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Widnes
Group News
Support for lifeboat committee
There is a long tradition of Freemasonry making charitable donations to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Lodges in the Widnes Group regularly continue to do so ........<more>
Open day success at Widnes
More than 100 members of the public were interested enough to discover more about Freemasonry to turn out in terrible weather to attend Widnes Masonic Hall Open Day.......<more>
Widnes & Knowsley Lodge 3581 donate £300 to 2010 Festival
The Installation meeting of Widnes & Knowsley Lodge 3581 held on Monday 15th September was attended by forty five brethren.......<more>
£1,370 boost for camping holiday
A Halton based charity called “Camp Project Wales” which encourages local children to build self-confidence and esteem has benefited from a donation........<more>
Provincial Tie goes on sale
Provincial Grand Chapter at Preston saw the sale of the new Provincial tie go on sale for the first time...............<more>
Family affair at Goodwill Lodge
It was a family affair when Lewis Henry James Redhead was Raised at the meeting of Goodwill Lodge No 3896............<more>
100 attend amalgamation ceremony
More than 100 brethren were present to witness the Deputy Provincial Grand, Brian Gillbanks, conducted a ceremony of amalgamation.........<more>
An evening with Bro Rudyard Kipling
The Widnes and Knowsley Lodge hosted an evening of entertainment on the life of Brother Rudyard Kipling.............<more>
Ron’s year ends on a high note
Ron Dennett’s year as WM of the Lodge of Equity No 1384 ended on a high note when he was presented with the certificate..........<more>
Lodge celebrates Silver Jubilee
One of the biggest Lodges in the Province celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Consecration..........<more>
Shoeboxes are a lifeline for children
Most people regard an empty shoebox as a suitable place to keep photographs or other memorabilia. Not so WBro Chuck Chadwick from St Paul’s Lodge.....<more>
Sea Cedets benefit form Community Fund
Having recently heard that the Widnes Sea Cadets were in need of funding for a central heating...........<more>
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Support for lifeboat committee
There is a long tradition of Freemasonry making charitable donations to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Lodges in the Widnes Group regularly continue to do so.
The latest example was a donation of £100 made by St Paul’s Lodge. The Immediate Past Master, Alan Wilson, presented the cheque to Mrs A Baldwin, Chairwoman of the Widnes Ladies’ Lifeboat Committee who is the wife of WBro E Baldwin, a member of Victoria Lodge.
The presentation was made at the annual RNLI quiz night which raise a further £170 and was attended by several members of St Paul’s Lodge including Barrie Collinson who acted as quiz master.
Alan Wilson presents the cheque to Mrs Baldwin.
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Open day success at Widnes
More than 100 members of the public were interested enough to discover more about Freemasonry to turn out in terrible weather to attend Widnes Masonic Hall Open Day.
Among the visitors was the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Mrs Kath Loftus.
After considerable effort and planning by the Widnes Group Freemasons and the Widnes Masonic Hall Board, the doors finally opened to the public at 10am.
Without knowing what to expect as regards interest from the people of Widnes and the surrounding areas, and the fact that torrential rain was quickly approaching, the brethren anxiously waited for their first visitor.
It soon became clear that this was to be a most successful event and by the end of the day more than 100 members of the public had satisfied their curiosity about Freemasonry. They were treated to conducted tours of the lodge rooms where their questions were answered, and they were shown displays of regalia from various Masonic orders.
Councillor Loftus was introduced to Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dennis Rudd, and the Group Chairman David Redhead and was given an escorted tour of the event. Afterwards there was a special surprise for the Mayor when she was presented with a cheque for £250 for her charity. She said the money will be going to Women’s Aid and MIND. Councillor Loftus said she was “overjoyed” to receive the donation and described the gift from Widnes Freemasons “very generous”.
The generosity of the group did not end there for a cheque for £500 was presented to the Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group towards the purchase of computer equipment.
In addition to the Masonic displays several local charitable organisations were invited to have stands at the open day including Widnes Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild; Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group
Camp Project Wales and The Soroptomists.
Details of Charities benefiting directly from Masonic donations by the Widnes Group of Lodges and the Province of West Lancashire were available and Trevor Price, Group Charity Steward, was on hand to answer any questions. Bill Isherwood gave information on Ecclesholme, the Masonic Care Home. Representatives from FLOW (Friends and Ladies of Widnes Masonic Hall) were on hand to explain their fund-raising activities.
There were displays by Unity Events and Cards by Maureen who can provide complementary services to anyone wishing to hire the Masonic Hall for weddings and the other social events.
After the event closed the Widnes Group Chairman, David Redhead, expressed his thanks to all involved in making the open day a success, and hopes it can become a regular event. Special thanks also went to Peter Brown, board chairman and Gary Turner, company secretary, for their contributions.
Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead is pictured showing the Ratcliffe family around the lodge room. With him are, left to right, Stuart, Glenys, Shirley, Ken and six-year-old Jordan.
The Mayor of Widnes, Councillor Kath Loftus, receives a cheque for £250 from David Redhead. Also on the picture are Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and Councillor Peter Browne.
Brian Magan, occupied the WM’s chair during Widnes Masonic Hall’s Open Day and he is pictured with visitor Howard Ryan-Emery as Widnes Group Vice-chairman Alan Pattinson shows him the WM’s collar.
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Widnes & Knowsley Lodge 3581 donate £300 to 2010 Festival
The Installation meeting of Widnes & Knowsley Lodge 3581 held on Monday 15th September was attended by forty five brethren who witnessed Derek Williams ably install his successor into the chair of the lodge which amalgamated in 2006.
The newly installed Worshipful Master Robert Winch presented a cheque for £300 on behalf of the brethren to the 2010 Festival Chairman J. Stuart Thornber. Stuart thanked the brethren of Widnes & Knowsley Lodge for the donation and informed them that the monies raised for the 2010 Festival currently stood at an astounding £3.6million.
Pictured: the Group Charity Steward Trevor Price, the newly installed Worshipful Master Robert Winch, Festival Chairman J. Stuart Thornber and the Group Chairman David Redhead
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£1,370 boost for camping holiday
A Halton based charity called “Camp Project Wales” which encourages local children to build self-confidence and esteem has benefited from a donation of £1,370 arranged by the Goodwill Masonic Lodge which meets at the Masonic Hall in Widnes. The charity arranges camping holidays for children in the borough aged 11 to 14 to help them to develop self awareness and reach a greater potential in a family based social setting.
Every year the “Camp Project” arranges a holiday under canvas at a site near Amlwch on Anglesey and in the past has faced the expense of hiring commercial cookers big enough to provide meals for almost 100 children and volunteer staff. Now, thanks to the Masonic donation, they will be able to buy their own.
When members of Goodwill Lodge heard about the work of the charity they contacted the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons who allocated funds which enabled the donation to be made.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd presented a cheque for £1,370 to AnnWilliams from “Camp Project Wales”.
Pictured at the presentation are (front, left to right): Paul Smythe (WM of Goodwill Lodge), David Redhead (Chairman of the Widnes Group of Lodges), Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd, Ann Williams, Louise McPartland, Nicky Williams and Ann Cregeen all from “Camp Project”. At the back is Trevor Price Widnes Group Charity Steward.
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Provincial Tie goes on sale
Provincial Grand Chapter at Preston saw the sale of the new Provincial tie go on sale for the first time
Dave Sweeney and Steve Nickson do brisk business selling the new Provincial tie to David Redhead (Widnes Group), Bryan Barton Collier (Ormskirk Group) and Paul Snape (Chorley Group).
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Family affair at Goodwill Lodge
It was a family affair when Lewis Henry James Redhead was Raised at the meeting of Goodwill Lodge No 3896 in Widnes Masonic Hall.
Taking the chair for the ceremony was his father, Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead, while the Traditional History was delivered by his brother-in-law, Neil McLean.
At the conclusion of the ceremony David presented his son with the copy of the Volume of the Sacred Law on which he had taken his obligations.
Neil had travelled more than 230 miles from his home in Chelmsford to be at the ceremony. Neil is married to Lewis’s sister, Rachel. Although still a member of a Widnes Lodge with his father, Doug McLean, Neil is now a member of the Lodge of Good Fellowship No 276 in the Province of Essex.
David Redhead presents his son, Lewis, with the Volume of the Sacred Law on which he took his obligation watched by Doug McLean (left) and Neil McLean.
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100 attend amalgamation ceremony
More than 100 brethren were present to witness the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brian Gillbanks, conducted a ceremony of amalgamation for two Widnes Lodges to become the Lodge of Equity and Appleton No 1384.
It was an extra special day for the WM, Mike Parker. One of his sons, Stewart, was the Junior Warden and then his other son, Derek, processed in with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in his role as Provincial Grand Sword Bearer.
To add to the family connection, Mike’s wife, Lucy, had made the Bible cushion for the new lodge as she had done for the former Appleton Lodge.
A special booklet had been produced giving the histories of the Lodge of Equity No 1384 which had been consecrated in 1872 and its daughter lodge, Appleton Lodge No 6468 which was consecrated in 1947.
Before members and visitors went into the lodge room they were able to inspect a selection of installation menu cards which had been found when archives were searched. The cards dated back to 1928 but there were also other items of historical interest discovered by Keith Gatley. The Grand Lodge Certificate which had been presented to Wilberam Wood in 1878 was among the discoveries and it had great significance for Lodge Treasurer Les Dobson as it belonged to his great grandfather.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks entrusts the Amalgamation Certificate to Mike Parker, WM of the Lodge of Equity and Appleton No 1384. Also pictured are Widnes Group Chairman, David Redhead, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd.
The new Bible cushion for the amalgamated lodges was made by Lucy Parker whose husband, Mike, is WM and whose sons, Derek (left) is Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and Stewart who is the lodge’s Junior Warden.
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An evening with Bro Rudyard Kipling
The Widnes and Knowsley Lodge hosted an evening of entertainment on the life of Brother Rudyard Kipling. It was presented by Jack Humphrey who was accompanied by Ian Benson, Ray Hargreaves and Malcom Burrill.
Brethren were joined by their wives, partners and guests. Jack Humphrey, seated at the Senior Warden’s chair, began with a brief introduction to the life of Rudyard Kipling who was born in Bombay in December 1865. Kipling was educated at the United Services College in Westward Ho!, North Devon until he was almost 17. He returned to India and worked in the publishing industry but it was not until his poem "Recessional" was published to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee that his true worth was appreciated and proclaimed.
The Brethren and guests then made their way to the dining hall for dinner.
After the dinner, Jack introduced his team who entertained with a number of Kipling's poems and songs which the audience were encouraged to join in with. They did so with great enthusiasm. The songs were: Screw Guns sung by Ray Hargreaves; Mother Lodge Chorus and a DC so Traditional sung by Ian Benson.
The poems "IF" and "Gunga Din" were recited by Malcolm Burrill.
Jack donated a framed print of Kiplings famous "IF" poem for the raffle. The print was won by Bob Winch, Senior Warden of the Lodge. The proceeds were presented to Jack for donation to the charity of his choice.
The evening ended with the team giving the Kipling Lodge 10 o'clock toast and the Freemason's Parting Song.
Ian Benson sang “A DC so Traditional”.
Pictured, left to right, are: Malcolm Burrill, Derek Williams, Jack Humphrey,
Ray Hargreaves and Ian Benson.
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Ron’s year ends on a high note
Ron Dennett’s year as WM of the Lodge of Equity No 1384 ended on a high note when he was presented with the certificate to show that the Widnes Lodge had become a Patron of the 2010 Festival.
Before installing his successor, Ron presented a number of cheques to Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd and he then received the Patron Certificate.
In addition to the £400 for the Festival Ron handed over cheques for Widnes Masonic Hall (£350), Halton Haven Hospice (£300) and Ecclesholme (£100).
The Lodge of Equity is to amalgamate with Appleton Lodge No 6468. Several members of Appleton Lodge had already joined Equity including Mike Parker who was installed as WM. It was Mike’s fourth time in the Chair as he has already served as WM of Appleton Lodge on three occasions.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dennis Rudd presents a 2010 Festival Patron’s Certificate to Ron Dennett. Also in the photograph are Widnes Group Chairman, David Redhead (left) and the new WM of Equity Lodge, Mike Parker.
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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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Shoeboxes are a lifeline for children
Most people regard an empty shoebox as a suitable place to keep photographs or other memorabilia. Not so WBro Chuck Chadwick from St Paul’s Lodge in Widnes and his wife, Joan.
To them a shoebox is an essential link in a lifeline that reaches out to children in need all over the world. To members of St.Paul’s Lodge it is known as the shoebox appeal but its official title is “Operation Christmas Child” and it functions under the umbrella of a worldwide charity called the Samaritan’s Purse whose resident is the son of the evangelical preacher Billy Graham.
Chuck and Joan collect throughout the year and last Christmas filled 150 shoeboxes with simple gifts to children who in many cases have never received a Christmas present in their lives.
Chuck said: “Joan and I collect throughout the year and last year sent 150 filled boxes all including a hat, scarf, gloves, socks, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, face cloth or sponge, pen, pencil, coloured pencils, rubber, pencil sharpener, writing pad, colouring sheets and sweets.
“We also make sure that each child has some of the following – cuddly toy, bg or backpack, doll, skipping rope, ball or ball game, small Frisbee, miniature kite, toy car, tractors, musical instrument, plastic or rubber animals, balloons – the list goes one.
“Part of the fun is organising the packing so that the box lid fits on.”
Last year’s boxes were among those going to Kyrgystan so the knitting of cosy little hats was worth it. It is believed that this year’s boxes packed by Chuck and Joan will be going to Croatia.
Chuck said: “Joan and I thoroughly enjoy looking out for bargains throughout the year and get a good deal of satisfaction from the challenge.
“The reports back following the distribution are heart-warming yet sometimes heart rending.”
This year Chuck and Joan completed 210 boxes due to funds they have raised themselves and a donation from the lodge.
From the United Kingdom alone more than 1,000,000 shoeboxes will be delivered to children in countries from Armenia to Swaziland and Belarus to Liberia. Such a small parcel can bring massive benefits to children who cannot help themselves.
Chuck and Joan Chadwick with some of the gifts they packed into boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
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Sea Cadets benefit from Community Fund
Having recently heard that the Widnes Sea Cadets were in need of funding for a central heating system an application was made to the community fund for a grant and was duly rewarded with a cheque for £1156. On behalf of the fund and the Widnes Group Chairman, W Bro. Redhead, I attended the cadet HQ on 14th November 2006 and presented the cheque to the CO Danny Yates.
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