Mr Gerald Barton, born in June 1937, and Mrs Daphne Slaughter spent their working life in London, where Gerald was Initiated into Freemasonry in 1963 in his Father’s Lodge, The Lodge of Industry, which later amalgamated in 2017 and was renamed Edward Alleyns Lodge of Industry meeting at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London. Gerald’s Brother David still remains a member of the London Lodge.
On retirement, the couple moved to Shaldon, Devon, in 2007, and Gerald, retaining membership of his London Lodge, became a Joining Member of Benevolent Lodge meeting in Teignmouth.
Earlier in 2023. Failing health saw the decision taken to sell their house (sale yet to be finalised) and move into Cadogan Court RMBI Home, Barley Lane, Exeter, where they now reside.
The home is financed and supported by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. It is open to all, not only Freemasons and their families. It offers Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care to a very high standard, operated under Manager Mrs Clare Walker and a highly professional team of domestic, Operational and Nursing staff.
On learning of Gerald and Daphne moving into Cadogan Court, and as part of ongoing support offered by Edward Alleyns Lodge of Industry, it was decided by the Lodge to provide a donation of £5,000.00 to Cadogan Court for the benefit of its residents.
Sadly, although he was present, Gerald was not well enough to make the presentation personally. At Gerald’s request, the presentation was made to Mrs Clare Walker (Manager) and Arthur Blamey, Chair of the friends of Cadogan Court, by Keith Meager, former Charity Steward of Benevolent Lodge, Rick Purnell, both close friends of the Slaughter family.
The significance of this donation cannot be over-emphasised, not merely in the generous sum involved, but it also demonstrates how Freemasonry is Universal, as it can and frequently does, cross many boundaries to touch and contribute where the need exists.
It is a great testament to Edward Alleyns Lodge of Industry that not only does it remember those members who have moved away but honours the unswerving service given by Gerald, who has now completed 60 years of unbroken service to Freemasonry, and many like him from Lodges across the country and beyond.
