Lodge Acacia 2321 / Pentalpha Chapter 974 W Bro. Noel Talbot P.M. Lodge Acacia 2321 died unexpectedly on April 7th at the age of 44 yrs, despite “no underlying illnesses.”
Noel was initiated into Acacia in 2002, and his enthusiasm for the Craft never wavered. He would proudly tell anyone and everyone that he was the youngest ever master of the lodge at the age of 33 yrs in 2009-10. An excellent ritualist in Craft and Chapter (He was Past Second Principal in Pentalpha Chapter 974) he tackled everything he attempted, as in life. With huge enthusiasm. He was an excellent Mentor in his lodge, also serving as Director of Ceremonies. He was especially proud of his Provincial Promotion to Acting Asst. Dir. of Ceremonies, a position in which he excelled. The job was ideal for him, with his upright intention booming voice and commanding presence. Noel began his working life as a policeman, before setting up a successful joinery business with his father, David. All who worked for him spoke highly of him. Unfortunately, the company folded due to fraudulent activity from an outside party. Not to be deterred, Noel set out on another career in the building industry and was proud of the many qualifications which he gained. He eventually became site manager for many significant developments in Yorkshire, London and finally the nuclear sector in Cumbria. At any one time, he might have had 400 or more people working for him, and they would not all have been easy folk to deal with! Noel was a knowledgeable character, always ready to share his views, sometimes in a forthright fashion. As his partner, Jess commented, “he would find somebody to argue with even when he was asleep”. Behind this formidable exterior, he was a sensitive, caring man always ready to give a quiet word of support and concern, as many of us will remember. After many years of difficulty and turmoil, Noel had finally found, in the last 5 yrs, peace and fulfilment with Jess and eldest daughter Sophie. Jess was the perfect foil for Noel, an absolute sweetheart, as Noel knew very well. Life was indeed looking bright… He leaves his parents Audrey and David, a brother and 3 children aged 17yrs 8 yrs and 6 yrs.
18 Comments
Brian Lawless
6/2/2021 12:29:50 pm
Rest In Peace Noel.
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Mark Sheldon
6/2/2021 12:30:16 pm
Live respected, die regretted. Noel was the epitome of a freemason. He will be much missed.
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Marcus Greenwood
6/2/2021 12:30:52 pm
Noel was a member of a very special group of past and present Provincial D.C’s and he will be sadly missed by them all.
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Richard Brown
6/2/2021 12:31:17 pm
I had the honour of inheriting his wand as Prov. Asst. DC and always knew Noel was a very hard act to follow and a great example. RIP my dear brother, you will be sadly missed.
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Malcolm Whiteley
6/2/2021 12:31:44 pm
Always the gentleman and a gentle man. Had some memorable discussions about Freemasonry, policing and music. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family at this very difficult and sad time.
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Alan Elstone
6/2/2021 12:33:45 pm
Having worked with Noel professionally and having had the immense pleasure of benefiting from his impeccable style and services as one of the Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies, it is heartbreaking to learn of Noels passing. May I offer my sincere condolences to his family in the hope that they gain some measure of comfort knowing how much Noel was loved and highly regarded.
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Edward Sissling
6/2/2021 12:35:18 pm
I first met Noel when he was a teenage apprentice joiner working at Rogers & Ramsden Ltd in Bradford. He and his father would later buy-out the firm, after Noel left the Police Service. From that point on we became firm friends, both in Freemasonry and business, and he was to prove to be a deeply honourable man in both spheres.
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Norman Sterling-Baxter
6/2/2021 12:36:44 pm
When I joined Lodge Acacia 2321 I joined a group of honourable and good men. Noel stood out, not simply by virtue of his voice, as having clear and definite views. His guidance to me was always thoughtful and considered; something I could rely on every time.
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Steve Sheard
6/2/2021 12:38:21 pm
Noel was a good Man, a good Mason, a good friend.
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Andrew Schofield
6/2/2021 12:39:32 pm
Noel will be greatly missed by all his family and Lodge members
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Tony Donoghue
6/2/2021 12:40:35 pm
I was a colleague of Noel's. I found him to be an excellent Police Officer with very high amount of integrity and ability. His ability and endeavour obviously carried him into his new career where he was always going to be a success. I will miss seeing Noel when I visit Acacia, always smiling and easy to speak.My condolences go out to his family and my thoughts are with them during this terrible period.
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Fraser Talbot
6/2/2021 12:41:54 pm
Truly fantastic words for my brother Nolan. I'm sure you can all imagine how devastated the whole family are. Noel was truly a larger than life character. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Reading these comments makes me extremely proud. As said above, had finally found happiness and his sole mate in Jess.
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David Talbot
6/2/2021 12:44:46 pm
Thank you so much for your wonderful tribute to our son Nolan. It is heartwarming to see such love that you have all expressed for him. He certainly loved freemasonry and all it stands for.
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Paul Fixter
6/2/2021 12:49:52 pm
I first met Noel in 2001 at work, and with some other colleagues and musicians, formed a band (Ten Feet Tall), and after many months of practicing played its first gig in April 2002. Over the next few years, Ten Feet Tall played around 90 gigs and had hundreds of rehearsals. Many a late night had in far flung places all over Yorkshire and beyond, playing gigs to sometimes a few people, to occasionally audiences of hundreds, but always with a good following.
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David Meakin
6/2/2021 12:50:34 pm
I met Noel when he was a police officer and he was in need of financial advice, which I provided, and immediately we became friends. I am proud to say I am also friends with his family. To cut a long story short, Noel and I discussed joining freemasonry and we were initiated into Lodge Acacia in 2002. It was agreed I would be initiated first, in January, because I was the oldest, and Noel would be initiated in February. In hindsight this was a wise decision because Noel was a hard act to follow. We agreed to go on the ladder and fulfil every office leading up to Master of the Lodge. One of my proudest moments was installing Noel into the Chair of King Solomon. His knowledge of Freemasonry was immense and I often joked with him that he had to much time on his hands if he had time to learn and study the Book of Constitutions. However that was Noel being Noel and he always gave it 100%. When Noel attended practice nights, we all knew we would be in for an enjoyable evening and Noel always ensured we received our daily advancement in masonic knowledge. His passing has left a massive void which will never be filled. He lived respected and died regretted.
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Christopher Binns
6/2/2021 12:51:24 pm
Noel introduced himself to me many years ago...knocking on my office door at Bradford Central Police Station.
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Paul William Wallace Durkin
6/2/2021 12:52:26 pm
Noel and I shared a historic family connection through his Auntie Jacqui and this created a bond between us. A charismatically abrasive Yorkshireman strong in body and mind he and I hugged each other at the last Lodge Acacia meeting I attended to symbolise the truly cheerful embrace of Charity. As all others I will miss his fine company and catching up on our family connection God Bless You Noel ♥️
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Aaron hill
17/3/2022 05:12:01 pm
R.I.P noel you changed my life for the better seen something in me i never knew i had but with his words, i have changed my life for the better, for this u will forever be in my heart i miss you everyday.
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