Richard Peart and Chris Frankland writes:

W Bro Keith Tallon died on 3 October 2024 aged 77.  He was known by many for his support of the Aldersgate Chapter of Improvement; many others knew him through his many different roles in London Freemasonry. 

He was Initiated into Enoch Lodge No 11 in 1977 (WM four times, including its 250^th year); Exalted into Enoch Chapter No 11 in 1979 (MEZ three times, including its 150^th year); subsequently joining Jubilee Masters Lodge No 2712, Britannic Lodge No 33 and London First Principals Chapter No 2712 (MEZ 2012); while holding various active Metropolitan offices for fourteen years up to 2017.

He was a constant supporter of the Aldersgate Chapter of Improvement.  He was awarded a Presentation Copy of the Aldersgate Ritual in 1987.  Equivalent to the Emulation Lodge of Improvement’s silver matchbox, it is awarded for faultlessly performing the duties of PS, J, H and Z.  The previous recipient had been three years earlier, the next was six years later.  He was a Preceptor from 1987 to 2023.  In addition, he was the Chapter of Improvement’s Scribe E from 2002 until he was elected President shortly before his death.  He was involved in updating the Aldersgate ritual through several editions and guarding its integrity. 

Bro Keith wrote several papers of relevance to the Royal Arch, notably The Red Bits, Evolution of the Royal Arch Ritual and The Chapter of Promulgation 1835. He had also completed writing a substantial book provisionally entitled It is found, which it is hoped can still be published. 

No doubt his Aldersgate role contributed to his first Royal Arch Grand Rank: GStdB in 1998. This was followed by AGDC in the Craft in 1999.

Keith’s active role in London began in 2003.  He became Deputy Group Chairman of the Sussex Group, initially under London Management and subsequently under MetGL/MetGC, and was promoted to PDepGSuptWks and PGSoj.  He became one of the first Inspectors when the current structure was introduced in 2007.  Two years later he became 2ndMetGP, an office that he held for eight years.  He was promoted to RA DepGSwdB in 2013. 

Throughout those 14 years, Keith contributed generously to the many initiatives that were taking place as London, and MetGC in particular, established themselves.  He was naturally involved in ritual matters, particularly with the MetGStwds Demonstration Team when they prepared for that memorable demonstration forming part of SGC’s significant celebration in 2013, and when demonstrating the permitted changes to the ritual and adding theatre.  He was closely involved with the development of many Royal Arch initiatives, including the Exaltee’s Guide, Talking Heads, Royal Arch In Camera, and the Sojourners’ Readings.  He was also a member of the Royal Arch Reading Panel, reviewing written material prior to publication. 

In 2016, Keith’s world fell apart. 

He was the sole remaining partner in a firm of solicitors principally dealing with Family Court cases.  The firm’s financial systems had been set up by the former senior partner who had still to repay the considerable overdrawn balance on his capital account, leading to unpaid taxes.  HMRC issued bankruptcy proceedings against Keith, but his former partner was not pursued, and Keith lost everything apart from a very small pension.  He was left homeless, and financially, life for him was hard to its end. 

Following the subsequent investigation, a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found Keith responsible in a contravention of the Solicitors’ Account Rules.  He was fined and could no longer practice as a solicitor. 

These matters resulted in Keith’s membership being suspended for six months by the Metropolitan Grand Master and his Grand Ranks taken away by the Grand Master.  Fortunately, he was allowed to retain SLGR and SLGCR. 

While most people would have given up at this point, Keith was very stoical and continued to give hours of service to the Royal Arch in particular. He was asked to contribute to the UGLE Learning and Development programme, undertaking some “challenging work” in reviewing the Royal Arch material held on Solomon.  His work was much appreciated by UGLE.

Keith’s passing is regretted by all those who knew him, and he was still respected by many for the way in which he conducted himself.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 56 Winter 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 56 here.