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South
Fylde Group of
Lodges & Chapters
FREEMASONRY ON THE FYLDE
It was around the year 1850, as the Fylde population began to grow to the
substantial numbers who now live in the area, that local Freemasonry started
to develop. It was not long before men with like minds and high ideals established
the Fylde family of lodges. Today, in the six meeting places between Fleetwood
and Lytham St. Annes, around 2,500 men meet regularly in sixty-seven lodges.
Lodge meetings are held each month between September and May at the six Masonic
centres, which are situated: on the Esplanade in Fleetwood; on West Drive
in Cleveleys; at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool; in Adelaide Street, Blackpool;
in the Square at Poulton-le-Fylde and at the Palace, Garden Street, St.Annes
on Sea.
Each lodge, presided over by a Master and two Wardens, has between thirty
and sixty members. All lodges are connected by a regulatory body for the Province
of West Lancashire and meet under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge of
England. For administrative purposes the lodges are divided into the four
Fylde Groups.
There are many social occasions organised by the Groups and the lodges within
them at which wives, families and friends enjoy meeting and creating long-lasting
friendships. These occasions range from the formal Annual Ball at the Marine
Hall, Fleetwood, hosted by the North Fylde Group; countless ladies nights
and social gatherings, to informal activities designed to raise funds for
Charity, such as the annual sponsored walk from Adelaide Street into the heart
of the Fylde countryside. Our wives and families are an essential ingredient
in our enjoyment of Freemasonry. Similarly, care is taken to provide continuity
of friendships through the Masonic Fellowships of which there are two on the
Fylde: at Cleveleys and Poulton. These Fellowships meet regularly and cater
for our widows, relatives and retired Freemasons, their wives and anybody
with Masonic connections. The regular meetings have proved extremely popular,
are very well supported and are a real opportunity for friendship and support.
Charitable fund-raising is an intrinsic element in Freemasonry and, in addition
to supporting Masonic Charities, the lodges of the area have a tradition of
substantial support for projects such as the Trinity Hospice and the development
plans of the Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the North West Air Ambulance which has received substantial donations in the last two years
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