The Golden Years

On Thursday May 27th 2010 the members of Macartney Lodge No. 3283, Gravesend, held a White Table Evening to celebrate 50 years service to the Lodge by Worshipful Brother Roger Nettleton-Hammond.

Following a passing ceremony and the closing of the lodge, the brethren remained in their regalia and all the non-Masonic guests entered the Temple to see Roger receive his 50 years service certificate; over 100 people attended, which is a mark of Rogers friendship and dedication to Freemasonry.

The certificate was presented to Roger, in a most entertaining and enlightening manner, by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Reginald Walter. He covered both much of Roger's private life and his long Masonic career in meaningful manner.

W. Bro.Reginald Walter presenting the 50 year certificate to W. Bro. Roger Nettleton Hammond

Roger was interviewed, aged 20, and initiated on the 26th May 1960, by which time he was 21. He was passed on 24th November 1960 and raised on 25th May 1961. He was installed as the Worshipful Master on 28th March 1974 and served the office again in 1991.

Over the last 50 years Roger has proposed or seconded at least 20 members, 9 of whom have became Master of the Lodge and one of whom, Tony Lewis is now a Grand Officer; all in all, a remarkable record.

Not only has Roger been Master of Macartney Lodge twice, he has also served the office's of Secretary and ADC. He is a past MEZ, Scribe E, ADC and DC of the Gravesham Chapter. He is also a member of the Mark and Royal Ark Mariners, in which he holds Grand Rank.

Roger is Chairman of the Board of the Gravesend Masonic Hall Company and takes his responsibilities very seriously, visiting the hall nearly every day and taking particular care of the fabric of the building.

After several years working for others, he finally set up his own business in the auto repair business and was well known locally for his high standard of workmanship. He was an instructor at the Gravesend Technical College and one or two of his trainees joined the Craft and are now Past Masters.

Roger met Margaret in 1954 at the Rochester Casino, where he enjoyed taking part in speed skating competitions. She became his dance partner and they were married in 1964 and have two sons and a daughter.

Roger's other great enthusiasm outside Freemasonry has been as a motorist and a member of the Advanced Motorists Club. Almost every year from 1965 to 1972 he won the driver of the year competition as well as the local driving championship.

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