Blackwater Lodge member, Nick Clarke celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry
Blackwater Lodge were honoured with the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Rob Eels, on behalf of the Essex Provincial Grand Master
On the evening of Monday 13th March 2023, the members of Blackwater Lodge No. 1977 were honoured with the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Rob Eels, on behalf of the Essex Provincial Grand Master, Paul Tarrant and with the assistance of Martyn Cartwright. Their presence was not only to welcome our newly initiated Brother, James Mesher into Freemasonry and joining member, Malcolm Peter but to celebrate a wonderful milestone of 50 years in Freemasonry by our friend and Brother, Nick Clarke.
During this very special meeting Nick invited his guest Michael Framp whom he had known since school days and having lost contact, re-kindled their friendship at his parent’s funeral where Michael was moonlighting as a hearse driver! - Michael is also a proud Freemason with Spencer Lodge No. 8773 (Derbyshire).
Nick Clarke, following in the footsteps of his father, Trevor Clarke, was initiated into Freemasonry in March 1973 at the Burlington Lodge No. 6736 (Derbyshire) by his Father, who was the Worshipful Master. He was passed during May 1973 and raised in November 1973.
Nick was born in 1948 in Allestree, just north of Derby. In 1959, Nick attended a boarding school in Staffordshire. After the completion of his O Levels, it seemed Nick was destined for a career with the Derbyshire Police Force but, having failed his eyesight test, he joined Debenhams – a fantastic and successful career that spanned 42 years until his retirement in 2008.
After moving to Colchester with his work he became a joining member of the Blackwater Lodge in 2004, where he became Master in 2011 and after a superb year was invaluable as Secretary, an office held until 2017. Nick is a proud father of two son’s Paul and Chris and three grandchildren. His son, Chris Clarke is also an active member of Blackwater Lodge.
Nick was appointed as Provincial Grand Almoner at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting during March 2016 and the following year appointed as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Photos:
Top: Rob Eels and Nick Clarke receiving his certificate.
Below: Bob McKenzie - WM Blackwater Lodge, Rob Eels, Nick Clarke, Chris Clarke, Michael Framp