FIFTY years in Freemasonry have been celebrated by a Kendal-born Royal Navy captain.
Peter Lightburn's golden jubilee was toasted at a large gathering of brethren at Eversley Lodge, Kendal.
The former pupil at Kendal's St Thomas' School and Heversham Grammar School is the son of the late John George Lightburn, who was editor of The Westmorland Gazette for a quarter of a century.
Captain Lightburn's naval career spanned almost 37 years. Serving in frigates, destroyers and an aircraft carrier, he travelled to many parts of the world including the USA, where he worked on Polaris and Trident building and refitting.
He retired from the Royal Navy in 1993 and served as the chairman of Kendal's Sea Cadets Corps from 1995 to 2004.
Married to Judith for 47 years, the couple have two children, John and Eleanor, and two granddaughters.
Mr Lightburn's Masonic career was recalled in detail during a speech by Cumberland and Westmorland provincial grand master Norman James Thompson. His roles have included provincial deputy grand director of ceremonies, senior warden of the province, deputy provincial grand master and past grand sword bearer. His record of service to Freemasonry and the country was described as "outstanding".
Brian S Ferrington
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