Arthur, for family reasons, is currently unable to visit the Masonic hall on a regular basis. Knowing he would soon be celebrating 60 years in the Craft, an occasion that would be recognised by the Preston Group and Province, he asked for a ‘quiet do.’ As a result, a small delegation consisting of Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Winder and Preston Group Chairman Steve Bolton, with Keith Greaves and John Eastham, made a special visit to Arthur’s house to congratulate him on this special event and to present him with a celebratory certificate duly signed by the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison.
Arthur as a young pilot in the RAF.
When talking to Arthur, as an ex-policeman and consequently out of habit, David made a few notes, with Steve taking evidential photographs of the event. On arrival at Arthur‘s home, for the benefit of Arthur’s colleagues and friends, David transcribed his notes into the article below as a record and a memento of the occasion.
It was a rainy afternoon in mid-May, with the westerly breeze rising in the Fulwood area of Preston. Inside a certain celebrant’s home address however, there was a glow of happiness as David, together with Group Chairman Steve Bolton and longstanding friends and Keith Greaves and John Eastham, attended the home address of Arthur Francis Hornby, who at the tender age of 94 years young was celebrating 60 years as a Craft Freemason. They also had the delight of being joined by Arthur’s daughter Lynette who provided coffee and low calorie chocolate biscuits to ensure that they would be energised for the experience!
Arthur, who was born on bonfire night in 1921, had graciously and personally invited the delegation into his home and welcomed them with a self-effacing smile that was so apt for a former Royal Air Force pilot who flew Airspeed Oxford aircraft in the Second World War from 1938 to 1948. Proudly hung on his wall was a painting of the very aircraft NJ288 that he had flown on reconnaissance missions and on missions seeking out low level hidden targets such as tanks and even submarines. Trained to fly RAF aircraft in South Africa and involved in sorties from numerous air bases he would rise to the rank of Warrant Officer First Class.
A lifelong supporter and season ticket holder of Preston North End and known for attending matches in his RAF ‘Navigator’ boots. Indeed, Arthur said that he still had his flying suit and the RAF uniform in which he was married to his wife Alice!
Arthur was initiated into Centenary Lodge No 4908 in 1956, the year that Burgess and Maclean emerged in the then USSR as spies having been missing for five years. For those who need to regale their memories it was also the year that Jim Laker took 19 wickets from the Aussies in the Fourth Test at Old Trafford. Quite appropriately it was the year that Doris Day sang ‘Que sera sera, whatever will be will be will be, the futures not ours to see, que sera sera’. Arthur confirmed that he had not thought that such a 60th celebration would take place, and on that note, he was now only a mere five years away from the Queen’s telegram!
A painting of Arthur’s Airspeed Oxford NJ288
Proposed and seconded by two brothers R and C Campbell respectively, Arthur was initiated into Centenary Lodge on 20 May 1956, passed on 28 December that year and raised on 23 April 1957. After serving several years on the stewards list, Arthur completed the progressive offices within the lodge to become its worshipful master on 26 October 1971; a year in office that effectively encompassed the very busy Preston Guild Year of 1972.
Arthur was appointed to Provincial rank of PPrSGD in 1981, becoming PPrJGW in 1989 and further promoted due to his significant service to Freemasonry to PPrSGW in 2002. October of the following year saw Centenary Lodge amalgamate with the Lodge of Concord No 343 representing the first ever amalgamation within the Preston Group. Arthur has been a member of Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No 7755 since 1972 and also a member of Lathom Lodge No 2229 from 1989 to 1998.
In the Royal Arch he is now an honorary member of Preston Guild Chapter No 4408 having been its first principal in 1987 and holds the rank of PPrGSN which he attained in 1996.
Known for his love of and ability to recite and deliver ritual, Arthur was an active member of the study and lecture team that visited far and wide within the Province of West Lancashire.
A man of great dignity, respect and decorum Arthur stated that he had always tried to live his life according to those moral and ethical landmarks that Freemasonry espouses; always be mindful of the needs of others and to put service before self.
Arthur was then presented with a certificate, signed by the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, by David Winder who congratulated him on the marvellous achievement of completing his diamond jubilee of 60 years as a Freemason.
David stated to Arthur that: “On the day you were made a Mason, you were charged to be respectable in life, useful to mankind and an ornament to the society of which you were that day made a member. Arthur, you have done that with pride and dignity and have reflected honour upon yourself, your proposer and seconder, Freemasonry and all that know you.”
The fortunate quartet of attendees had indeed been privileged to spend time with Arthur in his home and on his celebratory day spontaneously applauded his delightful achievement and milestone.
Arthur is presented with his certificate by David (right) and Steve (left).