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Blackpool Group News
Blackpool Golf versus World Cup football
Tranquillity Lodge No 6544 which is very active lodge, and a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, recently held its annual open golf day at the Stanley Park Golf Club......<more>
Peter succeeds Ken
After serving for seven years as the local care officer for the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Kenneth Buckley decided to stand down.......<more>
Blackpool moves up a division
The new Blackpool Masonic Club President, Colin Goodwin, who only took office in 2008, put forward to his committee a revolutionary five-year business plan......<more>
Golf day out for Blackpool Masons
Emblem Lodge No 6727 which is a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, held an open golf day at Stanley Park Golf Club, Blackpool. This famous club.....<more>
First installation meeting in new home
Mereside Lodge No 6360 which decided to move from the Masonic Hall in Poulton, and make its new home at Adelaide Street has held its first installation meeting in Blackpool......<more>
Honoured guests at Blackpool
Blackpool welcomed Provincial Grand Master Peter John Hosker, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Princiapals Peter G.Elmore for the Blackpool Group of Lodges and Chapters Group Dinner.....<more>
Proud to wear Hall Stone Jewel
Installation into the Chair of King Solomon is a very special occasion in any Mason’s Masonic career and it is even more memorable when his lodge has an intrinsic and commemorative link with.........<more>
Blackpool’s £250,000 for festival
Blackpool lived up to its reputation of having a Golden Mile by donating an astounding £250,000 for the 2010 Festival.........<more>
St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Adelaide Street
A hundred Blackpool Masons together with friends and family attended a well organised ‘Paddy’s Night’ at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool........<more>
Carry on Nurses.
Blackpool Masonic Hall opened its doors to the McMillan nurses.....<more>
Blackpool Lodge helps local school
The members of Blackpool Lodge No 1476, have once again shown their generosity to help a local school..........<more>
Blackpool Freemasons shore up local charities
Ashlar Lodge No.5154 has presented more than £1,500 to three local organisations. The Blackpool lodge has given £500 to......<more>
Another towering achievement in Blackpool
In exactly one year Blackpool Lodge No 1476 has raised the magnificent sum of £5,890 for Brian House.......<more>
Hidden in full view the mysteries revealed
Saturnian Lodge No 7563 played host to Peter Mason PJGD and Provincial Grand Senior Warden Barry Jameson........<more>
Bagpipes, kilts and whisky
More than 80 guests attended a night of celebration to honour the memory and the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns......<more>
BUSY TIME AT BLACKPOOL
The Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool is paving the way to success with its new forward-looking committee.......<more>
Blackpool Masons push the boat out
A group of more than 40 Blackpool Freemasons with wives and partners met at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool to hear an explanation on the workings of.....<more>
On the move with Mereside Lodge
Mereside Lodge No 6360 recently moved from Poulton-le-Fylde to the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool, but that move was only a short distance......<more>
Blackpool Masons attend the Cenotaph.
Blackpool Masons once again showed their usual support on Sunday, 8 November, 2009.......<more>
Peace and Unity Chapter go on, and on, for 2010
Adelaide Street, Blackpool was the venue for Peace and Unity Chapter No 3966 Installation........<more>
Ashlar goes for gold in 2010
The Masonic Hall in Adelaide Street, Blackpool, was the venue for the Installation of Ashlar Lodge No 5154........<more>
Prospective candidates visit hall
The Masonic Hall on Adelaide Street, Blackpool, was again open to the public as part of the town's contribution to Heritage Week......<more>
North Shore Lodge Garden Party raises £1,300
The annual garden party of North Shore Lodge, at the home of June and Gordon Thomson, resulted in more than.........<more>
Clifton Lodge gift to Woodlands Special School
Woodlands School in Blackpool declared its new garden open. Pride of place was given to a set of mushroom table and chairs donated by......<more>
Sponsored hoodies seen in Tower Ballroom
A recent £1,000 bid to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for black, zipped hoodies was revealed to local, national and international dancers.....<more>
Fylde Coast Masons lay wreaths
Freemasons from Blackpool, Poulton-Le-Fylde and St Annes joined the uniformed groups and civic parties to lay wreaths at the three Cenotaphs.......<more>
GOLD PATRON GIVES MORE SUPPORT TO 2010
Some 96 Brethren together with a Scottish contingent witnessed a splendid installation ceremony at St John’s Lodge, Blackpool......<more>
Blackpool Masons on the Costa Blanca
Alan Ryal a Past Master of Lodge of Tranquillity No 6544 in Blackpool, was installed into the Chair of his Spanish Lodge...........<more>
Geoff’s ‘swan song’
Almoners from the North Fylde, Blackpool and South Fylde Groups turned out in force to attend their annual meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall.......<more>
Harry’s 80th raises £700 for our 2010 Festival
On Saturday 20th September. Harry Johnson of Blackpool Temperance Lodge No. 5303 celebrated his 80th birthday.............<more>
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Blackpool Golf versus World Cup football
Tranquillity Lodge No 6544 which is very active lodge, and a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, recently held its annual open golf day at the Stanley Park Golf Club.
The lodge organisers had received a few cancellations due to the England v Slovenia fixture, but in spite of these disappointments the day was blessed with excellent Blackpool sunshine.
In all 17 golfers and on-golfers took part.
On finishing the course and arriving at the 19th the golfers were met by Dave Boswell with his list of fines, these were received with good humour and set the tone for the start of the charity fund-raising.
The Worshipful Master, Jeffrey Masters had donated some wonderful raffle prizes, and along with Dave Boswell who had worked extremely hard to make this event a success raised a total of more than £100 which would be donated to the Special Baby Care Unit at the Victoria Hospital, Blackpool.
To round off the day, Ian Jackson won the longest drive with an incredible, 250 yards, (will it ever be beaten?). Ray Johnson, last year’s winner presented the trophy to John Tew of Emblem Lodge No 6727, the new 2010 champion.
This is an annual event and is open to players of all standards, anyone interested in an excellent days golfing, set in beautiful surroundings and bathed in Blackpool sunshine, should contact Tranquility Lodge No 6544.
Dave Boswell, Warren Plant and Chris Cash prepare to set off.
Dave Boswell with Ray Johnson presenting the 2010 trophy to winner John Tew.
Ian Jackson, longest drive. 250 yards.
A late lunch.
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Peter succeeds Ken
After serving for seven years as the local care officer for the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Kenneth Buckley decided to stand down.
Ken has had a wide and varied career in Freemasonry being initiated into Royal Preston Lodge No 333 in 1979.
Ken says that in the Royal Preston Lodge it was tradition that the Tyler’s Toast was always given by one of the lodge stewards. He went on to explain that none of the stewards knew which of them would be called upon until the Director of Ceremonies said: “The Worshipful Master calls on Brother……, for the final toast of the evening”.
Ken added, it certainly kept them all on our toes, and made sure they knew the ritual.
In 1985, Ken moved to Thornton on the Fylde coast and became a member of Emblem Lodge No 6727, reaching the chair in 1998. This year was also the golden jubilee of the lodge.
In 2003, Ken was appointed local care officer for the Blackpool Group, and he was part of a team which brought the new care structure into being, the culmination of this being the bringing together of the seven charities into one, the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
After indicating to Ian Robertson, the Blackpool Group Chairman that he wished to stand down, interviews were held and the successful candidate was Peter Mann.
Peter was initiated into Ashlar Lodge No 5154 in 1989, becoming Worshipful Master in 1995.
Peter has a vast experience to call on being charity steward from 1996-1999.
ADC from 1999-2005 and lodge almoner up to present date. He is a director of the Blackpool Masonic Hall plus the group auditor.
Peter is a very popular Freemason and all in the Blackpool Group wish him great success in his new roll.
Finally it must be noted that the Freemasons of Blackpool will always be in the debt to Ken Buckley, not only for his dedication as the care officer, but also as the Blackpool Webmaster.
At the centenary of Blackpool Masonic Hall, William Eardley produced a booklet tracing the history of the building and each Lodge and Chapter that met there.
Ken enjoyed reading this booklet, and thought it might be of interest to a wider audience.
Consequentially he approached Steven Reid, who at that time was the APrGM for Blackpool, with a view to producing a Website for the Blackpool Group, using Bill’s booklet as a foundation.
This was agreed and, www.masonichall.org.uk was born.
After a lot of hard work he managed to get the site listed by GOOGLE, and is at present mumber three for the search words, “Masonic Halls”
Because of this high rating the South Fylde Webmaster asked if a link could be provided to their site, this was duly done.
The site has evolved over the years but Ken is open to any suggestions to improve the Web Site.
Ken Buckley
Peter Mann.
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Blackpool moves up a division
The new Blackpool Masonic Club President, Colin Goodwin, who only took office in 2008, put forward to his committee a revolutionary five-year business plan.
This included a full regeneration of the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool. His plan included a complete refurbishment of the hall, and included a move to increase the financial situation of the club and also to widen the scope of Masonic and non-Masonic functions, and one of the hardest aims was to increase the number of members.
In a very short time, Colin with the help of a dedicated team and well assisted by the club secretary, Tom Inman, have achieved all these objectives, and to their credit they have not sat back on their laurels, but have moved on to even higher aims.
The committee advertised and interviewed for a new club steward. From a short list they employed Peter Lewis and his partner, Pauline. These two have proved a very popular choice as all the members have taken them to their hearts, which only adds to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which on entering the hall greets the members and their guests. By good management, the price of alcoholic drinks have now been reduced and the bar prices are proberly the cheapest in the area.
The first year of the plan saw the main bar and lounge fully modernised, with a new ceiling, new surround bench seating, plus new lounge chairs and tables. Even a completely new covered area was created for members who required a cigarette.
The toilets have also been modernised and brought up to date.
In the second year of the plan, the snooker room, which also doubles as a cloakroom for the Grand and Provincial Officers has had a complete refurbishment.
The full sized snooker table which stands in the centre of the room has been re-covered and state of the art lighting installed.
This summer recess will see a full revamp of the Fylde Suite. This room suffered some damage due to a leaking roof. The entire room will be redecorated and the unique sprung dance floor will be sanded and re-varnished to restore it to its former glory.
Work for 2010, the list seems endless.
The two main corridors, one upstairs and the other down, plus the main staircase, all to be repainted and varnished. The tyler’s room situated outside the main lodge room is to be re- decorated, plus new carpets for all the corridors.
The Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian Robertson is now spearheading another new project, that of a complete modernisation of the downstairs lodge room.
He has already arranged two presentations which have been well received by the members and club committee. These presentations ended with an open forum where questions and ideas were put forward.
This is truly a very exciting time for the Blackpool Masonic Hall.
The aim of the president and the members of the committee is that when all the work is complete, the Blackpool Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, will be a jewel in the crown of the Province of West Lancashire.
The photographs below show the work in progress.
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Golf day out for Blackpool Masons
Emblem Lodge No 6727 which is a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, held an open golf day at Stanley Park Golf Club, Blackpool. This famous club has a long and varied history being first opened in 1925 as part of the Stanley Park attractions.
The course was designed by famous golf course architect, Dr Alister Mackenzie who also designed such well known venues as, Royal Melbourne, Cypress Point and the Augusta National, the home of the US Masters.
The golfers were met initially with a misty, dismal day, but as it progressed, that wonderful Blackpool sun broke through, and the day cleared nicely.
The WM, Peter Smith, braved the course with some degree of success, which was quite outstanding as he was a non-golfer.
Many prizes had been donated and the raffle, organised by Dave Boswell, proved favourable, with a total of £300 being raised for charity.
The £300 was presented to Tina Lulacs, the charity founder and manager of the
Butterfly Group.
The Butterfly Group is a new charity providing support and care for those affected by immune, auto immune and chronic disorders. Based in Blackpool it deals with more than 100 illnesses and 100 related symptoms. It is the only charity in the UK that supports and cares for these illnesses as a collective group of disorders.
Butterfly’s president and trustee, Dr Ramesh Gandhi, a Blackpool Mason, who is well known throughout the Province said: “This charity’s objectives are the relief of sickness and provision of good health for people affected by immune and auto-immune illnesses. The local community has welcomed the Butterfly Group with open arms and has joined in at all levels - which we are grateful for.”
Once again Blackpool Masons have given their support to a local non-Masonic charity.
Peter Smith, Tina Lulacs and golf day winner Graham Ogleby.
Dave Jones of Blackpool Lodge with some of his guests.
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First installation meeting in new home
Mereside Lodge No 6360 which decided to move from the Masonic Hall in Poulton, and make its new home at Adelaide Street has held its first installation meeting in Blackpool.
Adrien Robert Louis Barlow was installed as the Worshipful Master. Adrien was Initiated into Mereside Lodge in January, 2003.
This ceremony was Mereside’s first installation meeting at the Masonic Hall, Blackpool, and was well attended with.Peter Elmore. representing the Provincial Grand Master.
Travelling does not daunt the members of this lodge as they are planning to carry out a Second and a Third Degree Ceremony in Belgium, as this is where their latest initiate now lives.
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Honoured guests at Blackpool
Blackpool welcomed Provincial Grand Master Peter John Hosker, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Princiapals Peter G.Elmore for the Blackpool Group of Lodges and Chapters Group Dinner.
Twenty lodges were represented by their Worshipful Masters and Immediate Past Masters, plus First Principals and IPZ’s of six chapters.
Also in attendance were numerous Freemasons from the Blackpool Group.
Each lodge and chapter representative was given the opportunity to meet and speak with the PrGM over a cup of tea, before moving on to what was to become a lively and very informative question and answer forum.
On conclusion of the question forum Peter thanked all those who had taken part, saying that some of the more relevant questions needed further investigation.
At the festive board, David Thomas, IPZ of Peace and Unity Chapter No 4175 proposed the toast to the Provincial Grand Master,
He firstly congratulated Peter on being awarded the OBE then went on to explain and praise the hard work the PrGM carries out, not only for Freemasonry but for the community in general.
Peter. responded by explaining in detail the new vision for Freemasonry in the Province of West Lancashire, the importance of recruitment and retention of new members by the introduction of group and lodge mentoring. He also explained that a new Provincial Web Site would be introduced after the summer recess, bring information about Freemasonry more easily and readily accessible not only to Freemasons but also to the general public.
Peter presented the Blackpool Group Chairman Ian Robertson with a 2010 Grand Patron Certificate.
The toast to the Blackpool Group of Lodges was proposed by David Daisley Durling,
Provincial Junior Grand Warden. He congratulated all the brethren of the group who were about to receive their Provincial Honours and promotions. He explained that the Masonic Hall in Blackpool was one of the first to open its doors to non-Masonic functions and its success had gone from strength to strength. The Group Chairman, Ian Robertson responded.
He concluded by handing over a cheque for the sum of £400 to the Provincial Grand Master on behalf of the Blackpool Group.
The evening was closed in true Masonic fashion with the Tyler’s Toast.
A sunny Blackpool welcome for the Provincial Grand Master from Peter Bentham (group vice chairman) and group chairman Ian Robertson.
Ian Robertson hands over a cheque for £400 to Peter Hosker.
The Question and Answer Forum.
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Proud to wear Hall Stone Jewel
Installation into the Chair of King Solomon is a very special occasion in any Mason’s Masonic career and it is even more memorable when his lodge has an intrinsic and commemorative link with Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London, and the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. Built during the years of 1927–1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in the First World War, it is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England, and is now a Grade II listed internally and externally.
One of the many outstanding features of the building is the huge stained glass window behind the shrine on the first floor vestibule. And the main feature in the central panel of the window is a magnificent image of the Hall Stone Jewel. This is the link that Martyn Jones, WM of Brotherhood Lodge No 3967 in Blackpool, is so proud to display at all lodge meetings, whether at his own or as a visitor.
In 1919, after the First World War, Grand Lodge decided, in response to a suggestion from the MW the Grand Master, HRH the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, to embark on the building of a new headquarters for the English Craft as a memorial to the many brethren who had given their lives during the War.
For this purpose a special committee was set up in 1920 and an appeal made to every member of the Constitution for contributions to the fund, which, from the target set, came to be known as the Masonic Million Memorial Fund. Contributions to this fund were to be entirely voluntary and were to be recognised by special commemorative jewels. These were of three types for the three categories of subscribers, of the same basic design but of different sizes and precious metals (the sizes given below are the diameter of the encircling wreath). Examples of all three types are on display in the Grand Lodge Museum.
The smallest (35mm) of the jewels, called the Masonic Million Memorial Fund Commemorative Jewel, was a personal breast jewel suspended on a dark blue ribbon. 10 guineas or more purchased a silver one and 100 guineas or more purchased a gold one. A combined total of 53,244 such medals were issued to individuals.
Lodges contributing an average of ten guineas per member were awarded a medal (42mm) in gold on a light blue collarette. These are worn by successive Masters of such lodges and are known as Hall Stone Lodges (thus giving the jewel its name). 1,321 lodges at home and abroad qualified as Hall Stone Lodges. 88 of these were overseas lodges. The names and numbers of qualifying lodges are inscribed on commemorative marble panels in the main ceremonial entrance vestibule of Freemasons' Hall.
“The Hall Stone Jewel was conferred on Brotherhood Lodge No 3967 by the most Worshipful Grand Master on 3 June 1925,” reports Martin Jones. The design of the jewel is symbolic for the side squares are inscribed the dates 1914-1918: four years of supreme sacrifice. In The centre is a winged figure, supporting a Temple, representing Peace. The jewel is suspended by the square and compasses, two of the great though Emblematic Lights in Freemasonry and is attached to a ribbon that is worn around the neck of the Worshipful Master as part of his Masonic clothing. “The wearing of the Jewel by the Master of a Lodge fulfils a double purpose”, said Martin. “First it provides visible evidence that our lodge has faithfully and conscientiously discharged its obligations to the Fraternity. Secondly, it ever inspires every brother to put service before self.”
The largest Hall Stone Jewel (48mm) is of 18 ct. gold and coloured enamels on a dark blue collarette. Only three were ever awarded. Two Districts, Japan (now defunct) and Burma, and one Province, Buckinghamshire, qualified by contributing an average of 500 guineas per lodge. In further recognition of their achievement, rooms 11, 12 and 17 in Freemasons’ Hall were named after them. They are the only lodge rooms in Freemasons' Hall distinguished in this way by a name. Successive Provincial and District Grand Masters of these qualifying Provinces or Districts wear the jewel.
For the jewel design it was decided to hold an open competition with a £75 prize for the winner, and at the Grand Lodge meeting in June 1921 it was announced that the design selected was that submitted by Cyril Saunders Spackman. He was a man of many talents – architect, painter, sculptor, teacher, and writer. He was initiated into Panmure Lodge No 720 on 21 January 1918 when 30 years old and the Hall Stone Jewel was exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1922. It was described at the time in these terms:
"The jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends, on the left and right, squares being the dates 1914-1918, the years in which the supreme sacrifice was made. Between these is a winged figure of Peace presenting the representation of a Temple with special Masonic allusion in the Pillars, Porch and Steps. The medal is suspended by the Square and Compasses, attached to a ribband, the whole thus symbolising the Craft's gift of a Temple in memory of those brethren who gave all for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood."
Building work on the Masonic Peace Memorial, as it was at first called - later to become known as Freemasons' Hall - commenced in 1927 and was completed in 1933 when the hall was dedicated. At the June 1938 Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge the Special Committee presented its final report recording that the building had been handed over to the Board of General Purposes free from debt and that more than £1 million had been subscribed to the fund. The fund itself was closed on 31 December 1938.
Cyril Saunders Spackman was very proud that his jewel design was incorporated as the centrepiece of the huge stained glass window at Freemasons’ Hall. However, there is one interesting change in the jewel in the panel. When he designed it in 1921 this was prior to the architectural competition for the new building.
When the window was designed several years later, the façade was now known, so the winged figure of Peace, instead of holding a model of a classic temple – as in the jewel itself – is actually holding a model of the Tower façade for the building.
Look out for this little difference on your next visit to Freemasons’ Hall.
Martyn Jones, WM of Brotherhood Lodge No 3967, proudly wears the Hall Stone Jewel.
The Hall Stone Jewel.
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Blackpool’s £250,000 for festival
Blackpool lived up to its reputation of having a Golden Mile by donating an astounding £250,000 for the 2010 Festival.
The magnificent effort was marked with a special presentation by Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker to Blackpool Group Charity Officer Gordon Thomson at the bi-annual group dinner.
At the festive board Peter made reference to the 2010 festival and the possible final sum which would be announced in May at the Provincial Meeting in the Guildhall, Preston.
Peter then asked Gordon Thomson to approach the top table. Gordon was then presented with a framed certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master. The certificate was in recognition of the fantastic sum raised by the Blackpool Group of Lodges for the 2010 Festival - an astounding £250,000.
Peter informed the meeting that three such certificates had already been presented along the Fylde Coast. He concluded by thanking the brethren of the Fylde for their generosity.
Peter Hosker presents Gordon Thomson with the special certificate.
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St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Adelaide Street
A hundred Blackpool Masons together with friends and family attended a well organised ‘Paddy’s Night’ at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
The revellers were entertained throughout the evening with renditions of some famous Irish songs and, to help raise funds for the Masonic Hall, a raffle was included. The evening itself received some extra help to flow along nicely with the price of certain drinks specially reduced including of course ‘the Guinness.’
Hall president Colin Goodwin later commented that the evening had been a great success, not only for those attending but also the hall which had benefited financially.
Based on the strength of what the Irish Night achieved all concerned are now looking forward to a further function which is to be a rival St Georges Night - plans for which are now well underway and full details available from Blackpool Masonic hall.
Colin expressed his thanks to all the brethren who helped to organise these special events commenting that without the hard work which went into the organisation of these events the Masonic Hall in Blackpool would not be as successful as it is.
Full house; Paddy's night revellers at their special evening in Blackpool
When Irish eyes are smiling; Club President, Colin Goodwin, enjoying St Patrick's Night
Make mine a Guiness; Busy stewards Peter Lewis and Pauline
Ceilidh time on Paddy's Night, Masonic Hall, Blackpool
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Carry on Nurses.
Blackpool Masonic Hall opened its doors to the McMillan nurses.
Blackpool Lodge of Tranquillity No. 6544 entertained Nurse Pauline Gibson, Nurse Susan Holme and McMillan Nurse Fund-Raising Manager Kathy Ancell at their festive board. Group Chairman, WBro Ian J. Robertson presented a cheque for the sum of £500 to Nurse Gibson. Ian praised the dedication and hard work carried out by the McMillan Nurses.
The donation had been raised at a special Christmas function held at the Blackpool Masonic Hall which had been organised by WBro Ian S Jackson of Blackpool Lodge of Tranquillity and was well attended by other brethren from South Shore Lodge 4672.
It had been decided before hand that all money raised would go to this worthy cause.
After the festive board was over Ian invited the ladies to view the upper Lodge room and after a short explanation of the function of the lodge room he pointed out the wonderful array of Masonic lodge banners.
The ladies commented on what a wonderful evening they had experienced.
The welcome shown to them by all the lodge members had made them feel at ease as they were unsure of what the evening entailed. The nurses left the building saying what an impressive opinion of Freemasonry they now had especially the hard working members of Tranquillity Lodge. 6544.
Fund Raising Manager, Kathy Ancell went away slightly happier than the rest - as she had also won the raffle.
Nurse Pauline Gibson receiving the cheque for £500 from Group Chairman Ian J Robertson.
I.J.Robertson. Pauline Gibson, Kathy Ancell, Susan Holme, I.S.Jackson.
Susan in the Master’s Chair.
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Blackpool Lodge helps local school
The members of Blackpool Lodge No 1476, have once again shown their generosity to help a local school.
They have made a donation of £400 to Highfurlong School in Blackpool. This lodge donation will go to help their special speech therapy unit.
Highfurlong School can be found on the Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 7LR and has been rated by OFSTED as outstanding.
The school has been commissioned by the Youth Sports Trust, Loughborough University to design and produce new and innovative learning resources.
For children aged three to 11 they provide high quality learning and care and environments suited to the needs of children, which will secure their success and development.
For young adults with an age span between 11-19 years of age, the school provides essential care, welfare and therapy which are important features in their collaboration and partnership when working with a wide range of agencies.
They do not just sit back and wait for money to be donated but actively engage themselves in fund-raising to better the school, including a sponsored windsurf by headmaster, Mr. Jackson.
Pictured, back row, left to right, are: Brendon Fenton (WM Blackpool Lodge for 2009-2010), Mr Jackson (headmaster) and Stan Hill (Charity Steward of Blackpool Lodge). In the front row are pupils from Highfurlong School who will benefit from the donation.
Headmaster Mr Jackson during his sponsored windsurf.
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Blackpool Freemasons shore up local charities
Ashlar Lodge No.5154 has presented more than £1,500 to three local organisations. The Blackpool lodge has given £500 to the North West Air Ambulance; £500 to Donna’s Dream House and £535 Brian House.
The donations were presented to each of the organisation by Geoffrey Barker, WM of Ashlar Lodge.
Flying seven days a week, 365 days a year and covering a total of 5,500 square miles, with a residential population of more than 7,000,000, the North West Ambulance Service receives no central government or lottery funding.
It costs £3.5 million per year just to maintain both helicopters, all of which is generously donated by local organisations and members of the public.
The Freemasons along the Fylde coast are regular supporters of this worthwhile charity.
Donna’s Dream House is another locally based charity which relies on the generosity of local organisations and individual donations.
Situated in Chaple Street, Blackpool, what was a derelict hotel is now a haven by which any child would be overwhelmed.
A Blackpool girl, Donna Curtis died of cancer at the age of 20. But in that very short time she witnessed the suffering of many terminally ill children, her legacy was to help these children live a little more happily in the short time they had left. He parents made it a labour of love to fulfil Donna’s Dream.
Donna’s Dream House Charity provides holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life-threatening illnesses. Whilst the voluntary team provide the expertise, enthusiasm and administration, it is the generosity of local donations that makes it possible to bring not only sunshine and fun into children’s lives but a sense of wonder, adventure, laughter and a much needed holiday in Blackpool, for the whole family.
Brian House provides care and a home from home environment for very young children and teenagers with life threatening or life limiting conditions. The catchment area being Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas.
Brian House facilities provide a complete respite for the whole family allowing them to experience times of relief and normality, after the 24-seven demands of a child with complex needs.
The North West Air Ambulance in action.
Geoffrey Barker presents the £500 cheque to North West Air Ambulance crew member Wayne Marman.
Geoffrey Barker presents the donation to Len Curtis, Chairman of the Trustee of Donna’s Dream House.
Hospice fund-raiser Ian Buck receives the donation from Geoffrey Barker.
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Another towering achievement in Blackpool
In exactly one year Blackpool Lodge No 1476 has raised the magnificent sum of £5,890 for Brian House.
As part of that total, the lodge handed over a cheque in February 2010, to Brian House for £1,500.
Brian House Children’s Hospice opened in December 1996, to provide a dedicated specialist children’s wing under the umbrella of Trinity Hospice and Palliative Care Services.
Brian House provides care and a “home from home” environment for children and young adults from within the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas. Many of these children have life threatening and, or, life limiting conditions.
Brian House is rather special in that it recognises that parents are the primary carers and they involve each child as appropriate.
A respite care is provided at regular intervals, this gives families a welcome break and the opportunity to experience times of relief and normality. It gives “mum” a break from the 24-hour demands of the child with multiple complex needs, also it gives “dad” a chance to see his wife as more than just a nurse and to give brothers and sisters a time to be centre of attention for a change.
These things we take for granted, but for patients and their families they are something very special.
Seen in the picture, at the presentation are, from left to right: Beverly Whittaker (Brian House), Mrs Christine Fenton (wife of the WM during the fund raising period, Mrs Elizabeth Bell, who helped to organise the fund-raising events and Brendon Fenton (Blackpool Lodge WM 2009-2010).
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Hidden in full view the mysteries revealed
Saturnian Lodge No 7563 played host to Peter Mason PJGD and Provincial Grand Senior Warden Barry Jameson.
Peter was in attendance to present a lecture on the Hidden Mysteries of the Third Degree Tracing Board.
He held the brethren spell bound for more than half-an-hour as he slowly and carefully worked his way through the symbols on the Third Degree Tracing Board.
Freemasons who had many years of experience behind them had to admit that they were completely unaware of these marks and their meanings and would be leaving the lodge far wiser than when they entered it.
The Worshipful Master of Saturnian Lodge, Bernard Hopkinson summed up the l feelings of the brethren by saying what an enjoyable and extremely fascinating experience it had been listening to Peter’s explanations. He said that this information would enhance any future Third Degree ceremony that the lodge would carry out.
Also, if any Lodge wished to expand on its Masonic knowledge and history, then this lecture is highly recommended.
Pictured, left to right, are: Richard Bell (DC), Peter Mason, Bernard Hopkinson and Barry Jameson.
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Bagpipes, kilts and whisky
More than 80 guests attended a night of celebration to honour the memory and the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
For the third year running, Ian Jackson of Tranquillity Lodge No 6544 organised a celebratory Burns Night at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
After receiving a complimentary glass of whisky the guests were escorted into the dinning room. When everyone was seated the haggis was piped in, carried out in grand style befitting the occasion.
The piper was Bro Barry McQueen, a member of Symphony Lodge No 4924.
Barry then gave an excellent rendition of the address to the haggis, and returning at the end of the meal gave the guests a potted history of the Scottish bard and then went on to recite some of his famous poems.
Barry is a very busy Blackpool Mason being the Official Blackpool Town Crier and also the official guide to the famous Blackpool Tower.
Robert Burns the famous Scottish poet was born in the year 1759, on January the 25 at Alloway on the River Doon, Born into a family of farmers he was the eldest of seven children and sadly died in 1796 at an early age of 37 years.
In Freemasonry Robert Burns found a freedom from political and religious restraints that had frustrated his father. For Burns, Freemasonry was one of the cures for his society’s numerous ills.
While Freemasonry at this time tended to be part of the status quo of the landed gentry, it still tolerated different religious beliefs, even when the government and the state did not. Jews, Roman Catholics and dissenter Protestants were all members of the Freemasons. Members of the religious groups could not hold any political office due to the Test Act which required all office holders to be members of the Anglican Church.
In 1729, The United Grand Lodge of England elected the Duke of Norfolk, (a Roman Catholic), as its Grand Master. A clear example of Freemasonry’s unity in an age of religious intolerance and bigotry.
Robert Burns was initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St David, Tarbolton, on 4 July, 1781, at the age of 23. He was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, and raised to the degree of Master Mason on 1 October, 1781. Burns also joined Lodge St James and on 27 July, 1784 he was elected “Depute Master”, when only 25 years of age.
His first edition of poems was published by a fellow Freemason and 350 masons including members of his own Lodge subscribed to a copy.
Freemasonry provided Burns with a patronage free from aristocratic influence and restrictions, imposed on the artist by the patron. Lodge Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, St John, made him an honorary member, and in recognition he wrote, “MASONS SONG” as an honour to the Lodge. Robert Burns was also exalted into the Holy Royal Arch in May, 1787, at St Ebbe’s Lodge, Eyemouth. The Companions agreed to admit him without paying the necessary fees, as they were greatly honoured to have such a distinguished poet as a member of their Chapter.
In 1788, he joined Lodge St Andrew, and in 1792 he was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge. Sadly, this was his last Masonic office before his death.
Freemasonry can be recognised for generating a feeling of national identity by supporting artists and scholars. Burns is a typical example where the Freemasons in Scotland encouraged him to write poetry, especially in the Scottish vernacular. Freemasons also kept him in constant contact with his cultural roots. This can be seen in his Masonic poems, which show a great love for the Craft and its ideals.
Monies raised on the evening going to the Macmillan Nurses.
Robert Burns.
Piper Bro Barry McQueen.
The Address to the Haggis.
WBro William T.Eardley. PJGD and his daughter, Annie during the meal.
A full house at the Masonic Hall, Blackpool for the Burns Night dinner.
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BUSY TIME AT BLACKPOOL
The Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool is paving the way to success with its new forward-looking committee.
The President of the Masonic Hall, Colin Goodwin and the management team have now set out an entertainment agenda to increase participation among the members and especially events that include family and friends.
One such new event in 2009 was a Halloween Night which was attended by more than 80 members plus a great number of children, all in fancy dress.
Entertainment was provided by WBro Ian Jackson and the Masonic Hall added to the enjoyment by providing a free Witches Hot Pot.
December, saw another 80-plus members celebrate the President’s Night, with free refreshments and entertainment provided by the club. The added bonus was a reduction in the price of beer, down to £1 50p a pint. The evening was concluded with a raffle, the main prize, being a 36” colour television.
New Year’s Eve was again a sell-out with 130 members and 30 children attending.
A special room was set aside for the children with X-Box games, toys, and drawing materials made available. The Hall Committee made only one rule - “NO ADULTS ALLOWED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A CHILD”.
The main room entertainment consisted of three cabaret acts and a disco. Thanks went to Warren Plant for the raffle which raised £308.
The hall secretary, Tom Inman said that these events are providing the means for Masons to bring along guests who are non-Masons. The aim is to make it a family friendly club where at certain times children are made most welcome. It is believed that a number of lodges are seeing an increase in people wanting to join Masonry. The Blackpool Masonic Hall is now at its strongest with regards to finances.
There is already a varied programme set for 2010 including a Theatre Night and a Burns Night, both in January. 2010 a St Patrick’s Night in March and aSt George’s Night in April.
Pictured below are some of the members and children who enjoyed the Halloween Night at Blackpool Masonic Hall.
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Blackpool Masons push the boat out
A group of more than 40 Blackpool Freemasons with wives and partners met at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool to hear an explanation on the workings of the Blackpool Lifeboat Station by Helmsman David Warburton.
David explained that there had been a lifeboat station in Blackpool since 1864. The new station which is situated on the central promenade has been their new home for the last 12 years, and contains three lifeboats. two class D inshore type and one B class lifeboat.
Each boat carries a crew of three and can reach speeds of up to 22knots.The equipment on board consists of, satnav, radar, towing facility, first aid and each has the facility, should the occasion occur, to right itself if turned over.
The crews are made up of a cross section of the community, and are drawn from all walks of life. The Blackpool lifeboat station consists of 19 crew plus six shore members.
David held his audience spellbound when he said that, from call out to hitting the water only took a total of five minutes. Nationally there are 400 female lifeboat crew, and again on a national level the RNL could be called out as many as 21 times in one day. They received £120 million from public donations and this is needed to keep all the lifeboats afloat.
On conclusion, the Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian J Robertson, thanked David on his presentation and handed him a cheque for the sum of £3,460. This fantastic amount of money had been raised by a sponsored walk along the Fylde Coast. To add to this fantastic sum, Ashlar Lodge No 5154, presented a cheque for £500 and Symphony Lodge No 4924 presented £300.
Ian then introduced Chris Veevers, a paramedic from the North West Ambulance Service who presented awards to all those brethren that had successfully completed the Basic Life Support and Automated Defibrillation Course.
The organiser of the evening, Steve Smith of Symphony Lodge gave a special thanks to Tommy Lee of Tranquillity Lodge No 6544 who had the onerous job of collecting the money from the walkers.
The evening ended happily with a warming hot pot supper.
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On the move with Mereside Lodge
Mereside Lodge No 6360 recently moved from Poulton-le-Fylde to the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool, but that move was only a short distance with what was to follow – a visit to Tyrawley Lodge no 217 in the Irish Constitution.
Three of the brethren arranged to travel by ferry from Holyhead for the trip, with the Worshipful Master due to work commitments flying out from Manchester the following day.
WM Richard Gosling noticed with surprise during their visit that arrangements at Tyrawley Lodge were quite different from what the brethren of Mereside were used to in Blackpool. The Festive Board was held at a local hotel - before the lodge opened - and after the lodge was closed English and Irish colleagues finished the evening off together with a buffet.
Richard, during a conversation over a meat pie with the Provincial Grand Master and the Assistant Grand Master, learned that they made a point of visiting every lodge in their Province and though the Province only has six lodges it is a much welcomed tradition.
The Mereside brethren had a splendid time with outstanding hospitality shown them by their hosts and a reciprocal visit is being planned for the near future.
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Blackpool Masons attend the Cenotaph.
Blackpool Masons once again showed their usual support on Sunday, 8thNovember, 2009. Good weather was in their favour as over 30 Brethren attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Blackpool Cenotaph.
Pictured holding wreaths l-r Keith Beardmore Assistant Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire Mark Master Masons and Peter J.Bentham Vice Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges
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Peace and Unity Chapter go on, and on, for 2010
Adelaide Street, Blackpool was the venue for Peace and Unity Chapter No 3966 Installation.
It was an Installation tinged with sadness as the 35 Companions who had gathered for the meeting heard the news of the untimely passing, just the day before, of the father of First Principal David Thomas causing his unavoidable and understandable absence. That indefatigable worker for Freemasonry, Dennis Tofts, the IPZ of the Chapter, stood in at the last minute and very ably Installed First Principal elect Simon Knowles in fine style.
Following the ceremony the Chapter presented a further donation of £700 in support of the 2010 Festival to Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber, there to represent the Grand Superintendent. Stuart took the opportunity to thank the Chapter not only for that donation to the festival fund but for all the magnificent work the Chapter had given in support of the appeal for the Masonic Samaritan Fund over the past four and a half years. The latest donation that day had seen the culmination of funds raised to very creditable £5,500 in total thus far by the Chapter. Charity Steward Gordon Thomson, with a wry smile, told Stuart that Peace and Unity Chapter had not quite finished with the 2010 Festival yet either.
At a splendid festive board Stuart elucidated on the Festival and the Samaritan Fund and the vital support which was necessary from every Companion to make the appeal a success when May 2010 arrived. The Festival Chairman also offered his congratulations to Dennis Tofts, Joe Drake and Richard Anderson on their various promotions in Provincial Grand Rank at the spring Provincial Grand Chapter meeting.
Later in the proceedings Gordon Thomson could be seen mingling amongst the Companions cheerfully carrying out his duties of raising more money to support Charity (and hopefully 2010!) in the rather special and happy Chapter in the Blackpool Group that Peace and Unity Chapter is.
Pictured left to right, Group Chairman Ian Robertson with MEZ Simon Knowles presenting the cheque to Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber watched by Charity Steward Gordon Thomson.
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Ashlar goes for gold in 2010
The Masonic Hall in Adelaide Street, Blackpool, was the venue for the Installation of Ashlar Lodge No 5154. Some 40 brethren assembled to witness ‘well seasoned’ WM Carl Hayhurst hand the gavel to Gerry Lowe who installed his good friend and ME, Geoff Barker, into the Chair in fine style - much to the surprise of the stunned Master Elect.
The lodge later presented Representing Officer, Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber with yet another wonderful donation to the 2010 Festival which raised Ashlar Lodge to Gold Patron status in the appeal for the Masonic Samaritan Fund.
Stuart took the opportunity to thank the lodge not only for that donation but for further contributions to other non-Masonic Charities saying that he felt that the lodge though small in numbers had so much to be proud of.
At a splendid festive board later Stuart thanked the lodge for their invitation to be present and he congratulated Lodge Secretary Chris Barron on his forthcoming appointment to PPrSGD at Provincial Grand lodge in October as well as thanking him for ably arranging his visit to Ashlar Lodge.
A splendid evening of friendship and enjoyment concluded with a ‘Westhoughton Raffle’ which raised another £125 for the 2010 Festival - and a smile on the face of the Festival Chairman.
Picture: l-r Charity Steward Mike Wigham sees Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber receive a cheque for the 2010 festival from new WM Geoff Barker as Group Chairman Ian Robertson looks on.
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Prospective candidates visit hall
The Masonic Hall on Adelaide Street, Blackpool, was again open to the public as part of the town's contribution to Heritage Week, and attracted more than 70 visitors.
Prospective Parliamentary Conservative Candidates Ron Bell (Blackpool South) and Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Fleetwood) both visited the Masonic Hall together to find out more about Blackpool’s Masonic history.
Peter Bentham, Vice-chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, commented that one cannot gauge success by the number of people attending, but by the comments of those who did, everyone attending seemed to go away very impressed with what they had seen and heard on their tours. The hall will definitely participate in any future Heritage Week events.
Ron Bell and Paul Maynard examine Blackpool’s oldest Masonic Banner belonging to Clifton Lodge
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North Shore Lodge Garden Party raises £1,300
The annual garden party of North Shore Lodge, at the home of June and Gordon Thomson, resulted in more than £1,300 being raised for Christies Hospital. Over 70 members and friends attended, and many who could not be there sent a donation.
The garden party is always a delight for the food gourmets and Alan Burton helped the proceedings by providing countless pies, pasties, sausage rolls and cakes of all descriptions.
June and Gordon wish to thank everyone who helped in setting up the garden and preparing the food, those who donated raffle prizes, and once again, Ray Lamb for providing balloons and gas for the balloon race.
The next event at their home will be a coffee morning for MacMillan Cancer, on Friday 25 September, to which everyone is invited. Gordon's coffee mornings start just before lunch and tend to finish early evening. All enquiries to Peter Bentham on 01253 894338
Gordon and June Thomson are pictured with with garden party guests
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Clifton Lodge gift to Woodlands Special School
Woodlands School in Blackpool declared its new garden open. Pride of place was given to a set of mushroom table and chairs donated by the brethren of Clifton Lodge No 703.
Alan Davies, the Almoner for Clifton Lodge stood proudly by and watched as the children began to enjoy their new facilities. Alan commented that this gift was one of several that Clifton Lodge had given to local schools recently and he said how delighted he was to be present at the inauguration.
Alan Davies, Almoner of Clifton Lodge.
Mushroom table and chairs.
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Sponsored hoodies seen in Tower Ballroom
A recent £1,000 bid to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for black, zipped hoodies was revealed to local, national and international dancers. Students from Bispham High School-Arts College in Blackpool were thrilled to wear the garment featuring the new WLFC logo across the back and the school logo on the front.
John Topping, Convenor of the Provincial Communications Team and Deputy Headteacher of Bispham High School said: “The students are most appreciative of the support received and were delighted to see their photograph in our latest West Lancashire Freemason. Many parents took a copy of our magazine away with them from the Tower Ballroom and commented to me that it was pleasing to see how the work of Freemasons supports many areas of our local community.”
Bispham High students preparing for their Latin American competition whilst reading the West Lancashire Freemason.
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Fylde Coast Masons lay wreaths
Freemasons from Blackpool, Poulton-Le-Fylde and St Annes joined the uniformed groups and civic parties to lay wreaths at the three Cenotaphs.
Approximately 20 Masons from the Blackpool Group were joined by Ian Robertson, group chairman and Terry Hudson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
Masons in Poulton processed together, led by Leon Tax, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
In St Annes the 14 members were led in the procession by David Randerson, group vice-chairman.
South Fylde Group Vice-chairman David Randerson with South Fylde Freemasons prior to laying the Freemasons’ Wreath.
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GOLD PATRON GIVES MORE SUPPORT TO 2010
Some 96 Brethren together with a Scottish contingent witnessed a splendid installation ceremony at St John’s Lodge, Blackpool in which Peter Green the Junior Warden was installed in style by the Installing Master Bob Bennet.
True to form the lodge in addition to making donations to non-Masonic causes throughout the year donated a further £500 to the 2010 Festival to the Representing Officer and Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber.
Later in the proceedings Brethren made further personal donations of £2,000 to the festival making a total of £2,500 on the day.
St.John's Lodge is already a Gold Patron of the festival (£4,000 minimum) and the £500 was on top of that.
At the social board Stuart Thornber said: "St.John's Lodge is certainly in the vanguard when it comes to charity."
Pictured are Blackpool Group Vice-chairman Peter Bentham, WM Peter Green and 2010 Festival Chairman, Stuart Thornber.
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Blackpool Masons on the Costa Blanca
Alan Ryal a Past Master of Lodge of Tranquillity No 6544 in Blackpool, was installed into the Chair of his Spanish Lodge, Luz de Murcia No 91 at the Hotel Neptuno in Lo Pagan on the Costa Blanca.
A contingent of Freemasons from both the Lodge of Tranquillity and Clifton Lodge No 703 were present at Alan's invitation to witness a very special ceremony.
Alan has lived in Spain for a few years now but still keeps in touch with his old friends. Despite being the middle of October the weather was very warm and the conditions in the Lodge were demanding. However, everyone enjoyed the occasion which included a six-course dinner afterwards. For most of the overseas visitors it was their first appearance in a Lodge held under the Grand Lodge of Spain.
Pictured, left to right, are: Mark Qualter, Ian Robertson, Mel Wainwright, Alan Ryal, Frank Crompton, Warren Matts and Ray Lamb
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Geoff’s ‘swan song’
Almoners from the North Fylde, Blackpool and South Fylde Groups turned out in force to attend their annual meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall and to take the chance to bid a fond farewell to their regional care officer, Geoff Pritchard.
Geoff - affectionately known as ‘Sticks’ - told the Almoners and Charity Stewards who were also at the meeting that he was stepping down after six years in the job and that their annual get-together was his ‘swan song’.
Later in the year Geoff told the Almoners, highly experienced Jim Woods, former Care Officer for the now defunct North Blackpool Group and the ‘Wednesday man’ at Liverpool Office - as contact office manager - would be assuming the mantle of Regional Care Officer for the Fylde groups.
Geoff introduced the guest speaker John Williams, Development Director of the Masonic Samaritan Fund who told the Almoners that he was there primarily to encourage them to spend money supporting those Masons and their families in medical need.
John gave an enthralling talk on the work of the Samaritan Fund citing examples of how it had helped individual Masons and their families and gave graphic details of the resources on offer and the criteria required applying for support from it.
He chided the Almoners that the Fylde groups were “either very rich or very healthy” and that in comparison to the other 46 Provinces applications were less than the take-up elsewhere and he encouraged them spread the message about the fund as widely as possible.
Geoff Pritchard after thanking John for his thought-provoking presentation took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Almoners’ team, the group chairmen and the care officers for their support during his six years as regional care officer.
Fellow RCO Roy Pyne of the Liverpool and Bootle Groups presented Geoff with a gold watch as a memento.
Pictured are Jack Coates (North Fylde Group Chairman), Geoff Pritchard (RCO) and John Williams (Development Director Masonic Samaritan Fund)
Roy Pyne RCO Liverpool presents Geoff with his gold watch.
Some of the Almoners who attended the special meeting.
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Harry’s 80th raises £700 for our 2010 Festival
On Saturday 20th September. Harry Johnson of Blackpool Temperance Lodge No. 5303 celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends at the recently refurbished Blackpool Masonic Hall Lounge. A good evening was had by all with a hot pot supper and disco.
Harry requested no presents but would like donations to the 2010 festival. A raffle was had and together with private donations a grand sum of over £700 was raised for the 2010 festival.
Pictured left to right: Geoff Pritchard, Martin Linton, Harry Johnson, Umesh Dholakia, Ian Bradley
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