On Wednesday 14th October 2026, Newarke Lodge No. 6794 welcomed a new member into Freemasonry when Mr. Owen Thornber was initiated into the Lodge and became Brother Owen Turner.

While every initiation is a special occasion, this ceremony was made even more memorable by the remarkable family connections involved, creating a truly unique evening for both the candidate and all those present.

The Worshipful Master, Stephen Thornber, the candidate’s great-uncle, took the unusual and generous step of inviting Lee Thornber, Owen’s father, to occupy the Chair and conduct the ceremony of initiation. This ensured that the candidate’s father was able to play the leading role in one of the most important milestones of his son’s Masonic journey.

Adding further significance to the occasion, the floor work throughout the ceremony was expertly directed by the Director of Ceremonies, David Thornber, the candidate’s grandfather. With grandfather, father and son taking part, the evening became a wonderful celebration of family tradition and Masonic heritage.

The ceremony was further enhanced by the attendance of a large number of visitors, many of whom had come specially to support Owen on this important occasion. Among them were Simon Thornber, the candidate’s great-uncle, and Jay Mills, his uncle, making the evening a genuine family affair.

It is rare to see three generations of one family so prominently involved in an initiation ceremony, and the occasion will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for all who witnessed it. Newarke Lodge can be justifiably proud of providing such a warm and memorable introduction Freemasonry for its newest member.