At the meeting of Walden Lodge, held on 10^th October 2002, W. Bro. Roy Hardingham PPGJW celebrated his 50 years membership of the Lodge. This most memorable event was further enhanced by a presentation by APGM W.Bro. Peter Holland, of a ’50 years Membership of Freemasonry’ certificate and a personal letter of congratulation from the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro. Col. Sir Neil Thorne.

W. Bro. Peter went on to remind the brethren of Roy’s impressive Masonic career.

Roy was initiated into the Walden Lodge in October 1952 by his late father-in-law W.Bro.Bertie Leach PPJGW (Essex), who himself served the Lodge for over 58 years. Roy went on to become its Master in 1967 and again in 1997. His commitment to Freemasonry was further rewarded by being invested as ProvDepGSwdB in 1978 and promoted to PPGJW in 1987.

Roy thanked W. Bro Peter for his presentation and assured the brethren that he had enjoyed every moment of his 50 years as a Freemason and hoped he could go on to surpass the record set by his father-in-law.  

At the festive board Roy cut a commemorative cake baked specially for the occasion by his wife Margaret this was followed by the Brethren rising to drink to his continued health.

 Roy, a retired Senior Police Officer, is an active Mason in both the Province of Essex and Cambridgeshire, and has served in most of the lodge offices during his long career. He is presently the Senior Trustee for Walden Lodge, owners of the Saffron Walden Masonic Hall.