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A TIGHT FINISH IN THE WIGAN BOWLS FINAL
The annual Wigan Group bowls competition was held at St Matthews Bowling Club, Highfield, Wigan in a sweltering 25 degrees........<more>

SUCCESSFUL MASTERS’ BALL AT BRYN
The Third Masters’ Ball at Bryn Masonic Hall proved once again to be a huge success with 123 members and guests.......<more>

FANTASTIC SUPPORT FOR THE HOSPICE
Masonic support for the Wigand and Leigh Hospice is “fantastic” according to publicity manager, Edwin Matthews when two cheques were presented......<more>

Ashton Trinity supports Help 4 Heroes
Ashton Trinity Lodge has a strong military association and recently donated £700 to the Help for Heroes Charity toward......<more>

GENTLEMEN’S EVENING SUPPORTS WIGAN HOSPICES
A Gentlemen’s Evening arranged by Wigan Lodge at Bryn Masonic Hall resulted in a cheque for £500 being presented to.........<more>

SPRING GOLF AT GATHURST
Wigan and District Golf Society held its annual spring tournament in pleasant conditions at Gathurst Golf Club, Shevington......<more>

WIGAN MASONS WALK MORCAMBE BAY
An intrepid band of more than 30 Wigan Masons walked across Morecambe Bay in the second annual event of its kind......<more>

LECTERN PRESENTATION
At the April meeting of Ashton Trinity Lodge brethren witnessed the presentation and dedication of a lectern in memory of........<more>

THREE LODGES AMALGAMATE
Three lodges came together in an amalgamation ceremony at Pemberton Masonic Hall.....<more>

GENTLEMEN TO DINE EVENING
Wigan Lodge No 2326 will be holding a Gentlemen to Dine evening at Bryn Masonic Hall on Friday 7 May, 7 for 7.30pm..........<more>

GOLFERS SUPPORT AIR AMBULANCE
Wigan Masonic Golfing Society gave £500 to the North West Air Ambulance to be used to pay for a racking system for.......<more>

SECOND TIME LUCKY FOR MARK 
Mark Langtree was Installed as Master of Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead Lodge No 6387 just over 11 years since he was first Installed into the then Tuscan Lodge No 4427 in October 1998........<more>

BURNS NIGHT RAISES £500 FOR HOSPICE
Members and guests of Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821 braved a bitter cold and icy night to celebrate the 251st anniversary of the Bard’s birth......<more>

GRAND CHARITY DONATION TO WIGAN HOSPICE
Wigan and Leigh Hospice has again been supported by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity, this time to the tune of £2,479. This will go a long way in helping......<more>

A Pink day in Bryn
The Ladies and members of Ashton Masonic Hall, Bryn, Wigan held a “Pink ladies day” to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign.......<more>

Wigan Mason on Channel 5
Wigan Mason, Alan Grice and his wife Joan had the surprise of their life when on a visit to Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street, London, they found themselves.....<more>

Wigan Masons lay wreaths on remembrance Sunday
At one of the largest gatherings seen for many years Wigan Freemasons laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Wigan Parish Church.......<more>

Who will win Robbie the robot?
Ernest Daniels, the Friends of Ecclesholme Representative for the Wigan Group spotted ‘Robbie the Robot’ in a second-hand shop and immediately thought....<more>

BIG BOOST FOR MAYOR’S CHARITY
The Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Mark Aldred received a big boost for his charity The Meningitis Trust, when he was presented with.......<more>

BRYN LODGE VISIT JERSEY
Once again the intrepid members of Bryn Lodge went on their travels, this year to Jersey where they were entertained by........<more>

GOLFERS GIVE £500 TO DERIAN HOUSE
Golfers have donated £500 to a children’s hospice......<more>

HOPE SPRINGS INTO GOLD
More than 50 brethren assembled at Bryn Masonic Hall to witness a splendid ceremony when John Lomax installed his successor.......<more>

WIGAN REGAIN TROPHY
The Autumn Equinox heralded good weather for the annual golf match between Wigan and Chorley Groups held at Hart Common Golf Club, Westhoughton.....<more>

Wigan Masons buy laptop for hospice day patients
The generosity of Wigan Freemasons will allow the Wigan and Leigh Hospice to buy a much need computer facility for day patients.......<more>

GOLF DAY AT GATHURST
More than 30 golfers enjoyed a fine, but windy day at Gathurst Golf Club, Wigan for the annual Wigan Group Masonic Golfing Society autumn meeting.....<more>

NEW BANNER DEDICATED
Corinthian Lodge No 2350 was consecrated in March 1890, yet it has never had a Lodge Banner until one was presented to it by.........<more>

BOROUGH LODGE STEALS THE DAY
On a glorious hot summer day in June the annual Wigan Area Bowls final took place at Newtown Conservative Club when members of Borough Lodge bowling team....<more>

LADIES GIFT TO WIGAN HOSPICE
Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead Lodge No 6387 which meets at Pemberton, have a very active Ladies’ Social Committee........<more>

MASONIC VETERANS LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR 
RAF veteran Jack Carrington, PPrJGW of Orrell Lodge No 8371, who last year celebrated 60 years as a Freemason, along with Burma Star colleagues.......<more>

Mayor visits Bryn Masonic Hall
In May of last year the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Rhona Winkworth, opened the Exhibition on the History of Freemasonry held in the History Shop in Wigan.....<more>

MASONS WARM THE COCKLES OF YOUR HEART
Last year Wigan Freemasons walked across Morcambe Bay to raise money for a Wigan and Leigh Hospice and a Masonic charity.......<more>

A TIGHT FINISH IN THE WIGAN BOWLS FINAL

The annual Wigan Group bowls competition was held at St Matthews Bowling Club, Highfield, Wigan in a sweltering 25 degrees.

The club is situated in a very picturesque setting alongside St Matthews Church the venue for the Wigan Masonic Group Annual Church service this coming October and there was an excellent turnout out for the final.

Through to the semi-final were George Shuttleworth, Brian Fairclough, John Warminger and Terry Randall, with the latter two emerging to fight out the final.

After a hard fought battle Terry Randall emerged the victor wining by 21 to 19 and received the Bill Davies Trophy from group chairman Malcolm Taylor.

The winner will and the runner-up will go on to represent Wigan in the West Lancashire finals.

The picturesque setting for the bowls final.

Winner Terry Randall, with Malcolm Taylor and runner-up John Warminger.

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SUCCESSFUL MASTERS’ BALL AT BRYN

The Third Masters’ Ball at Bryn Masonic Hall proved once again to be a huge success with 123 members and guests. They enjoyede the usual high standard of cuisine and entertainment provided by singer David Marshall with songs from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ which fitted in very nicely with the ‘Black and  White’ theme of the evening and it was obvious that the ladies had given this much thought with some beautiful black and white creations.

The Masters of the year were seated at the top table in regalia along with their ladies and the evening was rounded off with a little bit of dancing and socialising and remarkably the event raised £744 towards the Hall Development Fund.

This fund has raised more than £50,000 since its formation which has led to many of the improvements which make Bryn a very attractive venue for Masonic and non-Masonic functions alike.

Thanks to hosts, Christine and Phil, along with Sandra and John Barnes, the Third Masters’ Ball at Bryn proved another hit in the lengthening line of Bryn’s social success stories.

Members and guests at the dinner.

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FANTASTIC SUPPORT FOR THE HOSPICE

Masonic support for the Wigand and Leigh Hospice is “fantastic” according to publicity manager, Edwin Matthews when two cheques were presented to the hospice by Wigan Freemasons.

The first for £1032 was raised from two walks by local Masons across Morecambe Bay. The other was for £500 from annual donations by the lodges and chapters in the Wigan area. The first cheque was presented by Corinthian Lodge Charity Steward Chris Reaman and his wife Jacquiline and the second by Malcolm Taylor, Chairman of the Wigan Group of Lodges.

Edwin said: “The hospice has recently received a Government grant to put Wi-Fi facilities into patient bedrooms to enable patients and loved ones to communicate across the world.  This is proving fantastically popular and we want to extend it to Day Hospice and other patient areas and the money received today will go a long way to help us with this project.”

These cheques bring the total given to the hospice by local Freemasons to almost £15,000 in the past year which is a magnificent sum by any standards.

Chris and Jacquiline Reaman present the cheque to nurse Hannah Talbot and health care assistant Sue Reader Also pictured are John Parrott, Wigan Group Charity Steward and John Lomax, Hope Lodge Charity Steward.

Pictured are Geoff Porter (Wigan Group Vice Chairman), Hannah Talbot, Malcolm Taylor, Sue Reader and Stuart Blagg (Wigan Group Secretary).

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Ashton Trinity supports Help 4 Heroes

Ashton Trinity Lodge has a strong military association and recently donated £700 to the Help for Heroes Charity towards the building of much need recovery centres for our servicemen returning injured both mentally and physically from the conflict in Afghanistan.

Part of the £700 donation was raised in memory of the late George McCathie, a Scottish ex-serviceman and a founder of the lodge.

Arthur Rowe, a PPrSGW, is the H4H volunteer coordinator for Lancashire and he received the cheque from Tony Clark, the Worshipful Master of the lodge. Accompanying Arthur was Don Aitken, secretary of the D Day and Normandy Veterans’ Association who also support Help 4 Heroes.

This remarkable charity has raised more than £50 million pounds since the it was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in 2007 following a profoundly moving visit to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. Bryn and Emma, who both come from military families, met some extraordinarily brave young people who had suffered appalling injuries and just wanted to do something to help.  

Pictured are Malcolm Rush (lodge secretary), Tony Clark, Arthur Rowe, Don Aitken and Geoff Sheppard (Ashton Trinity Charity Steward).

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GENTLEMEN’S EVENING SUPPORTS WIGAN HOSPICES

A Gentlemen’s Evening arranged by Wigan Lodge at Bryn Masonic Hall resulted in a cheque for £500 being presented to Wigan Hospice which will go towards the ongoing refurbishment of the reception area.

Hospice Chief Executive Stuart Liptrot gave a short explanation of the hospice movement at the dinner and several of the non-Masons present were given a tour of the building and shown the lodge room. Fred Lomax, Group Publicity Officer explained the various offices and gave a short introduction to Freemasonry, particularly the long history of Freemasonry in Wigan.

Following the dinner entertainment was provided by Paul Dee with excerpts from popular musicals.

Andrew Duncan, Stuart Liptrot (Wigan Hospice Chief Executive) and Martin Morris (WM).

Paul Dee takes the part of Thénardier from Les Miserable’

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SPRING GOLF AT GATHURST

Wigan and District Golf Society held its annual spring tournament in pleasant conditions at Gathurst Golf Club, Shevington.

More than 40 golfers took part in a Stableford competition and Frank Jones of Borsdane Lodge won the Atkinson Trophy for a member of the Wigan Group with a score of 39 points, won on a back nine count off. Close behind to take second place was Colin Sharples of Orrell Lodge also with 39 points.

The Clifford Davis Trophy, open to all Wigan Group members over 65, was won by Bill Pearson of Peace and Pemberton Chapter with 39 pts and the visitors’ prize was won by Matthew Jones with 40 pts.

Jack Eddleston and Jim Stapleton won the twos on the par three and Mrs Barbara McCarthy won the ladies’ prize with 32 points.

The Ledger Trophy for the lodge with the best total of two scores was. Borsdane Lodge, Frank Jones 39 points and George Seddon 35 points.

More than 65 sat down to dinner in the evening with guest speaker the Rev Harry Ross who entertained his audience with tales of the life of a clergyman and anecdotes about his role (you’ve guessed it) as Chaplain to Everton Football Club and the role of the Past Players’ Association with which Harry is closely involved. A raffle was held which raised £300 for charity.

All prizes on the day were donated by Mr Jamie Auld of Righton Insulation Services, Leyland

The next tournament will also be held at Gathurst golf Club on Monday 6 September, 2010. For details contact George Seddon on 01942-749850 or e-mail gr.seddon@blueyonder.co.uk

Overall winner Frank Jones receives his trophy from Mrs Ross with George Seddon and David Norris looking on.

Barbara McCarthy receives the Ladies’ Prize from society president Stanley Oldfield.

Ledger Trophy winners presented by Kath Jones to George Seddon and Frank Jones

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WIGAN MASONS WALK MORCAMBE BAY

An intrepid band of more than 30 Wigan Masons walked across Morecambe Bay in the second annual event of its kind.

The weather was an improvement this time after last year’s walk was hit by a virtual monsoon, although the water was extremely cold especially for those who decided to wade up to the knees during the crossing.

The party was led by the Queen’s Guide Cedric Robinson and the Wigan contingent by John Parrott (group charity steward) who decided to complete the crossing in a dinner suit, together with Brian Halliwell as Henry V just to add a bit of culture to the event

The amount raised by the event will not be known for a while but is expected to reach four figures.

John Parrott in dinner suit, Martin Morris WM Wigan Lodge and Russell Gibbs of Holmes Lodge ‘getting into deep water’.

Wigan Group Charity Steward John Parrott arrives back at the Abbott Hall Hotel. He said “I don’t know what all the fuss was about it was a walk in the park."

Even Henry the fifth needs a cuppa ! Ha Ha Ha Brian Halliwell, of Lodge of Faith No 484, with Bob Roberts of Hope Lodge No 4003 and his son.

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LECTERN PRESENTATION

At the April meeting of Ashton Trinity Lodge brethren witnessed the presentation and dedication of a lectern in memory of the late WBro Paul Clark a Past Master of the lodge.

The lectern was presented by Alan Grice who said: “This lectern is a lasting memorial to Bro Paul for his colleagues in the lodge, new and future members to remember him by.”

The lectern was dedicated and blessed by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master the Rev Canon John Sharples, and then put to use immediately when John Coley presented a paper to the Lodge entitled “3, 5, 7, Just Numbers”.

Mrs Pat Clark, daughters Jodie and Meaghan, said: “Having seen the lectern we are most grateful to Alan and Ashton Trinity Lodge for having it dedicated in memory and recognition of Paul’s service to the lodge.”

Pictured, left to right, are: Alan Grice, the Rev Canon John Sharples, Leslie Rigby (Worshipful Master of Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821) and John Coley.

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THREE LODGES AMALGAMATE

Three lodges came together in an amalgamation ceremony at Pemberton Masonic Hall.

Two Wigan Lodges, Mesnes No 5967 and Up Holland Lodge No 7608 joined forces with Orrell Lodge No 8371 to become a new Orrell Lodge retaining the same number.

The amalgamation ceremony was carried out by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks, ably assisted by Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Wigan, Leigh and St Helens Groups before a very large gathering of local Freemasons.

Also present was Jack Carrington who is the only surviving founder of any of the three lodges. Jack was a founder of Orrell Lodge when it was consecrated in 1971. He has now been a Mason for 67 years and is still going strong. He was delighted to be present at the ceremony and he is looking forward to achieving his 70th anniversary in the Craft.

Brian Hetherington (the last WM of Up Holland Lodge) with Ted Lea (Master of Orrell), Brian Gillbanks and Matthew Frayne (the last WM of Mesnes.

Jack Carrington the last surviving founder of any of the three Lodges.

The scene at the festive board.

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GENTLEMEN TO DINE EVENING

Wigan Lodge No 2326 will be holding a Gentlemen to Dine evening at Bryn Masonic Hall on Friday 7 May, 7 for 7.30pm.  The evening is open to members of all Lodges that meet at Bryn and their guests. The format for the evening will be a three course meal with a brass band and an opportunity for non-Masons to view the temple. 

There will be a raffle and all proceeds will go the Wigan and Leigh Hospice and the chief executive of the Hospice, Stuart Liptrot will attend the evening.

Further information and tickets which are £19.50 is available from John Pendlebury on pengy1@btinternet.com; or his mobile 07876 552073

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GOLFERS SUPPORT AIR AMBULANCE

Wigan Masonic Golfing Society gave £500 to the North West Air Ambulance to be used to pay for a racking system for the storage of vital medical equipment inside the helicopter used by the service.

The system will be fitted in the helicopter used by the paramedic team based at Barton Airport, Eccles, Manchester and it will make access to this essential equipment much easier during the many emergencies they attend throughout the North West. A sister helicopter is based at Blackpool Airport.

The money has been raised through a number of golf tournaments organised in the Wigan area throughout the golfing year.

David Norris, chairman and treasurer along with George Seddon, secretary of the society presented the cheque to Joanne Fowler, the charity coordinator for the Air Ambulance.

David and George were shown around the helicopter and introduced to the crew.

Pictured are flight paramedic Wayne Marum, pilot Marc Rowley, Joanne Fowler, David Norris, flight paramedic Paul Campbell and George Seddon.

The inside of the Air Ambulance.

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SECOND TIME LUCKY FOR MARK

Mark Langtree was Installed as Master of Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead Lodge No 6387 just over 11 years since he was first Installed into the then Tuscan Lodge No 4427 in October 1998.

Mark attended the following meeting in November, but then shortly after on a skiing holiday had a horrific accident severely injuring one of his knees, which put an end to his Masonry for the remainder of his year in office.

After a period of rest and recovery Mark was able to resume his Masonic life but always regretted not having fulfilled his year in office as Master so he was delighted when the opportunity came this year in the now amalgamated Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead Lodge which meets at Pemberton.

Mark was very ably installed by his predecessor Martin Broome in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master and had the pleasure of presenting the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for £1,200 for the 2010 Festival.

But there was more to come to make Mark’s second time round even more memorable.

At a packed festive board the Provincial Grand Master was totally astounded when Wigan Group Chairman Danny Jones, presented him with further cheques for £8,100 raised by the Morecambe Bay walk and a trip to Bideford in Devon plus £157.50 raised from a raffle on the evening. A remarkable total on the night of £9,457.50.

The Provincial Grand Master thanked Danny, the group and the lodge and paid tribute to all those who had contributed so generously to the Festival. He also went on to say that a further very generous donation by the Lodge of £1,500 to Pemberton Masonic Properties was truly outstanding and he commented that maintaining the upkeep of Masonic Halls was a matter close to his heart and it would be the focus of fund-raising in the Province once the festival was finished.

The PrGM also won a bottle of whisky in the raffle but kindly donated it back to the lodge to be raffled again a future event.

Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker congratulates Mark Langtree watched by (left to right) Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Durling, Wigan Group Chairman Danny Jones, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield and Provincial Grand Senior Warden Barry Jameson.

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BURNS NIGHT RAISES £500 FOR HOSPICE

Members and guests of Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821 braved a bitter cold and icy night to celebrate the 251st anniversary of the Bard’s birth with a traditional Burns Night at Bryn Masonic Hall.

Although it was cold outside, the members and guests soon warmed up and enjoyed a superb evening with Pipe Sergeant Mark Baker ‘Piping in the Haggis’ and Doug Morton giving the customary ‘Address to the Haggis’. Doug entertained the guests during the remainder of the evening.

Alan Grice, a member of the lodge, thanked all who had attended for their generosity in donating prizes for the main raffle, which along with contributions from local shops, offices and businesses and other fund-raising activities on the night, raised £500.

Later Alan presented a cheque to Dr Cathy Higgins at Wigan and Leigh Hospice to assist with the purchase of specialist lifting equipment for patients with mobility difficulties.

A spokesperson for the Hospice said: “This donation is once again an example of the ongoing support we receive from the Freemasons of the Wigan area and it will help considerably towards making life a bit easier for our patients.2

Dr Cathy Higgins receives the cheque from Alan Grice and Danny Jones (Wigan Group Chairman) watched by Edwin Matthews, (hospice publicity officer).

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GRAND CHARITY DONATION TO WIGAN HOSPICE

Wigan and Leigh Hospice has again been supported by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity, this time to the tune of £2,479. This will go a long way in helping the hospice to continue essential improvements for the benefit of  the patients and staff alike.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield and Wigan Masonic Group Vice-chairman Malcolm Taylor took the opportunity to meet and have a chat with chief Executive Stuart Liptrot at the presentation

The Freemasons' Grand Charity donates a six figure sum annually to hospices across England and Wales to hospices to help them maintain the very high standards they have set, not just for adults but also for children’s services as well 

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield presents the cheque to Nursing Sister Angela Wright with Stewart Liptrot and Malcolm Taylor, Wigan Masonic Group Vice-Chairman, looking on.

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A Pink day in Bryn

The Ladies and members of Ashton Masonic Hall, Bryn, Wigan held a “Pink ladies day” to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Over 100 Ladies attended the event during the day.

The event started at 1pm with mulled wine, rose wine and nibbles on arrival. At 2pm the first demonstration was given by Wendy’s Flowers of Rainford. Wendy and Ann showed how to make spectacular flower arrangements for all occasions.

At 3pm the Ladies relaxed by taking afternoon tea and pink champagne. After tea there was a chance to browse around the stalls before the next demonstration was given by Petrina a body shop and make up consultant.

At 4.30pm there was another opportunity to browse and shop at the stalls provided by Carole Shuffs Fashions, Pete Shuffs Jewellery, Special Days Evening Wear and Wendy’s Creative Crafts & Pottery.

There was a second opportunity at 5pm to watch Wendy and Ann give their Flower arranging demonstration.

The day was a huge success, with a total of £2,500 being raised by proceeds from the sale of event tickets, raffles during the day and members of the Lodges in Bryn who donated money towards the Breast Cancer Campaign.

All the Ladies agreed that Christine Hughes had organized a great event and they are looking forward to next year’s event.

Christine Hughes (back - centre) and her team of waitresses.

The Ladies watching the Flower demo.

Pete Shuffs Jewellery Stall.

Wendys Creative Crafts & Pottery Stall.

Wendy and Ann giving their Flower arranging demonstration.

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Wigan Mason on Channel 5

Wigan Mason, Alan Grice and his wife Joan had the surprise of their life when on a visit to Grand Lodge in Great Queen Street, London, they found themselves in the middle of TV filming for a programme about Dan Brown’s book ‘The Lost Symbol’, which appeared on Channel 5 a few weeks ago.

John Hamill, Grand Lodge’s Director of Communications, was featured towards the end of the programme saying that Freemasonry could be researched by anyone with information being freely available on the internet and that the Grand Lodge of England welcomed visitors to its headquarters in Great Queen Street.

The TV crew filmed a party of visitors entering the main temple and who should be amongst the party, but Alan and Joan, later clearly identifiable in the programme.

Alan has received numerous phone calls since, asking if it was he and Joan on national TV ‘Fame at last’.

Pictured: Alan Grice and Joan.

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Wigan Masons lay wreaths on remembrance Sunday

At one of the largest gatherings seen for many years Wigan Freemasons laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Wigan Parish Church at the annual Act of Remembrance. The Craft was represented by Bro Bob Whitney, Worshipful Master of Wigan Lodge No 2326 and W Bro John Warminger of Newton Mark Lodge No 1003.

Quite significant, was the large number of young people present this year as well as former and serving members of the armed forces. The Act of Remembrance was followed by a Civic Service in Wigan Parish Church.

Wigan Masons before the start of the Act of Remembrance.

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Who will win Robbie the robot?

Ernest Daniels, the Friends of Ecclesholme Representative for the Wigan Group spotted ‘Robbie the Robot’ in a second-hand shop and immediately thought it would be ideal prize for the raffle at this years Ecclesholme Christmas Fair on Sunday 22 November 2009.

The robot stands about 18” tall and moves around by remote control with flashing lights and the usual ‘robot’ noises. This will make ideal gift for a lucky child this Christmas and Ernest is looking forward to raising a goodly sum from the raffle to go towards the fundraising which the Friends of Ecclesholme do every year for the residents.

Ernest is always looking for prizes for the raffle and if you can help in anyway please contact him on 01942-866344.

Tickets will be on sale on the day at the Fair, so come along and enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Eccles Masonic Hall, Half Edge Lane, EcclesThe fair is opened at 2.00 p.m. and closes at 4.00 p.m.

So come on you parents and grandparents get your hands in your pockets and buy some tickets towards this very good cause and who knows ‘Robbie’ could be yours.

‘Robbie’ in stationary mode. No apologies for the ‘red eye’.

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BIG BOOST FOR MAYOR’S CHARITY

The Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Mark Aldred received a big boost for his charity The Meningitis Trust, when he was presented with a cheque for £2,400 from the Freemasons of Wigan and the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity at the Annual Church Service at Wigan Parish Church.

The Mayor explained to the congregation the dangers of the disease and how he was planning for a leaflet warning people of the common signs and symptoms of Meningitis to be distributed to every household in Wigan. He also thanked Wigan Freemasons for their support  and said it will help considerably towards the leaflets production and distribution.

The cheque was presented to the Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs Aldred at the service by Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

The Mayor receiving the cheque from Eddie Caulfield with the Revd John Sharples looking on.

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BRYN LODGE VISIT JERSEY

Once again the intrepid members of Bryn Lodge went on their travels, this year to Jersey where they were entertained by members of the Duke of Normandy Lodge No 243 which meets under the Province of Jersey.

For various reasons the party was down to eight members for this their ninth trip abroad but as tradition now expects, the lads drank a hearty toast at Liverpool Airport to Brian Thompson, one of the trip’s founders, who died three years ago, before setting off for sunny Jersey.

On arrival the lads were shocked to find out that their trip coincided with the Jersey Beer Festival in St. Helier which was taking place just around the corner from their Hotel. It is just as well that there were no drinkers in the party!

The Duke of Normandy Lodge, was one of the last to be consecrated in 1812 under the banner of the ‘Antients’ or Athol Grand Lodge and meets at the magnificent Temple in St. Helier. Freemasonry in Jersey is famous for its resilience in the face of persecution under the Nazi regime in World War II when the temple was sacked by the Germans and all its possession looted in 1941.

Once the war was over and with great fortitude the Jersey brethren, with some help from colleagues on the mainland, restored the Temple to its former glory. Eleven lodges now meet in the temple.

The visitors from Bryn were greeted by Bro Ian J. B. Wilson the Worshipful Master and witnessed a third degree, using a mixture of Emulation and old ‘Athol’ ritual.  When the formalities of a splendid festive board were over, Ian was presented with an engraved pen holder and chain to replace the old biro and string previously used by Lodge members and visitors to sign the Tyler’s book.

The following day a trip was organised to the Jersey War Tunnels where many German casualties were treated during the war. Unfortunately many Jersey residents were badly treated and many Jews and Jersey Freemasons were sent to Concentration Camps.

With the serious bit over, he lads headed for the People’s Park and the 21st Jersey Beer and Cider Festival to sample some of the 85 brews on offer. Needless to say the following morning was spent in a leisurely fashion around the hotel pool planning next years trip, their tenth anniversary.

Who knows where the lads will be next year?

The temple in Jersey

Inside the Temple

Barry Dickinson present a pen and chain to WM ‘Ian’ Wilson

The lads outside the War Tunnels

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GOLFERS GIVE £500 TO DERIAN HOUSE

Golfers have donated £500 to a children’s hospice.

David Norris, Chairman of the Wigan and District Masonic Golfing Society and Gilbert Pierce, Chairman of the Chorley Group Masonic Golfing Society presented cheques amounting to £500.00 to Royn Khadem, the coordinator of Derian House Children's Hospice,Chorley.

The money was raised at the annual Mike Wareing Trophy match between the two groups and was increased by the generosity of Mr Peter Roberts, the owner of Hart Common Golf Centre, Westhoughton.

Gilbert Pierce and David Norris present the cheques to Royn Khadem.

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HOPE SPRINGS INTO GOLD

More than 50 brethren assembled at Bryn Masonic Hall to witness a splendid ceremony when John Lomax installed his successor, Senior Warden Peter Halliwell, in fine style in the presence of 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber who was representing the Provincial Grand Master .

During the meeting Hope Lodge No 4003 presented Stuart with a further magnificent cheque for £1,100 to raise the Lodge to Gold Patron status in the 2010 Festival, and the Chairman presented a Gold Patron certificate to the Lodge to mark the occasion. Stuart remarked on how proud he was of the Lodge almoner John Parrott one of his team of group charity stewards for all that he had accomplished for the group during the 2010 Festival.

At a delightful festive board later Stuart extended congratulations on behalf of the PGM to John Parrott on his forthcoming promotion to the high rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, and to ADC and Lodge Mentor Keith Lomax on his promotion next month to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.

WM Peter Halliwell  presents the cheque for £1,100 to 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber watched by Geoff Porter (group secretary) and group charity steward John Parrott.

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WIGAN REGAIN TROPHY

The Autumn Equinox heralded good weather for the annual golf match between Wigan and Chorley Groups held at Hart Common Golf Club, Westhoughton.

The team from Wigan regained the Mike Wareing Trophy from their great rivals.

The event raised an excellent sum of £200 which will be donated to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Ken Shaw, President of the Chorley Masonic Golfing Society, presented the trophy to Geoff Porter, Secretary of the Wigan Masonic Group.

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Wigan Masons buy laptop for hospice day patients

The generosity of Wigan Freemasons will allow the Wigan and Leigh Hospice to buy a much need computer facility for day patients.

A cheque for £540 was donated by the Wigan Lodges towards the purchase of a laptop computer which will enable day patients to access the internet.

Edwin Matthews spokesperson for the hospice said: “We have been asked by a number of day patients about getting access to the internet, so that they can surf the web and e-mail friends and having a laptop will give them much pleasure and once again improve the facilities we have at the Hospice.”

The cheque was presented by Geoff Porter, Wigan Group Secretary to Craig Alker, a hospice counsellor. Accompanying Geoff was John Parrott, Wigan Group Charity Steward, and local care officer George Seddon.

Geoff Porter presents Craig Alker with the cheque accompanied by George Seddon and John Parrott

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GOLF DAY AT GATHURST

More than 30 golfers enjoyed a fine, but windy day at Gathurst Golf Club, Wigan for the annual Wigan Group Masonic Golfing Society autumn meeting.

Geoff Taylor of Sincerity Lodge was the overall winner in the members’ section with 36 points with Colin Sharples of Norley Lodge in second place with 33.

The ladies’ prize was won by Eve Crabtree with 35 points and for the second year in succession Alan Assheton-Smith of Anderton Lodge  won the visitors’ prize with an outstanding 41 points.

The president of the society, Stanley Oldfield and Mrs Oldfield joined numerous competitors and their wives for an excellent celebration dinner in the clubhouse afterwards.

Last year the society gave £500 to the West Lancs Masonic Charities and £600 to the 2010 Festival and this year they expect to again raise a substantial sum for Masonic and non-Masonic charities.

Colin Sharples of Norley Lodge, second overall receives his prize from Sheila Lomax, wife of Wigan Group Publicity Officer, Fred Lomax

Alan Assheton-Smith receives the visitors’ prize from Sheila Lomax

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NEW BANNER DEDICATED

Corinthian Lodge No 2350 was consecrated in March 1890, yet it has never had a Lodge Banner until one was presented to it by W Bro Eddie Atherton in memory of his mother and sister-in-law Alice and Pat Wilding who for many years provided valuable assistance to the Lodge by catering at their festive boards.

The ceremony of dedication took place at Hindley Masonic Hall and was conducted by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield and Provincial Grand Chaplain Graham Halsall before large gathering of Lodge members and visitors. 

The youngest member of the Lodge, Entered Apprentice Raj Gampat Kohli acted as Banner Bearer for the dedication.

The Banner was made by friends of Pete Schofield who is a regular visitor to the Lodge.

Pictured at the Banner Dedication are, left to right: George Cunliffe (WM), Provincial Grand Chaplain Graham Halsall, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield, Raj Kholi and Danny Jones at the Banner Dedication

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BOROUGH LODGE STEALS THE DAY

On a glorious hot summer day in June the annual Wigan Area Bowls final took place at Newtown Conservative Club when members of Borough Lodge bowling team swept the board with three semi-finalist out of four.

Alan Cunliffe, Terry Butler, and John Walters all of Borough and John Cooper of Willows Lodge fought a hard contest to get to the final, but the eventual winner was John Walters with runner-up Terry Butler.

The Bill Davies Trophy was presented to the winner and the runner-up trophy to Terry Butler by Fred Lomax, Wigan Group Publicity Officer. All the semi-finalist received gift vouchers.

President of the Wigan Masonic Bowling Group, John Fairhurst, thanked everyone for taking part and presented Mrs Joan Randall, who sold raffle tickets on the day, with a bottle of wine.

He also thanked hard working secretary and organiser Len Hart and presented him with a bottle of whisky.

The winner, runner-up and semi-finalists will represent Wigan Group in the West Lancashire Final later this year.

Semi-finalists Alan Cunliffe, John Walters, Terry Butler and John Cooper.

Winner John Walters receives the Bill Davis Trophy from Fred Lomax.

Runner-up Terry Butler receives his trophy.

Wigan Masonic Bowls President John Fairhurst with Mrs Joan Randall.

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LADIES GIFT TO WIGAN HOSPICE

Tuscan Oak and Lamberthead Lodge No 6387 which meets at Pemberton, have a very active Ladies’ Social Committee and over the past few years has raised hundreds of pounds which they have donated to various charities in the North West.

In 2007-08 Corrie Wilson-MacCormack was the WM of the Lodge and a large amount of money was raised from social events organised by the ladies during his year of office. This year was the turn of Wigan and Leigh Hospice to receive a donation.

A cheque for £200 was presented by Margaret Wilson-MacCormack and Sylvia Stokes who was Chairperson of the ladies’ committee at the time.

Alan Baron, director of corporate services for the hospice said: “We would like to buy some pressure relieving cushions for patients with severe pain issues and a specialist ‘slide sheet’ for enabling the safe movement of patients attending day hospice. I am sure you will agree that this is a good use of these funds.”

Margaret Wilson-MacCormack (left) and Sylvia Stokes present the cheque to hospice nurse, Natalie Wood.

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MASONIC VETERANS LUNCH WITH THE MAYOR

RAF veteran Jack Carrington, PPrJGW of Orrell Lodge No 8371, who last year celebrated 60 years as a Freemason, along with Burma Star colleagues Tom Entwistle of Lodge, Antiquity Lodge, Horwich and Roger Crook of Heber Lodge, Bryn were invited by the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Rona Winkworth to a special lunch along with six other veterans, at Wigan Town Hall to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Mrs Guy, joined the veteran for lunch and spent more than an hour chatting and swapping stories.

The VE day lunch was accompanied by the sounds of Vera Lynn and the Glenn Miller Orchestra and as the Mayor remarked “Thank you gentlemen you deserve your lunch, and you can still ‘shoot a line’.”    

The lunch was provided by the Metrofresh Bistro in the Town Hall and manager Debbie Clark said. “It was a great pleasure to serve them.”

Photograph shows 89-year-old Jack Carrington left chatting to the Mayor.
(By kind permission of Wigan4U.com)

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Mayor visits Bryn Masonic Hall

In May of last year the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Rhona Winkworth, opened the Exhibition on the History of Freemasonry held in the History Shop in Wigan.

Impressed by what she saw and enlightened to learn what Freemasonry does for the local community, she accepted an invitation to attend the annual Church Service last October at which she received a cheque for more than £2,400 for her charity ‘Over the Rainbow’ from the Mark Masons of West Lancashire and asked if she could visit one the three Masonic Halls in the Wigan area. Now she has been able to find time from her busy schedule to visit Bryn Masonic Hall.

Brethren meeting at Bryn were pleased to welcome Cllr Winkworth and took her on an informal look around the building.

She was accompanied on a tour of the hall by Wigan Group Chairman, Danny Jones, who described the improvements which been made with the money from the sale of Tower Buildings in Wigan.

The Mayor was given an explanation of the layout of the Lodge Room and the offices which are held by the Brethren during a Lodge meeting and by coincidence it was a practice night for Hope Lodge and the members kindly agreed to attend in full Masonic Regalia, in effect to bring the room to life.

They were supplemented by a number of other Brethren from Bryn lodges enabling the Mayor to see the full range of Masonic regalia from that of an Entered Apprentice to that of a Grand Officer and in particular enjoyed meeting and chatting with some of the new young members over a glass of wine at the bar.  

She was afterwards presented with a bouquet and a card to commemorate her visit.

The Mayor of Wigan, Councillor Rhona Winkworth is pictured with Danny Jones (right) and Malcolm Taylor (Wigan Group Vice-chairman).

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MASONS WARM THE COCKLES OF YOUR HEART

Last year Wigan Freemasons walked across Morcambe Bay to raise money for a Wigan and Leigh Hospice and a Masonic charity.

Now for the second time they have braved the elements and risked being attacked by cockles!  This year £3,700 has been presented to Stuart Liptrot, Chief Executive of Wigan and Leigh Hospice, making a total to the hospice in just two years of the walk of £8,000.

Stuart said: “Masons in the area, and nationally are extremely supportive of the hospice. Only a few weeks ago we received almost £3,000 from the Masonic Grand Charity.  These three donations alone amount to around £12,000.”

The money donated today has bought a new counting machine and video equipment.

Sometimes patients want to send a video message to loved ones who cannot visit and this equipment will provide a valuable service, enabling an emotional video message to be retained for posterity.  The equipment will also be used for training purposes and to record hospice events.

The hospice has collecting tins and loose change boxes around the  borough which are counted every week by volunteers.  The counting machine will be invaluable in this regard.

Danny Jones, Wigan Group Chairman, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the hospice.  It is a valuable service for our community and I know from personal experience that they do a magnificent job.”

Stuart Liptrot receives the cheque from Danny Jones, Wigan Masonic Group Chairman. Also pictured are Malcolm Taylor, Geoff Porter and Keith Holden

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