Philip Heal celebrates his diamond jubilee with Gospatric Lodge

On Tuesday 19th of March, Gospatric Lodge No.5286 celebrated the 60th anniversary of their longest serving member becoming a freemason. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master William Morley BEM was in attendance and presented Phillip with his certificate.

Philip had been initiated on the 21st of January 1964 and later became Worshipful Master in 1982. The DPGM told everyone that Philip\’s Father Sydney had also been the Worshipful Master of their lodge in 1952 and that Philip still plays an active role in some ceremonies in the lodge as lodge chaplain and often presenting Grand Lodge certificates to the new members. Philip had been born in Workington in 1942, attended St. Helen\’s School in Cockermouth and then studied at Keswick School until 1959. He then went on to study Optics at Northampton College, London (now City University) receiving Diplomas in Optics from the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and The British Optical Association. Philip later worked in his family\’s business working as an Optometrist for many years.

\"\" — Some of Gospatric Lodge\’s newest members along with W Bro Philip Heal, the DPGM and Worshipful Master Jeff Taylor

Philip became the second Chairman of Vision Aid Overseas, a charity recycling unwanted spectacles onto noses abroad. Over the years, Philip, his wife Diane and Daughter Nikky (who are all Optometrists) have visited various countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Swaziland distributing spectacles to those who required them. Philip told everyone it was really rewarding seeing the smiles of those receiving the spectacles once their vision had been improved. Philip went on helping to establish Cumbria Local Optical Committee representing his profession working with the NHS management bodies. This along with his involvement with the Vision Aid Overseas charity led to him being awarded Honorary Fellowship of the College of Optometrists becoming the first Cumbrian to receive the award.