314 give £3,140 to WLFC

Jon Clipsham, Assistant Provincial Grand Master was the principal guest at the installation meeting of the Lodge of Peace and Unity No 314 John Kay was proclaimed as the Worshipful Master for his second term of office. 

Pictured from left to right, are: Geoff Saul (Preston Group secretary) John Kay and Jon Clipsham.

The Lodge of Peace and Unity is one of the oldest lodges in the Province, receiving their warrant on 13 September 1797. It is a Lodge that can boast many distinguished masons amongst its members, a good number of whom were present at this meeting and they took an active part in the proceedings.

Tom Blackburn, a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, acted as proclaiming officer and was later appointed assistant director of ceremonies by the worshipful master. Bill Huck, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, gave the address to the members of the lodge and Howard Jones, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented and gave an explanation of the first degree working tools. Colin Talbot and Robert Irwin gave the other working tool presentations. Teddy Dickson, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was also present and he is looking forwards to March when he celebrates 60 years in Freemasonry.

One of Jon Kay’s first pleasant duties was to hand a cheque to the guest of honour, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jon Clipsham. The cheque was for £3,140 as donation to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Jon said it was humbling to receive such a large sum.

Jon went on to say that during the past year the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity has paid out £534,000 in grants with 351 individuals and 54 community causes benefiting. Despite the unhelpful economic climate investment income and gift aid not only covered administration costs but also enabled the charity to give £1.71 in grants for every pound it received in donations. The charity is unusual for an organisation of its size in being run entirely on a voluntary basis, this helps considerably towards maximising the donations.