusions, and the family were told she may have only weeks to live. After extensive testing, it was confirmed that John was a 100% match to donate a kidney to his daughter.
Shortly after the successful transplant, he bought a bike and set himself a formidable first challenge: cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just nine days. That little jaunt saw him cycling around 114 miles each day through continuous rain and sleeping each night in a tent.

After that John worked with the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys (RMTGB) and became a Festival Ambassador for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight 2020 Festival.
He then toured Hampshire, Dorset, London, Wiltshire, and Kent, speaking at more than 40 lodges and helping to raise a considerable amount of money for the RMTGB.

Take a deep breath and read what John has done over the past 25 years…

He cycled from the Rock of Gibraltar to Branksome in Dorset raising £17,000 for the RMBI.
John then rode from Edinburgh to Portsmouth, raising £7,000 for the Royal College of Surgeons. In 2010, he cycled to every masonic centre in Hampshire for the RMTGB (some even let him in!), raising £15,000 for the RMTGB.

In 2011, his cycling challenges for Help for Heroes raised over £10,000. In 2022, John completed a 50-mile sponsored swim raising £7,000.
In 2024, he cycled the Camino del Norte trail to Santiago de Compostela, with W. Bro. Nigel Edwards, raising £20,000. Then in 2025 he again cycled the France Camino to Santiago trail and onto Finisterre, raising £20,000 for the MBF Mark Degree.

Obviously, he quite liked the area (or maybe the food), because in 2026, he cycled the northern route over the Picos mountains in Galicia to Santiago de Compostela and back again, covering 800 miles. This resulted in another £13,000 for the Freemasons’ Charity and £1,740 for Lifelites Children’s Charity.

And, at 71 years old, he’s not done yet! He says “I’m not intending to stop raising funds for the Freemasons’ Charity. My cycling days are nearly over, but I’m thinking of abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower next year!”

To date, John has collected approximately £787,000 for charity, including £554,000 for the Freemasons’ Charity. An incredible amount of money raised by an incredible Freemason.

I think most people in the New Forest area will know Norman — and if they don’t, they have probably still been let in somewhere by him, directed somewhere by him, or gently corrected by him at least once.

Norman was born in New Milton around 90 years ago, which means he has been a local fixture for so long that he may well appear on some of the older maps. After school, he joined the Merchant Navy for five years. Unfortunately, the sea and Norman never quite reached a full understanding, and after deciding that being seasick was not the career path for him, he enlisted in the Royal Horse Guards based at Windsor.

His Army service also took him to Germany and Cyprus, before he returned home to New Milton after five years. He then spent the rest of his working life with New Forest District Council.

Norman married Dot in 1957, and they are still together — a remarkable achievement by any standard, but particularly impressive given his numerous Masonic commitments. Dot’s patience, it must be said, may deserve its own certificate.

Norman joined Freemasonry in 1986, becoming a member of New Forest Lodge No. 319. He was also a member of the Royal Arch and Mark Master Masons and will be well remembered for Tyling at numerous Lodges and Centres. In fact, Norman’s reputation as a Tyler was such that he even Tyled twice for a Lodge while on holiday in Canada — proving that while some people bring back souvenirs, Norman brought back masonic minutes.

He also looked after the Centre at New Milton and was responsible for many renovations over the years. If there was a leak, a loose hinge, a doubtful light switch, or a mysterious noise in the corner, Norman was very often the answer - or at least the person everyone expected to have the answer.

On 5 February 2026, Norman was presented with a 40-year Certificate to commemorate his service to Masonry by APGM Chris Lockwood — although, knowing Norman, he may well have checked that the certificate was straight before accepting it.

The final word is from George Bernard Shaw, who said, “A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.” I don’t think Shaw was a Freemason - though, to be fair, if he had met Norman Edwin Brian Taylor, he might well have applied on the spot. It sounds very much as though he wrote the quote with Norman in mind; and knowing Norman, he’d probably have improved the wording, corrected the punctuation, told Shaw to straighten his tie, and then quietly got on with his job!