Olympian, Doctor, Rotarian and Worthy Freemason
September 2016
There is much pleasure in giving and also receiving recognition for some performance in life. We have witnessed this ritual many times during this year’s Olympic games. Similarly, in Freemasonry we rightly recognise those brethren who have not only been a continuous member within the Masonic association but who have served it well. You can imagine that there are not too many times that you can associate someone who has also a pedigree as an athlete and taken an active part in Olympic games representing his country. A person whose country has recognised his services to wider community by way of an honour from Her Majesty the Queen.
Within Universities Lodge there is such a member in the person of Alan W Lillington, MBE. At the last regular meeting of Universities Lodge who meet at the Durham Masonic Hall, Old Elvet, Durham City, the Provincial Grand Master, Norman Eric Heaviside took the opportunity to present in person his Certificate that recognises the attaining of 50 years in Freemasonry.
Before making the presentation the Provincial Grand Master gave the brethren an insight into the antecedents of Alan Lillington.
Alan was an accomplished runner and was apart of the British Olympic Team in 1952 Olympic Games that took place in Helsinki
A life dedicated to the medical profession as a Consultant Paediatrician. Those services were recognised and reward by being awarded the MBE by her Majesty the Queen.
A committed Rotarian he attained the position of District Governor. His activities as a mason over several decades are true testimony of his dedication to Freemasonry, particularly within the Province of Durham.
He was initiated into Vedra Lodge in Sunderland on the 20th of April 1966 becoming Worshipful Master in 1975. He joined Universities Lodge in 1980, Wear Valley Lecture Lodge in 1984 and Durham Lodge of Installed Masters in1990. A Founder member of Sportsman Lodge in 1991, Nevil Lodge of Installed Masters Lodge in 1992 and Service Above Self in 1994
Provincial honours included Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 1984. He was appointed Assistant Director of Ceremonies from 1986 until 1989. He was appointed Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1991 serving for some eighteen months.
In 1988 he was appointed with an acting office in Grand Lodge as Assistant Director of Ceremonies and promoted to Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2001
At the age of 84 years he continues to be actively involved in Masonic activities and enjoys living with his wife Eileen in Whitburn
On receiving his 50 years’ certificate from the Provincial Grand Master he thanked all of the brethren for supporting him and pointed out that unfortunately he is no longer the athlete he once. However, he had fond memories of being part of the 1952 British Olympic team which unfortunately recorded their lowest medals tally on record and that the only Gold medal winner for team GB was a horse.
Needless to say he thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations at the Festive board in his honour. Universities Lodge has a reputation on not doing things by halves and on the same evening the Worshipful Master, Anthony Cleeves and his officers raised Brothers Ram Gupta, Reece Williams and William Craven to the degree of Master Masons and who knows what there life stories hold for the future.