Two Essex Freemasons celebrate 110 wonderful years of commitment
Epping Forest Lodge celebrate milestones for two much-loved and respected members
The brethren of Epping Forest Lodge No. 4263 and their guests, joined by Joe Shearer, Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM), celebrated a milestone for two of their much-loved members at the meeting at Loughton Masonic Hall on Saturday 14th June 2025.
Simon Higgins received a Certificate of Meritorious Service and a lapel badge together with a personal letter from the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Paul Tarrant in recognition for his 50 years of commitment to Freemasonry in Essex and Vic Dalton was also recognised with a similar accolade for 60 years’ dedication to the Craft in general and the Epping Forest Lodge in particular.
Simon and Vic have held multiple offices during their Masonic career, including serving as Master; notably, Simon has fulfilled this role on approximately four occasions. In addition, Simon acts as the Lodge archivist and is responsible for producing and maintaining the Lodge Book of Remembrance, which is displayed at each meeting on a handcrafted wooden lectern—also crafted by Simon.
Both brethren shared their experiences with members, who also discussed their own backgrounds, including careers such as taxi driving, horse-riding, and jungle tracking in Malaya.
An unscripted portion of the meeting followed, during which Joe Shearer, on behalf of the PGM, presented field promotions to each Brother, conferring upon them the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. Simon and Vic, genuinely surprised, expressed their appreciation, and those present responded with a rapturous round of applause.
The meeting was delightful and very humbling for the members to contemplate the combined 110 years of experience and dedication that both Simon and Vic have contributed to Essex Freemasonry.
This illustrates the vast tapestry of men that make up Freemasonry, and the varied and inspiring stories each bring on their journey in the fraternity.
Photo: L - R
Front row: Laurence Fretwell, John Warner, Joe Shearer (APGM), Mike Bloomfield (Worshipful Master), Vic Dalton, Simon Higgins, Dave Innocent
Back row: Michael Dougall, Reg Batchelor, Mike Morley, John Gilligan, Adriano DeOliveira, Mark Turner, Lewis Hudson, Colin Marshall, Raymond Leach
Photo courtesy of Darren Bartlett
