THE provincial grand master of the Freemasons in the province of the Isle of Wight and Hampshire has retired from his role after a decade of achievements.

Mike Wilks will be succeeded by Jon Whitaker, who has pledged to build upon the legacy of his predecessor.

Whitaker is a long-standing magistrate, senior St John Ambulance volunteer, Covid-19 NHS responder and a volunteer with ex-services charities.

Under Mike Wilks’ tenure, the province became one of the most forward thinking in the country, leading many new initiatives.

During one special fundraising effort, Mike Wilks led his members in raising nearly £8 million for a children’s charity.

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve as provincial grand master and I’ve had wonderful support," said Mike.

“In handing over to Jon, I know what great hands the province is in and I hope it’s not too long before our lodges are able to start meeting again following the coronavirus crisis.”

Jon said: “Having been Mike’s deputy and working closely with him, I know how he has transformed the province so it is now the largest in the country.

“I want to build on his legacy and continue to see Freemasonry flourish, especially across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

The province of Hampshire came into being in 1767, and the Isle of Wight became part of the province in 1869.

Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.

It is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.