Worksop man Ray celebrates 50 years membership of the Masons

A Worksop man has been honoured for achieving 50 years as a member of the Masons.
Ray Cunnington has been honoured after being a member of Worksop Priory Masonic Lodge for 50 yearsRay Cunnington has been honoured after being a member of Worksop Priory Masonic Lodge for 50 years
Ray Cunnington has been honoured after being a member of Worksop Priory Masonic Lodge for 50 years

Ray Cunnington was initiated into Worksop Priory Lodge in 1965 and has been a regular attendee throughout his membership.

Ray was also a sidesman and a church warden at St Ann’s Church in Worksop and then became Secretary of the Church Membership Scheme.

He left school at the age of 14 years and started work in the grocery trade.

Aged 18, he was called up to do his National Service in the Royal Army Service Corp, and was made a driving instructor.

He was then posted to Singapore, where he joined the Regimental Police and reached the rank of Corporal.

By the time he was 19, he ahs been made a Provo Sergeant which is very unusual for someone so young and particularly whilst doing his National Service.

He served at Nee Soon Garrison in Singapore, where many British Regiments and Corps were based

After leaving the Army, he became a trainee salesman with the Home Brewery in Daybrook.

He later worked for J. Lyons & Company and United Biscuits – with whom he was transferred to Derbyshire where he met his future wife Jennifer.

They married in 1956 and set up home in Matlock. They had two daughters and now have three grandchildren.

At United Biscuits he became area manager and then regional sales manager

After a few years he joined the pet food industry as the national sales manager with a company owned by BP.

He remained with this firm for the rest of his working life.

All this time, he continued to serve as a member of the Masons at Worksop and when he retired, he took up his roles with St Ann’s church.

Throughout his 11 years with St Ann’s Church he was the chief money raiser. organising concerts for Macmillan events plus spring, summer and Christmas fairs.

Since his retirement he put his woodworking hobby to good use, making items like bird tables, bird houses and bird feeders.

Most of the money raised from selling these items is donated to charity.

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