Alan Daniels, 50 years in Chapter.

The September meeting of Widnes Chapter No. 2819 was a special meeting to celebrate an event not covered by rules and regulations or the Book of constitutions, but an occasion for which all Freemasons have abiding affection. The anniversary of a senior and much esteemed companion, Alan Daniels, whose exhalation into Royal Arch Masonry occurred 50 years ago. Widnes Chapter were extremely honoured to have John Hutton, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals present to commemorate this excellent achievement.

Alan was born in Widnes on the 12 September 1934. He started his education at Farnworth Church of England School and after passing the scholarship, attended Wade Deacon Grammar School from 1946 to 1951. During his school days he enjoyed playing rugby union and cricket and he continued playing rugby union with Widnes Rugby Club, I. C. I. Widnes, Warterloo School Boys and the army. He now plays golf regularly at Widnes Golf Club where he is a Past Captain.

On leaving school he joined Barclays Bank and remained with them for 38 years finally retiring in 1989 as the Manager of the Liverpool University branch. From 1952 to 1954 he interrupted his banking career to do National Service with the Royal Artillery in Oswestry. Alan married Beryl Baynham on 7 December 1957 and during a long and happy marriage they have been blessed with a son, Daniel and a daughter, Dinah, who between them have produced four wonderful grandchildren.

For many years Alan has been involved in, and took on the role as Treasurer, in a host of non-Masonic organisations such as Widnes and District Scout Council, St. Luke’s Church Farnworth, Warrington and Widnes Blind Society and the Rotary Club. At present, Alan is a sidesperson at Farnworth Parish Church where he previously held the post of Treasurer. Truly a Masonic sprit and an example to us all.

Alan was initiated into the Lodge of Fellowship on the 2nd of June 1959 and in April 1963 he became the first joining member of Kingsway Lodge No. 7870. He progressed through every office in both Lodges becoming Worshipful Master of Kingsway Lodge in 1973 and Worshipful Master of Lodge of Fellowship in 1975. He was treasurer of Lodge of Fellowship until 2005 when he became the last Worshipful Master of the Lodge before amalgamation with Hale Lodge No. 8813 to become the Hale Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799. In 1983 he received the rank of PPrSGD and in 1992 he was promoted to PPrJGW.

Alan was proposed into Royal Arch Masonry by Companion William (Billy) Hill and seconded by his father-in law, William (Bill) Baynham. He was exalted on the 20 September 1960 at the Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes and has always been an active member of Widnes Chapter becoming the Treasurer in 1968, an office he still holds to this day. The Chapter thanks Alan for his diligence in maintaining the Chapter finances to a very high stan¬dard for 42 years. He was a founder member of Kingsway Chapter No. 7870 which held its first meeting on the 22nd of September 1969 and was MEZ of Kingsway Chapter in 1976. Alan's initial appointment in Provincial Chapter was to the rank of PPrAGSoj in 1984 and in 1992, he was appointed to the rank of PPrGSN. Alan has also been in the chair of Allied Masonic Degrees and his current rank is PDistGSwdB. He is also a Mark Mason.

Alan was the General Manager of Widnes Masonic Hall for 8 years (1998 - 2006) having been the Assistant Manager for 3 years prior to that. Throughout his interest and dedication to Freemasonry he has been supported and encouraged by his wife Beryl, who holds a high rank in the Women’s order of Freemasonry, and in the early days by her father, Bill. Alan was very pleased and proud when in 2004, his son, David, became a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 289 in Leeds.

The members of Widnes Chapter, the Companions gathered for this special meeting and all his many friends in Freemasonry congratulate Alan on having achieved his Golden Jubilee in Royal Arch masonry and express their thanks to Alan for allowing them to share his evening, for his major contribution to Chapter Masonry in Widnes and to Widnes Chapter No. 2819 in particular and wish him health, happiness and many more years as a member of Widnes Chapter.