Read war hero marks 50 years as Freemason

Geoff Smith marks 50 years as a Freemason

A Read war hero is celebrating five decades as a Freemason.

Geoffrey Smith celebrated the milestone achievement at Whalley Arches Lodge in Whalley.

He was initiated into Thursby Lodge, Burnley, proposed by a local headmaster Ken Helliwell, who at the time was a neighbour on Marsden Road, Burnley.

During the Second World War, Geoffrey trained as a pilot in South Africa. He trained in hurricanes and then saw active service in two squadrons flying hurricanes, mustangs and spitfires.

After the war he worked as branch manager for the Scottish Amicable. Geoffrey has just reached the age of 92 and is still active in Freemasonry, having just completed a year in office as Master of Whalley Arches Lodge.

Geoffrey with assistant provincial grandmaster, Martin Roach (left) and the Worshipful Master Stuart Smith.