by Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker when he headed the centenary celebrations of the Lodge of Great Endeavour No 3597 and urged members to build on its legacy while planning for the future.

Lodge members with the warrant.

For this “very special landmark” Peter opened Provincial Grand Lodge in Warrington Masonic Hall. He had the help and support in the Provincial team of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Ian Boswell (who acted as Deputy Provincial Grand Master), Provincial Grand Secretary Geoffrey Lee, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp, Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barrie Crossley, Provincial Grand Wardens Paul Renton and Ian Sanderson and Provincial Grand Chaplain Graham Halsall. There were two Provincial Junior Grand Deacons; Jim Cartledge and Eddie Wilkinson, Assistant Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works Dennis Tierney, Provincial Grand Charity Steward Barry Jameson, Provincial Grand Stewards Arthur McArdle and Ian Rowan.

More than 100 brethren attended the special celebration including Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Grand Officers Jack Forsyth, Frank Starkey, Gordon Amos, Stan Churm and Derek Hunt.

When presenting the Centenary Warrant to Worshipful Master John Tyrer, Peter said it was a “very special moment” and he urged members of the lodge to study the “very special document” when it is on display at future meetings. John said the lodge would take great care of the warrant and that it would be handed on “pure and unsullied” by masters from generation to generation.

Provincial Grand Chaplain Graham Halsall gave an oration and also said a prayer of rededication of the lodge. Peter praised Graham for “his input and particularly for his inspirational oration.”

Peter Hosker with Gordon Amos showing lodge founder member jewel.

Peter presented John Tyrer with a Centenary Jewel and then gave all other members of the lodge permission to immediately wear their new jewels.

As Provincial Grand Master, Peter said it was within his power to make certain special appointments. He asked for John Tyrer to be placed before him and promoted him to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works. John said he was “totally surprised” and did not know how it had been kept such a secret. He said that even with 31 years as a detective he had not heard anything in advance of being promoted in Provincial Grand Lodge on the night of the centenary celebration.

After giving a brief history of the lodge John presented Peter with cheque’s for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and Warrington Masonic Hall. He praised the selection of these two recipients, as he said the charity had suffered during the 2010 Festival and that Masonic halls were now being given the priority they deserve.

In response to the toast to grand officers at the festive banquet Ian Boswell said it had been “a privilege and a delight” to share in the lodge’s very special occasion. He then went on to propose the toast to the health of the Provincial Grand Master.

In proposing the toast to the Lodge of Great Endeavour No 3597 Peter said: “Today’s story begins in 1912, when Freemasonry was flourishing in Warrington, with five lodges.  However, with the ever increasing number of Masonic candidates not even five lodges were sufficient to provide opportunities to those who sought either membership or advancement in Masonry. Accordingly, to supply that need, Lodge of Rectitude was formed and consecrated on 13 May 1912,

Provincial Grand Master with Warrington Group Officials.

Unfortunately, the then Provincial Grand Master, the Hon Sir Arthur Stanley, was unable to attend to consecrate the lodge in 1912. Whenever I think of Sir Arthur Stanley, I am reminded that one of his lasting legacies to the Province was the creation of the group system, and that group system is still in place today. In his absence, the ubiquitous and evergreen W Bro W Goodacre stepped in. His office was that of the Provincial Grand Secretary of the Province of West Lancashire, and he held that office from 1884 to 1918 a total of 34 years. He was in education, being the headmaster of Talbot House School Old Trafford. There are, in fact, similarities between Bro Goodacre and our current Provincial Grand Secretary – Geoffrey Lee was also in education, being an English teacher and the House Master of Spread Eagle House Rossall School on the Fylde Coast, and although Geoffrey has only served as Provincial Grand Secretary for 16 years, he tells me that it feels more like 34 years!

I am certain that in 1912, Bro Goodacre, as the honored guest, would have been entirely at home with the professional and local businessmen from various walks of life, including members of the Indian Civil Service. who came together on that consecration day.

Peter Hosker and John Tyrer.

The lodge has much to proud of, and over many years it has had a significant influence on the development of Freemasonry in Warrington. That influence is evidenced over the years, and this evening I have chosen three examples.

In 1944, the substantial expansion of Rectitude led members to promote the formation of a daughter lodge, which was consecrated on 10 May 1944 and that lodge was named Great Sankey Lodge No 5939.

In 1947, as Rectitude continued to prosper and enlarge its membership, the members sought permission to sponsor a new lodge, the result was the formation of Warrington Temple Lodge No 6420 – a lodge that continues in existence today.

And in 1968 Rectitude had expanded its membership to become once again one of the largest lodges in the Warrington Group, prompting members to seek permission to sponsor a further daughter lodge. The Warrant is dated 13 November 1968 and the lodge was named the Lodge of Good Fellowship No 8258.

Lodge members giving an oral response to the visitors toast.

I appreciate and understand that when numbers increase, additional lodges are consecrated, and when numbers decrease, changes need to be made. Lodge of Rectitude properly recognized the need for change, and what better way forward than for mother to invite two daughters to return to the family and amalgamate together. Thus the amalgamation of Lodge of Rectitude No 3597, Great Sankey Lodge No 5939 and Lodge of Good Endeavour No 8258 took place on 13 June 2007, with the No 3597 being retained and the name being changed to Lodge of Great Endeavour.”

Peter concluded: “Give thanks for your history and all those who have made Lodge of Great Endeavour what it is today; build on the legacy that you have inherited; in building on that legacy of the past 100 years, enjoy the present; but at the same time plan for the future.”

Replying to the toast on behalf of the lodge, John said that when the amalgamation took place it was “the coming together of the family”. He said the lodge is looking forward to the future and aims to “grow and grow”.

Provincial Grand Master with senior members of Provincial team.

The new Worshipful Master of St Oswald Lodge, Howard Savage and “Worshipful Brother Dad”, Les Savage, who installed him in the chair.

“This has been a very proud evening for me,” said Les Savage after installing his son Howard as Worshipful Master.

On his first visit to Warrington since his appointment as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master Roy Skidmore said an installation was always a special event but it was a “very special occasion” when a father had the honour of installing his son as Worshipful Master.

After the ceremony Roy praised the way Les had performed the installation ceremony and congratulated all the officers who took part in the ceremony.

At the festive board Les gave a brief outline of Howard’s career to date including spending 12 years in the Royal Artillery and serving in many parts of the world and now running his own graphics business. He was confident Howard would do a good job for the lodge as he has “always been a hard worker”.

Howard started his response to the toast with the words “Worshipful Brother Dad” and thanked him for all the work he had done for the lodge in the last 12 months including his many visits to other lodges in the Warrington group.

Roy Skidmore is welcomed on his first visit to Warrington since being appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master by group chairman Chris Eyres. Also pictured, from left to right, are: Gordon Amos, Stan Churm, Jack Forsyth, Dennis Rudd and Alan Griffiths.

she embarked upon an ambitious sponsorship campaign to raise funds for her chosen charity.
As part of her campaign she wrote to the Freemasons of Garstang to solicit their support for her endeavours and was rewarded with a donation of £200 which swelled her total to a magnificent £1,850.

Although born in Garstang, Catherine left three years ago to take a degree at University College London, which, as a research university is one of the main researchers into the cures and causes of arthritis. Catherine says: “The disorder can affect anyone – from young to old. There are probably some 1,000 people in the Garstang area alone who are suffering its effects which impact not only on the sufferers but also on family and friends. I will be running for Arthritis Care knowing that I am raising money for a charity that really needs support.”

In preparing for the event Catherine embarked upon a gruelling training regime and although much of her training was around Regents Park and Hyde Park in London, she could often also be seen running up and down the A6 and along the Lancaster Canal – even being spotted running up the A6 on Christmas Day!

Her dedication was duly rewarded and Catherine successfully completed the 26 miles, saying: “I would like to thank Garstang Masons and all my sponsors for their generosity in helping me to achieve such a great donation for Arthritis Care.”

Pictured from left to right, are: Steven McClintock (Wyreside Lodge No 2605), Bill Williamson (Garstang Lodge No 6633), Catherine Newsham, Bob Tinsley (Great Eccleston Lodge No 8895) and Frank Hogarth (St Michael’s-on-Wyre Lodge No 8348).

Blackpool Masons united - Ian Jackson and DJ Lionel Vinyl.

Over 300 people attended, including many Blackpool and North West Masons with their wives, family and friends and collectively raised the magnificent sum of £2,225 for three local charities.

Also in attendance were members of the staff and families from charities involved – Highfurlong School, Blackpool, Moor Park House and Headway Preston. Highfurlong School cares for disabled children and Headway and Moor Park House, Preston, provide care and facilities for people who have sustained severe head trauma from which some of the patients may never recover.

Topping the bill was the celebrated star from television and stage Roy Walker who appeared with other Blackpool entertainers – all of whom gave their services for the evening’s charity event entirely free.

At the finale of an enjoyable night organiser Ian said: ”This was a superb evening of entertainment. My sincere thanks must go to all involved especially my wife Sue who worked tirelessly to make this event a success. The presentation to the charities will be taking place very soon. Headway have already purchased a 50 inch television which will go a long way to helping with the quality of life for the residents”

Pictured from left to right, are: Roy Walker, Sue Jackson and Ian Jackson.

Roy Walker poses with DJ Lionel.

Peter Hosker (Provincial Grand Master) and his wife Julie were the principal guests of the evening, which is organised by the WLFC as an opportunity for Masons throughout the Province to celebrate the work of the charity.

The evening began as brethren arrived with their ladies at 4pm for a ‘chat and a drink’ with friends new and old before taking their seats for dinner.

Pictured from left to right, are: Mike and Diane Kinsella, Peter and Julie Hosker, Harry and Carol Cox and Jane and John Smith.

At 5pm Kevin Poynton, the DC for the evening asked the ladies and brethren to stand to greet Peter (President of the Charity) and Julie Hosker who were accompanied by Mike (Chairman of the WLFC ) and Diane Kinsella, Harry (Group Chairman of North Fylde – Host Group) and Carol Cox, with the party being led by Sam Robinson who was acting as ADC for the evening.

The many guests enjoyed a three course dinner of; fan of melon, chicken supreme with potatoes and vegetables followed by exotic fruit salad or cheese and biscuits, which was followed by freshly brewed coffee and mints.

The top table – top left are: Carol and Harry Cox with Julie and Peter Hosker. Middle right are: Pat and Howard Jones. Bottom centre are: Diane and Mike Kinsella and Marjorie and David McCormick.

After the meal, Duncan Smith (North Fylde Group Vice Chairman) proposed the first toast to the Queen.  

Peter then proposed a toast to the charity in which he said: “I am very proud to be a Freemason for many reasons – one of which is the way we care for and support others. We have a first class Provincial care structure, a first class Provincial charity structure and we are one of the few Provinces which has its own Provincial charity, the WLFC, of which I am privileged to be the President.

Howard Jones retired as Chairman of the WLFC when I appointed him as my Deputy earlier this year. Although his chairmanship was brief, he has in fact been at the centre of our Provincial charities for many years, always giving excellent service. His successor is Mike Kinsella and, having worked with Mike when he was the Provincial treasurer, I know that this appointment is a wise decision. After three years of impressive leadership and endeavour, Roy Skidmore retired as Chief Executive Officer of the charity on being appointed as one of my APrGM’s earlier this year.  He has been replaced by John Smith, a chartered accountant who has a detailed working knowledge of our charities.

Equally importantly, I have to say that the office team is full of good men and true and the office is where the heat of the day is borne, every day. They are a group of hard working, dependable and dedicated volunteers.

As PrGM and President, I am so proud of our WLFC and I sincerely thank the trustees, the executive team and the volunteers who freely give of their time and energies in running and managing our very own West Lancashire Charity.”

At this point the guests showed their appreciation for their efforts.

Peter continued: “As a very brief indicator of what the charity has achieved this year; it has expended some £508,000 in supporting 302 individuals and 57 community applications. Of the total expenditure 29% has been apportioned to community applications. On 17 May we will dedicate the lift recently installed at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral which has been constructed, thanks to the charity’s donations, over two years of £69,000, thus enabling access for all in  particular to the very beautiful Lady Chapel. In August, at the Southport Flower Show, we continue our hugely successful and popular sponsorship of the David Bellamy’s Schoolchildren’s Garden Competition.  

We do, quite rightly, look after our own and so we should, but we increasingly serve and help the community in so many ways.

This good work can only continue with your help and the WLFC relies on the support of you all; not only in raising funds but also in identifying those in need. I am pleased to report that throughout the Province there has been a growing number of kind and generous donations which are helping the WLFC to recover the ground lost through the five long years of the 2010 Festival.”

Peter concluded: “For some years, the Southport Festival has been one of the ways in which we have given support to the WLFC and this year the North Fylde Group has acted as the host group. Under the leadership of Group Chairman Harry Cox, the group has promoted this festival and has encouraged members in the group to support the WLFC.

I see from the statistics for the 12 months ended 31 March 2012 that the group has donated the magnificent sum of £30,253.15 to the WLFC and I am well aware that this is in addition to the many other avenues of giving that I have come to expect from the brethren of North Fylde.

Festival Chairman Harry, I thank you most sincerely for all your hard work and generosity and I leave you to extend those thanks to so many others whose considerable efforts will ensure the success of this evening.

It is fundamental to our beliefs that we think of others less fortunate than ourselves, but it also important that we never forget that Freemasonry is to be enjoyed.”

Peter then proposed the toast to: “Our wonderful WLFC.”

A response was then given by the Festival Chairman Harry Cox. Harry said he was delighted and very proud when he was asked if the North Fylde Group would host the festival. He thanked everyone in the group who had helped to make the festival a success. He also thanked the organising committee and its chairman Peter Levick for their help. He concluded by thanking the staff of the Floral Hall and said it was now time to enjoy the rest of the evening.

The guests wait for the cabaret to start.

Opera Nano entertain their audience.

A prize draw then took place for the tombola-raffle that had taken place at the beginning of the dinner. Four prizes were on offer of £300, £200 and £100 of M&S vouchers for first, second and third place respectively. Fourth prize was two tickets for the Southport theatre. The raffle raised the magnificent sum of £1800.

After a short break the cabaret got underway with compere David Anderton introducing Opera Nano who entertained the audience with a range of songs from popular operas, mixed with some Pop Opera, which was very well received by everyone.

The Back Beat Beatles.

David then introduced the Back Beat Beatles who gave a wonderful performance which had the guests on their feet, dancing the night away.

The Back Beat Beatles receive a standing ovation.

Peter has held the office for eight years and has been very committed to the job. He has seen a lot of changes in his role. The main one being the move of the hall from Balliol Road to Sefton Road, Litherland after a compulsory purchase order was placed on the building.

The move caused him many sleepless nights, but with his organisation, determination and perseverance, he succeeded in relocating the Group to the present hall.

Peter has had an extensive masonic career and has held many offices: Chairman of the Building Subcommittee at Balliol Road, trustee of Bootle Masonic Hall, Hall letting secretary, Hall secretary, member of the Tithebarn Garden Party committee, member of the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Society committee, Hall committee vice chairman, group representative for Tithebarn, chairman of the group steering committee, planning supervisor for the Bootle Group (re-furbishment of the wine bar to form the Masonic Hall), Bootle Group Vice Chairman, Member of the Provincial Masonic Halls committee, Member of the Southport Ideas Group, secretary to the Liverpool Group chairman’s’ forum, Liverpool regional co-ordinator for the Provincial membership officers.

Peter is still very active as he remains the Chairman of the Bootle Group (until the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 21 May 2012), Chairman of the WLFC Festival Cabaret Dinner committee, trustee of Litherland Masonic Hall, trustee of the WLFC, Bootle Group representative for the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society, that is why the title ends … well nearly!

Over the years, Peter has had many hobbies and interests. He has been an assistant Scout Master, a player and supporter of the Waterloo Rugby Club, fly fishing, shooting, working gun dogs, stick making, cycling, walking and the Church as a chorister, altar assistant and crucifier.

Music is another interest of Peter’s and has on occasion attended several functions at the Masonic Hall as part of a band comprising of other Masons, called the Symbolics, but affectionately known to those that have seen them play as the Shambolics!

Peter would not have been able to do all that he has done and does without the support of his wife, Jennifer.

They were married in 1966, the day England last won the World Cup. They now live in Thornton. They have two children, Sarah who was born in 1969 and Michael born in 1972. Jennifer is the lay minister at St Nicholas Church in Blundellsands.

The top table - Top left are: Pat and Howard Jones, Top right are: Gloria and Ian Gee, Centre are: Jennifer and Peter Levick, Bottom left are: Joan and Roy Skidmore, Bottom right are: Norma and John Moore.

The dinner was an enjoyable occasion, enjoyed by all those that attended with much fun and joviality. Peter had the pleasure of the company of Pat and Howard Jones (Deputy Provincial Grand Master), Joan  and Roy Skidmore (APrGM), Norma and John Moore (PAPrGM) and Gloria and Ian Gee (designate group chairman)   sitting at his table with him.

The menu consisted of seared black pudding with candied shallots, smoked bacon and peppercorn sauce for starters, followed by 12 hour roast brisket of beef with Yorkshire pudding for the main, which was followed by fresh fruit salad and cream and for those that had room, there was cheese and biscuits. The meal was accompanied by a selection of wines.

The evening was organised by Ray Barrow (Bootle Group Secretary) with more than a little help from his wife Jacqui!

Howard proposes the toast to Peter.

After the meal Howard proposed a toast to Peter in which he said: “Since May 2008 Peter has often had the task of proposing my health. Now the boot is on the other foot, a situation perhaps he had not envisaged. So it must be to his relief that he has been most kind in what he has said in proposing the various toasts and of course I will have to remember that he has the last word!

Peter has been Group Chairman for eight years and as is noted in the ‘menu’ the right man at the right time. We all know of his commitment to the group over many years and if I were to tell you about his Masonic achievements you might as well book bed and breakfast. His promotion to Past Junior Grand Deacon just over a week ago says it all.

However, no matter how much do you know about the man, His sense of fun has always been apparent and he appreciated being referred to as ‘His Holiness’ when he was sporting that nice white skull cap after the surgeons had been digging deep to remove the growth. Yes white not grey, the surgeon said he didn’t find anything grey!

We’ve seen him entertain us as one of that well known Masonic Rock band the Shambolics, sorry Symbolics in the company of Ian and Roy and no doubt they will be able to start their comeback tour (or should it be go away tour) next season. He has a pair of amps that would not be out of place at any rock concert. They came with a special offer of free ear plugs for life.

However, top of the list of his hobbies has got to be fishing and I’ve no doubt there are a number of tales that can be told about various escapades. I’ll tell you just one. It was a good number of years ago when the family were on holiday and Peter had promised son Michael to take him fishing in the morning. When Peter woke up he got himself and Michael ready and off to the river. Strange that no one else was there and it wasn’t getting any  lighter so he dug out his watch and discovered it was only 3am. You see he doesn’t like to be late.

Shortly after Peter began a new job with the council he advised his new staff that he must be out on time that evening as he had a very important meeting to attend. They had noticed that he had a pocket watch in his jacket pocket but used the office clock most for his time keeping. They decided to help him to be on time or even early. During the afternoon, when he was out of the office for a short time the clock was advanced by 35 minutes. In those days finishing time was 3pm on Fridays.

Howard presenting the gifts to Peter

At two minutes to three (by the office clock) the lads began to clear up for the weekend. Peter spun around in his chair, glanced at the clock and immediately placed all the items from the top of his desk in to his drawer, picked up his jacket shouted good night. As Peter walked along the corridor he shouted good night to all he could see, even senior managers. Into the car park. Into his car and as he was pulling out of the car park he noticed the main clock in the time keeper’s office which at about two feet in diameter couldn’t really be missed. He parked his car and came marching down the corridor to the office complaining and telling the staff what he thought of them in rather colourful language. Of course the office clock now showed the correct time!

Peter and Jenny have two dogs an eleven year old Labrador called Cain and Peter has trained him as a gun dog and a thirteen year old Ormskirk Healer, both are getting older but getting out and walking them each day is a pleasure for them both.

Now Peter does like his joinery and as some of you will know he makes walking sticks and bird boxes and they are excellent. It requires the right sort of wood and considerable time and expertise and in the future he will have both.

Later this month it will be two weeks in Kos for the sunshine and for both of them time to relax without e-mails, telephone calls etc.,

Needless to say a couple of fishing trips are arranged for later in the year which will give him much pleasure.”

Howard concluded by saying: “Peter we wish you well in your retirement from office but we look forward to having your company here at Litherland for many, many years to come.”

Howard then presented Peter with a gift from the members of the group, which to Peter’s delight was a laptop and laptop case.

Peter responds to the toast to his health.

Peter responded: “After eight years as group chairman I have many people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude, firstly the APrGM’s who have had responsibility for the Bootle Group and me! I have been fortunate in that I have worked harmoniously with all three of them, well most of the time, and we have been through many difficult times and many good times in this group together.

When recently I was asked “what is the most memorable thing about your chairmanship?” well the first thing I will remember is the friendship and support I have received from the members and their wives, but the second has to be the compulsory purchase of Balliol Road and the trauma of re-locating the lodges and chapters when we vacated the building before we had purchased new premises, I had a kind of understanding of how Abraham must have felt in leading his people to the promised land.  A steering group had been formed by my predecessor, John Moore which consisted of Ron Lofthouse, John McCavery, Alan Bate, Ian Gee and myself as chairman with much additional help with the transition from John Marsden, Stan Edwards, Dave Simpson and others too many to mention, all of whom combined to produce what we enjoy today here in Litherland, my grateful thanks go to everyone involved.

“What are you going to do when you retire?” is the other most asked question – well the simple answer is to pick up all the things that went by the wayside when I was appointed Chairman.  My two dogs have told me how much they are looking forward to more of my company, my fishing rods are also very excited as is my shotgun and my pedal cycle not to mention my stick making equipment and a few other things beside, and of course I will continue my involvement in the WLFC.

In the foreword to the 2010/11 diary I wrote “Change is inevitable as we move forward in Freemasonry and we must embrace the opportunities which come with change, take advantage of them and make things happen, bad things are not the worst things that can happen to us. Nothing is the worst thing that can happen to us.”

Your new group chairman is not only my vice chairman but a very good friend who has looked after me in every respect; he is a man of vision and wisdom with a wicked sense of humour, all of which will be very necessary in his new role. Ian you have my grateful thanks for your ever reliable support and my very best wishes for every success in your new role, this group is in safe hands.

At the end of the evening Gloria presented Jennifer with flowers.

The other two members of the Group team Ray Barrow and John McCavery who have worked conscientiously and diligently in their duties to make this group work so efficiently, they both have my grateful thanks for their faithful support and friendship.

Thanks can go on and on when so many people have done so much for the common good of this group so may I thank all those people whom have not been mentioned for their input and support.

I have my personal thanks to give to Ray Barrow for his planning and organisation of this evening and all that has gone with it.

The final thanks for help and support must go to my wife Jennifer who must have thought at times that she was running the group after listening to all the moans and groans about the trials and tribulations of office, thank you for your patient forbearance over the years.”

Peter concluded by thanking Howard for all the nice things he said in proposing the toast to him and he ended by thanking the ladies and brethren for their very kind and generous reception of it.

Pictured from left to right, are: Howard and Pat Jones, Peter and Jennifer Levick, Roy and Joan Skidmore, Jacquie and Ray Barrow and Gloria and Ian Gee.

Pictured from left to right, are: Victor Charlesworth, Martin Brownlow and Christopher Marsden.

Having dispensed with the general business of the chapter, first principal Martin Brownlow and his co-principals Victor Charlesworth, second principal and Christopher Marsden, third principal, greeted their principal guest. On receiving the first principal’s sceptre, Harry promptly returned it with the rejoinder that he had come to listen to the work this evening! He also informed the gathering that he had been appointed to attend the chapter installation but owing to a clash with the Joint Convocation held at Leyland which demanded his presence he had been unable to attend. He had however, resolved to attend at some point and this was the first occasion where he could fulfil that promise.

Martin Brownlow then asked Ian Nairn of Wigan Chapter No 2326 to present his talk. Ian commenced his talk by giving some background to what he was going to impart to his audience. As inevitably happens when one of our brethren is called to higher service the family tends to clear out their artefacts and archives. Ian was approached by the family of one such brother and produced a hand written folder of loose leaf sheets which had belonged to the grandfather of the brother concerned. This turned out to be the ritual of his chapter and was dated around 1825.

Pictured from left to right, are: Ian Nairn, Victor Charlesworth, Martin Brownlow, Christopher Marsden and Harry Ross.

Amongst the differences highlighted were that during the opening of the chapter all officers explained their duties. The major inclusion that has been given wide coverage in recent times and on the Royal Arch forum is that in those days the ceremony of ‘Passing of the Veils’ preceded and was integral to the ceremony of exaltation. Ian proceeded to elaborate on the work of the principals and in particular the sojourners as guardians of the ‘Veils’.

Having given his audience plenty to think about, Ian then conclude by informing the gathering that on the occasions that there was no work in the chapter the first principal was to recite ancient charges which re-affirmed the principles of the Order and reminded the companion of the basis on which Royal Arch Masonry was based. The conclusion of the lecture was greeted with loud acclamation by all present. Having been given plenty of food for thought the companions then retired to the dining room for food of a different kind.

At the dinner, in response to the toast to his health, Harry commended Ian for work and time he had devoted to researching the subject and on this occasion making it very easy for the gathered assembly to make their daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

He also informed the companions that the demonstration team for the ‘Passing of the Veils’ ceremony would be active gain next season, venues to be announced and he commended attendance to those who had not yet witnessed that activity. Harry also took the opportunity to inform the companions that up to now 42% of Freemason’s in West Lancashire had joined the Royal Arch and it was nice to hear that another candidate was due to be taken on in the chapter.

Companions of Chapter of Perseverance and their guests enjoying the hospitality.

Candlelight and Maypoles.

Chairman of the Group Ball committee, Brian Gilder, was again aided in organising the event by the Three Degrees Club committee.

As this was to be a May Ball, early publicity used the iconic image of a Maypole on its posters and it was not long before the genius mind of Eric Morris was able to concoct and design a fabulous ballroom décor based on the Maypole.

Guests began to assemble in at the Royal Clifton Hotel piano lounge to meet, greet and have their photos taken by a professional photographer as a memento of the night. They were then called to table by the DC for the night, Paul Hardman and on entering the room were faced with a spectacular sight. Giant pastel ribbons shimmered in the candlelight as they radiated across the room from a giant floral garland which seemed to be magically suspended above their heads. Brightly coloured Maypoles adorned the walls and tables were decorated with snowdrops and bowls of water crystals on which spring flowers and candles floated. Each lady’s place name was supported by a miniature gold or silver chair which, when opened, produced a blossoming, brightly coloured silk scarf.

Philip Gunning and John Moore with other senior officers of the Southport Group and their ladies.

The evening began with a formal procession comprising of the ball host, Bryan Henshaw, Chairman of the Southport Group and his wife, Gwen. They were accompanied by the principal guests Philip Gunning, Assistant Provincial Grand Master with his wife, Anne and Chris Hamilton, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals with his wife, Iris.

A four course meal followed consisting of a chicken liver pate followed by cream of vegetable soup. The main course was a choice of English lamb in a cranberry and thyme jus or supreme of salmon in asparagus and chive sauce with a dessert to follow of fresh fruit pavlova.

Musical entertainment for the night was provided by the excellent Pyramid Band who delivered a much bigger sound than their three members would suggest.

Eric Morris and his scarves of many colours.

Ever thoughtful of the ladies, Eric Morris later went round the tables offering to exchange the gift scarves for a more suitable colour combination if the lady so wished. Being also mindful of a charity opportunity he also offered to sell more scarves for a small donation. The grand raffle followed with several great prizes being on offer including a garden furniture set, a camcorder and a free car service. All monies raised on the night will go to local non- Masonic and Masonic charities.

Dancing the night away.

After the raffle was completed the band returned and the floor was crowded with happy dancing feet! It was some mark of the success of the night that many stayed on to the very end.

Thanks must go out to Brian Gilder and the Three Degrees Committee, especially Eric Morris for sourcing and designing the event and here’s to next year and an even more successful experience.

Pictured from left to right, are: Peter and Karen Idle.

The venue was the magnificent setting of Ridgmont Hall.

The ladies were treated to a champagne reception followed by a marvellous repast and a wonderful time was enjoyed by all who attended.

Pictured from left to right, are: left to right Carol Mort, Mark Arrowsmith, Angela Arrowsmith, Jeanette Greenhalgh, Jackie Goth, Christine Burgess.

Pictured: Ladies enjoying the evening.

Pictured from left to right, are: Mark Arrowsmith and Peter Idle.

The lodge was also honoured by the attendance of Provincial Grand Officers Ken Shaw, David Arrowsmith and Paul Hesketh.

Lodge DC John James Dawber and his assistant Stanley Wood had ensured that the ceremony went off without a hitch. The working tools of each degree were impeccably delivered by Russell Butler, Martin Cunningham and Ian Cameron Turner.

The brethren then retired and enjoyed a wonderful festive board well in keeping with the excellent catering reputation of Ridgmont House.

Pictured from left to right, are: John James Dawber, Ken Shaw, David Arrowsmith, Bill Seddon, Peter Idle, Mark Arrowsmith, Paul Hesketh and Stanley Wood.