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Ceremonies inspire poetry
The experiences enjoyed by a new Freemason have been such that he has put pen to paper and written three poems.............<more>

Barry is new vice-chairman
Barry Jameson is the new vice-chairman of the Warrington Group of Lodges as Jeff Brookes becomes chairman of the Warrington Masonic Hall Company....<more>

£15,000 IMPROVEMENTS TO HALL
Warrington Masonic Hall has had a £15,000 facelift during the summer ready for the start of the new season................<more>

Two-week job lasted 25 years
When Beryl Rollings agreed to “stand in” for a couple of weeks behind the bar of the Warrington Masonic Hall she never dreamed that it would last for 25 years.....<more>

Les wins RW Collin Trophy
Les Ashcroft is the new holder of the RW Collin Trophy after coming out top in the Warringtoun Group Golf Competition.....<more>

Lodges of Charity meet in Plymouth
Members of Lodges of Charity from all parts of the country gathered in Plymouth for their 20th anniversary meeting..................<more>

End of an era
For the first time in nearly 50 years Alan Griffiths does not hold an office in St Oswald Lodge No 5170........ <more>

Grant will reduce anti social behaviour
A donation of £1,500 from Freemasons could help reduce anti social behaviour at a Scout hut........<more>

FREEMASONS MAKE SPECIAL GRANT TO CHURCH
Freemasons have made a special grant to a Stockton Heath Church to help pay for urgently needed electrical work................<more>

Masonic hall “ghost” springs to life
For many years all mysterious noises and happenings in the lodge rooms and adjoining areas at the Masonic Hall, Warrington, were blamed on the ghost of.............<more>

Special jewel returned to Lodge
A collar jewel presented to a member when he became Junior Warden of the Province has been returned to the Southport Lodge which purchased it 76 years ago.....<more>

LODGE’S YOUNGEST INITIATE
At the age of 19 years and one week, Samuel Howard Royle has become the youngest man to be initiated into St Oswald Lodge No 5170...........<more>

Fatima entertains at Masonic Fellowship
Members of Warrington Masonic Fellowship did not know what they were letting themselves in for when they arranged for Oriental Belly Dancer Fatima to give them a talk.......<more>

Lodge lives up to its name
A Warrington Masonic lodge has lived up to its name by helping three local charities........<more>

CENTENARY IS CELEBRATED
What would have been the centenary of the consecration of St Elphin Lodge No 3287 was celebrated at a special gathering of the Warrington Lodge of Concord No 1250.......<more>

Provincial Grand Master is guest at group dinner
Colin Penty Wright told Warrington Freemasons that when he retires as Provincial Grand Master he will “miss it like mad”...............<more>

Harry Bath shirt auctioned at Masonic Sportsman’s Dinner
A holiday in Australia gave an unexpected financial boost to the annual Sportsman’s Dinner organised by the Warrington Group.................<more>

Two Lodges support Neonatal Unit
The Neonatal Unit at Warrington General Hospital has £350 to put towards more specialised equipment thanks to the town’s Freemasons.......<more>

Fellowships to meet in Warrington
The Warrington Group Masonic Fellowship will host the 26th Annual Conference of Masonic Fellowships on 30 April.....................<more>

Lodge thanks Gwillam for 18 years as DC
One of the oldest Lodges in the Province paid tribute at its Installation meeting to a man who has served it as Director or Ceremonies for 18 years.....<more>

Lodge celebrates Silver Jubilee
One of the biggest Lodges in the Province celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Consecration..........<more>

Lodge pledges support for children’s charity
John Atkinson, WM of Travellers Lodge No 4679 which is part of the Warrington Group, popped into the North West office for NCH..............<more>

Masonic donations to hospice top £42,000
A cheque for £2,000 has been presented to St Rocco’s Hospice by Warrington Freemasons.......<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>

DATES SET FOR GROUP EVENTS
The Warrington and District Group of Lodges has set dates for several of its social and business events...........<more>

FREEMASONS DONATE TO CHURCH
St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath, Warrington has received a donation of £370 from the Warrington Group of Freemasons.............<more>

Festival of Lessons and Carols
The Warrington and District Group held its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath.....<more>

Freemasons sponsor U15s RL team
Warrington Temple Lodge No 6420 has become the proud sponsors of the Culcheth Eagles Under 15s Rugby League team.........<more>

WARRINGTON FREEMASONS REMEMBER
Ian Boswell, chairman of the Warrington Group, laid a Poppy Wreath at Warrington Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday...........<more>

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Ceremonies inspire poetry

The experiences enjoyed by a new Freemason have been such that he has put pen to paper and written three poems.

Robert Main was initiated into Academy Lodge No 9382 in 2006 after “making the mistake” of inquiring to join Freemasonry in Cheshire. A member of his family had been a Freemason and Rob did some research before deciding he would like to join the Craft.

With Warrington being in Cheshire he went on the web and looked for Freemasonry in Cheshire. His enquiry to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Cheshire was referred to Warrington Group Secretary Colin Boardman and it did not take long for him and fellow members of Academy Lodge to decided that Rob would be a perfect candidate.

Rob has always been interested in writing and after his initiation penned a poem which he called “The Mason’s Rock”. He was then invited to St Oswald Lodge No 5170 after Colin had told him that a member of the Lodge was to initiate his son and would also be giving an explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board which Rob had not heard. Rob was invited to join the new initiate and several others who had never heard the tracing board explained. He said he was “inspired” to write the poem “Stained Glove” after watching Derek Hunt initiate his son and giving the lengthy explanation of the tracing board to a gathering of more than 130 Freemasons.

The next highlight for 38-year-old Rob was his Raising earlier this year and again he has put his feelings on paper by writing “Solomon’s Grief”.

Rob is an Elder of the Mormon Church and has his own company, Filtration Medic. He has is married with a son and a daughter. He has been writing children’s books for a number of years, pens songs and his ambition is to write a musical.

He says that becoming a Freemason is “one of the best decisions” he has ever made.

Rob has already been studying his ritual book and has given the Address to the Initiate in Academy Lodge. Immediately after hearing the First Degree Tracing Board Rob told Derek that he would learn the explanation and there is no doubt that one day he will take to the centre of the Lodge and deliver the long piece of ritual.

Rob’s three poems are printed, with his permission, below.

THE MASON'S ROCK

In the depths of a quarry
Beneath the crumbs of crushed stone
A rock deprived of light and sight
Was hid and lay alone

Every day the quarry was harvested
Masons came and gathered stone
But lost in a state of darkness
This rock lay all alone

In time the crumbs had washed away
And the rock stood proud a free
A Mason came and proved the rock
And “right glad am I” said he

He prepared the rock and passed it on
For it needed to be inspected
And as it passed from hand to hand
It was finally passed and accepted

With the tools of the craft
The Mason worked hard
Erasing all its imperfections
Removing all the marks that scarred

It was raised from the darkness
With limited use, shape and form
And by the mysteries found in Masonry
It was made perfect, square and reborn

The Mason pondered were to place the stone
In a wall or an arch above the door
Instead he found a more suitable home
Within a lodge upon the floor

When an apprentice saw the stone
He enquired what its purpose could be
The Master Mason smiled and said
“To serve as an example to you and me”

by
Robert E Main

SOLOMON'S GRIEF

Oh Hiram
Through greed, fear, accident or plan
A fatal blow has set thee free
And though I have captured, sentenced and punished man
This evil deed is haunting me

My tears sting, when I think of thy mother
She still grieves her loss as a widow
I fear her tendered heart will now shatter
When she hears you’re not flesh, just a shadow

They tried to hide their sin in a shallow pit
 And by accidental grace you were found
As near to the Sanctum Sanctorum as our law will permit
I will surrender thy flesh to the ground

Oh Hiram
My servant, brother and loyal friend
What honour can I now bestow on thee
A monument, I think I'll recommend
To reflect your honour and fidelity

Oh Hiram, my friend, thy king is grieving
My heart aches and my eyes are swollen
Knowing you died alone and without divulging
The secrets of a Master Mason

by
Robert E Main.

STAINED GLOVE

No books, no notes all from the mind
A Master lectured to his son
The First Degree Tracing Board
A father Mason’s favourite one
The Master's spirit was filled with joy
As he expressed all to his son 
His son stood there just like a boy
Wondering what was going on
The Master spoke in a gentle tone
That forced all men to stare
Many years of practices
And at last his son was there
Before the Master finished all
His rhythm differed from the start
No longer reciting from the mind
But speaking from the heart
The tears he shed expressed his joy
But stained his cotton glove 
Over the First Degree Tracing Board
A Master showed his love

by
Robert E Main
Inspired by Derek Hunt during the Initiation of his son into Freemasonry

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Barry is new vice-chairman

Barry Jameson is the new vice-chairman of the Warrington Group of Lodges as Jeff Brookes becomes chairman of the Warrington Masonic Hall Company.

Jeff had served as vice-chairman of the group since 2004. Following the death of Masonic Hall chairman Stuart Swinden the board indicated that they would like Jeff to succeed him. Jeff felt that he could not combine the two roles as group vice chairman and chairman of the hall so decided to step down from his group role.

The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, has now appointed Barry Jameson to be vice-chairman of the group. Barry was initiated into Gilbert Greenall Lodge No 1250 in 1977 and became WM in 1986. He served that Lodge for over a number of years as chaplain, charity steward and almoner. When Gilbert Greenall became part of the new Warrington Lodge of Concord Barry took on the roles of assistant almoner and chaplain.
His first Provincial appointment was in 1996 when he became PPrAGDC and in 2004 wasas promoted to become Provincial Senior Grand Deacon.

Barry was exalted into Gilbert Greenall Chapter in 1982 and was First Principal in 1991. He has held many positions in Chapter including auditor, ADC, DC and charity steward. His first Provincial rank was PPrAGDC in 1998 and he was promoted to PPrGSwdB in 2006.

Since 2004, 63-year-old Barry has been the regional charity steward for the Eccles, South Eastern and Warrington Groups. He is also vice-chairman of the 2010 Festival committee which will have responsibility for organising the special event to close the festival.

Barry has been married to Pam for almost 42 years and they have two adult children, Sarah and Andrew, one grand-daughter and another grandchild expected in the near future.

Barry started his career in 1961 as an engineering technician apprentice at Ruston Diesels. He progressed through many roles in the company until in 1981 he was appointed manufacturing director. Barry served as managing director of many large companies before “retiring” from full time employment from Manesty in 2006.  He now works part time, about 60 days a year, as a director and company secretary of BWI plc. Barry is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

His hobbies outside Freemasonry have included Scouting. He was a Queen’s Scout and former Scout Leader and District Scout Leader. He has been a member of the Winwick PCC and Covenants’ Secretary. He has served as a magistrate and been a member of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. He also lists theatre, fell walking, golf and watching rugby among his hobbies.

Barry said: “The invitation to join the group team at Warrington came as a complete surprise but having adjusted to that, I am delighted to have the opportunity of working with Ian Boswell and Colin Boardman in the further development of the Warrington Group.”

Jeff was initiated into the Lodge of Charity No 2651 in 1983 and became WM 11 years later having served for as secretary from 1987 to 1990. He went on to serve as treasurer for six years. Jeff was appointed as a Provincial Grand Steward in 1997 and promotions later followed to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works and then Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

In the Royal Arch, Jeff was exalted into Elias Ashmole Chapter No 148 in 1990 and nine years later served as MEZ.  He was first appointed as Provincial Assistant Grand Sojourner and then in 2007 was promoted to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah.

Jeff’s work for the Masonic Hall started in 1992 when he was appointed finance director while still running his own company. He has continued in that role and combined it with being vice-chairman of the Warrington Group of Lodges since 2004. He was appointed chairman this month.

The role of Chairman is that of being the “face” of the company, primarily ensuring that the image of the company is maintained at both Masonic and public level.

Jeff’s experience as group vice-chairman over the past four years will enable him to draw on that experience when involved with Masonic issues and his 30 years experience in running his own successful business enables him to have an understanding of the many complex issues related to company management.

Jeff has been involved in all the major decisions taken involving the Masonic Hall since 1992 and is well placed to draw on that experience to move the company forward in the years to come.

Group chairman Ian Boswell said: “I am confident that Barry will be an excellent member of the group team and look forward to working with him.

“I would like to express the thanks of the group to Jeff for all the work his has done for Freemasonry in Warrington. He has successfully combined being vice-chairman with his role as a director of the Masonic Hall for quite a time. His role as chairman of the board will no doubt demand even more of his time and skill. We all wish him well for the future. Our Masonic Hall is vital to the success of Freemasonry in Warrington.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Stuart Swinden. He took over as chairman of the board at a very difficult time and has steered it forward taking the business to a new level. Stuart’s death is not only a loss to the hall but to Freemasonry in general for he devoted much of his time and expertise to working for his Lodges and especially to helping others. The extent of the feelings for Stuart can be judged by the enormous number of people who attended his funeral. Our sincere sympathies go to his wife Bernardine and their family.”

The other members of the board of the Warrington Masonic Hall are: Mike Williams (company secretary), Bill Hinchliffe (catering director), Tony Rowbottom (buildings director) and Alan Bristow (marketing director). The post as finance director is vacant at the moment.

Pictured, left to right, are group chairman Ian Boswell, Barry Jameson, the new vice-chairman of the Warrington Group of Lodges, Jeff Brookes who is the new chairman of the Warrington Masonic Hall Company Limited and group secretary Colin Boardman.

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£15,000 IMPROVEMENTS TO HALL

Warrington Masonic Hall has had a £15,000 facelift during the summer ready for the start of the new season.

A new carpet has been laid in the Beamont Room where the décor has also been refreshed. When the chandeliers were cleaned all bulbs were replaced with low energy versions to save on electricity costs.

The Hatton and Stretton Room has been decorated with new wall lights and curtains put up.

The carpets in the bar lounge area, foyer and staircase have been steam cleaned along with new curtains at the foot of the stairs. The office has also been decorated.

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Two-week job lasted 25 years

When Beryl Rollings agreed to “stand in” for a couple of weeks behind the bar of the Warrington Masonic Hall she never dreamed that it would last for 25 years.

Beryl has now retired and she was thought of so highly by the Brethren and Lodges in the Warrington Group that Ian Boswell had the pleasure of presenting her with a substantial cheque as a mark of their esteem and thanks.

Ian said: “There are no words which are adequate to express how Warrington Freemasons feel about Beryl. She has helped so many to organise their installation meetings, ladies’ evenings and social events. We will all really miss her and hope that she has a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Beryl thought her initial job as a barmaid at the hall would only last for a couple of weeks but when illness prevented the lady she was standing in for from returning Beryl was asked if she would take on the job permanently.

She went on to become bar supervisor and then moved into the office – although she would always offer to help out behind the bar if there was a problem. “I always just classed myself as chief busy body running the office and helping out,” said Beryl. “I loved helping people to organise their special events, especially ladies’ evenings. I am sad to leave so many friends. I have really enjoyed my years at the hall.”

Beryl was “overwhelmed” with the cheque presented to her by Ian and said it would be used to pay for some improvements needed at her home.

Ian Boswell presents Beryl Rollings with a cheque from the Brethren and Lodges in the Warrington Group watched by Beryl’s former colleague Joanne Henley.

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Les wins RW Collin Trophy

Les Ashcroft is the new holder of the RW Collin Trophy after coming out top in the Warringtoun Group Golf Competition.

Once again the sun shone and conditions were perfect for the group golf day held at Warrington Golf Club.

The morning competition was a Stableford (3/4 handicap) game played over nine holes and was won by Billy Lomax with an excellent score of 20 points .

In the afternoon guests played for The Travis Perkins Challenge Shield. The runners-up were last year’s defending champion John French and Ian McDermott with 28 points. The winner with a good score of 29 points was John Fisher.

Freemasons were playing for the RW Collin Trophy which was won with an excellent score of 37 points by Les Ashcroft . The R Hankin Trophy for the best gross score with a round of 86 was won by David Goddard .

Additional prizes for longest drive and nearest the pins were won by Neil Smith, John Rutland, Steve Adamson and Ian Higgin.

The putting competition was won by Ian Higgin.

Group Secretary Colin Boardman presented the prizes at the dinner in the evening. A raffle raised more than £30.

Last year’s winner of the RW Collin Trophy was Arthur Walton but he was unable to defend his title due to a foot injury but was present to give everyone support. Organiser Steve Adamson expressed his thanks to Arthur Walton and Brian Potter for their assistance with the scorecards and David Goddard for supplying prizes along with those who gave raffle prizes

Next year’s golf competition has been provisionally booked for 3 June at Warrington Golf Club.

John Fisher, winner of The Travis Perkins Challenge Shield, prepares to start his round watched by playing partners Billy Lomax, Ian Higgin and David Sellars.

Derek Arstall and Jim Walker get in a bit of putting practice.

Les Ashcroft, John Rutland and David Goddard wait their turn at the first.

Les Ashcroft with the RW Collin Trophy.

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Lodges of Charity meet in Plymouth

Members of Lodges of Charity from all parts of the country gathered in Plymouth for their 20th anniversary meeting.

The meeting was attended by 75 Freemasons who are members of a Lodge of Charity from all over the country. Four travelled to Plymouth from Warrington on the Saturday morning and were joined by the WM, Andrew Young, who was on holiday in Devon, and by the IPM, Peter Roberts, who lives in London.

The meeting was held on Saturday evening in St Aubyn Masonic Hall finishing at about 9.30pm.

The Warrington contingent were then joined by the Belfast gang and had a wonderful evening in the Hoe mixing with the yachting crowd in who were in Plymouth for the Transatlantic race due to start the next day. Unfortunately they could not watch the start of the race due to an early morning start back home.

Members of Warrington’s Lodge of Charity who attended the special meeting in Plymouth, back row, left to right: Peter Whalley (Junior Warden), Andrew Young (WM) and Peter Roberts (IPM). Front row: Alex Roberts, Brian Hargreaves and Tom Owen.

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End of an era

For the first time in nearly 50 years Alan Griffiths does not hold an office in St Oswald Lodge No 5170.

When Alan “retired” after completing 23 years as the Lodge’s Director of Ceremonies it was said to be “the end of an era”.

Alan thought he had totally organised everything for the installation meeting when he was to hand over the office of DC. But there was a surprise for him when Derek Hunt invited Alan to step forward to be presented with a gift to mark his dedicated service to the Lodge.

Derek said that it really was “the end of an era” for after Alan had been Raised he immediately took office as the Lodge’s organist and from then had constantly held office for more than 49 years including being WM on two occasions.

Derek presented Alan with a crystal decanter and glasses from the Lodge.

Alan was “totally surprised and delighted” with the presentation. Alan, who holds the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his initiation in December.

His wife, Jean, was presented with a bouquet during a dinner in a local restaurant attended by more than 30 ladies while the installation ceremony was taking place in the Masonic Hall.

Alan Griffiths is presented with a crystal decanter and glasses by Derek Hunt. Also pictured are Steve Ward (WM), Bill Wainwright who has taken over as DC of St Oswald Lodge from Alan, Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Lodge secretary Derrick Lodge.

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Grant will reduce anti social behaviour

A donation of £1,500 from Freemasons could help reduce anti social behaviour at a Scout hut.

The open porch at the 1st Ashton Lord Gerard’s Scout Group hut in Liverpool Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield has become a gathering place for youngsters when meetings are not taking place.

Tony Siney, chairman of the Scout group, said: “In bad weather the porch attracts anti social elements including children as young as five. There are always cigarette ends, graffiti and vandalism in and around the porch.”

John Cooper is a Freemason who is a member of the group’s management committee. Through his membership of Newton Lodge which meets in Warrington, John asked if a grant could be made to the group to help resolve the problem.

With the Scouts having raised some funds the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity decided to donate £1,500 so that a roller shutter door can be installed to enclose the porch when the hall is not in use and also build a disabled ramp to give better access to the building.

The cheque for £1,500 was presented to Tony at Warrington Masonic Hall by Ian Boswell, chairman of the Warrington Group of Lodges.

Tony said: “We are a totally independent group and with not being affiliated to a church or school we are not subsidised by anyone so therefore have to raise all our own funds. It is only by the good graces of such organisations as the Freemasons that we can continue. We are very grateful for this generous donation.”

John has been associated with the group for more than 25 years was last year awarded ther MBE for the voluntary work he has undertaken for various sections of the community for many years.

Ian Boswell presents the cheque for £1,500 to Tony Siney watched by John Cooper.

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FREEMASONS MAKE SPECIAL GRANT TO CHURCH

Freemasons have made a special grant to a Stockton Heath Church to help pay for urgently needed electrical work.

In addition to more than £1,250,000 being needed for restoration work at St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath, it was also found that electrical work needed to be carried out urgently.

The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity heard about the situation and although the church is not situated within the Province decided to make a £1,200 grant. The cheque was presented today by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd to the vicar, the Rev Michael Ridley.

Dennis said: “Although St Thomas’s Church technically comes under the area covered by the Province of Cheshire the Warrington Group of Lodges has held its Christmas Carol Service at the Church for many years so when we heard that there was an urgent need to carry out electrical repairs it was decided to help with a grant of £1,200.”

The Rev Ridley said: The Friends of St Thomas are working hard to raise money towards the £1,250,000 needed for essential restoration to the church including a dry rot problem with the roof. Then came the news that we also needed urgent work on the electrical system. We are delighted with this help from Freemasons who have assisted the church before.”

More details about work needing to be done at the church can be found at www.stthomasandstmarymagdalene.org.uk.

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Masonic hall “ghost” springs to life

For many years all mysterious noises and happenings in the lodge rooms and adjoining areas at the Masonic Hall, Warrington, were blamed on the ghost of Elias Ashmole whose famous diary recorded that he had been made a Freemason in Warrington in 1646.

Though nobody had ever seen him, credence to the existence of the ghost was given by the two cleaning ladies who complained of funny noises and also of someone removing the plug from the wall socket whenever they started using the vacuum cleaner!

This was further confirmed to a large extent just a few weeks ago when new cleaners took over.  They complained to Tony Rowbottom (the hall’s director of buildings and services) of funny noises and also that the plug to their cleaner was being removed from the wall socket interfering with their work.  “These girls were quite frightened and were on the point of refusing to work upstairs,” said Tony. “One flatly refused to enter the storeroom adjacent to the men’s toilets because of strange noises and the plug popping out of the socket!”

One of the cleaners, 22-year-old Sasha Dodd said: “Before I started someone had mentioned about the ghost. Then the cleaner kept being unplugged while I was working. It was a bit of a giggle at first but then it became quite scary.”

The management decided that the matter should be investigated and Tony was instructed to go on a ghost hunt.

One morning he joined the cleaners in the large lodge room and they complained that Elias had already been up to his tricks again pulling the plug out.

Tony said: “I surveyed the wall socket in the large robbing room (from a distance) and then re-entered the plug. I couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I went into the lodge room and watched as the girls started cleaning.  Within five minutes the vacuum cleaner cut out. I stepped out into the robing room where I saw the plug to be laying on the floor about 12 inches from the socket. I put it back in and the girls started working again. About five minutes later the power went off again and the plug was at least a foot from the socket.

“A shiver ran up and down my spine whilst I carefully surveyed the scene for evidence relating to the event. The girls were huddled together watching me. Had Elias struck again? I decided that there had to be a technical reason for this phenomenon  -  well, I just hoped there was.

“I tried to work out what might have caused the plug to move itself out of the socket! I had fully inserted it and it seemed ok! Not being an electrician I decided to call one out explaining to him the background (I didn’t want him to die of fright if the supernatural was involved, as there might have been a claim against the Hall).  I left him to it.”

A while later the electrician shouted that he had found the problem. The inner set of springs that gripped the plug, had weakened and were allowing another set of springs to push the plug out! It was exactly the same in another socket which had caused similar problems on the opposite side of the building. This was demonstrated to the satisfaction of the girls.

So somewhat sadly there is no ghost, but is that true? Strange noises in the storeroom have again been heard by the cleaners.

Elias Ashmole was the founder of the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford. He was a celebrated antiquary, politician, student of alchemy and astrologer. The entry in his diary is the first written account of anyone being made a Freemason in the country and a Lodge was named after him in Warrington.

Tony Rowbottom is pictured at the problem socket with Sasha Dodd and the cleaner which stopped working.

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Special jewel returned to Lodge

A collar jewel presented to a member when he became Junior Warden of the Province has been returned to the Southport Lodge which purchased it 76 years ago.

When George Radcliffe was appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden of Lancashire Western Division in 1932 members of his Lodge decided they should mark the special honour.

They purchased a collar jewel from Toye and Co and had it inscribed on the reverse side: “Presented to WBro Geo Radcliffe, ProvJGWarden, Lancashire WD, 15th June 1932. As a token of appreciation and esteem from the Brethren of His Mother Lodge, Southport Emulation Lodge No 3675.”

The jewel was presented to the WM, Nic Carapanagiotu, by Derek Hunt who discovered it among Masonic memorabilia which had been collected by WBro Ken Foulkes PAGDC of Warrington.

When Ken died, Derek was asked to assist his family by sorting through all his regalia and other items he had collected over many years.

Ken held active Provincial Rank for 11 years as Provincial Grand Pursuivant and Provincial Grand Tyler travelling the length and breadth of the Province. During this time he collected many items of Masonic interest.

There were many items in Ken’s collection including quite a few collar jewels but it was one in a brown leather case that caught Derek’s attention and at first it appeared to be like any other very old collar jewel. It was only later that he looked at the back and found the special inscription.

George Radcliffe, who was born in 1879, was Initiated into Freemasonry in Southport Emulation Lodge in 1914. He was Installed as Worshipful Master in 1926. After serving as Junior Warden of the Province he remained very active and was appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 1942. In 1948 George served as Worshipful Master of Lathom Lodge No 2229. He died in 1962.

Nic Said: “We are delighted that this jewel has been returned to its home.”

The jewel will be put on display in a showcase along with other special Southport memorabilia in Southport Masonic Hall.

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LODGE’S YOUNGEST INITIATE

At the age of 19 years and one week, Samuel Howard Royle has become the youngest man to be initiated into St Oswald Lodge No 5170.

Sam’s father, Joe, is the Lodge’s Immediate Past Master, and occupied the chair to initiate his son who is a geology student at the University of Liverpool.

The Warrington Lodge had to obtain a dispensation from the Provincial Grand Master to initiate Sam because he is under the age of 21.

It is not the first time that a 19-year-old has been initiated into St Oswald Lodge as a Lewis. A dispensation was granted in 1939 for law student Eric Walton Vernon to be initiated. His father, James Vernon, was a member of the Lodge and was WM in 1948. Eric went on to become WM in 1957.

Among those present for the ceremony were two other father and son combinations who are also members of the Lodge - Derek Hunt who initiated his son Paul last year and Les Savage with his son Howard who is a Steward.

Three proud fathers with their sons who are also members of St Oswald Lodge – Les Savage and son Howard, Joe Royle and Sam who is the youngest person to have been initiated into the Lodge, Derek Hunt and his son Paul.

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Fatima entertains at Masonic Fellowship

Members of Warrington Masonic Fellowship did not know what they were letting themselves in for when they arranged for Oriental Belly Dancer Fatima to give them a talk.

They expected to see Fatima perform her special dances but little did they expect to become part of the act.

Fatima traced the history of Oriental dancing from early Egypt to the present day in countries throughout the world.

At each stage she “volunteered” members of the audience to dress in the appropriate costumes with Fellowship chairman Arthur Walton being the first victim.

Proposing a vote of thanks to Fatima, Ellis Jones, said: “This is the first time we have had so many people at a meeting. It is certainly a change from our normal talks. It has been very enjoyable and you certainly have a tremendous knowledge of the history of Oriental dancing.”

Fatima with the many “victims” she selected to become part of her talk on the history of Oriental Belly Dancing.

Belly dancer Fatima entertains members of the Warrington Masonic Fellowship.

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Lodge lives up to its name

A Warrington Masonic lodge has lived up to its name by helping three local charities.

The Lodge of Charity has decided to make donations to the Warrington Wolves Foundation, St Rocco’s Hospice and CANtreat.

Andrew Young visited the Halliwell Jones Stadium to present a cheque for £200 to the Foundation which aims to promote participation in physical activity and provide opportunities with the aim of helping all to realise their potential.

The Foundation’s Fit Kidz programme has been developed using the latest sporting techniques and equipment to deliver a programme designed to get school children off the couch and into sport. On the education side, the Foundation has the Asgard Media Suite at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The “Playing for Success” Centre is part of a national partnership between the Department of Education and Skills, local authorities and a broad range of sports including Warrington Wolves. The centre uses the environment and medium of sport as a motivational tool and is equipped with state of the art IT facilities which focus on raising literacy, numeracy and information technology standards amongst Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils who may be underachieving in these key skills and who are often not motivated.

A cheque for £150 has also gone to Warrington-based CANtreat which was founded by cancer survivor Andrew Gartside whose father Phil is a member of the Lodge. It aims to fund projects to improve the environment in chemotherapy treatment clinics at NHS hospitals.

CANtreat, is involved in talks aimed at improving facilities for patients undergoing cancer treatment and chemotherapy at Warrington and Halton hospitals and has agreed to raise £130,000 to improve the cancer treatment services. At Clatterbridge CANtreat is working in partnership with the Oncology Centre and Teenage Cancer Trust to fund the refurbishment of the day treatment ward for chemotherapy. The refurbishment will include the addition of a Teenage Cancer Unit which is much needed in the Liverpool area.

There is also £150 for St Rocco’s Hospice which will go towards the day unit appeal which will create a new centre for day patients receiving treatment. The unit will cost £3.3 millon and so far more than £2.5 million has been raised.

This latest donation confirms the support being given by the town’s Freemasons to the hospice. Earlier this year a donation of £2,000 was made to the appeal by the Masonic Grand Charity and this was followed by £150 from the Lodge of Lights. In the eight years that the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges has been supporting the hospice more than £42,000 has been handed over.

At the Installation £500 was also handed over for the 2010 Festival and there was £100 for the Masonic Hall’s Piano Fund.

Andrew Young, Master of the Lodge of Charity presents the £200 cheque to Foundation Director Neil Kelly watched by Brian Hargreaves, a member of the Lodge.

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CENTENARY IS CELEBRATED

What would have been the centenary of the consecration of St Elphin Lodge No 3287 was celebrated at a special gathering of the Warrington Lodge of Concord No 1250.

St Elphin, Gilbert Greenall Lodge and Red Rose Lodge amalgamated in 2006, just two years before St Elphin members were due to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Lodge.

It was decided that the special anniversary should still be celebrated and to mark the occasion the WM of the Warrington Lodge of Concord, Nick Wood (who had been a member of St Elphin Lodge) invited others who had also been members to occupy all positions in the Lodge for a Second Degree ceremony.

Ladies and guests were invited to a special banquet at which secretary John McIntyre presented a history of St Elphin Lodge. He told how it had been formed from Gilbert Greenall Lodge and was so popular that at one time there were 120 members. In order to keep pace with the demand of men wanting to become members there was an initiation, four Second Degree and three Third Degree ceremonies performed on one night. The wait for anyone hoping to progress to become Worshipful Master was such that just 22 years after its formation St Elphin members successfully petitioned to be allowed to form St Oswald Lodge No 5170. During the talk by John other members of the Lodge gave details of the 20 founders of the Lodge before there was a toast to Founders of Lodges.

John had also put together an exhibition of minute books, summonses, menu cards and other items from St Elphin records. The exhibition caused much interest with all present viewing the items.

WM Nick Wood shows Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell some of the old items belonging to St Elphin Lodge.

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Provincial Grand Master is guest at group dinner

Colin Penty Wright told Warrington Freemasons that when he retires as Provincial Grand Master he will “miss it like mad”.

But, he said, he is looking forward to “watching the Province prosper from the wings”. He said it “had been a privilege” to serve the Province as Provincial Grand Master for 11 years and for 11 years before that as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Grand Superintendent and Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Master was the principal guest at the Warrington Group Dinner and it will be his last visit to the town before he retires in June.

After meeting Worshipful Masters and First Principals the Provincial Grand Master, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals John Hutton took part in an hour-long question and answer session.

At the dinner following the questions session the Provincial Grand Master revealed to more than 100 Brethren that there had been an increase in the number of initiations in the Province during 2007 and there had also been an increase in the number joining Royal Arch.

A toast to the health of the Provincial Grand Master was proposed by Chris Gleave.

Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell presented the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque from the Group for £1,500 for the 2010 Festival. He also handed over a cheque for £1,500 to Jeff Brookes in his capacity as finance director for the Warrington Masonic Hall saying that half the cash was for the hall’s building fund and the other half for the new fund to purchase new electronic pianos.

As a token of thanks for his years as Provincial Grand Master, Ian presented him with a Japanese Red Cedar tree. The Provincial Grand Master said he was delighted with the gift as he and his wife both love gardening and especially trees.

Worshipful Masters and First Principals are pictured with the Provincial Grand Master at the Warrington Group Dinner.

Warrington Group Chairman Ian Boswell presented the Provincial Grand Master with a Japanese Red Cedar tree as a token of thanks from Warrington Freemasons for his dedication and service to Freemasonry.

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Harry Bath shirt auctioned at Masonic Sportsman’s Dinner

A holiday in Australia gave an unexpected financial boost to the annual Sportsman’s Dinner organised by the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges.

Dinner organiser Vic Charlesworth had been in touch with Warrington Rugby League legend Harry Bath by email. He arranged that when he visited Australia he would call to see Harry.

Harry’s wife, Gwen, is a keen fund-raiser for cancer charities in Australia and she was particularly interested when Vic told her that he had organised the Warrington Masonic Group Sportsman’s Dinner for 10 years and that he had campaigned to have the drug Velcade made available on the National Health for people suffering from Multiple Myeloma. Vic has fought against the incurable form of cancer.

Sometime after he returned home Vic received a surprise package containing a St George’s shirt signed by Harry who coached the team for some years.

The shirt was auctioned at the dinner in the Masonic Hall. The shirt, along with other sporting items which were auctioned and a raffle raised a total of about £2,000.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of Ken Foulkes who lived in London Road, Stockton Heath, before his death last year. Ken was also a keen RL fan and worked for Warrington Wolves for many years. Players and fans observed a minute’s silence in his memory after his death. Ken had conducted the auctions at the Sportsman’s Dinner for 10 years. He had also used his talents to help many other charities which resulted in thousands of pounds being raised.

The 145 men at the dinner were entertained by former Manchester United player Wilf McGuinness, who also managed the team for a time, and comedian Jed Stone.

Money raised on the night will be shared between Warrington Parish Church and St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath. The Vicar of St Thomas’s, the Rev Michael Ridley, proved that he is a good sport by attending the evening.

Wilf McGuinness, the Rev Michael Ridley, Warrington Masonic Group Chairman Ian Boswell, Sportsman’s Dinner organiser Vic Charlesworth and Ray Griffiths with the shirt signed by Warrington Rugby League legend Harry Bath.

Former Manchester United player Wilf McGuiness and comedian Jed Stone with some of the guests at the Sportsman’s Dinner.

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Two Lodges support Neonatal Unit

The Neonatal Unit at Warrington General Hospital has £350 to put towards more specialised equipment thanks to the town’s Freemasons.

Two Masonic Lodges have included the unit in their annual donations to local charities. Academy Lodge has donated £250 while the Lodge of Lights has contributed £100.

The cheque from Academy Lodge was presented by Warren Whalley who selected the unit to benefit from some of the money raised during his time as the Lodge’s Master.

It was hardly surprising that Warren decided the unit should benefit for he and his wife, Ros, have had a long association with the ward. For many years they have been foster parents and have often taken babies into their care from the unit. Warren and Ros have now fostered 90 children.

In the Neonatal Unit babies who are born prematurely or are sick are cared for by specially trained nursing staff. The nurses also give support to the families of the babies and help them through difficult times.

Unit Manager Alison Johnson said she was delighted to receive the money from Warrington Freemasons and added that it will be used to help purchase specialised equipment for the unit which “is very expensive”.

At Academy Lodge’s installation meeting cheques were also handed over for the 2010 Festival (£500) and to the Warrington Masonic Hall Company (£250).

Warren Whalley hands over the cheque for £250 from Academy Lodge to Alison Johnson. Also pictured are Margaret McMahon and Angela Glennard.

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Fellowships to meet in Warrington

The Warrington Group Masonic Fellowship will host the 26th Annual Conference of Masonic Fellowships on 30 April.

The conference will be held in the Masonic Hall, Warrington.

Masonic Fellowships are organisations to enhance the cultural and social life of Freemasons who have retired, their wives or partners, retired wives of working Brethren or widows of deceased Brethren.

Some meet every month and other weekly with speakers, lunches and some even arranging holidays for members.

There are 40 Fellowships which are members of the association and are spread across the country. The first was formed more than 30 years ago in Farnworth in the Province of East Lancashire and the movement is going from strength to strength.

The conference is held in rotation according to the year of each group’s formation. The Warrington Fellowship was formed in 1996. At least two delegates from each Fellowship are invited to attend the conference and lunch.

The programme of events arranged by the Warrington Group for the remainder of this year are: March 26, Fatima teaching Belly Dancing; April 23, the Rev P Martin talking about “Naughty Post Cards”; May 28, Boat trip to Llangollen; September 24, Jean Finney, singer and songwriter; October 22, to be arranged; November 26, Annual meeting; December 9, Christmas meeting.

Anyone interested in joining the fellowship or wanting more information should contact its secretary, David Brookes, via Warrington Masonic Hall.

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Lodge thanks Gwillam for 18 years as DC

One of the oldest Lodges in the Province paid tribute at its Installation meeting to a man who has served it as Director or Ceremonies for 18 years.

Gwillam Buckley Jones was ADC when he suddenly had to take over as Director of Ceremonies of the Lodge of Lights No 148 more than 18 years ago. The DC died half way through his year of office and Gwillam had to take charge.

His service over the last 18 years was marked when senior Lodge member Stanley Churm presented Gwillam with a Waterford Crystal decanter from members of the Lodge to show their gratitude for his “dedication”.

In addition to being DC of the Lodge Gwillam has also acted as DC for the Warrington Group’s Annual Service of Rededication. Gwillam has also performed the Master’s Song at scores of Installations and sung at many ladies’ evenings.

Group chairman Ian Boswell said Gwillam now faced the most difficult job of any DC – learning to relax and sit on the backbench.

At the installation nearly £3,700 was handed over by the Lodge to Masonic and non-Masonic charities. The donations were: West Lancs Masonic Charities Fund, £600; 2010 Festival £600; Warrington Masonic Hall for lift maintenance   £256; Gift Aid  £275; Miscellaneous Masonic Charities (Golf etc) £59.00; Hope House Hospice £250; Warrington Centre for Disabled Living £150; Brookfields School Widnes (disabled children) £250; Warrington Hospital Stroke Association £100; St Rocco’s Hospice £150; Warrington Hospital Neo-natal Department £100; Christmas and Easter Gifts to Lodge Widows £900.

Retiring Director of Ceremonies Gwillam Jones receives a Waterford Crystal decanter from the senior member of the Lodge of Lights, former Group Chairman Stan Churm.

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Lodge celebrates Silver Jubilee

One of the biggest Lodges in the Province celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Consecration following the Installation of its new Worshipful Master.

To mark the Silver Jubilee of the Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters No 9057, Derek Hunt, a founder, had written a history of the Lodge and an Honours Board had been made.

The Lodge was the brainchild of WBro Arthur Osborne who was then the Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibility for the Warrington, St Helens and Prescot and Leigh Groups of Lodges. He convinced the Province that a Past Masters’ Lodge would foster greater links between the Lodges under his jurisdiction while also providing leading speakers and demonstration teams to further the Masonic knowledge of its members. The Widnes Group later became part of Mersey Valley and all four groups provide a WM in rotation. WBro Osborne was the first WM of the Lodge.

When the Lodge was Consecrated more than 320 Brethren attended which was believed to be the largest attendance for such a meeting of any West Lancashire Lodge – but the ceremony had to be held in Cheshire as there was no hall within the three groups which was large enough to host the event. The first meeting had to be held at a hotel in Cheshire.

At  the special Silver Jubilee celebration the Lodge was honoured to have among its guests three members of the Provincial Team which Consecrated the Lodge – Brian Gillbanks who was then Senior Warden of the Province; Tom Blackburn who was the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and the Rev Harry Ross who was Chaplain.

VWBro Gillbanks attended the Installation Ceremony as the principal guest and then occupied the Chair of the Lodge for the Silver Jubilee celebration. He invited Derek Hunt to present the first copy of the history he had written to the new WM, Joe Hine.
The 48-page book, A Lodge of Our Time, contained the full history of the Lodge from when the idea for its formation was first voiced, a list of all its guest speakers and demonstration teams and a large selection of colour photographs.

The Lodge had never had an Honours Board listing the names of all its Worshipful Masters so it was decided to have one made as part of the special celebrations. The Honours Board was Dedicated by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, the Rev Harry Ross. The Board had been made by WBro Keith Gatley and the Lodge name and list of Past Masters was put on it by WBro Les Ashcroft. The Honours Board will be hung in the large Lodge Room at Warrington Masonic Hall.

Nearly 130 members and guests attended the meeting in Leigh Masonic Hall. A toast to the Founders was proposed by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Eddie Caulfield and the response was by Alec Parkin, the founding secretary who travelled from his home in the South of England to be present.

Derek Hunt presents the first copy of A Lodge of Our Time to the new Worshipful Master of the Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters No 9057, Joe Hine.

Past Masters of the Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters with Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Eddie Caulfield, Dennis Rudd and the Rev Harry Ross, and Tom Blackburn (who was Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies when the Lodge was Consecrated) at the new Honours Board.

At the special Silver Jubilee celebration the Lodge was honoured to have among its guests three members of the Provincial Team which Consecrated the Lodge – Brian Gillbanks who was then Senior Warden of the Province; Tom Blackburn who was the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and the Rev Harry Ross who was Chaplain.

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Lodge pledges support for children’s charity

John Atkinson, WM of Travellers Lodge No 4679 which is part of the Warrington Group, popped into the North West office for NCH, the children’s charity to present a generous donation and announce the Lodge’s decision for NCH to be its chosen charity of the year.

Joined by Andy Jennings (Travellers Lodge Social Secretary) John visited the charity’s headquarters in Westbrook to discuss plans to work with the charity throughout the forthcoming year.

John said: ”Every year Travellers Lodge makes donations to several charities both nationally and locally. This year Travellers Lodge has chosen to support the NCH with part of its charitable donations and look forward to working with our local branch of NCH who manage the Butterfly project, which provides practical and emotional support to children who have a life threatening illness and their families.”

Helen Noble, from NCH, said: “We’re thrilled that Travellers Lodge has decided to support our charity and thank them for their very generous donation. Their support will make a big difference to our work throughout the Travellers Lodge in particular with our Butterfly Project.

“We’re really looking forward to working with the Travellers Lodge during the next year.”

NCH, the children’s charity supports more than 4,600 of the most vulnerable and excluded children, young people and their families in the North West.

Andy Jennings and John Atkinson present the donation from Travellers Lodge to Helen Noble of the NCH.

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Masonic donations to hospice top £42,000

A cheque for £2,000 has been presented to St Rocco’s Hospice by Warrington Freemasons.

The cheque was presented to St Rocco’s Matron, Beth Eccles, by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd.

The latest donation means that in the eight years the Warrington Group of Masonic Lodges has been supporting the hospice more than £42,000 has been handed over.
Freemasons were the first group to give £10,000 to endow a room at St Rocco’s when the new hospice was built.

The latest donation will be put into the fund to pay for the new £3.3 million extension at the hospice. The existing premises are too small and so an appeal has been launched to raise the money to expand the day care unit and to provide additional resource and education facilities.

The new day unit will make a real difference to patients and work has started to build it next to the existing facility. There will be five therapy suites, an art and craft room, therapeutic garden, sun room and outpatient consulting room. The hospice will be able to treat more patients and families while also offering a wider range of services.

Already St Rocco’s has raised £2.5 million towards the cost of the extension which includes a government grant of £619,000. It is hoped the new extension will be complete by next January.

Mr Rudd, of Stockton Heath, said: “Freemasonry throughout the country supports hospices. Freemasonry’s Grand Charity makes annual donations to hospices totalling £5 million.

“In Warrington we are extremely fortunate to have St Rocco’s Hospice which has a wonderful reputation and we are delighted to give it financial support. The hospice plays a vital role for the people of the Warrington area and it is impossible to put a price on the dedication of the staff and the work carried out at St Rocco’s Hospice.
“The new extension will improve facilities even more and we are pleased that our latest donation will be used towards its cost.”

Beth Eccles, Matron of St Rocco’s Hospice said: “The continued support from Warrington Freemasons is wonderful and we thank each and every one of them. Without such financial support St Rocco’s would not be able to do the work it does.”

St Rocco’s matron Beth Eccles explains the plans for the £3.3 million extension to Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Warrington Group Chairman, Ian Boswell, after receiving the latest donation of £2,000 from Freemasons.

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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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DATES SET FOR GROUP EVENTS

The Warrington and District Group of Lodges has set dates for several of its social and business events.

The Provincial Grand Master will attend the annual Group Dinner on Tuesday, 4 March when there will be a general questions and answer session starting at 6.15pm. All group members are welcome to attend the questions session but must obtain a ticket in advance if they want to stay for the meal. Tickets cost £20 including wine and can be obtained from the Group Secretary, Colin Boardman.

The annual Gentlemen’s Evening will be held on Friday, 1 February, in the Masonic Hall and is already a sell-out.

The Group Ball is to be held on Saturday, 23 February, in the Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street and tickets cost £29 including wine. Tickets are available from David Whitmore (01942 719574) or Ken Smith (01925 654878).

Profits from this year’s St George’s Day Dinner will go to the cancer care centre which serves Warrington and Runcorn. The event will be on 19 April in Warrington Masonic Hall.

Although a date has not yet been set the group’s annual Service of Rededication will again be held at St Elphin’s Church, Warrington, in October.
The next group meeting will be on Wednesday, 27 August.

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FREEMASONS DONATE TO CHURCH

St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath, Warrington has received a donation of £370 from the Warrington Group of Freemasons.

The group held its annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols at the church and the donation is the result of a collection.

The church will also benefit from another event to be organised next month by Warrington Freemasons. It has been decided that the proceeds from its annual Sportsman’s Dinner will be divided between Warrington Parish Church and St Thomas Church at Stockton Heath.

The event on 1 February, which will feature former Liverpool player Jan Molby and comedian Ged Stone is certain to be a sell-out and will result in substantial donations to both churches. If any tickets do become available they can be obtained from Vic Charlesworth on 01925 655416.

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Festival of Lessons and Carols

The Warrington and District Group held its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Thomas’s Church, Stockton Heath.

Freemasons and their families were welcomed by the vicar, the Rev Michael Ridley, who also conducted the service.

The lessons were read by Arthur Walton, Paul Rigby, Tony Collopy, Eric Drinkwater, Nick Wood, Gordon Archer, Rob Leather and Chris Eyres.

The choir was conducted by Alan Griffiths and soloists were Mrs N Leather, Mrs J Hambleton, Mrs J Forrester and Bill Bettley.

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Freemasons sponsor U15s RL team

Warrington Temple Lodge No 6420 has become the proud sponsors of the Culcheth Eagles Under 15s Rugby League team.

The Lodge heard that the lads were in desperate need of a new kit and so decided to help out with a £500 sponsorship. The Brethren of the Lodge were keen to help these enthusiastic lads out and felt that such a positive discipline as rugby should be encouraged.

The Culcheth Eagles Rugby Club is going from strength to strength and from humble beginnings, now has more than 100 members, through the age groups. All of the coaches are volunteers and have attended recognised courses in rugby coaching.
Warrington Temple Lodge has connections with Rugby League, with one of its past members being WBro Eric Fraser. He was one of the Great Britain RL players who shared in what was arguably the national side's greatest hour. In 1958, the Warrington player was Britain's full-back in all three of their Test matches in Australia, including the heroic victory by a depleted side at Brisbane, as Rugby League's Ashes were brought home.

WBro Andrew Barton, on behalf of the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Lodge, attended Culcheth Eagles annual presentation evening. He said: “I was quite surprised at how tall some of the young men were for Under 15’s. No wonder they needed a new kit. Their coach, Paul Wilshere does a great job in channelling their energy and enthusiasm. It was a task just to get them to stand still long enough for a photograph.”

The new kit was ready for the start of the new season. ‘Warrington Temple 6420’ is on the front of the new shirts along with another sponsor’s name on the back.

“We hope that the new kit brings the team luck and that some of the Brethren will occasionally attend matches, to cheer the team on,” said Andy

Captain Jack Savage proudly shows off the new kit to Andy Barton (right) and coach Paul Wilshere.

Culcheth Eagles U15s Rugby League Team in their new kit which has been sponsored by Warrington Temple Lodge.

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WARRINGTON FREEMASONS REMEMBER

Ian Boswell, chairman of the Warrington Group, laid a Poppy Wreath at Warrington Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday on behalf of the town’s Freemasons.

Ian is pictured (second from right) with the Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Mrs Celia Jordan at the Cenotaph. With them are Jeff Brookes (Group vice chairman), the Mayor’s Consort, Roy Jefferson, and former group chairman Stan Churm.

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