Guest news slot
This has been a very interesting month…
Those of you who have had the occasion to be present at one of the many meetings I have attended over recent months will perhaps have heard me use the quote from that famous Freemason and renowned dramatist WS Gilbert: “It isn’t so much what’s on the table that matters, as what’s on the chairs.”
I have certainly sat at many tables during April, and have been delighted to see so many lodges vibrant and happy. I have also endeavoured to encourage us all to share what we do with the outside world and be proud of our Freemasonry.
Pictured from left to right at Aegis Lodge, are: Jon Clipsham, Raymond Leather (WM) and Martin Baxendale.
With the recently commissioned report on ‘The Future of Freemasonry’ highlighting the fact that the damage done by our self-imposed culture of secrecy is now largely behind us, I found it very reassuring to read that Freemasonry does have a real place in society and that what we do and what we are is so relevant to life in the 21st century.
This point was picked up by our Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, in his address at the United Grand Lodge of England investiture this month, when he highlighted the challenge of innovating whilst at the same time retaining our traditions. The investiture meeting is always a very special occasion, and it was a delight to see such a large number of West Lancashire brethren receive appointment to or promotion in Grand Rank. Well done to them all!
One of the brethren invested was my good friend Paul Hesketh, who was appointed to the acting rank of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies – a wonderful recognition of the service he has given to the Province as a Deputy DC. My first Craft engagement for the month was to his mother lodge (Lever Park No 8144) where I was privileged to witness the full explanation of the Grand Lodge certificate given by one of the newer members of the lodge – no mean feat.
Pictured from left to right at Chorlton Lodge, are: Chris Welton, Jon Clipsham and Paul Renton.
The following day was our April cabinet meeting, which is always a lively gathering. One of the strengths of our Craft cabinet is the diversity of skills and experiences which we have in the team and it is a great privilege to work at the heart of the Province.
The next day I attended Aegis Lodge No 9115 installation in Garstang for a very happy proclamation ceremony. The meeting was well supported by a delegation from Salfire Lodge 1505 from the Scottish Constitution, wearing their distinctive bright red regalia associated with the Fire Service.
I was delighted that I was able to attend the Provincial Grand Chapter meeting, which was another happy occasion and as always a pleasure to see the work of those who extend their Masonic interests beyond the Craft rewarded. Sadly, our PrGM’s health was not 100% at the time which meant that he was unable to attend the Installation meeting of Chorlton Lodge at Swinton the following day, So I had the real honour of deputising for our PrGM on this occasion. It is a rare event when two Provincial Senior Grand Wardens are at the same meeting. Paul Renton of course was on official duty as the Provincial Senior Warden of West Lancashire but also attending the meeting as a guest was Chris Welton, the Provincial Senior Grand Warden of the Province of East Lancashire.
Pictured at Ribble Lodge, are: Jon Clipsham with the newly installed WM, John Rimmert.
The following week I attended the installation meeting of Ribble Lodge No 4558 at Leyland, on this occasion standing in for my colleague Leon Tax, who is recovering in leaps and bounds from his treatment in recent times. The ceremony was excellent and the festive board afforded me an opportunity to congratulate another Grand Rank appointee, David Winder, who as well as being Preston Group Vice Chairman is one of our Masonic Halls team.
The following week was the Grand Lodge investiture with its wonderful pageantry and colour, and at the end of the week I was able to support Bill Seddon at the annual district meeting of another Masonic Order in West Lancashire.
As I write I am about to head off to Urmston for a joint convocation between the Eccles and District and South Eastern Groups hosted by Urmston Chapter.
All in all, this has been a very interesting month.
Jon Clipsham
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
