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New WM proposes his son
The final Installation, before the summer recess, took place at Swinton Masonic Hall, when Bro Alan Cavanagh was installed in the Chair of .......<more>

AN HISTORIC VISIT
A North Wales Freemason whose great-grandfather was the second WM of Bridgewater Lodge No 1213 in 1870 was a special visitor at the lodge’s latest meeting....<more>

Alan is WM of his new lodge
Alan Harry Astin, a Past Master of the now 'redundant' Wilton Lodge No 1077, has been installed as WM of St Augustine’s Lodge No 9018 by Jim Collier......<more>

Upholding the law!
Albert David Partington was installed as WM of Victoria Lodge No 1345 by his friend, and fellow solicitor, John CG Hulbert.......<more>

Jon should have installed his father
Illness prevented an Eccles Royal Arch Freemason from installing his father as First Principal......<more>

David continues for another year
David Peter Quinn is to continue as the WM Worsley Lodge No 1814 for a further twelve months He was installed into the chair for another term by.......<more>

Snow delayed installation
The installation meeting of Bridgewater Lodge No 1213 which had to be delayed by the snow in January took place in February when......<more>

MASONRY UNIVERSAL
The intrepid travellers from Eccles, led by Jonathon Wright of Andrew Lodge, together with his father Bill and five other members travelled to Dundee, where.....<more>

BUSY TIME AT ECCLES
Following the Trafford Park Broadoak Installation there has been a flurry of such meetings, starting with the Installation of Alan Roberts in Monton Progress....<more>

A family affair
The first Installation of the amalgamated Trafford Park Broadoak Lodge No 4486 was the first installation of the new season within.....<more>

£500 GRANT FOR BROWNIE GUIDES

FRATERNAL VISIT TO NORTHERN IRELAND
A group of nine brethren from the Eccles and District Group together with another six from North Wales, paid a fraternal visit to Bucknaw Lodge No 194 in Belfast.........<more>

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New WM proposes his son

The final Installation, before the summer recess, took place at Swinton Masonic Hall, when Bro Alan Cavanagh was installed in the Chair of Chorlton Lodge No 1387 by Richard Cupitt, who had served two years as Master and Terry Archer in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham.

The working tools were presented by two junior brethren Colin Hughes, who was later invested as Senior Deacon and addressed by Sam Kerhaw, aged 90 years and 58 years a Mason and Bro Gerald Broadley later invested as Inner Guard.  The trio was made up by the secretary Jeff Bleakley.  Terry Archer completed his imput by delivering the addresses to the Master and Wardens.

Chorlton seems to be another lodge on the up, as in addition to the brethren mentioned above three Stewards were appointed and the new Master proposed his son Alan for membership along with a joining member.

At the festive board Jon Clipsham praised the work done in the lodge , where he had been presented with a cheque for £350 for the WLMC and went on to refer to Chorlton Lodge being responsible for the formation of many lodges, particularly in the South Eastern Group, including his own Barlow Moor Lodge No 4525.  He finished by thanking David Johnson and Barry Hanson for their dedication and support as Acting Provincial Officers during their year of office.

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AN HISTORIC VISIT

A North Wales Freemason whose great-grandfather was the second WM of Bridgewater Lodge No 1213 in 1870 was a special visitor at the lodge’s latest meeting.

Robert Bowden and three friends from North Wales travelled to Eccles for the meeting at which lodge secretary Barry Hanson, outlined the initial contact with WBro Robert Bowden PPrJGD (North Wales) a member of The Deeside Lodge No 3801.

Robert had informed Barry that his great-grandfather was William Bowden, the second Master of the Lodge in 1870.  Barry read a precise of the minutes of William's progress within the Lodge and then presented Robert with a framed copy. These showed the rapid rise of William as he was only initiated in May 1868, was Junior Warden in 1869, and, following a twice taken ballot (at separate meetings!). 

In 1868 the subscription to Grand Lodge was 6s 6d.  Between 1877 and 1891 he was treasurer but resigned on 11 September 1891, for reasons unknown.  It is known however that he lived until the age of 89 years.  In thanking Barry for his kindness Robert, who was accompanied by three friends from North Wales, noted that other relatives had been members of Lodges at Eccles - William Lacoste Bowden, a Clerk to the Eccles Justices, was Master of the Lodge of Hope in 1903 and he believed another had been a Member of Worsley Lodge 1814.

Following the installation meeting in February, the March meeting of Bridgewater Lodge No 1212 - the oldest active Lodge in the Eccles Group - began with sadness due to the deaths of Lord Cornwallis and David Bommer who had passed away within nine days of the meeting at which he should have been re-appointed and invested as Director of Ceremonies.

At the latest meeting George Siddall, who had been initiated in October 2009, and invested as Steward at the February meeting was passed in a ceremony shared between the Master, Ernest Brittain and the IPM, Ian Edge.  The extended version of the Working Tools were presented and explained by Barry Hanson and the Charge after Passing by the Master.

Having had a ceremony of passing the lodge is now looking forward to an initiation at the April meeting, when again the working of the ceremony will be shared.

Pictured are WM Ernest Brittain and Robert Bowden.

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Alan is WM of his new lodge

Alan Harry Astin, a Past Master of the now 'redundant' Wilton Lodge No 1077, has been installed as WM of St Augustine’s Lodge No 9018 by Jim Collier.  The representative was Tony Bent, Chairman of the Leigh Group.

Alan became a joining member of the lodge in 2005 and it must have been around the same time that Jim was initiated.

The working tools in the Second and First Degrees were presented by Junior Brethren. Terry Watson was Director of Ceremonies, and gave the addresses to the Master and Wardens and at the festive board sang the Master’s Song.

Pictured, left to right, are Stuart Shea (Eccles Group Chairman), Alan Harry Astin and Tony Bent.

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Upholding the law!

Albert David Partington was installed as WM of Victoria Lodge No 1345 by his friend, and fellow solicitor, John CG Hulbert when Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham made his first visit to this very old lodge.

The actual Installation was a reversal of that seen in 2008 when David installed John and saw him remain Master for two years.  There now seems to be a little friendly rivalry between them as John has completed three years as Master and David is now commencing his fourth year in office.  Not surprising given their family connections with the lodge: David's great uncle, followed by his grandfather, father and cncle going back to great uncle being Master in 1930.  Moving to John, his father was WM in 1948; his father-in-law JR Winstanley in 1989  along with two former partners from the practice who have served the lodge as Master.

A sad note was struck with a report that Edwin Foster was in hospital with a broken neck and it was asked that the good wishes of all present be conveyed to him. He had indicated a willingness to serve as JW for a further year. He was WM in 1964 and in view of his long and loyal service Jeffrey Winstanley gave notice of motion that he would propose Edwin for Honorary Membership, to be seconded by the Master.

The Address to the Brethren was given by Brian Hart; two Junior brethren presented the working tools in the second and first degrees and they, along with a third were invested as JD, IG and Steward.

The Festive Board provided good food and friendship, with the Master’s Song sung by Jack Robinson, a regular visitor to the lodge and who, it is understood, has performed this duty since 1970.

Jon Clipsham was supported by group officers and the two Acting Provincial Officers within the group, David Johnson (PrAGDC) and Barry Hanson (PrGStwd) who have been near 'ever presents' during their term of office.  During his response to Toast 5 Jon made reference to the excellence of the ceremony and the parts played by various brethren and thanked the lodge for its Charitable donations, including the 2010 Festival, noting that it was Gold Patron status.

Pictured, left to right, are: John CG Hulbert, A. David Partington and Jon Clipsham.

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Jon should have installed his father

Illness prevented an Eccles Royal Arch Freemason from installing his father as First Principal.

Grand Superintendent Peter Hosker attended Victoria Chapter No 1345 to see Bill Wright installed as First Principal.

The ceremony was to have been carried out by Bill's son, but due to illness Jon was unable to do this. The ceremony was conducted by the retiring DC, Tom Radcliffe.

Bill was congratulated by the Grand Superintendent on becoming First Principal ,along with all who took part, in what he described as a warm, sincere ceremony and commented on the sharing of work.  A cheque for £700 was presented in support of the 2010 Festival rendering the Chapter a Patron.

Due to travel difficulties the Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah Ian Charles Gee missed the ceremony but at the social board he gave a suitable and entertaining response to the toast to Provincial Officers.

The companions were treated to an excellent rendition of the Principals’ Song by John Hindle who was accompanied by the Provincial Grand Organist, Derek Hughson.

The Three Principals are pictured, with Peter Hosker, the group chairman, the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and officers of Victoria Chapter No 1345.

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David continues for another year

David Peter Quinn is to continue as the WM Worsley Lodge No 1814 for a further twelve months He was installed into the chair for another term by the Immediate Past Master David Crabbe, who was his proposer into Freemasonry.

It is the fourth time since 1991 that a WM has had to serve a second term but hopefully next year a 'new' Master will be installed.

Worsley Lodge was Consecrated in 1880 with the Rt Hon Earl of Ellesmere being the first WM. He was followed by Richard H Williams who had taken part in the Charge of the Light Brigade!  A silver drinking cup was presented to the lodge in memory of WBro Williams and is passed on to incoming Masters to use during their year of office.  Unfortunately security and sentiment mean that it is now only seen at installations.

Making his first appearance as Representative of the Provincial Grand Master was Kevin Poynton who commented on a ceremony well worked and later admitted, at the festive board, that having stood behind numerous very senior Brethren as a DC he now knew how they felt.  That said he enjoyed the evening and won a raffle prize, which he promptly returned for future benefit of the lodge.

The Hall family figures prominently throughout the history of the lodge with Joseph Hall setting the scene when he was WM in 1942, followed by his son Joe. a past group chairman, in 1949, and his son Robin  in 1976.  In 1972 Joe's cousin Fred was Master followed in 1991/2 by his son-in-law The Ven. Canon Alan Wolstencroft.

Making a welcome return to the Lodge was the Centenary Master, Neville Parry, who is now pursuing his Masonry in Cumberland and Westmorland. He provided wonderful music both during the ceremony and at the festive board, with his touches of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Pictured, left to right, are Kevin Poynton, WM David Quinn and Eccles Group Chairman Stuart Shea.

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Snow delayed installation

The installation meeting of Bridgewater Lodge No 1213 which had to be delayed by the snow in January took place in February when Earnest Brittain was put in the Chair by Ian Edge.  The snow  in January which prevented sufficient Officers being able to attend the meeting.

Friends of the Master,WBro D Couse (Staffordshire) was Installing Junior Warden and David Stenton (East Lancashire) gave the Address to him. 

Provincial Grand Steward Barry Hanson certainly sang for his supper.  He undertook the duties of DC, secretary, Installing Senior Warden addressing the incoming SW and finished by giving the Address to the Wardens. 

The Lodge still suffers numerically but of great interest was the fact that the offices of Warden, Deacon and Inner Guard were all filled by Master Masons, whilst a Fellowcraft was appointed Steward and a ballot taken for a candidate for initiation.

Along with other Installed Masters from the Group, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David McCormick. was present as Master of Egerton Lodge No 2216.

The tables were well furnished at the festive board and the raffle brought smiles to one or two faces, including the group chairman Stuart Shea, who won a bouquet, champagne and chocolates (a special collective Valentine prize) which no doubt got him a warm welcome at home.  He had taken flowers home the previous evening when Representing at an Installation within the group.

Pictured, left to right, are Barry Hanson, WBro D Couse, Earnest Brittain, and David Stenton.

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MASONRY UNIVERSAL

The intrepid travellers from Eccles, led by Jonathon Wright of Andrew Lodge, together with his father Bill and five other members travelled to Dundee, where they met up with Brethren from a North Wales Lodge where Jonathon is also a member.

They travelled up on a Saturday morning to stay at the Hilton Hotel, on the banks of the River Tay and later travelled to Dundee to attend the installation meeting of the Lodge Tay Union 272 in the Scottish Constitution.

The lodge, and festive board, was held in a small, but accommodating room above a Spar shop!  The room has many 'hiding places' to store the lodge furniture and transform it into a dining room, which includes a bar. Catering was done from the 'house size' kitchen and, what is described as a fantastic meal was enjoyed for the princely sum of £7.

At the festive board members were invited to sing, read a ditty, tell a story etc. which made for an interesting evening.

Back at the hotel they were tempted to the Casino and ended up, as they had entered Freemasonry - poor and penniless.  Sunday morning saw them travelling back to Eccles via the Roslyn Chapel which they described as a marvellous experience.

Having now visited Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland their next destination is awaited with great anticipation.

The lodge room above the Spar shop.

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BUSY TIME AT ECCLES

Following the Trafford Park Broadoak Installation there has been a flurry of such meetings, starting with the Installation of Alan Roberts in Monton Progress Lodge No 6361, these being two of the three amalgamated lodges within the Eccles Group.  The representative of the Provincial Grand Master was the Provincial Junior Warden, David Durling and the Installing Master Ken Ratcliffe.

Nigel Branham was regularly Installed by the Immediate Past Master James Birkett  with the address to the Master being given by his father .

The night after, Andy Heslop was installed by Keith Dunbar (IPM) who shared the ceremony with Jonathon Platt and Jonathon Wright, at Andrew Lodge No 3328, when the Representative was Alec Neilson.  The lodge is a good mix of new and old members, with St. John’s Ambulance and Boy Scouts well in evidence.

The first visit to the Eccles Group,by Jon Clipsham following his appointment as Assistant Provincial Grand Master was for the Installation of Len Heathcote into the Chair of Pendlebury Lodge.

The last installation meeting before Christmas was at Walkden when the Lodge was honoured and privileged, to welcome Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks who was accompanied by Jon Clipsham and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Sam Robinson.

Support was forthcoming from more than 45  visitors, including four Acting Provincial Officers and 10 Installed Masters from the Group.  Seventeen out of 19 lodge members were also present.

Joseph Mottershead was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon, for a second term, by John Tooley.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham is pictured congratulating Len Heathcote.

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A family affair

The first Installation of the amalgamated Trafford Park Broadoak Lodge No 4486 was the first installation of the new season within the Eccles and District Group.  It was also the last occasion on which Geoffrey Bloch, Assistant Provincial Grand Master would attend within the Group in that capacity. 

At the Festive Board tributes were paid to Geoffrey by Stuart Shea the Group Chairman. Stuart thanked Geoffrey for his help and support and the input he had into the Group over his many years of service in Freemasonry.

The main participant in the installation was of course, the Brother being installed, on this occasion Graham Alan Oakley, who was presented by his father Thomas Norman Oakley and installed by his brother David John Oakley.  To complete a family gathering the Master's brother in law Patrick Wynne, an East Lancashire Mason, was present.

During the evening cheques totaling £1900 were presented to benefit a number of local charities and the 2010 Festival.

Father, two sons and brother in law.

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£500 GRANT FOR BROWNIE GUIDES

Irlam o’th Heights Brownie Guide Company has received a grant of £500 from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. The cheque was presented by Eccles Group Chairman Stuart Shea, pictured, and will be used to buy new kit for games and craft equipment.

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FRATERNAL VISIT TO NORTHERN IRELAND

A group of nine brethren from the Eccles and District Group together with another six from North Wales, paid a fraternal visit to Bucknaw Lodge No 194 in Belfast.

Led by John Wright of Andrew Lodge No  3328, the brethren spent two nights in Northern Ireland from where they enjoyed the hospitality of the brethren of Bucknaw Lodge and attended their Lodge Installation.

The Lodge Room was no bigger than a large bedroom and had to accommodate more than 80 brethren for what was a memorable ceremony. The social board was held in the nearby Michelin Club where a host of speakers and toasts, along with an excellent meal, added the finishing touches to a very enjoyable day.

Pictured, left to right, are: Lionel Bailey, John Hindle, Ken Radcliffe, Bill Wright and Paul Dickenson

John Wright “in the Chair" in Belfast.

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