PGM springs double surprise on unsuspecting pair

Subterfuge and successful subtle scheming meant neither Noel Fisher nor Pete Tong were ready for having a surprise sprung on them at Astral Lodge in front of 100 members from across the Province.

Both were presented with the PGM’s Certificate of Merit in recognition of their services as Provincial DC and Charity Steward respectively.

Not only was it the last team visit of the season, but also Noel’s last as Provincial DC, bringing to an end a job he’s done for eight years.

The result was a double guest list; the one Noel saw to help with the detailed preparations he makes before every visit, and the real one, which his successor Andy Ham used to do the necessary ‘undercover preparations’.

And puzzled Pete Tong says he should have smelled a rat when Provincial Secretary Tony Miller rang him to check he would be attending the meeting… “He said he wanted to buy me a drink; he’s never done that before,” said Pete.

At the Festive Board Noel spoke for both of them when he said: “This has floored us. It’s been a real emotional roller-coaster.”

He added that he believed his job was the best in the Province, taking him to every centre and having been part of significant milestone events in the history of the Province and its Lodges.

Dave Wheeler said of Pete Tong he had transformed the role of Provincial Charity Steward, making personal contact with all of our lodge charity stewards to support them in what could be a tough job, but was leading to the successful completion of our 2025  Festival.

Noel Fisher

Pete Tong

Lincolnshire’s newest Master Mason Ralph Thacker with his proposer, dad Nick, right, and seconder Mick Bolton.

Ryan Ginifer, seen here with Astral’s WM w Bro N Garnett, was presented with his Grand Lodge certificate by the PGM, who told him: “There’s a long version of this presentation; I’m not going to do it because I guarantee you won’t remember it; all you’ll remember is that I presented it.”

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