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Chorley
Group News
Just what the hall needed
It was just what Chorley Masonic Hall needed when it was filled by 115 people as they had a great night out at a Sportsman’s Dinner to raise funds for the Masonic Hall.......<more>
A family affair at bowls championship
While most of England was downcast due the previous night’s football result, 16 members of the Chorley and District Group together with their wives and supporters met at the Bridge Inn Horwich......<more>
Wayne is WM of lodge in Canada
Wayne Fairhurst was initiated into Lever Park Lodge 8144 in 2005 and after becoming a Master Mason decided to spread his wings and subsequently emigrated to Canada.....<more>
First amalgamation in Chorley Group
The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, and the Provincial team visited the Masonic Hall in Chorley to conduct a ceremony of amalgamation.......<more>
Rockhaven Lodge celebrates 50 years with a new banner
The brethren of Rockhaven Lodge were delighted to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson as the principal guest of their 50th anniversary.....<more>
GOLFERS GIVE £500 TO DERIAN HOUSE
Golfers have donated £500 to a children’s hospice......<more>
WIGAN REGAIN TROPHY
The Autumn Equinox heralded good weather for the annual golf match between Wigan and Chorley Groups held at Hart Common Golf Club, Westhoughton.....<more>
Freemasons help to keep Sea Cadets afloat
The Freemasons of West Lancashire have made a grant of £1,500 to Chorley Sea Cadets to assist with the refurbishment of TS (Training Ship) Invincible.....<more>
Grants for two more hospices!
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson had the pleasure of presenting cheques to two hospices in his groups.......<more>
GOLFERS SUPPORT HOSPICE
The annual golf competition between Wigan and Chorley Groups earlier this year raised £400 which was presented to........<more>
CHORLEY LODGE IS A PATRON
Chorley Lodge qualified as a Patron of the 2010 Festival at its installation meeting ........<more>
Walkers raise £1,349 for hospice
Following the successful sponsored walk across Morecambe Bay earlier in the summer, members of the Chorley and District Group attended Derian House to present a cheque.......<more>
PEACE LODGE BECOMES GOLD PATRON
Some 45 Brethren enjoyed a bumper Installation at Westhoughton as Peace Lodge celebrated is 120th Installation meeting ..............<more>
£2,500 boost for festival
The 2010 Festival has received a £2,500 boost thanks to the efforts of Chorley Group Freemason Ray Dainton...........<more>
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Just what the hall needed
It was just what Chorley Masonic Hall needed when it was filled by 115 people as they had a great night out at a Sportsman’s Dinner to raise funds for the Masonic Hall.
Compare Norman Prince, who is best known as the former front man for the Houghton Weavers, gently extracted £2,500 from the dinners in raffles and a superb auction. The auction featured a great deal of first class football, cricket and other sporting memorabilia.
Guest speaker David Johnson, who played football for Liverpool, Everton and Ipswich as well as being an England International, was a great success as an after dinner speaker.
Malcolm Schofield who organised the event said the night should raise around £3,000 for the Chorley Masonic Hall.
Hall secretary Peter Horgan said this was a perfect evening - just what the hall needs.
Group chairman John Robson congratulated Malcolm Schofield on an excellent example of what could be achieved for a good cause.
Pictured, left to right, are: Norman Prince, Malcolm Schofield and David Johnson.
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A family affair at bowls championship
While most of England was downcast due the previous night’s football result, 16 members of the Chorley and District Group together with their wives and supporters met at the Bridge Inn Horwich.
WHY? It was the day of the Chorley Group Bowling Competition.
Despite overnight rain the day started sunny with a slight wind, which would no doubt cause the green to speed up as the day progressed. After a relaxing coffee the competitors strode onto the bowling green and the next half hour saw some serious practice, indeed some of the competitors needed the practice.
At 10.30 the draw was made for the four round robin clashes, in the interests of fair play the draw was overseen by group chairman John Robson.
As the competition proper started with much light-hearted banter some of the star players started to emerge. None of these frontrunners admitted to being bowlers although they all had their own woods.
Whilst the group competition was underway, the ladies held their tournament and this too took the format of a round robin competition.
After the round robin phase of the competition had finished everyone made for the Bridge Inn were a buffet lunch was waiting. During a pleasant lunch while the less serious bowlers tucked in heartily, the serious bowlers discussed the run of the green.
The semi-final draw from the four leading players of the men’s round robin competition took place again under the watchful eye of John.
As these semi-finals started mother nature altered the run of the green as it commencing to rain, the players donned their wet weather gear and the second phase of the competition got underway.
After two hard fought semi-finals the two finalists emerged, after a short break the final started, all eyes were on the two finalists, applause rang out as Maurice Edge and Ray Wilkinson stepped onto the green. During the final there were many times when the competitors called on the assistance of the “men with the pegs”. The Press photographer and his assistant who held an umbrella, thereby keeping the camera dry undertook the duties as referees.
Eventually a winner emerged - Maurice Edge.
Before the men’s final started the ladies’ final and a new competition for Masters and First Principals took place To keep things in the family Carol Edge won the Ladies’ Trophy and Barry Davies won the Masters and First Principals Trophy, which had been presented by the group chairman John Robson.
Unfortunately on the date of the Provincial Bowling final Maurice Edge is on holiday, so the group will be represented by losing finalist Ray Wilkinson and Stewart Rothwell. When being interviewed by a sports reporter about the likely outcome of the Provincial competition both Ray and Stewart said they hoped the group chairman has a space designated in the group’s trophy cabinet!
John Robson presents the Ladies’ Trophy to Carol Edge.
John Robson presents the trophy for Master and First Principals to Barry Davies
John Robson presents the Chorley Group Championship Trophy to Maurice Edge.
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Wayne is WM of lodge in Canada
Wayne Fairhurst was initiated into Lever Park Lodge 8144 in 2005 and after becoming a Master Mason decided to spread his wings and subsequently emigrated to Canada.
Wayne soon found his feet in his newly adopted country and found a lodge over there that readily accepted him soon after his departure from Lever Park Lodge in 2006.
Wayne joined Millennium Lodge No 182 in the Province of Manitoba and quickly moved through the ranks untill he was installed into the Chair of King Solomon in December.
Wayne returned to England for a holiday the following month and was looking forward to attending a meeting or two at Ridgmont House in Horwich. Unfortunately Lever Park Lodge does not meet in January but he is hoping to meet with as many of the Brethren as possible.
Wayne is pictured, second from the left in the front row, with members of his lodge.
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First amalgamation in Chorley Group
The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, and the Provincial team visited the Masonic Hall in Chorley to conduct a ceremony of amalgamation. James Turner, the Worshipful Master of the Astley and Ellesmere Lodge No 730 welcomed Peter to the meeting. Peter was accompanied by Stanley Oldfield (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) and other members of the Provincial team.
Several other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers were also in attendance. They included John Robson (Chorley Group Chairman), and the three Chorley group acting Provincial Grand Officers: Stanley Wood (Provincial Junior Grand Deacon) John Breakwell (Provincial Grand Standard Bearer) and Andrew Wiltshire (Provincial Grand Steward).
Peter thanked James for his warm welcome to the Lodge, accepted the gavel and occupied the chair. Peter then asked the Provincial acting officers to assist him as follows: Barry Jameson (Provincial Senior Grand Warden), David Durling (Provincial Junior Grand Warden), the Rev Graham Halsall (Provincial Grand Chaplain) Geoffrey Lee (Provincial Grand Secretary), Sam Robinson (acting Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies), Dean Swain (Provincial Grand Sword Bearer), Paul Hesketh (Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies), Kevin Poynton (acting Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies), Michael Thompson (Provincial Senior Grand Deacon), Stanley Wood (Provincial Junior Grand Deacon), David Tattersall (Provincial Grand Organist), John Breakwell and J Hine (both of whom are Provincial Grand Standard Bearers), Alan Lock (Provincial Grand Pursuivant) and Brian Gregson (Provincial Grand Tyler).
The amalgamation warrant was then read to the brethren by Geoffrey Lee. Peter Hosker then conducted the ceremony. The Rev Graham Halsall gave an oration and Peter then he re-dedicated the lodge.
The whole proceedings were greatly embellished by the musical brethren. The Provincial Choir was in splendid voice for the occasion and David Tattersall the Provincial Grand Organist was at his best.
After the ceremony was completed James Turner took his rightful place in the chair of Astley and Ellesmere Lodge. He then presented Peter with donations amounting to £1,700. The money was shared between the Chorley Masonic Hall Association (£1,000), 2010 Festival (£500), Rosemere Cancer Foundation (£200), Derian House Children’s Hospice (£100) and St Catherine’s Hospice (£100). Peter thanked James and all the Brethren for their generosity.
In all 116 brethren attended the social board after the meeting was closed. They listened as Peter Hosker, in the response to the toast to his health, paid tribute to the newly amalgamated lodge and expressed his hope that the lodge would be sustained and strengthened by the amalgamation. Peter also said he hoped that all lodges were looking to their future, as had the Astley and Ellesmere lodges. He said that a five-year plan was a good way to help brethren focus on the future of their lodge.
James then thanked Peter and the rest of the Provincial team for taking the time to attend the amalgamation meeting.
Pictured, from left to right are Paul Hesketh, Kevin Poynton, Stanley Oldfield, Barry Jameson, James Turner (Worshipful Master of Astley Lodge), Peter Hosker, Ivan Millington (Worshipful Master of Astley Lodge, prior to the amalgamation), David Durling, John Robson and Sam Robinson.
The Astley Lodge Banner
The Ellesmere Lodge Banner
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Rockhaven Lodge celebrates 50 years with a new banner
The brethren of Rockhaven Lodge were delighted to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson as the principal guest of their 50th anniversary celebration meeting. Frank was accompanied by Paul Hesketh and Robert Wright both of whom are Provincial Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies.
The other acting officers attending were Mike P Birks (Provincial Senior Grand Deacon), Stanley Wood (Provincial Junior Grand Deacon), John R Breakwell (Provincial Grand Standard Bearer), Andrew Wiltshire and Mark Holloway, both are Provincial Grand Stewards. The Lodge was also honoured by the attendance of the Provincial Choir and many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
The Worshipful Master, David Worth greeted Frank when he arrived in the lodge and offered him the gavel, which he accepted. Frank then asked the following brethren to assist him in the ceremony of dedicating the banner: Harold Leece (Senior Warden), John Swift (Junior Warden), the Reverend Canon Harry Callaghan (Provincial Grand Chaplain), Paul Hesketh and Robert Wright (Provincial Deputy Grand Directors of Ceremonies of the Province of West Lancashire), John Dawber (Senior Deacon), John Woodward (Junior Deacon), Derek Hughson (Provincial Grand Organist), John Ashworth (Inner Guard) and Paul Naylor (Banner Bearer)
Frank then welcomed the members of the Provincial Choir whom he said contribute so much to special meetings such as this and he asked Gerald Bullough, Arthur Ford-Giltrap, John W Hindle and Christopher Knowles to assist him by adding that extra musical dimension to the ceremony.
He then informed the brethren that the meeting was for two purposes. The first is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the lodge, which was consecrated on 30 November 1959.
The other was to celebrate the jubilee by dedicating the splendid new lodge banner. Frank said he hoped the brethren would see the banner, not just as a symbol of gratitude for half a century of service to the Craft and half a century of bringing together men from many different walks of life, in a common bond of friendship and fellowship, but that it will also be seen as a beacon and rallying point for the future prosperity of Rockhaven Lodge.
He also said that the lodge’s optimism and confidence in dedicating its first banner after 50 years of existence, deserves to be rewarded, and he hoped the lodge’s generous gesture, would be translated into a resurgence in its membership, and that the numbers that gather under the lodge’s new standard will, once again, expand and thrive.
At the end of the ceremony David Worth presented Frank with a cheque for £200 for the 2010 Festival. Afterwards a sumptuous banquet was enjoyed by more than 60 brethren who had attended the ceremony.
After the dinner John Robson (Chorley Group Chairman) proposed a toast to Frank’s health. Frank was delighted to respond and thanked John for his very kind toast, He said John was a good friend who had, in fact, proposed him into Freemasonry.
Frank said that when he was 24, a good friend asked him if he was interested in joining a new Round Table Club, that friend was John Kenneth Dickinson, a former member of Rockhaven lodge who, sadly, died two years previously.
Frank ultimately became the Founder Chairman of the new Horwich and Westhoughton Round Table and had a very happy 15 years in that club. The Round Table movement is for young men, and only young men, and members have to leave after their 40th birthday. Frank said he enjoyed his time in Round Table and wasn’t looking forward to being evicted. However, he’d become friendly with a Round Tabler who he knew was a Freemason. Having discussed with him whether it was a society which would appeal, he had been assured that it was and his friend had said that he’d be happy to propose him into the Lodge. The young Round Tabler who proposed him was in fact John Robson.
Frank said since he joined Freemasonry in March 1983, he has had a long and happy association with Rockhaven Lodge as it was one of the first lodges that he visited after his initiation. He said this was because one of the guests at his initiation was Harry Kaye, an assiduous member of Rockhaven lodge for many years. Frank said Harry was his uncle and had invited him on many occasions to Rockhaven lodge and it was because of this connection that the meeting had a very special significance to him. He said that 26 years ago, when he first came to Rockhaven Lodge as a new and rather nervous Freemason, he could never have dreamt that one day, he would be the principal guest at this important and memorable occasion.
Frank said he was honoured to have had the opportunity to carry out the banner dedication. He then thanked the many brethren who had contributed to the evening, particularly Deputy Directors of Ceremonies, Paul Hesketh and Robert Wright who had added dignity and professionalism to the celebration. He said he hoped that Rockhaven Lodge continued to make a contribution to Freemasonry in Horwich for many years to come and that its members continued to enjoy the friendship and the fellowship of this, the world’s finest fraternal organisation.
The Worshipful Master, David Worth with Frank Wilkinson and the new banner
Pictured with the new banner are, front row, left to right: The Ven Alan Wolstencroft, the Rev Canon Harry Callaghan, William Huck, Frank Wilkinson, David Worth, Jack Moorhouse, John W Robson and John R Breakwell. Back row, left to right: Christopher Knowles, John Hindle, Gerald Bullough, Arthur Ford-Giltrap, Derek Hughson, Paul Naylor, Andrew Wiltshire, Mike Birks, Stanley Wood and Mark Holloway.
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GOLFERS GIVE £500 TO DERIAN HOUSE
Golfers have donated £500 to a children’s hospice.
David Norris, Chairman of the Wigan and District Masonic Golfing Society and Gilbert Pierce, Chairman of the Chorley Group Masonic Golfing Society presented cheques amounting to £500.00 to Royn Khadem, the coordinator of Derian House Children's Hospice,Chorley.
The money was raised at the annual Mike Wareing Trophy match between the two groups and was increased by the generosity of Mr Peter Roberts, the owner of Hart Common Golf Centre, Westhoughton.
Gilbert Pierce and David Norris present the cheques to Royn Khadem.
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WIGAN REGAIN TROPHY
The Autumn Equinox heralded good weather for the annual golf match between Wigan and Chorley Groups held at Hart Common Golf Club, Westhoughton.
The team from Wigan regained the Mike Wareing Trophy from their great rivals.
The event raised an excellent sum of £200 which will be donated to Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
Ken Shaw, President of the Chorley Masonic Golfing Society, presented the trophy to Geoff Porter, Secretary of the Wigan Masonic Group.
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Freemasons help to keep Sea Cadets afloat
The Freemasons of West Lancashire have made a grant of £1,500 to Chorley Sea Cadets to assist with the refurbishment of TS (Training Ship) Invincible on Heapey Road. Improvements to the Sea Cadets’ HQ are approaching completion and the unit will very soon be operating from modern and well equipped premises.
John Robson, Chairman of the Chorley and District Group said: “Freemasonry is a strong supporter of local charities and community organisations, particularly those involving young people. We are proud to be associated with the Chorley Sea Cadets and were more than happy to assist them with their programme of improvement.”
The aim of the Sea Cadets is “to encourage valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct in young people, using a nautical theme based on the customs of the Royal Navy”. It introduces cadets to an organised, disciplined and stimulating environment where they can learn new skills. The cadets can also make strong and lasting friendships.
Membership is open to both boys and girls aged between 10 and 18.
John Robson presents the cheque for £1,500 to Mrs Cheryl Hardiman, a committee member for the Chorley Cadets, watched by the commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Gordon Cadman.
Cadets make certain that everyone gets the message.
Learning the ropes at Chorley Sea Cadet Unit.
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Grants for two more hospices!
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson had the pleasure of presenting cheques to two hospices in his groups.
St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall near Leyland, was first on his list and received £3,750 from this year’s Grand Charity hospice distribution of £600,000. He then continued on to Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, where he and John Robson, Chairman of the Chorley Group, handed over a similar amount to Alistair Swann, the hospice’s chief executive.
Both hospices wished to put on record their gratitude for the support given to them by the Grand Charity and by the many lodges and individuals in the two groups.
For many years, Freemasons have been enthusiastic in their support for hospices. This year’s funding from the Grand Charity means that it has donated more than £7.5million to hospices.
Pictured at Derian House Children’s Hospice are, left to right, John Robson, Alistair Swann and Frank Wilkinson
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GOLFERS SUPPORT HOSPICE
The annual golf competition between Wigan and Chorley Groups earlier this year raised £400 which was presented to the Wigan and Leigh Hospice by Gill Wareing, widow of Mike Wareing.
She was accompanied by Wigan Masonic Golfing Society Chairman David Norris, Gilbert Pierce (Chorley chairman) and Wigan secretary, George Seddon.
The annual Mike Wareing Trophy usually attracts an entry of about 30 golfers from the two groups and takes place at Hart Common Golf Club, Westhoughton every September.
Gill Wareing presents cheques for £400 to nurses Lynne Gallimore and Sue
Reeder. Pictured with them are David Norris, Gilbert Pierce and George Seddon
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CHORLEY LODGE IS A PATRON
Chorley Lodge qualified as a Patron of the 2010 Festival at its installation meeting
Some 50 Brethren gathered at Chorley Masonic Hall to witness the installation of Norman Chandler as WM of Chorley Lodge in a splendid ceremony carried out by John Ashton. During the proceedings the Lodge presented the Representative, Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber, with a donation of £500 and in turn he presented the Lodge with a Patron Certificate of the 2010 Festival, and requesting that the Lodge incorporate the fact on its next summons.
The Lodge has more to celebrate over the next two months with the imminent celebration in January of the 50th anniversary of his initiation into the Lodge of Brian Bargh who was present at the meeting and who is very much looking forward to this special date in the calendar which happily coincides to the day and date of his initiation which occurred on Tuesday 6th January 1959 - a happy coincidence.
The day finished on a high note with a magnificent £255 being raised for charity in a typical "Westhoughton" style raffle with the winning numbers as usual being picked up by the visitors
Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber presents the Patron certificate to Norman Chandler watched by Chorley Group Vice-chairman Paul Snape, lodge charity steward John Ashton and Malcolm Warren, group charity steward.
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Walkers raise £1,349 for hospice
Following the successful sponsored walk across Morecambe Bay earlier in the summer, members of the Chorley and District Group attended Derian House to present a cheque to the value of £1,349.90.
After welcoming members of the group, Alasdair Swan, General Manager of Derian House gave an insight on the work of the hospice.
Alasdair Swan, said how much he appreciated the support given by Freemasons. Support to Derian House was not just with monetary donations but with their time and skills as each week local Freemasons look after the computer system as part of the lifelites project.
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the group Paul Snape said how much the work of Derian House is valued and looked forward to giving more support to the hospice.
Paul Snape, Vice-Chairman of the Chorley Group of Lodges is pictured presenting the cheque to Alasdair Swan. Also pictured (left to right) are walkers Ken Ingham, Malcolm Warren (group charity steward) and Steve Grand.
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PEACE LODGE BECOMES GOLD PATRON
Some 45 Brethren enjoyed a bumper Installation at Westhoughton as Peace Lodge celebrated is 120th Installation meeting with a splendid ceremony as Dennis Bolton installed his successor, Keith Knowles.
The meeting was crowned when the Lodge made a further magnificent donation of £1,550 to become a Gold Patron of the 2010 Festival enabling the Representative, Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber to thank the Lodge and present the Lodge with a Gold Patron Certificate.
The icing on the cake came later in the proceeding when Lodge Charity Steward Nigel Dunlop presented a further cheque for £184 following a "Westhoughton" style raffle at a splendid Festive Board together with six pledges and cheques totalling a further £600 in favour of the 2010 Festival.
Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber presents a Gold Patron certificate to Keith Knowles, WM of Peace Lodge. Also pictured are Paul Snape (Chorley Group Vice-chairman) and Nigel Dunlop, charity steward.
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£2,500 boost for festival
The 2010 Festival has received a £2,500 boost thanks to the efforts of Chorley Group Freemason Ray Dainton.
Ray, of St Bartholomew Lodge No 6071 which meets at Westhoughton, decided to stage a fund-raising event at his home. The classic car rally followed by a hog roast and clay pigeon shoot was a massive success and raised £2,500.
Ray presented a cheque for £2,500 to 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber who described Ray’s efforts as “magnificent”.
Ray Dainton is pictured presenting the cheque to Stuart Thornber watched by Chorley Group Chairman John Robson and Malcom Warren (Group Charity).
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