Stephen Booker – Worshipful Master
Freemasonry is not all about rank and privilege as some people believe.
I was born in 1957 in a council maisonette above a Co-op in Hayes in Middlesex. After a Secondary school education, I left in the fifth year,as it was called then, to start an electrician apprenticeship with the Southern Electricity Board.
I have been involved in the electrical industry ever since, working in environments ranging from house rewires & new builds, office refurbishments and new builds, MOD bases, hospitals and laboratories to name a few, ending up for the past eighteen years at a world famous film studio.
So how did I end up becoming a Freemason let alone the Master of a Lodge ?
My wife had not seen a cousin of hers for quite a few years and so was surprised to run into Susan in our local Waitrose. A meal with our two families was arranged and this is when I met Vaughan Davies for the second time. We had spent an afternoon with them at a country show some years earlier. I got on well with Vaughan then and on this occasion we continued to hit it off.
General conversation was going on and Vaughan asked me if I had any hobbies or interests. I told him that I enjoyed my garden, listening and reading various things including the likes of Anthony Robbins and Jim Rohm and was interested in self improvement. Also that I was looking for a club or society to join to extend my social circle. Not being sporty, football, tennis or golf were out of the question. It was then that he mentioned Freemasonry.
He gave me a brief overview and this sparked, pun intended, my interest. He told me that the Brethren of Cestreham Lodge met every Thursday for something called Lodge of Instruction and that I was more than welcome to come along and meet them. This I did and continued to do so on following Thursdays. After the LoI, which obviously I was not privy to, we would have an enjoyable social time at the bar. I must have made the right impressions because Vaughan proposed me and Martin Fifield seconded me and I was Initiated on the 26th of March 2015. I have progressed through the various offices finally will become Master of Cestreham Lodge on the 24th of November 2022.
Along the way I joined another order in Freemasonry, The Royal Arch otherwise known as Chapter, & have also held offices in this & continue my progression.
Richard Roberts – Immediate Past Master
Richard is a “Lewis” (the son of a freemason). From an early age he remembers listening to his father practice his Masonic ritual in the lounge at home, being taken to numerous masonic charity fundraisers, and on more than one occasion being chastised for using his father’s regalia in child play!
Richard joined freemasonry in order to share more quality time with his father, share in some of his passion, and follow in the values which freemasonry represents and he was brought up in. He was inducted into freemasonry via the Old Salopian Lodge in London, and became a joining member of Cestreham in 2012 when he became a master mason.
Richard is a Director at an investment management firm in Oxford, which specialises in investing into early stage UK companies in the technology, media and infrastructure sectors. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Consulting. Richard is married with two children, enjoys playing golf, walking up hills in the summer and skiing down them in winter.
Richard is a “Lewis” (the son of a freemason). From an early age he remembers listening to his father practice his Masonic ritual in the lounge at home, being taken to numerous masonic charity fundraisers, and on more than one occasion being chastised for using his father’s regalia in child play!
Richard joined freemasonry in order to share more quality time with his father, share in some of his passion, and follow in the values which freemasonry represents and he was brought up in. He was inducted into freemasonry via the Old Salopian Lodge in London, and became a joining member of Cestreham in 2012 when he became a master mason.
Richard is a Director at an investment management firm in Oxford, which specialises in investing into early stage UK companies in the technology, media and infrastructure sectors. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Consulting. Richard is married with two children, enjoys playing golf, walking up hills in the summer and skiing down them in winter.
Mike Beckley – Senior Warden
Mike was first introduced to Cestreham Lodge in 2016, being formally initiated early in 2017.
Mike has a had a diverse professional life. After studying at Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education (now Bucks New University) he spent 3 years as a Land Surveyor, 15 years in construction management, followed by 10 years in corporate sales. He is now semi retired, but has an active role in the management of Chiltern Hills Arboriculture, where he is a business partner.
Mike has a passion for travel, and at last count, has visited over 50 countries worldwide. He also enjoys cooking, eating out, photography, and music. In 2001 Mike completed a charity cycle ride of 400 kilometres through the Rift Valley in Kenya raising funds for Scope. In 2002, he completed a 500 kilometre cycle ride over the Andes in Ecuador raising funds for MacMillan Cancer Relief.
“When I was first invited to meet Cestreham Lodge, my natural curiosity got the better of me, so I accepted. I met a few long standing lodge members in the bar. It was interesting. I sat with a group of people who clearly have a wealth of life experiences, and discussed a great variety of topics. As a result, I joined the lodge and thoroughly enjoy my involvement. My engagement with Freemasonry has been very rewarding. It has given me further insight into charitable activity. Also, the support the craft offers to it’s members is second to none. I am very much looking forward to my journey through Freemasonry, and ultimately, my year in The Chair”
Danny Peacock – Junior Warden
Danny was first introduced to Cestreham Lodge in 2017, being formally initiated early in 2018.
Father and Director C.H.A Danny has a passion for his family, community & work alike.
He’s worked with various organisations to support the homeless sector whilst continuing to raise funds for different charitys and projects.
“When My Business Partner first invited me to meet Cestreham Lodge, being curious about Freemansonary I attended one evening in October ’17 to find some good friends of his who are of outstanding quality and charector, but just like me and you (ordinary) .
Being intriqued I attended for some time after until I was invited to join Cestreham and I am pleased to say they are now friends of ours”.
Lol Power – Chaplain
Lol is second the longest serving member of Cestreham Lodge and is a genuine Top Man.
He’s served in all the Offices of the Lodge and regularly helps out serving in any position required at any given time. He’s a Lodge of Instruction stalwart and a vital member who ensures the Lodge continues to function.
He loves a pint of Guinness and is now retired after a long career in property.
Andrew Scott-Priestley – Treasurer
Andrew was initiated into Haven Lodge in London in 1990 and served as Master twice having enjoyed time as Charity Steward and some years as Director of Ceremonies. He lives in Chalfont St Peter and was pleased to be recently welcomed into Cestreham Lodge as a joining member.
Andrew is married with two adult children and with grandchildren ranging in age from 18 to 6. He is now retired after a long career in HR management both internally in various industries and externally as an international executive search consultant.
Freemasonry appeals to his slightly altruistic nature, previously having been an active member of Round Table, and he continues as a volunteer with the local NHS Trust and chairs one of its appointment committees. He is a founder member of the Chilterns Prostate Cancer Support Group helping those diagnosed and promoting awareness of prostate cancer. He is a member of Round Table Chapter of Middlesex and Serenity Chapter Rose Croix.
Andrew Mais – Secretary
In March 2010 the inquisitive nature of Andrew got the better of him and he was initiated into Freemasonry and the Cestreham Lodge No.6674. After 6 years of progressive office he was placed in the Chair of King Solomon in November 2016 as Worshipful Master.
A busy home life with 2 young daughters and a demanding job, Andrews year as master was very busy with extra meetings and social events and a fantastic Ladies Night held at Pinewood studios for nearly 100 guests with the Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire also in attendance.
Andrews’ three Master Charities for the year, all having played a part in his life were; Teddies for Loving Care, Multi System Atrophy Trust and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and he was delighted to present them with cheques at the end of his year.
Andrew still finds time to play golf, enjoy family holidays and follow his favourite football team Man Utd.
Andrew is a hard working and dedicated Freemason looking to further his masonic career and is proud to have led such a vibrant lodge as Cestreham between 2016-2017.
Andrew is currently Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and is also a member of:
Buckinghamshire Provincial Stewards Lodge No. 9222 and has been Exalted into Cestreham Chapter No. 6674
Simon Iley Director Of Ceremonies
Simon joined Cestreham Lodge as an initiate on 25th January 2006 and was installed as Master in November 2012 having occupied the intervening ‘progressive’ offices. He is also a member of:
- Craft: Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Stewards.
- Royal Arch chapters: Cestreham, the Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Stewards and First Principals.
He has lived in Beaconsfield since the late 1980’s with wife Kate and has three grown up children.
Simon retired in 2021 having worked in public transport, IT consultancy and, for the last 20 years, in equity research. His interests include country walking, cards and a pint ‘down the local’ with friends.
Reading through the other officers’ comments it strikes me how diverse are the reasons for enjoying masonry. For my own part, I really enjoy the opportunities to meet and develop lasting friendships with people of all backgrounds across masonry. A somewhat surprising joy is the challenge of learning (daunting but so rewarding at my age), understanding and delivering ritual to the best of my ability. I am proud of being part of something much greater especially in terms of charitable works and the ‘ability to make a difference’ rapidly and especially locally where required. Another real personal pleasure is to find an oasis of calm, peace and reflection away from the everyday world – even if just for a few moments – at our meetings.
Richard Chapman – Almoner
I was born in Croxley Green near Watford, Herts in 1948 and moved to Chesham in 1970.Most of my working life was spent in the print industry.
I was initiated into Cestreham Lodge in 1984 after several conversations with Morris Hogg in the infamous Cestreham Lodge recruitment centre also known as the Black Cat pub in Chesham.
I went through all the offices and had the honour of becoming Worshipful Master in 1994. In those days it was usual to take 10 years from initiation to the masters chair. In 1984 Cestreham Lodge didn’t have a regular home (Beconsfield wasn’t at this time a Masonic venue) so I was initiated in Slough, passed in Marlow and raised in Slough.
I have enjoyed several offices in the Lodge including a total of 10 years as Director of Ceremonies. I am finding the role of Almoner very interesting as I know all the older members past and present personally ( being one myself) and hope to continue in the role for years to come.
Bryan Peel – Senior Deacon
Bryan is a Joining Member of Cestreham Lodge having being Initiated into Granite Lodge No:1328 in 1976. He is also a Member of Buckinghamshire Classic Car Lodge 9945 Since joining Cestreham Lodge in 2005 and progressed through the various Offices before being Installed Master in November 2013.
He is currently fulfilling the role of Assistant Secretary of the Lodge.
He is a supporter of The Masonic Charitable Foundation and Thames Valley Air Ambulance plus others.
Bryan has been Married to Rita for 48yrs and they have two Grown Up Children. Bryan is a Retired Chartered Building Surveyor [ FRICS ] having spent his Professional career working in Commercial Property. From being a Construction Project Manager he moved into Senior Management of Prudential Portfolio Managers Ltd as Director of Building Consultancy and Head of Prudential Health and Safety.
He ran his own Consultancy Practice for several years focusing on Major Incident Management and Disaster Recovery in Commercial Property and Shopping Centres ,before working Full Time at Retirement.
His Lifelong interest is Motorsport, having spent 5 yrs Racing Saloon Cars in the 1960’s and latterly involved in Classic Car Racing. He is a Member of The Silverstone Racing Club and a Silverstone Season Ticked Holder. Other interests are Fly Fishing, Gardening, Travelling and Cruise Holidays plus Socialising.
Aaron Sawney – Junior Deacon
Lloyd Jones – Inner Guard
Lloyd failed the 11 plus and spent a year in the local Secondary Modern before being transferred to the Grammar School. After gaining his GCE he joined the police as a Cadet and remained with the service until retirement at age 49. During this time he was engaged mostly as a Detective dealing with serious crime at New Scotland Yard, before retiring from the senior management team at Sussex Police, following transfer from the Met.
Whilst on a scholarship to Oxford University he obtained an MA in Jurisprudence and later qualified as a Solicitor by part time study at the College of Law, Guildford. He completed training with ‘Magic Circle’ firm Allen & Overy in the City of London and became an Associate in the Private Client department. He later set up Partnership with a female colleague specialising in Litigation in the Thames Valley/West London areas. Now retired he latterly acted as a Consultant Solicitor to a large general practise.
Lloyd is a joining member of Cestreham Lodge having been initiated into Roxeth Lodge No 6905 in Middlesex, and was a joining member of Apollo University Lodge No 357 in Oxford. He has also been a Mark Mason in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire, and in Chapter in Middlesex.
Malcolm Stockley – Charity Steward
David Russell – Membership Officer
Initiated into Freemasonry & North Harrow Lodge in January 1990 and progressed through all offices including Worshipful Master twice. I also joined the Round Table Chapter of Middlesex a few years later.
After moving to Chesham I decided to reduce the travelling necessary and to take advantage of the warm, friendly atmosphere of Cestreham by, first joining Chapter, occupying all three Principals’ chairs twice, and then the Lodge.
So enamoured by Buckinghamshire Freemasonry was I, that I subsequently joined Misbourne Mark Masters and Royal Ark Mariners Lodges
Derek Armson – Lodge Mentor
Derek was initiated into Cestreham Lodge on 25th January 2012, completing six years in the progressive offices before being installed as Master in November 2017.
He is now retrired after a career in Recruitment and more latterly as a Search Engine Optimisation Consultant having run his own Digital Marketing business since late 2006. He built this website!
His interests include football (he’s a Watford season ticket holder), cricket having witnessed the 2017/18 Ashes disaster at close hand, racketball, padel and music.
A past Charity Steward of the Lodge he says, “I love the charitable aspect of Freemasonry, it makes giving very enjoyable. I also really enjoy learning the ceremonies and the sense of achievement when we deliver great ritual. I have made many great friendships in Freemasonry and received amazing support when I needed it, I am now looking forward to helping our newer and younger members develop their enjoyment of Freemasonry”.
He has supported TLC, The Stroke Association and the Bucks Masonic Benevolent Fund through his Masonic career.
Morris Hogg – Assistant Secretary
Most of my work has been involved in the sales and marketing of technology equipment and services. It was good market sector to be in, as business in the UK had just realised that the Abacus was from a bygone era.
Since I retired, I have given up trying to keep up with current technology. I am happy to call on help from my children and grandchildren to unravel the mysteries of the Smart phone, I-Pad or the Desktop.
I became a Freemason, through the introduction of best friends, who frequented the Black Cat pub in Chesham. Sadly, it closed, and with that disaster our lodge lost a major source of recruiting new Freemasons.
I was not aware if any family history in Freemasonry. That remained so until I began compiling a family history. I discovered my long-deceased father and my father-in-law had both been Scottish Freemasons.
Tracing their Masonic history and visiting their mother lodges in Scotland was fascinating exercise, but that must be another story. It did however spark my interest in Masonic research, ritual and history leading me to prepare the lodge 50th anniversary celebration book. That interest in research continues to this day.
Over the years I have occupied all the principal offices in our lodge culminating in being installed the Worshipful master in 1989. Since then, I have undertaken a number of admin roles and confess I was looking forward to taking a “back seat”.
To be invited by our Worshipful Master to take the role of Assistant Director of Ceremonies is a great honour. I am sure it will rekindle my enthusiasm and will surely remind me of many of the parts of our ritual I have long forgotten.
Cestreham has always been a hard-working Lodge. Setting high standards. Taking pride in our work and ensuring our ceremonies are performed to the best of our ability.
In the year ahead we have a full schedule of work and ceremonies planned. Our weekly lodge of Instruction meetings will continue to be friendly, social yet instructive. I look forward to helping the brethren enjoy their Masonic experience.