R.W.M. Georg Hall
I.P.M. Gordon Daly
D.M. Neil Daniel P.M.
W.S.W. Malcolm Davies
W.J.W. Ewan Mackay
Sec. Mark Dunn P.M.
Tres. Doug Sheal
S.D. Stuart O’Harra
J.D. Sandy Tweddle
Chap. Simon Hope
B.B. Peter Ingles
D of C Gordon Mackay P.M.
I.G. Chris Sime
Tyler. David Platt
Organist. Jim Conner
Passed to the Grand Lodge Above aged 65 on Saturday 4th April 2026
Brother George Hall had the distinct honor of serving as Right Worshipful Master (R.W.M.) during the pivotal period leading up to and including the celebration of the Lodge’s Centenary year. This historic milestone became the defining event of his tenure, leaving an indelible mark on the Lodge’s legacy. Among the key highlights of his time in office were the conceptualisation and creation of a commemorative memorial bench, the commissioning of a beautifully crafted Centenary jewel, and the organization of a memorable Centenary service and celebratory meal, held with great reverence and joy in Cruden Bay Village Hall.
Brother Hall’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that the Centenary celebrations were conducted with dignity, enthusiasm, and a sense of occasion befitting the Lodge’s rich history. His term in office was inextricably linked with the planning and execution of this momentous event, which stands as a testament to his commitment and vision.
The following article, written by Brother Hall himself, captures the essence of this significant chapter in the Lodge’s history and offers a heartfelt reflection on the highlights of his time as R.W.M., underscoring the profound impact of the Centenary on the Lodge and its members.
Lodge St Olaf 1188 was founded in 1919 by a group of local men, many of whom had returned to the area following the First World War.
The first official meeting was held on 4th May 1919, and on the 11th May 2019, the Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary with a commemoration dinner and the donation and dedication of a commemorative bench, which has been sited in the heart of the village for the convenience of all.
Brother George Hall was at the helm throughout the organisation and on the day of the ceremony itself, and below is his personal reflection of that significant occasion in the Lodge’s history.
Brother Hall passed away on 4th April 2026 at the age of 65. At the time of his passing, he was serving as an Office Bearer of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East and as a local councillor for the Aberdeenshire constituency of the Peterhead South and Cruden ward. His dedication to both Freemasonry and public service stands as a lasting testament to his character and commitment to his community.
When I became Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St Olaf 1188 in November 2017 I decided that we as a Lodge should do something momentous to mark our Centenary in May 2019.
Having researched the Lodge as best I could, I discovered that the Lodge initially met within the Port Erroll village Hall in Cruden Bay and continued to hold the lodge meetings there until the Simmers of Hatton Stables on Searald Lane became available in 1969.
I felt it only right then to commemorate our centenary in the same building where it all began.
Arrangements were made to book the Hall for the auspicious occasion. After discussion it was agreed to hold the Consecration Ceremony on 11th May 2019 rather than on 4th May which would have been the actual centenary. This was to allow Brethren from Lodge St Olaf 1188 and brethren from Lodge St John Stoneyburn 1186 to attend each other’s respective celebrations as a strong bond had developed between the Masters of both Lodges.
I then put forward a proposal to the Lodge to commemorate the achievement by making a magnanimous gesture to the village of Cruden Bay by donating a memorial bench to the village.
A suitable manufacturer was sourced, and various designs discussed until it was agreed on the final design for the bench. A crowd funding page was subsequently set up and donations flooded in from all over the United Kingdom. In December 2018 I visited the manufacturer to finalise things.
So with the Village Hall booked and the village memorial bench being manufactured, time to sit back and relax? No! Although the village Hall was booked, the kitchen couldn’t cope with the numbers I envisaged would be attending as it only had a domestic cooker. This was when my stress levels started to rise! I had to find a caterer who would not only agree to do the catering but would have the ability to provide off site cooking facilities. I phoned and emailed numerous outside caterers but could find none who would be willing to take on the project of. Eventually a Caterer regularly used at Masonic events in the Peterhead Masonic Temple agreed to provide the catering and more importantly understood the logistics involved and took on the project comforting me at every meeting that ‘It will all be fine on the day’. A Menu was agreed and that was another task ticked of the check list. The next issue was the table ware; I had to source a supplier as again the Hall didn’t have sufficient quantities. Then one morning I received a phone call from my very good friend Charles Iain Wolrige Gordon, the Immediate Past Grand Master Mason of Scotland who offered to supply the table ware for the occasion, his kind offer was snapped up without hesitation. Another task of the list completed.
In discussion with the Provincial Grand Master of Aberdeenshire East it was agreed that the Provincial Grand Lodge would officiate the re-dedication of Lodge St Olaf.
Time now to plan the format of the day, write the programme of events, and design the tickets and source a printer..
The fund raising for the bench was by now complete and the payment forwarded to the manufacturer.
As the day edged ever closer, my stress levels increased accordingly. The Bench manufacturer repeatedly made excuses and broke numerous promises on the estimated time of delivery. With the event now just a matter of a few short weeks away my stress was sky high, I was ready to walk away from organising the Centenary! Then after numerous phone calls the bench was delivered at the end of April just two weeks before the event.
So that was it, Hall booked, caterers booked, Provincial Grand Lodge booked, Table ware booked, bench ready to be placed, All tickets sold out, ceremony rehearsals carried out. Raffle prizes sourced and piper booked.
I could do no more except wait for the day to arrive, On Friday 10th May 2019, along with some brethren who kindly volunteered; we transferred the Lodge furniture to the hall and quickly transformed it to Lodge St Olaf. Time now to visit the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel and meet and greet some of the visiting brethren who were attending the event the following day and to have a well-earned pint or three!
Well a very sunny Saturday 11th May finally arrived, it was an early start for me, having to open up for the caterer and her staff, place the reserved signs on various seats for the visiting dignitaries, and make final adjustments to the seating plan. Then home, shower, change and straight back to the Hall to meet the visitors as they started to arrive. Hoping all my timings worked.
The Lodge was tyled at 1300 hours after all the photographs were taken and I took my place in the East.
The re dedication Ceremony was carried out in a very slick and professional manner by Provincial Grand Lodge and was a joyous experience. After the ceremony The Brethren gathered outside the hall and the first masonic Parade in Cruden Bay commenced, the procession, left at 1500 hours and made its way behind the lone Piper via Serald Lane pausing outside the current Lodge building then onwards the Doctors surgery where the Lodge memorial bench was located, here the Bench was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Chaplain David Wymess , the bench was officially presented to the Village by the Provincial Grand Master Brother Ronald Simpson and accepted on behalf of Cruden Bay by Mr Hugh McIntyre Chairperson of the Community Association.
Whilst this was happening, the catering staff assisted by my wife set the tables for the banquet.
After a photo opportunity with the bench, the brethren formed up and paraded back to the Hall for a well-earned hot and delicious meal, and speeches.
When the festivities ended and brethren and guests made their way to their respective homes, all that was left to do was for my wife Annette and I to return the Hall, pack up the seats and tables and return the hall to its former glory.
Although planning and organising the centenary event for Lodge St Olaf 1188 was one of the most stressful times of my life, I am very proud to have produced a very successful event which was enjoyed by all who attended. I get a very warm feeling every time I pass the memorial bench and the wonderful floral display at it kindly donated by the Horticultural Society. If I am ever remembered for anything I hope it’s for the memorial Bench.
R.W.M. Bro. George Hall
Aberdeenshire Council has expressed its deep sadness following the sudden passing of Councillor George Hall, who has died at the age of 65.
Cllr Hall had served the Peterhead South and Cruden ward with dedication since his election in May 2022.
A committed member of the Buchan Area Committee, he also brought his insight and experience to the council’s audit and sustainability committees.
Originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, George enjoyed a long career in the police force.
Following his retirement from policing, he continued his public service through local politics, becoming a respected and well-liked representative of his community.
George is survived by his wife Annette, his children Cameron and Georgia and his five grandchildren.
Cllr Dianne Beagrie, chair of the Buchan Area Committee, paid tribute to her colleague’s unwavering commitment, saying: “Since his election in 2022, George faithfully supported his constituency both through local case work and through the committee process. He continued to fulfill that role while he fought a long hard battle with serious illness with great strength and dignity. On behalf of the council and our communities, my thoughts and condolences go to George’s family at this time.”
Aberdeenshire Council extends its heartfelt sympathies to George’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, George Hall enjoyed a long career in the police force before continuing his public service through local politics in Aberdeenshire.
George Hall served the Peterhead South and Cruden ward following his election in May 2022 and was also a member of the Buchan Area Committee.
The local authority has expressed its sadness following his passing, saying they extend their heartfelt sympathies to George’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, George enjoyed a long career in the police force.
Following his retirement from policing, he continued his public service through local politics, becoming a respected and well-liked representative of his community.
George is survived by his wife Annette, his children Cameron and Georgia and his five grandchildren.
Cllr Dianne Beagrie, chair of the Buchan Area Committee, paid tribute to her colleague’s unwavering commitment.
She said: “Since his election in 2022, George faithfully supported his constituency both through local case work and through the committee process.
“He continued to fulfil that role while he fought a long hard battle with serious illness with great strength and dignity. On behalf of the council and our communities, my thoughts and condolences go to George’s family at this time.”
Aberdeenshire Council has paid tribute to Councillor George Hall after his sudden death at the age of 65.
The council expressed its deep sadness following the passing of Cllr Hall, who served the Peterhead South and Cruden ward.
He was described as a dedicated member of the Buchan Area Committee since his election in May 2022.
Originally from Lisburn in Northern Ireland, George also enjoyed a long career in the police force.
Following his retirement from policing, he continued his public service through local politics.
Aberdeenshire Council added Cllr Hall was a respected and well-liked representative of his community.
Cllr Dianne Beagrie, chair of the Buchan Area Committee, said: “Since his election in 2022, George faithfully supported his constituency both through local case work and through the committee process.
“He continued to fulfil that role while he fought a long hard battle with serious illness with great strength and dignity.
“On behalf of the council and our communities, my thoughts and condolences go to George’s family at this time.”
Cllr Hall is survived by his wife Annette, his children Cameron and Georgia and his five grandchildren.
Aberdeenshire Council has extended its heartfelt sympathies to George’s family, friends and all those working alongside him.
The following reflections are based on the tribute delivered by Rev Sean Swindells at Cruden Parish Church on Monday 27th April 2026. Spoken during the funeral service of George Hall, his tribute provided a thoughtful and personal account of George’s life, character, and enduring legacy, forming the foundation for the reflections that follow.
Reflections of the tribute given at the Funeral Service of George Hall
Over the course of several years, Rev Swindells came to know George Hall in a number of capacities: first as a local councillor, then as a fellow member of the congregation, and ultimately as a friend. This progression speaks not only to George’s public presence but also to his personal warmth and approachability. In reflecting on their relationship, the Reverend noted two shared connections—both had signed the Official Secrets Act, and both were members of the Caravan Club. These light-hearted observations set the tone for a tribute that balanced dignity with gentle humour, much like the man it honoured.
Their final meeting took place in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Friday 3rd April. George, though clearly very unwell, remained focused and deliberate. Rather than dwelling on his condition, he spoke at length about the details of his funeral service—carefully choosing hymns, readings, and music. More than that, he recounted the story of his life with clarity and intention, effectively shaping the tribute that would later be given in his memory. His passing the following day lent a particular poignancy to these preparations, and the service itself was conducted with the clear intention of honouring his wishes faithfully. True to George’s instructions, certain subjects—such as the Caravan Club and anything that might breach the Official Secrets Act—remained respectfully untouched.
George Alexander Hall’s life began in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, a place he always regarded with pride. Growing up during the years of the Troubles might have cast a long shadow, yet George’s childhood was described as a happy one, rooted in a supportive family alongside his siblings. His father’s service in the Royal Air Force would prove influential, eventually guiding George toward a similar path. When the family relocated to Staffordshire due to an RAF posting, George’s early working life began in administration within a grindstone manufacturing firm—likely drawing on the region’s well-known Millstone Grit.
Following in his father’s footsteps, George joined the RAF Police. His service took him across a range of postings, including Gibraltar, where he undertook anti-terrorist duties, as well as Iceland, RAF Newton, and RAF Boddam, an early warning station closer to home. These roles demanded vigilance, discipline, and resilience—qualities that would remain evident throughout his life.
After leaving the RAF, George continued his commitment to public service by joining the Scottish Police. His career there was varied and impactful. As a community police officer, he demonstrated a particular aptitude for working with young people, earning an award for his efforts in addressing youth-related issues. His ability to find practical and constructive solutions reflected both his dedication and his understanding of community needs.
George also served on the Royal Protection Team, a role he held with considerable pride. Policing at Balmoral during the Royal Family’s visits was a highlight for him. His recollections of this time were often shared with humour—most notably his claim to have had “his hands in the drawers” of Diana, Princess of Wales, and his occasional duty of tasting the Queen’s chocolates “just in case.” Whether or not these duties were entirely official remains open to interpretation, but they were recounted with a twinkle in the eye that captured George’s personality perfectly.
Another story from his service illustrates both his wit and his fondness for a practical joke. While on guard duty at Crathes Church, he struck up a conversation with American tourists awaiting a glimpse of the Royal Family. After discussing the film Mrs Brown, in which Billy Connolly portrayed John Brown, George directed them to a nearby graveyard, suggesting they would find Brown’s grave there. The resulting cry—“Billy Connolly is dead!”—was a moment of unintended comedy that George evidently relished.
His work with the public order unit formed another significant part of his policing career. Responding to incidents of public disorder, often in riot gear, this role combined physical challenge with operational importance. Alongside his royal protection duties, it stood as one of the aspects of policing he most enjoyed.
Even after retiring from the police, George’s expertise in security remained in demand. He worked as a security consultant with Shell at the St Fergus Gas Terminal near Peterhead and played a key role as head of security during the construction of the gas terminal’s infrastructure. His career also extended internationally into maritime security, where he was involved in anti-piracy operations in regions such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Though details were understandably sparse, it is clear that these experiences were both demanding and, at times, dramatic.
In later years, George turned his attention to local government, serving for four years as a councillor for Cruden and Peterhead South. He approached this role with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility, earning respect within the council. Yet, in quieter moments, he would admit to occasional frustration—particularly with colleagues he felt were overly fond of speaking at length.
Outside his professional life, George’s interests reflected both his values and his character. His Christian faith, nurtured from childhood through Sunday School and the Boys’ Brigade, remained a central part of his identity. His connection to the church was active and meaningful, and he spoke positively of his experience within the congregation.
George was also a lifelong Freemason, an affiliation that brought him deep friendships and a strong sense of belonging. His involvement extended through various levels of the organisation, including service within the provincial lodge. Among his contributions was the provision and installation of a Remembrance Memorial Bench in the village—a lasting symbol of both remembrance and community spirit.
Like all individuals, George had his imperfections, though even these were recounted with affection. He could be stubborn and strong-willed, holding firmly to the belief that things should be done properly—even when circumstances made that difficult. Yet this determination was often accompanied by humour. One memorable story, shared by his wife Annette, told of a time when George suffered a stroke while on a caravan holiday. During his recovery, hospital staff tested his memory by asking him to describe how to prepare his “signature dish.” With impressive detail, he outlined the steps for making beef bourguignon—coating beef in flour, chopping vegetables, and frying in olive oil. The staff, convinced of his sharpness, discharged him early. The truth, however, was that George had never cooked the dish in his life; his culinary repertoire extended little beyond mince or curry. It was a story that perfectly captured his resourcefulness and quiet sense of mischief.
At the heart of George’s life was his family. His marriage to Annette was central, and together they formed part of a large and loving family network. Each generation held equal importance, and George took great joy in these relationships. Music, particularly rock, pop, and jazz, became a shared passion—especially during long caravan journeys from Cruden Bay to southern Spain. These trips were filled with singing, laughter, and carefully curated playlists, turning travel into treasured family memories. This love of music continues through the younger generation, with Grayson already showing signs of following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
In July 2023, during a caravan trip to Oxford, George’s health began to decline. Initially thought to be Covid, his condition was soon diagnosed as pneumonia alongside an aggressive form of leukaemia. What followed was an extended period of intensive treatment, marked by hospital stays and physical challenges. Despite the severity of his illness, George demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. There was a period of remission that allowed him to return home, offering a glimpse of normality amidst the struggle.
The months that followed tested both George and Annette profoundly. Yet throughout, they showed extraordinary strength of character. George, in particular, remained determined, refusing to give up even in the face of overwhelming odds. His perseverance was a testament to the same qualities that had defined his life—duty, resilience, and quiet resolve.
George Hall lived an active and meaningful life, one characterised by service, humour, faith, and love. His passing leaves a deep sense of loss, not only for his family but for the wider community that benefited from his dedication and presence. In reflecting on his life, it becomes clear that he was indeed a remarkable man—one whose legacy will endure in the stories shared, the lives touched, and the example he set.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.