The meeting of Lactodorum Lodge No. 8526 held at Towcester Masonic Hall on Thursday the 16th of January 2025 proved to be a memorable occasion for all who attended.
Circa 50-Brethren – including the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Francis Margôt PAGDC, and his accompanying DC, WBro John Simpson ProvAGDC – witnessed the first-rate initiation of Bro Kelvin Pinard.
Furthermore, the meeting was the first attended by WBro Arnold Francklow since his 100th birthday on Thursday the 9th of January 2025.
It was lovely to see the Lodge’s longest serving member (WBro Arnold joined the Lodge in 1974, just 4-months after it was consecrated) with the two newest members, Bro Kelvin and Bro Ian Salaman. Bro Ian was initiated at the Lodge’s last meeting, in December.
Seated, left to right – WBro Francis Margôt PAGDC, APGM; WBro Arnold Francklow PPSGW.
Standing, from left – Bro Ian Salaman, Bro Des Morris SW, WBro Jeff Wells WM, Bro Joe Beresford JW, Bro Kelvin Pinard.
During the Festive Board, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to WBro Arnold’s unstinting Masonic service and congratulated him on reaching such an incredible milestone.
The Worshipful Master, WBro Jeff Wells, led the Brethren in a chorus of Happy Birthday during which a special 100th birthday cake was paraded in.
WBro Jeff then presented WBro Arnold with a framed photo depicting him with the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Mark Constant, at the Lodge’s Banner Dedication in 2023.
WBro Jeff told WBro Arnold that he hoped the photo would remind him of the wonderful times he had spent at Lodge and the special place the Brethren held for him in their hearts.
In response to a special toast proposed by the Worshipful Master, WBro Arnold said:
Thank you for your good wishes.
I had a wonderful 100th birthday as my family had organised a lovely party for me where I was able to meet many old friends, some of whom I hadn't seen for some time.
l am often asked, to what do I attribute my long life? I answer that it is probably due to my genes, as longevity has been a recurring feature within the family over several generations.
My great grandfather, John Christian Francklow, who I would visit as a schoolboy, died during the War in 1944, at the then, remarkable age of 109.
He was born in 1835 when William IV occupied the throne and subsequently lived through six reigns.
Newspapers at the time of his death described him as Wolverton's Grand Old Man, reputed to be the oldest man in Great Britain.
It seems there is still plenty for me to aim for!
We very much look forward to seeing WBro Arnold surpass the incredible age of his great grandfather. He certainly seems on course for it!
