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2014 was a very significant year for Stuart and for me.
On the last day of February Stuart and I were joyous, as I completed my final fraction of Radiotherapy.
Then, just a short while later, on 19th March, Stuart fell in the shower!
As both of you know he suffered a spinal cord injury, leaving him with an incomplete tetraplegia.
He then spent nine months in hospital. This period was, at first, to overcome some life threatening health problems. Then after two long months, to be rehabilitated from the spinal injury.
You may wonder why I am writing to you.
Today, March 19th, marks the tenth anniversary of this event. A event which proved to be life changing for both Stuart and for me.
I will explain why I am writing in greater detail.
I can never express enough, my thanks, to many friends who supported both me and through me, Stuart.
This lasted during his nine months of continuous stay as an inpatient first at Stoke on Trent, then in Telford ITU and HDU finally being moved to the life saving / life affirming Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries at Oswestry in May. He spent seven months in MCSI before being allowed home on 18th December.
A large part of the support that I received came from Stuart’s Masonic Brethren. I know that this “support” was orchestrated and to a large extent co-ordinated by Mike Cole.
It came in many forms. Driving me from home to Gobowen and back - a round trip of 88 miles, sometimes eating a meal with me, sending me messages and flowers. Sometimes visits by brethren direct to see Stuart. This support came mainly from Worcestershire Province but not exclusively. Since Staffordshire, Shropshire and Warwickshire were also involved.
During the 243 days that Stuart was in hospital there were only 8 days that I did not go to spend time with him. I drove myself on very many days, but I would guess that for more than a half of the visits I had company and as a consequence Stuart had company. I know that this was a tremendous help to him in coming to terms with what had happened. Also in aiding his mental and physical recovery.
I should add that lines of contact were also maintained from both 86, St. James’s Street and from Duke Street.
I venture to say that this tale illustrates the essence of Freemasonry. Thus I send grateful thanks to all concerned via you two worthy Masonic leaders.
Please feel free to quote from this message if you feel it would be appropriate.
Kindest regards and love to one and all.
Val
Very Worshipful Brother Stuart Edwards was initiated into Perseverance Lodge 523 in November 1969. He was Master of that Lodge in 1990. He was a member of a number of other Craft Lodges which include Old Edwardians Lodge of Stourbridge, Manor Abbey Lodge, Worcestershire Installed Masters Lodge, Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge and the Edward Frederick Hanson lodge. He was the Master of the Old Edwardians Stourbridge Lodge in 1984 and again in 1999 and Master of Manor Abbey Lodge in 1994.
VW Bro Stuart is also an honorary member of the Morgan Lodge, Wenceslas Lodge, Lodge of Progress and Arter Lodge.
Having served the Province as Provincial Grand Treasurer, being appointed in 1998, he also served the Province as Senior Grand Warden, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
VW Bro Stuart was acknowledged at Grand Lodge, having been appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Past Senior Grand Deacon and Past Grand Sword Bearer.
He celebrated 50 years of service to masonry in 2020.
In the Holy Royal Arch, Ex. Companion Stuart was exalted into Stability Chapter in 1972. He served as the Zerubbabel of the chapter in 1991. Also, he was a member of the Worcestershire Installed First Principals Chapter.
He has served the Provincial Grand Chapter of Worcestershire as the Treasurer alongside his role as Treasurer in the Craft.
E. Comp. Stuart was recognised at Supreme Grand Chapter with the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer.
In the companion orders of Freemasonry, Stuart was a significant member in all of these orders.
Stuart was advanced into the Perseverance Lodge of Mark Master Masons in 1973; he was also a member of the Grand Stewards Lodge, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Lodge, Millennium Lodge, All Saints lodge, Milestone Lodge and an honorary member of the Quill & Key Lodge, St Georges Lodge and Worcestershire Installed Masters Lodge of Mark Master Masons.
R.W.Bro Stuart Edwards received the grand rank of Past Senior Grand Warden in 2016.
Elevated into the Royal Ark Mariner degree in 1975 in the Perseverance Lodge of RAM, Stuart was also a member of South Staffordshire RAM, Milestone RAM, a founder member of the Worcestershire Installed Commanders Lodge and an honorary member of Teme Valley RAM, Millennium RAM and All Saints RAM.
Stuart was acknowledged with Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank in 2003, and further appointed to the Grand Masters Royal Ark Council (Honoris Causa) in 2013.
Further to his work as Treasurer in Craft and Chapter, Stuart was Grand Treasurer at Mark Masons Hall, London.
Stuart was also a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, Scarlet Cord, Allied Masonic Degrees, Royal and Select Masters, Knights Beneficent of the Holy City, Order of the Secret Monitor, Knights Templar and Knights of Malta, serving as Grand Treasurer to these orders.
A long and distinguished journey in Freemasonry.