The two Provincial Grand Wardens for the next Masonic year, both hail from the centre of the Province and two adjoining groups. David John Asbridge Provincial Senior Grand Warden is from the Preston Group and Peter Allen Provincial Junior Grand Warden is from the Chorley Group.
David Asbridge and his ‘best friend’, Lizzie.
David Asbridge can trace his Masonic roots to some considerable depth in his family tree as his father, John has been a Freemason for over 54 years. Likewise, his godfathers, uncle, cousin and father in law all have been members of the Craft. David describes himself as a ‘late entrant’ to Masonry, as he was initiated at the age of 45 into Coronation Lodge No 3479 (East Lancashire). He says the initiation was truly a family affair as he was initiated by his ‘Uncle David’ and guided around the room by his cousin, Robert.
David’s journey across the border, into West Lancashire was the result of a chance conversation that he had with APrGM David Winder, which resulted in him being exalted in to Ribble Chapter No 4558 in 2007 and as a consequence, becoming a joining member of Ribble Lodge No 4558 the following year. He attained the first principals chair in 2013 and then just six months later was installed into the chair of the lodge, achieving a ‘first’ as both first principal and master of both Ribble Lodge and Ribble Chapter, concurrently!
He is also a member of Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No 7755 and active in two other Masonic orders. He serves the office of almoner in both lodge and chapter, as well as being Pastoral Care Officer for the Preston Group. David has also served as lodge mentor.
On learning of his appointment, David says it was a very special moment for his father, as John’s health has not been too good recently, but the news of his appointment had at first left his Dad speechless and then made him extremely happy and proud. He further commented: “It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed to the rank of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, particularly so in this very special year as we celebrate the Tercentenary of Freemasonry and the launch of the West Lancashire 2021 Festival in support of the MCF. I am looking forward to visiting the different lodges and Masonic halls, making new friends and representing the Province to the very best of my ability”.
Peter Allen became a Freemason in 2001 and was initiated into St James Lodge No 8910. He became master in 2008. He is also a member of Phoenix Lodge of Installed Masters No 9206, Quingenti Lodge No 8516 and Rivington Lodge No 8013. He received Provincial honours in 2011 when he was appointed to the acting rank of PrGStwd, followed by a promotion to PPrGSuptWks in 2015. Peter was exalted into Coronation Chapter No 7258 in 2009 and was installed as first principal in 2015. He is also a member of Horwich Chapter No 2324.
Peter Allen, pictured on holiday.
Within the Chorley Group, he has been very active serving as group secretary from 2012 until his appointment as group vice chairman in 2016 and he admits that he very much enjoys being able to participate so actively in all facets of Masonry in this role.
Speaking shortly after the news of his appointment had been released, he said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the rank of Provincial Junior Grand Warden and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my proposer Robin Andrews Morris and my seconder Robert Malcolm Dewhurst, who have both mentored and supported me over the various stages of my Masonic career. I would also like to mention the many friendships Masonry has given me the opportunity of making. My sincere gratitude must also go to my wife Lesley, for her continued unequivocal support. I eagerly anticipate the busy year ahead during this new and exciting chapter of my Masonic journey and I hope to continue the high standards set by my distinguished predecessors.”
David (left) and Peter at Provincial Grand Lodge.