Tony Norman’s Incredible 43 year Journey from Initiation to Exaltation.
In 1973, Tony Norman of Podington was Initiated into Risdene Lodge. Two years later, an agenda item at his Lodge was to present him with his Grand Lodge Certificate. For reasons unknown, this presentation was deferred to a later date, much later in fact, for he finally received his GL Certificate thirty one years later in 2006.
E Comp Tony has enjoyed a truly ‘chequered’ existence throughout his daily life, battling several health problems over the years, which included a heart attack at the age of thirty three. He is currently suffering severe sight problems and was registered blind four years ago. Contrastingly, he has enjoyed a glittering career in business at the highest levels, culminating in the position of Executive Chairman of the Marriot Construction Group. Throughout his 43 years in Freemasonry, Tony has found it to be a ‘sanctuary’ from the pressures of his work, a bolthole from business, somewhere to truly relax, unwind with his peers and enjoy our fraternity.
Following retirement, and on strong recommendations from his friends, he finally took the decision to complete his masonic journey, that fourth and final stage of Pure Antient Masonry, in the firm belief that ‘It’s never too late’. He was duly Exalted into Whytewell Chapter 8400 on 5th April 2016, thus ending a quest, 43 years in the making, to fully enjoy the wonderful Companionship that is The Holy Royal Arch.
