Extract from the PGM's Address

I am delighted to be in Fishguard at the Strumble Lodge this evening to make a very special presentation to W Bro Phillip Gale.

W Bro Phil, you were Initiated into Strumble Lodge on 13th March 1974. That is exactly 18,291 days ago. I was 8 years old! You were Passed on 11th December 1974 and Raised on 10th September 1975.

You filled the progressive offices of the lodge, with a two-year gap for work reasons between Senior Deacon and Junior Warden. You finally became Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1989.

Since 1989 you have held several offices, including Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Director of Ceremonies and Treasurer.

In the Craft Province, you were first appointed to Provincial rank as Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary in 1996. You were promoted to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works in the Year 2000 and further promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 2013.

On the 23rd of September 1981, you completed your journey in Pure Antient Freemasonry by being Exalted into the Abergwaun Chapter.

W Bro Phil, in the real world, you were born on 27th February 1950.

When you left school, you joined Pembrokeshire Constabulary as a Police Cadet. You were just 17 years of age.

In 1977 you were promoted to Sergeant and posted to the Police Training Centre in Cwmbran as a Law Instructor.

In 1979 you were posted back to Haverfordwest and then onto Milford Haven.

In 1992 you were promoted to the rank of Inspector covering Haverfordwest and Fishguard.

After 32 years’ service you retired from the Police Force in 1999, but you continued to work as a Consultant Assessor recruiting Police Officers nationally. You were also involved in assessing Police Officers for promotion across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

W Bro Phil, not only have you had a very successful masonic career and an even more impressive career in Policing, but you have also found time for 50 years’ involvement in football, both as a player and as a referee.

You married your wife Rona in 1971, 53 years ago.

You have 3 daughters, and 6 grandchildren. W Bro Phil, that is not a family, it’s a dynasty!

I am delighted to present you with your certificate and badge to mark this wonderful milestone in your masonic career and I wish you good health and the strength to continue to enjoy your freemasonry for many years to come.

Many congratulations