Archived Celebration Pages - Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire

To mark the occasion of Alan’s remarkable achievement of 50 years as a Freemason, Hale Lodge of Fellowship No 3799 held a celebration meeting and were honoured to have Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dennis Rudd present to mark the Province’s official recognition of Alan’s service.

Alan was born in 1934 and was educated at Farnworth C of E school before moving to Wade deacon Grammar School, where he studied from 1946 to 1951. Whilst at school he was a keen rugby union player, playing at scrum half. He continued his rugby playing after leaving school and succeeded in playing for Widnes Rugby Club, I.C.I. Widnes and finally the Army.

He entered the field of banking in 1951 with Barclays, where he continued for the next 38 years, finally retiring as Manager at the Liverpool University branch in 1989. His career in banking was interrupted for two years in 1952 when he completed his National Service, serving with the Royal Artillery.

In 1957 he married his wife, Beryl, and this was to lead to a long and distinguished service in Freemasonry.

His father in law, William (Bill) Baynham, was a member of Lodge of Fellowship No 3799 and proposed Alan as a member, and he was initiated into the Lodge on 2 June 1959. He was seconded by William (Bill) Hill. In April 1963 he became the first “joining member” of the new Kingsway Lodge No 7870. He would have been a founding member of this Lodge, but, as he did not become a Master Mason until later in the year he was unable to do so.

He progressed through every office in both Lodges becoming Master of Kingsway Lodge in 1973 and Lodge of Fellowship in 1975. Whilst in the Kingsway Lodge he has served as Social secretary and also as Lodge Secretary. In Lodge of Fellowship he was the Treasurer until 2005 when he became the final Master of the Lodge in its final year before amalgamating with Hale Lodge No 8813 and becoming Hale Lodge of Fellowship No 3799. Alan is the current master of Hale Lodge of Fellowship.

Alan did not confine his Masonry to Lodges but was also an active member in Widnes Chapter No 2819, which he joined in September 1963. He has been the Chapter Treasurer for the past 46 years and continues to hold this office. He was a founder member of Kingsway Chapter No 7870, when it was consecrated in September 1969 becoming First Principal in 1976. He is still a regular attendee of all his Lodges and Chapters and practises all the degrees of which he is a member.

His service to Masonry was first recognised in 1983 when he received his first Provincial Honour. He was appointed Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, which he held until 1992 when he was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. His service to Lodge Chapters was also recognised in 1992, when he was appointed Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. In 1995 Alan became Assistant General Manager of Widnes Masonic Hall, which he held for three years, becoming General Manager on the death of Gordon Lockett. He held this position for a further 8 years.

Alan has two children, David and Dinah, and four grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than in 2004 when his son, David, became a member of Fidelity Lodge No 289 in Leeds. Alan enjoys visiting this Lodge and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. Alan has given so much to Freemasonry over the past 50 years, and, as we all know, this could not have been possible without the support of his wife Beryl.

Pictured left to righ: David Redhead (Widnes Group Chairman) Alan Daniels and Dennis Rudd (Assistant Provincial Grand Master).

Pictured left to righ: David Redhead (Widnes Group Chairman) Alan Daniels and Dennis Rudd (Assistant Provincial Grand Master).

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George Jobling’s 50th celebration.

George Jobling celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry. To mark the occasion, Bold Lodge held a celebration meeting attended by Dennis Rudd (Assistant Provincial Grand Master), and many of George’s friends.

George was born in West Cornforth, County Durham, England on the 11 August 1928. He is the only son of George and Hannah and he has two sisters, Connie and Nancy.

His first job was at Tyrer's Shoe Shop and was paid the princely sum of 7s 6p per week. He later joined Blackler's in Newcastle and his wages increased to12s 6p per week.

While working at Blackler's he was called up to do National Service and was given the army number 1906. Between 1946 and 1949 he served in Burma and Singapore. After National Service, George returned to Blackler's and worked there until 1955 when, at the age of 27, he re-Iocated to the Blackler's store in Liverpool.

The most important event in George's life also occurred in 1955 when he married Joan Simpson on 17 September at St. John's Parish Church in their home village of Stillington. They honeymooned in Morecambe and took possession of their first car, a Ford Prefect, registration 392 AKA. During a very happy married life they were blessed with a son, Ian and a daughter, Tracy who have given George four grandchildren, Conner, Nicholas, Emily and Bethany.

George was proposed into Freemasonry by Bro.J.B.Knight and seconded by Bro.K.H.Knight. He was initiated into Bold Lodge on 7 October 1959 in the new Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes. The Worshipful Master was William Critchley Gamer and the Initiation Ceremony was performed by W.Bro.Frank James Knight, the Director of Ceremonies. George was passed on 6 April 1960 and raised on 5 October1960. He was installed into the Chair of Bold Lodge on 1 December 1971. In 1972, George became Charity Steward, a position he held until 2002 when he became Lodge Almoner. He retired from this office in 2008.

Working tirelessly for the Lodge, George and his wife Joan organised many functions to raise money for charity. One such function is still held every year on the first Wednesday in January, when there is a candlelit dinner followed by entertainment and a large raffle for charity. He also organised outings to places of interest and Masonic Homes.

George was the Lodge representative on the board of the Widnes Masonic Hall as well as being Group Secretary from 1982 to 1984. As a result of these considerable efforts he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward in 1978, promoted to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works in 1982 and again promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden 1993.

George was a founder and Treasurer of Hale Lodge No.8813 and was also a member of the Provincial Steward's Lodge (Quingenti No.8516). In 1962 he was exalted in Bold Chapter and installed as 1st Principle in 1982.

left to right are: Dennis Rudd, George Jobling, David Lace and David Redhead

left to right are: Dennis Rudd, George Jobling, David Lace and David Redhead.

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Fred’s fond memories of past 50 years

Fred Dixon was joined by 72 members and guests at Cleveleys Masonic Hall. They were there to help Fred celebrate his Golden Jubilee in Freemasonry, 50 years to the day when he joined Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge No 3854 on October 16th 1959.

Fred’s confided at the well attended festive board that his proposer had told him two things at his Initiation which had led to all the years of enjoyment of the Craft. He said, “Firstly, you get out of it (Freemasonry) what you put into it. Secondly, primarily you are in it for the pleasure you get out of it. Once it ceases to be a pleasure you get out of it. And here I am 50 years later still a Mason!”

North Fylde Group ‘Assistant’ Terry Hudson outlined the life and times of Frederick Kershaw Dixon, (Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden), universally known as Fred, to a rapt audience containing a galaxy of Grand and Provincial Officers and a contingent of Acting Officers of the Provincial team.

Brethren heard from Terry about Fred’s early days in Thornton where he had attended Baines Grammar School. Thereafter it was the Royal Navy. Four and a half years of service during hostilities saw the vessels he served on amongst other things; make several runs to Dunkirk, help build the troop landing Mulberry harbours and sink a U boat. Fred narrowly escaped becoming a casualty himself when he and a fellow sailor were trapped below decks by a too close explosion of a depth charge.

After being demobbed Fred joined ICI Thornton in the Plastics Division (eventually coming across a young Harry Cox – now the present North Fylde Group chairman) where he worked for 34 years before taking early retirement.

Fred met wife Jean when she was performing in a show at the Queen’s Blackpool and caught his eye. She went on to become secretary at Flakefleet School, Fleetwood. 57 years of marriage have seen daughter Denise and son Peter (who is also a member of Lodge 3854) in turn present Fred and Jean with four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Terry went on to say that Fred had a long association with St John’s Ambulance Service where he ultimately became Divisional Superintendent and it was through St John’s that he was introduced to Freemasonry by colleagues who were Masons.

Fred went through the Chair in 1972 (he says it took a long time back in those days) after taking on several offices along the way and afterwards and as Social Secretary for the group was instrumental in introducing what has become the annual North Fylde Group Ball. Provincial honour’s came in 1979 with Fred progressing to his present rank in 1993.

During the ceremony Lodge Secretary Bob Major read out the Minutes for October 16th 1959 which featured Fred’s Initiation. The Lodge Summons for the same date lists one Bro Raymond Neal as a Lodge Steward who subsequently became Group Chairman and a Grand Officer. Raymond took particular pleasure in delivering an accolade to his old friend and colleague Fred during the evening’s celebrations.

The Worshipful Master, Gordon Major presented Fred with an engraved glass plaque and a commemorative 50 Years Service badge on behalf of the lodge.

As guest of honour at the celebratory meal Fred regaled members and guests with humorous recollections of his 50 years service. Thanking everyone for coming to help him celebrate he said Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge was acknowledged to be a happy lodge and a family lodge where, as in his own case, sons regularly followed fathers into Freemasonry.

Terry Hudson (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) congratulates Fred Dixon on celebrating 50 Years in Masonry

Terry Hudson (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) congratulates Fred Dixon on celebrating 50 Years in Masonry

Terry Hudson, Fred Dixon with Thornton and Cleveleys Worshipful Master, Gordon Major during Fred’s Golden Jubilee celebrations

Terry Hudson, Fred Dixon with Thornton and Cleveleys Worshipful Master, Gordon Major during Fred’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

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BERT CELEBRATES HIS DOUBLE

Excellent Companion Herbert (Bert) Ross celebrated his 50th in the Royal Arch, completing his double, following on from his celebration of his 50 years in the Craft in January, 2006.

Bert was presented with his 50 year certificate by Excellent Companion Ray Martland, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals before a large gathering of his friends and colleagues in Wigan Chapter No. 2326 at Pemberton Masonic Hall.

Bert was born in Bolton on 10th August, 1922 and unfortunately at five years of age had to spend ten weeks in hospital with Diphtheria, a disease which at the time had not been eradicated. He went on to attend St. Bartholomew’s Church of England School and joined the church choir at the age of eight.

Grammar School followed in Bolton and on leaving he joined the firm of Cooper and Cooper, Chartered Accountants as an office junior in 1939.

In 1942 he volunteered for service in the Royal Navy and served for four years on board HMS Sheffield, HMS Tracker and HMS Chaser.

Bert re-called how he commenced his training in Skegness at a Butlins Holiday Camp specially requisitioned by the Navy for the Fleet Air Arm. Conditions at the camp were very poor and Bert swore never to return to Skegness, a vow he has kept to this day. He recalled some of his experiences including the day when the camp sirens sounded and a landmine was dropped on the camp by an enemy aircraft killing several of his colleagues, however Bert survived his first close shave.

Later in his naval career he had several lucky escapes and the second of his close shaves came when on HMS Sheffield in a terrible storm in Scapa Flow he was saved from being swept overboard by a colleague. The third came when he was about to be posted to HMS Dasher in Glasgow, but before he could embark the ship was blown up with the loss of many lives.

Yet again Bert seemed to be fortunate when his ship HMS Chaser, grounded on rocks on its way back from Murmansk to Scapa Flow but no one was injured in that incident and finally Bert recalled when he was serving on an Aircraft carrier, a VERY pistol was fired by accident in the hangar deck showering everyone with phosphorous.

His last move was to the town of Crail, near St. Andrew’s in Fife, where he met another radar and radio technician, Gwendoline Ford and on14thJuly, 1945 he married Wendy at Grays Parish Church, Essex. They have now been married for sixty four years and have a daughter Susan Jean.

In 1946 Bert was demobbed from the Navy and on the 1st April of that year he rejoined his former employers Cooper & Cooper, but this time in London eventually qualifying as an Incorporated Accountant. In due course Bert passed his final exams and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and returned to the north of England to become a member of the firm of R. W. Brown of Wigan.

In 1967 he joined Wigan County Borough Council as a Senior Auditor until he retired in 1985.

It was in 1956 that Bert was Initiated into the Craft in Wigan Lodge No. 2326 on 14th December and by 1962 he was Secretary of the Lodge even before he had occupied the Masters chair. He held the post for four years and eventually he was Installed as Master of his Lodge on the 10th April, 1970.

In 1974 Bert became Treasurer of the Lodge, a post he held until 1976 when he became the Assistant Director of Ceremonies. On the 4th May 1983 he was appointed Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in the Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire and in Sept 1987 he joined Lathom Lodge No. 2229. Later that year he was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden and in April 1991 he was awarded Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

In the Royal Arch he was exalted in Wigan Chapter in October 1959 and became its Treasurer in 1960, an office held until 1971. In December1975 he became 1st Principle and 1981 became ADC. A year later he became Director of Ceremonies, a post he held until 1989.

In Provincial Grand Chapter he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward in 1983. Four years later he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah and 1992 he was appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter.

Bert’s other Masonic interests are in the Red Cross, when in 1972 he was perfected in Leonard Heeley Conclave No. 241. In the same year he also joined St. George’s Conclave No. 42.

He served on the Wigan Masonic Hall Committee as the Lodge representative from 1977 to 1980 and in 1982 he received a phone call from Tom Winstanley, the Group Vice-Chairman advising that he might receive a call from the Group Chairman, Clifford Davies, offering him the position as the Editor and compiler of the Wigan Group Calendar. This task was completed by Bert before the days of computers and everything had to be done handwritten on over a hundred foolscap sheets of paper, before being passed to the printer, a task which took many hours of burning the midnight oil.

In the Wigan Group Bert was appointed Secretary in May 1986 and became Vice-Chairman in July 1991. A year later he was appointed the Group Representative to the MTGB 1997 Festival and in May 1995 he resigned as Group Vice Chairman.

At the Festive Board afterwards Bert was presented with a clock, with a suitably inscribed brass plaque by the members of the Chapter

Bert Ross (centre) with Ray Martland (Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals), Acting Provincial Officers and other distinguished guests at the celebration.

Bert Ross (centre) with Ray Martland (Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals), Acting Provincial Officers and other distinguished guests at the celebration.

Bert receives a clock presented by Stuart Blagg at the Festive Board.

Bert receives a clock presented by Stuart Blagg at the Festive Board.

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Leslie’s 50 golden years

Leslie Cunliffe, of Lodge Amounderness No 7105, celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry at the Masonic Hall in Garstang.

A very well-attended meeting saw the Assisitant Provincial Grand Master, Philip Gardner conduct the ceremony after being offered the chair by the Worshipful Master.
In giving a précis of W.Bro Leslie’s history, the Assisitant Provincial Grand Master told how he was born in Haslingden in April 1930 before moving to Preston as a boy. He attended Preston Grammar School before becoming an accountant and eventually the senior partner in an accountancy firm.

Leslie’s Masonic career commenced in 1959 when he joined Preston Portcullis Lodge No 6316, a Lodge which has since sadly surrendered its warrant to Grand Lodge.

The APGM said that although Leslie is a passionate supporter of Preston North End he had actually started off as a supporter of Accrington Stanley. He was also a past captain of Ashton and Leigh Golf Club.

Leslie has supported both the church and the community. He had served for 37 years as treasurer of St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Ashton, and had served on the Diocesan Board of Finance. He has also acted as treasurer for a charity supporting handicapped children for 14 years.

When the warrant for Portcullis Lodge was surrendered, Leslie and several other members joined Amounderness and were extremely grateful for the warm welcome they had received.

In addition to his craft membership Leslie was the first exaltee of Preston Portcullis Royal Arch Chapter and is a Rose Croix member in Prince of Peace Chapter No 767.
He has been heavily involved in the Preston and District Masonic Golfing Society, for many years serving as secretary, vice-chairman and chairman.

On the completion of his address the APGM invited Tony Harrison, the group vice chairman, to read the certificate, which was then presented to Leslie.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Philip Gardner congratulates Leslie Cunliffe watched by group vice-chairman Tony Harrison.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Philip Gardner congratulates Leslie Cunliffe watched by group vice-chairman Tony Harrison.

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Silence is golden for Bill

He may occasionally have been known as ‘Whispering Bill’, but Rectitude Lodge’s William Eardley had plenty to shout about after chalking up 50 years of Freemasonry.

The affectionate nickname was applied by colleagues at Fylde Borough Council where Bill was employed as a clerk of works and senior maintenance officer.

It was one of many roles Bill held during a career that began with a 15 shillings a week pay packet as apprentice painter and decorator at Blackpool firm Riddles and Sons.

It was also a career that took him to Canada – and his introduction to freemasonry.

Bill had been married just 12 months when he and wife Audrey decided to follow his brothers Roy and Jack - and emigrate. Audrey’s boss at the packaging firm she worked for - Paul Maserack – invited the couple to a lodge ladies evening and Paul was eventually initiated into Toronto’s Corinthian Lodge No 4812 in June1959.

During a special meeting to mark Bill’s achievement, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson reminded him of the rigorous interview procedures at the time, saying: “Your memory was of them being a bunch of old codgers really – what with you being just 26 years of age.”

Bill remained a member of the Corinthian Lodge until after he and Audrey returned to the UK, and after he became a joining member of Blackpool’s Rectitude Lodge in 1967. His proposer was Audrey’s uncle, Bill Dabbs.

He made his way through the various Lodge offices before becoming Worshipful Master in 1978 then charity steward – a post he held for 12 years. A health scare meant Bill had to curtail his activities after becoming the DC in 1984, although he returned to lighter duties in 1990 as ADC for two years.

Paying tribute to Bill’s leadership qualities, Terry said: “Your potential had already become evident in 1983 when you were duly recognised by the Province and appointed Provisional Grand Steward – which led to promotion to the rank of PPrSGD in 1987 and further, to that of PPrJGW in 1992.”

In Grand Lodge he holds the high rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon.

Bill became Group Secretary of the South Blackpool Group in 1991, group Vice-chairman in 1995 and Group Chairman in 2001.

He is also a member of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966 becoming Worhipful Master in 2007.

Hardly a year has passed without Bill adding a new title to his collection of Masonic posts but other high points have included promotion to PPrGSN in the Royal Arch (1992) and installation as a Knights Templar in the Rose of Lancaster Preceptory No 157 (2000).

Terry added: “Over the years Bro Bill Eardley has proved himself to be a man of consummate integrity and commitment.

“But I suggest it’s not Bro Bill’s Masonic achievements for which he will long be remembered – highly significant and impressive though they undoubtedly are – but more for the warmth of his engaging and ebullient personality.”

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson, Bro RHR Anderson (WM), Bill Eardley and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax.

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson, Bro RHR Anderson (WM), Bill Eardley and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax.

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A GRAND OCCASION

Two Grand Officers who are close friends celebrated the golden jubilees of them becoming Freemasons at a special meeting of White Hills Lodge No 5209, in the Leyland Group.

Alan Lindsay Davies and Donald Kennedy Richardson, who are both Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies, realised that many of their friends would be placed under enormous pressure if they had separate celebrations so concluded that the best solution was to have a shared celebration with their two respective lodges holding a joint special meeting.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson first gave an excellent account of Alan’s civil and Masonic development, from his birth and education in South Wales, including his initiation in a Lodge in Aberdare, to his eventual arrival in Preston to take up the post of principal of the WR Tuson College of Further Education. He became a joining member of Penwortham Lodge No 5874, which recently amalgamated with the White Hills Lodge.

This was followed by an equally eloquent description by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax of the civil and Masonic development of Don. Like Alan, he had travelled far and wide, being initiated in a Lodge in North Allerton, before moving back to Preston to settle at the Lancashire College of Agriculture for his vocation, and joining Festival Lodge No 8123, for his Freemasonry.

The Lodge meeting was presided over by the Worshipful Master of White Hills, Jon Whitton, with the Master of Festival Lodge, Richard Maddocks acting as the Immediate Past Master. The rest of the offices, were occupied by a mixture of the two lodges’ members.

The banquet was an equally grand and friendly affair with more than 120 brethren enjoying a sumptuous meal, followed by presentations to the two celebrants by their respective lodges, and an extra presentation from the brethren of Lodge Amounderness No 7105, of which both of them are members.

Pictured, left to right, are: Frank Wilkinson, Alan Davies, Jon Whitton, Donald Richardson,.Richard Maddocks and Leon Tax.

Pictured, left to right, are: Frank Wilkinson, Alan Davies, Jon Whitton, Donald Richardson, Richard Maddocks and Leon Tax.

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Len’s golden milestone

One of the men who helped make Blackpool the UK’s entertainment capital has celebrated his golden jubilee in Freemasonry.

Len Whiteside was honoured by Symphony Lodge No 4924 and hailed by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson as ‘a man of consummate integrity and commitment’ during a special ceremony.

Len played a leading role in the work of the lodge – which encouraged visits by some of Britain’s top showbiz stars of the post war years. Arthur Askey, David Nixon, Nat Jackley, Webster Booth and Jess Conrad were just some of the leading entertainers who arrived on a regular basis. More recently they were followed by TV regulars Jim Davidson and Freddie Davis.

Steeped in the town’s entertainment culture, Len went into business with mother Florence and brother Alfred at the age of 14 after leaving school. By this time Florence was already running 10 stalls at the town’s Olympia.

Len took over some of those stalls and by 1968, along with wife Joan, he was operating three arcades and a bingo concession at the world-famous Pleasure Beach.

He decided to retire in 1993 after the Funhouse fire the previous year – which badly damaged his neighbouring bingo concession.

Joan sadly passed away in 2003, but Len’s family connections with the town’s entertainment industry continued through son Tony who took over the arcades.

In 1959 Symphony Lodge was the place to be. There was a long waiting list and there were never less than 10 stewards overseeing meetings that could only be described as ‘wonderfully vibrant’.

Len progressed through the various offices of the lodge, eventually becoming junior warden before having to stand down due to business pressures and ill-health.

During Len’s presentation, Terry said it was ‘a privilege and a pleasure’ to be part of the event – and congratulated Len warmly on achieving the milestone.

Group Chairman Ian Robertson also presented Len with the scroll from the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker.

Len Whiteside

Pictured at the special meeting are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson, Brian Jackson (WM Symphony Lodge) Ian Robertson (group chairman) and celebrant Len Whiteside.

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Charles celebrates special anniversary

Charles Neville Stanley who was initiated in the Lodge of Furness but who has been involved in Freemasonry in Yorkshire and the South of England has celebrated 50 years in the Craft.

Charles was born in 1932 in Bolton and attended Church Road School and the Bolton School. National Service in the RAF followed from 1950 to 1952 and he trained as a Ground Wireless Mechanic.

Neville has moved around the country a great deal and met his wife Sheila in the early 1950s. They were married in August 1956 at Ulverston Parish Church in a service carried out by the Rev Cannon JS Rimmer. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Over the years Neville lived and worked in Hemsworth in West Yorkshire and in 1979 moved to Torquay in South Devon where he still resides.

In 1959 Neville decided to become a Freemason and his links with the Lodge were originally forged through his father, who joined Lodge of Furness in 1954, and father-in-law, Alan Caddy, who was initiated in to Temperantia Lodge in Whitehaven but joined the Lodge of Furness in 1951.

Neville became WM of Lodge of Furness in 1973 and his Freemasonry then developed in other parts of the country. He joined Royal Arm Friendly Chapter No 1513 in Barnsley in 1976 and also that year he joined Berneslai Rose Croix Chapter No 557 in Barnsley and remains as a member of both. Whilst living in West Yorkshire he joined Saint Oswald Lodge No 910 in Pontefract.

Following his move to Torquay in 1979 Neville joined St John’s Chapter No 328 and served as First Principal in 1989. He also joined Devonian Chapter of First Principals No 9249. A joining member of Tormohun Lodge No 6449 in Torquay, Neville served as ADC.

Present at the celebration was Brian Stephenson, PPrJGW, who pointed out that he and Neville were the only surviving members from those who celebrated the Lodge Centenary in 1964.

The Group Chairman was called on the read a Certificate issued by the Provincial Grand Master and which was afterwards presented to Stanley by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner. The Lodge presented Neville with an engraved glass fruit bowl.

Pictured are Steve Fisher (WM 995), Charles Neville Stanley and Brian Stephenson. Neville and Brian are the only surviving members who attended the Lodge Centenary Celebrations in 1964.

Pictured are Steve Fisher (WM 995), Charles Neville Stanley and Brian Stephenson. Neville and Brian are the only surviving members who attended the Lodge Centenary Celebrations in 1964.

Pictured, left to right are WBros R Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner, Neville Stanley Rowley Saunders (group chairman) and Dennis Laird.

Pictured, left to right are WBros R Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner, Neville Stanley Rowley Saunders (group chairman) and Dennis Laird.

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Ted celebrates with his new lodge

The celebration of Ted Rimmer’s 50 years in Masonry did not arrive without incident.

Ted had not only seen his beloved Stoneycroft Lodge No 5714 surrender its warrant, but shortly before his celebration meeting was due to be held he was taken ill and admitted into hospital.

However, on his discharge from hospital the WM, officers and Brethren of Marlborough Lodge No 1620 arranged a special meeting to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his initiation.

Edward Rimmer (Ted) born in Liverpool on 13 June 1926, was educated at St Michael’s and then at Quarry Bank Grammar School.

On leaving school Ted joined the Automatic Telephone and Electric Company in Edge Lane Liverpool, and in 1942 joined the Army Royal Corps of Signals serving in Egypt and the Middle East until his demobilisation in 1948, when he returned to his former employer to continue his apprenticeship.

He qualified as a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers. Ted left the Automatic in 1955 and went to work for the Imperial Chemical Industry (ICI).

Then after five years with the ICI he went to work for the Atomic Energy Authority until his retirement in 1991 at the age of 65.

In 1952 Ted met Audrey Wilson and after a whirlwind romance they married in 1954 and are now the proud parents of two sons, Brian born in 1960 and Duncan 1963. Ted and Audrey celebrated their wedding golden anniversary in 2004.

Ted is a fanatical Liverpool FC supporter The holder of a season ticket for many years, his ticket qualifies him to one of only then ‘five single seats’ at Anfield, this being a ticket he took over from George Conway also of Stoneycroft Lodge. He was a keen tennis player, and lately a member of the South Liverpool Model Aircraft Flying Club.

Ted’s Masonic career began on 18 April 1959 when he was initiated into Stoneycroft Lodge No 5714. He served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1972, 1992 and 2005, and also held the offices of Lodge secretary, DC, social secretary, auditor and hall representative.

On 1 June 1981 he was appointed to the rank of PPrSGD and in 1990 promoted to PPrJGW.

Shortly after Stoneycroft Lodge surrendered its warrant in 2008 Ted became a joining member of Marlborough Lodge.

His responsibilities as a Mason at one time carried him across the world as in 2000 a number of the Brethren of Stoneycroft Lodge were invited to attend the jubilee celebration meeting of Syd Pierce PAGDC in Hong Kong, who although permanently residing there, had maintain his membership of Stoneycroft Lodge and had also joined Zetland Lodge No 525.

Don Hutchin and Ted took up the invitation and along with their wives travelled to Hong Kong to celebrate the occasion, and after the meeting, the wives joined the Brethren at the festive board. The ceremony was attended by several hundred Freemasons of all orders throughout the world, and Syd was presented with many beautiful gifts, one being an electronic organ.

Ted presented Syd with his West Lancashire Jubilee Certificate duly signed by the then Provincial Grand Master Colin Penty Wright and the Provincial Grand Secretary, together with a copy of the minutes of Syd’s initiation, passing and raising, a jewelled gift on behalf of the Brethren of Stoneycroft, and an illuminated address. The occasion attended by high ranking masons from India, Burma, Australia, and New Zealand eventually closed at 3.00am

To venerate the occasion Ted Rimmer’s 50 years as a Mason, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stanley Oldfield was pleased to present him with a special commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

The Immediate Past Master of Stoneycroft Lodge, Brian Lunt., to mark long and loyal service presented him with the original square and compasses that were assigned to Ted’s Mother Lodge on its foundation in 1936.

Mrs Audrey Rimmer, Stanley Oldfield and Ted Rimmer

Pictured left to right are Mrs Audrey Rimmer, Stanley Oldfield and Ted Rimmer

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Len is a man of ‘consummate integrity’

Len Hellon, accompanied by some 90 of his friends, celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in Great Marton Lodge No 3985 at The Masonic Hall in Blackpool. The principal guest was Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Terry Hudson, who gave an outline of Len’s personal history.

Len was born in Blackpool in 1931, at 40 Kimberley Avenue, the home of his parents, Thomas Stanley, affectionately known as Stan, and Doris Hellon. Len’s father was a policeman who served throughout his career in Blackpool, memorably as PC 111, regularly driving the Black Maria to Strangeways and Walton prisons. Stan was a genuine man of firm but fair principles which ultimately led him to become a Freemason, and in 1962 a Past Master of Great Marton Lodge, all of which was to have a significant bearing on Len’s future life. Len’s sister Jean was a nurse before her marriage to Marcus Hill, also a Past Master of Great Marton Lodge, who was present along with Marcus’ son and Len’s nephew Antony, now the Lodge’s Senior Warden, who later proposed the toast to Len at the festive board.

Len’s early education was at Roseacre Infants School before moving up to Highfield School. Some two years later he successfully took a newly introduced examination which at the age of 13, enabled him to go to the Blackpool Technical College, where he remained until leaving at the age of 15.

His first employment was with J B Leigh on Preston New Road where he entered into a seven-year apprenticeship. National Service later beckoned with the RAF. He signed on for three years, principally he reasoned, because the pay would be better. In the event this was a period of his life which he enjoyed immensely. He worked on airfields in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Egypt, usually being involved in generating power and significantly purifying water from the notoriously obnoxious Sweetwater Canal. Sweetwater was, of course, a contradiction in terms, for sweet it most certainly it was not. Downwind you could smell it from five miles away and clothes reeked for months afterwards.

After service with the RAF he returned to his former employer as a toolmaker. Over the years the company changed its direction a number of times from toolmakers to the manufacture of teeth and dental equipment, and then to slot machines and plastic cups. Finally he left in 1961. If truth be told he was dismissed when it was learnt that he and two others were proposing to set up on their own engineering business. And so it was that the Blackpool Tool Company Limited was born where he specialised in press tools, injection moulding tools and other general engineering. Intriguingly two of the partners invented a type of hydraulic wheelchair which might have brought him considerable fame and fortune except that it was by common consent some 20 years before its time. For 25 years he continued to trade successfully until sadly there was another slump in 1986/7. The decision was then taken to sell off all of the machinery and close down.

However, he had another string to his bow. In 1976, some 10 years earlier, Len and his wife Brenda opened a Health Food shop in Highfield Road which having added in 1986 the Wool Shop next door he developed and ran successfully for nearly 30 years. Unfortunately problems with Brenda’s health finally influenced them to sell up in May 2005 and retire.

As a young man Len used regularly to attend dances at the Winter Gardens. It was there that Len met an attractive young lady called Brenda Taylor. They married on 7 March 1959 and lived very happily for more than 46 years until sadly she died in January 2006. Their marriage was blessed with two children, John and Julie and he now has five grandchildren.

His retirement enabled him to spend more time in pursuit of his two principal hobbies, caravanning and decoupage. Decoupage is an art form at which he had become particularly skilled over the years. Sadly he was robbed of many of his most prized examples following a break in at home.

His father having been a Freemason and a Past Master of Great Marton Lodge, as indeed was his uncle John, it should comes as no surprise to learn that his father became his proposer into the Lodge. Len was initiated on 11 May 1959 by Frank Berry with Joe Sanderson and Stanley Lovatt as Senior and Junior Wardens. Len’s father acted as Senior Deacon.

In those days Great Marton was a large, vibrant and exciting lodge of which to be a member, with a long waiting list of candidates for admission. As a consequence Len found it easy to settle down in such a happy and rewarding atmosphere, particularly given that he was one of a long line of Lewises who became and are still members of the Lodge.

Len was installed into the Chair of Great Marton Lodge in February 1977 when 74 Brethren assembled at Adelaide Street to support him. In the absence of his father he was presented by his uncle John Hellon, who also delivered the address to him as Master. His Ladies’ Evening was held at the Winter Gardens with an attendance of more than 240, as was so often the case in those days, complete with a whist drive in the afternoon and the then obligatory full English breakfast after midnight.

Along with his late wife Brenda, Len has been a great supporter of Lodge social functions. He will long be remembered for his recitations at Festive Boards, particularly of those made memorable by Stanley Holloway. His service to Great Marton Lodge since his Mastership has been one of exemplary commitment. Significantly, after five years as Almoner from 1981 to 1986 he then served as Chaplain for nine years - 14 years in all. Len was first appointed to PPrAGDC and in 1998 promoted to PPrDGSuptWks.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson finally commented that over the years Len Hellon has proved himself to be a man of consummate integrity and commitment and wished him the very best of good health and happiness for many years to come. He concluded proceedings by offering him his warmest personal congratulations on achieving this wonderful milestone in his Masonic career.

Len Hellon

Len Hellon (right) is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson and Graham Forsdyke (WM).

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Frank is the ‘epitome’ of a Freemason

Frank Austin Starkey has been described as the “epitome of a Freemason” by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd.

Dennis was speaking at “a very important event in the history of Academy Lodge” which was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Frank’s initiation.

Dennis said at the meeting in Warrington Masonic Hall: “I am honoured with the privilege of attending this Lodge today in order to attempt to pay just tribute to a man who in my opinion, and without any fear of contradiction, is the epitome of a Freemason.

“Such is the amount of involvement of Bro Frank Starkey in all aspects of Freemasonry I do not really know where to begin but I have solicited the help of the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Degree, RWBro Peter Connolly, who has kindly agreed to add his twopenny worth a little later.”

Frank Austin Starkey, who is 83, was born in Derby Road, Stockton Heath, which was at the time a general dealers shop owned and run by his parents Percy Maddock and Elizabeth Joyce Starkey.

His first job was as an apprentice in electrical engineering at Metro Vickers at Trafford Park, completing that apprenticeship in December 1947. He continued in employment with that company until 1953 and, mainly on day release and after studying part-time, gained a Higher National Certificate in electrical engineering, qualifying as a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers and obtaining Graduate Membership in 1952.

In 1953 he obtained a job with the Mersey Region of the British Electricity Authority as a draughtsman at Woolton in Liverpool. For the next 30 years he engrossed himself in many and varied jobs. Amongst these he was employed as a maintenance planning engineer at Bold Power Station, as a development planning engineer at Connahs Quay, on special investigations at Clarence Dock and Ince Power stations. It was during this period that he was made an associate member of Electrical Engineers as a Chartered Engineer and his final task was as the control engineer assisting in the decommissioning of Ince A power station.

Frank was initiated into St Austin Lodge 4335 in April 1949 and was installed as WM in 1965.

Frank held the office of secretary from 1982 until 1990 and then because of a dropping off in membership did his best to help the Lodge by being installed in the chair on no less than three occasions, but sadly to no avail because the Lodge, to his great disappointment, felt that there was no alternative but to surrender its Warrant. After some deliberation he decided to join Academy Lodge in 2005.

Being an old boy of the Masonic School it was not surprising that he joined Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge 7702 in 1977 being installed as Worshipful Master in 1980. He was a founder of Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters 9057 and served that Lodge as its founding secretary until 1986

Frank joined Lathom Lodge 2229 in 1984 and during Bro Jack Forsyth’s year as Master, which ended last month, served as his Senior Warden.

His outstanding service was first recognised in 1980 by his appointment to the rank of PPrAGDC followed just one year later by promotion to PPrDGSuptofWrks. The Provincial meeting in October 1985 saw him further promotion to PPrJGW.

Frank was secretary of the Warrington Group of Lodges and Chapters from 1982 until 1991 and as the group vice-chairman for three years. He was promoted to Grand Rank of PAGDC in 1987 and promoted to his present rank of PJGD in 1999

Frank was exalted in the Chapter of Friendship 2963 in 1960 and installed as its First Principal in 1971 before serving as Scribe E for 11 years until 1984. Sadly this Chapter has surrendered its Warrant. Frank was the founding First Principal of Old Masonians West Lancashire Chapter. He held the office of DC from 1983 for 10years.

His first Provincial appointment in the Royal Arch Province was that of PPrPGSoj in 1980, promoted to PPrGSN in 1983 and to the rank of PGStdB in Supreme Grand Chapter in 1991.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: “If I were to go into any detail at all of your very many achievements in the other degrees we would be here all night and I really do wish to give Bro Peter Connolly an opportunity to say what he thinks about you in the Mark and Royal Ark Mariners. Suffice it to say therefore that you have held, and in some cases still hold, active and high rank in: The Knights Templar; The Rose Croix; Order of the Secret Monitor; Red Cross of Constantine; Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests; Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees; Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters; The Worshipful Society of Free Masons (the operatives) and the Royal Order of Scotland.

Peter Connolly, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons of West Lancashire, said the reason Frank had been so successful was his “phenomenal memory and accuracy”. He said that although Frank had not yet completed 50 years in Mark he “has certainly done 50 years worth of hard work”.

When Frank was appointed as Provincial Secretary there were 65 Mark Lodges and 24 RAMs. It is the largest Mark Province outside London and bigger than an average Craft Province. Frank served 18 years as Provincial Secretary, served four Mark Provincial Grand Masters and “survived” three Grand Secretaries

Dennis concluded by saying: “WM and Brethren, I don’t know about you but what I have said and what I have heard from Bro Peter leaves me quite exhausted. Neither of us could quite do sufficient justice to such a remarkable career in Freemasonry.”

Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell read out a commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master before it was presented to Frank by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

At the festive board Jack Forsyth paid tribute to an aspect of Frank’s life outside Freemasonry – his devotion to St Thomas’s Church in Stockton Heath. Frank had served for 12 years as Church Warden, is now deputy warden and acts as “cashier”.

Responding to the toast to his health Frank said he was “a glutton for punishment”. He also revealed that he had been given his middle name of Austin because his grandfather was a founder member of St Austin Lodge, the lodge into which Frank was eventually initiated.

Norman Prichard, the WM of Academy Lodge, presented Frank with a telephone system on behalf of members and a lapel badge showing that he had celebrated 60 years as a Freemason.

Frank Starkie

Frank Starkey is presented with his commemorative certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd watched by some of the Grand and acting Provincial Grand Officers who attended the special celebration meeting.

Frank Starkey

WM Norman Pritchard pins on the special lapel badge watched by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Paul Hesketh..

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Rabbi celebrates golden jubilee

A Rabbi who comes from a long line of Rabbonim spanning 16 generations and more than 500 years has celebrated the golden jubilee of him becoming a Freemason.

There was a special meeting of the Lodge of Israel 1502 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initiation into Freemasonry of Bro Rabbi Norman Zalud.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax presented Norman with a special commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

After accepting the gavel of the Lodge, Leon said that Norman had told him that his name was changed from Zaludkowski. Norman was born in Liverpool on 5 October 1932. His father Jacob was a cantor and minister. In fact, Norman is very proud of his roots because he comes from a long line of Rabbonim over 16 generations and going back some 500 years.

His mother, Enia, was, of course, the queen of the house and spent her time in his formative years looking after and educating Norman and his younger sister Ethel who was known as Eve. Both Norman and Eve attended the Holy Trinity Junior School in Southport. His secondary school was Quarry Bank Grammar School in Liverpool which John Lennon also attended but as he only arrived in 1952 Norman had already left and started on hisr journey towards his chosen vocation.

He left Quarry Bank at the age of 17 and went on to Jews College now known as the London School of Jewish Studies. His father tried very hard to dissuade him from following in his footsteps and tried to encourage him into a career in medicine. His mind though was made up and he started on what should have been a five-year course (which he completed in three years) studying Jewish and Philosophical Studies and chazanut (Jewish Liturgical Music). He also attended the Guildhall School of Music and studied operatic singing and piano.

Whilst at school he played tennis and such was his skill that he played for the school team and also took up and became proficient in table tennis. He started weight training whilst still at college and gained a northern area title in 1958 for the squat. The squat is often called "the king of exercises" by those who believe it capable of inducing more and faster muscle growth than any other exercise. Norman describes it as a deep knee bend whilst lifting 360lbs.

Norman often went to dances and would frequently be invited to sing romantic songs and would often accompany Cy Lawrie. On one occasion news of Norman’s extracurricular activities leaked to the Dean of the College. Norman was summoned before him and in no uncertain terms was made to choose between a career as a Rabbi or a professional entertainer.

On leaving Jews College, he applied for a position at Princes Road Synagogue in Liverpool but he was considered too young and inexperienced. Although disheartened he had no intention of returning to college. He persuaded his father to solicit the assistance of communal Rabbi Plitnik who was a personal friend of the then Chief Rabbi Brodie. Between those two great men it was agreed that he should try to gain some experience and was sent to a small community in Birkenhead but at the same time continuing his studies under various Rabbonim.

After a further three years he again presented himself to Rabbi Plitnik for examination. This time he was successful and was awarded the Chief Rabbis certificate as a minister and allowed to use the designation Reverend. It was as Rev Zalud that Leon Tax first got to know him. This distinction earned him the opportunity for an appointment to a much larger congregation. The Allerton Hebrew Congregation employed him as junior minister and cantor.

In 1961 his Uncle Hersh Morris, also a minister, who was serving South Manchester Hebrew Congregation suffered a heart attack and was unable to take part as planned at a wedding ceremony. Because Norman had a connection with the groom via his service to both Birkenhead and the Allerton congregations, he was invited to officiate alongside the Rev Carlebach.

Unrealised at the time, that event was to have a profound effect on his future career. It was at that simcha (wedding) that he met and became impressed by Rabbi Selvin Goldberg who will long be remembered for his work for and with the Manchester Congregation of British Jews. Two weeks after that meeting he was offered a position as junior minister with that congregation of 2,000 members.

Norman’s initial pleasure was dashed when his father expressed his disapproval. His mother fought his corner and persuaded Jacob to at least consider the matter. After an interval of three months Rabbi Goldberg was invited to meet with his parents and such was his charm that he convinced them to allow Norman to take up the post. Others though were not convinced as he discovered that his then part time employer King David School in Manchester for whom he taught Jewish Studies decided to cancel his contract. He started that employment at Jacksons Row in 1962 and for four years learned his trade alongside Selvin Goldberg.

In 1966 he was offered the appointment as minister to the Southport New Synagogue. He served there for 10 years before taking up post at the Liverpool Liberal Synagogue renamed Progressive in 1977 and further renamed the Liverpool Reform Synagogue in 2005.

During Norman’s tenure of 31 years he was extremely successful in building up the membership. During this time he assisted with many other activities. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said that Norman been foster Rabbi to his own Blackpool Reform congregation for some 35 years and continues to serve his congregation for both pastoral and educational activities.

Norman ministers to the North Manchester Reform Synagogue and serves 12 different prisons as prison Chaplain. He is active as Chaplain to the Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade and frequently accompanies them at camp, rarely missing the annual camp. He is involved with and provides Bar Mitzvah classes for Delamere Forest School in Cheshire which provides education for special needs children from Jewish communities all over the country.

It was always Norman’s plan to complete his studies and to receive the accolade of his teachers, (the Jews call it semicha which translates as the laying on of hands), by earning the right to be styled as Rabbi. This he achieved by resuming studies at the Leo Baeck College. His thesis or dissertation on ‘The Jewish Prisoner from Ancient to Modern Times’ was received with acclamation by the rabbinic assembly.

Just a few weeks later he was ordained as Rabbi by Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein and Rabbi Neil Craft in Liverpool.

Norman has met the Queen on three separate occasions, at a Royal Garden Party, at the Jewish Museum in Manchester and on that very special occasion at St James Palace at the commencement of the 2002 Queen’s Baton Relay marking the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty when he was selected to hand on the baton.

Norman met his wife Barbara whilst serving at Jacksons Row where she was secretary for the junior membership. They were married in 1965 at that synagogue and had three children. Richard died in infancy at the age of two. Their other children are Harvey now 43 and David now 37. Leon Tax said: “Neither of them has followed you into Freemasonry, nor have they married or had families and sadly it seems for the present that neither is intent on extending the Zalud line of Rabbonim so that the 500-year tradition of serving the community seems at end.”

Norman was initiated into this Lodge of Israel No 1502 on 11 May 1959. His proposer was Bro Isaac Josephs and the proposition was seconded by Bro Rev Sam Wolfson

His vocation prevented him from making progress to the chair and along with the deteriorating health of his wife kept him away from lodge on numerous occasions. He become a joining member of Shalom Lodge No 7541 and Carmel Lodge No 7835 both meeting in Southport. He started to progress towards the chair and served all the offices as far as Junior Warden.

He enjoy the ritual and would often deliver the working tools and the charge after initiation. His skill as a vocalist was frequently utilised when he was called upon to sing the Master’s Song. In 1991 he joined Masada Lodge No 8638 and served that lodge for a time as chaplain. Masada Lodge subsequently amalgamated with the Lodge of Israel in 2002.

He frequently commuted from Liverpool to Southport in order to get to lodge, to practices and to committee meetings. The brethren aware of his entertaining skills frequently urged that he take his guitar with him.

Barbara’s health became a matter of even greater concern and after much heart searching made the decision to withdraw from progressing to Senior Warden, this despite the assurances of the brethren that they would support you by taking over many if not all of his duties in order to get him to and through the chair. Masada Lodge also approached him to take Senior Warden but his concern for Barbara and very heavy commitments to his ministry caused him to decline.

Leon Tax said: “Bro Norman Zalud on the day that you were made a mason, you were charged to be respectable in life, useful to mankind and an ornament to the society of which you were that day, made a member. Every brother present today is in no doubt that you have fulfilled those obligations and we join in congratulating you on attaining this wonderful achievement.

“Norman, for me it has been a tremendous privilege to research, write and deliver this brief history of the life and times of Norman Zalud. I am privileged to be able to consider you as a friend and as a mentor.”

There was a pleasant surprise for the Assistant Provincial Grand Master at the end of the meeting when a number of cheques were presented to him.

There was £500 for Help4Heroes; £300 for Liverpool Samaritans; £300 for the 2010 Festival; £200 for Liverpool Masonic Hall; £250 for the Alzheimer’s Society and £250 Marie Curie. There was also a personal cheque from Rabbi Zalud to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.

Leon Tax remarked that he was very pleasantly surprised - and the event was not an Installation !

Rabbi Zalud

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax congratulates Rabbi Norman Zalud on the 50th anniversary of his initiation into Freemasonry.

Rabbi Zalud

Rabbi Norman Zalud with a few of the guests who attended the special meeting of the Lodge of Israel.

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Jack’s extraordinary service praised

The extraordinary contribution made by the Rev Jack Jermy as a teacher, headmaster, vicar and Freemason were praised at a special meeting to mark the golden jubilee of his initiation into Freemasonry.

A large number of brethren including the leaders of Masonic orders gathered in Chorley Masonic Hall to hear Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson outline Jack’s career as a teacher, headmaster and vicar along with the “significant contribution to his lodge, to the Province and to so many different constituents of the Craft”.

It was almost impossible to list all of Jack’s Masonic achievements but on the menu card there was a summary of his “career”. In Craft, he was initiated in Astley Lodge No 6234 in 1959 serving as WM in 1974 and again in 1996. He appointed Provincial Grand Chaplain in 1978 and was made Past Assistant Grand Chaplain in 1984.

In the Royal Arch he was exalted into Perseverance Chapter No 155 in 1979 and served as its First Principal in 1983. He was appointed PPrGSN in Provincial Grand Chapter and in 1996 was made a PGStdB in Supreme Grand Chapter. From 1996 to 1999 he served as the Third Provincial Grand Principal.

Jack has had a long and distinguished association with the Mark Degree and The Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. He served as Provincial Grand Chaplain from 1972 to 1977 and from 1978 to 1982 was Assistant Provincial Grand Master. In 1979 he received Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank and served as Assistant Grand Chapin in that year when he was also appointed to Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. From 1980 to 1981 he served as Deputy Grand Chaplain and was Grand Chaplain from 1982 to 1984. He served as Deputy Provincial Grand Master from 1983 to 1987 and was Grand Master Overseer in 1996.

Jack was a founder member of five Rose Croix Chapters, a Member of the 32nd Degree and a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

After military service Charles Jermy returned to Norfolk where he was a gamekeeper and eventually married Beatrice, who hailed from the neighbouring county of Suffolk. Shortly afterwards, he successfully applied for a job as a gamekeeper on the Wirral Estate of the Lord Leverhulme, who was an enthusiastic Freemason and became the Junior Grand Warden of England.

Jack was the youngest of their four boys.

After attending Thornton Hough Primary School, he passed the 11-plus for Wirral Grammar School. He played rugby for the school and a regular fixture was against the Caldy Grange Grammar School and if they didn’t beat them 60 – 0, they had had a bad day. Later on in his Masonic life he had a lot of contact with Alan Fletcher Ferris, who was Provincial Grand Master from 1991 to 1990. He was an old boy of Caldy Grange and Jack apparently took great delight in reminding him of some of those scores.

Jack started work at Shell’s Stanlow oil refinery, where he trained as an accountant, but, this was curtailed when, in 1941 he joined the army. Having spent three years training to be an accountant the army, naturally, put him in the Dental Corps, where amongst many others, he X-rayed the teeth of Field Marshall Montgomery and Field Marshall the Lord Wavell.

After he was demobilised he took the decision that was to put him on course for what was to be a successful and fulfilling career and he entered teacher-training college. Three years later he began this career in a school at Bramford, in his mother’s home county of Suffolk.

By then he had married Eileen, whom he met in 1941 whilst doing his army dental training in Preston. She was a nurse at the Sharoe Green Hospital. His first teaching post in Suffolk lasted three years but he continually travelled to Lancashire to see Eileen’s father, who was seriously ill, so in 1953, he obtained a post at St. Saviour’s, where you stayed for three years. Whilst at St Saviour’s he taught his daughter Hilary. After three years at St Saviour’s he moved just up the road to St John’s School in Whittle-le-Woods and, after just one year as a class teacher, his talents were recognised and rewarded with an appointment to headmaster.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master then said: “Regrettably, your period at St John’s, though mainly happy, was marred by the odd young hooligan. There was one particularly naughty boy who, despite having being warned that it was forbidden to recover footfalls that had been kicked from the playground onto the A6 road, would insist, if he thought you weren’t about, on nipping over the fence to get his ball back. One day you were about and you gave him a good slap across the backside. Paul Snape, for it was he, appears to have been put on the straight and narrow by you Jack, for which we are all most grateful.”

Later in the evening Paul Snape, who is now Vice-chairman of the Chorley Group, proposed the toast to Jack’s health.

After six years at Whittle-le-Woods he became the headmaster of St Simon and St Jude’s School in Bolton. He had a hand in the design of this new school, where he was head for 16 years and, it was whilst at St Simon and St Jude’s that he made another life-changing decision and decided to undertake Ordination training. With help from his employers he managed to combine his role as headmaster with that of student. He undertook training at Whalley Abbey and at Ripon College at Cuddeston, just outside Oxford, which trains men, and now women for ordination in the Church of England.

Jack was ordained in 1965 and the very next Sunday took Holy Communion at the Holy Trinity Church in Bolton. He officiated for nearly a year at Holy Trinity and then spent a few years at Euxton Parish Church until, in 1974, he accepted an invitation to become the Vicar of Rivington Parish Church. Until then, and for the first few years at Rivington, Jack was still the headmaster of a school and his religious duties were done in addition to his full-time and demanding profession.

Jack spent a very happy 25 years as the Curate-in-Charge of Rivington Parish Church.

Jack was happily married to Eileen for almost 47 and, for the first 19 years of his service at Rivington Church, she was organist until she died in 1993. They had one daughter, Hilary, and Jack now has two grand-children. Karen is a quantity surveyor and Mark is a police officer in Wigan and he and his wife presented him with two grand children, Abigail and Freya.

Mark’s father, Ken Ryding, is Ken Ryding PPrJGW. As well as being an East Lancashire Mason with his roots in the Lodge of Antiquity in Bolton, he recently joined the Lodge of Antiquity at Horwich. Ken went into the chair of the Horwich-based Lodge of Antiquity in January.

Although Ken was taken into hospital three days before the special meeting with heart problems he was discharged in the afternoon and was able to attend the meeting.

The lodge secretary read out the minutes of the meeting when Jack was initiated into Astley Lodge.

Frank Wilkinson said: “There are many very distinguished brethren present this evening, all of whom have come to pay tribute to you Jack. I can’t name them all but, starting with the Royal Arch, we have WBro Brian Jackson, a Past Deputy Grand Superintendent and WBro Alan Byers, who has recently retired from many years as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.

“You are a member of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, more commonly know as Rose Croix, where you are extremely senior, being a member of the thirty-second degree and a founder member of five Rose Croix Chapters.

“I’m sure that you’re as pleased as I am to see your friend and mine, WBro David Mills, who is the Inspector General for the District of South West Lancashire.

“Brethren, this evening’s celebration is about Bro Jermy’s 50 years as a member of Craft Freemasonry, but I really cannot ignore his contribution to yet another Order and one in which he has, without a doubt, made his most significant contribution, and of course, I refer to his membership of Mark Masonry.

“The regard in which you are held in the Mark Degree is exemplified by the fact that you have been granted honorary membership of no fewer than 10 Mark Lodges, and by the fact that we have with us today, from the Mark Degree, the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Peter Connolly, who is accompanied by his Deputy Provincial Grand Master, WBro. Tony Harrison and one of his Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBro Danny Jones, as well as others from the Great and Good of that Order.”

Also present at the meeting was the Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Rev Graham Halsall who is the Vicar of St Saviour’s in Bamber Bridge, which is where Jack first started teaching in Lancashire.

Bro. Jermy, this is the eighth celebration that I’ve done since my first in November last year and I’ve had the pleasure of researching the careers of some very dedicated and assiduous Freemasons, one of whom, W. Bro. Bill Ward, is in this room.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master concluded by saying to Jack: “Your entire life has been an example of what makes a good citizen, a good husband, and a good parent. You’ve been an educator of our children, a dedicated servant of the Church, and, above all, in the context of this evening, an excellent Freemason who has always been a fine ambassador for the Craft, and it now affords me great pleasure to ask W.Bro John Robson, the Chairman of the Chorley and District Group of Lodges, to read to you a certificate, which is an acknowledgement of the Province of West Lancashire’s great appreciation of your half a century of service to the Craft.”

At the social board Paul Snape said it was every schoolboy’s dream to be able to stand up and talk about his headmaster. He recalled the days when he attended “Jack’s Academy” and said he had been “a guide, mentor and good example”. In proposing the toast to Jack’s health he said that the large attendance show the “high esteem” in which he is held.

The Worshipful Master presented Jack with a DVD player from members of Astley Lodge.

Jack Jermy

The Rev Jack Jermy is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master and some of the many Brethren who attended his 50th anniversary celebration.

Jack Jermy

The Rev Jack Jermy shows his commemorative certificate to Ken Riding.

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Ernest’s diamond jubilee

Pilgrim Lodge No 6207 marked a great anniversary for a respected and well loved Brother, Ernest Stanworth Cotton, when he celebrated 60 years as a Freemason. At the celebration, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John V Moore took the Chair and addressed Ernest.

John, thanked Ernest for his service to his country, community, family and to Freemasonry.

Ernest was proposed as a candidate for initiation into Pilgrim Lodge on 22 April 1949 by George Edward Alexander Machonacie and seconded by the Senior Warden James Keeble both of whom were founder members of the Lodge.

He was balloted for and initiated on the 20 May 1949 which was also his 21st birthday by the Worshipful Master Norman Hope Marshall who was also a founder member of the Lodge. This date was arranged by the founders at the express wish of his father, who was also a founder, but had unfortunately died 12 months earlier.

Together with Peter Hargraves he was passed on 21 October 1949 and raised on 17 February 1950 by the Worshipful Master James Keeble. This was the last but one meeting held at the Kings Arms Hotel prior to the move to the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Ormskirk.

Ernest was born on the 20 May 1928 at 125 Southport Road, Scarisbrick which after the boundaries were changed in 1934 became Ormskirk. He attended school at Derby Street Infant School (now Stokers Furniture) going on to Aughton Street Boys’ School and Wigan Road Boys’ School (The Ormskirk School) where he won a scholarship to Wigan Technical College. He went on to the Liverpool City College of Technology and successfully gained a Higher National Certificate in Engineering (with Steam Endorsement)

On leaving school he joined the family engineering business, his father being extremely ill, and when his father passed away he carried on this business until his retirement in 1985.

As with many young people in the 1950’s Ernest enjoyed ballroom dancing but he took it very seriously, entering competitions. During this time he met Joyce who not only became his girlfriend but also his dancing partner and they had many happy successes winning the North of England Novice Trophy and many others prizes

Joyce and Ernest were married on 21 February 1959 and on 6 July 1964 they had a son Ian Mark who was also for a time was a member of Pilgrim Lodge.

Unfortunately in later years Joyce developed leukaemia and after several years struggle against the disease finally succumbed 15 years ago.

During the period 1962 to 1965 he served as councillor for the Aughton Ward of the District of Ormskirk, was a governor of St Bede’s School and a committee member of the Ormskirk Young Peoples’ Club.

Ernest has always been an active member of the Lodge becoming a steward after his raising and working his way up the ladder until he became Worshipful Master in 1962. He was installed by Peter Hargraves with whom he had been passed in 1949.

After carrying out his duties as Immediate Past Master he briefly became almoner in March 1967 before taking over the duties of secretary in April 1967. He remained secretary until 1985 when he again became Senior Warden and was installed for a second time as Worshipful Master in 1986.

In 1992 he became the charity steward of the Lodge a position he held until 1999. During the time Ernest held the position of secretary he was also the Lodge’s group representative and Masonic Hall representative.

He was given his first Provincial Honour in 1978 as the Senior Deacon for the Province of West Lancashire. He was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1987.

In 2006 he was again installed as Worshipful Master and remained for a further 12 months in 2007 making a total of four years as Worshipful Master.

A Royal Arch Mason, he was exalted into Stanley of Bickerstaffe Chapter 3511 in November 1962, became first Principal in 1979 and was DC from 1982 until 1997. He became Third Principal again in 1999 progressing through the Principals’ Chairs. He was given Provincial Honours in 1987 as Past Provincial Grand Sojourner and promoted to Past Provincial Scribe Nehamia.

Ernest is also a member on many other orders in Freemasonry being a Provincial Officer in the Mark Degree, Red Cross and was an acting Provincial Officer in the Secret Monitor. He was also Recorder of his Rose Croix Chapter.

Ernest Cotton

Ernest Stanworth Cotton is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore

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Louis misses his big night

Illness forced Albert Louis Lunn to miss what should have been one of the highlights of his time as a Royal Arch Freemason.

Although he now lives in Yorkshire he is an honorary member of the Gilbert Greenall Chapter No 1250 in Warrington and a special meeting was arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his exaltation.

Unfortunately only a short time before the meeting was due to be held Louis had to say that he was not fit enough to make the journey.

John Hutton, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, decided that the special meeting should still go ahead so that he could pay tribute in Chapter to a man with a “remarkable track record”.

The commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Superintendent which should have been presented to Louis was given for safe keeping to Chris Gleave, First Principal of Gilbert Greenall Chapter. Arrangements will be made to present the certificate to Louis in Yorkshire.

Louis was born in 1916, in Rothwell, which is part of Leeds. In 1927 he won a scholarship to the City of Leeds School and matriculated in 1932 with distinctions in French and German and went on to obtain a scholarship to attend Leeds University to read Modem Languages. Unfortunately after his father’s death in 1932, Louis’s mother insisted he obtained work to support the family and he obtained work as an apprentice salesman with Montague Burton the Tailors in a Leeds. That was the start of a career which saw Louis later open his own shop and expand the business into several towns after moving to Warrington.

His tailoring was interrupted by the Second World War, when he was called up for the army. Louis’s army service began in 1940 with the King's Own Royal Regiment and he was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal and embarked on his five year grand tour of the North African Deserts. His organisational skills were quickly recognised and he gained promotion rapidly. From Lance Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain to eventuallyto Major. Along the way he served as the Adjutant of the Ethiopian Training Centre before returning to England for de-mob. He was awarded Certificate of Meritorious Service.

Along the way he learnt to speak several languages including Amharic (Ethiopian).

Returning to Civvy Street in July 1946 he resumed again as manager at Montague Burton's branch in Warrington. Shortly after in December 1946 he left Montague Burton to open his own tailor's shop in Warrington. Business grew and in January 1951 Louis formed "Lunn the Tailor Ltd." and began building a small group of tailors and outfitters shops – two in Warrington and others in Northwich, Chester, St Helens, Widnes and Kirby.

In the space of 10 days Louis’s family was struck by tragedy. One week after he and his wife Mary celebrated their golden wedding anniversary she died of a heart attack Three days later Louis’s son Peter was found dead in bed, also of a heart attack.

After retiring to Hunmanby, Yorkshire he married his late brother James's widow Evelyn - his first wife's best friend. Sadly in October of 2000 Evelyn died of leukaemia.

John Hutton told the meeting of Louis’s work in the community which he said was “truly a Masonic spirit and an example to us all”.

Following his initiation into Widnes Lodge No 2819 in 1958 Louis has been actively involved in several lodges and has served as Master, secretary and DC in some of them including Widnes Lodge, Gilbert Greenall Lodge. Warrington Temple Lodge No 6420, Settantia Lodge of Installed Masters and Lathom Provincial Officers’ Lodge

His service to the Province was marked in June 1976 by elevation into Provincial Grand Lodge as Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon and in 1986 began lecturing on Craft history.

In the Province of Yorkshire North and East Ridings Louis is a member of Portus Felix Lodge No 6712, Inquirimus Lodge of Installed Masters No 8132 and Royal Lodge No 643. In 1995 he was appointed Past Provincial Grand Registrar and this was followed in 2000 with promotion to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

In 2005 Louis was awarded the Provincial Grand Master's Certificate of Service to Masonry at Provincial Grand Lodge. This is the highest honour that can be awarded in this Province of 4,000 Masons. Only 11 masons have received this Certificate in the past 20 years.

Louis was exalted in Equity Chapter No 1384 at Widnes but most of his Royal Arch masonry has been confined to Warrington and Gilbert Greenall Chapter and Travellers Chapter No 4679 where he was a founding Scribe Ezra. He was first principal of 1250 in 1973 before serving as Scribe E for 12 years.

He was appointed Past Principal Grand Sojourner in 1981 and this was followed with promotion to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 1984.

He began lecturing in Royal Arch Masonry in 1986 and was elected as Honorary Member of 1250 in 1995

Joined Royal Chapter 643 in Filey Yorkshire in 1989 and quickly progressed to Scribe Ezra, and was appointed Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 1995. He is presently Almoner of Royal Chapter.

Presentation

John Hutton presents Louis Lunn’s commemorative certificate to First Principal of Gilbert Greenall Chapter Chris Gleave watched by Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell.

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Ken was destined to be a Freemason

Ken Higginbotham celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry at a meeting of Fallowfield Lodge No 3693 at Urmston Masonic Hall in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Stanley Oldfield.

Ken was born on 9 March 1926 and it appears that he was always destined to become a Freemason as his mother was the niece of two founder members of Fallowfield Lodge. He went to school at St Paul’s in Withington and later to Burnage High School, leaving at the age of 16 when he became an apprentice electrician.

In 1944 at the age of 18, Ken joined the Royal Navy and served on escort vessels on North Atlantic convoys throughout the war, and then on minesweepers until his discharge. He maintained links with the Royal Navy as Vice President of the Stockport White Ensign Association.

Ken returned to his training to complete his apprenticeship and on completion of that training he joined one of the largest electrical contracting companies in the country. He became the engineer in charge of electrical installation work on several large sites both in the UK and overseas in Iran, Sudan and West Africa. On his return from West Africa he was further promoted to site services manager responsible for personnel, plant and safety equipment. During this time Ken became the Chairman of the Manchester Branch of the Electrical Contractors’ Association.

In 1987, at the age of 61, he was made redundant but this lasted only for one week because he was quickly snapped up by the Construction Industry Training Board and worked for a further five years.

Ken has already celebrated one golden jubilee because he has now been married to Margaret for 53 years and they have three sons and six grandchildren.

Ken’s Masonic career began in East Lancashire on 21 April 1959 when he was initiated into Halcyon Lodge No 5300, eventually becoming the Master of that Lodge in 1975, and he is one of a privileged band of brothers who has initiated his son into our Order, which he did in 1988 with his son Simon. He held several offices in his former Lodge, one of being secretary for five years and on joining this Lodge in 1997 it was only a matter of months before he was appointed as secretary again, a position that he has held for the past 12 years.

Provincial honours came in East Lancashire in 1987 followed by promotion to the rank of PPrJGD in 1992, and appointment to the same rank in this Province in 2002. Ken is a member of Chorlton Chapter No 1387 and holds the high rank of PPrGSN in recognition of his 28 years as Scribe E.

Stanley Oldfield concluded by saying that Ken had gained the respect of everyone who knew him and that it was a privilege to be with him on this very special occasion.

Ken Higginbotham

Ken in his garden in Cheadle wearing the 50 Year pin presented to him by the brethren of Fallowfield Lodge.

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Golden celebration in Harry’s home

Harry Fairy, PPrJGW, celebrated 50 years of Freemasonry with North Fylde Group Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson and group chairman Jack Coates who had made the trip to Harry’s home in Cleveleys to mark the milestone event.

Harry, who is 93 years young, was not well enough to go along to his mother lodge, Cleveleys Park Lodge No 7540, and so Terry and Jack, together with lodge almoner Frank Westhead, made sure the golden anniversary did not go untoasted by taking the celebrations to him.

Terry passed on the good wishes of the Provincial Grand Master and presented Harry with a certificate to commemorate his long service to Masonry as Jack, Frank and Harry’s wife Kathleen drank a toast to his health. Cleveleys Park Lodge made a gift of a carriage clock and specially engraved plaque to mark the occasion.

Harry has the unique claim to fame that he was the first initiate of the lodge to become WM since it was consecrated in 1958. He became WM in 1969. Harry also enjoys his Chapter Freemasonry and is a PPrGSN and an honorary member of Thornton Cleveleys Chapter. He is also a Past Principal of Senatores Chapter of Installed First Principals.

Over the years at Cleveleys Park Lodge, amongst other jobs, he has been secretary and treasurer and was involved in helping to manage West Drive, Cleveleys, Masonic Hall. His son Edwin and his grandson have followed in his footsteps by becoming Masons in Cheshire. Wife Kathleen is delighted to add to the story that she and Harry have been married for 71 years - and three months! They have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Harry is a local man who was educated at Baines Grammar School and who joined Brown and Jackson of Fleetwood as a quantity surveyor after leaving the army at the end of the war. He saw active service in the army in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. Harry was so taken with Taormina in Sicily that he and Kathleen have holidayed there several times over the years.

Harry spent a very pleasant morning reminiscing about the good old days.

Harry Fairy

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson presents Harry Fairy with his commemorative certificate.

Harry Fairy

Celebration time in Harry’s home

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Arthur is a “remarkable man”

Arthur Cowan was described as a “remarkable man” when he celebrated the diamond jubilee of his becoming a Freemason at a meeting of the Lodge of Israel No 1502.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stanley Oldfield said Arthur was a remarkbable man who had seen so many aspects of life including being involved in the D-Day landings when he “served his country well”.

Born on 27 April 1917 in Liverpool Arthur joined his father’s tailoring business in Waterloo after leaving school and by 1938 father had opened another Branch in Moor Lane, Crosby where he became the manager.

This appointment however proved to be short lived because in September 1939 the Second World War broke out and he immediately registered for enlistment in His Majesty’s Services. And Shortly after that there were problems with the British Expeditionary Force resulting the evacuation from Dunkirk in early 1940 and in order to build up sufficient forces for a return to Europe he was called up in the Spring of that year. He said Arthur had served the community in Crosby and Formby as well as devoting service to the Crosby Synagogue. Arthur had also served his lodge “extremely well” and gained the respect of everyone who has known him.

The country suffered through the Blitz at that time and Arthur was posted to Dover as part of a new company to repel an expected German invasion. In that short space of time he was promoted to Corporal and when the imminent invasion did not take place was moved around the South Coast of England as the long build up for D Day landings was being planned.

By this time he had been promoted to sergeant and on the Morning of D-Day, 6 June 1944, Arthur, together with other soldiers of hisr unit sailed to Arramanches taking with them the famous Mulberry Harbour, part of which remains there to this day.

In the 100 days following D-Day this harbour was used to land more than 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and 4 million tons of supplies.

On returning to civilian life Arthur went back to the family business of tailoring and menswear in Crosby until he retired at the age of 78 years of which 64 had been spent working. Arthur still lives in Crosby with his wife, Jacqueline.

A very active member of the Crosby Synagogue Arthur first became secretary and then treasurer before he became president, an office which he held for 20 years.

He was one of 600 members of the Crosby Chamber of Trade where he was again elected as president and after two years you became the rresident of the newly formed Formby Chamber of Trade

Arthur became a Freemason on 25 April 1949 having had to wait for three years because of men waiting to join and then a further three years before he was made a Master Mason. Although Arthur did not become Master of the Lodge he served it extremely well being a steward for 20 years and assisting in the other offices when asked. In 2005 he was appointed to the rank of PPrAGStdB in recognition of what he had done for his lodge.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented Arthur with a commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

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Bill is ‘one of the old school’

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd paid tribute to “one of the old school” who has done so much to keep his lodge going.

He was speaking at the special meeting of Newton Lodge No 6288 to celebrate the golden jubilee of the initiation of William Cartridge.

He said: “In recent years there has been a lot said by the Provincial Grand Masters, Deputy Provincial Grand Masters and my colleague Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, past and present, of the worrying decline in the number of suitable young men we are able to attract into Freemasonry.

Your Lodge, Worshipful Master has suffered more than most lodges in that candidates have been few and far between. Fortunately there appears to be a slight increase in the number of initiations over the last year or two so let us hope that this agreeable trend will continue and that in the near future, this the Newton Lodge will be able to attract men of the right quality.

Just as an aside Brethren, but I am confident that this will not apply to this Lodge which has amongst its members Brethren of vast experience, I sometimes worry that some Lodges show their desperation at the lack of candidates by agreeing to admit into Freemasonry someone who in healthier times might not have been able to pass the initial interview with the Lodge committee.

However, once we are fortunate enough to have a suitable candidate who we proceed to initiate, then the next task is to retain him. This is where the Mentoring Programme should come into its own by looking after our new members and making them feel welcome amongst us. They are the life blood of the future of Freemasonry. They are the future Masters of our Lodges, future secretaries, future DCs, future Provincial Grand Officers, future Grand Officers, and, yes future Assistant Provincial, Deputy and even Provincial Grand Masters of this Province

“You might well wonder Brethren why I have chosen to mention this particular point on this particular occasion. The answer is simple. We are here this evening to pause and to put aside any concerns which this lodge may have about the future in order to pay tribute and to honour one of the old school who has done so much to keep this Lodge going in recent years and devoted so much more to Freemasonry in general than he ever thought he would, in return, receive from it. But Brethren, I hasten to suggest, that the Brother we are here to honour tonight did not give a moments thought of that concept for the simple reason that he has enjoyed every moment of his membership without wondering what honours might come his way.”

Born in Golborne, Bill Cartridge was described by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master as a man who is “certainly wearing well for someone looking forward to his 90th birthday in less than six months time”.

He obtained a Higher National Certificate in engineering at Newton Technical College which lead to an apprenticeship with Naylor Brothers Construction Engineers. He then spent the next 30 years with Macdonald General Engineers in Haydock until this firm went into receivership. The receivers, however, retained his services for a further 18 months, on the completion of which he returned to Naylor Brothers taking on the role of plant manager. When the site was taken over by Unit Pallets he took the job of stock controller retiring from there at the age of 66 in 1985.

Bill served as a voluntary member of the Home Guard and wascalled up for service at the beginning of the Second World War and posted to Davenport Dockyard. Almost as soon he arrived he was sent back on the grounds that he was in a reserved occupation and was transferred to the Cammell Lairds Shipbuidling Yards at Birkenhead.

On 12 June Bill and his wife Freda will be celebrating the 66th anniversary of their marriage with daughter Eileen, grandchildren and two great-granddaughters

Bill was initiated into Freemasonry exactly 50 years ago to the day of the celebration. He was WM in 1971. As Immediate Past Master he immediately accepted office as Almoner.

He has served the lodge as ADC, DC and Chaplain. Only last month yet again he was appointed Chaplain for the 25th time.

His first Provincial rank was that of PPrJGD and he was further rewarded in 1991 by with promotion to his present rank of PPrJGW. He is also a member of other Masonic orders.

Dennis Rudd said: “Bro Bill, you have led a full and active life with your family, in your business life, your work within the community with your church and in your Freemasonry and you are a wonderful example to us all. I am sure I speak on behalf of all those present this evening and indeed on behalf of those many friends, work colleagues, fellow church goers and Masonic brethren whose lives you have touched in so many ways and for so many years, when I say thank you and express the sincere wish that you will continue to do so for many years to come.”

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master then presented Bill with a commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

Bill Cartridge

Bill Cartridge is presented with his commemorative certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd watched by Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Higham.

Bill Cartridge

The toast to Bill’s health at the festive board was proposed by David Whitmore who also presented him with a bottle of whisky watched by the WM of Newton Lodge, Geoff Bond.

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Celebration time for Stanley

Stanley Power, who has acted as tyler and janitor for many lodges and chapters, has celebrated the golden jubilee of being exalted into the Royal Arch.

The celebration took place at a meeting of Grassendale Chapter No 4808 at Woolton Golf Club.

Stanley was born on 22 July,1927 the son of Thomas and Gladys Power, in Bootle.

At the age of five with his parents having moved to moved to Anfield he went to Holy Trinity, C of E School Walton Breck. In June 1935, his parents moved to Clubmoor and Stanley’s education was transferred to Roscoe Balantyne Road for three years and Roscoe Garsfield Road for three years.

He left school at the age of 14 after the infamous "May Blitz". He had started work in the office of Walker Cain Ltd eight days before his 14th birthday with the full blessing of the school authorities. Stanley worked with the same company for 49 years. Two of those years were, of course, spent in National Service in the Royal Navy.

Stanley was initiated in Grassendale Lodge No 4808 in 1956 and celebrate his golden anniversary in lodge in 2006. He served as WM in 1994 and for the second in 2006. He was a Founder Member of the now amalgamated Mossley Hill Lodge. He was appointed Tyler of Imperial Lodge No 2711 and was later asked if he would take on the office of secretary from which he took a break when invited to be WM again. Imperial amalgamated with Sefton Lodge in order to be known as Imperial Sefton No 680. He became a member of Liverpool Mercantile Lodge No 4319 and joined that select band with feet in both camps, dangerous when boules and croquet are mentioned in the same breath.

A very signal honour was accorded to him when he became an Honorary Member of St George's Lodge of Harmony No 32.

Stanley was exalted in Grassendale Chapter in April 1959. He was appointed Scribe E in 1993, an office he held until 2007 when Tony Hynes took over. He joined Tracery Chapter and went through the Three Chairs twice. Tracery Chapter has gone out of existence and he is now a member of Sefton Chapter No 680.

Stanley is also in several other Masonic degrees.

Stanley lost his wife Blanche in 1991 after 35 years of marriage. They had one daughter, Janet who is the proud mother of Camilla aged 20 and Lauren aged 18 years.

Stanley Power

Stanley Power is pictured receiving his commemorative certificate from Past Provincial Third Grand Principal the Rev Kenneth Cox watched by Woolton Group Chairman David Hawkes and vice-chairman David Hilliard.

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Lodge marks Edwin’s golden jubilee

Edwin Crook has celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry and as a member of Old Worden Lodge.

This is a significant achievement for any Freemason and the lodge members decided that they could not let this milestone pass without due recognition.

Three senior lodge members visited Edwin at his home to present him with an engraved cut glass bowl on behalf of the lodge.

Edwin has served Old Worden Lodge well over the years. He was Worshipful Master in 1974-75 and has also occupied the office of lodge treasurer.

Edwin very much enjoyed the visit and presentation and requested that his thanks be passed on to all the brethren of the lodge.

Edwin Crook

Pictured with Edwin Crook are Ken Potter and Bryan Holmes.

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Harry’s diamond jubilee

Harry Lundberg who is an honorary member of Excelsior Lodge No 3580 has celebrated the diamond jubilee of his initiation.

Harry was born in Liverpool on 6 July 1920 and lived in the Breeze Hill area. He attended Arnot School on County Road, Walton, and it was here he first met Fred Jones who he subsequently went through his school days with whom he is still very friendly.

He went on to study at Old Swan Technical College and then went to work at ATM (Automatic Telephones) where he became an Automatic Telephone Equipment Inspector in 1937.

During the war he served in the RAF where he was an instrument repairer. He worked mainly on Hurricanes, Gladiators and Lysanders. He saw overseas service in the Sudan, Far East, North Africa, Italy and Italy.

Harry returned to the telephone company but his travelling did not stop for he went on to work in Canada, Brazil and India.

Harry was initiated into Stanley Priory Lodge No 6741 on 12 February 1949, at the age of 28. He was the third candidate to join the Lodge as it was only founded on 8 October 1948. Also initiated on the same day was John (Jack) Ramsey who was at the time a serving Army Major. He became WM in 1960. He served the lodge as chaplain, DC and treasurer between 1963 and 1984. His first Provincial rank, PPrSGD came in 1975 and he was promoted to PPrJGW in 1987.

Harry joined the Royal Arch Mariners Chapter No 249 in 1955 and was First Principal in 1967. He holds the rank of PPrGSN. He is also a member of several other Masonic degrees.

Harry is a widower and he has one daughter. He lost his wife in May 1983, after a long illness and prior to his 50th anniversary in Masonry in 1999.

Stanley Priory surrendered its warrant in 2004 and the majority of the members joined Excelsior Lodge No 3580. On 7 January 2005 Harry was balloted for honorary membership of the lodge, which was approved unanimously.

Harry has been in regular attendance only being inhibited by falling and breaking his hip in January 2008. He has since had problems with his health but always makes an effort to attend Lodge whenever he can.

Harry Lundberg

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones congratulates Harry Lundberg on his diamond jubilee watched by Syd Ford.

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Tony celebrates golden jubilee

The Widnes Group of Chapters joined with Tony Tallon at Widnes Chapter No 2819 in celebrating the golden jubilee of his membership of the Chapter.

The Chapter was joined in its celebrations by the Third Provincial Grand Principal, the Rev Harry E Ross, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John C Hutton and some 60 other Companions. The Chapter presented Tony with a cut glass vase to celebrate the occasion and in addition he received other gifts from the Widnes Group and the Chapter.

Exalted on 17 March 1959, Tony became MEZ in May 1978. Tony has also served the Chapter as its Charity Representative for more than 20 years and still continues to do so. Tony is well known and respected within the Widnes Group as its past group chairman and a member of many other Masonic orders that meet at the hall. Indeed, next year Tony will celebrate 50 years as a member of the Wilbraham Mark Lodge of Mark Masons. Tony obviously likes parties. A wonderful night was had by all those attending and everyone wished Tony many more years to enjoy his Freemasonry and we look forward to his 60 year celebration.

Tony Tallon

Pictured, left to right, are: Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Kevin Poynton, Alan Locke, Alan Griffiths, the Rev Harry Ross, Tony Tallon, John Hutton and David Redhead.

Tony Tallon

Provincial Grand Third Principal the Rev Harry E Ross congratulates Tony Tallon on his golden jubilee.

Tony Tallon

Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead congratulates Tony Tallon.

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An achievement worth celebrating

Jeffrey Child celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry at the Blackpool Lodge of Sincerity No 4175 in Blackpool.

Terry Hudson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, commented that 60 years of Masonic service is an achievement well worth celebrating and was delighted to see such good numbers present to share that view. He then outlined Jeff’s history.

Jeffrey Child was born in Dewsbury in May 1915, the only child of Harry and Clara Childs. In partnership with his brother Tom, his father ran a successful business as a brush manufacturer. Tragically he died of tuberculosis at the very young age of 40, when Jeff was just nine-years-old. Following his father’s death there was an offer from his father’s uncle and wife to take him in. They lived in Blackpool and owned a fish and chip shop. Jeff well remembers that in those days, 80 years ago mind, he was able to sell a liberal portion of fish, chips, peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea for a shilling, which equates to just 5p now!

Jeff went to Revoe Junior School before gaining a scholarship to Palatine High School where he enjoyed the sporting activities rather more than the scholastic. He excelled at football and was invited for trials with Blackburn Rovers, before being approached by Blackpool, for whom he signed amateur forms in 1935, the year Joe Smith became manager. He regularly played for both the Blackpool A team and Blackpool Reserves before an injury at Bury ended his football career. Notably he is now Blackpool’s oldest surviving former player.

On leaving school he became an apprentice joiner with a builder. He went to night school at the old Blackpool Grammar School and in 1936 obtained a First Class City and Guilds Certificate in carpentry and joinery before being promoted to foreman joiner. In 1938 he sustained a serious injury when he fell 26 feet from the roof of a hotel, badly breaking his left foot, which cut short any ambitions of joining the forces in the following year, given the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war he was engaged in building construction work on air raid shelters, gun positions and converting old mills and holiday camps into barracks. In 1955 he became a Housing Repair Officer for Blackpool Borough Council where he remained until he retired in 1979.

He also served as a school governor for 20 years, first at Claremont Junior School, until its closure in 1969, and then at Warbreck High School, now known as Beacon Hill, which succeeded it.

As a young man he regularly attended dances at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and it was there that he met his future wife Margaret Ann Singleton. He married her and lived happily for over 62 years until, sadly, she passed away in February 2003. He has a son Stuart, a Past Master of Sincerity Lodge and who retains many happy memories of his early life with his father. His favourite reminiscence was when, on a visit to Worcester Cathedral in the early 50’s, a man in strange trousers engaged Jeff in conversation in the grounds before offering to guide him round the Cathedral. After the short tour Jeff commented that he seemed very knowledgeable of the place and did he work there? - to which the man replied that he supposed he did really, but then again, he was the Bishop.

His interest in Freemasonry was stimulated by Alfred Mills Radcliffe, his next door neighbour who became his proposer into Sincerity Lodge, his seconder being Harold Roebuck. Jeff was initiated on the 9 March 1949.

In those days the Blackpool Lodge of Sincerity was a large and exciting lodge of which to be a member, with a long waiting list for admission, where there were never less than 10 stewards at any one time and where the ambiance of the meetings seemed never to be less than wonderfully vibrant. As a consequence Jeff found it easy to settle down in such a happy atmosphere.

He has so many fond memories of his years in Sincerity Lodge. Pivotal are those of the Blackpool and England footballing legend, Stan Mortensen, who became a member of the lodge. Members from that period of the lodge’s history will remember when Blackpool won the FA Cup in 1953, and the occasion when Stan brought the actual FA Cup to the festive board when memorably, the Worshipful Master, Leonard Jones, bought three bottles of champagne and filled the cup with them so that every brother could have a drink out of it.

Jeff served all of the offices in the Lodge until on 13 November 1963, he was Installed into the chair of Sincerity Lodge by Alec Shuttleworth. It was particularly pleasing to him that his proposer, Alf Radcliffe was able both to present him and also to deliver the Address to him as Master. Jeff recalls a very busy year with his performing two initiations and three raisings under a very exacting Director of Ceremonies in Harry Cookson, He enjoyed his year immensely making many visits. His Ladies’ Evening was held at the Imperial Hotel with an attendance of more than 240, as was so often the case in those days, complete with the then obligatory full English breakfast after midnight.

His service to Sincerity Lodge since his Mastership has been one of commitment. He served the lodge as Charity Steward for 10 years from 1976 to 1986 and as Group Representative for eight years from 1998 to 1996. In 1974 Jeff was appointed to the rank of PPrJGD and in 1983 was promoted to PPrJGW. Furthermore when the lodge formed its own Royal Arch Chapter in 1988, Jeff and his son Stuart were the first two candidates for exaltation at the first regular meeting in the January of that year.

Terry Hudson concluded by saying that over the years Jeffrey Child has proved himself to be a man of consummate integrity and commitment and wished him the very best of good health and happiness for many years to come.

Jeff Child

Pictured are Terry Hudson, Jeff Child, Stuart Child and Trevor Eaton-Dykes (WM).

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Richie celebrates 70th anniversary

Ten years ago Assistant Provincial Grand Master T Norman Hunt was at Richie McKay’s 60th anniversary celebration of becoming a Freemason and expressed the hope that Richie would continue in good health and was able to enjoy the 70th anniversary of his initiation.

That hope became a reality when Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore took the Chair to celebrate Richie’s platinum anniversary in Maghull Lodge No 7190 at Park Hall, Ormskirk.

John Moore reminded the lodge that Richie was born in Aldershot on 6 November 1910. He joined Liverpool Scottish Territorial Army in 1929 and later transferred to the regular army in 1931, joining the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, having been commissioned as a Lieutenant. In 1943 Richie transferred to the Royal Army Signal Corp rising to the rank of Captain which he held until he was discharged at the end of hostilities in 1947.

Richie married Betty in 1945. They have two daughters Lindsay and Allison, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Richie has always been a keen supporter of Everton Football Club. He is also a keen golfer and still plays 18 holes regularly.

Richie was initiated on 12 April 1939 in The Lodge of the Holy City Jerusalem (Scottish Constitution) Number 1372. On 5 November 1940 he was advanced into Mark, The Lodge of Holy City (Jerusalem) No 1372 and on 15 October 1946 he was Exalted into United Services Royal Arch Chapter No 631 in Cairo.

Richie attended the Consecration meeting of Maghull Lodge No 7190 at The Adelphi Hotel on 25 November 1952, as guest of his father-in-law, Bro T C Nuttall and his brother-in-law, WBro R C Nuttall both of whom were Founders of the Lodge, sadly neither of these Brethren are no longer with us.

At the second meeting of Maghull Lodge on 9 December 1952 Richie was proposed and admitted as the first joining member of the Lodge. He was Installed as Worshipful Master of Maghull Lodge in 1965 and during his year in office performed a double Initiation Ceremony, two double Ceremonies of Passing, and a double Ceremony of Raising as well as welcoming WBros T Caunce and J Rothwell as Honorary Members and installing his successor, the late WBro Des Wormald.

Maghull Lodge moved from the Constitution Club in Liverpool to Park Hall, Ormskirk in 1966. In 1971 Richie was Reflected in Ormskirk Priory Rose Croix Chapter No 669. On 1 April 1979 he became a Joining Member of Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286.

Richie was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon in 1979. He celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in 1989 in recognition of which he was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works.

On 19 October 1999 Richie celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry and received further promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden

Richie McKay

Richie McKay is pictured with the four Grand Officers who attended his 70th anniversary celebration, Roy Worthington, Phillip Gunning, John V Moore and James Sutton Charnock.

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50 YEARS IN ELLESMERE LODGE

Ernest Ronald (Ron) Baxter celebration 50 years in Freemasonry and a member of Ellesmere Lodge No 3068 at a ceremony in Eccles Masonic Hall. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Geoffrey Bloch, who recounted Ron’s life to members and guests before presenting him with a certificate from the Provincial Grand Master and a 50-year Badge from the brethren of his Lodge.

Ron Baxter was born in Salford on 19 June 1925, at a time that brought great hardship to many families. After attending primary school, grammar school and technical college in Salford, the war intervened and Ron enrolled in the RAF Cadet short course at Southampton University, where he represented the university at Rugby Union. He earned his commission as a Flying Officer serving in the meteorological branch in France, and was demobbed in 1947.

Following the war, Ron began a long and successful career in teaching and after gaining a Diploma in Education at Liverpool University, he returned to Salford where he spent 23 years at Walkden High teaching Geography, History and Religious Education. Ron finally retired as Head of Department in 1990.

Married to Joan in 1945, they had a son David who is a medical consultant, and who joined Ellesmere Lodge in 1976, taking the Chair in 1992. Sadly Joan passed away in 1986 and Ron’s partner since 1994 has been Christine.

Ron was initiated into Ellesmere Lodge on 5 March 1959. He became a Master Mason in 1960 and after filling the majority of offices on the floor, he was installed as Master in 1971. Ron had two spells as organist of the Lodge and then spent 11 years as DC until 1990. In 2002, Ron became Worshipful Master for a second time.

The Province of West Lancashire acknowledged Ron’s contribution to Freemasonry in 1984 by making him PPrSGD and then in 1992 by promoting him to PPrJGW.

In summing up, Geoffrey Bloch commented on Ron’s devotion as a father, a grandfather, a member of the Armed Forces, an educator and as a member of the Craft. All those gathered in the Lodge on the evening wished Ron many years of good health and happiness.

Ron Baxter

Pictured, left to right, are David Walmsley (group vice-chairman), Ron Baxter and Geoffrey Bloch.

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Linden’s 50 years in Ribble Lodge

Linden Davies has celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in Ribble Lodge No 4558, with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax leading the celebrations in Lodge.

Linden George Davies was born the youngest of three boys in Cardiff on 15 April 1929, to parents Sydney, a sailor, and Amelia, a housewife. After a family move to Dunstable in Bedfordshire he attended Bedfordshire College both at junior and senior school.

From 1944 to 1949 Linden was a management trainee with a building company and gained a Higher National Diploma. He received call-up papers and was commissioned into the Royal Engineers, serving in England in the Assault Engineer Regiment as a troop commander and liaison officer. Following National Service he volunteered for the TA and served from 1951 to 1967. In 1959 he was given command of the Engineer Squadron in Preston and in 1963 he was awarded the Territorial Decoration. In 1964 he was appointed as Staff Officer at Headquarters for the 42nd (Lancashire) Infantry Division.

Linden met his wife Dorothy in Dunstable, they started courting in 1948 and married in March 1950. For the first year of their marriage they were mostly separated as Dorothy continued her work at the Met Office and Linden continued his National Service. When his Army service ended in 1951 he and Dorothy moved to Preston. Having become interested in surveying during National Service, Linden determined to become a Quantity Surveyor and in 1951 he took a post in Bolton to train as a Chartered Surveyor, travelling daily from Preston. In 1955 he qualified as an associate of the RICS, receiving a Fellowship in 1959 and becoming a partner in the practice in 1962. He became senior partner in 1975 and retired in 1988. During this time Linden and Dorothy moved closer to Linden’s work in Bolton and some years later purchased what was intended to be a holiday (or retirement) home in Windermere, where they eventually settled. They have two sons and five grandchildren.

Heavily involved with the church for many years Lyndon was a member of the diocesan board of finance and chairman of the Parsonage Church Building and Glebe estates committee in the Manchester Diocese. He was employed as a consultant and was responsible for building 56 parsonages, 10 churches and the restoration of another 50 churches. Currently he serves in the Carlisle Diocese and Deanery and for the last 10 years he has been a church warden at St Martin’s Church in Windermere. On retirement from the Manchester Diocese he became a non executive director of the NHS Hospital Trust and served a three-year term which was renewed for another permitted term of three years. He still sits on the appeals committee which under the Mental Health Act, monthly considers appeals against being sectioned.

Initiated into Ribble Lodge No 4558 on 28 January 1959, Linden was installed as WM in 1976. He has served the lodge as ADC, DC and Chaplain, and as a Director of Preston Masonic Hall and Group Representative. He joined Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No 7755 in 1978 and Windermere Lodge No 2217 in 1992. In 1987 he was appointed to the rank of PPrSGD and promoted to PPrGSuptWks in 1995.

Exalted in 1963 into the Royal Arch in Winckley Chapter No 5438 Linden was installed as First Principal in 1982. He is a member of Setantia Chapter of Installed First Principals No 7755 and was a Founder of Ribble Chapter. He was installed as First Principal of that Chapter in 1987, served the chapter as ADC for two years and for five years as DC.

Linden was perfected in Walter M Hamilton Rose Croix Chapter No 195 in 1979. He was Most Wise Sovereign in 1986 and Elected Knight Rose Croix 30 degrees in 1987.

Linden Davies

Linden Davies is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Leon Tax and Eddie Caulfield and other guests at his golden anniversary celebration.

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Harold’s ‘total commitment’ is praised

The service given to Clifton Lodge No 703 by Harold Fish was described as “remarkable and one of total commitment” when he celebrated the golden jubilee of his initiation into Freemasonry.

Harold, one of three generations of his family to serve as WM of the lodge, celebrated 50 years as a Freemason at the Masonic Hall in Blackpool.

Harold was born in Blackpool in April 1923 to William and Mary Ann Fish, a brother to Annie and John Edward, known to all as Jack. Both parents were born and bred in Darwen. His father trained as a butcher but eventually chose to “up sticks” and re-locate to Blackpool, where he purchased a butcher’s business in Lytham Road, and there remained for the rest of his working life. He did not have much in common with his elder brother Jack, largely because of the 10-year age difference.

Harold was educated initially at the kindergarten of the then Blackpool High School, leaving at the age of 16 to go into the family business. His abiding memory of his school days was of the head master, the formidable AP Anderson, an imposing character and a strict disciplinarian of the old school.

Harold became a butcher with some reluctance. Having excelled at chemistry at school he would have much preferred to have been a chemist. He has had a life -ong predilection for construction sites and large holes in roads. Indeed as a schoolboy he once spent so much time looking at a hole in the road one morning that he was too late for school and too early to go home for lunch.

It was at St Peter’s Church and at the age of 14 that he met a young lady called Mary Wiseman. The two of them were part of a young crowd which hung around together, frequenting the local hot spots at the time. They have now been married for 53 years, during which time they have done so much together as a couple, including a combined love of cricket and local politics.

They were married at St Peter’s Church in 1945. They honeymooned in the Lakes at the Windermere Hydro, where he remembers pinching an extra day by saying that the car had broken down. Their married life began in a rented first floor flat in North Park Drive, which was a boon for Mary who regularly used to nip across the road and on to the second tee of the Stanley Park Golf Course, whence she used to play the remaining 17 holes for nothing.

He then rented a house before eventually settling down in Prestbury Road in 1958, just 50 years ago and at about the time he became a Freemason. They had two children, Roger, a Past Master and Director of Ceremonies of Clifton Lodge, and Judith who between them have presented them with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In 1972 he sold his butcher’s shops on Lytham Road. Trading patterns were changing and he was always something of a reluctant butcher, although he did continue in that trade for a further 10 years with a partner. But then the tide turned. In 1982, and at the age of 59, he started a butchery sundries business based in Wrea Green. Some three or four years into the business he was joined by Roger and Judith. The business continued to trade very successfully for several years until one day, out of the blue, an approach was made to sell. This enabled both Harold and Judith to retire, but Roger joined the new company, for which he works to the present day.

The greatest influence in his becoming a Freemason was his father, a member of Clifton Lodge, becoming its Master in 1948. He encouraged Harold enough to approach him with a view to him proposing him into Clifton Lodge. The reply was “I will propose you with the greatest of pleasure, but you must come back and see me when you are 30”. Harold was initiated into Clifton Lodge No. 703 on the 5 February 1959, proposed by Bobby Holden and seconded by Bob Townley. In those days Clifton Lodge was a large, vibrant and exciting lodge with a long waiting list for admission. As a consequence Harold found it easy to settle down in such a happy atmosphere, although his brother Jack, rather than wait his turn, opted instead to join Progress Lodge No 4120.

In due time he passed through all of the offices of the lodge, indeed three years as Junior Deacon, before finally being Installed as Worshipful Master on the 7 December 1972 by George Partington. Some 127 brethren were present at his Installation. His Ladies’ Evening was held at the Winter Gardens with an attendance of more than 300, as was so often the case in those days, complete with a Whist Drive in the afternoon and the then obligatory full English breakfast after midnight. The ticket price was just 7 guineas which is worth approximately £75 in today’s money.

A highlight in his Masonic career was the Installation of his son, Roger, in 1992 when he was pleased to present him whilst also acting as Installing Senior Warden, with his brother, Jack, acting as Installing Junior Warden. It follows that there have now been three consecutive generations of the Fish family as Master in the history of Clifton Lodge, of which he and Roger are justifiably proud.

His service to Clifton Lodge has been remarkable and one of total commitment. Significantly, after two years as assistant secretary from 1975- 1977, he then served as Lodge secretary for the next 17 years from 1977-1994, 19 years in total. In 1982 Harold was appointed PPrSGD and in 1990 was promoted to PPrJGW.

Terence Hudson concluded the proceedings by offering him his warmest personal congratulations on achieving this wonderful milestone in his Masonic career and presenting him with a commemorative certificate.

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Michael has served Freemasonry and the community

Companions of three Chapters and many distinguished guests attended the celebrations of 50 years in the Royal Arch for William Michael Cox at Banks Chapter No 7213, which was presided over by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Byers.

EComp DB Townes of Southport Emulation Chapter and EComp IR Beecham of Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter took part in the celebrations and a golden jubilee commemorative certificate was read out by the Southport Group Chairman Chris Hamilton. At the festive board the toast to his health was given by Mike Rudd of Banks Chapter.

William Michael Cox was born in 1934 in Farnworth, near Bolton, moving to Southport with his parents who took over a confectioners’ shop and café in 1945. He completed his education at University School, Cambridge Road, Southport before starting work in the family business.

Michael was married on 29 April 1958 to Margaret Nicholson whom he had previously met on a blind date and took over the family café business after their marriage. They have a daughter Angela who was born in 1964 and are proud grandparents to twins Eleanor and Sophie.

Michael can trace his family Masonic history back to his great, great-grandfather! Being the son of a Mason he was initiated as a Lewis, aged 21, into Banks Lodge No 7213 in 1956. He was appointed to the acting rank of PrJGD in 1976, received promotion to PPrJGW in 1983 and was appointed to Grand Rank of PAGDC in 1997.

Michael was exalted into Southport Emulation Chapter in 1958 attaining the First Principal’s Chair in 1975. In 1978 he was the driving force behind founding a new chapter, Banks Chapter No 7213, and became the Founding First Principal in December 1978. After leaving office he became the Chapter’s Scribe E, an office he held for 15 years. In 1981 he was appointed to Provincial Grand Chapter with the acting rank of Provincial Grand Steward, joining the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter in the same year and was promoted in 1985 to the rank of PPrGSN.

Over many years he has served the Southport Group in many capacities being a member of The Masonic Hall Company for 27 years, Chairman of the Catering Committee for three years and Chairman of the Building Fund for 23 years. The members of the Southport Group are sincerely grateful for the time and effort he has given over those many years.

Michael has also led a very active public life. He became a parish councillor in 1971 and in 1973 also became a West Lancashire District Councillor - both offices he served continuously till 1995. During his years as a district councillor he had the honour to be elected to the office of Chairman in 1984, and again was honoured on his retirement in 1995 becoming the first Honary Alderman of the district. He was also a member of the Valuation Tribunal Service, Gas Consumers’ Council, Northwest Water Services Council, is a past Chairman of the Scarisbrick Peter Lathom Charity and was also a governor of three local schools in the Ormskirk area.

Latterly Michael has become a very keen crown green bowler. In 2007 the Southport Group was the hosts at the West Lancashire Masonic Bowling Tournament and as chairman of the Southport Masonic Bowling Committee Michael led the organisation of the event, which proved very successful raising £5000 for charity.

Michael Cox

Pictured, left to right are: Chris Hamilton (Southport Group Chairman), William Michael Cox and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Alan Byers.

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Les followed in his father’s footsteps

A man who followed in the footsteps of his father and older brother by joining their Masonic Lodge has celebrated the golden jubilee of his initiation.

Friends and Masonic colleagues gathered at Warrington Lodge of Concord to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Les Smallman’s initiation into Freemasonry.

Leslie Martin Smallman was born on 17 April 1934 in what was called the Garden City near Shotton on the border of Cheshire and North Wales and just a few years later the family moved to Shotton

His formal education began at King George Street Primary School and continued at Ruthin School as a boarder. The family moved from Shotton to live in Widnes in 1947 and at about the same time he left Ruthin and continued his education at Fairfield School leaving at the age of 15. He started an apprenticeship at J Hemmings Motor Engineers in Hale, Liverpool, £1 15s per week

He obtained employment with other employers as a draughtsman and was able to study at both Widnes and Warrington Technical Colleges until at the age of 28 in 1962 he obtained a HNC.

Les has wored in Ellesmere Port, Warrington, Luton, Bilston, Dunbarton, Runcorn and eventually from 1980 until his retirement in 1992 at British Nucleur Fuels at Risley.

He married his wife Pat in 1964 at St Mark’s Church, Pemberton, Wigan.

Apart from Freemasonry he has enjoyed photography and gardening and until he had problems with his knees, golf.

His interest in Freemasonry was first instigated by the fact that both his father and your older brother were members of Lodge of Equity meeting in Widnes and it is not surprising that he was initiated into Freemasonry in that Lodge at the age of 23. Owing to work commitments and the fact that he was then living in Warrington he resigned his membership in 1976 and later joined Gilbert Greenall Lodge No 1250.

He attained the chair of 1250 in 1984 and served the Lodge as its Tyler from 1996 until 2001 and then from 2004 until the amalgamation in 2006. He was appointed to the rank of PPrAGDC

In 1980 he was exalted into Gilbert Greenall Chapter attaining the chair of the First Principal in 1990 and the rank of PPrAGDC in the Royal Arch Province on St George’s Day in 1997.

Before presenting him with a commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd said: “Bro Les, you have I am sure enjoyed every minute of your 51 years and 67 days as a Freemason, supporting your mother Lodge and this Lodge with as much enthusiasm as you have been able despite your having to move about the length and breadth of the country with your employment. May I express the most profound hope that the Great Architect will spare you for many years to come to enable you to continue to do so.”

At the social board the toast to Les was proposed by Jim Walker. Les was presented with a digital radio from the lodge along with a bouquet for his wife.

Les Smallman

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd presents Les Smallman with his commemorative certificate watched by Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Higham and Warrington Group Chairman Ian Bosell.

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Vernon's special gift to lodge

Nearly 50 Brethren gathered at Ansdell Lodge No 3607 at St Annes Palace to join Vernon Tattersall PPrGReg (Yorkshire and North East Riding) in celebrating 50 wonderful years in Freemasonry and his initiation into Ansdell Lodge on 17 December 1958 in the Masonic Rooms at Ansdell Institute.

After Vernon received a special commemorative certificate to mark his golden anniversary he presented the Lodge with a new Worshipful Master’s apron.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax related many aspects of Vernon's working life from his roots in Wesham and his education at Kirkham Grammar School followed by a short stint with the police cadets in the Lancashire Constabulary He eventually spent a long, satisfying and happy career in local government and housing covering many parts of the country and completing some 50 years as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and culminating in his Chairmanship of the Almshouses Association. This brought him into contact on a number of occasions with HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Association.

Vernon has been happily married to Joan for 52 years he has one daughter, Susan, living in West Sussex and two lovely grandchildren Simon and Ben. He currently resides in Molecroft, Beverley in East Yorkshire.

The minutes of Vernon's initiation in December 1958 were read and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master then gave a brief outline of Vernon's Masonic career from his attaining the Chair in Ansdell Lodge in 1966. Due to his work in local government Vernon moved to East Yorkshire and he became a joining member of Technical Lodge in that Province later being appointed in Provincial Rank in Yorkshire and North East Riding to PPrGSuptofWrks in 1986 and promoted to PPrGReg in 1993. The Brethren particularly remembered with affection that on his annual visits to the Installation Meetings of Ansdell Lodge that for some 30 years Vernon always delivered the Explanation of the Immediate Past Master’s jewel with great aplomb.

Following Vernon being presented with the Certificate of 50 years membership of the Craft by WBro Tax, he in turn then presented the Lodge with a new Worshipful Master’s Apron to be worn and passed on to each new incumbent of that office.

Later at a splendid festive board the Lodge presented him with a cut glass tankard duly inscribed and a 50th lapel pin, following which Vernon regaled the Brethren with many experiences of his life both in and out of the Craft.

Vernon Tattersall

Pictured are, left to right: Provincial Deputy Granbd Director of Ceremonies Jon Clipsham, David Randerson (Vice-chairman of the South Fylde Group), the WM John Gallagher, Vernon Tattersall, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax.

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Bill’s tremendous achievement

Hindpool Lodge No 1225 marked a great nniversary for a much respected and well loved Brother, 60 years as a Freemason – a tremendous achievement by anyone’s standards. At the celebration, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner took the Chair and addressed the celebrant, William Walkinshaw PPrSGW.

Bill shares a birthplace with WBro Gardner – Morecambe! Bill’s father, during the Great War, was on loan from Vickers to the Ministry of Works and served as an engineer at the White Lund Munitions factory and so in October 1916 Bill was born in Morecambe. The munitions factory famously exploded scattering shells across the surrounding district. Grandfather Gardner was the driver of the horse drawn fire engine which attended the explosion.

The Walkinshaw family then travelled around the country living in Hereford, Gloucester, Peterborough and eventually returning to Barrow in 1920. Bill was educated at Barrow Grammar School and then became an apprentice engineer at Vickers in March 1933 and remained with that company until his retirement in 1981 – passing through the workshops, drawing office, design, estimating, contracts and management.

Back in the 1930s most people didn’t travel far for their holidays and Bill used to holiday in Bardsea where, in 1934 he met a rather nice young lady, Elisabeth (Betty) Walton from Preston. In 1940 Bill and Betty were married and have now celebrated 68 years of marriage.

In 1948, Bill was working in the drawing office and closely associated with two members of Hindpool Lodge, Brothers Clark and Hill, and was encouraged to make application to become a member – sponsored by WBro.A.J.Baythorpe,. and Bro GS. Higham – but as was normal in those times had to wait several years before he was eventually initiated on 21 December 1948. WBro Gardner called upon the Lodge Secretary, Colin Clark to read an extract from the minutes of that meeting and also an extract from the meeting 10 years ago when Bill’s 50th Anniversary was celebrated.

In the 1940’s and 1950’s with a Lodge membership of about 130 it took quite a time to progress through the offices to the Chair – there was even a wait to become a Steward. Bill was able to work “behind the scenes” as an auditor of the Lodge and then auditor of the Masonic Hall Committee and he held these offices until he became JW of the Lodge. He became WM (for the first time) in 1965 – 17 years after initiation – quite normal for that period. Bill served as ADC from 1969 to 1971 and DC from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1985 to 1988.

Such dedication to the cause brought certain Masonic rewards and.Bill gained Provincial Rank of PPrSGD. in 1978, promotion to PPrJG. in 1982 and that rare thing – promotion to PPrSGW in 1989.

Having served as Chairman of the Founding Committee for Lonsdale Lodge of Installed Masters – a job which requires great fortitude and patience and quite Bill served as WM of that Lodge in 1993.

He helped out Hindpool Lodge and the group by serving as WM again in 1999, and latterly acted as leader in the formation of the George Wood Memorial Benevolent Fund.

Bill’s Freemasonry does not stop with his Craft Lodge. He was exalted in to Abbey Chapter in 1950 and became Z in 1969. Bill researched the history of the Chapter for its centenary and received the honour of Provincial Rank from the hands of the then ME Grand Superintendent Sir Knowles Edge during the celebrations in 1976. Promotion to PPrGSN came in 1984, but Bill is still working hard as the organiser of the banner ceremony in which all four Barrow Chapters have taken part.

For many years Bill been a member of Dykes Conclave No 36 in the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, Furness Mark Lodge No 36 and the local Lodge of Instruction; served on the Barrow Masonic Hall Committee for 25 years, spending part of that time as vice-chairman and has been a member of the group committee for more than 25 years.

Bill and Betty have made and reconditioned many Craft and Royal Arch Banners around and beyond the group and the Province.

Even since his 50th celebrations Bill has continued his enthusiastic support of all things Masonic including attending and supporting Lodges and Chapters a testimony to which was the support evident at the ceremony.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: “Bill’s love of his Lodge, the group, Freemasonry and life shines through like a beacon to us all.” He then invited the group chairman WBro Saunders to read out the contents of a certificate received from the Provincial Grand Master. Which was then presented.

The Lodge was closed and the company moved to the banqueting hall for a simple meal of Cumberland Sausage. The toast to Bill’s health was delivered by WBro Kerran Stalker and this was followed by a rendition of a version of the Master’s Song by Ron Bull (a very fine tenor), who was initiated by Bill during his first term as WM of Hindpool Lodge.

Bill replied to the toast and presented the Lodge with a framed copy of the programme for the consecration of Hindpool Lodge which had been entrusted to Bill many years ago. The Lodge, in turn, presented Bill with a bottle of malt whisky.

Bill and Betty may be nonagenarian but have a vigour and commitment of people half their age. Every August they travel to Canada where Betty represents Scotland at an Eastern Star Convention. Within a few days of their return they then head to Perth in Scotland for a similar meeting.

William Walkinshaw

WBros Gardner, Walkinshaw and Saunders (Group Chairman)

William Walkinshaw

WBros Gardner, Walkinshaw and Tony Cassells WM Hindpool Lodge

William Walkinshaw

WBro Kerren Stalker presents Bill with a bottle of malt whisky on behalf of the lodge.

Ron Bull

Ron Bull, Bill’s first Initiate in 1965, sings ‘Here’s to his health’

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John’s remarkable contribution to Normoss Lodge

John MacDonald, who has made a remarkable contribution to Normoss Round Table Lodge No 8741, celebrated 50 years as a Freemason at the Masonic Hall Cleveleys in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson.

John was born on 7 May 1935 in Lea, Preston, and was the eldest son of John and Edith MacDonald. John’s father was born in Elgin, Morayshire and initially trained as a baker but migrated south in search of alternate employment arriving in Lancashire to join the police force.

John was educated at Springview Junior School and then Hindley and Abram Grammar School. At the age of 16 years he entered the Royal Navy as an apprentice artificer thus initiating a fascinating and rewarding career spanning more than 24 years. Memorably his first ship was the destroyer HMS Diana, on which he sailed to take part in Operation Mosaic, a joint operation between the British and the Australian governments involving the testing of a 15 kilotonne atomic explosion over the Montebello Islands, situated off the North West coast of Australia. Throughout the tests HMS Diana stood by, sealed as best as possible, with the mission of sailing into the fallout zone to test the effects of a nuclear attack on naval operations, specifically upon the ship itself and on its 308 strong crew.

Following his retirement from the Navy John purchased the Post Office and stationers in Norbreck village which he ran for 16 years until 1991 before retiring. In retirement John’s main hobbies, other than Freemasonry, of course, have been gardening and dancing with his wife Mary. He met Mary at the Embassy Ballroom in Wigan and, at the age of 22, had the good fortune to marry. They have been married for more than 51 years. John and Mary had three children, Karen, Fiona and Grant, who between them have presented them with six grandchildren who manage effortlessly to bring great joy and sunshine into their lives.

John’s father was a man of firm but fair principles which led him to become a Freemason, and in due time, a Past Master of Borsdane Lodge No 6460 in Hindley, and a PPrJGD of the Province of West Lancashire. John’s father became his proposer into Borsdane Lodge and his seconder was Dr C K MacKinnon. He was Initiated on 8 January 1959 as one half of a double Initiation ceremony, Passed to the Second Degree on 12 March 1959 and, uniquely, Raised to the Third Degree in the United Brethren Lodge No 1923 in Malta whilst being stationed there. John has always maintained his membership and continued to support his Mother Lodge by attending most of their meetings.

His interest in Normoss Lodge was stimulated by the fact that his first assistant in his new venture as a Postmaster was a lady called Betty Hoggard, whose husband Brian was to become the first Initiate of the Lodge. As a consequence John was invited to the Consecreation and subsequently became one of six Joining Members at the first meeting of the Lodge. His proposer into Normoss Lodge was Les Whitby and his seconder, Bernard Rhodes.

He was Installed into the Chair of Normoss Lodge in 1984 and his contribution to the Lodge has been quite remarkable, being in office continuously since 1987, with spells of four years as ADC, four years as DC, two years as assistant secretary, four years as charity steward and five years as Almoner. He received his first appointment to Provincial Rank in 1993, PPrSGD and was promoted in 2001 to the high rank of PPrJGW.

The Royal Arch did not escape John’s attention. He was exalted into Anchorsholme Chapter No 5854 in 1978, becoming its First Principal in 1990. In 1996 he received the acting Provincial Rank of PrGStdB and in 2000 he was promoted to PPrDGSwdB.

WBro Hudson concluded the proceedings in the Lodge Room by offering John his warmest personal congratulations on achieving such a wonderful milestone in his Masonic career and Terry considered it both a privilege and a pleasure to be present and to have been able to take part in such a happy and rewarding evening.

John MacDonald

John MacDonald (right) is pictured with Melvyn Willett WM of Normoss Round Table Lodge, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson.

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Geoff’s distinguished career spans 50 years

Geoffrey Pearson Cousen of Runic Lodge has celebrated 50 Years in Freemasonry. The occasion was attended by many Masons and was presided over by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner.

Geoff has had a long and distinguished career in Freemasonry and a remarkable life in general, and it was obvious that the Assistant Provincial Grand Master derived much pleasure in relating this to those present. For those who were not fortunate enough to be present what follows is a summary of what he told those who were there.

Geoff was born in Bradford in 1932, a Yorkshire lad – his sister Barbara was born three years later and the family moved to Morecambe in 1937. He attended the Friends School in Lancaster, as did a few others present that evening, and his headmaster was the legendary W.Bro.James Dodds Drummond who was also the District Scouts Commissioner. Geoff was a keen sportsman at school, playing cricket for the first XI and winning the gymnastics trophy.

Geoff left school and in 1950 joined the family firm in Bradford, a firm of wool merchants created by his father in 1937, where he worked until the demise of the wool trade. Geoff then worked as Company Secretary and Manager of Fleetbest Ltd of Morecambe and eventually Office Manager of RG Greenwood at Carnforth.

In 1955 he met his wife Brenda and married her at St John’s Church, Heysham in 1959. Geoff has three children, David a lawyer in Manchester, Michael who is Northern General Manager with Subaru and Susan who is a keen long distance runner.

Geoff was initiated in to Runic Lodge in December 1958, and he worked his way up through the Lodge offices to become Worshipful Master in 1973. Five years later he not only became the ADC of the Lodge but was appointed to that very distinctive Provincial Rank of Steward.

Geoff became Lodge DC from 1980 and continued until 1986, when he was invited to become group secretary. In 1988 he became The group vice-chairman, and in 1996 the group chairman and he served in that role for eight years.

The hard work put in by Geoff was recognised by those in high office and he was promoted to the rank of PPrJGW in 1987. He became a Grand Officer in 1989 being appointed to the rank of PAGDC and was promoted again in 1998 to the high rank of PJGD.

He was the founding DC for Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters and continues to play a very active part in the life of that Lodge, and he is a member of Setantia and Quingenti Lodges.

Phil Gardner spoke of the pleasure it had given him when Geoff had accepted his invitation to serve as senior warden of Quingenti during his year as Worshipful Master of that special Lodge. Despite all his many other commitments in Freemasonry Geoff is also an honorary member of St Michael’s on Wyre Lodge and of Knott End Chapter. His achievements in the Royal Arch match those in the craft. He was exalted in to Heysham Chapter in 1965 and became First Principal in 1986. He achieved PPrGSN in 1998 and Grand Rank, PGStdB in 1991 and the very high Rank of PAGSoj in 1999. Phil Gardner said he owed Geoff a personal debt of thanks for the opportunities he had given him in his Masonic life. From his earliest days in Freemasonry he had received tremendous support and encouragement from him, and that his wise counsel was always much appreciated.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master spoke of how as group chairman Geoff had invited him to be the group secretary and how he went on from there to become vice-chairman and chairman. He thanked him for his support and said how proud and honoured he was to call him a friend, and to be able to share this celebration with him.

He then invited the group chairman Jim Wilson to read the presentation scroll before he presented it to Geoff.

Geoff Cousen

Geoff receives his commemorative scroll from Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner watched by Jim Wilson.

Geoff Cousen

Some of the distinguished guests, including Past Provincial Grand Master Colin Penty Wright, are pictured with Geoff on his special night.

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Special months for Thomas

The last few months have been very special for Thomas Howson. After being a Freemason for 59 years he became Worshipful Master for the first time and now he has received a commemorative certificate for mark the diamond jubilee of his initiation.

The certificate was presented to him by Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Moore at a meeting of Southport Lodge.

Thomas Howson was born 4.November 1930 to a coal mining family, which necessitated moving as each colliery closed when resources ran out.

He started life in Fallside, Lanarkshire, Scotland, but soon moved to Motherwell, where he attended Knowtop School. He moved again to a more permanent home in Harthill, Lanarkshire, where he attended the local secondary school, before finally attending Lindsay High School, Bathgate.

He left school aged just over 14 to add to the finances of the home and started work as an office boy with a private coal company, with a steady promotion within the now National Coal Board.

Aged 18 years, two things changed his life: He had to do his National Service and joined the Royal Air Force. This became a major change as he met his now wife of 53 years. The family increased with the birth of Angus and then Tom and eventually two granddaughters and two grandsons then two great granddaughters and two great grandsons. The second was that he was invited to join the local Masonic Lodge, St James No 590 in the Province of Linlithgow. His father was a Mason and his schoolmaster uncle was Worshipful Master. His initiation was on 15 December 1948, his Second Degree was on 5.January 1949, and his Third on 26.January 1949. His Mark degree was 7.November 1951, all to accommodate his home leave. While in the RAF he received his first invitation to an English Lodge in Mildenhall Suffolk.

He attended a nervous interview with the secretary of the Lodge who put him through a test. This invitation was very memorable for Thomas. Firstly, every member of the Lodge except two were in attendance - the secretary read out the apologies from the two absent Brethren - secondly he found out first hand the true meaning of the “bond of friendship”.

In an effort to advance his education and promotion, he enrolled at the Scottish College of Commerce, Glasgow and studied Organisation and Method, Scots Law, Economics, and Accountancy. He also enrolled in the Scottish College of Music, Glasgow to Study Piano.

He achieved a new direction to his career when he was appointed chief internal Auditor of Euclid GB Ltd, the earth moving division of General Motors. He held this post for 10 very happy years in which he attained the degree of Certified Internal Auditor. All this ended when a German Company bought the company, resulting in the redundancy of Thomas and all the audit staff.

His Masonic advancement was quite static, as he was appointed organist of the Lodge, and a permanent seat became his. He is sure the fault was his as he was involved with studying and music.

Finally he received an invitation to join General Motors again, this time as the Regional Audit Manager within the GM Audit group, which entailed him travelling all over the world. There was no time for anything but work and travel from one audit to another.

Retirement came in December 1995, and the purchase of his current home in Southport. This brought him into contact with two Masons who he now calls friends. Neville Roberts and Derek Grimstone who encouraged him to resurrect his Masonic life by joining their Lodge.

He became a joining member on 11.April 2001 with his first attempt at ritual work being the Third Degree tools at Neville’s Installation. He was then invited to go on the first rung of the ladder. He says that Southport Lodge gave him the full insight into Masonry and that he now appreciates the meaning of the Ritual words. For the first time in his Masonic career he became a Worshipful Master last October when he was installed into the Chair of King Solomon in Southport Lodge.

Only three months later, at the January 2009 meeting, John V Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, joined the Lodge to celebrate Thomas’s 60 years in Freemasonry.

Tom Howson

Thomas Howson who went into the Chair for the first time last October and who celebrated 60 years as a Freemason less than four months later.

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Bill’s 50 years of commitment

William Parsons of Brotherhood Lodge No 3967 celebrated 50 years as a Freemason at the Masonic Hall in Blackpool.

Bill Parsons was born in Blackpool in September 1932, barely 250 yards from where he now lives. In his early twenties Bill’s father moved to Blackpool from Blackburn, and he married a young lady called Flora Funk, sister of John Emile Funk - one of the most distinguished Freemasons ever to emerge from the Province of West Lancashire, presently continuing to mature gracefully at the ripe old age of 102, having already celebrated 76 years as a Freemason. Bill’s father was a Past Master of Brotherhood Lodge and a renowned Director of Ceremonies in his day. His father was his proposer and his uncle Leonard, also a Past Master of Brotherhood Lodge was his seconder.

His education saw him first attend Thames Road School, then Arnold. He enjoyed his time at Arnold, so much so that he has been an active and enthusiastic member of the Old Arnoldians Association ever since and he very rarely misses the monthly meetings at the Winmarith. His years at Arnold instilled in him a life-long love of all sports, especially soccer, cricket, rugby and hockey. From a young age he became a follower of Fylde Rugby Club where he and his wife June are now life members.

As a young man he found that his social circle had extended to include regular visits to dances held weekly at the Squires Gate Holiday Camp and it was there that he met a young lady by the name of June Lupton, and whom, at the age of 22, had the good fortune to marry and with whom he has lived happily for over 54 years. He has three daughters and four grandchildren. Three of his grandchildren are boys and he hopes that, in due time, they will follow his footsteps into Freemasonry and into Brotherhood Lodge.

National Service beckoned in January 1951. When asked at the recruitment centre which service he would find most to his liking he replied the RAF, knowing that there were a number of RAF stations in the Fylde. And so it was that he found himself stationed at RAF Weeton where he was able to come home most nights, and just when his mother thought that she had got rid of him for a couple of years.

His return to civvy street saw him rejoining the family dental manufacturing business with his father and uncle Len until, sadly, they were both obliged to retire on health grounds and the business was closed obliging him to seek pastures new. His interest in chemistry, formulated at Arnold, came to his assistance and he successfully applied for a position at British Nuclear Fuels, where he worked for 18 years as a process worker until retirement in 1994.

His interest in Freemasonry was clearly stimulated by his father. Eventually Bill asked him if you could join the lodge only to have him reply that he thought that, at 23 years of age, he would benefit from a little more maturity. And so it was that he had to wait for three more years until, in 1959, and at the age of 26, he became a member of Brotherhood Lodge as a Lewis. He was Initiated by his father on the 8 January 1959. He served all of the offices in the lodge until in October 1970 he was Installed into the chair of Brotherhood Lodge by his father.

His ladies’ evening was held at the Imperial Hotel where attendances of more than 200 were then the norm. In those days of course no respectable lodge ladies’ evening was complete without a fully cooked English breakfast at 1.00 in the morning.

His entire Masonic life has been dedicated to Brotherhood Lodge. Over the past 50 years he has never subscribed to any other lodge nor, indeed, to any other degree. Throughout that time his membership of Brotherhood Lodge has been one of commitment and loyalty and, as a consequence, the brethren of the lodge were delighted when these attributes were recognised by the Province in 1984 by his appointment to the rank of PPrAGDC.

William Parsons

Pictured, left to right, are Terry Hudson, WM Bob Wareham, Ian Robertson and Bill Parsons

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Brian’s 50 years in Chorley Lodge

Exactly 50 years to the day after he was initiated, a packed lodge room at the Chorley Masonic Hall, enjoyed a happy evening with Brian Bargh, there to celebrate his Golden Jubilee.

A delightful presentation by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson took Brian through his career as an electrical engineer in the defence industry and reminded him of the time when he worked for the Royal Ordnance Factory and spent a year in Woolwich for that organisation. He had the good fortune to have a friend in Chorley Lodge, who put him in touch with John Deacon, a member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge. John took Brian home for tea, upon which his mother invited Brian to stay with them for his entire 12-month sojourn in Woolwich. Brian was invited to John’s lodge and was also a guest at its 50th anniversary celebrations at Freemasons’ Hall in London.

Frank Wilkinson, as part of his research about Brian, traced John Deacon who is now the senior member of the lodge and John was delighted to learn that Brian was still fit and well and remembered their year together as though it was yesterday!

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master related many aspects of Brian’s full and happy life, from his 55 years of marriage to Sheila, his children and grandchildren and his love of travelling both in this country and in Europe.

Finally, he touched on Brian’s unswerving commitment to Chorley Lodge, where he is still the group representative, a position that he has held for 14 years during which he has never missed a group meeting.

Brian Bargh

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson presents Brian Bargh with his commemorative certificate to mark his 50th anniversary as a Freemason. Also on the picture are Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp, John Robson (Chairman of the Chorley Group) and Norman Chandler, the WM of Chorley Lodge in the Master’s chair.

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A truly unique occasion

The Lodge of Concord No 343 witnessed a truly unique event – a triple 50th celebration for Bryan Wolfenden, Gerald Maxwell Stott and John Greenwood Bramley.

The celebration in Lodge for this very special occasion was led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leon D Tax

John Bramley was born on 13th February 1925, the only child of Harry Bramley, an Electrical Supervisor and his wife Hannah.

Gerald Stott’s birth date was 22 October 1930, and he was the second son to Percy, who had a wholesale bakery business, and Sarah known as Sally, a housewife.

Bryan Wolfenden arrived on the 9 September 1933. His parents Frederick and Mary had another son five years earlier. Frederick worked in the furniture department at the Co-op and during the war was a Naval Ordinance inspector.

Gerald spent his formative school years at Woodlands, Preston Grammar and Crestbrook and then to Rossall. Due to a shortage of university places he was encouraged to accept an exchange place to Manlius Military School in Syracuse, New York. The plan was to go on from there to London University but due to the death of his father at the age of only 48, he returned to the UK and went to Blackpool Bakery College, subsequently joining his brother Kenneth in the family business. Later Brian became managing director of a large restaurant but after only three years his life took on a completely different direction when he was offered a position as operations director for a charity running youth opportunities and a programme for the long term unemployed.

Bryan attended Chorley Grammar School. He is particularly proud to have been captain of his school cricket team and to have held the then school record of eight wickets for three runs. He also played tennis and became a qualified life saving instructor of swimming. Finishing his schooling at Harris College he gained his HNC. At the age of 18 he became a design engineer at Leyland and Chorley Motors working on both Centurion and Chieftain Tanks. In 1961 he moved to the Atomic Energy Authority and was selected in 1968 for a post to set up a Department of Training and Industrial Liaison Service. He later worked at the Town Hall running an industrial development Unit.

John’s story is a little different, in that his mother died in childbirth. His father remarried five years later but passed away when John was 11-years-old. If that was not a bad enough beginning his step-mother died shortly thereafter. John was bought up by his father’s sister, herself a widow. John’s father had joined Centenary Lodge in 1932 and the lodge arranged for his education. He attended Preston Grammar School, gaining six credits and a distinction in art. Perhaps it was this which led to his early interest in architecture. John was a keen sportsman and played football, cricket and tennis. The Freemasons arranged an apprenticeship, five years with ACM Lilley. Three years into his apprenticeship John was called up, serving with the Royal Engineers in Egypt, Italy, Austria and Germany. Following demob he returned to ACM Lilley to finish his apprenticeship. It is at this time that his first spark of interest in Freemasonry was lit. Following the death of ACM Lilley his business moved to Preston, and Mrs Lilley offered John the use of her late husband’s office where he started a very successful private practice as an architect, in which business he still works alongside his son Richard.

All three celebrants were married and all have children and grandchildren. John married Dorothy in 1956 they have two children, Richard and Ann and five adorable grandchildren. Gerald took Lynn as his bride also in 1956. They also have two children, Carl and Susan and they are proud grandparents of one boy and two girls. Bryan met Gillian the daughter of a former boss and they were married in 1959. Bryan and Gillian have two children, Simon and Tracy and five wonderful grandchildren.

Bryan was initiated, passed and raised in Euxton Lodge No 7192. His proposer was the WM at that time and the proposition was seconded by his father-in-law Bro Frederick Bullough. When it became difficult to get to his lodge because of work commitments, Bryan accepted the offer to become a founder of Salwick Lodge No 7993. He was installed as WM of that lodge in 1971 (the year of the Preston Guild) and once again in 1999 (when he had the privilege of serving as the Millennium Master). He also served that lodge as Charity Representative, ADC and DC. In 1982 Brian was appointed to the acting rank of PrDGSwdB. He is very proud to have carried the Provincial Sword at the Consecration of Mersey Valley Lodge of IM. In 1991 in recognition of the valuable contribution that he continued to make he was promoted to the rank of PPrJGW. Brian was exalted into the Royal Arch in Salwick Chapter No 7993 on 17 September 1985 and appointed PPrAGSoj in 1999.

John’s initiation into Centenary Lodge No 4908 took place on 23 December 1958. He was installed as Master in 1967. He served as treasurer from 1970 until 1980. In 1975 was appointed as a PrGStwd, being promoted four years later to PPrSGD and then in 1989 to PPrJGW. In 1966 John was exalted into the Royal Arch in Preston Portcullis Chapter No 6316, and installed as First Principal in 1972. He was appointed PrGStwd in 1977 and promoted in 1981, now holding the rank of PPrPGSoj. Perfected in the Rose Croix in Bellisama Chapter No 405, in 1963 John was installed as Most Wise Sovereign in 1973. He found in The Rose Croix something very special and is a founder of two Chapters, Prince of Peace No 767 and Garstang No 998. Having served all three chapters with distinction in 1997 John received his 32nd Degree. Initiated in the Knights Templar in 1979 he was appointed to Grand Rank in 2004.

Gerald was initiated was into Concord Lodge No 343 in 1958, his proposer being his uncle, Harry Gleave. Missing an odd office on his way to the chair in 1970 he was installed Master of the lodge. Changing career and business commitments caused his attendance to be erratic but when he retired in 1990 Gerald was once again able to resume a regular attendance. He holds Provincial Grand Lodge rank of PPrAGSupWks. Gerald is a member of Progress Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 898 in 1994.

At the end of his address WBro Tax said:

“Brethren, before drawing this address to a conclusion, I should like you to know that my difficulty in writing this address was not in what to say but in what to omit. My office was like the cutting room floor and I am sure that I have missed out many important items."

“Gerald, John and Bryan, for me it has been a tremendous privilege and a labour of love to research, write and deliver this brief history of the life and times of the three of you."

“Our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro Peter Hosker, is himself aware of this special celebration and whilst he cannot greet you in person he sends his personal greetings in the form of a certificate for each of you.”

The content of the Certificates was read by Preston Group Chairman Ian Greenwood, after which the Certificates were presented by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

The Celebrants

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax with the three celebrants, officers of the Lodge of Concord and guests.

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Lodge celebrates Ollie’s 50th anniversary

Barrow Lodge No 3928 assembled for a very special celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of Oliver Chalker, known to all as Ollie.

Ollie was born in Barrow in 1930 to Oliver and Annie Chalker, and attended Barrow Grammar School from 1941 to 1946 and Hutton Agricultural College in 1947 and 48. It was all preparation for commencing work in 1950 in the family business, Chalker Brothers, Wholesale Fruiterers for whom he worked hard for 38 years supplying shops, hotels and businesses with top quality fruit and vegetables.

But during that period Ollie’s mind was not just on fruit and veg but… poultry! In 1948 – during a period of great austerity Ollie was unable to obtain a full licence and began to keep poultry on a so called temporary basis and 60 years later he continues to do so! He has become one of the most successful breeders in the North of England – winning cups and trophies at shows and exhibitions as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as the Midlands. Ollie is in demand as an internationally renowned poultry show judge both abroad and at home - at the Royal England Show and the Royal Scotland Show – and countless shows over the last 60 years.

Ollie married Eileen in 1951 and had two sons John and Neil and is now blessed with four grandchildren , Laura, Emma, Graham and Keith. Sadly, Eileen died in 1992, but Ollie married Isa in 1996 who also sadly died in 2002.

Ollie was proposed in open Lodge on 11 September 1958, at the age of 29, by Bro R Fairclough, Junior Warden, and seconded by Bro T.M. Banks, Junior Deacon. Ollie was duly initiated on 11 December at the Masonic Hall, Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness. This was the first ceremony for the newly installed Worshipful Master who was Bro H Dunn, father of Alan Dunn PJGD.

Ollie worked his way through the Lodge offices and became the Worshipful Master in 1970. He also proposed his father as a member of the Lodge and in due course installed him in the chair.

Service as the Lodge ADC and DC and about 12 years as Treasurer followed and he continues to play a very active part in the life of the Lodge giving wise counsel and practical help. Ollie has also served for over 20 years as the Lodge Representative on the Group Council.

His service to Freemasonry is best known for his efforts on behalf of the Masonic Hall in Barrow. He has been a major force in the development of this hall serving as Lodge Representative – then vice-chairman and then chairman and now – for the last 20 years – as president of the hall.

He has applied his mind and labour to the development and refinement of every aspect of the hall – opening up and updating the lounge area – moving and developing the Chapter room – and extending the banqueting suite. He has always encouraged others to give of their time and materials.

Ollie is a member of Lonsdale Lodge of Installed Masters and an enthusiastic Royal Arch Companion being a member of Barrow Chapter and Vale Chapter.

His enthusiasm and hard work received recognition of the highest order – in the Craft Acting Provincial office, PrGSuptWks and promotion to PPrJGW and in 1995 a thoroughly well deserved appointment to Grand Rank, PAGDC.

In Royal Arch; acting Provincial rank of PrGStB with promotion to PPrGSN in 1992 and Grand Rank in 2003, PGStdB.

A certificate of commemoration was read by the Group Chairman Rowly Saunders and presented by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner.

Norman Thomson the newly appointed Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland an old friend of Ollie was pleased to attend by permission of Peter Hosker, Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire.

The following banquet was attended by some 130 brethren. The lodge presented Ollie Chalker with engraved crystal glasses whilst WBro Beckett proposed a lively toast to the celebrant, in the course of which he presented Ollie with a wooden egg, the rubber chicken which apparently laid it and a mug of a poultry theme.

Ollie failed to cease smiling the whole night.

Ollie Chalker and the APrGM

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner congratulates Ollie Chalker.

Ollie Chalker

Ollie is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner and the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, Norman Thompson.

Ollie Chalker

Ollie Chalker with the gifts presented by WBro Beckett

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Horace’s special numbers

To Horace Wassell these numbers are very significant. Horace, is a member of Hope Lodge No 4003, which met at Bryn Masonic Hall and on Wednesday 17 December, 2008 he celebrated his 50th year in Freemasonry. He was Initiated into the lodge on 17 December, 1958 exactly 50 years to the day.

Horace is 92 and was born on the 16 March, 1916 in St Helens and is still able to join his colleagues a couple of times a week at a local hostelry in the town where he still lives and as he puts it ‘to chew the fat and put the world to right’.

The third and very significant number to Horace is 101. During World War II Horace was a member of one of the most famous Squadrons in the Royal Air Force, 101 Bomber Squadron, based at Ludford in Lincolnshire. This was, of course, the famous Dam Busters squadron, of which its most famous member was Squadron Leader Guy Gibson.

Horace worked as an Aircraft Rigger, which involved looking after non engine parts of Lancaster bombers. At the ceremony Horace produced a photograph showing the whole squadron dwarfed by a Lancaster bomber. Although part of the ground crew, Horace did eventually manage to fly over Germany in a Lancaster just after the war had ended.

A confectioner by trade Horace had his own business after the war for about 16 years before he became a postmaster, a business which held for 20 years before retiring at 65.

When he retired he took up golf and his greatest achievement was to win a trophy for the lowest score in a competition. It is his pride and joy!

Horace never went through the chair in Hope Lodge but was assistant secretary for 25 years and during that time he served with five different secretaries and in 2000 he was awarded a well deserved Provincial Grand Rank of Assistant Grand Pursuivant. Freemasonry runs in the family and his son Brian holds London Grand Rank and he will be ‘in the Chair’ when his Lodge celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Also in 2000, Horace was made an honorary member of Hope Lodge, something of which he is extremely proud.

The presentation of the 50th Certificate was made by Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master before a very large gathering of Horace’s colleagues and many visitors.

Horace Wassell

Horace Wassell is picture at the special meeting to celebrate his golden jubilee with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield.

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Bill Ward is ‘a fine ambassador’

Bill Ward has been described by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson as “as a fine an ambassador for Freemasonry as we can ever hope to have”.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master was speaking at a special meeting of Townley Park Lodge, Chorley, to mark the diamond jublilee of Bill’s initiation into Freemasonry.

William (Bill) Thomas Ward of Townley Parker Lodge celebrated 60 years as a Freemason on Thursday 6th December, rather than write a report I thought it would be nicer to summarise the comments of W.Bro. Frank Wilkinson, these are attached.

William Thomas Ward was born in Vancouver, BC, on the west coast of Canada. His father was a soldier who fought in the Boer War in South Africa. The Boer War ended in 1902 and when he returned to England, Bill’s father became a policeman in Liverpool.

In 1914 when World War One broke out, he enlisted in a Canadian regiment, where he and his comrades eventually endured the horrors of the Western Front and the Battle of the River Somme.

When the war ended he made the decision to emigrate to Canada, where, on Christmas Day in 1921, Bill was born.

His father worked as a silver miner when in Canada but, six years after Bill’s birth, he decided to return home to England and 1927 saw the family in Chorley, which was to become his home for the last 80 years.

After primary and secondary education Bill was drafted into the family business, a gents’ outfitters.

A respite from the rag trade came in the shape of World War Two and he enlisted with the RAF, which called him up 12 months later. In the forces he saw service in Italy, Palestine and Egypt.

He was demobbed in 1946 and returned to the family business and shortly afterwards, despite working long hours, still found time to go to a dance at the Empress Ballroom in Wigan where he met Ruth who was to become his wife. They had one child, a son, also called William, who like his father was also a very bright lad and he did go to university, where he qualified as a doctor.

Shortly after their marriage they decided to go it alone and made the brave decision to start their own clothing business. They had a retail shop in Fleetwood and also had market stalls in Blackburn, Preston and Chorley.

Bill has been a constant and assiduous member of Townley Parker Lodge, serving in various offices, one, assistant secretary, before he even went into the chair. He was Worshipful Master in 1963 and in 1975 and his contribution to the lodge was recognised with a provincial appointment to the rank of PPrJGD and hiscontinuing commitment was marked by a promotion to the high rank of PPrJGW in 1989.

You are an enthusiastic Freemason, who is in several orders, although not as many as your neighbour from over the road I might add, who’s in things that I’d never even heard of!

A member of the Earl of Lathom Chapter, where Bill holds Provincial rank, the Lawrence Lodge of Mark Masons, in which he is a senior Grand Officer and has been a member for 57 years, and in 1975, was a founder member of Chorley’s other Mark lodge, New Temple. He is also a member of the Ebenezer Rose Croix, in Chorley.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: “WBro William Thomas Ward, your entire life has been an example of what makes a good citizen, a good husband, a good parent, and an excellent Freemason. You are as fine an ambassador for Freemasonry as we can ever hope to have, and it now affords me great pleasure to ask WBro John Robson, the Chairman of the Chorley and District Group of Lodges, to read to you a certificate, which is an acknowledgement of the Province of West Lancashire’s great appreciation of your 60 years of service to the Craft.”

Bill Ward

Pictured, left to right are: Chorley Group Chairman John Robson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson, David Hooley (WM of Townley Parker Lodge), Bill Ward, and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Alan Byers.

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Harold Coope’s ‘wonderful achievement’

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax congratulated James Harold Coope on the “wonderful achievement” of completing 50 years as a Freemason.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master took the Chair at a special meeting of Poulton le Fylde Lodge No 4040 and invited Harold Coope to sit before him. Leon Tax spoke of the evening being a celebration of 50 years since the initiation into Freemasonry of James Harold Coope.

Harold was born in Farnworth, on 7 December 1920 and named after his father James Harold. His mother was Edith Maude Coope. Harold was in business as a builder and mother was a housewife and full time mum. He was the youngest of five children.

Harold attended St William of York RC Primary School in Great Lever and he finished his schooling at Thornleigh Salesian College in Astley Bridge.

In 1930 Harold’s father had built the first family home, he constructed another house in Over Hulton and moved the family there. It might be said that this move was to change Harold’s life. At the tender age of 10 he became interested in farming. There was a dairy farm just behind the family home and he started to take an interest in all that was happening there. When he was not in school he spent many happy hours watching the farmer and his family at work.

Harold made friends with the farmer and his wife and so when he left school he took up his first employment at Brick Kiln Farm in Rufford. This was an arable farm and it was here that he learned some of the skills that were to benefit him later. Harold took up lodgings in Rufford but travelled home at weekends. He soon discovered that he was not interested in the building trade and that he wanted to develop a career in farming.
Opportunity knocked for Harold, when in 1938 the local farmer and close neighbour came to call and suggested to his dad that he had a vacancy which he believed would be to Harold’s liking. This neighbour took him under his wing and with a little guidance Harold soon became an expert tractor ploughman. So much so that he spent the war years in this protected occupation.

Farmers are well known for their lavish hospitality and capacity to socialise and generally to enjoy themselves. Harold attended many parties and farmers’ dances. On one particular occasion having taken his current girl friend to one such farmers’ dance Harold found himself more interested in another young lady. This, of course, was Phyllis, his wife and companion for the last 63 years. He started courting Phyllis, who was herself one of six children. After a courtship lasting some four years the two decided to tie the knot. They were married at the Church of St Mary in Deane on 7 April 1945. The honeymoon was spent in that great British resort not very far away in Blackpool. He obtained a position at Bridgewater Estate Farms and set up home in the farmhouse. Their son Peter was born in 1948 and two years later in 1950, daughter Susan came along.

In 1951 Harold moved the family to Thornton Cleveleys. He purchased a milk round and became a tenant farmer at Rowland’s Farm and later Marsh Farm where he was involved in both dairy and arable farming.

Peter is married to Jane and they have three children, Susan is married to David and they also have three children. To Harold’s disappointment they both live some distance away and they are unable to spend as much time as they would wish with the six grandchildren. The eldest is Richard who is now 33 and the youngest is Thomas age 24. Between them they have produced five great grandchildren, news of whom always brings great joy and pleasure. The great grandchildren are aged from eight down to just five months, the youngest great grand daughter was born in July of this year.

Harold’s sister Cecilia had a bungalow in Garstang and frequently pressed Harold and Phyllis to come and stay and even to live with her. Sadly that didn’t quite come about. When Celi was called to meet her maker in 2001 she made sure that her home would become Harold and Phyllis’s home in Garstang.

Harold and Phyllis have enjoyed some wonderful holidays. In the early years they did not venture far from home and leisure time was mostly day trips. In time they both came to love caravanning and have memories of lots of happy times in the Cotswolds where they were only an hour away from Peter. In Cumbria, Susan had a tent and would often go and camp near to where they were staying. Harold and Phyllis towed the caravan to Brittany and have had holidays in Paris, New Jersey, New York, Niagara Falls, Washington and Florida. On one occasion they took a cruise on board a Greek ship and cruised around Turkey and the Greek Islands. Harold and Phyllis are regular church goers and Harold is a church warden at Christ Church, Thornton Cleveleys.

Harold was initiated into Freemasonry in Poulton Le Fylde Lodge exactly 50 years ago on 8 December 1958. His proposer was to have been Billy Owen but for reasons of which Harold was not clear, was proposed by his son Harry and this proposition was seconded by George Bibby.

Extracts of the minutes of that meeting, were read by secretary, John Moss.

From the beginning of his Masonic career he developed a love of and thirst for the ritual. He made steady and sure progress through every office and in 1969 was installed as WM of Poulton Le Fylde Lodge by John Day. The principal guest on that occasion was W William Foster who only two years later was appointed an APGM. Even before Harold attained the chair, he assisted the lodge by serving first as assistant secretary and later as secretary. In 1973 he was appointed ADC and in 1975 took over as DC, an office he served with distinction for 12 years. In 1997 he was for a second time installed as WM of the lodge, the IM was Tom Mather.

Coincidentally the principal guest on that day was J Brian Wright who just one year later was appointed an APGM.

It was commented on by Leon Tax that it is possible that as a direct result of Harold’s Mastership of Poulton Le Fylde Lodge that Freemasonry in West Lancashire continues to thrive. It makes a good story, but it is not clear from the minutes whether it was Bill Foster who was the guest of honour in 1969. Certainly he was present and it is also confirmed that William Foster delivered the ‘Address to the Brethren’ but another very distinguished Fylde Freemason was also present and it was this brother who brought the traditional greetings from the Provincial Grand Master, this being Ishmail Gibrail.

Harold has had the privilege of proposing three candidates namely William Brewer, Thomas Carlton Smith and George Lumb. He seconded the propositions of four candidates. In 1980 it pleased the Provincial Grand Master to appoint Harold to the rank of PPrSGD and in 1987 in recognition of the valuable contribution that he continued to make he was promoted to the very high rank as PPrJGW.

Harold’s interest in freemasonry is not devoted entirely to the craft. Indeed in 1966 he was exalted into the Royal Arch in Fidelity Chapter No 1256. He was installed as First Principal in 1974. Harold served the Chapter as Scribe E for three years from 1974 to 1977 before attaining the First Principal’s chair. In 1985 he was appointed ADC and in 1989 DC and held that office for five years.

Harold is currently the Third Principal of Senatores Chapter of Installed First Principals No 8966. In Provincial Grand Chapter he holds the rank of PPrGSN. He is also a member of the Poulton le Fylde Rose Croix Chapter No 1147 and if elected it is expected that he will be installed as Most Wise Sovereign of Garstang Rose Croix Chapter No 993 next June 2009.

Leon Tax stated: “James Harold Coope, on the day that you were made a Mason, you were charged to be respectable in life, useful to mankind and an ornament to the society of which you were that day, made a member. Every brother present today is in no doubt that you have fulfilled those obligations and we join in congratulating you on attaining this wonderful achievement”.

Leon Tax said that it had been a tremendous privilege to research, write and deliver a brief history of the life and times of James Harold Coope. He continued by referring to the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker as being himself aware of Harold’s tremendous contribution and this special celebration. Whilst the PGM could not greet Harold in person he sends his personal greetings in the form of a certificate, which the Group Chairman read out.

Harold Coope

Pictured are Colin Moxey, Peter Elmore, Leon Tax, John Clipsham, James Harold Coope, Terry Hudson, Eric Picton, Harold Gardner and Tony Farrar

Harold Coope

Harold Coope, presents a new minutes book to WM Martin Dennison watched by John Clipsham.

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Alan Griffiths receives certificate he designed

When Alan Griffiths was presented with a special certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master to mark the 50th anniversary of his initiation into Freemasonry he knew exactly what it would look like and say…because he designed the Commemorative Certificate for the Province.

Alan’s skills on the computer were just one his many talents highlighted at a meeting of St Oswald Lodge No 5170 at Warrington Masonic Hall which took place on the exact day and date of his becoming a Freemason 50 years ago.

Alan is only the second member to have celebrated 50 years of continuous membership of the Lodge. He is in good company for the other was Lord Daresbury who went on to become Provincial Grand Master of Munster.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd said he was not at all surprised to see so many Brethren in attendance for this very special occasion in the annals of St Oswald Lodge. He said: “I am absolutely sure that it has not needed a three line whip to persuade so many to attend what I am confident will be a memorable event in the history of this Lodge. It is of course a great privilege for me to be able to preside over this formal part in Lodge – not for the first time do I find myself in the right place at the right time – being the Assistant responsible for the Warrington Group of Lodges just at the right time to attempt to pay a full and proper tribute to a brother who has for 50 years done so much for his Lodge in particular and for the Group and the other member Lodges in general.”

Alan’s story began on 2 October 1931 when he was born in Knutsford Road, Warrington in the Parish of St James. This meant that Alan commenced his formal education at the school attached to the church in Old Road and at the age of 11 having passed the entrance examination he continued his education at Boteler Grammar School. He left Boteler having passed his School Certificate and Higher School Certificate examinations and began his working life at the offices in Springfield Street of The Royal Insurance Company.

Like most young men in those times his career was interrupted within 12 months when he was called up for 18 months National Service. Because of the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 the period of National Service was extended to two years and this proved a blessing in disguise because it gave Alan sufficient time to pass through the ranks until his promotion to Drill Sergeant and a few more pence in his pocket which he was able to save until the time he was able to purchase his first and the only house he has ever owned and where he still lives today in Stockton Heath.

At the conclusion of his two-year stint in the Army, Alan left with a glowing reference for any appointment in civilian life calling for ability and trustworthiness. It was then that Alan decided to train as an insurance surveyor. He was responsible for the survey of the largest food factory in the country, Heinz at Wigan. He also surveyed the proposed route of the M6 from Bamber Bridge of Thelwall. There were many aspects to Alan’s responsibilities such as fire, crime and accident prevention.

He became involved as a founder member of the Warrington Insurance Institute, serving as its treasurer and president. He was also a founder member of both the North Cheshire Fire Liaison Panel and the Warrington Crime Prevention Panel followed and had the honour of being elected as the first non-police chairman following a change in Homes Office rules. Alan was also Regional Information Representative for the British Insurance Assocation.

Alan’s career with the Royal took a change of direction when the company was reorganised in 1988 and Alan accepted the position of regional surveyor working out of the Liverpool office until he retired in 1993.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: “Everyone of us present this evening is fully aware of Alan’s musical talents as a pianist, organist and conductor of our Masonic choir and it is not surprising that music has played a very large part in Alan’s life. This musical talent started at the very early age of eight in the St James Church Choir as a treble soloist and head choir boy before his voice broke and he moved to the tenor section of the choir. Someone once said when they heard me singing in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera at Boteler that my voice must have broken before my mother took me home from the maternity hospital.”

Like most parents Alan’s tried to encourage him to learn the piano but he did not persist with his lessons. It was not until sometime later when visiting a music shop with a friend that he bought a copy of the sheet music for “Galway Bay” that he took up tinkling the ivories and taught himself. It is not surprising that Alan graduated to playing the organ with encouragement from the organist and choirmaster at St James. He took to the organ like a duck takes to water and he became deputy organist at St James before taking as organist and choirmaster, an office he held for 21 years. His large choir was invited to sing for services in the Chapels Royal in the Tower of London and at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Apart from the obvious pleasure that Alan has always derived from his involvement in music, he also has one other reason to be grateful for his involvement and that is that he met a young lady with a fine mezzo-soprano voice by the name of Jean who sang with the Co-operative Operatic Society where Alan witnessed her many roles in various productions and admired her many attributes (not least her singing voice). It did not take much persuading for Jean to join Alan’s choir and their friendship blossomed and eventually he proposed in Happy Valley Llandudno in 1957 and they married in 1958.

Just a few months ago Alan and Jean celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the same St George’s Hotel in Llandudno where they spent the first night of their honeymoon, but this time in the company of friends and family, including their two daughters Valerie and Diane.

In his teens Alan was a member of the Youth Hostels Association and was a keen cyclist and tennis player. Since 1946, however, he has been a keen supporter, along with Jean, of Warrington Rugby League Club, and like many others present at the meeting remembers those famous players Harry Bath, Brian Bevan, Moggy Palin, Les Jones, Gerry Helme, Jackie Fleming, Bryn Knowelden, Ally Naughton, Jim Challinor and many more of that era when Warrington was so successful.

It was a quirk of the calendar that Thursday,11 December 2008 was exactly 50 years after Thursday, 11 December 1958 the date of the inititiation of Alan into Freemasonry in St Oswald Lodge. He had first made his interest known to Tom Grinham, a lay leader at St James Church and a member of Travellers’ Lodge which met on a Friday, the same night as the choir. He could not consider suggesting that the choir should change its rehearsal night just to accommodate him joining Freemasonry. Contact was soon made with the Brother who was to propose him, a sidesman at the Church, Berry Clare, a member of St Oswald Lodge and another member, his cousin, Arthur who agreed to second him.

His first office in the Lodge was as organist a position he held from the installation meeting in 1959 until 1968 when he ventured away from the comfort of the stool in the north west corner and sidled some, 72 inches onto the Inner Guard’s chair. This most momentous and exciting move led to him attaining the Chair of King Solomon in 1974. Such was the success of his progress through the offices that the late secretary Harry Boscow was prompted to remark in the Lodge newsletter that he was likely to become an outstanding ritualist.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master went on: “One fact that has been brought to my notice, and which I find hard to believe, was that this Lodge did not possess all its own equipment and had to beg, steal or borrow from other Lodge cupboards. Have I now solved the mystery of the missing ballot box of True Light Lodge? Following Alan’s intervention and determination to do something about this sad fact the Lodge became the proud owner of its own paraphernalia, not least, Brethren, the tracing boards which are in use today which Alan designed and painted himself and which were dedicated on 11 November 1976 by the then Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro the Rev Richard Kenyon Leigh. They had a good first outing because it was at that meeting that Alan gave an explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board using the new Boards for the first time.

“The Director of Ceremonies of this Lodge at that time was Jim Ashall who sadly collapsed and died during his term of office in 1980 and so it fell to Alan to take up the reins in his stead and at the following installation he was appointed DC for the first time, relinquishing the office to take the Chair for the second time in 1992. This was at the time of falling membership in this Lodge due primarily to brethren passing to the Grand Lodge above and after his year as Master he again assumed the office of DC with particular responsibility of bringing the Lodge membership up to a reasonable level and if the list of officers on the summons for this meeting is anything to go by, not without a little success.

“Without wishing to go into too much detail Brethren, I must recount Alan’s involvement in compiling guides for the use of the officers of the Lodge, a revision of the ritual for the Board of Installed Master, a proposal form to assist in the introduction of Candidates and many more innovations which have contributed in no small measure over many years to the success of this Lodge.”

Alan’s Masonic activities have not been confined to St Oswald Lodge because in 1978 he was a founder member of Hillcliffe Lodge and served as its secretary for 27 years until its amalgamation with the Lodge of Friendship and True Light Lodge in 2006. Alan is a member of Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters and Lathom Lodge

In 1978 Alan’s services to Freemasonry were acknowledged by the then PrGM, RWBro Sir Knowles Edge when he appointed him to the Provincial Rank of PPrSGD, to be followed quite quickly with promotion in 1984, by RWBro Alan Fletcher Ferris to the rank of PPrJGW. Bro continued to be impressed by his dedication and so in 1990 he recommended to the Grand Master that he should be rewarded in Grand Lodge with his present rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

His Masonic career in the Royal Arch began in 1975 when he was exalted into Gilbert Greenall Chapter No 1250 and attained the First Principal’s Chair in 1983. Provincial rank in the Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire came in 1990 with his appointment as PPrAGSoj. Because of a clash of 1250’s meeting dates with those of the new Hillcliffe Lodge he then decided to join St Elphin Chapter in 1991. He also joined the Order of the Secret Monitor and the Rose Croix.

So far as the Warrington Group of Lodges and Chapters is concerned he has worked tirelessly in many and multifarious ways and earned the approbation of many Group Officials. Dennis Rudd said: “According to my count no less than eight group chairmen, starting with Arthur Taylor Hughes right up to date with our present chairman Ian Boswell have every reason to be grateful to you for all your efforts—the Group Choir at the Annual Service of Rededication at Parish Church of St Elphin Church, the annual Carol Service at St Thomas Church in Stockton Heath which Alan initiated, your involvement with many group events and in so many other ways. The choir under your direction has spread its wings in other parts of the Province bringing great credit to you as its leader, its members and to the Warrington group.

“You will probably appreciate Brethren that I could go on and on with more detail of Bro Alan’s achievements but I simply wish to endeavour to summarise those achievements in the following way:-

“Active office in his Lodge for all of those 50 years; Director of Ceremonies of his Lodge for 23 years; Secretary of Hillcliffe Lodge for 27 years; Group Church service conductor for 39 years; Carol Service conductor for 34 years; Group Dinner arrangements for 28 years; Group Ball arrangements for more than 10 years; Choirmaster and Conductor of the Warrington Masonic Choir during the eight years of its existence.

“What more can be said Brethren apart from his computer and printing talents which he has always unstintingly made available to the group and many of its Lodges and Chapters and other degrees and the bi-monthly production of St Oswald Lodge magazine Compass? However, I have to leave something for Bro Derek Hunt to refer to when he will enjoy the privilege at dinner of proposing the toast to the health of our celebrant.

“It will not come as a surprise to you Bro Alan when I tell you that our PrGM RWBro Peter John Hosker has caused to be produced a certificate for me to present to you on his behalf. It will not be a surprise for the simple reason that you have had the task of framing such certificates, on numerous occasions before. It is a very small but nevertheless most sincere token of his thanks and esteem, and of those of his predecessor Provincial Grand Masters, for what you have done in the past, what you are continuing to do in the present and what, God willing, you will be able to continue to do in the future for the benefit of your Lodge, our Group and Freemasonry at large.”
The certificate was read by Ian Boswell before it was presented to him by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

At the social board Derek Hunt proposed the toast to Alan’s health and highlighted his computer and printing skills which have benefitted not only St Oswald Lodge but many other lodges, the Warrington Group and the Province. He also spoke of Alan’s musical talents. In 1974 when he became WM of the Lodge, Alan composed a new musical accompaniment for the Master’s Song which is still used in the Lodge today. Derek pointed out that the words had originally been written by Richard Bealey, a keen churchgoer and a non-Mason, as a poem under the title “A Man Who is Kind to Another” which had nothing to do with Freemasonry. It was only nine years later that the poem was adopted to be used in Freemasonry and set to music. Norman Prichard sang Alan’s version accompanied by Peter Blease to give everyone the opportunity at the end of each verse to drink a toast to Alan.

Derek presented Alan with a cheque from members of the Lodge and other Lodges with which he had been associated.

Alan said it had been a memorable occasion and described the last 12 months as “a golden year”. He said that marrying the girl he did and joining Freemasonry were two of the best decisions he ever made.

Alan Griffiths

Alan Griffiths is presented with his Commemorative Certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd watch by (left to right): Stan Churm (former Warrington Group Chairman), Paul Hesketh (Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies), Frank Starkey, Gerald Bullough, Gordon Amos, Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell and Jack Forsyth.

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Two members of the University Lodge of Liverpool celebrated special anniversaries

Two members of the University Lodge of Liverpool No 4274 who have “given invaluable service to their country and their communities” celebrated special anniversaries at the lodge’s latest meeting.

Alan Proudlove was celebrating the diamond jubilee of him becoming a Freemason while Peter Gayward was marking the golden jubilee of his initiation.

The special guest at the meeting was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Hedley Hill who said: “One of the delights of Freemasonry is that it brings the generations together and today we have a perfect example of the way in which men of different ages are brought together in fraternal harmony. On the one extreme, we have two young men at the beginning of their Masonic careers and, at the other, two very distinguished Masons celebrating their golden and diamond jubilees respectively.

“Both our celebrants are modest men and, I know, did not want too much of a fuss making of them this evening. It is typical of them both to want the emphasis of the evening to be centred on the future of our two candidates, Bros Mark Thomas and Matthew Jackson rather than on them and the past.

“Nevertheless, for a few minutes at least, we can concentrate on Alan Proudlove and Peter Gayward as they celebrate their 60th and 50th anniversaries respectively as Freemasons.”

Alan was initiated into the University Lodge of Liverpool but Peter was initiated into Entebbe Lodge in Uganda where he was serving at the time in the Colonial Service, among other things as a District Commissioner.

The careers of both men were centred around universities albeit not just the University of Liverpool. Alan was visiting professor at Institut Teknologi Bandung and at the University of Kentucky and Peter was Finance Officer of the University of Warwick.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said: “What we are celebrating today is not, however, in the details of their respective careers in public or Masonic life but the fact that they have both shown themselves to be models of what we as Freemasons are taught to be. They have both given invaluable service to their country and their communities, both in their professional lives and in the voluntary work with which both were heavily involved. Both, for instance, served for many years as board members of housing associations, Alan with Pier Head Housing Association and Peter with Hornby Housing Association.

“Both Brethren have been rewarded for their considerable contribution, Alan with the title of AEmeritus Professor@ and Peter with that of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Well, Brethren, beside such honours, a certificate of long service from the Provincial Grand Master might not seem very much but, just as the Entered Apprentices Apron can be said to be greater than the Garter or any other order being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship so such a certificate is the badge of a lifetime - adherence to all those virtues which we as Masons hold most dear. Brethren, we congratulate you both and wish you many more happy years as members of this lodge.”

Fellowcrafts

The lodge’s three Fellowcrafts (left to right) Ben Taylor, Mark Thomas and Matt Jackson are pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Hedley Hill. Ben and Matt are two undergraduates of the University of Liverpool reading astro-physics and Mark is a graduate in Law of Lancaster University.

Peter Gayward and Alan Proudlove

Peter Gayward, formerly Registrar of the University of Liverpool, and Alan Proudlove, Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering also of the University of Liverpool are pictured with Michael Hedley Hill.

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Tom has served with ‘dedication’

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd paid tribute to Tom Reeves “who has served this wonderful order to which we all are delighted to belong with so much dedication for so many years” at a special meeting of the Lodge of Great Endeavour.

The meeting was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Tom becoming a Freemason in Great Sankey Lodge.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master said at the meeting: “When contemplating how best I could introduce my remarks concerning the achievements of our celebrant I posed the question to myself ‘What is Time?’ Whatever concept we may have of time there is no doubt that 60 years is a very long time for anyone to devote to one rather special organisation such as Freemasonry and such is the period of time that our celebrant has devoted to his Lodge in particular and to Freemasonry in general.”

Thomas Wilson Reeves was initiated into Freemasonry in Great Sankey Lodge No 5939 on 24 November 1948. Tom was born in Warrington on 28 November 1922 when his parents were living in St Barnabas Place off Lovely Lane and he has lived in the town ever since. His formal education started at the age of five at Thewlis Street School, which still stands and houses the Warrington Workingmen’s Mission just off Sankey Green and he then went to the Peoples’ College in Arpley Street School. When that school closed he was transferred to Bewsey Secondary Modern School.

At the age of 14 Tom started at night school and obtained an electrical engineering apprenticeship with and working Ken Leslie, a Brother who is well known in Warrington as a former group chairmen and an honorary member of the Lodge of Great Endeavour. He continued his education at Warrington Technical College studying the Lancashire and Cheshire Institute Electrical Engineering Course. Like so many young men in those days his education was to be interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War and he initially joined the Home Guard and obtained employment in the electricity department of the Warrington Borough Council.

Wanting to do more for the War effort in 1942 he enlisted in the Royal Marines and after his initial training in Kent, saw service in the Orkney Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and deep in the Arctic Circle. On his return to Deal Tom worked on Mobile Naval Air Fields which were intended to be temporary steel runways to enable allied fighter planes to move forward in the Far East theatre of war. However the dropping of the first Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Negasaki brought a swift end to the conflict and they were not required.

In 1945 Tom married a Petty Officer Wren, Helen. They have two daughters both of whom are nursing sisters and between them they produced four grandchildren. The marriage to Helen ended in an amicable divorce in 1976 and the following year Tom met his present wife Joyce. They have just celebrated 30 years of happiness together.

Following demob in 1946 Tom returned to his job with the borough council and at about the same time joined the Lancashire Special Constabulary serving for 11 years. That service was rewarded with the Queen’s Special Constabulary Medal for Faithful Service. The nationalization of the electricity industry prompted him to leave the council electricity department for pastures new and he obtained employment with Joseph Crosfield and Sons Limited. It proved to be a good move for Tom, because he became a charge-hand electrician until his retirement in 1986.

It was while with the council he met and became friends with his proposer into Freemasonry, Edward Malings and his seconder Emrys Jones, both stalwarts of Great Sankey Lodge. On 24 November 1948 the WM of the day his proposer Edward Malings inititiated Tom into Freemasonry. Tom’s father had been a member of the Lodge of Unity No 682 in the Grand Lodge of Scotland and his younger brother, Arthur followed him into Great Sankey Lodge.

Tom was installed as WM of Great Sankey Lodge by Cyril Whitfield. After his year in office Tom took on at various times the jobs as tyler, almoner, group representative and shareholder and in September 1984 was appointed a Director of the Warrington Masonic Hall Company Limited thus enabling him to serve Warrington Freemasonry generally.

His service to Freemasonry was first recognized in 1981 when he appointed to the rank of PPrAGDC and in 1987 was promoted to the rank of PPrSGD in recognition of his continuing support and endeavours. The celebration of his golden jubilee was attended by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stanley Eastham Holker.

Dennis Rudd attended that meeting in his capacity as a Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Addressing Tom, WBro Rudd said: “One of my predecessor Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, came along to the meeting of Great Sankey Lodge to pay tribute to you and if I remember rightly I attended upon Bro Holker in my capacity as the Past Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. What a night it turned out to be because at the behest of our immediate past PrGM RWBro Colin Penty Wright, and to your great surprise and astonishment, Bro Holker promoted you to your present rank of PPrJGW.”

Tom was exalted in St Elphin Royal Arch Chapter No 3287 attaining the First Principal’s Chair in May 1996. His service to the Royal Arch Province was rewarded when he appointed to the rank of PPrAGDC.

Dennis Rudd said at the special meeting: “Bro Tom, may I say that I have considered it a privilege and a tremendous pleasure to have been in this so called elevated position of mine to come along to pay my brief but most serious tribute to you as a Brother who has served this wonderful order to which we all are delighted to belong with so much dedication for so many years.

“Bro Tom, our new PGM RW Bro Peter John Hosker has caused to be produced a certificate for me to present to you on his behalf as a small but nevertheless very sincere token of his thanks and esteem for all that you have contributed for the good of Freemasonry in your mother Lodge of Great Sankey and recently in this newly amalgamated Lodge of Great Endeavour and in his Province.”

The certificate was read by Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell before it was presented to Tom by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

At the social board Tom was presented with an electric over-blanket by Stuart Bracegirdle and WM Dave Goddard handed him a bouquet to take for his wife.

Tom said it was one of the greatest nights of his life and hoped those present would join him in 10 years to celebrate his 70th anniversary.

Tom Reeves

Tom Reeves is presented with his special certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd watched by (left to right) Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp, Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell and Jack Forsyth.

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Bert is a ‘shining example’

Bert Savage was described as a “shining example” at a special meeting of Ancient Union and Princes Lodge No 203 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of him becoming a Freemason.

Robert Charles Harrison Savage – who is better known as Bert – was born on 16 December, 1925.

Bert was the son of a bank official and his mother was a school teacher. His father’s brother, ‘Uncle Gus’ was a prominent Mason and organist for 13 lodges.

The twenties and thirties were not prosperous times and when a young child Bert and his family moved to Lower Heswall on the Wirral.

Bert started attending Caldy Grammar School where he continued his education until 1942.

By 1942 Liverpool had suffered quite considerably from air raids and although Bert wanted to serve his country his health prevented him from doing so. So, on leaving school, Bert went to work for the family firm “Robertson & Co.” They were builders and plumbers merchants based in Great George Street, Liverpool, although they later relocated to Mill Street. Bert worked for the company for just on 50 years before being forced to retire owing to ill health. This was the same problem which much earlier in life had prevented him from taking part in military service, much to his disappointment. It resulted in a triple by pass which the heart surgeons refer to as ‘plumbing job.’

On 16 September 1948 Robert Charles Harrison Savage was initiated into Ancient Union Lodge No 203 and so began the journey that brought members together to celebrate Bert’s diamond anniversary of becoming a Freemason.

By 1954 Bert had met and courted a young lady called Kathleen Elliott and on 24 July they married. The timing was just right as three weeks earlier rationing finally came to an end. Bert and Kathleen purchased a house on the Wirral where they enjoyed a very happy and contented life.

Additionally they were fortunate to own a second property, a cottage in North Wales at Capel Garmon where they spent many a happy family holiday. They had five children, Anne, Margaret, Hilary, Brenda and Martin who, between them, have presented him with 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. These holidays enabled Bert to enjoy fishing and walking, and cricket and rounders were played a lot. Bert is very proud to be a grandfather and a great grandfather.

Bert was a keen gardener and built his own greenhouse and allotment in order to grow his own fruit and vegetables. Nowadays his hobbies are less energetic although he still enjoys a bit of gardening.

He progressed up the ladder and he was eventually installed as Worshipful Master of Ancient Union Lodge on 20 January 1966. As a reward for his commitment to the lodge he was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in October 1980 and in October 1990 he was promoted to his present rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. He has been the Lodge Chaplain for 30 years.

Bert also became a member of the Walton Mark Lodge in January 1950, going through the chair and being appointed Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1979 and Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden in the year 2000. He also joined the Adoniram Royal Ark Mariners and became Worshipful Master in 1981 but subsequently had to resign owing to illness in the family. Bert and his wife attended the provincial balls at Blackpool for many years

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones said at the meeting: “Brethren, Bert is a highly respected man and a shining example of both family values and Freemasonry as a whole. He has come through some very difficult times, over the last 80 years. He still has a very active mind and we congratulate him on all his achievements. WBro Robert Charles Harrison Savage, PPrJGW of the Province of West Lancashire may you have many more years of health and happiness to enjoy your Freemasonry.”

Bert was presented with a special commemorative certificate to mark his diamond jubilee which was signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

Bert Savage

Bert Savage is pictured with Garston Group Chairman Syd Ford and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones.

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John’s service as a Mason and police officer praised

Members of the Woolton Group gathered to “pay tribute and to honour one of the old school who has devoted so much more to Freemasonry than he ever thought he would, in return, receive from it”. His time as a police officer was also described as a “marvellous career serving the public”.

The occasion was a special meeting of Olympic Lodge No 4461 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initiation into Freemasonry of John D Benthom.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd said at the start of the meeting: “We are here this evening to pause and to put aside any concerns about the future in order to pay tribute and to honour one of the old school who has devoted so much more to Freemasonry than he ever thought he would, in return, receive from it. But Brethren, I hasten to suggest, that the Brother we are here to honour tonight did not give a moments thought of that concept for the simple reason that he has enjoyed every moment of his membership without wondering what honours might come his way.”

John was born on 4 May 1935 in Liverpool. Although much water has passed under the bridge since then his present home is within 50 yards of his birthplace.

During the first 10 years of his life John l;ived with his parents in Garston and Woolton and then his father thought he had achieved his ambition to buy a farm near Laxey in the Isle of Man but complications arose over that transaction and so the family returned to Liverpool to live in Princes Park.

On leaving Quarry Bank School John joined Liverpool City Constabulary as a police cadet but then at the age of 18 he was called up for your National Service. After his initial training he spent the majority of his service with the Royal Army Medical Corps in the Canal Zone in Egypt. Because the Canal Zone was deemed to be active service, he was subsequently awarded the campaign medal even though the Suez Crisis which brought about the downfall of the then Prime Minister Anthony Eden was not until the end of the following year.

On his return to Civvy Street he put on a different uniform and in 1955 joined the Liverpool Police. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1964 at Rose Hill Station and to the rank of Inspector in the City Centre in 1966. The following year he was posted to the headquarters in an administrative capacity and in 1969 became the personal assistant to the then Chief Constable, Sir James Haughton. Two years later he was put in charge of complaints and disciplinary matters in the office of the Deputy Chief Constable.

April 1974 saw John promoted yet again, this time to the rank of Superintendent, still dealing with complaints and discipline. Such was his expertise and tact in dealing with such matters that his valuable service was recognised in his final promotion in 1976 to the rank of Chief Superintendent and he remained in charge of that department of Merseyside Police until he retired in 1990.

John was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in the New Year Honours list of 1983. The Assistant ProvinciaL Grand Master described John’s time in the police as “a truly marvellous career serving the public at large and of which I am sure you are quite rightly proud”.

After retiring at the age of 55 John has dedicated much of his time to his church, the Police Pensioners’ Bowling Section and the East Wavertree and Childwall Community Association Bowling Section. On occasions John leads the services in the absence of the Minister at St Stephen’s Church, Wavertree, holding many offices including being District Secretary of the United Reform Church in Liverpool and South Lancashire.

While on holiday in the Isle of Man in 1956 he met Jean and they were married in March 1958. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary just a few months ago in the presence of many friends and relatives and in particular their son, David, - another Police Officer - with his two children, Jessica and Michael, and their daughter Linda

His uncle WBro John Reginald Dulson was a Freemason and he enjoyed the privilege of initiating John into Olympic Lodge No 4461 on 27 November 1958. After occupying all the progressive offices in the Lodge he was installed as WM in 1971. His knowledge of the ritual enabled him to accept the office of preceptor as soon as he had installed his successor and which office he held until 1980. He was always ready and willing to help out with the progression to the Chair by holding the offices of SW and JW several times and in October 2002 was again installed as WM.

In 1983 John was appointed you to the rank of PPrJGD and he was promoted to the rank of PPrJGW in 1993.

Like all good Masons who are or were Police Officers he joined Sovereigns Peace Lodge in 1999. In the Royal Arch he was exalted into Grassendale Chapter in 1970.

His brother William was inititiated into Freemasonry in this Olympic Lodge but his business career took him all over the British Isles and he eventually resigned and just two years ago he sadly died.

A commemorative certificate signed by the Provincial Grand Master was read out by Woolton Group Chairman David Hawkes and was then presented to John by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

John Bethom

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd, John Bethom, Woolton Group Chairman David Hawkes and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp.

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Brian hopes to be at Peter’s 70th

Ten years ago Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks expressed the hope that he would be able to return to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Peter Cowan becoming a Freemason.

That hope became reality when he attended a special meeting of Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680 at the Artists’ Club, Liverpool, to celebrate Peter’s golden jubilee.

It was a decade ago that Brian Gillbanks marked the celebration of Peter Cowan’s 50th remarking that there is a penchant for mankind to celebrate special events, success in life, birthdays, anniversaries and even divorces! He reminded Peter that at his golden jubilee he expressed the hope that he would be able to celebrate Peter’s 60th, an event that happened to very few. He expressed the view that he would not be surprised if Peter reached his 70th and whilst the Deputy Provincial Grand Master would not be wearing a chain, he hoped he would be invited.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master reminded the lodge that Peter was born on 26 November, 1921 in Liverpool. He had been educated at a prep school in Broadstairs and then at Sedbergh. He trained as an aeronautical engineer with De Haviland at Hatfield and worked on Tiger Moths and Mosquitoes. Then he worked with Airspeed Limited designing the Horsa Glider which figured prominently in the D-Day landings. He then moved to British Ropes first in Doncaster and then in Liverpool. He retired in 1983. He was married to Annette who let it be known that although he was working at British Ropes, Peter never managed to repair the washing line!

Peter and Annette had two children, Jane who lives in Birkdale and Simon who lives in York and two grandchildren Hannah and Holly. He had a long connection with Birkdale School for children with impaired hearing and became chairman of the governors, as his father had been.

He was initiated on 18 November, 1948 and was a Lewis. He was installed in the chair on 17 October, 1957. He was appointed a Provincial Steward in June 1967 and was a founder member of Quingenti Lodge and WM of that lodge in 1975. He has recently had been made an honorary member. Promoted to PPrJGW in 1971, he attained grand rank in 1977 with the rank of PAGDC. He is a member of Sefton Chapter and Rose Croix 19 and has been advanced to the 30th degree.

Peter Cowan

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Hedley Hill, Peter Cowan, Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks and Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Shepherd.

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Ian celebrates 60th anniversary

Ian Geddes Turner has celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry at special meeting of the Eureka Lodge No 3763 which is part of the Bootle Group.

The meeting held at the Litherland Masonic hall and was attended by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones. Almost 70 guests attended and they enjoyed a wonderful evening in celebration of Ian’s annerversary. He received a special certificate to commemorate the occasion signed by the Provincial Grand Master.

Ian is a Lewis Mason and was initiated into Balliol Lodge 5941. He was installed as WM in 1963. He holds the rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Unfortunately Balliol Lodge had to surrender their warrant in 2005.

Ian then became a member of the Eureka Lodge and is a member to date.

Ian Turner

Pictured, left to right, are: Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Ian Higham, Fred Wright, Howard Jones, Ian Geddes Turner, Reic Smith (WM) group chairman Peter Levick and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Paul Hesketh.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones congratulates Ian Geddes Turner.

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Bill is a wonderful example

Bill Sandman was said to have “set a wonderful example” to other Freemasons when he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his initiation.

The comment was made by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd at a special meeting of Toxteth Lodge No 1356 to celebrate Bill’s 50th anniversary.

Bill was born on 1 October 1920 when he became the first of five children of Louise and William. At the time of his birth his parents were living at 268 Mill Street in the Dingle and on reaching school age he commenced his education at St John the Baptist Infant School and in due time moved to Wellington Road Junior and then Senior Schools. He always enjoyed sporting activities and excelled at football, cricket and in swimming for your various school teams.

On leaving school at the ripe old age of 14 he obtained a job at Edwards Bakery and it was part of Bill’s duties to deliver bread in the riding a bicycle which is now an exhibit in Liverpool museum. Two years was enough for him in the bakery and so went to work for the N Lewis shop as an improver in hairdressing.

Within a year at the age of 17 he took over the management of the business and subsequently purchased the shop in Cockburn Street. It had been inevitable that Bill adopted the hairdressing trade because his father had been a barber. His career was interrupted by the outbreak of war and at the time of the mass evacuation of troops from Dunkirk he was called upon to serve his Country and joined the Royal Marines. After initial training at Plymouth and Chatham his first posting was to Hayling Island in Portsmouth helping to man the seafront defences against the anticipated and potential invasion by the Germans. He then received a posting to Egypt where he trained in operating postal services. From Egypt he was involved in the invasion of Sicily.

On returning to England he trained with the Royal Marine Commandoes serving on board HMS Diamede and HMS Renown and saw action on many fronts. However, someone suggested at the time that the Germans must have got wind of the fact that Bill was involved in these sorties because they always seemed to have beaten a hasty retreat just before Bill and his mates appeared on the scene.

His demob came in 1946 and he took up hairdressing once again and like so many soldiers, sailors and airmen at the time tried to return to something approaching normality in Civvy Street. His efforts were helped to a great extent by meeting and courting a rather special young lady, Lillian, who he married in 1952. They have enjoyed 56 years of a wonderfully happy marriage and they have three sons, Phillip, who lives in Australia, Raymond and David and your daughter Debbie. Between them their children have produced six grandchildren.

Most of Bill’s leisure time whilst raising his family has been devoted to his passionate love of music and playing of the saxophone in the Harry Forrester Band. Unfortunately with the onset of the Beatles type music the band could not compete and was disbanded.

Bill’s Masonic career began in 1958 when he was initiated into this Lodge and in due time after serving the Lodge in the various offices he was installed as WM in 1972. His continued devotion to the Lodge, serving at various times as the charity steward, director of ceremonies and organist, and to the Province was first recognized by the Provincial Grand Master of the day in May 1994 when he was appointed to the rank of PPrSGD and then in October 1992 was promoted to his present rank of PPrJGW.

His Masonic activities have not been confined to the Craft because he was exalted into De Grey and Ripon Chapter No 1356 in December 1959 and served as its First Principal in 1976 and later as its ADC, DC and its representative to the group.

Not being content with the Craft and the Royal Arch, 1979 saw jim join Lancastrian Rose Croix Chapter No 271 and serving in various offices.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd said: “Bro Bill, you have I am sure, enjoyed every minute of your 50 years as a Freemason. I must say a very distinguished career setting a wonderful example to your fellow members and being an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing you and coming into contact with you. Even now, when it must be said you are not exactly in the full flush of youth, you continue to support your Lodge in every way you can by your regular attendance at its meetings, its committees, its rehearsals, its social functions and its charitable endeavours. May I express the most profound hope that the Great Architect will spare you for many years to come to enable you to continue to do so.

“As a very small token of his esteem and gratitude the Provincial Grand Master RWBro Peter John Hosker has caused to be produced a certificate which he asks me to present to you but only after our Group Chairman Bro David Hawkes has read its contents.”

Bill Sandman

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis.Rudd, William Sandman, Mathew Wilson (WM) and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies John Clipshan.

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Tom’s ‘wonderful achievements’

The “wonderful achievements” to Tom Nugent were recalled by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd at a meeting of Adeste Fideles Lodge No 7425.

The meeting at Woolton was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tom being initiated into Freemasonry by his father.

The story of Thomas Nugent started 86 years ago on 10 July 1922. He was the eldest of five children. His schooling started at Northway Junior School followed by Highfield Secondary School and then at about the age of 15 he continued his education at Old Swan Technical College.

On leaving college he obtained an apprenticeship at Crichton’s Engineers and Ship Repairers as a Marine Engineer. Following the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, he soon became eligible for “Call Up” into the Armed Forces and not surprisingly in 1941 he joined the Royal Navy.

His first posting after initial training was as a member of the crew of a destroyer based in Scotland. Being a destroyer this presumably meant convoy duties which took him on patrols in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean, patrolling the coast of North Africa and being involved in escort duties for the Malta Convoys.

The attacks on those convoys were horrendous and the necessity of them getting through the German blockade to Malta was of the greatest importance to the success of the conflict in the North African campaign. After three years away from home at sea he eventually returned to England on a troop ship from Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka.

During his time in the Royal Navy but his other sporting activities was water polo for Toxteth Swimming Club and crown green bowling for the Black Horse Bowling Club.

Following demobilization he resumed studies at college and an apprenticeship at Crichton’s. After achieving a National Certificate he was employed at Rolls Royce in Derby involved in the testing of jet engines.

In 1953 he married Alma, who had herself served in the Royal Navy as a Wren. They have two daughters Rhona and Paula and between them they have produced three grand children.

The lure of the sea was so great that he joined the Merchant Navy as a junior engineer with the Ellerman Line and obtained a second class certificate. Leaving Ellerman he joined Common Bros sailing as second engineer on bulk carriers and tankers.

For a while it seems, he eventually decided that he had had enough of being away at sea for long periods, because he returned once again to Crichton’s as a ships manager to be promoted a little while later as the works manager.

At about this time there was a decline in shipbuilding and repairs and he left his job at Crichton’s but when things bucked up somewhat was recalled by Mannings as a self-employed Marine Engineer assisting in the multi-million pounds modification of the two Mersey Ferry Boats. Finally at the age of 67 he retired and picked up hius bowls to spend more of your leisure time at the Black Horse Bowling Club.

Several members of his family, father, brothers Arthur and Dennis and brother-in-law Colin Worsick, (who became WM of this Lodge in 1979), were in their time Freemasons. It was at the 19th Regular Meeting of Adeste Fideles Lodge held in 1958 at the Carlton Masonic Hall in Eberle Street that he was initiated into Freemasonry by the Chaplain of the Lodge, WBro TW Nugent his father, the Worshipful Master Bro RO Jones having kindly allowed his father to have the privilege.

After climbing the ladder of the Lodge taking all the offices until in October 1968 he was installed in the Chair of King Solomon. He has since served the lodge as ADC, DC , and, following in his father’s footsteps, as Chaplain with great distinction.

His dedication to the Lodge in particular and to Freemasonry in general was recognized by the Provincial Grand Master of the day when he appointed him to the rank of PPrJGD and then, after his continued service was promoted to his present high rank of PPrJGW. in 1986.

In March 1963 he was exalted into the Royal Arch in Empire Chapter and became its First Principal in 1976. He served the Chapter with equal zeal to that which he has always shown to this Lodge because he received the Provincial Grand Chapter rank of PPrPGSoj in 1984 and subsequently promoted to PPrGSN.

At the special meeting Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd said: “I must say WM and Brethren when I was reading all the notes and information supplied to me by your Bro Secretary, I could not fail to be impressed by all the wonderful achievements of our celebrant, WBro Tom Nugent, his happy family life, his service to his King and Country both at War and at peace in the form of his sea faring activities, his leisure activities and not least his devotion to the wonderful order of Freemasonry to which we are all privileged to belong. I sincerely trust that in this short but very sincere tribute recounted by me, that you, WM, and all assembled here this evening, are as equally impressed as I have been.

“As a token of his esteem and thanks, Bro Tom, our Provincial Grand Master, Peter John Hosker, has caused to be produced a certificate to commemorate this evening of your Golden Jubilee and I now shall be grateful if our Group Chairman, Bro David Hawkes, will read it to you.”

Tom Nugent

Pictured, left to right, are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd, Tom Nugent, Greame McIntosh Scott (WM), Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Paul Hesketh and David Hilliard, (Woolton Group Vice-chairman).

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Brian Wright has worked ceaselessly for Freemasonry

The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, said that he has always considered it a privilege to lead the celebrations for a brother who has completed 50 years of service to Freemasonry. Although long service to Freemasonry is becoming much more common, he added that we should never forget that 50 years of service is a very worthy and significant achievement.

On this occasion the celebrant was a good friend and brother, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Brian Wright. He said that it was very pleasing that so many were present to salute and pay tribute to Brian.

The Provincial Grand Master asked for Brian Wright to be placed before him so that he might address him. He spoke of them having been friends for many years and for four years, 2003 to 2007, in this great Province of West Lancashire he and Brian worked together as APrGMs. It therefore made it a special pleasure to lead the celebrations at this event.

Brian was born on 12 February 1935, the year in which King George and Queen Mary celebrated their Silver Jubilee. Brian is, of course, a true ‘Sandgrown ‘Un’, being born and raised in Blackpool. The PGM had read somewhere that for visitors, the sound and smell of Blackpool can mean many different things, but for a Sandgrown ‘Un, it will always be home.

Brian was educated at Baines Grammar School and had the special distinction of being head boy. It ceased to be a grammar school in 1977, and it is now called Baines’ School. The PGM was advised that such was the importance of the school, that the name change only came about after an Act of Parliament. The PGM was educated down the road at Kirkham Grammar School and he played with an oval ball, unlike Baines who played with a round ball. Clearly this is where Brian’s love of Blackpool Football Club began.

Academic success at Baines Grammar School resulted in Brian going up to Bradford University, a University whose mission statement says simply - ‘Making Knowledge Work’. Certainly Brian’s knowledge and hard work enabled him to graduate in pharmacy.

In 1958, Brian qualified as a member of the Pharmaceutical Society, after which he practised as a pharmacist in Grange Park, Blackpool from 1959 to 1987. He subsequently set up a joint practice with his brother in King Street until his retirement in 1998. The PGM had met Brian’s brother on a number of occasions in another service organisation namely Rotary. He became a leader and had given outstanding service above self and rose to the high office of district governor.

Brian is married to Corrine and have one daughter and one step-daughter. His extended family now consists of a grandson and a granddaughter.

The PGM commented that it is interesting that in the same year that Brian qualified as a member of the Pharmaceutical Society, 1958, he came into Freemasonry. Brian was then 23. He was initiated into Mereside Lodge No 6360 on 6 October 1958. The PGM added that it was not altogether surprising that Brian joined the Craft as both his father and grandfather were both prominent local Masons and both held Provincial Rank. Brian resigned his membership of Mereside in 1972.

At the age of 27, in 1962, Brian became a founder of Baines Lodge No 7844. He was the youngest founder. At the other end of the scale, the senior founder was James A Walton who became an APrGM in 1966, with responsibility for the Eccles Group. It was he who recruited several old boys, including Brian, to form the lodge. James Walton’s son David held the high office of Second Provincial Grand Principal in the Royal Arch Province of West Lancashire and his other son, the late Tony Walton became the West Lancashire Provincial Grand Master in the Mark Degree.

Brian became the Master of Baines Lodge in 1968. There are only two surviving founders of this lodge, namely Brian and Dennis Tofts, the present DC of the Lodge. Brian became a joining member of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966 in 1989, and a joining member of Lathom Lodge No 2229 in 1999. Brian was made an honorary member of Emblem Lodge No 6727 and an honorary member of North Shore Lodge No 7916, although he was a subscribing member of both lodges for a number of years.

The PGM reported that from 1989 to 1998, a period of nine years, three different groups had much to thank Brian for. First, in 1989, he became the South Fylde Group Secretary. Secondly, in 1991, he became the Vice-chairman of the South Blackpool Group. Thirdly, in 1994, he was appointed to the office of Group Chairman of the North Blackpool Group.

In 1998, Brian was appointed to the office of APrGM by Colin Wright. The PGM stated that Brian was an important member of Colin’s team hence the reason for Colin wanting to be at this event; to support Brian as he had supported him.

Brian’s Masonic honours in the craft are many. In the Province, PPrJGD in 1976 and PPrJGW in 1988. In Grand Lodge, PAGDC in 1992 and PSGD in 1999.

In the Royal Arch, Brian was exalted into Blackpool Chapter No 1476 in 1964 and its First Principal in 1973. He served as a DC for a number of years. Brian was a founder of Senatores Chapter of Installed First Principals in 1985 and its first Principal in 1998. He was also a founder of Blackpool Chapter of Sincerity No 4175 in 1988, and now an honorary member of that Chapter. He was also a joining member of Quadrant Chapter No 8044 in 1988.

Brian’s Masonic honours in the Royal Arch are many: In the Province, PrGStdB in 1984, PPrPGSoj in 1988 and PPrGSN in 1992. In Supreme Grand Chapter, PGStdB in 1994 and PAGSoj in 2004.

The PGM and Brian are both members of the Arnold Moreton Mark Masons Lodge No 1649 in the Province of East Lancashire and Brian was its Master in 2004. Like the PGM, Brian has enjoyed the hidden mysteries of nature and science including the ancient art of playing golf on the Fylde.

The PGM said that everyone knew Brian and everyone thinks of Brian as his friend. He commented that there are many reasons for this and mentioned a few, namely that Brian is a very approachable person; he possesses a friendly and engaging manner; and most importantly he has worked ceaselessly for Freemasonry on the Fylde. Because of Brian’s nomadic service to Freemasonry, which the PGM believes is unique, he has visited every one of the craft lodges on the Fylde. During the four years when he and the PGM were both APrGMs, the PGM enjoyed Brian’s warm and loyal friendship, and his infectious personality. He especially recalled Brian’s determination, as a member of the finance and administration committee, to ensure that the finances of the Province were put and kept on a sound basis – something that has been built upon to this date. The PGM said that it is important that we all leave a legacy and Brian can be extremely proud of his good works and his legacy as a Man and as a Freemason.

Brian Wright

Pictured, left to right, are: Malcolm Worsley, David McCormick, Peter Saunders, Peter Hosker, Brian Wright, Colin Wright, Terry Hudson, Leon Tax, Eric Picton

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A great Freemason and a great citizen

Anyone attending the celebration of 50 years in the Royal Arch for Teddy Dickson in Preston Masonic Hall could not fail to have been impressed by the occasion. In a packed Ashton Davies Suite the Grand Superintendent, Peter Hosker, paid tribute to a great Freemason and a great citizen. At the Festive Board, the toast to his health was given by his friend and colleague in and outside Freemasonry, Bill Huck.

Edward Chambre (Teddy) Dickson was born on 29 July 1918 in Lytham. He was educated at Marlborough College Wiltshire and St John’s College Cambridge.

After joining the Territorial Army in 1938 and being commissioned Second Lieutenant with the 88th Field Regiment (the Lancaster Gunners), he entered service with the Royal Artillery (Preston Gunners) in 1939.

In the 1939-1945 war he served in France with the British Expeditionary Force between September 1939 and June 1940, being mentioned in Despatches following the evacuation of Dunkirk, and he served in Malaya from October 1941 to February 1942. With the fall of Singapore he was taken prisoner by the Japanese, being imprisoned from February 1942 to September 1945, and forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway which claimed around 160,000 lives during its construction. The project is probably best known today for the film of the construction of its Bridge 277 – The Bridge on The River Kwai.

Following his service in the war, he returned home in 1948 and took up a career as a solicitor in general practice, which continued until 1983.

Teddy’ was married on 1 April 1951 to Joyce Mary Houghton. They had two children – a daughter Daphne Sarah who has two daughters, Nicola and Phillipa; and a son, Peter Alan, with two children, Charles and James. Joyce Mary sadly passed away in 1964. He was married again on 15 September 1965 to Isabella Dorothy Swanson Carus Healey, who sadly passed away in 2006 after a long illness.

Always involving himself in his community, he played cricket for Preston’s first team in 1938/39, and he is Vice President of Preston Blind Welfare Society, Vice President of the Lancashire Youth Clubs’ Association, an honorary member of the Select Vestry or "The Four-and-Twenty Gentlemen" of the Parish Church of St. John in Preston, a former Trustee of the Harris Charity (formerly the Harris Children’s Home), and a Trustee of the Harris Free Public Library, Museum and Educational Trust. He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Lancaster in 1975, and High Sheriff of Lancashire for 1986-1987. His interests include church music, architecture and history, gardening, travel, stamp collecting and chess.

Teddy was exalted into Holy Royal Architect Chapter No 314 in 1958, and was appointed Provincial Grand Scribe N. in 1973. He was installed as First Principal of Holy Royal Architect Chapter No.314 in 1968 and continued through 1969. He was appointed PrGStdB. in 1976 and PAGSoj in 1979.

Other appointments in Freemasonry include Vice Chairman of the Preston Group of Lodges and Chapters in 1971, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibility for the Preston and Leyland Groups in 1976. He retired as APGM in 1989.

Teddy Dickson

Peter Hosker congratulates Teddy Dickson on completing 50 years as a Royal Arch Freemason. Also pictured are Steven Reid and Ray Martland.

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