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South
Fylde Group News
Lodge Ellengowan visits Kirkham Lodge installation
Brethren from Lodge Ellengowan No 619 in the Province of Dunbartonshire visited Kirkham Lodge No 2010 Installation........ <more>
Lodge of Triumph tops £5,000 for Festival
During his year as Master of The Lodge of Triumph in St Annes, David Barr and lodge members raised an impressive £2,000 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities.....<more>
Baines Lodge welcomes remaining founders
Baines Lodge No 7844 was honoured to have all three of its remaining founders present at its installation meeting......<more>
Lodge of Triumph Christmas Sunday Lunch
More than60 diners attended The Lodge of Triumph’s Christmas Sunday Lunch at the superb Tolley’s Restaurant, Hambleton, Over Wyre.......<more>
THE BAINES BOYS
Pictured are the Baines boys David Thomas, Ryan Modlin (WM) and John Lee on Ryan’s Installation at Baines Lodge........<more>
Foxhall Lodge generosity at installation
At its installation The Foxhall Lodge No 7484 was delighted to have the attendance of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner........<more>
Publicity Officer makes the News
The saying is that when the news is slow - make it up, but it was far from being a slow day for John Topping, Publicity Officer for the South Fylde Group......<more>
Ansdell Lodge gets gold for 2010
St Anne’s Palace, was the venue for Ansdell Lodge No 3607’s Installation meeting where over 50 brethren witnessed.........<more>
Maurice’s ‘magical landmark’
Maurice Hardaker was congratulated on reaching the “magical landmark” of being 100 by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax at.......<more>
Special dinner for Eric
Rigby’s Farmhouse Restaurant, Warton was the venue for a very special dinner to mark the retirement of South Fylde Group Chairman.......<more>
Congratulations to David and Clive
The Lodge of Triumph’s last meeting of the season was a special occasion for brethren.....<more>
Walk boosts 2010 Festival
A sunny Sunday morning at The Fairhaven was the scene for the start and finish of the South Fylde Group Sponsored Walk..........<more>
Surprise for David as Quadrant
Some 75 Brethren attended the installation ceremony in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax when David Lawn........<more>
Special achievement award
Quadrant Lodge Installation was the setting for a special presentation to Peter Robinson.........<more>
Deputy PGM visits South Fylde
Brethren at the biennial South Fylde Group Dinner were pleased to receive Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks.............<more>
CHAPTER BECOMES A PATRON OF THE FESTIVAL
Some 45 Companions attended a wonderful Installation at St Anne's Palace to witness the MEZ and Group Charity Steward Peter Robinson install his successor...<more>
What a cracker!
The Freemasons' Grand Charity is donating an enormous £600,000 to Hospices across England and Wales...........<more>
NORCLIFFE CHAPTER REACHES PATRON STATUS
It was a case of "hors de combat" when 38 Companions met for the December Installation meeting of Norcliffe Chapter......<more>
Lodge Ellengowan visits Kirkham Lodge installation
Brethren from Lodge Ellengowan No 619 in the Province of Dunbartonshire visited Kirkham Lodge No 2010 Installation.
This was a reciprocal visit from Lodge Ellengowan, cementing the friendship and links between both lodges.
Kirkham Lodge brethren have visited Lodge Ellengowan Installation for many years and Lodge Ellengowan members have previously visited Kirkham twice, demonstrating the Scottish Third Degree Ceremony. An excellent example of lodges working in harmony.
Members of Lodge Ellengowan with the Master of Kirkham Lodge, David Hill (front centre).
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Lodge of Triumph tops £5,000 for Festival
During his year as Master of The Lodge of Triumph in St Annes, David Barr and lodge members raised an impressive £2,000 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities.
The final £850 lifted the lodge’s contribution over five years to more than £5,000 for the 2010 Festival.
During the installation of John Topping as WM (David’s successor), John handed Ted Vollans, (representative of the Provincial Grand Master) the cheques totalling £2,000.
Pictured, left to right, are Ted Vollans, John Topping and David Randerson (Chairman of the South Fylde Group).
David Barr (centre) with on left, Graham Smith (almoner and social secretary) and Ted Rhodes (joint social secretary and regional charity steward)
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Baines Lodge welcomes remaining founders
Baines Lodge No 7844 was honoured to have all three of its remaining founders present at its installation meeting.
Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Brian Wright and Dennis Tofts PPrSGW were joined for the first time in 10 years by Harry Owen who, despite being unable to attend meetings due to ill health has remained a loyal subscribing member. Dennis Tofts was the fourth WM in 1965 and then again in 2001. Brian Wright was WM in 1968 and Harry Owen took the chair in 1995. The three founders are shown with the new WM Ryan Modlin.”
Pictured, left to right, are: Harry Owen, Ryan Modlin (the new WM of Baines Lodge), Brian Wright and Dennis Tofts.
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Lodge of Triumph Christmas Sunday Lunch
More than60 diners attended The Lodge of Triumph’s Christmas Sunday Lunch at the superb Tolley’s Restaurant, Hambleton, Over Wyre.
During the festive meal a range of fund-raising activities took place, all designed to extract money within a relaxed atmosphere.
Under the stewardship of Lodge Almoner Graham Smith and Regional Charity Steward Ted Rhodes (both members of The Lodge of Triumph), a splendid amount of approximately £400 was raised.
Worshipful Master David Barr thanked everyone for supporting him in his year of office and offered his congratulations to Graham and Ted for making the event such a success.
Pictured Graham Smith and Ted Rhodes are pictured immediately behind Worshipful Master David Barr and Mrs Helen Barr.
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THE BAINES BOYS
Pictured are the Baines boys David Thomas, Ryan Modlin (WM) and John Lee on Ryan’s Installation at Baines Lodge. David Thomas Installed Ryan in an excellent ceremony. Baines raised £1,700 for Masonic and non-Masonic charities in Brian Tabener’s year in the chair. All is looking up at Baines Lodge, with 74 Masons attending the installation ceremony. Pictured are David Thomas, Ryan Modlin and John Lee.
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Foxhall Lodge generosity at installation
At its installation The Foxhall Lodge No 7484 was delighted to have the attendance of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner, Senior Grand Deacon of England.
More than 50 members and guests were present and saw the WM give on behalf of the lodge a donation to charity of £1,785. The Foxhall is already a Gold Patron of the Samaritan Fund but still donated a further £400 to the 2010 Festival. £885 went to children’s charities in the form of £100 to Blue Sky Holidays, £100 to Children of Watanna, £685 to Duchenne Syndrome and the remaining £500 to Headway a charity for people suffering from head injuries.
At the festive board the brethren were enthralled when Phil explained his experiences at the Grand Lodge Investiture when he was invested as the Senior Grand Deacon of England.
Photo shows Phil Gardner (centre) receiving cheques from the IPM Kevin Reaney PrGStwd of East Lancashire (left) and Derrick Lewthwaite the WM of The Foxall Lodge.
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Publicity Officer makes the News
The saying is that when the news is slow - make it up, but it was far from being a slow day for John Topping, Publicity Officer for the South Fylde Group, and he was word perfect, as he was installed as First Principal in Thornton Cleveleys Chapter in the rival territory of North Fylde Group.
John’s personal choice to widen his circle of Masonic friendships and knowledge by ‘coming north’ to join Thornton Cleveleys Chapter helped underline what a warm welcoming organisation the Royal Arch is and which knows no borders – a theme which was developed throughout the evening.
Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Peter Elmore was on hand to see an excellent example of a well staged Installation which saw John installed as First Principal and Ron Fenton and Bob Stringer taking on the role of Second and Third Principals. Mike Fishwick as Installing Officer ably supported by the rest of the Chapter team did a sterling job of work. Even Group Officers Harry Cox, Duncan Smith and Giles Berkley; North Fylde Chairman, Vice Chair and Group Secretary respectively found themselves involved by doing the readings.
The Chapter presented Peter with a cheque for the 2010 Festival for which he thanked the Companions on behalf of the Masonic Samaritan Fund and later at Festive Board he encouraged Companions to give the festival a final push as it neared its conclusion.
He said that 2010 was also recognized as the “Year of Return to Royal Arch,” and that the Deputy Grand Superintendent had several initiatives currently underway to encourage Companions to bring not only new members but former members along to special evenings to see the changes which have been brought to Chapter and the enthusiasm that abounds.
The new First Principal in his response endorsed what Peter had to say about Chapter with John saying he would make it a personal goal to make sure that the Royal Arch got its deserved share of the limelight in his capacity as a Publicity Officer.
A very enjoyable evening’s work and banquet saw a raffle fetch £146 which was destined for the Help the Heroes Fund.
Picture shows left to right Peter Elmore receives a cheque for the 2010 Festival from the Three Principals Ron Fenton, John Topping and Bob Stringer
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Ansdell Lodge gets gold for 2010
St Anne’s Palace, was the venue for Ansdell Lodge No 3607’s Installation meeting where over 50 brethren witnessed John Gallagher install his successor, Senior Warden Jim Dunn, into the Chair of the lodge. This was done in fine style in the presence of Provincial Senior Warden Barry Jameson, there to represent the Provincial Grand Master.
Following a moving ceremony new WM Jim Dunn presented Barry with a further cheque for £1,400 in favour of the 2010 Festival on behalf of the Masonic Samaritan Fund. Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber took great pleasure in this as he confirmed that it raised Ansdell, his own mother lodge, to Gold Patron status. As Stuart proudly handed Barry the Gold Patron certificate and requested him to present it to the new WM on behalf of the lodge it was a particularly memorable moment for the chairman.
Notable amongst the changes in Officers was that due to unforeseen circumstances, Almoner John Porter was also appointed Director of Ceremonies having previously served some nine years in that role.
A splendid Festive Board followed at which Barry warmly congratulated Charity Steward Brian Howarth on his recent appointment to Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in May at Provincial Grand Lodge. He also congratulated Treasurer, Bill Gosling, on his forthcoming appointment to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon in October adding that both appointments were thoroughly deserved by virtue of the efforts and hard work of the recipients.
A wonderful Installation concluded with Brian Howarth in fine form raising some £206 for cancer charities with one of his special ‘Westhoughton’ raffles.
With Group Chairman David Randerson, Barry Jameson presents WM Jim Dunn with the Gold Patron Certificate watched by Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber
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Maurice’s ‘magical landmark’
Maurice Hardaker was congratulated on reaching the “magical landmark” of being 100 by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax at a special meeting of the Lodge of Fidelity No 1256.
Maurice celebrated the landmark by cutting a cake at the social board which had been specially made for him.
Leon Tax said: “Bro Maurice Hardaker on behalf of Lodge of Fidelity and all the brethren here present it is my tremendous privilege to wish you once again a very happy 100th birthday. We hope that TGAOTU will preserve you in good health for a few more years to come and we offer our sincerest congratulations on achieving this magical landmark.”
Maurice was born on 1 August 1909 at the Prince of Wales Hotel where his father James was the licensee.
Although by no means wealthy Maurice’s parents had lofty ambitions for their children and decided that both he and his sister Muriel would be sent to a private school. However, together with his sister, Maurice had other ideas, as the school was not to his liking and he was unable to settle down and get along with either the teachers or the other children so they were sent to a local school.
It was in 1924 when Maurice was 15 that the family moved from Congleton to Blackpool. He started an apprenticeship in the electrical trade and at the same time attended a commercial course at night school.
James’s father opened a shoe shop as B R Shoe Stores at 212 Church Street. Maurice remembered times when he would deliver shoes and generally help in the shop. Dad had decided to specialise in day shoes, working shoes and boots. He can well remember one very special line of high quality police boots that his father sold at 12/9 per pair. Maurice also found himself a Saturday afternoon job – helping out with security at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. He was principally employed to help reduce petty theft by customers and staff although he had other duties including serving customers at the various stalls. He recalled for Leon Tax an incident when he witnessed a colleague member of staff stealing half a crown. When he tackled him about it he was quite indignant. He punched Maurice and he was not slow to return the compliment. When Maurice was summoned before Alderman Bean he was expecting to be admonished, but to the contrary he was congratulated on doing his job.
It was not long before Maurice joined the Air Raid Precautions and he was trained for and passed out for anti-gas work. He was called up for National Service at the age of 18 and volunteered for and accepted into the RAF. He was sent to Morecambe to do the square bashing and soon returned to Blackpool – but not for long. Maurice was sent with two other colleagues (one of whom was Pat Molloy – the footballer) to RAF Leeming. To say that he enjoyed his time in the RAF is a bit of an understatement because he remained in that service throughout the war and not demobbed until 1946.
Maurice was made an acting sergeant and subsequently promoted to Flight Sergeant. Maurice once flew with Winston Churchill. Another time he escorted President Roosevelt and there were indeed many others including, President Stalin, George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and Princess Margaret. After the war Maurice was detailed to escort the King of Thailand (the boy king then aged 23) back to his country.
Following his demob at RAF Padgate he returned to Blackpool, moved to Knowsley Avenue and took up employment at Woodhouses. That great Blackpool institution was subsequently taken over by Great Universal and is today trading under such well known names as Argos and Homebase. For many years he was the Market Superintendent at Abingdon Street Market and it was from this position that he retired from work just before the age of 70.
It was in 1935 that Maurice married Marjorie Linger. The two of them had met at Marton Institute where they both often attended dances and parties. Their union produced two daughters, Rosemary now aged 73 and Vicky, aged 69. They both have children of their own. So the Hardaker family continues to grow as Maurice now has three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
For the last five years Maurice has lived with his carer Neil Trickett. Leon Tax acknowledged Neil’s help in obtaining much of the information that has been provided because as Maurice will admit, being 100 does slow one down a little. Maurice has known Neil for a long time. Maurice was at one time a billeting officer and it was through this work that he first met Neil’s mother. Neil considers Maurice as the father he never had and until recently Neil would take Maurice on regular holidays often for a month at a time. They particularly like to go to Stratford upon Avon.
Maurice was initiated into Lodge of Fidelity No 1256 on 4 May 1965. He was drawn to Fidelity because the father of his mother-in-law, was WBro John Cardwell who was a founder of the lodge and was himself WM in 1902. His proposer was son-in-law WBro Alistair Bulloch.
He was installed as WM in 1976. He served this lodge as Almoner on three separate occasions each time for a two year term and many of the brethren have good cause to remember him for his kind, patient and caring manner. It was in 1987 that in recognition of his contribution to the craft that Maurice was appointed to Provincial rank as PPrAGDC.
Anxious to further develop his Masonic knowledge he was exalted into Chapter of Fidelity No 1256 in 1975 and in 1990 was installed as MEZ. He also holds Provincial Rank in the Royal Arch as PPrAGDC. The chapter subsequently elected Maurice to honorary membership in 2006.
Pictured, left to right, at the special meeting to celebrate Maurice Hardaker’s 100th birthday are: Paul Hesketh, Lawrence Abram, Eric Picton, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Barry Jameson, Pat Dwyer (WM), Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Durling, Maurice Hardaker, South Fylde Group Chairman David Randerson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax and Ian Ward.
Maurice cuts his 100th birthday cake
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Special dinner for Eric
Rigby’s Farmhouse Restaurant, Warton was the venue for a very special dinner to mark the retirement of South Fylde Group Chairman, Eric Picton.
More than 30 officers and personal friends of Eric and Vanda enjoyed an excellent meal and heard the incoming group chairman, David Randerson pay tribute to Eric’s hard work over 18 years as a group officer. David presented Vanda with flowers and Eric received some beautiful crystal glass tumblers.
In his response Eric thanked all the brethren and their partners for their support over the years and spoke of his new role as secretary of his local football club, AFC Fylde, Warton.
Pictured, left to right, are Eric Picton, Vanda Picton and David Randerson.
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Congratulations to David and Clive
The Lodge of Triumph’s last meeting of the season was a special occasion for brethren.
Previous to the normal business of a ceremony of Passing, congratulations were extended to David Randerson, following his recent promotion to Grand Lodge and additionally only three days earlier in Provincial Grand Lodge to the post of Chairman of the South Fylde Group.
Coupled with that, the Lodge of Triumph’s own Clive Littlewood received his Past Provincial Junior Warden’s rank at the same ceremony in Blackpool.
David Randerson, David Barr (Worshipful Master) and Clive Littlewood.
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Walk boosts 2010 Festival
A sunny Sunday morning at The Fairhaven was the scene for the start and finish of the South Fylde Group Sponsored Walk, raising funds for the 2010 Festival. Many thanks go to Peter Robinson, Group Charity Steward, and Mrs Elizabeth Robinson for all their hard work in planning this 2009 event.
More than 25 walkers from across the South Fylde Group, including wives, partners and canine companions, made the journey down the Promenade from Ansdell to Lytham, through Lytham town centre and then through the beautiful Witchwood. A treasure hunt questionnaire helped focus the minds along the way.
A short refreshment stop at Tony Hale’s house in Witchwood got every one re-energised again for the final mile back to The Fairhaven.
Landlord Nigel Wild (a Blackpool Freemason) had prepared a superb lasagne and chips for all the walkers. Nigel was thanked for his generosity and support for the Sponsored Walk.
Following lunch, the raffle raised £110 towards the 2010 fundraising.
This year’s Sponsored Walk has raised the magnificent total of £2,500 plus Gift Aid.
Pictured are Edward Rhodes (Regional Charity Steward with chequered flag) with Peter Robinson (Group Charity Steward, far right) starting the 2009 Sponsored Walk of the South Fylde Group.
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Surprise for David at Quadrant
Some 75 Brethren attended the installation ceremony in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax when David Lawn installed his successor Arthur Halstead in fine style.
At the close of the ceremony the lodge again came out in support of Masonic and non-Masonic Charities with a cheque for £500 to the Air Ambulance and a further magnificent donation of £2,000 to the 2010 Festival in support of the Masonic Samaritan Fund, and to which Leon Tax praised the lodge for its generosity and unswerving commitment to the Festival appeal.
A splendid festive board was crowned with the presentation of the Jack Aldous Silver Salver for the most improved lodge member over the preceding 12 months going to the Immediate Past Master, David Lawn, who was shocked but delighted to receive the award from Leon Tax. The evening was rounded off with raffle for Masonic charities raising the sum of £273.
The picture shows group vice-chairman David Randerson, Leon Tax receiving the cheques from Arthur Halstead watched by 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber and group charity steward Peter Robinson
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Special achievement award
Quadrant Lodge Installation was the setting for a special presentation to Peter Robinson, Charity Steward for the South Fylde Group of Lodges.
After the Installation ceremony and following the presentation of a further donation to the 2010 Festival by the Lodge to Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Tax, he invited Peter to move onto the floor of the Lodge. He explained to the Brethren and to Peter that the group had now raised the magnificent sum of £250,000 in support of the 2010 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund, and to mark this landmark figure and in recognition of the effort and work undertaken by Peter on behalf of the group he was presenting a Special Achievement Certificate.
To sustained applause from the Brethren a shocked but delighted Peter received the award, and the congratulations and best wishes of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and the 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber who was present to witness the occasion.
Pictured are David Randerson (Vice-chairman South Fylde Group), Leon Tax presenting the Certificate to Peter Robinson and 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber.
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Deputy PGM visits South Fylde
Brethren at the biennial South Fylde Group Dinner were pleased to receive Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks.
Prior to dinner, the Deputy PGM responded to a wide range of questions from brethren, including issues such as community bids to the new West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, the future of Masonic halls, membership numbers, mentoring and assisting brethren in meeting the payment of subscriptions.
At dinner, Brian Gillbanks thanked the outgoing group chairman Eric Picton for all his hard work and introduced the designated group chairman, David Randerson, and vice-chairman Ian Ward.
Pictured, left to right, are: Gareth Jones, David Randerson, Peter Elmore, Brian Gillbanks, Leon Tax, Eric Picton and David Winder.
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CHAPTER BECOMES A PATRON OF THE FESTIVAL
Some 45 Companions attended a wonderful Installation at St Anne's Palace to witness the MEZ and Group Charity Steward Peter Robinson install his successor, Paul Friberg, as the new First Principal of the Chapter in the presence of the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals EComp Peter Elmore.
Later the Chapter presented a cheque for a further £300 to the 2010 Festival to its Principal Guest, following which he was pleased to present the Chapter with a Patron Certificate for the 2010 Festival. Notable amongst the changes of officers was the retirement from office of the former DC and Charles Greenhill after many years of devoted service to St Anne's Chapter.
A splendid evening and enjoyable Festive Board was rounded off with the Companions led by John Darrell singing a rousing "song to the three Principals" to which the MEZ Paul Friberg was pleased and proud to respond to.
Pictured are David Randerson (Vice-chairman of the South Fylde Group), Peter Elmore presenting the Certificate to Paul Friberg, Peter Robinson (group charity steward) and Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber
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What a cracker!
The Freemasons' Grand Charity is donating an enormous £600,000 to Hospices across England and Wales. The money is an important contribution towards the millions of pounds needed each and every year to ensure these respected services can continue providing free physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to patients and their families. In total 227 services, including those specifically for children, will receive a grant from The Grand Charity.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Terry Hudson said: "It is very pleasing to be able to support the continuing work of our own Trinity Hospice through charitable amounts such as this. The Grand Charity is working very hard on behalf of our local Fylde Coast communities
For many years, Freemasons have been enthusiastic in their support for hospices. The funding announced recently takes The Freemasons' Grand Charity's total donations to the sector to more than £7.5 million, complementing the generosity Provincial and individual Masonic Lodges regularly show for their local services.
Pictured at Trinity Hospice are Jane Molyneux, Lisa Martin and Terry Hudson
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NORCLIFFE CHAPTER REACHES PATRON STATUS
It was a case of "hors de combat" when 38 Companions met for the December Installation meeting of Norcliffe Chapter at Poulton-le-Fylde No 7371 and discovered that the MEZ Elect Derek Abbott whilst working on ladders at his home recently had accidentally slipped and broken his thigh bone in the fall and was on crutches.
Not to be outdone the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Peter Elmore, the Principal Guest had slipped on a patch of ice and broken his wrist. Despite these problems a wonderful Installation ensued with Phil James Installing his successor in fine style.
The day was crowned much to the pleasure of Festival Chairman and outgoing Charity Steward Stuart Thornber in this his mother Chapter when the MEZ presented a further donation to the 2010 Festival raising its status to Patron of the appeal.
Peter Elmore was pleased to present a Patron Certificate to the Chapter. Many changes in officers took place at the meeting, and notable among these was the retirement of John Harrison as treasurer after some10 years in that office.
Peter Elmore presents a Patron Certificate to MEZ Derek Abbott. Also pictured are group chairman Eric Picton, festival chairman Stuart Thornber and Peter Robinson, group charity steward.
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