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WBro George Osborne PSGD is undoubtedly one of the best-known and best-loved members of the Province. At the age of 84, his ritual, his memory and the twinkle in his eye are the envy of many a younger man. During World War II he gave distinguished service as a navigator in the RAF. |
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WBro George Osborne
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On 17 November 1949 , at the age of 24, he was initiated into the Bishop of Barking Lodge No 3050 in Ilford, Essex. He was Installed as its WM in 1962 and again in 1994 for its centenary year. This Lodge is now part of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge. In 1958 he was a founder of the New Elizabethan Lodge No 7561 at Upminster (Essex) and its WM in 1963.
By then Bro George had qualified as a dentist and moved to Rushden where he has lived ever since. He joined Risdene Lodge No 6532 in 1967, was its WM in 1971, and later DC for nine years. He helped to found Heigham Lodge No 8486 in 1973, was DC for eight years and WM in 1993. Added to these are memberships of the Lodge of Installed Masters No 3422 and Three Counties Lodge No 9278. He was appointed ProvJGW in 1978 and then received the remarkably high first appointment to active Grand Rank as Senior Grand Deacon in 1981.
Bro George is also a member of the Royal Arch, Knights Templar (where he was for a time Provincial Sub-Prior) and numerous other Orders. In most of these he has achieved Grand Rank and Provincial Grand Rank in the others.
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The PGM Presents 60 yrs Certificate to WBro George Osborne
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It seemed to be a routine meeting of Risdene Lodge on 18 November 2009. George delivered a typically superb explanation of the Traditional History in the 3rd degree. After this RWBro Barrie Hall, Provincial Grand Master (a member of the Lodge) presented George with a Sixty Year Certificate.
The PGM delighted all present with a history of George’s career, dotted with anecdotes such as his pickpocketing of the candidate during an Initiation. George was then given a celebratory bottle of champagne and a standing ovation, following which, probably for the first time in his life, he was lost for words!
At the Festive Board, the PGM spoke for everyone in wishing Bro George many more happy years in Freemasonry.