Now my dad’s my brother, too! David initiates his father in Brigg
Fathers often initiate sons into Freemasonry – but it’s much rarer for it to happen the other way around. The newest member of Glanford Vale Lodge in Brigg is Norman Atkinson, 80-year-old father of current Master David.
Norman almost joined Freemasonry many years ago, but declined the invitation, so the opportunity to be initiated by his son seemed the right time. David said: “I’ve known this candidate for a number of years, and this is an emotional night for me. It’s been a long time coming. Dad was asked to join years ago, at a time when people thought Freemasonry was something that it’s not. I’m glad he’s joined now. It’s appropriate that he’s joined when we’re having a Burns Night, because my dad shares his birthday on January 25th with Robbie Burns.”
Norman used to drive tankers, and after his first retirement lived in Cyprus for a few years, and then in Southern Ireland before returning to Lincolnshire.
The ceremony was combined with a Burns Night festive board, with the haggis piped in as tradition demands, followed by a spirited rendition of the Address to the Haggis by Lodge Treasurer David Spence.
Watch a video here: Glanford
