News from around the Province - Provincial Grand Lodge of West Lancashire

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

St.Helens and Prescot Group - Ongoing Support for Willowbrook Hospice
Members of Hospitality Lodge, in St.Helens, recently presented a cheque for £4450 to Wollowbrook Hospice.......................<more>

Portable Scanner Appeal
The St. Helens and Prescot group of Lodges have raised £10,500 towards a portable scanner for use in the special care baby unit...............<more>

Youngsters need a Boost
14th Ormskirk-Rufford Scout group welcomes much needed help from local Freemasons..................<more>

Masons and Rotarians gavel together at Grand Charity Auction
The gavel sounded loud and regularly at a packed Cleveleys Masonic Hall, near Blackpool...........<more>

Freemasons help White Church reach target
Freemasons have given £1000 towards the restoration appeal for The White Church in Ansdell..........<more>

Leigh freemasons £1,000 cheque helps Age Concern
Leigh freemasons continuing support for organisations working within the local community was marked today (June 2nd) with the presentation of a £1,000 cheque.............<more>

Why South Manchester Freemasons’ Hall Ltd. is closing
After 75 years as a Masonic Hall S.M.F.H. Ltd. will be closing its doors for the last time on the 31st May 2005....................<more>

Masons gift of £400 to Blackpool ‘Streetlife’
Freemasons from The Lodge of Triumph in St.Annes have provided £400 worth of tinned food for the Blackpool based Streetlife Trust nightshelter....<more>

Masons give a lift to two local good causes
The Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons has supported two Fylde organisations with a total of £1450............<more>

PGM joins in Victor’s Centenary Celebrations
Fairhaven Lodge at its March meeting was buzzing with excitement and celebration to mark Worshipful Master Victor’s 100th birthday.....<more>

Essential Software
13 year old Andrew Critchley is a pupil at Hope School, Marus Bridge, Wigan and Andrew has very special educational needs.............<more>

Lodges give £1263 to three local good causes
Freemasons of Baines Lodge, Poulton have just raised £350 to update furniture and fittings at Richard Peck House, St. Annes...................<more>

Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons Assist the Faith and Heritage Appeal - Ribchester
On Wednesday 16 February 2005 the Community Fund Of West Lancashire Freemasons donated a cheque for £1000...............<more>

Donation By Festival Lodge No 8123 To Royal Preston Hospital
Medical Rehabilitation Unit. Following a recent extended stay in the newly opened Medical Rehabilitation Unit of Royal Preston Hospital by W Bro Douglas Plank...................<more>

Senatores welcomes Guest Speaker from Grand Lodge
Wednesday 12th January 2005 was a momentous occasion for Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966. ........<more>

Charge of the Light Brigade Celebration Photographs
On the 20th October at 12:00pm at St Marks Church, Worsley there was a celebration and service or remembrance for Troop Sergeant Major Richard Hall Williams - see the pictures here

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

A Family of Masons span three centuries
On the nineteenth of January1894 Mr James Kay, Butcher, of Horwich was made a mason in Horwich Lodge no. 2324.............<more>

Victor Middleton Installed into Fairhaven Lodge No. 5076 in his 100th. Year
The Palace at St. Annes was filled with 70+ brethren as Victor Middleton was installed into Fairhaven Lodge No. 5076.......<more>

Fifth Generation Initiation
On Thursday 12th October 2004 a young man was initiated into Pembroke Lodge No 1299 at the Masonic Hall, Hope Street Liverpool. Pembroke Lodge ..... <more>

Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters
welcomed Yasha Beresiner of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076 to their September 2004 meeting to hear a lecture entitled ‘Masonic Curiosities’........<more>

ECCLESHOLME RE-OPENING
The re-opening of Ecclesholme Residential Care Home on Wednesday August 4th was a happy and memorable occasion..............<more>

Masons roll out a Shower Trolley
Kirkham Masonic Lodge has given £1316 to purchase a Shower Trolley for the disabled service users at Oaklands Leonard Cheshire...............<more>

RNLI Lifeboat Naming Ceremony
Two past masters of the Lodge of Sincerity, No 292 Sandon Group were recently commemorated at a naming ceremony..................<more>

‘South Fylde Does the Double’
- Two good causes collect £1300 from Community Fund .............<more>

National Masonic Clay Pigeon Shoot at Hoghton Tower
The National Masonic clay pigeon shooting competition at Hoghton Tower; one of the premier shooting events in the sporting calendar took place in glorious sunshine......<more>

North West Air Ambulance receives Trailer from PGM
A purpose designed trailer costing £14,500 was officially handed over by the Provincial Grand Master to the North West Air Ambulance service at Hoghton Tower...<more>

Charles celebrates 60 years as a Freemason
Nearly 150 Mason travelled to Warrington from all parts of the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Major Charles William Shand, OBE, BEM, becoming a Freemason....<more>

Bishop attends Masonic service
THE Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev David Jennings, gave the address at the annual church service for Warrington Freemasons.................<more>

Lodge's 250th Landmark
The Lodge of Loyalty No.86, one of the oldest Lodges in the Province celebrates 250 years of Freemasonry................................<more>

Lodge of Hospitality Celebrates 75 years
The Lodge of Hospitality 5074 was consecrated on 27th March 1929, with the ceremony being performed by Right Worshipful Brother ...................<more>

It started in Southport
This week, Freemasons from all over West Lancashire gathered at the Masonic Hall in Duke Street, to celebrate Unity Lodges one hundred and fiftieth anniversary..........<more>

W.Bro. Ray Jackson celebrates 50 years of Freemasonry.
Ridgmont House, the beautiful Masonic Hall at Horwich made the perfect setting for W.Bro.Raymond Jackson’s to celebrate 50th years of Freemasonry...........<more>

Much needed equipment for Derian House Children’s hospice provided by local Freemasons.
Rufford Lodge, with a membership of 49 Freemasons have provided funds to buy essential items of furniture ....................<more>

“Communications in Freemasonry”
Over 100 Freemasons attend a lecture entitled “Communications in Freemasonry” by V.W. Bro. John Hamill, Director of Communications at the United Grand Lodge of England...<more>

Hospices Charity Walk
During the week 12th to 20th June 2004, Alf Short, an experienced marathon walker, will lead a charity walk ....................................<more>

Grand Charity Donations to Hospices
On the 20th November 2003 I attended at Woodlands Hospice in Longmoor Lane, Liverpool and presented to the fund raising co-ordinator....................................<more>

Dona Conferentes Lodge No.9392
At a meeting hosted by Dona Conferentes Lodge No.9392 on Saturday the 22nd of November, over 100 Freemasons were privileged...............................................<more>

Presentation of a cheque to Ecclesholme.
The West Lancashire Bowling Association generously presented a cheque for £750 to the Friends of Ecclesholme.........................................................<more>

Presentation of a minibus to Ecclesholme
The Friends of Ecclesholme committee has presented a new minibus to Ecclesholme Residential Home for the use of the residents...........................<more>

Air Ambulance gets sponsored promotional vehicle
North Blackpool Group Chairman, Brian Parkin, welcomed Deputy Provincial Grand Master Thomas Blackburn to the group's annual dinner on Thursday......<more>

Well respected Ormskirk Freemason celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry
Well respected Ormskirk Freemason, Harry A.Caunce, member of Rufford Lodge No.7217, celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry .......................................<more>

“Care” – How it Works: a true story
Let’s call this young man John; he is a pleasant and intelligent young man who was thought of at school as being a little "slow"; he had great difficulties...........<more>

Open Day held at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton
The Open Day held at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton on Sunday May 11th was a great success.......................................................................<more>

The American Indian Degree Demonstration Team
The Provincial Grand Master together with 120 freemasons witnessed a remarkable spectacle at Sandylands Lodge on Thursday evening as the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team presented a very colourful demonstration. (See the first pictures here)

Members of Hospitality Lodge, in St.Helens, recently presented a cheque for £4450 to Wollowbrook Hospice; this money was raised from charitable donations, social events and raffles and is to be used for the purchase of much needed electrical equipment.

Rear - From left to right, Keith Lyon, Chairman St.Helens and Prescot Group of Lodges, Brian Halliwell, Director Of Fund-raising at the Hospice, Mike Barker, Member of Hospitality Lodge and seated Les Jones presenting the cheque to Lady Kirsty Pilkington.

The St. Helens and Prescot group of Lodges have raised £10,500 towards a portable scanner for use in the special care baby unit at Whiston Hospital. Local Freemasons warmed enthusiastically to this very worthy and appealing cause. The Group soon became the largest single contributor for this unique scanner, which cost over £50,000.

This new specialist piece of equipment will now allow paediatricians to carry out brain scans on critically ill babies in the safely of their incubator, since it can be wheeled direct to side of the baby incubator for diagnostic purposes.

Picture shows from the left: Dr. Laweh Amegavie, Keith Lyons, Group Chairman of the St. Helens and Prescot group of Lodges. David Faircough, Group Secretary and Lionel Gornall, Vice Chairman, along with the new scanner.

14th Ormskirk-Rufford Scout group welcomes much needed help from local Freemasons.

Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and other young uniformed organisations have met at the village Scout hut in Flash Lane, Rufford for over 50years; sadly time has taken its toll, and renovations to the building, including urgent repairs to the roof are now needed.

The young people themselves, determined to maintain their rural facilities, have been organising fun runs, bon-fires and other fundraising activities to help to pay for this work. When local Freemasons from the Ormskirk group of Lodges heard about the youngsters’ plight, they stepped in and presented them with a cheque for £750; now the work can begin.

John Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master presenting
cheque to Scout Master Peter Hall.

The gavel sounded loud and regularly at a packed Cleveleys Masonic Hall, near Blackpool as West Lancashire Freemasons from South Shore Lodge No.4672 combined forces with North Fylde Rotarians to raise the impressive figure of £6100 which will be distributed between three local charities.

The unique joint Grand Auction was the idea of Chris Horn from South Shore Lodge and Mick Swindells of North Fylde Rotary Club. Over 140 generous pledges were received from individuals, local businesses and organisations. These included a week’s rental of a four bedroom villa in Spain, a Rolls Royce and chauffeur for six hours, a round of golf for three with Frank Carson, a pleasure flight ….. and many more valuable gifts and experiences.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master – Leon Tax said:
‘The generosity of our Fylde Coast community has enabled three local charities, Donna’s Dream House, Child Flight and the North West Air Ambulance Service to continue their good work. We are most grateful to this special partnership for all their hard work in putting together such a unique and much enjoyed event’

(left to right) Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Mick Swindells – North Fylde Rotary Club, Chris Horn – Secretary of South Shore Lodge No. 4672, Eric Picton – Chairman of South Fylde Group of Lodges

Freemasons have given £1000 towards the restoration appeal for The White Church in Ansdell. The West Lancashire Community Fund added the final £1000 to make up the £17,000 which had to be raised through local fund-raising. Altogether the White Church needed £263,000 to sort out all their structural and restoration problems with the majority of the funds coming from English Heritage.

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said :
‘We were delighted to be able to give this final boost to the fund-raising. As Freemasons we support and encourage a range of local community projects which sometimes need targeted funds. The White Church is a beautiful building and a well known landmark. We wish the Minister and his congregation every success as they complete the restoration’.

Left to Right: Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Joe Wheatley – Church Treasurer, John Topping – Provincial Communications Officer, Rev. David Phillips - Minister of The White Church

Leigh freemasons continuing support for organisations working within the local community was marked today (June 2 nd) with the presentation of a £1,000 cheque to Age Concern.

During the past five years the Leigh Group of lodges has donated similar amounts to deserving causes. This year Atherton Lodge, one of the seven lodges in the group, nominated Age Concern to receive the contribution.

Says the Group's chairman Tony Bent: " We are very much involved in helping those wonderful organisations such as Age Concern to further their work in the community. The funds raised come from every freemasons pocket, which makes us proud of our record of support, and there are many worthy causes that can testify to this. Later this month our Masonic Hall will be hosting an event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Leigh to help schoolchildren with learning difficulties."

Age Concern's Development and Services Director Bill Melling who received the cheque from Tim Bevan, of Atherton Lodge said: "This generous gift by Leigh Freemasons is invaluable in helping us to continue our work within Leigh."

Pictured at the presentation (Left to Right): Leigh Group Vice Chairman Malcolm Parr, Dennis Roughley, Tim Bevan, both of Atherton Lodge, Age Concern Manager of Care Services Frances Holt, Age Concern's Development and Services Director Bill Melling, Group Secretary Len Hart, and Group Chairman Tony Bent..

After 75 years as a Masonic Hall S.M.F.H. Ltd. will be closing its doors for the last time on the 31st May 2005.

The hall has been home to generations of Freemasons but due to the high cost of providing improved facilities and maintenance costs means the Hall is no longer a sustainable enterprise.

S.M.F.H. originally stood on a plot of land of some 2,611 square yards (2,183 square meters) and was established by converting two Victorian semi- detached houses named “Gildabrook” and “Solway”. This provided a Hall and Club House for masons and in addition to the Lodge Room to supply refreshments of all kinds, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and books, newspapers, and periodicals and to see to the comfort and welfare of its members. (The good old days.)

An initiative was taken in 2001 to repair and modernise the Hall. A survey was carried out and the cost of repair and refurbishment approached a value of £1Million. The structural condition of the roof and the two extensions being particularly troublesome. A Building Fund was organised and launched by the P.G.M.

Initially Bovis Homes were selected and asked to partner a development that would raise the capital needed. However the scheme proposed ultimately proved unacceptable to the Planning Officers at Manchester Town Hall. This scheme was therefore withdrawn before going to the Planning Committee. Subsequently, an Architect and Developer who were prepared to give their services at their own risk were engaged. In partnership with these two groups a number of schemes were placed before the Planning Officers over an 18-month period.

In January of this year after adjusting our plans to meet the Planning Officers requirements a formal Planning Application was submitted for a New Masonic Hall and a Block of Fourteen Flats.

However at a meeting on the 8th March with the Planning Officers, despite our plans being adjusted to meet their requirements in January, they stated that they could no longer support our application as the establishment of Chorlton as a conservation area was imminent and our application may conflict with the interests of the conservation area plan, particularly if the Hall was to be demolished. To provide the updated structural evidence they required for this would be cost prohibitive to S.M.F.H. Ltd. We therefore withdrew our Planning Application.

Having explained to the Planning Officers that the retention of the Hall was not an option to S.M.F.H. Ltd. owing to insufficient development land to fund the £1Million repair cost, four suggestions were tabled, three of these are financially prohibitive and ranged from closure of the Hall for up to 12 months, for a total refurbishment for which we have no funds, to a complete demolition of the existing Hall. Faced with these problems, the only sensible and viable option was to close the Hall and sell the site for development. Consequently, an emergency meeting of members was called on April 11thto explain the Halls financial position and the four suggestions from the Planning Officers. It was unanimously decided by the shareholders to close the Hall.

The Directors have organised a “ farewell do” at the Hall on Saturday the 28th of May, where we can all reminisce about the “ the good old days”. Tickets are £25 each and are available from the bar staff.

Freemasons from The Lodge of Triumph in St.Annes have provided £400 worth of tinned food for the Blackpool based Streetlife Trust nightshelter on Church Street.
This year members of The Lodge of Triumph have just given a total of £3000 to a range of needy groups including North West Air Ambulance and The Lifeboats.

Jim Lettice – Master of the Lodge 2004-2005 said :
‘This is the first time we have supported The Streetlife Trust and we are delighted that the money will go to providing basic day-to-day provisions for the young people in the Nightshelter.

(From left to Right) Jim Lettice – Master of The Lodge of Triumph 2003-4, Jason Davenport – Volunteer Worker from Streetlife, The Base, John Topping – Past Master of The Lodge of Triumph

The Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons has supported two Fylde organisations with a total of £1450.

The Jewish Reform Congregation on Raikes Parade, Blackpool was experiencing concerns from a number of its disabled members in climbing the stairs to attend functions and after-service refreshments. The £1000 will go as long way to help fund the much needed stairlift equipment, thus satisfying The Disabled Access Act.

Steven Reid – Assistant Provincial Grand Master presenting a £1000 cheque to Mrs Estelle Ballan of the Jewish Reform Congregation supported by other colleagues of the synagogue

The Presentation Group then made its way to Ansdell to the home of Yuri and Tonja Gridneff who are two of the tutors of Blackpool Circus School. A cheque for £450 to buy circus equipment was presented to George Holden – Secretary and Trustee of Blackpool Circus School. Many young people on the Fylde Coast have attended workshops run by Blackpool Circus School and the range of courses and events is expanding rapidly. The next course will be an adults only juggling course to be held at Bispham High School – Arts College on a Thursday evening (further information please ring Allen on 352681)

Steven Reid presenting a £450 cheque to Mr George Holden – Trustee of Blackpool Circus School supported by John Topping – Trustee, Yuri Gridneff – Circus Artiste and young circus skills student.

Fairhaven Lodge at its March meeting was buzzing with excitement and celebration to mark Worshipful Master Victor’s 100th birthday in the presence of our Provincial Grand Master.

A superb ‘This Is Your Life’ presentation was given to Victor and followed by our PGM awarding him the promotional rank of Past Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendent of Works.

A truly memorable evening for Victor and all those brethren fortunate to be present. We all wish Victor many more happy years in Freemasonry.

13 year old Andrew Critchley is a pupil at Hope School, Marus Bridge, Wigan and Andrew has very special educational needs. His primary means of communicating is by the use of The Board Maker software which is capable of producing pictures which can be put onto card for Andrew so that he can make other people aware of what he is trying say.

Andrew has the use of this software at school but unfortunately when he is at home he has a limited range of cards to help him to communicate.

The Vice Chairman of the Wigan Group, Danny Jones, was approached by the school, to see if Freemasonry could help. The West Lancashire Masonic Educational Trust was contacted and another piece of this quality educational software was purchased for Andrew for his exclusive use at home.

On Friday 18th March, Danny Jones was able to visit the School and to present Andrew with his software in the presence of his mother Angela Critchley and Sandra Jennings, Head of the Senior Department.

Andrew receives his Boardmaker Software from Danny Jones
Vice-Chairman of the Wigan Group

Angela Critchley with a very happy Andrew and Sandra Jennings,
Head of the Senior Department, Hope School

Mrs Critchley said, "This will make all the difference for Andrew when he is at home and we will be able to produce many more cards for him and it is likely to be his main source of communicating for the rest of his life. We are very grateful to the Freemasons of Wigan for this very kind gesture."

Freemasons of Baines Lodge, Poulton have just raised £350 to update furniture and fittings at Richard Peck House, St. Annes. Peck House provides short term (up to a fortnight) care for ex-RAF staff and their families.

Money was raised through raffles and donations. The photo shows Brian Tracey – Charity Steward of Baines Lodge handing over the cheque for £350 to Ann Mulvey MBE of Richard Peck House being supported (left to right) by Leon Tax – Chairman of the South Fylde Group, Bill Adamson, Malcolm Price – both of Baines Lodge

Also at a recent Mayor of Wyre’s Fund Raising Evening at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood a cheque for £213 in aid of Brian House was presented to Ramesh Gandhi by the Master of the Lodge of Fidelity. Four members of the Lodge were present, three of whom are members of The Normandy band which provided the evenings entertainment.

Members of Normoss Lodge have raised £400 for the new Rosemere Cancer Unit in Preston as well as giving £300 to Brian House

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Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons Assist the Faith and Heritage Appeal - Ribchester

On Wednesday 16 February 2005 the Community Fund Of West Lancashire Freemasons donated a cheque for £1000 to the above appeal. The cheque was presented to Reverend John Francis, Rector of St Wilfrid with St Saviour, Stydd, by William Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who was accompanied by Ian Greenwood, Preston Group Chairman, Derek Thompson, Local Care Officer and Alan Davies, who instigated the suggestion that this cause was worthy of support.

Ribchester Church receives no financial help from the Government directly or indirectly. The congregation of this small country parish must itself raise all the money needed to pay the annual running costs of the church. At the same time they have the responsibility, unique in the Diocese, of maintaining two Grade I Listed mediaeval buildings: the Parish Church of St Wilfrid and the Chapel of St Saviour, Stydd. Such a task is obviously beyond their means.

At St Wilfrid’s water is penetrating the building in many places. Some of the damage is obvious even to the casual observer. The most insidious and dangerous water ingress is in the tower and through the roof. Most urgent action must be taken to prevent even more serious decay.

The work now necessary is of a quite different sort to that funded by the 800 appeal some twelve years ago.

The last major works at St Saviour’s, Stydd, were carried out eighty years ago. Today the North wall is slowly, but inexorably, collapsing. Large cracks can now be seen. As the wall moves outwards, the support for the roof is gradually being withdrawn. Unless action is taken, the building will simply fall down. The church is all that remains of an early monastic community founded here in the Twelfth Century. It was later owned by the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

Without the repairs now necessary, St Wilfrid’s would no doubt limp into dilapidation and the church that has served the people of the village for over eight hundred years would be lost and could never be replaced.

So important is the work on both churches that English Heritage pledged one third of the estimated cost. However this pledge was conditional upon the church authorities finding the other two thirds. The total cost was estimated at £300,000, therefore another £200,000 had to be found from alternative sources. To meet their obligations they had to raise this money by pledge or donation not later than December 2004. Thanks to many generous donations, including that from the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons, this target has been reached.

Donation By Festival Lodge No 8123 To
Royal Preston Hospital, Medical Rehabilitation Unit

Following a recent extended stay in the newly opened Medical Rehabilitation Unit of Royal Preston Hospital by Douglas Plank, a member of Festival Lodge No 8123, it was decided by his lodge, to donate certain items of furniture to the sparsely furnished Day Room. The facility was originally based at Sharoe Green Hospital but in May 2004 the purpose built unit was opened on the main site. The unit comprises of three wards, Barton with 22 beds, Bleasdale with 22 beds and Fell View, which specialises in stroke cases, with 18 beds. The patients are referred to the unit from the main hospital via the unit’s Consultants and can stay in the unit for as long as necessary. It was through this process that W Bro Plank spent several weeks in Barton Ward and observed that the Day Room, which only contained four chairs and a table, required some extra comforts.

A combination then of Festival Lodge, Preston Group, and individual efforts succeeded in furnishing the room to a very comfortable standard. The items of furniture were purchased from Argos who when informed of the worthiness of the recipient also made a contribution.

On Thursday 10 February Ian Greenwood, Group Chairman, George Wood, MBE JP and Steve Bolton, IPM Festival Lodge No 8123, visited the unit to officially hand over the furnished Day Room and to symbolically unveil a small commemorative plaque on the wall. The Ward Manager, Judy Gill and her staff met, and thanked them, on behalf of the unit for such a generous contribution to the welfare of the patients and the ambiance of the room. Unfortunately Douglas Plank, who was the prime mover of this charitable effort, was unable to attend owing to illness.

George Wood, who constructed a bird table for the unit courtyard and Jim Hewitt, who donated two of his excellent paintings, made individual contributions to the charitable effort.

The group admiring the bird table made George Wood in the courtyard of the facility

Senatores welcomes Guest Speaker from Grand Lodge

Wednesday 12th January 2005 was a momentous occasion for Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966.

Seventy brethren (the full capacity of the dining room) gathered together to listen to the Guest Speaker Mrs Diane Clements, Director of the Library and Museum of Freemasonry at Grand Lodge. When the Master, W Bro Eric Picton had closed the lodge, the Assistant PGM, W Bro Steven P J Reid retired and escorted our principal guest into the lodge room.

After a brief introduction, Diane gave a delightful, thoroughly enjoyable and most interesting talk about the work of the Library and Museum. Mrs Clements had obviously prepared her work, as she was able to demonstrate the ease of research from the resources available by including a local slant and included in her talksome elements of historic Blackpool at the end of the 19th century. At the close of her address some forty minutes later the brethren responded with thunderous applause.

What made the meeting particularly singular was that it was the election meeting and for the first time since consecration the lodge has elected to mastership a brother who has not yet received Provincial honours. W Bro Neil Gregory was thrilled to have been elected and looks forward to his term of office as the first light blue to serve the lodge as master. Neil will be Installed at the Masonic Hall West Drive Cleveleys on Tuesday 31st May 2005.

(Left to Right) - Steven Reid - Assistant Provincial Grand Master,
Diane Clements - Curator, Eric Picton - WM of Senatores Lodge
of Installed Masters, Peter N. Walker - Lecture Secretary

The Provincial Grand Almoner and the Regional and Local Care Officers
discuss present day issues

On the nineteenth of January1894 Mr James Kay, Butcher, of Horwich was made a mason in Horwich Lodge no. 2324. Nine years later he was installed as Worshipful Master of that lodge.

W.Bro Kay was a keen ritualist and in 1908 installed Bro John Wood as Worshipful Master and performed the same service again in 1910 when Bro. G.C. Kenyon was the Master Elect. This is just a taste of W.Bro Kay’s love of the ritual and his readiness to take any and every opportunity to practice it. His work in the lodge was marked first by his promotion in Provincial Grand Lodge of 1912 to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer ( in appreciation of which the Lodge paid for his Provincial Clothing) and later, in 1922, when the lodge obtained a life sized oil painting of him. This was hung in the Lodge for a number of years before being presented to W.Bro Kay. The work done by this brother was prodigious and in 1937 W.Bro Kay was presented with a Letter from the Provincial Grand Master which commemorated his having conducted one hundred raisings, 78 in Horwich Lodge and 22 in Thorton Le Fylde Lodge.

There were three generations of the Family in the Lodge namely:
James(father), Arthur Anyon (son ), Arthur Anyon (grandson) and Gordon(grandson).
Arthur Anyon (the Son) served the lodge enthusiastically being installed as Master in 1935 and in 1948 promoted to P.Pr.A.G.D.C. Arthur Anyon (the grandson) was by now working in Barrow-in-Furness as a Public Health Inspector and Abbatoir Superintendant, notwithstanding this he was initiated into Horwich Lodge in March 1951. He later became Northern Group Secretary and was promoted to Grand Lodge with the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Each of these brethren celebrated 50 years of freemasonry!

But what of the portrait of W.Bro James Kay? After many years of careful stewardship by W.Bro.James and his son Arthur, the portrait was presented to the Lodge when it moved into its first Temple at Ridgemount in 1979 after 85 years of meeting in the Bridge Hotel.

Thus we have one hundred and ten years of service by three generations of one family and linked by a proud painting of the patriarch.

The Palace at St. Annes was filled with 70+ brethren as Victor Middleton was installed into Fairhaven Lodge No. 5076 on Saturday 20 November 2004.

From left to right, Peter Walker Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Jim Eaves, Vic. Middleton, Worshipful Master, Leon Tax, Chairman of the South Fylde Group

Jim Eaves represented the Provincial Grand Master and spoke affectionately of Vic’s immense contribution to freemasonry. Vic was last in the chair some 32 years ago.

The festive board rose to their feet following Vic’s response to his toast in admiration and respect for a such a well loved and respected brother. Victor will be 100 years old in February 2005 and Fairhaven Lodge has planned a truly memorable surprise birthday event at the February lodge meeting.

We all wish Vic. a most successful, enjoyable and healthy year as Master of Fairhaven Lodge.

On Wednesday 11 November 2002, W Bro W R Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by C M Wiggins, the then Group Chairman and D A Thompson, Group Charity Delegate, presented a cheque for £1000 to Mr Peter Sheppard, Project Treasurer and Ms Doreen Eddleston, Church Warden. The donation, from The Community Fund of West Lancashire, was to assist in the building of a new Parish Room at the side of the church. This room is to be used by both the parishioners of St Anne’s Church and the Woodplumpton community at large and the cost of the project was estimated to be £70,000.

It was therefore appropriate that W Bro W R Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by I W Greenwood, the current Group Chairman, were invited to attend the Sung Family Eucharist Service at the church. The Bishop of Blackburn, The Right Reverend Nicholas Reade conducted the service and consecrated the completed Parish Room.

The Parish Room was built on the site of old parish hut which was erected in the early 1960’s. The new room is blessed with a modern heating system and other facilities including a kitchen and adapted toilet and there is a lobby connecting the room and the church to enable both to be accessed without having to brave the elements.

After the service, and as it was Remembrance Sunday, there was a procession to the Village War Memorial where, following prayers, due observance was carried out and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Parish Council, the Parochial Church Council and by members of the Church’s Uniformed Organisations.

On Thursday 12th October 2004 a young man was initiated into Pembroke Lodge No 1299 at the Masonic Hall, Hope Street Liverpool. Pembroke Lodge is a member of The Liverpool Trafalgar Group in the Province of West Lancashire. The Occasion whilst not unique was a rare occasion by the fact of it being a fifth generation Initiation.

The young man is, now, Brother Paul Stephen Thomas Grainger and having not yet reached the full age of 21 years his Initiation took place by Dispensation of The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire Bro. Colin Penty Wright.

Bro. Grainger was initiated by his father W.Bro. Steven L.Grainger PPrDGSuptWks with his Grandfather W.Bro. Alan R. Malcolm PSGD PAPrGM acting as Senior Deacon and his uncle W.Bro. Thomas E.Malcolm PPrJGW acting as Junior Deacon.

The Ceremony and Festive Board was attended by The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Colin Penty Wright, W.Bro. Brian Gillbanks, PSGD, APrGM., W.Bro. Rev. Harry E.Ross, PPrSGD, APrGM., W.Bro. David K. McCormick, PSGD, APrGM., W.Bro. S.R.Clive Jefferies PJGD, Chairman of The Liverpool Trafalgar Group and other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.

With the Initiation of Bro Paul there are five generations of his family associated with Pembroke Lodge No 1299. Bro. Paul’s Great Great Uncle Bro. Fred Smith was initiated in September 1886 followed by Great Great Grandfather Bro. James B.Malcolm in May 1901. Great Great Grandfather Bro Alan Rigsby was initiated in December 1914 and Great Uncle W.Bro. James K. Malcolm (PPrJGW) in February 1928. Great Uncle Bro. F.Roy Malcolm in October 1938, Great Grandfather W. Bro. Thomas E. Malcolm (PPrJGW) in January 1940 and Grandfather W.Bro. Alan Roy Malcolm (PSGD, APrGM) in April 1946. Uncle W.Bro. Thomas E.Malcolm (PPrJGW) in April 1970 and Paul’s father W.Bro. Steven L.Grainger (PPrDGSuptWks) in October 1983. Thus it can be seen that there is a great family influence in Pembroke Lodge and much hope that it will continue for many more generations.

Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters welcomed Yasha Beresiner of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076

Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters welcomed Yasha Beresiner of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No.2076 to their September 2004 meeting to hear a lecture entitled ‘Masonic Curiosities’. Over 80 brethren enjoyed listening to Yasha and were similarly engaged by his humour during the Festive Board. A brief summary of the lecture is as follows.

'Masonic Curiosities' maybe interpreted in a number of ways. I selected a few questions which perturb scholars and to which there really are no definite answers. For instance, we agree and accept that Ashmole was the first English initiate in 1646 and that he was an intellectual noble man. We also know that when organised Freemasonry began in 1717 it consisted entirely of 'gentlemen' intent of drinking, eating and having a good time in general. What happened in between times -between 1646 and 1717? That is an example of a Masonic Curiosity.

Another curiosity is the very publication of the first Constitutions in 1723, some 6 years after the formation of Grand Lodge. We appear to have been enjoying freemasonry quite successfully without the need for rules and regulations. Why spoil it all and publish so many rules in the Constitutions? The answers to these and similar questions are true curiosities and the possible answers always theoretical.

Elias Ashmole, in 1646, may well have found an esoteric content to some or other aspect of the Craft proceedings and whilst the format of the institutions did not change over the years, the content, by 1717 may well have altered completely. It may have 'diluted' the quality of the men of consequence who were early members emerging, in 1717 as just another one of the many London clubs of the period.

Nobility was to return, however with John Desagulier, a member of the Royal Society, becoming our Grand Master and bringing with him Lord Montgomery our first Noble Grand Master. Clearly with the presence and membership of such distinguished Brethren some rules and regulations for the comportment of the Brethren became necessary. Thus Grand Master Desagulier instructed James Anderson to compose the Constitutions and secure the continued patronage of Nobility and Royalty ever since.

Eric Picton - W.M. of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters, Yasha Beresiner - Guest Speaker, Steven Reid - Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Leon Tax - Chairman of the South Fylde Group

The re-opening of Ecclesholme Residential Care Home on Wednesday August 4th was a happy and memorable occasion.

The official opening ceremony at 12 noon was introduced by the RMBI President, W.Bro. John Moore, who welcomed the guests, in particular Bro. Colin Penty Wright, the Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire and Bro. Peter Walthall, the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire who were jointly to unveil the plaque commemorating the re-opening and said how pleased he was that the £1.7 million refurbishment was now completed.

Rt. W. Bro. Colin Wright then spoke of his appreciation of the work of the RMBI since they took over the running of the premises from the West Lancashire Province some years ago and was pleased that the Province was able to continue to support the Home through the Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme

Rt. W. Bro. Peter Walthall also spoke and said how pleased he was that the Province of East Lancashire was now linked so closely to Ecclesholme and he was encouraging the brethren to the support the Home through the Association of the Friends of Ecclesholme.

After the unveiling of the plaque the Chief Executive of the RMBI, Peter Gray, welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Salford to the ceremony and said how much the RMBI had appreciated the help and assistance they had received from Salford City Council when planning the redevelopment programme. He thanked the Home Manager, Julie Deakin, together with all her staff, who had coped so cheerfully with the extensive building work to ensure that the residents were inconvenienced as little as possible. He also congratulated the builders on the manner in which they carried out the work.

One of the residents, W.Bro. Bell, gave a vote of thanks to all the members of the official party for coming and expressed the gratitude of all the residents for the way the work had been carried out and how the staff had rallied round to keep everyone so happy and comfortable.

The visitors then moved into the dining room for a buffet lunch prepared by the kitchen staff before which the Mayor proposed a toast to the success of Ecclesholme.

Groups of visitors were taken on a conducted tour around the premises by members of the staff and were impressed by the high standard of the 46 new upgraded en-suite rooms as well as several lounges, some of which have kitchens which include tea making facilities etc. for use by visitors and residents.

Since the completion there are now another eighteen en suite rooms have been made available

Full details are available from the Home Manager, Julie Deacon, and with whom arrangements can be made to visit the home. Tel. 0161 788 9517

The St John’s Development Appeal has received yet more support from the local business community. The Gala Evening held on the 25th June was a great success with a total of £7,500 being raised through donations, a raffle and an auction on the night.

This amount was further boosted by a donation from Mr Gordon Marsden MP who had recently undertaken a sponsored swim on behalf of St John’s. His donation of £1,154 brought the grand total to £8,654.

St John’s has also been successful in a recent bid to the Freemasons Community Fund. The bid was made to help equip the training centre at present being constructed as part of the development programme to offer wider facilities to the community at St John’s. The £700 donated by the Freemasons Community Fund will go towards purchasing a laptop computer and other training equipment to support skills training. The public appeal target is £500,000 and the contribution from the Freemasons will bring the overall total raised for the St John’s Appeal to £189,354.

The first phase of the redevelopment has recently been completed. Streetlife now have a purpose built amenity to provide emergency accommodation for homeless young people in the Church grounds. The next phase of the work has already started with the creation of a separate community entrance and the installation of a new kitchen.

Steven Reid – Assistant Provincial Master for Blackpool and South Fylde said; ‘It is very pleasing to see our Community Fund being used for such worthy projects and local causes. To be able to give members of our communities access to cutting edge technology, so that they can ultimately lead more productive lives, is truly a hallmark of our work as Freemasons’.

The Rev Michael Manley said ‘On behalf of St John’s I would like to thank everyone who has supported our appeal. We are delighted we can at last see some of the results of our efforts to ensure St John’s meets the needs of the 21st century. St John’s is determined to be part of the regeneration of Blackpool and the changes which we are making at the Church will make a significant contribution in the heart of Blackpool’.

The photograph shows Steven Reid - Assistant Provincial Grand Master sat between the Rev Michael Manley and Carol Tyler of the Church Appeal. Also in the photograph is (from left to right) John Topping – Provincial Communications Officer for Blackpool and South Fylde Groups, Bill Eardley – Chairman of the Blackpool Group, John Selcoe – Past Master of St John’s Lodge and Philip Welsh, Chairman of the St John’s Church Appeal.

Kirkham Masonic Lodge has given £1316 to purchase a Shower Trolley for the disabled service users at Oaklands Leonard Cheshire home in Garstang. When he was Master of Kirkham Lodge, Dave Clarke asked his wife Ann to nominate the charity she would like the members to contribute to. Ann Clarke herself is a Care Worker and immediately thought of the disabled service users at Oaklands.

Cathy Salisbury-Care Supervisor said :
‘Oaklands Leonard Cheshire home is delighted to now have three Shower Trolleys in order to support all three working areas of Oaklands. It will enhance the quality of life for all our service users’

Ann Clarke trying out the Shower Trolley with Dave Clarke holding Shower head supervised by Cathy Salisbury of Oaklands Leonard Cheshire Home

Two past masters of the Lodge of Sincerity, No 292 Sandon Group were recently commemorated at a naming ceremony at West Kirby Sailing Club when Miss Muriel Jones donated a lifeboat named in memory of her father and brother, David and Trevor Jones.

The ceremony was due to begin at 2.30pm however a real life emergency occurred just before 2.00pm when coastguards spotted a man trapped by the rising tide as he tried to walk from Red Rocks in Hoylake to Hilbre Island. The alarm was raised and the crew of the new lifeboat wasted no time in scrambling into action, transporting the craft from it’s moorings at the naming location, through the gathering crowds and into the sea, as a result, the Davy and Trevor Jones inshore lifeboat carried out it’s first life saving rescue even before it was named!

The vessel is one of the first of a new generation of boats known as the IB1 Inshore Lifeboat and is capable of up to 25 knots.

Service of Dedication which was led by Rev'd Adrian Herzel, Lifeboat Station Chaplain & Vicar of Hoylake who said the words of dedication in English, and the Rev'd Geoffrey Davies, Chaplain to the Liverpool Welsh Congregation & Liverpool Cathedral, who said the words of dedication in Welsh

(left to right)Cynthia & Frank Parry, Muriel Jones,
Betty & Bernard Sheridan, Brian Everall

‘South Fylde Does the Double’
- Two good causes collect £1300 from Community Fund

On Friday 25 June 2004 Dr. Steven Reid – Assistant Provincial Grand Master presented two cheques following successful applications to The West Lancashire Community Fund.

At the Clifton Hospital (Lytham St.Annes) Steven Reid handed £800 to Mrs Gladys Lyddan – Vice Chairman of Diabetes UK South Fylde Group. The bid for financial support was submitted by Jim McWilliam the Honorary Secretary who needed to produce a range of Information Packs on diabetes for the rapidly growing numbers of newly diagnosed diabetics in the South Fylde area.
The Diabetes UK South Fylde Group assembles these packs and provides them free of charge (but at a cost to the Group) to GPs, Practice Nurses and clinics throughout Blackpool and the South Fylde.

The photo shows Jim McWilliam (seated left) discussing the Information Packs with Leon Tax – Chairman of the South Fylde Group (seated right) whilst behind the £800 cheque presentation is being made by Dr Steven Reid – Assistant Provincial Grand Master to Mrs Gladys Lyddan.

The Presentation Team moved swiftly on to the ‘Blackpool Seasiders Childminding Group’ (BSCG) and gave a cheque for £500 to Carol Jenkinson the organiser of BSCG. Carol explained to us that she was going to use the £500 to develop a Book Library / Resource Centre for the youngsters in her care. Already that day, Carol had been visited by Gordon Marsden MP for Blackpool South who was clearly impressed with the work that BSCG are undertaking in the community.

The photo shows Carol Jenkinson stood on the kiddies slide receiving a cheque for £500 from Dr. Steven Reid accompanied by Howard Gebhard – Worshipful Master of South Shore Lodge and Leon Tax – Chairman of the South Fylde Group.

‘Both these successful projects demonstrate the active ways in which Freemasonry serves the members of our South Fylde communities who most need it. Diabetes is a condition that now affects every family in one way or another and the funding of Information Packs will mean that quality guidance and support can be distributed efficiently’.

The National Masonic clay pigeon shooting competition at Hoghton Tower; one of the premier shooting events in the sporting calendar took place in glorious sunshine and blue skies on Sunday the 6th of June. The event raised almost £20,000 most of which goes to local charities.

The day was one of great excitement for the organisers with an Archery display and a have a go stand, a Novice Stand sponsored by Morgan Stanley Quilter Stockbrokers which proved extremely popular together with a pool warm-up shoot before the 75 bird competition. In total, 171 guns represented seventeen Masonic Provinces coming from all over England.

During the day, The Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire, Colin Penty Wright presented an exhibition trailer, donated by West Lancashire Freemasons, to the North West Air Ambulance Service, and much to the delight of the spectators, the Air Ambulance helicopter paid a courtesy visit to Hoghton Tower during the afternoon.

Later, the most important part of the event took place; the presentation of several donations to local charities:

West Lancashire Masonic Charities Fund - £3000
The Masonic Grand Charity - £3000
Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley - £6000
British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Young Shots Programme) - £1000
Bryan House Children’s Hospice in Blackpool - £1000
Royal Liverpool Blind Children’s Home - £1000

A further £500 was presented to the Provincial Grand Master's wife to be donated to a charity of her choice – she chose the North West Air Ambulance Service, and the Highgate String Quartet, who entertained guests during lunch, donated their fee of £200 to Derian House.

The Masonic High Gun Trophy was won by Nigel Hurst from the Province of Yorkshire West Riding with a score of 66 out of 75. The runner up was J McCluskey of Warwickshire with 61.

The Masonic Team Trophy was also won by Yorkshire West Riding with a score of 183 out of 225 with West Lancashire second with 167 and Cambridgeshire third with 166.

After a shoot off The Guest High Gun Trophy was won by Darren Newton with a score of 70.

Also after another shoot off The Sponsors High Gun Trophy was won by Marcus Iddon shooting for the Bowker BMW 2nd Team with a score of 69. D White shooting for Envirosafe (Enclosures) Ltd was runner up.

The winners of the Sponsors Team Trophy were G Cole (63), J Turner (63) and I Farnworth (59) a total of 185 shooting for Dolphin Shooting Ground Ltd (Flying Fish Gun Club). Runners up were Blackledge & Co 1st Team with a score of 183 and third were Bowker BMW 2nd Team with 172.

Kathleen Wright won the Ladies Trophy. Colin Penty Wright and Mrs Wright presented the prizes.

A purpose designed trailer costing £14,500 was officially handed over by the Provincial Grand Master to the North West Air Ambulance service at Hoghton Tower.

This trailer will be used by their fund raising team to seek the much needed support necessary to keep this valuable service in operation throughout the North West of England

Nearly 150 Mason travelled to Warrington from all parts of the country to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Major Charles William Shand, OBE, BEM, becoming a Freemason.

Tributes were paid to Charles at the special meeting in Warrington Masonic Hall on 18 May and he was presented with an inscribed decanter and glasses on behalf of Academy Lodge No 9382 by a Royal Marine Cadet. In the Lodge, Alfred Roughsedge, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, outlined the long and distinguished service give by Charles not only to Freemasonry but also to his country during his time with the Royal Marines and many other charitable organisations.

Charles was presented with a special certificate from the Provincial Grand Master to mark his Diamond Jubilee as a Freemason.

In all there were two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, a past Assistant Provincial Grand Master and 25 Grand Officers at the celebration meeting. Charles’s distinguished Masonic career began on 12 April, 1944, when, while stationed at Chatham as a Gunnery Sergeant in the Royal Marines, he joined Per Mar Per Terram (By Sea, By Land) Lodge No 3609.

In his exemplary career in the Royal Marines, he saw service during the Second World War on board HMS Warspite. Returning to the UK he saw service in the Home Fleet in Northern Patrols with HMS Hood followed by further service aboard HMS Sheffield on the Russian convoys. In 1945 Charles saw service in the Far East while on HMS Anson and was specially commended by the Commander in Chief, Hong Kong. In June 1946 he was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military) for valuable service in the Far East and two years later was commissioned before going off to see again aboard HMS Duke of York and HMS Reward.

Charles was a Founder of Cathedral Lodge No 7753 in Portsmouth and became Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1968. He was appointed as a PPrDepGSwdB in the Province of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

His service in the Royal Marines was further recognised in 1959 when he was promoted Captain and later that same year became a Major. In 1967 Charles was awarded the Order of the British Empire for outstanding efforts in his last two service appointments. When he moved to Warrington in 1978 he was a regular guest at St Oswald Lodge No 5170 and became a joining member. He served the Lodge as Almoner for many years and became its Worshipful Master in 1986.

His service to Masonry in the Province of West Lancashire resulted in him being appointed PPrSGD in 1982 and six years later he was honoured with the extremely high rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. In April 1991 he became Founding Senior Warden of Academy Lodge No 9382 and the following year was its Worshipful Master.

Charles is also a member of Navy Lodge No 2612 which meets at Great Queens Street, London.

Charles Shand receives a special certificate to mark his Diamond
Jubilee as a Freemason from Alf Roughsedge,
Assistant Provincial Grand Master

The Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev David Jennings, gave the address at the annual church service for Warrington Freemasons.

More than 200 local Freemasons, dressed in their Masonic regalia, along with their families and friends attended the annual Service of Rededication at Warrington Parish Church today (9 May).

It was the first time that a Bishop of Warrington had attended the annual service.

A collection taken at the service resulted in more than £240 being presented to St Elphin’s Church which has hosted the service for the past 27 years.Stanley Churm, Chairman of the Warrington and District Group of Lodges, said: “The Bishop was due to attend last year’s service but unfortunately took ill and was unable to attend. We are delighted that he has honoured us by giving the address at today’s service.”

The Bishop said: “It was a pleasure to be at the service.” After the service everyone returned to Warrington Masonic Hall where the Bishop was shown around the building including the Lodge Rooms.

During the last year Warrington Freemasons have made several donations to local and regional charities. St Rocco’s Hospice received £2,400 and then St Barnabas Church received £1,000 to boost its fund-raising campaign to build and extension. The Group’s annual Gentlemen’s Evening resulted in £3,500 being raised for the benefit of the International Myeloma Foundation, Macmillan Nurses and other charities. Other major fund-raising events are under way which will again benefit St Rocco’s Hospice.

There are 24 Lodges in the Warrington Group who meet at the Winmarleigh Rooms, Winmarleigh Street.

The Lodge of Loyalty No.86, one of the oldest Lodges in the Province celebrates 250 years of Freemasonry. Knowsley Hall, the seat of Lord Derby was the magnificent setting for this important and most significant event. It is perhaps appropriate that the Lodge chose this prestigious venue, since just 50 years ago when the lodge celebrated its Bi-Centenary in 1953, the R.W.Bro, The Right Honourable Earl of Derby, Deputy Grand Master led a deputation to honour the Lodges 200th birthday.

On this occasion, members of the Lodge presented a fascinating journey through 4 centuries of the Lodges history. A cheques for charities of £ 2,500 was presented to the Provincial Grand Master. At a previous civic dinner attended by several civic dignitaries to commemorate this special birthday, a further cheque of £2,500 was presented to the local Willowbrook Hospice.

Brethren from left to right Alf Roughsedge, A.Pr G.M., Thomas Blackburn Deputy Pr.G.M., Colin Penty Wright Pr.G.M., Gratton Bishop W.M. of the Lodge of Loyalty, K.S. Carmichael J.G.W., C.T.Kent A.G.D.C.

The Lodge of Hospitality 5074 was consecrated on 27th March 1929, with the ceremony being performed by Right Worshipful Brother L. C. Bailey PGD, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of West Lancashire.

On Wednesday 14th April 2004, commencing at 6 p.m. prompt, W.Bro. Alfred Roughsedge, P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire, will perform a Banner Dedication to celebrate these 75 years of Freemasonry for the Lodge of Hospitality 5074.

Revisit the web site after the event to see photographs and a write up of the history of this happy and healthy lodge.

This week, Freemasons from all over West Lancashire gathered at the Masonic Hall in Duke Street, to celebrate Unity Lodges one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. The middle of the nineteenth century saw a good deal of progress taking place in Southport in its growth as a key seaside resort in the North West. The Marine Lake was dug out in 1887, the pier was constructed in 1860, Victoria baths were built in 1839, the Railways were developed to bring visitors from Liverpool and Manchester to Southport and Freemasonry was first introduced into the Town in 1854 when the Lodge of Unity No.613 held its first meeting at the Scarisbrick Arms Hotel in April of that year.

The Warrant of the Lodge, dated 1st March 1853 includes details of nine founding members with a James Vickers being its first Worshipful Master. During the past 150 years, several members of Unity Lodge have played a leading role in Southport’s history, including Farmers, Architects and a number of Ministers from local Churches. Unity Lodge has held its meetings at quite a few locations in the town, including the Assembly Rooms in Lord Street, the Victoria Hotel on the promenade and the Palatine Buildings in Neville Street; now Unity Lodge holds its regular meetings at the Masonic Hall in Duke Street; the headquarters for 26 other Lodges that form part of the Southport Masonic Group of Lodges.

To mark the Lodges continuing commitment to non-Masonic charities the Worshipful Master Neville Brade, presented a Cheque for £613 (the number of the Lodge) to Norman Hunt, Assistant Provincial Grand Master who was present during the celebrations.

Ridgmont House, the beautiful Masonic Hall at Horwich made the perfect setting for Raymond Jackson to celebrate 50th years of Freemasonry. Ray, as he is affectionately known was initiated into Wilderswood Lodge No.5932 on the 16th February 1954, and became a founding member of Rockhaven Lodge No. 7649 in 1957. Ray has worked unstinting for West Lancashire Freemasonry for all of those 50 years; perhaps being better known throughout the Province for the years where he served the Chorley & District Group as its Chairman.

Colin Penty Wright, the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of West Lancashire supported by W.R.Seddon, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, William Huck, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, K.W. Shaw, Group Chairman of the Chorley and District Group of Lodges along with several other Grand, Provincial Grand Officers and Brethren paid tribute to the valuable contribution that Ray has given to Freemasonry during the past 50 years.

A very happy and enjoyable evening concluded with an excellent gastronomic experience for which Ridgmont House has become famous.

The picture show the celebrant, James Raymond Jackson with the Provincial Grand Master, Colin Penty Wright, W. Huck, W. R..Seddon and K. W. Shaw.

Much needed equipment for Derian House Children’s hospice provided by local Freemasons.

Rufford Lodge, with a membership of 49 Freemasons have provided funds to buy essential items of furniture and specialist equipment needed to care for sick children at Derian House Hospice. The money, raised from generous donations made by the members themselves, formed part of a special fund raising effort to reach the target of £7,217 (the number of the Lodge) to celebrate Rufford Lodges 50th anniversary. Other local charities will also benefit from this magnificent effort.

(Photograph shows Norman Hunt, Assistant Provincial Grand Master presenting one of the items of equipment to Judy Nix at Derian House)

Over 100 Freemasons attend a lecture entitled “Communications in Freemasonry” by V.W. Bro. John Hamill, Director of Communications at the United Grand Lodge of England.

Senatores LodgeNo.8966 were pleased to welcome V.W. Bro. John Hamill, to their meeting on Wednesday 14th January, Bro.Hamill spoke at length to a captivated audience at the Masonic Hall in St.Annes. Being a well known Masonic historian and well respected public speaker he held the attention of more than 100 Freemasons for over an hour, they listened intently to an account of the work done by the communications department at Grand Lodge and how public attitudes towards Freemasonry have fluctuated over the last century.

Bro.Hamill told Brethren that much progress had been made during the past five years in changing public opinion in favour of Freemasonry, and that he remained very optimistic for its future. He went on to say, how the various projects initiated throughout the Provinces during “Freemasonry in the Community Week” had created a significant amount of favourable publicity throughout the country, this in turn had made a considerable contribution in raising public awareness; emphasising the important role that Freemasonry plays in supporting local communities.

Lytham Lodge No.6915, who acted as hosts on this auspicious occasion, was gratefully thanked by the Master and Brethren of Senatores Lodge. The picture shows, from the left, W.M. of Senatores Lodge J.E.Housby, Stephen P.J. Reid Assistant Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. J.M. Hamill and W.M. of Lytham Lodge, P.Goodier.

During the week 12th to 20th June 2004, Alf Short, an experienced marathon walker, will lead a charity walk throughout the province; visiting the many hospices that we support. It is the Provincial Grand Master’s hope that every Mason in the Province might contribute at least £1 to sponsor Alf’s walk.

Also, you might wish to support and encourage Alf by walking alongside him; if only for a few miles, perhaps sponsored by your Lodge or Chapter.

This sponsored walk will give prominence to the work that we do in serving the community; it will provide a meaningful opportunity for Freemasons and their families to show that they are proud to be associated with an organisation that cares about people, at the same time it will raise funds for hospices that provide such essential care.

2th Hospice of St. Mary of Furness, Ulverston. to St.Johns Hospice, Lancaster .....34miles

13th St. Johns Hospice, Lancaster to Trinity Hospice, Fylde................................ 25 miles.

14th Trinity Hospice to St. Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall. ..............................24 miles.

15th St. Catherine's Hospice to Derian House Childrens Hospice, Chorley...............6 miles.
Derian House to Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Hindley......................................12 miles

16th Wigan & Leigh Hospice to Francis House Childrens Hospice, Didsbury .........26 miles.

17th Francis House Chlldrens Hospice to St.Rocco's Hospice, Warrington............ 21 miles.

18th St. Rocco's Hospice to Halton Haven Hospice, Widnes.................................10 miles.
Halton Haven to Marie Curie Centre, Woolton...............................................10 miles.
Marie Curie Centre to Woodlands Hospice, Aintree.........................................9 miles.

19th Woodlands Hospice to St. Josephs Hospice, Thornton...................................5 miles.
St. Josephs Hospice to Queenscourt Hospice, Southport..............................11 miles.
Queenscourt Hospice to St. Josephs Hospice, Ormskirk................................9 miles.

20th St. Joseph Hospice to Wlllowbrook Hospice Prescot....................................13 miles.

On the 20th November 2003 I attended at Woodlands Hospice in Longmoor Lane, Liverpool and presented to the fund raising co-ordinator Miss Carole Riley a cheque for £ 1000. I was accompanied by the Chairman of the Woolton Group, David Hawkes and we received a very detailed explanation from Miss Riley of the activities of the Hospice which at present treats day-care patients but they are hoping that in the not too distant future they will be able to extend the accommodation and thus provide for in-patient care. A large amount of funding will of course be required and so the Grand Charity’s contribution was very thankfully received.

On Saturday 22nd November, again accompanied by David Hawkes I had the pleasure of presenting a cheque for £ 5,500 to Mrs Catherine O’Sullivan the Community fund raising manager at the marie Curie Centre in Speke Road, Woolton. Again we were very hospitably received and given a detailed explanation of the facilities provided by this hospice not only for the patients but also their relatives and carers. The annual cost of maintaining the hospice is over £ 3,000,000 of which a little over 40% is provided by the National Health Service.

Both David Hawkes and I were very moved to witness the dedication of all members of staff and volunteers at the care provided to seriously ill patients and their dependants and families. We really must endeavour to maintain our support for these worthy causes

At a meeting hosted by Dona Conferentes Lodge No.9392 on Saturday the 22nd of November, over 100 Freemasons were privileged to receive a presentation on the workings of The Grand Charity, given by

Raymond J. Lye, President of the Grand Charity, assisted by the Vice -President Ian Chalk, and Mrs. Laura S.Chapman, Chief Executive”. A full report of this meeting will follow in due course.

W.Bro.B.Gillbanks, P.S.G.D., A.Pr.G.M., Member of the Council of The Grand Charity.
R.W.Bro.C.P.Wright, Pr.G.M.
Mrs. Laura S.Chapman, Chief Executive of the Grand Charity.
Raymond J.Lye, President of The Grand Charity.
I.Chalk, Vice-President of The Grand Charity.

Let’s call this young man John; he is a pleasant and intelligent young man who was thought of at school as being a little "slow"; he had great difficulties with writing and with reading others' handwriting. On leaving school John's efforts to find employment met with little success even though he took City and Guilds diplomas in subjects like vehicle mechanics, IT skills, auto electrics etc. in an effort to improve his prospects. It emerged after much time, disappointment and frustration that John was dyslexic. Clearly John was going to find it difficult start a career.

Eventually, he discovered a course which he could take, apart from the fact that he couldn’t afford the fees. This course was for home study, including examinations at technical institutions and residential "workshops" at the company's headquarters. This curriculum would eventually lead to a qualification of "Microsoft Certified Service Engineer", a highly regarded qualification in the computer industry.

Family and friends helped; and together with John’s great sacrifice of selling his beloved motor bike they raised much of the cost of the course, but even this left him with a shortfall of £1500. At this point our Lodge Almoner entered the scene and petitioned Masonic charities. They quickly came to the rescue and made-up John’s badly needed deficit.

John soon gained the qualification of "Microsoft Certified Professional"; armed with this qualification, John obtained employment working "hands on” in the computer industry. A few days ago John called on his friendly Almoner, carrying a bulging envelope with the request that it be given to Masonic charity. When asked what it was, he said it was the £1500 which had given to him enabling him to take the course. He was immediately told him that nobody expected him to pay the money back. His reply was “The Masons were the only organisation that gave me help when I needed it most. Now that I am working and earning a good wage I want them to have this so that they can help someone else with special needs."

The Open Day held at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton on Sunday May 11th was a great success; over 200 visitors came to have a look around the building, view the display on the history of freemasonry and have guided tours around the lodge rooms.

There were also a number of stalls fund raising for local charities. From the comments received in our guest book everyone thought it was a very good and informative afternoon.

The Mayor of Bolton, John Walsh officially opened the day and was presented with a cheque for £1200 for his favourite charities. The Mayoress of Westhoughton, Jo Worthington also received a cheque for £1200 for her favourite charities. The money was raised from all the lodges which meet at Westhoughton.

Well respected Ormskirk Freemason, Harry A.Caunce, member of Rufford Lodge No.7217, celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry.

At a special meeting held at The Mill, Croston, The R.W. Provincial Grand Master Bro. Colin Penty Wright paid tribute to Harry Caunce for 50 years of loyal service to Freemasonry, and in particular to the Ormskirk Group where Harry had served as a Chairman of the Ormskirk Group of Lodges for many years.

During the celebrations, donations to various charities amounting to £7217 (the number of the Lodge) were handed to the Provincial Grand Master and Lodge members presented Harry Caunce with a beautifully inscribed silver salver as a token of their appreciation of his service to the Lodge and to Freemasonry in general.

North Blackpool Group Chairman, Brian Parkin, welcomed Deputy Provincial Grand Master Thomas Blackburn to the group's annual dinner on Thursday at a well attended celebration at the Masonic Hall, Cleveleys.

Tomas Blackburn was accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, J. Brian Wright and several members of the Provincial Team and in his after dinner address to the 124 brethren present spoke of the 'splendid' evening he and the other visitors had enjoyed.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master praised the efforts of the 'Seasiders' in raising much needed funds for the North West Air Ambulance Service following the groups' sponsored walk during the summer.

He delighted brethren by revealing that £ 14,500 of further resources had been allocated to the Ambulance Service - which relies entirely on voluntary funding - to purchase a promotional vehicle to be used throughout the north west for fund raising events.

This caravan, he said, would be signed up with: 'North West Air Ambulance Service supported by the North West Lancashire Freemasons' and he asked brethren to envisage the pride they would feel if they were to drive behind this vehicle, for example on the motorway.

The Friends of Ecclesholme committee has presented a new minibus to Ecclesholme Residential Home for the use of the residents. The vehicle has all the facilities, including a chair lift to enable the passengers to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. The cost of the vehicle (£33,000) has been accumulated over the years from the generous donations of brethren and on behalf of the committee of Friends and the residents and staff of the Home; I extend our sincere thanks to all those who contributed.

C.L.R.Kewley, Chairman of the Friends of Ecclesholme presenting the keys to the new vehicle to K. Harris, Executive Director of Care Operations, R.M.B.I.

At the same time Kevin Harris, presented the Ecclesholme’s old vehicle to Jack Price, Asst. Prov. Grand Master of the Province of East Lancashire who received it on behalf of the residents of Hewlitt Court Residential Home.

The West Lancashire Bowling Association generously presented a cheque for £750 to the Friends of Ecclesholme which substantially boosted their funds to provide a minibus for the use of the residents of Ecclesholme. The committee of Friends, on behalf of the residents of Ecclesholme, are extremely grateful for the generosity of the bowling fraternity.

Photo: The Chairman of the Friends of Ecclesholme C. L. R. Kewley(left) and Mrs. Julie Deakin, Ecclesholme Home Manager receiving a cheque for £ 750 from the Chairman of the Lancs Bowling Assn, Peter Mason.