Interests

In God I place my trust

I am a member of the United Grand Lodge of England of Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons. I was initiated in October 1971 and my mother lodge is Manadon 3033 in the Province of Devonshire located in the City of Plymouth. My Lodge celebrated its centenary on 12th June, 2004. I hold the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. I was Chaplain to the lodge for several years but, on May 28th 2009, I had the honour and privilege of being formally installed as the Worshipful Master for the second time; the last occasion being 26 years earlier in 1983. I retained that official appointment for 12 months when a successor was elected and installed in my stead. In May 2010 I was reappointed as Chaplain to my Lodge and currently retain that privilege. In October 2021 I was honoured to be presented with a certificate marking my 50 years of continuous membership of Freemasonry by W. Bro. Derek Webber who is a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Devonshire Province.

I also belong to The Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Concord 223 with the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar. Our Warrant of Constitution is dated 18th January, 1800. A bi-centenary Charter was presented to the Chapter of Concord at a truly memorable ceremony in Plymouth on 8th January, 2000 confirming uninterrupted working for 200 years.

I am also an Ill Brother in the St. John the Evangelist Chapter No.1143 of Rose Croix. I became MWS in May 2016 and held that office for 12 months. I am also a Steward of the St. Boniface of Devonshire Chapter No.1183 for members of the higher degrees. I would welcome e-mail contact from any Freemason at home or overseas whose own Lodge or Chapter is approved of by the English Constitution as being listed under a Sovereign Grand Lodge and recognised as regular. Why not discover the true facts about Freemasonry and view its worldwide fraternity of brethren of moral and social virtue by following this link to the United Grand Lodge of England; www.grandlodge-england.org

I am a former member of the Plympton St. Mary Parochial Church Council, also a paid-up member of the South West Devon Conservative Association, the Plympton & District Civic Association, the Plympton Branch of the Royal British Legion and a subscribing member of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. If you too are concerned about the speed at which England's tranquil areas are disappearing by urban sprawl why not support the CPRE. It exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. You can visit the CPRE website by following this link; www.cpre.org.uk

Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary

In October 2004 I was admitted to the Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary and became a member of the Chapter of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. George PG5/136 at Plymouth, Devon. For information concerning the Guild please visit our website at; www.gssonline.org.uk by clicking here.

I was an altar server and a former sacristan at St. Mary's Anglican Parish Church, Plympton, Plymouth until the Covid-19 pandemic struck the country in 2020. I was also the parish church safeguarding representative for a period of 10 years from 2007 - 2017. In May 2022 at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Parochial Parish Council I was presented with a framed drawing of St. Mary's Church by the Team Rector, Reverened Prebendary Robert Harris, in appreciation of my loyal service to the church over many years. See also my Faith page.

Charitable and Humanitarian Interests

I am an enthusiastic supporter of the British Heart Foundation (www.bhf.org.uk) being a heart patient myself, but my principal loyalty is with Christian Aid (www.christianaid.org.uk) an organisation dedicated to life before death. Christian Aid works in over 55 countries helping people, regardless of religion or race, to improve their own lives and tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. It is their philosophy that if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day but if you teach him how to fish you feed him for a lifetime!

The David Farley Challenge Shield

Upon my retirement from the police service I donated a perpetual shield to my Force to be known as the David Farley Challenge Shield with a request that it be presented annually to the member or team of members deemed to have made the most significant contribution to a charitable or humanitarian cause. To view earlier recipients of the award please visit my Photograph Gallery on this website.

Sport

Whilst I have never been particularly skilled or talented at sport I nevertheless enjoy most sporting disciplines. These days I am more of an armchair soccer fan who enjoys watching England play in international tournaments especially the European and World Cup series. I also take an interest in the Premier League matches on Sky digital television.

My favourite Club is Chelsea F.C. (www.chelseafc.co.uk) Can you spot me amongst the spectators !!!!! However, I also support my local team Plymouth Argyle F.C. (www.pafc.co.uk) who play in the Coca-Cola League Championship following promotion in 2004.

If you would like more news and sport from my home city please visit: www.thisisplymouth.co.uk

On a personal level I try to keep fit by attending the Plymouth Heartbeat gymnasium a couple of times most weeks and make good use of the treadmill, rowing machine and static air bicycle. For more information please visit: www.plymouthheartbeat.co.uk Since the Covid-19 pandemic began I have been unable to attend as regularly as before. I hope to return to normal in the near future.

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