1941 - 2013

The Masonic Communities not only of South Wales but of the Provinces of West Wales, of Monmouthshire, of Herefordshire and even further afield were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the death of W Bro Paul Leonard Botfield

 Paul was born seventy two years ago on 1st April 1941 in Brixworth, Northampton. 

His family moved to Penge and then to Hemel Hempstead. 

Paul was educated at Hemel Hempstead Grammar School. It was here that he met June, a fellow pupil, who later became his loving wife. 

Photography: Anthony Howell (Cardiff)

On leaving school, Paul joined British Rail as a draughtsman. He worked at this post in London for 5 years.  Then he became an Insurance Clerk for Royal Exchange.

In the meantime Paul and June had married. They were blessed with two children, Mark and Claire. When they came to live in Wales, Paul, as a Chartered Insurance Broker, set up his own business. He retired from this only 3 years ago.  Paul was a bibliophile and his library contained books on every subject imaginable. It goes without saying that he had an enquiring mind and an encyclopaedic knowledge. Obviously his Freemasonry was his greatest interest. This can be seen from the record of his Masonic career.  

In Craft Masonry Paul was initiated into Cartref Lodge No. 5772 in 1970 and installed as Master in 1978 and again in 1984. He was a Founder Member of Tudor Lodge No. 8886 and installed as Master in 1994. He joined the Lodge of Benevolence n 1997 and was installed as Master in 2009. 

Grand Lodge appointments were P.G.Std.B. in 1997 and P.A.G.D.C. in 2006.

In the Order of the Secret Monitor, he was inducted in Delyn Conclave No. 273 in 1979 and installed as Supreme Ruler in 1987. Paul was a member of Dewi Sant Conclave No. 425 and became Supreme Ruler in 2011. He was installed as Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of South Wales and Monmouthshire in 2006. During his time in office five new conclaves were formed, two of these being in Monmouthshire. 

In the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord, Paul was a member of South Glamorgan Consistory. Under his leadership three consistories, were formed. South Wales became one of the first Provinces to be established in this order. He has also served on the Executive Committees of both the O.S.M and Scarlet Cord orders. 

Paul served Freemasonry with distinction and credit. He is sadly missed by all.

GEOFFREY ASHE COURT

He became a member of the Board of Management of the Good Neighbours (SWED) Housing Association.  The Board has the care and management of Geoffrey Ashe Court in Cowbridge as its primary function.  

In later years Paul gave up his management role and he and June became residents of the Court where they made many friends.  During their residence at the Court Paul was active in some of the Cowbridge Senior Citizen groups as well as being a very sociable and helpful neighbour.  

He and June were very involved in some of the social activities here such as quiz nights and social evenings. He was very happy to give useful advice whenever consulted.

He is remembered with affection by the residents of Geoffrey Ashe Court.