W.Bro.G.S.N.Richards (1912-1980)

Gilbert Richards, a local Solicitor and former Head Boy of King Henry VIII School, was a man with a great physical presence. Initiated as a Lewis into Trinity Lodge in June1943, he became its Worshipful Master in 1959 and developed into a superb ritualist.His specialty latterly was the Traditional  History. He was also a brilliant after-dinner speaker with an infectious sense of fun and a cutting sense of humour.

As a D.C.of distinction he expected the same high standards that he set himself.

He served the Province as its Senior Warden in 1967 and was elevated to Grand Lodge in 1971 as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

He was particularly effective in assisting W.Bro. David Peachey of Stivichall Lodge in securing the use of the Drapers Club in 1976 for masonic purposes and thereby in assuring the return of Trinity and other local Lodges to their Coventry roots. He was also proud to see both his sons, Tony and Brian, initiated in the Lodge.

Like many others in Trinity Lodge, W.Bro.Richards was a committed Christian, serving as Churchwarden at Holy Trinity Church, Coventry for over 20 years till his death; and also on the Bishops Council for Social Responsibility.

He was elected a City Councillor in 1950 and remained as Councillor ( and for a time Alderman) till 1980. He was for several years Leader of the City Council and later became Leader of the shortlived West Midlands County Council of which he was also elected Chairman shortly before his death.

He served for a long period as a Governor and then Chairman of the Governing body of King Henry VIII School and at his death was Chair of Governors of the Coventry School Foundation, the amalgamated King Henry VIII and Bablake Schools.

He was a valued member for many years of the Warwick University Council for which he was eventually rewarded with an Honorary Degree. He was a keen voluntary worker for and supporter of many charities, in particular the Church Lads Brigade of which he was a longserving national Treasurer and local Commandant; and the N.S.P.C.C. of which he was a longserving local case secretary.

During the war, being declared unfit for war service, he joined the Special Police Force and continued in membership for over 35 years, rising to the position of Deputy Commandant.

His dedicated service to the local community resulted in his appointment shortly before his death as one of Her Majestys Deputy Lieutenants for the County of West Midlands.