My name is Bob Summerson and I was initiated into Freemasonry at the Mowbray Lodge No.5373. Since my initiation I have visited various Lodges; Fenwick No.1389, Keiper No.8308, St Lawrence No.6042 and Caer Urfa No.4345, the welcome and fraternal friendship experienced during these visits has impressed me greatly and prompted the thought “I wish I had become a Freemason earlier”.

I am married and live in South Shields. I am a Chartered Engineer and a Surveyor to a Classification Society working in the marine and offshore industry.

I commenced my working career in 1980 by Joining BP Tanker Company Limited as an Engineer Officer Cadet. After completing my apprenticeship in 1984 I earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I then returned to the merchant navy undertaking sea service on bulk carriers and oil tankers, working my way up through the ranks as a marine engineer I obtained a Class 1 Chief Engineer Officer certificate of competency.

I left the sea in 1995 to follow a shore based career as a superintendent for an Oil Tanker Company and then as a Classification Society Surveyor.

My work is to inspect and survey ships to ensure they are constructed, maintained and operated safely in compliance with the various applicable International codes and conventions that govern the marine industry.

For exercise I enjoy running and visiting the gym for general fitness,
I have completed the Great North for charity on behalf of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund.
I am also working my way through PADI qualifications as a sports SCUBA diver.
Another interest of mine is historical sword fencing and our club appeared as extras in the BBC documentary ‘Voyages of Discovery’ about Captain Cook.