Members of Parthenon Lodge No 7310 went on a night excursion to Aldershot, Hampshire, organised by their Events Coordinator in order to visit Panmure Lodge No 728 so that they might be part of a surprise celebration for W. Bro Ron Chesterman’s on the occasion of his 100th Birthday.
Ron’s masonic roots are in Middlesex. Parthenon Lodge had been consecrated in the December of 1953, and held its first regular lodge meeting on 6th April 1954 where Ron at the age of 28, and a Lewis, was the very first initiate. His father, a founding member, took part in the ceremony.
Having moved to Hampshire several years ago he joined his local Lodge, Panmure, where he has been an active member as well as within the wider Province. His contribution to the Province of Hampshire, Isle of Wight was recognised by the ProvGM who gave him a ‘Field’ promotion to PPrSGW on his 70th year in masonry in 2024.
On Tuesday 13th January Panmure Lodge dedicated the whole meeting to W. Bro Ron Chesterman to celebrate an amazing milestone 100th birthday and 72 years in freemasonry. Ron attended as usual but unbeknown to him there were a few surprises in store. The WM welcomed all present then approached Ron and offered his Gavel and said, ‘As it’s your birthday how do you fancy opening the Lodge?’ He was delighted with the request and went through with it.
Having returned the gavel to the WM the meeting was Called off and a comprehensive account of Ron’s life was given including his early years in Military Service. This was the cue for current members of his old Army Corps to enter the Lodge room who then presented Ron with a special commemorative plaque and an invitation to him and wife to be VIP personal guests of the Colonel at the forthcoming Remembrance Service and dinner. But before this an outline of his military was delivered by W. Bro Keith Bean and his personal life by W. Bro Simon Banham and Chris Martin from the North Hampshire and Surrey Branch of the Royal Military Police Association honoured Ron for his service and life membership of the Association. There were serving Royal Military Police NCOs in attendance, and he was further honoured by senior members from the Province Middlesex where he had been initiated. At the Festive Board Ron was festooned with gifts and a very large birthday cake appeared to a hearty rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to you…’ To everyone’s delight Ron gave a response including a few humorous anecdotes in a manner that belied his age!
Ron, despite some distance away has always maintained his contact with Parthenon and with help from the brethren in Panmure endeavours to travel up to Southgate for the Installation meeting which has in turn created fraternal links between the two Lodges which continues to grow.’
The evening was an outstanding success with 55 dining and over £500 being raised for Ron’s chosen charity, the specialist eye unit at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.
Edited by W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR – Provincial Media Team
