A Diamond Celebration at Vernon Lodge – 60 Years of Freemasonry!
Sixty years of dedication, friendship and distinguished service celebrated in style at Vernon Lodge No. 560
Tuesday 20th October 2026 was a truly special evening at Vernon Lodge No. 560, as Brethren gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the Masonic life of W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook, PProvJGW (Warwickshire), marking an incredible 60 years of loyal and distinguished service to Freemasonry.
The evening was made all the more memorable by the presence of V. W. Bro. Michael J. Dykes, Grand Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England and Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire, who attended to present Peter with his 60-Year Long Service Certificate on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Stephen John Wyer.
With W. Bro. David Bedford occupying the Master's Chair, the Lodge enjoyed a splendid evening of Freemasonry, including the Passing of Bro. Craig Anthony Thomas, before attention turned to honouring one of its most distinguished members.
A Diamond in More Ways Than One!
The celebrations began with W. Bro. David Bedford delivering a wonderfully warm, personal and humorous account of Peter's remarkable life.
Born in Birmingham on 12th August 1938, Peter attended King's School, Worcester, as a boarder before completing his education in Harborne, Birmingham.
His professional life began in the jewellery trade, training as a diamond ring maker and qualifying as a gemmologist — a rather fitting profession for a Brother celebrating his Masonic Diamond Jubilee!
Following National Service, during which he obtained a commission and served in Cyprus between 1959 and 1961, Peter established his own jewellery manufacturing business in 1962, working alongside his father.
In March 1963, Peter married his wife Sally, and more than 63 years later they are still together. They have two children, Mark and Clare, and four grandchildren.
In 1977, Peter opened Cornbow Jewellers in Halesowen, subsequently relocating the business to Bewdley in 1989 before retiring in 1999.
David's tribute included a particularly entertaining moment when he sought Peter's expert opinion on a supposedly valuable gemstone acquired at a bargain price. Unfortunately, Peter's professional assessment suggested that David might have been rather optimistic about his investment!
The Brethren thoroughly enjoyed the humour, which provided a fittingly light-hearted introduction to a very special presentation.
And, despite being born next to a golf course some 88 years ago, Peter is remarkably still enjoying the game today!
Six Decades of Remarkable Masonic Service
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then delivered a fascinating and detailed account of Peter's extensive Masonic career, tracing a journey that began on 27th April 1966, when he was initiated into St Paul's Lodge No. 43, with his father serving as Junior Warden.
Peter went on to become Worshipful Master in 1979 and subsequently served as Treasurer for an impressive 15 years.
His enthusiasm for Freemasonry extended into the Mark Degree, joining St Paul's Mark Lodge No. 870 in 1972. He served as Master on three occasions and Treasurer for a further 10 years, eventually becoming an Honorary Member.
Following his move to Pound Green, near Bewdley, Peter joined Ribbesford Lodge in 1989, before eventually finding another Masonic home at Vernon Lodge on 17th April 2018.
In 2023, following his return to Stourbridge, he also joined Althumney Mark Lodge.
Across six decades, Peter's commitment has encompassed leadership, financial stewardship, friendship and unwavering support for the Craft and Mark Masonry.
A Presentation to Remember
The highlight of the evening came when V. W. Bro. Michael J. Dykes formally presented Peter with his 60-Year Long Service Certificate, by command of the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Stephen John Wyer.
Following the presentation, W. Bro. Scott Jones delivered the formal declaration, acknowledging Peter's: “60 years of long, loyal and distinguished service to Freemasonry in general and to this, the Vernon Lodge No. 560, in particular.”
The Brethren then rose to salute W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook with Honours Three, providing a wonderfully fitting tribute to a Brother whose Masonic journey has spanned six decades.
It was a moment of immense pride, warmth and appreciation, recognising not simply the passing of time but a lifetime of dedication to the principles and fellowship of Freemasonry.
Sixty Years – And Still Going Strong!
There was something particularly appropriate about a former diamond specialist receiving his Diamond Jubilee certificate. After all, diamonds are renowned for their enduring qualities — and Peter has demonstrated precisely those qualities throughout his remarkable Masonic career.
Sixty years of Freemasonry. Sixty-three years of marriage. Eighty-eight years young. And still playing golf!
On behalf of the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Vernon Lodge No. 560, we extend our warmest congratulations to W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook on this magnificent achievement.
Peter, thank you for your friendship, your service and your contribution to Freemasonry over the past 60 years. May you enjoy many more happy years in the Craft — and plenty more rounds on the golf course!
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