Tribute by Easter Ross masons rolls back the years
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THE memory of a freemason who died within an Easter Ross lodge building almost 60 years ago has been honoured with a special tribute.
George McGovern died after a heart attack which he suffered in the Lodge Averon building in Alness.
Harry McCartney of the lodge said he was initially contacted by local woman Patricia Davis, who informed him that her father, George McGovern, had died back in 1960 in the lodge building.
Mr McGovern had also been a freemason.
Intrigued by the story, Mr McCartney set out to see if her story stood up and further investigations proved it did.
He therefore had a plaque made to honour Mr McGovern which has since been placed in the hall.
He said: “A personal plate was also made and a certificate of joining the lodge was framed and passed to Patty, as well as a lovely bunch of flowers. Brother Terry Rhodes, who is a member of the lodge and a neighbour of Patty, paid the costs for the plate made by Tain Pottery.”
He said Patty and some of her relaties were invited to the lodge so she could be presented with the plate and certificate of joining.
They were also shown the plaque and given a tour of the historic building.
Mr McCartney added: “Patty said her mum said that she was glad that he was able to pass away with his friends at the lodge. This was an emotional visit and now Patty’s father will be remembered forever within the lodge.
“Patty is a great member of the community and well-known for her work in various areas in the community including at Averon Leisure centre and on Alness Community Council, having been a member for seven years.
“Patty had done so much work for the community that one of the streets was named after her, Davis Drive in Alness.
“She also fostered 19 teenagers in her time as a foster carer, some of whom were able to come along to the lodge.”
