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Fylde Coast Masons lay wreaths
Freemasons from Blackpool, Poulton-Le-Fylde and St Annes joined the uniformed groups and civic parties to lay wreaths at the three Cenotaphs.......<more>

GOLD PATRON GIVES MORE SUPPORT TO 2010
Some 96 Brethren together with a Scottish contingent witnessed a splendid installation ceremony at St John’s Lodge, Blackpool......<more>

Blackpool Masons on the Costa Blanca
Alan Ryal a Past Master of Lodge of Tranquillity No 6544 in Blackpool, was installed into the Chair of his Spanish Lodge...........<more>

Geoff’s ‘swan song’
Almoners from the North Fylde, Blackpool and South Fylde Groups turned out in force to attend their annual meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall.......<more>

Harry’s 80th raises £700 for our 2010 Festival
On Saturday 20th September. Harry Johnson of Blackpool Temperance Lodge No. 5303 celebrated his 80th birthday.............<more>

Heritage Day Visitor to Masonic Hall
Blackpool Freemasons were delighted when Mrs Joan Humble MP dropped in to visit them.........<more>

BBQ raises £523 for 2010
The annual family BBQ of Blackpool Lodge of Temperance was held at the St Annes home of...........<more>

18 qualify for golfing final
The Fylde Masonic Golfing Society held its qualifying event at Knott End Golf Club on a windy day........<more>

Masonic display for Veterans’ Day
Blackpool was this year's venue for the national Veterans’ Day celebrations and local Freemasons manned an information stand alongside North Pier..............<more>

Chapter celebrates centenary
A short history of Fylde Chapter No 2758 was given by Charles Patchett (MEZ) when an Emergency Meeting was held to celebrate the centenary of the Chapter..........<more>

Great Marton Lodge has a heart
Freemasons of Great Marton Lodge in Blackpool have raised £800 to support the ongoing work of the British Heart Foundation...............<more>

‘Sheiks’ welcome at camel races
Two Lodges have joined forces to bring camel racing to West Lancashire........<more>

A feast of Masonic thinking
More than 130 Brethren were treated to a varitable Masonic feast when they attended Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966........<more>

CHAINED TOGETHER
Three chain bearers got together at The Mayor’s Parlour for a presentation of £5,000 to the Mayor’s “It’s a Knockout Charity”.......<more>

A “working” visit to Warrington
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax was looking forward to a relaxing time when planning his first visit to Warrington......<more>

Books and bookcase presented to hospice
Clifton Lodge in Blackpool is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The members have made a special effort in the last 10 years to raise as large a charitable fund.....<more>

Blackpool Freemasons lay Remembrance wreath
More than 30 Blackpool Freemasons, led by WBro Leon Tax,  Assistant Provincial Grand Master attended the Remembrance Day Service..........<more>

Clifton Lodge news item in the Gazette, by kind permission

Fylde’s oldest Lodge celebrates 150th anniversary
The oldest Lodge in the Fylde, Clifton Lodge No 703 marked its 150th anniversary on 2 October 2007 with a special celebratory meeting.......<more>

Sponsorship helps youngsters win bronze medals
Financial support from Freemason helped two youngsters to win medals at the World Karate and Kickboxing Championships in Germany............<more>

BBQ raises £475 for Festival
Blackpool Temperance Lodge No 5303 held its annual BBQ at the home of WBro Sheldon Rawstrone in St. Annes which resulted in £475 being raised for the 2010 Festival.,,,,,<more>

Fraternal Visit to Canada
During a recent visit to Canada, WBro Stephen James (a member of Blackpool Lodges of Loyalty No 7332, Blackpool Lodge of Sincerity No 4175 and Senatores Lodge No 8966) was a guest at the Installation meeting............<more>

Great Marton Lodge Freemasons Have A Big Heart
During 2006 Brian Williams as Master of Blackpool based Great Marton Lodge No.3985 successfully raised £3000..........<more>

Blackpool Boys and Girls Club Receive Community Fund Cash
Blackpool Boys and Girls Club needed an urgent injection of cash..........<more>

Blackpool Carers Centre ‘Garden Project’ Has Started
In the bright sunlight of a Saturday afternoon local Fylde Freemasons gave a £1000 kickstart to the Blackpool Carers Centre Garden Project...........<more>

Fraternal Gift to Lifeboats
Generous Blackpool Freemasons have raised £400 to help the RNLI.........<more>

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Fylde Coast Masons lay wreaths

Freemasons from Blackpool, Poulton-Le-Fylde and St Annes joined the uniformed groups and civic parties to lay wreaths at the three Cenotaphs. 

Approximately 20 Masons from the Blackpool Group were joined by Ian Robertson, group chairman and Terry Hudson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. 

Masons in Poulton processed together, led by Leon Tax, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

In St Annes the 14 members were led in the procession by David Randerson, group vice-chairman.

South Fylde Group Vice-chairman David Randerson with South Fylde Freemasons prior to laying the Freemasons’ Wreath.

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GOLD PATRON GIVES MORE SUPPORT TO 2010

Some 96 Brethren together with a Scottish contingent witnessed a splendid installation ceremony at St John’s Lodge, Blackpool in which Peter Green the Junior Warden was installed in style by the Installing Master Bob Bennet.

True to form the lodge in addition to making donations to non-Masonic causes throughout the year donated a further £500 to the 2010 Festival to the Representing Officer and Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber.

Later in the proceedings Brethren made further personal donations of £2,000 to the festival making a total of £2,500 on the day.

St.John's Lodge is already a Gold Patron of the festival (£4,000 minimum) and the £500 was on top of that.

At the social board Stuart Thornber said: "St.John's Lodge is certainly in the vanguard when it comes to charity."

Pictured are Blackpool Group Vice-chairman Peter Bentham, WM Peter Green and 2010 Festival Chairman, Stuart Thornber.

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Blackpool Masons on the Costa Blanca

Alan Ryal a Past Master of Lodge of Tranquillity No 6544 in Blackpool, was installed into the Chair of his Spanish Lodge, Luz de Murcia No 91 at the Hotel Neptuno in Lo Pagan on the Costa Blanca. 

A contingent of Freemasons from both the Lodge of Tranquillity and Clifton Lodge No 703 were present at Alan's invitation to witness a very special ceremony.

Alan has lived in Spain for a few years now but still keeps in touch with his old friends. Despite being the middle of October the weather was very warm and the conditions in the Lodge were demanding. However, everyone enjoyed the occasion which included a six-course dinner afterwards. For most of the overseas visitors it was their first appearance in a Lodge held under the Grand Lodge of Spain.

Pictured, left to right, are: Mark Qualter, Ian Robertson, Mel Wainwright, Alan Ryal, Frank Crompton, Warren Matts and Ray Lamb

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Geoff’s ‘swan song’

Almoners from the North Fylde, Blackpool and South Fylde Groups turned out in force to attend their annual meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall and to take the chance to bid a fond farewell to their regional care officer, Geoff Pritchard.

Geoff - affectionately known as ‘Sticks’ - told the Almoners and Charity Stewards who were also at the meeting that he was stepping down after six years in the job and that their annual get-together was his ‘swan song’.

Later in the year Geoff told the Almoners, highly experienced Jim Woods, former Care Officer for the now defunct North Blackpool Group and the ‘Wednesday man’ at Liverpool Office - as contact office manager - would be assuming the mantle of Regional Care Officer for the Fylde groups.

Geoff introduced the guest speaker John Williams, Development Director of the Masonic Samaritan Fund who told the Almoners that he was there primarily to encourage them to spend money supporting those Masons and their families in medical need.

John gave an enthralling talk on the work of the Samaritan Fund citing examples of how it had helped individual Masons and their families and gave graphic details of the resources on offer and the criteria required applying for support from it.

He chided the Almoners that the Fylde groups were “either very rich or very healthy” and that in comparison to the other 46 Provinces applications were less than the take-up elsewhere and he encouraged them spread the message about the fund as widely as possible.

Geoff Pritchard after thanking John for his thought-provoking presentation took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Almoners’ team, the group chairmen and the care officers for their support during his six years as regional care officer.

Fellow RCO Roy Pyne of the Liverpool and Bootle Groups presented Geoff with a gold watch as a memento.

Pictured are Jack Coates (North Fylde Group Chairman), Geoff Pritchard (RCO) and John Williams (Development Director Masonic Samaritan Fund)

Roy Pyne RCO Liverpool presents Geoff with his gold watch.

Some of the Almoners who attended the special meeting.

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Harry’s 80th raises £700 for our 2010 Festival

On Saturday 20th September. Harry Johnson of Blackpool Temperance Lodge No. 5303 celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends at the recently refurbished Blackpool Masonic Hall Lounge. A good evening was had by all with a hot pot supper and disco.

Harry requested no presents but would like donations to the 2010 festival.  A raffle was had and together with private donations a grand sum of over £700 was raised for the 2010 festival.

Pictured left to right: Geoff Pritchard, Martin Linton, Harry Johnson, Umesh Dholakia, Ian Bradley

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Heritage Day Visitor to Masonic Hall

Blackpool Freemasons were delighted when Mrs Joan Humble MP dropped in to visit them. Joan received an informative heritage tour of their Victorian premises on Adelaide Street, by Ian Robertson – Blackpool Group Chairman, Peter Bentham - Group Vice Chairman and John Topping Provincial Communications Officer. 

Over seventy visitors during the two day event, examined the many artefacts in the museum on the top floor and walked around the beautiful lodge room which features the banners and furniture belonging to lodges and chapters which meet regularly there.

Whilst in the lodge room Mrs Humble sat in the Master’s Chair and held the gavel, which is used to attract attention prior to speaking. 

Joan Humble MP said: “As a student of history I am fascinated by the wealth of information available to see and read in the Blackpool Masonic Hall.  For over a hundred years Blackpool business-men and other professionals have been Freemasons.  I am pleased that the historical shroud of secrecy that surrounded Freemasonry for many decades has been replaced with an open approach to explaining what Freemasons do.  I had an interesting discussion about the contributions the members make and how they take forward their beliefs”.

Ian Robertson Group Chairman, Joan Humble MP, Peter Bentham Group Vice Chairman, Elaine Smith Chairman of Blackpool Civic Trust

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BBQ raises £523 for 2010

The annual family BBQ of Blackpool Lodge of Temperance was held at the St Annes home of Sheldon and Jackie Rawstrone and raised an impressive £523 in support of the 2010 Festival.

Games such as making a paper aeroplane and throwing it at a litre bottle of whisky proved very popular along with quizzes and guessing the number of Smarties in a jar.

Lots of raffle prizes combined with a Westhoughton Raffle for a beautiful gateaux helped swell the funds.

Worshipful Master Craig Boyle assisted by his wife Kim praised the hosts Jackie and Sheldon for providing and making all the BBQ food and sweets.  He thanked Alastair Dunn for his skills in cooking the food and everyone for attending and contributing so generously.

Jackie and Sheldon Rawstrone with some of the guests with their paper aeroplane creations.

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18 qualify for golfing final

The Fylde Masonic Golfing Society held its qualifying event at Knott End Golf Club on a windy day.

The West Lancs Masonic Golfing Society Final is to be held at Swinton Park Golf Club on 13 August with six players from each group to qualify (South Fylde/North Fylde/Blackpool)

The qualifying event attracted more than 60 competitors with 65 attending the evening meal and prize presentation.

Blackpool Group had nine players, South Fylde had 25, North Fylde had 13 players

With another 13 men also participating.

The two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Group Chairmen and Vice Chairmen along with the Captain of Knott End were also present at the dinner.

QUALIFIERS FOR THE FINAL

The best individual score for a Freemason was Brian Newman of Quadrant Lodge and second was Peter Robinson of Fairhaven Lodge. The three-man team prize went to Quadrant Lodge with the team consisting of Brian Newman, Simon Walker and Harold Spence.

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Masonic display for Veterans’ Day

Blackpool was this year's venue for the national Veterans’ Day celebrations and local Freemasons manned an information stand alongside North Pier.

A number of other stands representing the various forces and their support organisations were also present.

There is a long tradition linking the military with Freemasonry and, of course, there is a significant membership who have served in one form or another. Although the weather was rather unkind Blackpool Freemasons did welcome a large number of people to their marquee, some of whom were Masons from all over the country. Many non-Masons took an opportunity to ask questions, pick up leaflets and a copy of the latest of the West Lancashire Freemason.

In particular they saw the excellent photographic display prepared by Andrew Stansfield covering a range of our recent local charitable efforts.

Ian Robertson, chairman of the Blackpool Group, said: “All in all it was a successful event and another positive aspect in our community profile."

Pictured, left to right, are: Ian Robertson, Chairman of Blackpool Group, Peter Bentham, Group Vice Chairman of Blackpool Group, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson and Bill Eardley, former Chairman of Blackpool Group

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Chapter celebrates centenary

A short history of Fylde Chapter No 2758 was given by Charles Patchett (MEZ) when an Emergency Meeting was held to celebrate the centenary of the Chapter.

The Chapter was honoured by the attendance of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Colin Penty Wright, along with the Provincial Team.

A printed version of the Chapter history was also printed with a copy being given to everyone who attended the special meeting.

The Chapter was consecrated on 17 March 1908 at the Metropole Hotel, Blackpool. There were eight Consecrating Officers present at that meeting (as recorded in the Chapter record book) when the three Principals installed were Harry Brooks (MEZ), Samuel S Lomax (H) and RHW Dunderdale (J). There were 14 founders and Petitioners present.

Fylde Chapter is the third oldest in the Fylde after Clifton Chapter No 703 and St Anne’s Chapter No 2457. Of the Founders, seven were from Clifton Chapter and four from St Anne’s Chapter.

In the year of its centenary celebrations a Founders’ Jewel with a bar “Consecrating Officer” has been returned to the Chapter but it is not known to whom it was originally given.

The Chapter got off to a flying start for only six days after the consecration an Emergency Convocation was held when seven brethren were Exalted and one Joining Member was admitted.

Chapter membership failed to increase at such a high pace but after some years of slow recruitment the number of meetings held annually was increased to five in 1920.

The Chapter had planned to celebrate its 50th anniversary by inviting the three most senior members to occupy the chairs but before the event one died and so the celebration took no special form.

The same could not be said for its 75th anniversary when an outstanding celebratory oration was given by Dr Harold Kirk-Smith. His extensively researched tribute to the Chapter comprised more than 2,500 words and covered every aspect of its history and companions.

Seven members of the Chapter have achieved Grand rank – H Brooks, J Monk, JH Porter, TE Rushton, H Worden, W Foster and EE Mayrick.

The Chapter has met at several venues including The Metropole Hotel, Palatine Hotel, Imperial Hotel and finally The Masonic Hall in Adelaide Streety where it now meets on the fourth Monday in September, November, January and its installation meeting in March.

It is now a small Chapter with a membership of 21. Like most Chapters, it is actively looking for new members.

At the special meeting the Grand Superintendent presented the Chapter with a Centenary Warrant.

Charles Patchett presented the Grand Superintendent with a cheque for £500 for the 2010 festival.

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Great Marton Lodge has a heart

Freemasons of Great Marton Lodge in Blackpool have raised £800 to support the ongoing work of the British Heart Foundation.  Some members of this Lodge have undergone heart surgery over recent years and the BHF charity is very much a firm favourite every year when charity monies are allocated.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax said: “It is always pleasing to support national charities that seek to improve life chances for us all.  I am delighted that Great Marton Lodge continues to give generously to BHF and it is a pleasure for us that Stephen Layden has come down from Carlisle to receive the donation”.

Pictured, left to right, are: Leon Tax, Stephen Layden (Fund Raising Manager, North Region) and Brian Williams (Past Master of Great Marton Lodge).

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‘Sheiks’ welcome at camel races

Two Lodges have joined forces to bring camel racing to West Lancashire.

Fun and games are promised when “camels” take to the race track at St Michaels on Wyre Village Hall on Sunday, 4 May.

St Michaels on Wyre Lodge No 8348 which is in the Lancaster Group and the Lodge of Tranquility No 6544 (Blackpool) are hoping that people attending the races will join in the spirit of things with fancy dress being optional. It is hoped there will be many “Sheiks” in attendance.

Proceeds will be shared between Masonic charities and the British Heart Foundation.

Jockeys are needed to ride the wooden camels. There are special concessions for serving WMs and groups. More details can be obtained by sending an email to CliveRCope@AOL.com

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A feast of Masonic thinking

More than 130 Brethren were treated to a varitable Masonic feast when they attended Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters No 8966.

They were treated to the feast of Masonic thinking when WBro John Acaster delivered a lecture entitled “We are what we eat, are we not?”

John’s talk focused on questioning what Freemasonry is really about and our challenges for the future. In particular, he commented on the rich Masonic heritage in the North of England.

John is a Past Senior Warden of the Province of East Lancashire and a Past Master of the Manchester Lodge for Masonic Research. He has recently had the distinction of being invited to join Quatuor Coronati Lodge No 2076.

John Acaster (left) Bill Eardley (WM of Senatores Lodge of Installed Masters) and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax.

CHAINED TOGETHER

Three chain bearers got together at The Mayor’s Parlour for a presentation of £5,000 to the Mayor’s “It’s a Knockout Charity”.

Freemasons’ Lodges and Chapters from across the Fylde Coast supported by the West Lancashire Community Fund created the magnificent amount.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax said: “The Blackpool Mayor’s Charity will make available to children from across The Fylde a range of hi-tec medical equipment and resources.   Fylde Coast Freemasons are delighted to be able to continue supporting young people in our local communities.”

Pictured are Councillor Robert Wynne (Mayor of Blackpool), Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax and the Mayoress of Blackpool, Gaynor Wynne.

A “working” visit to Warrington

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax was looking forward to a relaxing time when planning his first visit to Warrington but ended up “working”.

He had been invited by long standing friend Gerald Alan Norden to be his guest when he was installed as Worshipful Master of Academy Lodge No 9382 and had volunteered to do the Address to the Worshipful Master.

The principle guest was due to be Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd but unfortunately his mother died and the funeral was on the same day as the installation meeting.

WBro Tax agreed to step up but that meant with giving the Address to the Brethren he could not do the Address to Gerald. In addition to that he also addressed the new Almoner, Derek Bradshaw, and presented him with the appropriate label badge.
There was another special presentation on the night. WBro Norden, who is a Past Provincial Grand Steward, gave the Lodge a Chumash on which he took his obligations during the ceremony.

It was the third time that Gerald, who was initiated in Freemasonry in Blackpool, has taken the Chair. He has previously served as Worshipful Master of Brotherhood Lodge No 3967 in Blackpool and the Lodge of Israel No 1502 in Liverpool.

It was the first installation meeting in Warrington following the retirement announcement by the Provincial Grand Master. WBro Tax urged everyone to “pledge their loyalty and support to RtWBro Colin Wright during the rest of his term as Provincial Grand Master and then to his successor”.

Gerald Norden presents a copy of the Chumash to Warren Whalley watched by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax and Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell.

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Books and bookcase presented to hospice

Clifton Lodge in Blackpool is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The members have made a special effort in the last 10 years to raise as large a charitable fund as possible so that significant contributions could be made to local charities to mark the special anniversary. 

All funds have been raised by their own contributions with the support of their families and other local Freemasons.  The members were united in the opinion that they wished to enable Trinity Hospice to be able to buy a specific item which was on their wish list, rather than making a contribution to their general fund. 

Almoner Alan Davies liaised with the hospice and it was agreed that Clifton Lodge would buy a bookcase and books to assist in helping parents and especially children to deal with serious illness and death of a loved one. 

The bookcase and books are being used well by families receiving counselling at The Linden Centre.

Clifton Lodge is the only organisation in Blackpool which has a continuous history stretching back more than 150 years and is keen to develop its support for the local community.

Pictured with the bookcase and books are, left to right: Roger Fish, Sarah Lee (Senior Counsellor), Michael Wilkinson (WM) and Alan Davies

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Blackpool Freemasons lay Remembrance wreath

More than 30 Blackpool Freemasons, led by WBro Leon Tax,  Assistant Provincial Grand Master attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph in Blackpool.

WBro Tax, wearing in his Chain of Office, was at the forefront of the parade.

It is the first time in many years that Masons have been represented as a body at this service and all felt very proud to demonstrate their respects for the fallen. 

A rose and poppy wreath was laid on the Cenotaph by W Bro Ian Robertson, Blackpool Group Chairman. It is hoped that a Masonic presence will be a regular feature at future Services.

Ian Robertson, Blackpool Group Chairman, and  Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax with other Blackpool Freemasons at the Cenotaph.

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Fylde’s oldest Lodge celebrates 150th anniversary

The oldest Lodge in the Fylde, Clifton Lodge No 703 marked its 150th anniversary on 2 October 2007 with a special celebratory meeting at The Masonic Hall in Blackpool, with the Provincial Grand Master as the principal guest.

The theme of the commemorative booklet written by Ian Robertson, the Blackpool Group Chairman and a Past Master of Clifton Lodge, was based on a quotation from Aldous Huxley – “The charm of history and its enigmatic lesson consist in the fact that, from age to age, nothing changes and yet everything is completely different.” 

The world in which the men of 1857 lived was remarkably different to the world of today. But perhaps surprisingly some things were the same.  The people of Blackpool in 1857 were really no different to the people today. They had the same hopes, fears and aspirations as we in the present age. So much has changed, yet so much has not changed.  It was exactly like present-day Britain, and yet utterly different. In some respects, the preoccupations, problems and aspirations of the mid-Victorians seem the same as ours. They too were fighting dubious wars in far-off places – the Crimea, India and China. They too were a society riddled with drugs problems, though their choice – opium - was freely available.  Britain was getting richer and richer, house prices were soaring, prisons were full to bursting, celebrity gossip was rife and we were at war in Afghanistan.

An article appeared in the Blackpool Gazette on 2 October and in it Clifton Lodge has thrown down the gauntlet by claiming to being the oldest continuously-meeting institution in Blackpool. For example it pre-dates Blackpool Corporation by 20 years and the formation of the Police Force by 30 years.

The Lodge has been raising money for charity for some eight years in preparation for this event. This culminated in the handing over of a cheque for £5,000 for the 2010 Festival thus enabling the Lodge to achieve Gold Patronage. The Lodge has also agreed to buy for the local hospice a bookcase and books on bereavement, ensuring local charities are not forgotten.

To further commemorate the event the Lodge acquired some new working tools and these were formally presented and explained by the newer members of the Lodge.

The “icing on the cake” was the surprise promotion of the Lodge’s organist and most senior Past Master, WBro Eric Lees to PPrSGW. This was well received by members and visitors alike.

New working tools were presented to Clifton Lodge to mark its 150th anniversary. Pictured at the celebration, left to right are: Bro Robert Kearsley, the Provincial Grand Master, Colin Penty Wright, Bro Chris Walpole (Assistant Secretary), Bro Michael Wilkinson (Worshipful Master), Bro Gary Harper, Assistant Provincial Grand Master  Leon Tax, Group Chairman Ian Robertson and , WBro Eric Lees who was promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

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Sponsorship helps youngsters win bronze medals

Financial support from Freemason helped two youngsters to win medals at the World Karate and Kickboxing Championships in Germany.

The Blackpool Group arranged a donation of £400 from the West Lancashire Masonic Educational Trust while Brotherhood Lodge No 3967 added another £100 which allowed two Blackpool Karate students to take part in the world championships along with more than 6,000 other enthusiasts.

Seven-year-old Sam Douglas and Naomi Schofield both won bronze medals in their divisions.

The England manager was particularly impressed with 14-year-old Naomi and selected her to compete as part of a three-woman team against the best teams from other countries. England won a bronze medal in this event.

Karate Club spokesman Lee Douglas said it was Freemasonry;s “generous sponsorship” which enabled the youngsters to attend the championships and has written to the Blackpool Group expressing thanks.

Sam Douglas and Naomi Schofield proudly show their medals.

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BBQ raises £475 for Festival

Blackpool Temperance Lodge No 5303 held its annual BBQ at the home of WBro Sheldon Rawstrone in St. Annes which resulted in £475 being raised for the 2010 Festival.

There was a big thank you to Jackie Rawstrone for preparing and supplying all the food for the event.

There was glorious sunshine all afternoon and the atmosphere was buzzing with more than 50 people attending.  Fundraising activities included a raffle, telling jokes for 50p a time, a guessing game, and making a paper plane to fly at a bottle of whisky. The whisky was won by Bro Craig.

Enjoying themselves at the BBQ are, left to right: Sally Duffy, Mike Duffy, Craig Boyle, Bill Eardley (former Blackpool Group Chairman), Jackie Rawstrone and  Sheldon Rawstrone

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Fraternal visit to Canada

During a recent visit to Canada, WBro Stephen James (a member of Blackpool Lodges of Loyalty No 7332, Blackpool Lodge of Sincerity No 4175 and Senatores Lodge No 8966) was a guest at the Installation meeting for the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No 654. With his father, Bro Dennis James, he was received as an honoured guest for the ceremony, which was also attended by RWBro Eduardo J. Cordero, District Deputy Grand Master, Hamilton District “C”. The lodge was further honoured by the presence of RWBro Allan J. Petrisor, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario who, on July 19th will be installed as the Grand Master.

The ceremony of installation was very similar to that in an English craft lodge, but the evening runs slightly differently. The lodge was opened and the business aspects transacted. The lodge was then called off and a meal served. It was at this point that the usual toasts (considerably shorter than those we are used to!) are proposed, including a toast to the visitors.

WBro Steve was invited to reply and, with his father on the keyboards, gave a rendition of the Master’s Song, the first time this had been performed in Ontario! The lodge was then called on for the installation ceremony itself. After an informative ceremony, WBro. Steve made a presentation of a gavel on behalf of the Blackpool Lodge of Loyalty No 7332 which had been made by WBro Eddie Gallagher and other gifts on behalf of Blackpool Lodge of Sincerity 4175. His father presented gifts on behalf of St Peter’s Lodge No 7368, in the Province of Herefordshire.

The evening brought home the fact that Freemasonry is universally spread over the four quarters of the globe with both brothers saying that they entered the building as strangers and left as friends.

WBro Stephen James and his father, Bro Dennis James, are pictured with members and guests at the installation meeting in Canada of the Lodge of Ancient Landmarks No 654.

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Great Marton Lodge Freemasons Have A Big Heart

During 2006 Brian Williams as Master of Blackpool based Great Marton Lodge No.3985 successfully raised £3000 for a range of local charities.  From this amount the Lodge was particularly keen to support the British Heart Foundation to the figure of £650, as a number of the members had undergone heart treatment in recent years.   

Brian Williams – Past Master of Great Marton Lodge, Carole McCartney – Fundraising Manager of British Heart Foundation, Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Blackpool Boys and Girls Club Receive Community Fund Cash

Blackpool Boys and Girls Club needed an urgent injection of cash to make immediate repairs to their Club Building in Central Blackpool.  The Community Fund of West Lancashire stepped in with a £500 donation so that the young people can continue to use their building in the evenings. 

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said :

‘This is a wonderful organisation that relies on so much good will and energy from volunteers.  They deserve our support and the Community Fund is delighted to help them along.  Lets hope that they go from strength to strength’

George Holden – Trustee of Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, Fiona Valentine – Hon. Secretary of Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master

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Blackpool Carers Centre ‘Garden Project’ Has Started

In the bright sunlight of a Saturday afternoon local Fylde Freemasons gave a £1000 kickstart to the Blackpool Carers Centre Garden Project.  With the main fund raising event taking place on Wednesday 4 April, the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons gave the first donation towards the ‘wish list’ for converting the barren garden area into a dream garden for our local carers to enjoy.

Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master said :

‘Fylde Coast Freemasons were particularly keen to support the work of Blackpool Carers.  It is so important that carers of all ages can have a quality base here in Blackpool to meet with other carers; and our contribution will enable them to enjoy the better weather sat out in the garden.  We wish Karen Dyke and her team every success for their main event this week and hope that everybody gets along to support it’.

John Topping – Provincial Communications Officer, Bill Eardley – Chairman of the Blackpool Group, Peter Elmore – Vice Chairman of The South Fylde Group, Leon Tax – Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Karen Dyke – Centre Development Manager of Blackpool Carers Centre

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Fraternal Gift to Lifeboats

Generous Blackpool Freemasons have raised £400 to help the RNLI at their new lifeboat station on the Promenade.  Fraternal Lodge recently held their annual Ladies Evening and raised the amount through fundraising activities during the event.

Master of Fraternal Lodge 2006-7 Peter Clay said :

‘Carolyn and I thoroughly enjoyed our wonderful Ladies Evening and the event was extra special through our raising of £400 for the hard-working RNLI’

(left to right) Ian Butter – Chairman of Blackpool Station RNLI receiving £400 cash from Dennis Mackay – Master of Fraternal Lodge 2007-8, Carolyn Clay, Peter Clay– Master of Fraternal 2006-7 - Background – Crew of Blackpool RNLI

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