Ronnie Christer surrounded by the visiting Provincial team.

Tony was officially welcomed into the lodge by Tom, who stated that it was indeed an honour and a privilege to have an Assistant Provincial Grand Master present at the lodge’s installation meeting. He duly offered Tony the gavel of the lodge which he accepted and thanked the brethren of Tarleton lodge for their very warm welcome. He also stated that it would give him even more pleasure to return the gavel as Tom was better prepared for the evening’s ceremony.

For the purposes of the installation ceremony, John Webster took the office of installing senior warden and Gordon Huartson that of the installing junior warden. John Webster presented Ronnie as master elect to the installing master.

While the ancient charges were recited by the secretary of the lodge, all brethren listened with intent and watched, whilst Ronnie acknowledged each of them. Ronnie then recited his obligation with great sincerity.

Pictured from left to right, are: Tony Bent, Ronnie Christer, Trevor Porter and Stewart Seddon

The working tools of each degree were presented by three Master Masons who had only recently been raised and presented with their Grand Lodge certificates by the group chairman, Stewart Seddon. Each was word perfect and each had the confidence to present them to their new master and in front of a large gathering of brethren. Once all the officers for the ensuing year had been appointed and installed into their new offices, the address to the WM was given by John Webster and followed by the address to the wardens given by Dave Johnson. Tony then gave the address to the brethren of Tarleton lodge.

At the end of the ceremony Tony gave the greetings of the PrGM and said had he been present he would have congratulated Ronnie on his installation. He bid him a successful year in office, congratulated Tom on his excellent work and Trevor Porter for all the work he had put in as WM during his year of office.

Ronnie’s first task was to present Tony with a number of cheques to the following charitable organisations; £500 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £250 to Derian House, and a further £250 to the High Dependency Unit at Southport Hospital in memory of Jim Helm, who was an active member of the lodge. Tony congratulated the lodge for its generosity. The cheques were instantly passed on to Glynn Wrennall, the Regional Charity Steward for distribution – at his request!

The festive board was an extremely enjoyable occasion. Tony gave his own greetings and congratulations to all those who took part in the ceremony, particularly to the three junior brethren who delivered the working tools. He also said how much he enjoyed the evening and felt sure that all those attending would feel the same. 

Members and visitors alike had a great evening – a good time was had by all.

Exactly 50 years later, on Wednesday 15 May 2013, John Thomas ‘Jack’ Fawcett, who had been that initiate, celebrated his golden anniversary as a Mason and member of Semper Sursum Lodge.

The celebrations at Fairfield Lane were led by APrGM Tony Harrison who was accompanied by group chairman Rowley Saunders and Barrie Crossley in what was his last outing as PrDGDC in the Craft.

Pictured left to right, are: Barrie Crossley, Tony Harrison, Jack Fawcett and Rowley Saunders.

They were joined by over 70 other brethren who had gathered to play their part in the tribute to the well- respected Freemason.

Pictured left to right in conversation are: Jack Fawcett, Tony Harrison and Ron Pryer.

Jack is a local man who, apart from National Service, has always worked in the town. Before retiring from business as a director of County Coachbuilders he had, with his two partners, built their vehicle body repairers firm up to be the largest in the north of England.

Jack is well known for his rendition of the master’s song and he has also been a regular fixture at ladies evenings when, accompanied by his wife Sheila on piano, he sings the ladies song.

He has attained the chair of Semper Sursum Lodge on two occasions; the first being in 1975 when he was installed by Ron Pryer who has also recently celebrated his 50years anniversary. In 1996 he served his lodge again by taking the chair for a second time.

Pictured left to right, are: Dean Fawcett, Jack Fawcett and Keith Halligan.

One of Jack’s proudest moments in Freemasonry was initiating his son Dean in 1993. Dean, who has a degree in music, provided the music during the golden anniversary celebration meeting.

He served the lodge as director of ceremonies for 10 years and backed this up with six years as chaplain. He was appointed acting PrJGD in 1994 and subsequently promoted to PPrJGW.

To mark the occasion WM Keith Halligan presented Jack with an engraved goblet.

Firstly Michael Duffy became a joining member and he was followed in quick succession by three candidates for initiation. Busy Richard and his lodge officers have carried out these first degree ceremonies over the last three consecutive meetings.

The newest members of Saturnian are Mark Brierley who was the first initiate and he was followed by Andrew Mann and lastly Scott Holden.

After carrying out all three initiation ceremonies Richard commented: “It has been an honour and pleasure to carry out these initiations. As a lodge we are looking forward to October when we will then start the pleasant process of second degree ceremonies. Saturnian Lodge is now in the very fortunate position of having a full programme with ceremonies being carried out well into the year 2014.”

The lodge secretary, Malcolm Woods added: “Saturnian Lodge meets at Adelaide Street on the third Saturday of the month which seems to be an advantage to anyone who is holding down a job as some companies are reluctant to release their employees for an early weekday finish. Like most lodges we are always looking to increase our membership.”

Pictured from left to right are: Scott Holden, Mark Brierley, Richard Bell and Andrew Mann.

Pictured from left to right, are: Rowley Saunders, Norman Stockdale, Stuart Dickinson and Dave Hewitt.

Norman Stockdale, the incoming master, was presented by Dave Hewitt who was his proposer into Freemasonry as well as being a good friend and next door neighbour. The address to the WM added poignancy as it was undertaken by Dave.

Those present observed a thoroughly delightful ceremony. It was led by installing master, Stuart Dickinson and overseen by DC Dennis Laird who also gave the address to the wardens.

Pictured from left to right, are: Dennis Laird, Ryan Parrington and Peter Storey.

Lodge stalwarts, secretary Peter Storey and almoner Bill Joughin, delivered the working tools of the third and first degrees in their own individual fashion but most widely praised was Ryan Parrington, a very junior member of the lodge, who presented the tools in the second degree.

It was also the last installation for group chairman Rowley Saunders who is stepping down at Provincial Grand Lodge after many years of service as a group officer. He will be busy until the last minute with the marshalling of the Brathay Marathon, the final push to sell tickets for the group concert he is running at Ulverston Coronation Hall as well as the fact that his group is hosting Provincial Grand Lodge on its return to Preston Guild Hall.

Pictured from left to right, are: Bill Glassey, Derek Midgeley, Phil Gunning, Rowley Saunders, Bob Stafford, and Tony Cassells.

There were four acting officers in attendance on what was their final official duty prior to their leaving office at Provincial Grand Lodge: Derek Midgeley (PrDepGSwdB), Bill Glassey (PrJGD), Tony Cassells (PrAGDC) and Bob Stafford (PrGStwd).

At the end of the ceremony Philip was presented with two cheques on behalf of the lodge. The first for £100 was for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and the second, for £700, was for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. In addition during the past year £200 has been given to the Meningitis Trust and a further £1,000 to the Barrow Masonic Hall Building Fund.

Some 75 members and guests enjoyed the installation banquet with Philip taking the opportunity of catching up with Bill Joughin with whom he had served when they were wardens in another Masonic degree during 2009.

Pictured from left to right are: Scott, Rob and Darrell.

The idea was to recruit two friends and to paddle an 18 foot Canadian canoe 42¹/₂ miles from Tewitfield, north of Carnforth and then south to Preston along the Lancaster Canal.

Not being one to make promises in vain, Scott has now delivered on his idea and hopes to have raised around £1,500 for the British Heart Foundation.

With the help of colleague Rob Chamley and friend Darrell Rawsthorne as crew, and a whole bevy of Masonic supporters, the craft was launched at the Longlands Hotel, Tewitfield at the start of what turned out to be a rather wet and eventful weekend.

The team arrived at the start point at 7.45am on a drizzly Saturday to be met by an enthusiastic, though unexpected, Masonic welcome which had been secretly orchestrated by John Holmes, Richard Dennison and Barry Robinson.

Pictured from left to right are: Darrell Rawsthorne, Nanci Rawsthorne, Vonnie Rawsthorne, Scott Devine, Rob Chamley, Karan Devine, Scott Murphy, John Holmes, Christine Holmes, Simon Almond and Richard Dennison.

Barry is the owner of the Longlands Hotel and generously provided the crew and supporters with sustaining bacon butties and coffee before the canoe was hoisted over the water and launched by one of Richard’s excavators.

The team set off to the sound of cannons (well, bird scarers actually) and great encouragement from Scott’s wife, Karan, Vonnie and Nanci Rawsthorne, Christine Holmes, Simon Almond, Jack Stackhouse, Richard Escolme and Scott Murphy.

Despite the wet weather the supporters made sporadic appearances along the route to maintain morale.

Determined not to be wet on the outside only, the team took a lunch break at the Water Witch in Lancaster where they were again joined by well-wishers and supporters, turning a quick break into a two and a half hour session!

Off we go!

Paddling onwards, a drier and brighter afternoon took the crew to Cabus Nook where tents had been pre-erected for the overnight stop and where the team were joined by their wives together with John and Christine Holmes for a BBQ before the weather again closed in and forced the team to take to their sleeping bags.

The crew with Stuart Hodgson at Wyrebank.

Sunday morning saw them back on the water, taking a break for refreshment provided by Stuart Hodgson, the General Manager at Wyrebank, the Masonic Hall in Garstang, which is located right on the canal basin.

Continuing onwards towards their goal, the team reached Owd Nell’s in time for lunch before the weather again took a serious turn for the worse and which saw the team set off on the final quarter of their challenge in heavy wind and rain.

All went relatively well until half a mile from the finishing line when they encountered the ‘Swan of Fury’! Scott says: “We had passed a few shirty swans along the way who took exception to us but this one, being of a more determined and atrocious character had recourse to violence!. Despite some wild wielding of a canoe paddle by the ‘rear gunner’ the attack unsettled the craft sufficiently to see us dumped into the water.”

Nonetheless, the crew arrived at the canal terminus in Ashton, Preston, at 6.15pm to a welcome equally as warm as the one that had sent them on their way.

The saying that the sun shines on the righteous proved very apt, even allowing for the fact that group charity steward Trevor Hunt organised the group’s annual event, as he and his aides from the ladies committee charmed and cajoled a magnificent £811.50, destined for good causes, from the competing  teams in the glorious sunshine which blessed the event.

Tug o’ war champions Norcliffe Lodge following their victory.

On offer for the competing lodge teams and their families were indoor pursuits such as dominoes, darts, snooker and new addition Wii 12 pin bowls, raffles, guess the weight of the cake and win a cuddly teddy. Outdoor games for the more genteel included bowls and boule, all culminating in the always hotly contested inter-lodge tug o’ war match – which is not for the faint hearted.

North Fylders and their ‘plus ones’ – in many cases plus twos and threes taking into account the many children who also enjoyed the day, were treated to a BBQ prepared by Fleetwood Masonic hall caterers Lee and Janine Munro and received service with a smile from Karen Moore and her ladies committee.

Overseeing fair play on his penultimate day as group chairman was APrGM designate, Harry Cox, before he hands over the reins to his successor vice chairman Duncan Smith. Interestingly, and perhaps a wee bit suspiciously considering his forthcoming promotion to group supremo – Duncan managed to get through to the finals of the snooker…

Pictured is the Wyre Lodge team in action.

At day’s end however the overall champions from the eight teams who took part were Wyre Lodge No 7704 who retained their trophy by a narrow margin over Norcliffe Lodge No 7371, with Spartan Lodge No 8048 trailing a mere point behind them in third place. Wyre, however, who consider themselves the best exponents in the group at tug o’ war were “trounced” according to an anonymous spokesman from Norcliffe at their specialist subject. Team captain Frank Kennedy collected the trophy for Wyre Lodge as did Jason Bleakley for Norcliffe Lodge.

Harry Cox presented the prizes and Trevor Hunt was gracious in his thanks to his team of helpers, Lee and Janine, Karen and her ladies and the staff at Cleveleys Masonic hall for all their efforts. He also thanked all of the North Fylders and their families who had attended to make the day such a special one.

The Norcliffe Lodge team takes the strain at tug o’ war.

Giles Berkley, the Provincial Mentoring Co-ordinator made a stimulating and thought-provoking presentation to members of the Lancaster and District Group, which very clearly addressed some of the long-held concerns felt by brethren when talking about Freemasonry to family and friends.

Hosted by the Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353 at Rowley Court, Lancaster, and attended by Jim Wilson the group chairman, vice chairman Martin Baxendale and mentors and representatives of lodges throughout the group, the packed lodge room enthusiastically responded to Giles’ presentation which stressed the importance of effective mentoring and which also urged us all to be Ambassadors for Freemasonry.

The myth buster

The wonderful thing about the miracle of the internet is the total freedom for anyone, around the world, on any continent, at any time, to be totally at liberty to contribute absolute rubbish about any subject, including Freemasonry, on the world wide web, without any shred of proof or substantiation.

In Freemasonry we are now starting to provide the knowledge to break down this ignorance more publicly than ever before and Giles took the brethren through a number of the more prevalent myths about our organisation that we are all familiar with and how we should all now challenge these misconceptions more than ever. The Grand Secretary, Nigel Brown, has toured the country, visiting around 60 radio stations and press offices, willing to answer all questions put to him – a process which should encourage us all.

Pictured from left to right, are: Group Mentoring Co-ordinator Nigel Parrish, WM Phil Irving, Giles Berkley and Jim Wilson.

Faced with any purveyor of myths, the clear assertion of truth will always be the best and most effective way of neutralising, and hopefully converting, such an individual and Giles fascinated everyone by explaining much of the factual history behind our symbolism and traditions. However, the real story we have to tell is how the bedrock of Freemasonry is based upon the precepts of integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.

In conclusion Giles explained how the mentoring scheme was already showing benefit in the retention of members, saying: “Once our newer members are looked after properly, these losses will drop still further and we will have a new generation of Masons, who are better informed, and more knowledgeable about Freemasonry than ever before, and better equipped to share that knowledge.”

This is just a précis of Giles’ excellent presentation which is recommended as essential for mentors and brethren to help us all become effective Ambassadors for Freemasonry.

Ian thanked Alan for the very warm welcome and said that on this occasion the gavel should remain with the WM. Accompanying Ian on this occasion were Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead and other grand officers.

Ian Boswell collects the warrant with the two lodge banners in the background, left and centre.

The lodge secretary then read the dispensation that had been granted for the change of date of the meeting and this was followed by normal lodge business. At the first rising Alan offered Ian the warrant of the lodge and Ian said that he would collect the warrant after the lodge was closed and ensure that it gets safely delivered to Provincial Grand Lodge for onward delivery to United Grand Lodge.

With all the lodge business transacted and nothing more to be said, the lodge was closed in perpetuity with due solemnity and all retired to the festive board.

In reply to a toast to his health, Ian said that it is sad that the lodge found it necessary to close but hoped that the members would find joy as they continue their Masonic career in other lodges. Derek Williams, Widnes Group Vice Chairman and a past master of Widnes Lodge No 2819 and Widnes and Knowsley Lodge, then presented Ian with a cheque from the lodge for £1,200 made out to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Ian thanked the lodge members for the donation on behalf of the ultimate beneficiaries and said he would pass the cheque on to WLFC as soon as possible.

Both Widnes Lodge and Knowsley Lodge No 3581 are over one hundred years old, Widnes Lodge being consecrated on 20 July 1900 and Knowsley Lodge being consecrated on 25 March 1912 and as can be expected, the lodge had second and third generation family members in the lodge. The amalgamation of the two lodges took place on 14 June 2006 in an effort to keep the lodges going.

The last installation meeting was a bit of a milestone for the lodge, as for the first time in a number of years; Alan Jeffs was installed as a first time master. Alan said: “I have enjoyed my time as master, it has been a good experience, I am just sorry that the lodge has found it necessary to close.”

As the number of members in the lodge was now down to 24, some of whom lived quite a distance from Widnes and found it increasingly more arduous to get to meetings, it became more difficult for the lodge to function so the decision was made for the lodge to close and hand in its warrant.

Lodge members at the final meeting.

Pictured from left to right are: George Brooks, Ryan Fuce, Nicholas Cutting, David Brooks and Glen Brooks.

Granddad George very ably performed the ceremony of initiation for his grandson in what must go down as a record time. Uncle David acted in the dual role of chaplain, his regular lodge office, as well as JD by guiding Ryan round the lodge. Glen explained the working tools of the first degree superbly when he presented them to his cousin.

The other officers of the lodge played their parts very creditably as well of course. Indeed, at one juncture it seemed that Fleetwood Lodge was going all out for some kind of record, for not only did the Brooks family foursome feature largely in the ceremony but three different worshipful masters also wielded the lodge gavel, albeit not all at the same time.

The incumbent WM, Nicholas Cutting, was absent at the start due to urgent business and as the ceremony got underway was making a dash from London to be present. IPM Barry Wilson stepped into the breach to dispense with the earlier formalities before he in turn offered the gavel to George Brooks to conduct the first degree ceremony. Nicholas arrived in time to resume his rightful place just as George completed his pleasant duty of initiating Ryan.

He welcomed Ryan and congratulated him on becoming a member of the lodge apologising that he had missed his initiation. As he closed the lodge, he said he was confident in the knowledge that lodge business had been conducted well in his absence.

Lodge secretary Mark Blundell assisted George by giving the address to the candidate, on charity being thankfully received and faithfully applied. Lodge veteran Frank Randles assumed the role of acting JW and very ably delivered the first degree charge – with his Province of East Lancashire roots, where he joined the Craft, occasionally creeping into his routine but adding to the occasion nonetheless.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, group mentor Jim Gregson and lodge mentor Alan Ollerton also welcomed Ryan to Fleetwood Lodge and Freemasonry.

The meeting was not a regular one on the lodge’s calendar for as Ryan is a serving member of the forces in RAF a dispensation to hold the additional meeting had to be arranged to coincide with Ryan’s time at home. He has recently returned from duty in Afghanistan and is currently based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire where he is a member of the RAF police.

David and the other members of the Brooks family present Ryan with his Hallstone Jewel cufflinks.

At festive board George commended Ryan to the lodge saying it was the third time he had proposed that particular toast. Ryan thanked “WBro Granddad” and the brethren for attending the unscheduled evening and said he looked forward to playing his part in Fleetwood Lodge.

To mark the occasion David presented him with a pair of cufflinks, as has become something of a tradition in the Brooks clan, fashioned in the form of the Hallstone Jewel. 3711 is a Hallstone Jewel Lodge having been consecrated in 1914 at the time of the Great War.

Visiting master Tony Blundell of Pharos Lodge No 7421 summed up the evening by saying in his response to the visitors’ toast: “As Masons we support the Help for Heroes organisation. Isn’t it so worthwhile that one of their number is joining us?”

The Parish rooms.

In his current role of Regional Care Officer Ernie Greenhalgh made an application to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for a Community Grant, towards part of the cost of providing a Vertical Enclosed Platform Lift for the Parish rooms owned by St Anne’s Parish Church.

The building is split over two levels, this enables the accommodation and other facilities to be used for a wide range of community groups and activities since the building was built just over a hundred years ago.

Access to the hall on the first floor of the building is at present by stairs or stair-lift which is old and temperamental and only serves the main staircase and so prohibits people who are wheelchair bound from gaining access.

The first floor in the Parish rooms.

Currently there are 30 groups who use the parish rooms each week, with approximately 420 adults and 300 children taking part. Activities include Brownies, Girl Guides, Babies, Toddlers and Parents groups, Dancing, Painting classes, Badminton and Drama.

One of the main users is the Ormerod Trust who specialise in working with people with learning disabilities and who often struggle to get them upstairs to the activities they provide.

The upstairs hall is also used for lunches for the elderly, of which a number do have difficulty managing the stairs.

To improve access they plan to install a platform lift at a cost of £26,0000. The lift will have the capacity to raise a user who is wheelchair bound 

Pictured from left to right, are: David Randerson (South Fylde Group Chairman), Fr David Lyon and Tom Westall.

and their carer to the upper floor. The installation will transform access to the hall, enabling everybody who wants to use the facilities to do so.

Following support from the local community and a grant for £3,000 from WLFC, and £10,000 from the National Lottery the lift has been installed.

Tom Westall who is 90 and a member of the Lodge of Friendship No 4199 which meets in St Annes, was invited to officially open the new lift. Tom was recently awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to children and young people as Scout Leader and School Governor in St Annes.

At the opening the Parish Priest, Fr David Lyon said: “Their ability to access training courses and recreational activities has greatly improved. Especially for those who are physically or mentally handicapped, elderly people with impaired mobility and parents, or carers with babies in prams.”

Tom cuts the ribbon to formally open the lift for use.