As we enter the Festive period in 2025, it is as well to remember Vaughan who passed to the Grand Lodge above on the 22nd December 2021. Vaughan was a well respected Brother and friend who is sorely missed by his fellow Brethren, says Martin Fifield.
His legacy to the Lodge is immeasurable. Derek Armson remembers how Vaughan took him under his wing when he first joined Cestreham. “Vaughan was a larger than life character who helped me develop my love of Masonic ritual. We not only chatted about Freemasonry (his knowledge was incredible), but also our other loves of music and digital marketing. He was so incredibly engaged in these subjects and I will always be grateful for what he gave to me in both Freemasonry and life”.
Current Lodge secretary Andrew Mais remebers “the kindest, most gentle giant you could ever imagine”.
“He would help anyone out in any situation, he’d be the first to step up. He also held a strong belief in the good of Freemasonry and that it was a great escape from the challenges of work and home life. In Vaughan’s words “You always come away from an LOI or Lodge Meeting refreshed and ready to take on the challenges outside”, this is so true”.
Martin continues, “I met Vaughan through our work and he brought me into Freemasonry, something for which I am ever grateful. He was such a huge presence in my life”.
One of Vaughan’s last requests was that people should wear bright socks at his funeral. At our first meeting after his passing, Andrew Mais suggested that, as a mark of respect, as opposed to our normal black socks, bright socks should be worn! Martin delivered the eulogy in Lodge and at the Festive Board afterwards the Brethren showed off their bright socks in honour of Vaughan.
The bright or stripey socks have now become a Cestreham tradition. Visiting dignitaries are often presented with a pair.
Final words from Andrew, “I always think of Vaughan when I put on my socks for a meeting! He was such a thoroughly decent person, a wonderful family man and a true mentor in every sense of the word. We miss him so much in Cestreham and he will always be remembered so very fondly by the Lodge”.
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