Harold Land’s special night at Brookfield Lodge

The friends of Harold Land gathered at Brookfield Lodge No 5077 to celebrate his 50 years in Freemasonry.

Peter Coates the Worshipful Master offered Ray Martland, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the gavel of the Lodge which on this special

occasion he accepted.

Ray then led the celebration of this important milestone. Ray said that when we join the Craft we have no idea what it is about but probably

look at someone we know to be a Mason and say, “he is a good example.” There is no doubt that Harold is one of these shining examples,

a true gentleman. His entire life has been an example of what makes a good citizen, a good husband, a good parent, and, in every way a

good ambassador for Freemasonry.

John Robson, Chairman of the Chorley and District Masonic Group of Lodges and Chapters, then read a certificate, which acknowledges

the Province of West Lancashire’s great appreciation for Harold’s half a century of membership of the Craft.

 The ceremony was conducted smoothly and efficiently by Ian Higham, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The festive board which followed the lodge meeting was a very friendly and enjoyable occasion with sumptuous food and excellent company.

 During the festive board Ray Martland presented Harold Land with a copy of his life story which began in 1919.

1919 was important in history for a number of reasons: George V was on the throne, David Lloyd George was PM with a coalition government,

Afghanistan gained independence from the UK, the army was called in to deal with riots against high rents in Glasgow, the German fleet was

scuttled in Scapa Flow, the R34 Airship completed first crossing of Atlantic by an airship, Victory parades across Britain celebrating end of

World War One, Alcock & Brown completed first non-stop crossing of Atlantic.

However at St. Helens Road, Lane Ends, Bolton, Mrs. Ada Land gave birth to a son named Harold.

Harold’s father Thomas was Head Spinner at Laburnum Mill, Atherton. Fred Dibnah had a big hand in demolishing that mill in 1982. His mother

looked after the family home. He had two brothers and one sister, Frank, Walter and Gladys.

At the age of 5 he started his education at St. Andrew’s School, staying there until starting work at 14.

As a lad he joined the Scouts, St. Andrews Troop at Lane Ends. He played a little cricket but football was much more to his taste being a life

long supporter of Bolton Wanderers. He started watching them at ‘Burnden’ Park with his older brother Frank holding a Season ticket until 2008.

On leaving school he commenced work as a butcher. The shop, where he was employed, was at 209 St. Helens Road, Walkden.

 On serving his time as a butcher, he stayed with his employer for a number of years before opening his own business on Market Street,

the corner of Bolton Road, Westhoughton. He also became a member of the Westhoughton Traders Association.

Harold retired as a butcher in 1974 aged 55 and then purchased a Newsagents shop on Wigan Road, Westhoughton. Retiring in 1983, aged 64.

Harold had been a good member of St. Andrews Church at Over Hulton for many years but moved to Deane C of E Church when he moved to

his new address.

For many years he laid the wreath on Armistice Day on behalf of the Church.

In his younger days he joined the Army, Royal Engineers, and was posted to the Middle East seeing action in Egypt and Palestine. One day the

Royal Air Force made a mistake and dropped bombs on his position. This is called friendly fire today.

Harold met and married Doreen enjoying over 50 years of marriage together. Sadly Doreen died four years ago.

Harold has a son, Ian, an Accountant and two Grandchildren both girls and both dancers. Elizabeth 18 and Claire 16.

Harold was initiated into Brookfield Lodge on the 10 October 1961 proposed by his Brother Walter, seconded by Stanley Breakell. He became

Master in March 1971 the Installing Master was Ken Smith. Following a year as IPM he was appointed ADC for five years whilst his brother,

Walter was Lodge D.C. Walter became D.C. for 10 years and Harold took over in 1983 for a further 10 years.Lodge Almoner for three years and

also acting as Senior Warden for a few years. Harold’s service was rewarded in 1982 with the Acting Provincial Rank of PAGDC and promoted

in 1991 with the big one, PPJGW.

Pictured left to right: Alan Hurst, Brian Sharples, Paul Snape, Ray Martland, Harold Land, John Robson, Tony Hall, Peter Allen, Alan Byers.

Brookfield Lodge members 1985 – 86. Harold Land, front row third from left.