30/04/2026
On Saturday 25th April, a group of 12 members and friends from Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 travelled to Freemasons’ Hall to witness the installation of Geoff Acott into the Chair of Linnean Lodge No. 7495 in Room 12. Joining the party were Paul Gallagher from Aldershot Royal Engineers Lodge and Bill Withers of Panmure Lodge and Country Sports Lodge.
Retired Captain Geoff Acott MBE is held in exceptionally high esteem by those who know him, something clearly reflected in the strength of support shown by visitors and members of Linnean Lodge alike.
Geoff was initiated into Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 in 2004 and served as Treasurer from 2012 to 2024. He remains heavily involved as Dining Secretary – a role familiar to anyone who has enjoyed the dining at our meetings, and one he has approached with characteristic dedication.
Before joining the Army Catering Corps in 1968 as a Private, Geoff trained as a chef in prestigious West End establishments including the Ritz. During his military career he rose through the ranks, becoming one of the Army’s most respected catering professionals, and went on to serve in senior positions within the Craft Guild of Chefs. In recognition of his services to hospitality and catering, he was awarded an MBE – presented on a particularly memorable day, as it coincided with the wedding of his son Philip.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came through a family connection. Geoff’s brother Steve – only discovered later in life to also be a Freemason – acted as Installing Master and placed his brother into the Chair in a heartfelt and memorable ceremony.
Many members of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge will admit they once doubted they’d ever see Geoff take the Chair. He has always been modest about his ritual abilities, which perhaps made seeing him installed all the more enjoyable for those who know him well. With his son Simon currently serving as Junior Warden, Geoff wished to ensure that when Simon eventually reaches the Chair himself, he would be able to remain in the Lodge room to witness the occasion in full. Linnean Lodge No. 7495 has played an important part in making that possible.
Few installations are attended by quite so many people quietly pleased to see events unfold as they did.
It was also encouraging to see Linnean Lodge thriving, with a strong presence of younger members and a healthy list of future initiates.
During the ceremony, the Address to the Worshipful Master was delivered by W Bro Richard Goddard and the Address to the Wardens by W Bro Sandip Patidar – both members of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971. The extended Address to the Brethren was delivered by the Director of Ceremonies of Linnean Lodge. All were delivered superbly using the Universal ritual practised by Linnean Lodge.
Following the installation, the party retired to the Connaught Rooms for a fantastic five-course dinner and a cracking festive board full of warmth, good humour and touching toasts – particularly from Geoff, Steve and Simon. We also shared port from the Linnean Lodge “Bro J. O’Shea” loving cup – pictured – a fitting and special end to the festivities.
It was a memorable day shared among family, friends and brethren, and one that those present will long remember.
Congratulations Geoff – and cheers to a good year in the Chair.
