Hughie with his extended family.
Four generations of family were on hand when ninety one year old Hugh Wales was presented with a jewel and certificate to mark his 7o years in Masonry last Saturday at the Harden Nursing Home surrounded by 37 Lodge members. Doug Sewell presented the Certificate and long time friend Gubby Allan from Temora presented the Jewel. Hugh joined the Masons on 28th January 1946, at Tullerbageal at the age of 21 years. In those days if your father was not a Mason you were unable to join until you were 21. However you could join at 18 if your father was a member. Nowadays, members are accepted at age 18. Long time friend and masonry member John Arthur spoke very fondly of Hugh saying that he was a 32` freemason and he had and still holds many positions within the freemasonry. Hugh was Master of Temora Lodge for a period. He was a district recorder of a large district which included Harden. John said, “He is a prominent member of Knights Templer and a Member of the Royal Arch. I was honoured to spend many hours in his company travelling around the country on Lodge business. Hugh is a very knowledgeable man and he has led an interesting life.” He continued, “We enjoy visiting Hughie at the Nursing Home and keeping him up to date with lodge business.” John said that Hugh was instrumental in the steering committee and management committee for the Units built in Swift Street. He was involved in raising funds for the units. Hugh maintained the surrounds for many years before he and his wife Noeleen moved into one of the units. He went on to say that Hugh was a humble man who just went about his business. He said, “We all have very patient wives who cope with the time we spend away from home.” Hugh remained very quiet throughout the ceremony but made a heartfelt speech to thank all those present. He later said, he had very much enjoyed the day.
