At their regular meeting on 30th May, Royal Sussex Lodge (No. 491) received an unexpected visit from the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Graham Spence.
The Provincial Grand Master entered the Lodge and, having been welcomed by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Phil Le Claire, was offered the gavel and took the Chair.
The Prov. G. M. explained that the reason assigned for this visit, the intention of which had been kept secret, was the launch of a new award – the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Service in the Community. This Certificate gives formal recognition to Brethren who go the extra mile in fulfilling the fourth of Freemasonry’s fundamental principles: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.
Right Worshipful Brother Spence went on to announce the first recipient of this award was to be Worshipful Brother Roger Iddon, who had been nominated for his outstanding endeavours in the aftermath of the tornado that struck Jersey in November 2023.
Having presented Brother Iddon with his certificate, the Provincial Grand Master went on to announce the recipient of a second certificate award to the Lodge’s Worshipful Master, Phil Le Claire. Brother Le Claire received nomination for his significant contribution to Scouting, as well as his outstanding work with school governance and music in the community.
Nominations to receive the Provincial Grand Master’s Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Service in the Community should be submitted to the Provincial Grand Secretary. The award is open to all Jersey Brethren who give, or have given, exceptional service in the community.
Pictured below are Brothers Iddon and Le Claire receiving their certificates from the Provincial Grand Master.
