W Bro Ian Burgess JP writes:
It was a privilege to present W Bro Peter Willson with his Certificate in front of over 40 friends, family and Brethren in Granite Lodge No 1328 at Mark Masons’ Hall, to celebrate 50 years as a Freemason.
Peter was initiated into Freemasonry on 13th December 1975 by his father, who was himself previously initiated by his father into the same Lodge. Since 1975, when the average price of a house in the UK was £9,560, inflation was over 22% and the average weekly wage was £37.50, many things have changed – although the values and traditions of Freemasonry have remained a constant.
Outside of Freemasonry, Peter’s interests include road trips with his wife, Jayne, in his trusted TVR Tuscan S car; his love of cricket; supporting his local rugby club as Vice President; and beekeeping!
His support for the community has also included having been the Chairman of Governors for his local junior school and Chairman of a local housing association, albeit one of his claims to fame is that his company helped Harry Potter’s car and broomsticks fly in the Harry Potter films.
The meeting was followed by a delightful Festive Board, where entertainment was provided by a wonderful singer and rounded off by all assembled singing a boisterous rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas”.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.
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