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On these pages you will find a selection of news from around the Province that have previously been reported on the main news pages.

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Provincial News Archive 2 (Older stories)

Assistant Grand Master’s first visit to the Province of West Lancashire
The Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson .......<more>

Ecclesholme residents join the web
The residents of Ecclesholme have been presented with a computer system....<more>

Date clashed with Investiture at Buckingham Palace
WBro Dr Ramesh Gandhi could not attend Provincial Grand Lodge in October because the date clashed with his Investiture with the OBE by Her Majesty The Queen.....<more>

£4,700 pledged for 2010 Festival
Provincial Grand Charity Steward WBro Stuart Thornber was delighted to be representing the Provincial Grand Master at Asshaw Lodge’s Installation..........<more>

Masonic Classic Car Club Members Lunch at Silverdale
An Autumn Sunday Lunch at The Royal, Silverdale on 21 October 2007, was enjoyed by our West Lancashire Masonic Classic Car Club Members and their families...<more>

Freemasons Provide £55,000 ambulance for red cross
Freemasons have again showed their generosity by providing a £55,000 fully equipped emergency ambulance to the North West Area of the British Red Cross...<more>

West Lancashire hosts the first National Masonic Caravan Rally
The first National Masonic Caravan Rally held at Hamilton House, St. Michael’s on Wyre, was an outstanding success..............<more>

A wonderful evening of Masonic education
Nearly 100 members of the Liverpool’s Gladstone and Sandon Groups enjoyed “a wonderful evening of Masonic education”........<more>

Freemasonry feature on BBC Radio Lancashire
A surprise telephone call from BBC Radio Lancashire to John Topping (Convenor of The Provincial Communications Team) led to a live interview with Bill Goulden...<more>

Southport Flowershow a great success
West Lancashire Freemasons had a rewarding time at the Southport Flower Show when a stand highlighting its work...............<more>

Magazine highlights Masonic donation
Freemasons and their families who are diabetic have been delighted to see that their magazine, Balance, has included a story...........<more>

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT
Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Rev Harry E Ross, may be a “Blue” supporter when it comes to football but he was delighted to be given the red carpet treatment at Bootle Leisure Centre...............<more>

PIPEBAND ENTERTAINS AT TITHEBARN
Brethren and members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band gave a special performance for residents at Tithebarn..............<more>

Ken, 90, decides to retire
Ken Park has retired as Joint Treasurer of the West Lancashire Masonic Charities Fund having served the charity for more than 26 years............<more>

Provincial Grand Masters' Lodge Amalgamates
The amalgamation ceremony for Poulton le Sands Lodge No 1051, where Rowley, Sandylands and Poulton Hall Lodges came together..........<more>

Masonic Lodge helps hospice appeal
A Warrington Masonic Lodge has presented St Rocco’s Hospice with £1,000 to help with its building appeal.............<more>

Freemasons Hearts are in the right place
Warrington Freemasons have shown that their hearts are in the right place by donating £1,400 to the British Heart Foundation..............<more>

Freemasons have a Big Heart
Freemasons proved that they have big and generous hearts when they heard about the ambitions of a 13-year-old transplant girl..........<more>

Masonic Tribute to Freemason in Morecambe Bay tragedy
The news item taken from the Fleetwood Weekly News

NMSF Success Story
Stan Fairhurst had always considered himself to be quite healthy and he was certainly a very active person............<more>

Masonry Universal
On the 24th October, 2006, three Wigan Masons and their wives joined the Royal Caribbean Line cruise ship ‘Legend of the Seas’ ...........<more>

Young Footballers score a £700 hit with Masons
Clifton Rangers Under-8 Football squad have scored a hit with a recent bid to the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons................<more>

Masons donate to help Tiggers
A bid to the Freemasons West Lancashire Community Fund has raised £750 to help Blackpool Tiggers.......................<more>

Warrington Golfers do it Again
Golfers from Warrington have won the Provincial competition for the second successive year..............<more>

National Garden Scheme
W Bro. Phil Gibbs, Secretary of the South Eastern Group, together with his wife Mel and five of their neighbours, opened their gardens in Davyhulme..............<more>

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Donation
On Friday the 16th of June the Leigh Group donated a total of £1000 to Wigan and Leigh hospice...................<more>

Freemasons give £2500 to three Fylde groups
In one week Fylde Freemasons presented West Lancashire Community Fund donations totalling £2500 to three local good causes.............<more>

Lancaster Lodge celebrates 75 years of history
Vale Lodge No.5256, consecrated on the 22ndApril 1931 celebrated 75 years of its history by holding an Old English Night at Lancaster Masonic Hall on Wednesday 24th May 2006...................<more>

Wigan Lodge supports Derian House Children’s Hospice
Worshipful Master of Vigilance & Douglas Lodge No. 6236 Alf Short recently presented a cheque of £400...................<more>

Freemasons to the Rescue
‘Devastated’ were the words used by the members of Ince Old Peoples Welfare Club, Wigan when their premises were burnt down by vandals in February......<more>

Masons Gift Erects Fence
The Trustees of Poulton Girl Guides were in urgent need of a new security fence as part of a long-term project.....................<more>

Liverpool Adelphi welcomes the Marquess of Northampton
The Liverpool Adelphi Hotel welcomed one of the country’s top Freemasons on Monday night when................<more>

Help for Worsley Road United Reformed Church, Swinton
On his visit to Monton Lodge on the occasion of W.Bro.Anthony Walton’s Golden Jubilee celebrations the Provincial Grand Master.............<more>

A special welcome for new members in Southport
In November, 40 members and guests attended the first annual Dinner of the newly formed Three Degrees Club for new Freemasons...............<more>

Care Officers with a night off
The Provincial Grand Almoner and his team of Regional and Local Care officers spent a happy evening discussing pertinent matters but also taking the opportunity of all of them meeting and discussing issues from each of their areas - see the picture

West Lancashire Freemasons Helping in the Community
On Friday afternoon, 18 November, W R Seddon , Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented two cheques to representatives of St Nicholas Church, Wrea Green and The Women’s Centre.................<more>

St.Peter’s mission keeps worshippers dry!
The hardworking parishioners of St.Peter’s Church, Westleigh are celebrating a milestone....................<more>

Freemason’s Community Work at Derian House Children’s Hospice Lifelites Support Team
In the ever-changing world of computers, the equipment that was installed four years ago was becoming decidedly ‘long in the tooth’........<more>

St.Peter’s mission keeps worshippers dry!
The hardworking parishioners of St.Peter’s Church, Westleigh are celebrating a milestone --- raising £27,000 for the church restoration fund to help keep worshippers dry!........<more>

Blackpool Masons stride out to raise £8500
The Blackpool Masonic Group of Lodges and Chapters have raised the magnificent sum of £8500 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation in Preston......<more>

Masons/Rotary Charity Auction – Golfing at Royal Lytham & St. Annes
One of the pledges auctioned at the Masons/Rotary Charity Auction held in July was a round of golf at Royal Lytham & St. Annes ............<more>

Prestonian Lecture Success
Ancient & Loyal Lodge of Installed Masters No. 9762 is a mere two years old yet this vibrant Lodge was host to the Prestonian Lecture..............<more>

An interview with the Provincial Grand Pursuivant
The position of the Provincial Grand Pursuivant is within the inner porch of Provincial Grand Lodge and his duties are....................<more>

A Unique Occasion for Quadrant Lodge
The September meeting of Quadrant Lodge No 8044 proved to be rather a unique occasion for the Lodge..................<more>

Blackpool Budokan’s appeal is lodged and answered
Blackpool martial arts expert Michael Blagg has been called up to represent Britain in the 11th. World Karate/Kick Boxing (WKA) Championships....<more>

Bishop attends Masonic service
For the second successive year a Bishop has given the address at the annual church service for Warrington Freemasons..........<more>

Preston Group's help to St Christopher's Church, Lea
Recently, W Bro W R Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented a cheque to representatives of St Christopher’s Church, Lea, Preston, towards their fund raising project.......................<more>

Stained Glass Window for Christ Church, Ormskirk
Ormskirk Freemason, W.Bro. Kenneth Park commissions a new stained glass window for Christ Church Ormskirk in memory of his wife Isabel..................<more>

National Inter-Provincial Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition
The third National Masonic Inter-Provincial Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition is to be held at Leighton Hall, Carnforth, by kind permission of the owners; the Gillow-Reynold’s family - see the details in the pdf file - click here

Derian House receives state-of-the-art computer
Derian House Children’s Hospice has just received a new state-of-the-art computer system donated by the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.............<more>

Assistant Grand Master’s first visit to the Province of West Lancashire

The Assistant Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson, made his first visit to the Province of West Lancashire and attended the Installation meeting of Quingenti Lodge at Hope Street Masonic Hall.

Earlier in the day, following lunch with the Cabinet our Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Colin Penty Wright, accompanied the Assistant Grand Master on a guided tour of the Chapter House at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.  The Chapter House was provided by the Freemasons of West Lancashire.

They were shown around by one of the official guides who is a well known Liverpool Freemason WBro. Robin Finnegan PPrJGW.

The Assistant Grand Master then attended Quingenti Lodge which was attended by 180 brethren.

RW.Bro. Colin Penty Wright, Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire,welcome RWBro David Kenneth Williamson, Assistant Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master is photographed showing the Assistant Grand Master a medallion loaned to him by WBro Cyril McGibbon PAPrGM which had been "Presented to WBro Thomas Smith WM of Perseverance Lodge 155 by WBro Very Rev FW Dwelly, to commemorate the first  Masonic Lodge Meeting held in the Liverpool Cathedral Chapter House on the 18th day of October 1935". The Very Rev. Dwelly was a Steward and a Past Master of Perseverance Lodge at the time and notably was also the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral which is the most senior office at the Cathedral.

The Assistant Grand Master is pictured chatting with members and guests at Quingenti Lodge Installation before the social board started.

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Ecclesholme residents join the web

The residents of Ecclesholme have been presented with a computer system by WBro John Shaw PPrJGD of Pendlebury Lodge No 8177.

The computer was installed under the watchful eye of RMBI Manager Julie Deakin. John had upgraded his computer but did not want to discard his old machine which he said had plenty of life so he decided to donate it to Ecclesholme.

Mrs Deakin said it would be a welcome addition to the home and it is planned to connect the machine to the Internet which will allow residents to write emails and surf the web.

Eccleshome resident Desmond Bell was the first to try the computer under the watchful eye of manager Julie Deakin and John Shaw who donated the system to the centre.

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Date clashed with Investiture at Buckingham Palace

WBro Dr Ramesh Gandhi could not attend Provincial Grand Lodge in  October because the date clashed with his Investiture with the OBE by Her Majesty The Queen.

WBro Ramesh PPrJGW  is a member of Peace and Unity Lodge No 3966.

He said: “The day was warm, sunny and bright.  Everyone at the Palace was helpful. The atmosphere was very convivial and mostly informal, only the actual ceremony was formal.   It was the most enjoyable and memorable day, as I felt proud, privileged and humble.  I do think the real credit goes to family, especially my wife May, the people of Lancashire in general and Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde in particular as they supported all my community activities, which include fighting twice to keep the Cardiac Unit in Blackpool (1988 to 1990 & 1998 to 2000) and supporting two major appeals - MRI Scanner Appeal and Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

“The Freemasons have been great and donated a large sum towards these two appeals, approximately around £100,000.”

W Bro Dr Ramesh Gandhi and his wife May are pictured following the investiture by Her Majesty The Queen

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£4,700 pledged for 2010 Festival

Provincial Grand Charity Steward WBro Stuart Thornber was delighted to be representing the Provincial Grand Master at Asshaw Lodge’s Installation and to receive4 a cheque for £700 for the 2010 Festival.

Additionally many Lodge members subscribed to the appeal on the day with their own personal commitments bringing the total pledged and raised on the day to £4,700 which was a magnificent result. There were 53 Brethren present at the meeting.

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Masonic Classic Car Club Members Lunch at Silverdale

An Autumn Sunday Lunch at The Royal, Silverdale on 21 October 2007, was enjoyed by our West Lancashire Masonic Classic Car Club Members and their families.

Fifty-two sat down to a splendid lunch carved personally by Car Club Member – Dennis Askham who recently took over The Royal at Silverdale.

During the event Peter Meakin presented our Provincial Grand Master with a special white Polo Shirt featuring our Car Club logo.

A raffle took place following lunch and raised £69 towards Club Funds.  Thanks to all members who brought raffle prizes.

Chairman Peter Meakin said :
‘The West Lancashire Masonic Classic Car Club is going from strength to strength and we hope that in 2008 new members will join us and enjoy good company and friendship’

Peter Meakin, Dennis Askham, Colin Penty Wright – Provincial Grand Master in driving seat of Dennis’s white Ferrari

Colin Penty Wright with Peter Meakin alongside the PGM’s Singer

Roger Stanforth and friend dressed in combat clothing alongside his prizewinning ex-military Morris Minor Estate

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Freemasons Provide £55,000 ambulance for red cross

Freemasons have again showed their generosity by providing a £55,000 fully equipped emergency ambulance to the North West Area of the British Red Cross.
 
The donation to the North West Emergency Response Appeal by The Grand Charity will strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to respond to major incidents in support of the emergency services and is part of their £2.3 million appeal designed to build up community resilience across the North West to disasters such as the floods which affected parts of the country earlier this year.

The presentation of the keys to the ambulance by David McCormick Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the Freemasons’ Grand Charity Representative for West Lancashire, to Edith Conn, Area President of the British Red Cross took place before an audience of invited guests including William R. Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Preston area and Jack Price, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, representing East Lancashire Freemasons.
A sign on the side of the ambulance says: “Kindly donated by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity”.

Several civic leaders including the Deputy Mayor of Preston, the Mayors of Ribble Valley, Lancaster and the Mayor of  Fylde were also present for the ceremony at Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium.

David McCormick said: “The Freemasons Grand Charity supports people in need and has a history of providing assistance to the worldwide emergency relief effort of the British Red Cross. This was an opportunity to extend that support and we are delighted to be associated with the services that this vehicle will provide for the people of the North West.”

David McCormick hands over the keys to the ambulance to Edith Conn, Area President of the British Red Cross.

David McCormick, Jack Price and Bill Seddon with the volunteer crew.

The volunteers and the ambulance. A notice on the side of the ambulance says: “Kindly donated by the Freemasons’ Grand Charity”.

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West Lancashire hosts the first National Masonic Caravan Rally

The first National Masonic Caravan Rally held at Hamilton House, St. Michael’s on Wyre, was an outstanding success and far exceeded the expectations of the organisers.

The Masonic Caravan Club of England and Wales is the brainchild of WBro Bill Holden of St Bartholomew Lodge No 6071 in West Lancashire. Bill is the secretary of the West Lancashire Masonic Caravan Club and he along with a small team spent nearly three years setting up the club and organising its first rally.

The level of organisation was amazing, with electricity specially laid on for all the outfits and a superb weekend of events that meant some members of the team spent up to a week on the site prior to the rally, preparing everything for what was an extremely enjoyable occasion.

The event was very much an informal one and was attended by Masons and their families from 24 Provinces, In all, in excess of 110 various outfits attended the event, including caravans, motor homes, trailer tents and tents. Outfits started to arrive on the Thursday afternoon prior to the August Bank Holiday weekend and continued to arrive all through Friday; being met by friendly volunteer ‘welcomers’ and handed a ‘goody bag’ before being ushered to their pitch.

The programme of organised events commenced on Friday evening in the main hall with soup, roll and pudding (Black Pudding that is!), being provided for everyone. We were then introduced to our compére for the weekend, Paul Dee, and in “northern club style” sat down to be entertained by the singing of two young ladies “The Dolls” and a well known northern entertainer, Tony Berry of the Houghton Weavers.

Saturday started with a casual morning, a ‘Bring and Buy’ sale and a chance to wander around some of the trade stands before the official opening of the rally by the Provincial Grand Master for West Lancashire, Rt WBro Colin Wright (who also added his immaculate 1956 Singer Hunter to the display of classic cars on view). The afternoon continued with the opportunity to try our hand at clay pigeon shooting, amongst other things.

In the evening we were entertained by “The Dolls” again and “The Pantonic Steel Band”, with many of the rally-goers wearing bright Hawaiian shirts to go along with the Caribbean/Hawaiian theme of the evening.

Sunday started off at a slightly slower pace until just after mid-day when we made our way back to the main hall, where the clocks had been turned back to the 1940s and we were given the opportunity to sample wartime food (Spam, beans and spuds!) in a street party mood with a sing-along (apologies to Vera Lynn!).

The lunchtime entertainment closed with a “fly-past”, which was provided by two disability scooters fitted with wings and propellers; needless to say this brought the house down!

The evening entertainment was provided by the award winning “Ashton on Mersey Show Band” playing a marvellous selection of 1940s’ music (Glenn Miller eat your heart out!). As we left the main hall we were greeted by a firework display to finish things off.

Monday morning saw coffee being served in the main hall, prior to the 1st Annual General Meeting of the Masonic Caravan Club of England and Wales with the election of new committee members and a proposed schedule for holding the next annual rally. The raffles, with more than 60 prizes, were then drawn, with in excess of £1,500 being raised during the rally to be distributed between both national and local charities.

The rally was closed with resounding thanks to our National Secretary and chief organiser, Bill Holden, and his dedicated group of volunteers.

Anyone interested in the Masonic Caravan Club of England and Wales can contact the National Secretary, Bill Holden at bill.holden@btconnect.com or visit the club website at www.masoniccaravanclub.com ; the club is open to all Masons who have a caravan, motor-home, trailer tent or tent.

by Frank Wilkinson

Mrs Kathryn Wright, Frank Wilkinson (Club Chairman), Mrs Jean Holden, Graham Beeby, the first chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Caravan Club, Colin Wright, Bill Holden’s granddaughter Bethany and rally organiser, Bill Holden.

Bill Holden introduces the Provincial Grand Master to his daughter Karen, who, along with many other members of his family, worked tirelessly all weekend.

Colin Wright is introduced to Karen Litherland-Bailey, the wife of Steve, Bill’s right-hand man on the team.

The Team!

Club Chairman Frank Wilkinson was delighted to provide lunch in his motor-home for (left to right): Mrs Jean Beeby, Graham Beeby, the first chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Caravan Club, Colin Wright, Mrs Kathryn Wright and Bill Holden, rally organiser.

The Provincial Grand Master tries his hand at towing!

Colin Wright joined fellow members of the West Lancashire Classic Car Club, by arriving in his 1956 Singer Hunter, one of only 20 remaining.

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A wonderful evening of Masonic education

Nearly 100 members of the Liverpool’s Gladstone and Sandon Groups enjoyed “a wonderful evening of Masonic education”.

The groups organised a seminar at which the Provincial Grand Secretary, Provincial Grand Treasurer,  the Provincial Grand Directors of Ceremonies for Craft and Chapter and the Provincial Grand Almoner all lead individual workshops for Freemasons holding similar positions in their own Lodges.

The aim of the evening was to ensure that all Lodge and Chapter officers have the appropriate current information to help them do their jobs.

It was the first time that such a major event had been organised for Groups within the Province of West Lancashire.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Hill described the event in Hope Street Masonic Hall as “a wonderful evening of Masonic education”.

Before the workshops started Paul Shepherd, chairman of the Gladstone Group, thanked all the workshop leaders and especially Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Mark Dimelow. He explained that Mark’s son, John, was celebrating his 21st birthday on that evening. He presented Mark with a gift for John which he said he hoped they would share when he returned home after conducting his workshop.

After the workshops there was a buffet.

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Freemasonry feature on BBC Radio Lancashire

A surprise telephone call from BBC Radio Lancashire to John Topping (Convenor of The Provincial Communications Team) led to a live interview with Bill Goulden, of The Ormskirk and District Group, on Tony Livesey’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday 11 September.

From Monday 10 September the BBC Radio Lancashire Bus was in Ormskirk for a week.  The BBC had learned that in Ormskirk there are more Freemasons than in any other town of similar size in the United Kingdom.  This prompted the Radio Station to find out why Masonry is so active in the town and also find out a little more about Freemasonry.

Bill, who works in the 2010 Office as a volunteer, took little persuading and together with Roy Worthington (Group Chairman for Ormskirk) we helped Bill prepare for an expected grilling by Tony Livesey in the Blackburn studios.

The interview is available here on the website for all to hear and on behalf of the Province. The interview lasted more than six minutes, on live radio; promoting Freemasonry in Ormskirk and our Province generally.

Click here for the Interview (this may take some time to download as it is a large file)

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Southport Flower Show 16-17-18-19 August 2007

West Lancashire Freemasons had a rewarding time at the Southport Flower Show when a stand highlighting its work in the community was visited by hundreds of people.
The professionally created stand was manned by members from across The Province who each undertook a half-day shift.

Provincial Grand Secretary, Geoffrey Lee, said: “The purpose of our having a presence at the flower show was to highlight our work in the community and our propensity to promote the value of friendship, as a fraternity.”

The stand, designed by David Randerson, had a first-class location and was visually very bright and attractive.  It encouraged many people to stop and have a chat to the members. Some decided to pick up a number of the leaflets and newsletter which explained what West Lancashire Freemasonry is achieving.  A large number of visitors to the stand entered the free prize draw for a bottle of champagne.  Some were keen to watch the DVD presentation of a ceremony at Grand Lodge conducted by HRH the Duke of Kent.

Many visitors were drawn to the stand by the powerful image of a yellow helicopter. They commented on how important the North West Air Ambulance is for our community.  It was stressed to visitors that the North West Air Ambulance is just one of the charities supported by Freemasons across the country.  Many visitors had no idea just how vast the Province of West Lancashire is, being drawn to the stand by the powerful image of the North West coastline.

Jack Moorhouse, who helped man the stand on said: “The opening day went very well with a steady flow of visitors throughout most of the day.  I was particularly impressed by the number of visitors from other Provinces; East Lancashire, Cheshire, West Riding, North Wales and one visitor from as far field as France.  They were without exception all very complimentary about the high standard of our stand material and the overall presentation.  I spoke with the Brother from France who was amazed by our public presence. He said that they do nothing like it at all in France, but added that perhaps it was time that they did something similar by following our example.

 “The literature on the stand was also very popular with many of our visitors, many of whom were very keen to take copies of The West Lancashire Freemason away with them. I was speaking with a lady on Thursday afternoon at the show that was very complimentary about Freemasonry in general and our stand in particular.   It transpired that she was the product of a Masonic education from the Royal Masonic School for Girls.  She went on to say that she had receive the finest education anyone could wish for and in her case it had set her up for life. This was a completely unsolicited and gratifying testimonial.”

John Topping, who helped man the Stand on Saturday afternoon said: “Despite the weather being quite showery and the ground rather boggy a steady flow of visitors to our stand helped keep up the spirits.  Numerous Masons from our Province and nearby Provinces told us that it was excellent that we had such a high profile in such a prestigious event.  Two men visiting the stand spoke to me of their desire to want to put something back into their local community.  They commented on being at a time in life where they had time and resources to make a fuller contribution.  I have, with their permission, passed their contact details on to the Masonic group nearest to where they live.”

Jack Moorhouse and Geoffrey Lee masterminded the project with great success.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW : FREE PRIZE DRAW

Not the least of the attractions on our stand at the Flower Show was our free prize draw for twelve bottles of champagne! There were hundreds of entrants, and the following are the lucky prizewinners. Thanks to all who took part, and may the winners enjoy their champagne!

An early visitor to the stand at the Southport Flower Show was the Provincial Grand Master, Colin Penty Wright, who is pictured with his wife and Provincial Senior Grand Warden Antoni Georgies.

A selection of photographs from the Flower Show

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Magazine highlights Masonic donation

Freemasons and their families who are diabetic have been delighted to see that their magazine, Balance, has included a story about a £39,000 donation from the Grand Charity.

Bill Smith, a Past Master of Wigan Lodge, had the article pointed out to him by his wife, Kathryn, who is an insulin dependant diabetic.

Bill says that he knows quite a few Freemasons who are diabetic and had not heard about the £39,000 donation to Diabetes UK.

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THE RED CARPET TREATMENT

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Rev Harry E Ross, may be a “Blue” supporter when it comes to football but he was delighted to be given the red carpet treatment at Bootle Leisure Centre.

WBro Ross and Wellington Group Chairman, WBro John D Roberts, were not attending a film premier when the red carpet was rolled out but were there to present a cheque for £1,284 to the South Sephton Gymnastics Club to pay for the carpet.

The money was the result of a successful application to the Community Fund and enabled the club to finish the floor area to competition standard with red matting.
The club, which has a membership of 150 boys and girls aged from four to 15, had to move to new premises due to vandalism. As a result of the move it had to spend several thousand pounds raised by members’ efforts on vaults, iso bars and safety mats.

Dave Foster and his wife, Wendy, have voluntarily run the club for 20 years and were delighted with the donation. The upgraded floor area meant that the club was able to host its first inter-club competition.

WBro Ross agreed that this was clearly a case of helping volunteers to help the community where modest grants can make a world of difference and which “is what the Community Fund is all about”. If only the mats had been blue the club might have received a balance beam as well!

Young members of the South Sephton Gymnastics Club were delighted to see club organiser Dave Foster receive the donation for the red matting from the West Lancashire Masonic Community Fund from Assistant Provincial Grand Master the Rev Harry Ross and Wellington Group Chairman John Roberts.

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PIPEBAND ENTERTAINS AT TITHEBARN

Brethren and members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band gave a special performance for residents at Tithebarn which was also attended by a group from Ecclesholme Nursing Home.

The band’s visit was organised WBro David Phillips and Mary Piet from Tithebarn.
The band’s arrival was kept secret and they prepared to play outside the Tithebarn grounds. When they were ready police closed the road as the band marched down the road and into the leafy lane leading to Tithebarn.

The pipes and drums then put on a display of music and marching which went on for 45 minutes much to the delight of the audience.

The band was in England to attend the annual Prison Officers’ Conference in Southport. During their stay they raised much needed funds by playing in Southport’s town centre bandstand.

Most of the band members are Freemasons from the Province of Northern Ireland. They give up their spare time to entertain free of charge and have promised to return again to Tithebarn next time they are in the area.

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Ken, 90, decides to retire

Ken Park has retired as Joint Treasurer of the West Lancashire Masonic Charities Fund having served the charity for more than 26 years feeling that at the age of 90 he could leave that responsibility in the capable hands of his fellow Treasurer, John Dutchman-Smith.

He joined the office at Hope Street in January 1980 and became Treasurer in 1988, a year which saw him promoted to PPrSGW in the Craft and Scribe Nehemia in the Royal Arch.

His work for local authorities took him around the country and he held senior offices in Nelson, Warrington, Grimsby and Huyton-with-Roby where he was Urban District Council Treasurer.

He joined Freemasonry in 1948 in the Province of Cumberland and Westmoreland and remains very active in both in the Craft, Pilgrim Lodge No 6207 and Royal Arch, Antient Manor Chapter No 4511.

His retirement was marked at Hope Street in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, senior Provincial officers connected with the charity, representatives of the other Provincial charities and his colleagues from the WLMCF office.

The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Colin Penty Wright, spoke highly about Ken’s contribution to the Provincial charities and to Masonry in general. He thanked him on behalf of the Province and the many individuals who had benefited from his work.

Ken responded recalling the many changes which had taken place during his period of office and wished the charities, and in particular the new merged charity, a successful future.

Ken Park is pictured with the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Colin Penty Wright
when he decided to retire at the age of 90

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Provincial Grand Masters' Lodge Amalgamates

The amalgamation ceremony for Poulton le Sands Lodge No 1051, where Rowley, Sandylands and Poulton Hall Lodges came together, was a spectacular success at the Dome in Morecambe on April 4th.

260 Freemasons witnessed a superb ceremony carried out by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master supported by the our local Assistant Peter Hosker and a full Provincial Team. As Poulton le Sands is our Provincial Grand Master's "mother" Lodge, he took part in the ceremony as a member of the Lodge.

Our Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, Mark Dimelow and his team of Deputies worked hard all day, rehearsing over 80 brethren men who actually took part in the ceremony. The venue was being used for masonic purposes for the first time and the tremendous attendance gave the whole day the feeling of a "mini Provincial meeting".

Nearly 250 attended the festive board at the Carleton Banqueting Suite and the party atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Freemasonry in Poulton le Sands Lodge certainly is moving forward with confidence and pleasure and the members of all 3 amalgamating Lodges are to be congratulated on taking such positive and well thought out steps for the future.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Brian Gillbanks, The Master of Poulton le Sands Lodge and the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Colin Penty Wright.

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Masonic Lodge helps hospice appeal

A Warrington Masonic Lodge has presented St Rocco’s Hospice with £1,000 to help with its building appeal.

The cheque was handed over to Caz Clair, a therapist at the hospice, by Gordon Amos and Geoff Bond on behalf of the Lodge of Good Endeavour.

The Warrington Group of Lodges presented the hospice with £1,750 in December and the new donation means that Warrington Freemasons have given the hospice £39,550 in just seven years.

The hospice is trying to raise £3 million to extend the premises and is about half way towards reaching the total.

Appeals manager for the hospice Claire Manock said: “This is another extremely generous donation from Warrington Freemasons. In addition to raising money for the appeal to extend the hospice and we are still having to find the money to cover the normal running costs so every penny donated is welcome.”

Gordon Amos said: “The Lodge of Good Endeavour has supported the hospice for many years and when we heard about the appeal to extend St Rocco’s we decided to donate £1,000 as it does such a wonderful job for the people of the Warrington area.”

Caz Clair receives the cheque for £1,000 from the Lodge of Good Endeavour which was handed over by Gordon Amos and Geoff Bond.

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Freemasons Hearts are in the right place

Warrington Freemasons have shown that their hearts are in the right place by donating £1,400 to the British Heart Foundation.

Part of the proceeds from the annual sportsman’s dinner organised by the Warrington Group of Lodges have been handed over to Shirley McNally, Fundraising and Volunteer Manager for the South Manchester and Cheshire Area of the British Heart Foundation.

The money was presented by Ian Boswell, Chairman of the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges, and there was a nice surprise for him when Shirley handed him a special certificate from the foundation in appreciation of the donation.

The money will go to the foundation’s appeal which is to set up British Heart Foundation Nurses who will work in the community and establish a heart information line.

Shirley said: “Without this kind of support we could not do our vital work. To receive £1,400 from Warrington Freemasons is fantastic.”

Ian said: “The British Heart Foundation is a superb organisation which does a tremendous amount of good work. We hope that this donation will help them with their campaign to establish the British Heart Foundation Nurses.”

Shirley McNally receives a cheque for £1,400 from Ian Boswell and he was delighted to receive a special certificate from the British Heart Foundation in appreciation of the financial aid given by Warrington Freemasons. Also pictured is Vic Charlesworth, the Local Care Officer for the Warrington Group.

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Freemasons have a Big Heart

Freemasons proved that they have big and generous hearts when they heard about the ambitions of a 13-year-old transplant girl.

When they learned that Jade Carr had been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games in Bangkok, Thailand but had to raise money to pay for all her own expenses Warrington Freemasons decided they had to help.

Jade was diagnosed in 1993 with the heart condition Dilated Cardiomyopathy at the age of four months and her life hung in the balance. By 1996 her heart function was down to just 13 per cent and she was sent to Harefield Hospital for a possible heart transplant. It was six months later that a dramatic series of events resulted in Jade receiving a new heart. She was out with her parents, Rob and Lynne Carr, in Southport when there was a call that a new heart was available. Merseyside Police gave them a “blue light” escort back to their home and while on the way the Merseyside Police Air Support Helicopter team heard about the situation. They offered to fly Jade from Liverpool Airport to Harefield Hospital where Professor Sir Magdi Jacoub performed the nine-hour operation.

After one slight rejection of the heart Jade started to progress and just five months later started at primary school. In 1997 Jade entered her first British Transplant Games and won medals for welly throwing and the 25-metre race for five-year-olds.

Since then she has gone from strength to strength and has a collection of more than 20 medals which has resulted in her being selected to represent Great Britain in the 100 metres, long jump, badminton, table tennis and ball throw at the games and is also included in relay teams.

Jade needed to raise £5,200 so that she can go to the games with her parents and attend special training sessions. She decided to host a “Heart Day” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her heart transplant to raise money. The games take place from 25 August to 3 September.

Her grandfather, Charles Carr, is a Freemason in Warrington and arranged for Warrington Masonic Hall to be the venue for the special event. When the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges heard about the event it was decided that they should put their heart and soul into helping Jade. On the night Jade was surprised and delighted when Ian Boswell, Chairman of the Warrington and District Group of Lodges handed over £1,000 to help bring her dream of competing in Bangkok closer to reality.

Ian said: “Jade’s is such a wonderful story that when we heard about her special night to raise money to go to the World Transplant Games we decided we had to support her. We just hope that she continues to make such wonderful progress and that she will return from Bangkok with the medals she deserves.”

Jade said she thanked everyone “from the bottom of my new heart”. She said: “Your support is fantastic and I will try my hardest to bring home lots of medals”.

Among the 120 people who attended the special night were members of the Merseyside Police Helicopter Support Unit and Premier Aviation who had raised £225 for Jade’s appeal.

A football signed by Manchester United players put another £320 into the kitty while a raffle raised more than £680.

Jade lives with her parents in Clifton Road, Runcorn and John Lunt a neighbour of Jade’s grandparents in Heath Road, Runcorn who works on an oil rig in the Indian Ocean organised a raffle of a Rolex watch which has resulted in £1,000 being added to the fund.

The Masonic Province of Cheshire is also to donate £250 to Jade.

Jade, a pupil of Helsby High School, is a member of Halton and Frodsham Harriers and Halton Table Tennis Club and is keeping in top shape ready for the games. Jade is continuing her fund-raising efforts and anything above the total needed for her own costs for the games will be added to the Transplant Sport UK fund to help pay for other competitors.

MP Mike Hall has sent Jade his “warmest congratulations” on being selected for the games and praised her “impressive record of achievement in sport”. In wishing her success in the games Mr Hall said: “Your courage is a credit to you and must have inspired others to make the most of their opportunities following radical surgery.”

Freemasons show they have a big heart with a £1,000 donation to help Jade Carr compete at the World Transplant Games in Bangkok. Jade is pictured with, left to right: Ian Boswell, Chairman of the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges, her father Robert, grandfather Charles and Vic Charlesworth, Local Care Officers for the Warrington Group of Lodges.

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New Masonic Samaritan Fund Comes To Stan's Aid

Stan Fairhurst had always considered himself to be quite healthy and he was certainly a very active person walking regularly in the Lake District the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, but one day in June 2006 all that was to change.

Walking in Lyme Park in Cheshire one day with his wife he suddenly found breathing difficult. Thinking he had a chest infection Stan went to his Doctor but instead was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with a faulty heart valve and a furred artery.

A replacement valve and bypass surgery was required, an appointment with a Consultant was delayed and an operation could have been months away. Stan’s wife Joyce, looking through MQ Magazine, read about the New Masonic Samaritan Fund. They decided to contact them and received an immediate response through Pat Reed who contacted Jack Eaves, the Almoner of Stan’s Lodge Corinthian 2350, to complete the necessary paperwork. Arrangements were made for Stan to see a Consultant and the diagnosis was confirmed.

Within a couple of weeks he was admitted into The Alexandria Hospital in Cheadle and the operation was carried out successfully. Stan was in hospital for seven days and for six weeks after he had to walk anything up to two miles a day until his strength returned. Physiotherapy followed and he has now returned to his Profession as a Quantity Surveyor and is well on the way to a full recovery.

Stan’s own words “I will forever be grateful to the New Masonic Samaritan Fund for all the help and assistance they gave me and for the very understanding way my case was dealt with. Absolutely first class.”

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Masonry Universal

On the 24th October, 2006, three Wigan Masons and their wives joined the Royal Caribbean Line cruise ship ‘Legend of the Seas’ as it left Vego in Spain for a cruise across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, but it was no cruise for some of the crew who were attempting the world non-stop record for running on treadmills, which they actually achieved by running over 4,000 miles continuously over six days to raise funds to buy Christmas presents for the children of a Mexican orphanage.

At a cocktail party on board W Bro’s Alex Humphrey of Tuscan Lodge No. 4427, Brian Clarke of Orrell Lodge No. 8371 and Peter Ball of Norley Lodge No. 7319 all of Pemberton, joined a party of Freemasons, from England, Scotland, Wales, Bermuda and America with their wives and partners and raised $600 towards the orphanage.

W Bro. Humphrey acted as D.C. and an English Brother, Brian Foster of The Broad Arrow Lodge, Bermuda, welcomed the Captain and his Officers. As two lady Masons were also in the party, W Bro. Emily Stouph, PM of St. Cuthbert Lodge No. 178 proposed the health of the Captain and his crew.

The party was also honoured by the presence of W. Bro James A. Herdle, a Past Deputy Grand Master of Virginia, USA and his colleague from Florida, W. Bro Fred Gaines, who gave the toast to the ladies. And finally to round off the true international spirit of the party W Bro. Elliot Lewis, Provincial Grand Almoner of Roxborough, Peebles and Selkirk SC, proposed the toast to the charities and presented the Captain with the donation.

Alex summed it up by saying ‘This wonderful occasion was an example of creating the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.’

WHAT A COINCIDENCE
W.Bro Brian Clark of Orrell Lodge No. 8371 wrote to say that W Bro. Brian Foster who welcomed the Captain and Officers to the cocktail party for the Freemasons on board the ‘Legend of the Seas’, was a police officer stationed at Hindley Police Station, Wigan before transferring to Bermuda.

He was closely followed out there by a colleague, Brother Stuart Innes, who was Initiated, Passed and Raised in Orrell Lodge and is the son of the late W Bro. Frank Innes, who was also a police officer in Wigan and a member of Orrell Lodge. Brian Foster and Stuart are still serving together in Bermuda.

It is remarkable coincidence that there should be two members of Orrell Lodge at the meeting on board the cruise ship and it goes to show that Freemasonry is truly an international family.

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Young Footballers score a £700 hit with Masons

Clifton Rangers Under-8 Football squad have scored a hit with a recent bid to the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons.

After hearing of the serious vandalism done to the Changing Rooms Building and an urgent need for some extra equipment at the Bowness Avenue site on Mereside local freemasons submitted a request to their own Community Fund for £500.

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said :

‘When we heard that these young lads needed some support in obtaining footballs, training goalposts and waterproof tracksuits we immediately asked our own Community Fund for £500 to help them along.  It is so important that our young people have every opportunity to contribute to our local Fylde communities.  Sport is a wonderful way for youngsters to make new friends and keep active.  We wish them every success with the new equipment’

An unexpected extra bonus came to the lads at the presentation when £200 was added to the £500 by Blackpool based St. John’s Lodge.

(left to right) Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Brian Street – President of Clifton Rangers, Peter Green – St. John’s Lodge, Bill Eardley – Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, John Booth – General Secretary, Darren Holt – Under 8s Manager

Front – All the Under-8 squad

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Masons donate to help Tiggers

A bid to the Freemasons West Lancashire Community Fund has raised £750 to help Blackpool Tiggers.  The organisation which works with autistic children is in need of a bouncy castle as part of their range of play equipment and looked to local Freemasons to help them. 

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said : 
‘Blackpool Tiggers is a local organisation which is doing some fabulous work with autistic youngsters.  Our Community Fund is very pleased to be helping the parents/carers and young people in facilitating this much needed play equipment’.

Photo shows Leon Tax (far right) presenting a cheque for £750 to Debra Bookbinder (centre) and in turn receiving a certificate from Blackpool Tiggers.  Next to Leon Tax is Bill Eardley – Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges.

In the photo are helpers and youngsters of Blackpool Tiggers.

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Warrington Golfers do it Again

Golfers from Warrington have won the Provincial competition for the second successive year. Again, a Warrington team member also scooped the individual title at the West Lancashire Masonic Golf competition which was held at the Garstang Golf and Country Club near Preston.

There was a strong field of 120 players and for the second year running the Group competition was won by the Warrington team. The overall individual winner and champion was Les Ashcroft who was presented with the prestigious trophy by the Provincial Grand Master, Colin Penty Wright.  Last year’s winner, George Irving is also a member of the Warrington Group.

This year’s team from Warrington consisted of Steve Adamson, Les Ashcroft, George Irving, Arthur Walton, Wayne Robinson and Brian Martin.

Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell with team captain
Steve Adamson & individual champion Les Ashcroft

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National Garden Scheme

W Bro. Phil Gibbs, Secretary of the South Eastern Group, together with his wife Mel and five of their neighbours, opened their gardens in Davyhulme to the general public on Sunday 2 July as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

The NGS is a charitable trust and inspires proud and passionate gardeners to open up their gardens to the public and raise money for the charities that it supports. Among the well known charities supported by the trust are Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Help the Hospices together with many other worthy causes.

The six suburban gardens on show looked magnificent in the beautiful July sunshine, and the local church was on hand to supply afternoon tea for those who needed some shade with the temperature in the 80s.

Mel was the organiser of the event which she first started planning in September 2005. Phil & Mel commented, “It was a superb occasion with lovely people and wonderful weather. We will definitely be repeating the event in 2007”.

In all there were over 360 visitors and a total of £1,144 was raised for the charities.

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Misconceptions !!

Isn’t it surprising how we easily form perceptions of organisations from hearsay? It is perhaps therefore, not surprising that we sometimes get it wrong.

For example, a large percentage of the population think that a Hospice is a dark, dismal, frightening place where people go to stay until they die.  Many also think that there are dozens of beds with long-stay patients.  Maybe that’s your impression too, but the reality is much different.

In fact Wigan & Leigh Hospice is a bright, modern welcoming organisation offering a host of services to improve the quality of life of people living with a life-threatening illness.  There are just 12 beds with the average length of stay only 10 days.  Over 60% of in-patients go home and the majority of the 500-600 new patients each year never even visit the Hospice!

Similarly Freemasonry is perceived by many to be a self-centred organisation, only interested in the self-promotion of its members, with any ‘charity’ monies raised only used for the benefit of Masons themselves. Again the reality is very different.

Nationally, Freemasonry is one of the largest donors to non-Masonic charities in the UK; in the next month the Grand Charity will approve grants of around £1.5 million to a wide variety of charities and charitable organisations – such as £150,000 over the next three years to the Brain Research Trust, £200,000 for Youth Opportunities, £30,000 for the National Autistic Society, £25,000 for the Royal School for the Deaf, £45,000 for Wellchild to help care for chronically sick children, £30,000 for the Foundation for the study of Infant Deaths, £85,000 payable over two years to the Samaritans and, for 2006, £500,000 for the Hospice movement. These are in addition to hundreds of smaller donations to churches and voluntary groups throughout the country.

Locally, in the last year, Masonry has donated £3,000 to Wigan & Leigh Hospice and members are here seen presenting yet another £1000 from the Leigh Group.

All Masonic charity funds are raised from Masons, their families and those attending Masonic events.  None of it is raised from the general public.

Tony Bent, Chairman of the Leigh and District Group of Masonic Lodges, says “We are delighted to be able to support our local Hospice again. The money donated today was raised from things like raffles at our monthly meetings, ladies’ socials and each lodge setting aside a specific contribution to this cause. This gift is in addition to many other smaller donations by lodges individually.”

Hospice Chief Executive Stuart Liptrot added “Over the years Wigan & Leigh Hospice has received many tens of thousands of pounds from Masonic donations. We are very grateful for their ongoing support which helps us to continue offer the nature and level of care our patients need.”

Tony Bent summarised by saying “Masonry, like Hospices, encourages the adoption and application the highest ideals of ethics and standards.  Things are not always what they seem, and perhaps we are all sometimes guilty of forming opinions and misconceptions based on fiction, not fact.  This is Freemasonry in practice – supporting those less fortunate than ourselves. Freemasons will never forget them”

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Freemasons give £2500 to three Fylde groups

In one week Fylde Freemasons presented West Lancashire Community Fund donations totalling £2500 to three local good causes.

The first £500 was presented to Joan Swan of 7th Blackpool Scouts for a secure storage facility.

Another £500 has helped Ansdell Primary Care Trust Medical Centre buy a range of small chairs, tables and toys that will make the Baby Clinic a more friendly and reassuring environment. 

Photo shows Ben Holmes (aged 8) trying out the new equipment along with (left to right) Sue Greenwood - Manager of Children and Family Services, Lynne Bentham – Health Visitor holding one year old Charlotte Coatsworth.  Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Eric Picton – South Fylde Group Chairman, Ben Holmes

The Freemasons moved on to Lytham and presented £1500 to Sarah Waterhouse and Cath Powell of Park View 4U.  The development of Park View Playing Fields is to facilitate recreational and leisure activities for all ages.  The £1500 is being put towards play equipment within a family orientated environment.

Photo shows (left to right) Sarah Waterhouse – Treasurer receiving £1500 cheque from Leon Tax and Eric Picton with Dr. Steven Reid in the background pointing to where the play equipment may be sited,  Cath Powell – Chairwoman of Park View 4U

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said : ‘ The beneficiaries of these presentations are making huge contributions to our local communities in a variety of ways. It is appropriate that the Masonic West Lancashire Community Fund is stepping in to give them a lift in their work.  We are immensely proud of all the hard work being done by them as they seek to improve the lives of those around them’

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Vale Lodge Celebrates 75 years

Lancaster Lodge celebrates 75 years of history.  Vale Lodge No.5256, consecrated on the 22ndApril 1931 celebrated 75 years of its history by holding an Old English Night at Lancaster Masonic Hall on Wednesday 24th May 2006.

The evening was a huge success; enjoyed by members and the many visitors who were treated to a most interesting and enlightening history of the Lodges past 75 years. 

The social board which followed in the form of and Old English Night was a high spirited fund raising event; immensely successful and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. 

The W.M. and Brethren were delighted to welcome W.Bro.J.Brian Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master as its principle guest.  It was a particularly poignant, but nevertheless most enjoyable evening for W.Bro.Wright who is the great nephew of W.Bro.William Wright, Founder and the very first Worshipful Master of Vale Lodge.  The Brethren were equally delighted to welcome the popular and hard working Chairman of the Lancaster and District group of Lodges, W.Bro. Peter Mason.

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Wigan Lodge supports Derian House Children’s Hospice

Worshipful Master of Vigilance & Douglas Lodge No. 6236 Alf Short recently presented a cheque of £400 from the Lodge members to Sandra Marson, the Appeals Administrator for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley.

The Lodge regularly supports non Masonic charities and during their recent Installation Ceremony donated the magnificent sum of £3000 to be distributed amongst various Charities, including Derian House Children’s Hospice.

W.Bro.Short was given a tour of the building and said afterwards, “Last time I was here it was very brief stop during the long distance Hospice charity walk, and I never got the chance to see inside the building, and I am most impressed with the excellent facilities the Hospice has to offer the children.  Since Children’s hospices almost totally exist on fundraising from within the public domain, it makes me particularly proud to know that Freemason’s in West Lancashire show support for these worthy causes in such a positive way.” 

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Freemasons to the Rescue

‘Devastated’ were the words used by the members of Ince Old Peoples Welfare Club, Wigan when their premises were burnt down by vandals in February. The premises near Ince railway station were used by a group of fifty or more pensioners every Monday for music, bingo and entertainment and was the highlight of the week for many.

The premises were completely gutted and everything including the organ was destroyed. Finding new premises was not going to be easy and many thought the group would have to disband, but Secretary Arthur Stone thought differently and set about trying to find a new home for the pensioners. His luck was in and nearby St. Williams Catholic Mens Club in Ince Green Lane came to their aid and agreed to allow them to use the premises on a Monday afternoon.

But what about the entertainment, the organ had been destroyed and the group couldn’t afford to buy a new one. Arthur, who is 82 and a Freemason, and has been connected with the club for over forty years, turned to his colleagues at Hindley Masonic Hall for help and within a matter of a few days they had agreed to provide an organ for the Group and the first concert in the new premises was held on Monday 20th March.

Anne Cotterill who has been attending the group for twenty years said “Without the help of the Freemasons we would have been stuck. We can’t praise them enough for their quick response and their generosity”

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Masons Gift Erects Fence

The Trustees of Poulton Girl Guides were in urgent need of a new security fence as part of a long-term project to improve the buildings and grounds of the Guide Headquarters on Station Road, Poulton.  The Trustees were delighted that the final £1000 towards the £4300 palisade fence was given from the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons, thus enabling the new fence to be erected.

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said :

‘Girl Guiding is an organisation run by volunteers for girls and young women.  It provides opportunities for members to be challenged and to gain experience and knowledge about being responsible citizens.  Freemasons were delighted to be able to help provide an increased level of security to these premises and we wish them well as they continue their good work in the community’

A group of Fylde Freemasons visited the premises and admired the security fence.  There then followed a formal presentation of the donation.

Front left to right: John Topping, Provincial Communications Officer, Leon Tax, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ray Boardman, Poulton-le-Fylde Lodge No.4040,

Behind fence : Peter Robinson, Group Charity Steward, In attendance Guide Leaders and Trustees (background)

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Liverpool Adelphi welcomes the Marquess of Northampton

The Liverpool Adelphi Hotel welcomed one of the country’s top Freemasons on Monday night when the 7th Marquess of Northampton, Spencer Douglas David Compton, attended the 250th anniversary celebrations of St Georges Lodge of Harmony No 32.

Second only to the Duke of Kent, Lord Northampton is his personal representative as Pro Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. It was originally intended that his visit would include a tour of the Chapter House at the Anglican Cathedral as it was originally donated by West Lancashire Freemasons, but as he is still recovering from extensive surgery earlier in the year, this was unfortunately cut from his busy schedule.

The Marquess enjoyed a Lodge meeting in the Aintree Suite of the Adelphi which was tastefully converted to a Lodge room for the evening before dining with all Lodge members and guests in the adjoining Lancaster room.

Marquess of Northampton, left and Worshipful Master of Lodge 32

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Help for Worsley Road United Reformed Church, Swinton

On his visit to Monton Lodge on the occasion of W Bro Anthony Walton’s Golden Jubilee celebrations the Provincial Grand Master Bro. Colin Penty Wright took the opportunity of presenting a cheque for £1,000 from the West Lancashire Community Fund to W.Bro. Geoffrey Sides, the Senior Elder of Worsley Road URC, towards the rebuilding of the Church which was built in 1870.

The Church has always had close connections with Monton Lodge as W.Bro. Geoffrey Sides’ father, Raymond, was one of the first initiates into the Lodge and three of the current Elders are also members of Monton Lodge.

The PGM said he was delighted to be able to give this boost towards achieving the final total.  W Bro Sides said the Church was for the whole community and would be used for many different activities in the area.

(from left to right) Asst. PGM Geoffrey Bloch, W Bro Geoffrey Sides, Church Elder,  the Provincial Grand Master, W Bro. Harry Davies, Group Chairman

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A special welcome for new members in Southport.

In November, 40 members and guests attended the first annual Dinner of the newly formed Three Degrees Club for new Freemasons.  The principle Guest was John Moore, M.B.E., Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

The Three Degrees Club welcomes Initiates into the Southport Group; encouraging them to make friends and meet other new members from other Lodges, and promotes inter-visiting.  The Club also gives new members opportunities to learn about the history of Freemasonry and the meaning of our ceremonies.

Every Initiate receives a welcome pack from the Club on the night of his Initiation, free membership and a card from the Group Chairman.  There is an annual Dinner in the autumn, and a social event in the spring.  The club has its own e-mail list to keep members up to date.

Members meet the Group Officials, and the Club gives them a "voice" to put forward ideas and suggestions - or criticisms!  The Three Degrees Club will add to the enjoyment of new Freemasons and retention of new members.  The Club is chaired by Geoff Wilcock, Eric Morris is Secretary and Michael Poll Treasurer.

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Care Officers with a night Off

On Thursday 10 November 2005 at Leyland there was a 100% attendance of Regional Care Officers, Local Care Officers and Charity Office Staff for an annual get together.

The Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Colin Penty Wright was also in attendance and everyone enjoyed a good atmosphere and discussion.

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West Lancashire Freemasons Helping in the Community

On Friday afternoon, 18 November, W R Seddon , Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented two cheques to representatives of St Nicholas Church, Wrea Green and The Women’s Centre, who had made applications to the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons for assistance towards their worthy projects.

At the presentation the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was accompanied by the Preston Group Chairman, I W Greenwood, and D A Thompson, Local Care Officer.

Prior to the cheque presentation, Mr. Seddon explained the purpose of the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons and how it contributed exclusively to non- Masonic causes and how many organisations had benefited from its charity. For the benefit of the recipients he defined the geographical boundaries of the West Lancashire Province and further explained that a committee met three times a year to allocate funds. The Preston Group concentrated on sponsoring worthy causes in and around Preston and was proud and pleased that the two charities represented today had been successful.

Mr. Seddon, in his own words being “old fashioned”, presented the first cheque for £720 to Catherine Turner, a former Manager of the Women’s Centre facility. The current Manager unfortunately was unwell and therefore unable to attend, but perhaps it was fortunate that Catherine received the cheque, as she was the one who initiated the enquiry leading to the application for consideration by the fund. The Women’s Centre is located on New Hall Lane, Preston, and the donation will go towards refurbishment of the Centre.

Mr. Seddon then presented the second cheque for £1000 to John Rawcliffe, Church Treasurer at St Nicholas Church, Wrea Green. The donation will help in the funding an annexe to the church, which will have a separate entrance and will be used, when completed, as a community centre. In addition to this, the police and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau will use the annexe; thus providing the residents of Wrea Green with a much needed communal facility. The total cost to complete the project is £235,000.

At the end of the presentation ceremony, both recipients thanked the West Lancashire Freemasons in general and the Preston Group in particular for the generous donation.

W Bro Seddon (far right) with Catherine Turner, representing The Women’s Centre and W Bro Greenwood (second from left) with John Rawcliffe, Church Treasurer for St Nicolas Church, Wrea Green. W Bro Thompson, Local Care Officer (far left) making up the group.

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St.Peter’s mission keeps worshippers dry!

The hardworking parishioners of St.Peter’s Church, Westleigh are celebrating a milestone --- raising £27,000 for the church restoration fund to help keep worshippers dry!.

St.Peter’s Church, a Grade II* listed building, was built in 1880-81 and is quoted as one of the most thrilling churches in Lancashire. Extensive and urgent repairs are needed to the building.

Various fund raising initiatives ranging from dances, concerts and coffee mornings has raised the money. It has helped to meet the cost of the first phase of this major project of making the building rainproof. And helping to make things watertight was a gift of £1,000 from Lancashire freemasons.

Said the delighted Vicar of St.Peter’s, Father Stephen Pollard on receiving a £1000 cheque at their church dinner dance: “We have reached our target for the first phase of work, thanks to the hard work of many of our parishioners and the generous gift from the freemasons. But our fund raising efforts continue because we have to finance two other phases of restoration work.”

Making the presentation on behalf of the Province of West Lancashire freemasons was Eddie Caulfield who added: “We are delighted to support this worthy restoration project. Our community fund is helping many projects in towns and villages throughout Lancashire with all the money coming from lodge members themselves.” Last year lodges in West Lancashire including the Leigh Group raised £64,000 for hospices in the county with a 200 mile sponsored walk.

The Church made a successful application for a grant to English Heritage with a promise of £500,000 spread over three years. But the parish had to find an additional £27,000 during this first phase as part of the agreement.

Our photograph shows the Vicar receiving the cheque from Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Province of West Lancashire at a Restoration fund dinner dance held at Leigh Masonic Hall.

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Freemason’s Community Work at Derian House Children’s Hospice Lifelites Support Team

In the ever-changing world of computers, the equipment that was installed four years ago was becoming decidedly ‘long in the tooth’, particularly in the eyes of the children who use the PC’s on a daily basis. Therefore, as part of the ongoing RTMGB Lifelites project, the system was scheduled for replacement in the summer of this year. Prior to this it was necessary for the support team to decommission the existing computers and dispose of them.

The Derian House Lifelites support team is made up of eight volunteers from the Chorley and Leyland Masonic Group of Lodges. In addition to myself as co-ordinator the team members are currently:

W.Bro. Rod Benninson Carnarvon Lodge No.2376
W.Bro. John Bicknell Ellesmere Lodge No.730
W.Bro. David Lund Farington Lodge No.7277
W.Bro. Alan Newman St George’s Lodge of Chorley No.7161
W.Bro. Frank Pimblett Coronation Lodge of Weshoughton No.7258
W.Bro. David Rotheram Leyland Lodge No.4249
W.Bro.Ray Wilkinson Rivington Lodge No.8013

John Bicknell, who acts as deputy co-ordinator, is undoubtedly the computer wizard of the team. It was his skills that were called into play during the decommissioning process when the hard drives of each existing computer had to be wiped of all previous files.

Disposal of the existing kit posed its own problems, since the machines in computer terms were virtually obsolete. Team member Frank Pimblett came to the rescue in that respect. Through his granddaughter’s school he found five worthy recipients who could make continuous use of the PC’s for their schoolwork. Thus continuing the RMTGB Lifelite’s ethos of providing young people with access to computers. To Frank’s credit this also generated a donation of £250 for Derian House.

Installation of the new kit was scheduled to minimise the length of time the hospice would be without computers. The actual transition was achieved smoothly over a period of ten days. This was followed by two days training for John Bicknell and myself. We then cascaded the training down to the team and produced guidance notes to assist everyone with the learning curve.

Official handover of the new kit, worth over £20,000, took place at the end of July. The presentation was made by W.Bro. J Brian Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, in company with the Chorley and Leyland Group chairmen W.Bros. Ken Shaw and Dennis Onslow.

In addition to five new computers the new kit also included a colour laser printer, a flat bed scanner and a digital camera. New software provided with the system included a music composition program and a realistic flight simulator package complete with joystick. Even though Blackpool is one of the airports from which the simulator lets you fly, Brian Wright decided to keep his feet on the ground and returned home in his car.

Special needs equipment provided four years ago together with the satellite TV and video distribution to every room in the hospice has been retained.

Needless to say the children are delighted with the new kit. Trevor Briggs, General Manager of Derian House, and his staff are unanimous in their praise of the Lifelites Project, which they see as a major contribution to entertaining and engaging children during what is obviously a very stressful period of their lives.

From the Lifelites support team’s perspective the ongoing maintenance of the new kit, because of its sophistication, is slightly more complicated. Whilst there are a few minor teething issues to resolve, all the team have done a terrific job in ensuring a smooth transition from the old to the new. Our reward is, I believe, the extensive use the children make of the equipment. Over the last four years the team has become part of Derian’s extended family, long may it continue.

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St.Peter’s mission keeps worshippers dry

The hardworking parishioners of St.Peter’s Church, Westleigh are celebrating a milestone --- raising £27,000 for the church restoration fund to help keep worshippers dry!

St.Peter’s Church, a Grade II* listed building, was built in 1880-81 and is quoted as one of the most thrilling churches in Lancashire. Extensive and urgent repairs are needed to the building.

Various fund raising initiatives ranging from dances, concerts and coffee mornings has raised the money. It has helped to meet the cost of the first phase of this major project of making the building rainproof. And helping to make things watertight was a gift of £1,000 from Lancashire freemasons.

Said the delighted Vicar of St.Peter’s, Father Stephen Pollard on receiving a £1000 cheque at their church dinner dance: “We have reached our target for the first phase of work, thanks to the hard work of many of our parishioners and the generous gift from the freemasons. But our fund raising efforts continue because we have to finance two other phases of restoration work.”

Making the presentation on behalf of the Province of West Lancashire freemasons was Eddie Caulfield who added: “We are delighted to support this worthy restoration project. Our community fund is helping many projects in towns and villages throughout Lancashire with all the money coming from lodge members themselves.” Last year lodges in West Lancashire including the Leigh Group raised £64,000 for hospices in the county with a 200 mile sponsored walk.

The Church made a successful application for a grant to English Heritage with a promise of £500,000 spread over three years. But the parish had to find an additional £27,000 during this first phase as part of the agreement.

Our photograph shows the Vicar receiving the cheque from Eddie Caulfield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Province of West Lancashire. Also in the frame is dance organiser John Molyneux who is in the Leigh Group, Lodge of Valour.

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