There was jubilation and great celebration in Tenby’s Masonic Lodge recently when the head of West Wales Freemasons, James Ross, presented a long service award to the Master of the Lodge, Bradley Davies - marking his 50 years of unbroken service to Freemasonry.

Bradley, who is a member of one of the old-established families of Tenby, has been Master of Tenby Lodge on three occasions, and held many high offices in freemasonry at a regional and national level.

Bradley's first national appointment was as Assistant Director of Ceremonies in the United Grand Lodge of England, having been personally appointed by The Grand Master, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.

Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020 alone. Freemasons do not only donate money – more than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work is undertaken by members in their communities every year.

Bradley has spent most of his life in Tenby, apart from his time at naval school aboard the training ship Arathusa, then serving 13 years in the Royal Navy in communications and intelligence, attaining the rank of Petty Officer, spending time in the Far East, Persian Gulf, Mediterranean and Home Fleet.

After completing his service in the Royal Navy he moved back into the family home which has been with his forebearers since 1742.

It is one of the oldest buildings outside the town walls of Tenby, and originally was a farm house with outbuildings attached.