W.Bro.George R.Taylor, PProvSGW, Provincial Almoner
After a Grammar school education in Chingford in the 50’s, an engineering apprenticeship at the Royal Small Arms Enfield a spell in the machine tool industry and then purchasing in Jabsco Pumps in Hoddesdon, Marconi Chelmsford and Lucas office furniture in East London I started a Business with a partner supplying Projection Lamps to Cinemas and some service work on projectors. A wide range of industries and experiences finally retiring from Business early in 2006
My family consists of 2 sons and a daughter with 5 grandchildren and apart from Masonry my hobbies include photography (digital and film), my garden, Koi pond, allotment and my old British motorbikes
I was initiated into London Freemasonry and the Royal Engineers Lodge 2599 in 1975 and went on to be exalted into the Chapter in 1979. At that time I was very active with Scuba Diving and in the Harlow Branch of the British Sub Aqua Club where I became qualified instructor and helped to run a Snorkelling Club for children at the Leventhorpe School pool Sawbridgeworth this led me to join the British Sub Aqua Lodge 8997 in 1982 and I became a Founder of the British Sub Aqua Chapter in 1985
In 1991 I really got an insight into Hertfordshire Provincial Masonry when I became a Founder of Fairgreen Lodge 9410, joined Herts Masters Lodge in 1996 following on with Herts First Principals Chapter.
1998 saw me as a Founder of The Michael Batham Jones Lodge 9675 and in 2000 Founding Scribe E of the Michael Batham Jones Chapter. I was honoured with PGSoj in 2002
Still in London I joined Palmers Green Lodge 4023 in 2001 and was subsequently honoured with LGR for my work in London
Apart from Master and MEZ my Masonic career has included Secretary, Treasurer, Almoner, Charity Steward, DC and Preceptor. For my work in the Province I have been honoured with Active and Past Ranks the most recent in 2004 as Provincial Senior Warden. I am currently Secretary of two Lodges and Asst Sec of Herts Masters, my current office added to the above keeps me pretty busy.
My previous offices in the Province and Freemasonry have given me the experience and training for the office of Provincial Almoner, this is a busy job, bringing me into daily contact with Lodge Almoners and Brethren across the Province who need help or support, all working for the needy Brethren amongst us, their families and dependants. I am the link between the Province, Lodges and Brethren to the various Masonic Charities.
As I was told “at times you will find the job frustrating, at times you can pull your hair out but at the end of the day it’s a very very rewarding job.”
Such a true statement.