Terry Speight, Pangbourne Chapter No 4381.
Terry was born and raised in North Nottinghamshire. At the tender age of 12 Terry followed a set of horse tracks, which led him to a life’s association with the horse world.
Starting off in the Hunting and Show jumping world, Terry soon gained a thorough grounding in all aspects of horsemanship, due to the 1970’s recession; this stable was closed down, forcing Terry to embark on another aspect of his life, bringing him to the South and to a career in the thoroughbred world of Racing and Breeding, and a spell with the famous stud of William Hill.
Above: Terry relaxing
Terry soon became one of the youngest Stud Managers in the country at that time. He established a small Stud Farm for another prominent Bookmaker and not only had great success, but also managed to meet and marry his wife Lynne. Following the untimely death of his Patron, Terry took a few years to re-establish himself and 30 years ago took on the care and management of the Bloodstock Yearlings belonging to Lord Howard de Walden, here in Berkshire.
 Terry guarding the Gold Derby Trophy |
Terry has had the care of many high class horses, including the Derby winner “Slip Anchor” and many Royal Ascot winners. The last Champion under his care was one “Grand Lodge”, very well named as the grandmother of this horse was called “Magic Flute”, named after the Masonic themed opera, composed by the famous Mason Mozart. Further clever names came with the produce called, “Tyler’s Toast” and a sister called “Rose Croix”.
After the death of Lord Howard, Terry agreed last year, to take early retirement from the employ of his widow and is now trying once more to re-establish himself, as a Bloodstock Agent, Advisor, allowing him to pass on the knowledge gained through more than 40 years experience.
Terry was introduced into Freemasonry by a fellow Pangbourne Companion through a mutual interest in the keeping of Japanese Koi Carp. He was Initiated into the Stratfield Mortimer Lodge in 1997 and became Master in 2002. During his year in the Chair, Terry travelled widely, visiting most of the Lodges in the Province.
Terry has held a number of offices in the Lodge and is currently standing in as Senior Warden.
In addition to the support he gives to his Mother Lodge, Terry has also been instrumental in helping a number of other Lodges who have found themselves in difficulty. At one time Terry was a subscribing member of 14 Lodges, recently reduced to 10!!
Terry feels that Freemasonry has smiled on him in a most benevolent way and is pleased to have been WM of 3 Lodges. He does not restrict himself to formal meetings, but has been involved in organizing a number of major social functions. Terry travels far and wide in pursuit of Masonic activities and had the greatest fun when going all the way to Australia to be part of a 150th celebration in Adelaide. In recognition of what Terry does for Freemasonry in Berkshire, the PGM has been pleased to appoint him ProvGSwdB.
Above: Terry in Adelaide
As Secretary of the Stewards Lectures Demonstration Team, Terry has become involved with the Emulation Lodge of Improvement (LOI) which is the guardian of our Emulation Ritual; this Lodge is available to any Master Mason and meets each Friday evening in Lodge Room 9 at Freemasons’ Hall. This LOI works the 4 Craft ceremonies in rotation, with a visitor who wishes to have a go, expected to be able to take any office with the exception of WM and work in partnership with complete strangers from all over the world.
The office of WM is pre arranged and, if able to complete a ceremony (without prompt or correction), is awarded an engraved silver matchbox. It is believed that there is one Matchbox holder in Berkshire. This honour is very difficult to achieve and the number awarded rarely exceeds three a year! Terry recently narrowly missed in his attempt by getting one word wrong! We wish him better luck next time.
In the last few years Terry has become more involved with the Royal Arch, first joining the Pangbourne Chapter, No 4381 in 2003 and more recently the Prince Arthur of Connaught Chapter, No 5261 after a chance meeting with his good friend Len Starling. Prince Arthur of Connaught needed help, so Terry took the opportunity to step in as Joshua last year, thus relieving a problem and has recently been promoted to Haggai.
Goodness knows what the future will hold, our Masonic journey can be very varied and wide reaching; one thing is certain, that with the friendships made, Terry feels it should be an enjoyable one.
