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Lancaster & District
Group News
Castle donates £1,000
The Immediate Past Master of Lancaster Castle Lodge Richard Holdstock visited St Johns Hospice Lancaster to present a cheque for £1,000......<more>
The Provincial Grand Chaplain
The Lancaster and District Group now provides the Province of West Lancashire with the Provincial Grand Chaplain......<more>
Third time for Anthony at the City of Lancaster Installation
WBro Anthony Gregg, PPrAGSwdB, was installed into the chair of The City of Lancaster Lodge. This was Anthony’s third time in the chair having been.......<more>
Plantagenet Installation Meeting
Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters held their installation ceremony on Monday 15th February at Rowley Court Lancaster. The principal guest was......<more>
Panto magic raises £2,050
The brethren of Wyreside Lodge with the help of one outsider, WBro Harry Parker of Scorton Lodge, have staged another pantomime......<more>
Keith installs his son
Keith Fenton had the pleasure of installing his son Paul as WM of The Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353.......<more>
Special birthday treat for Tom
Heysham Lodge’s regular meeting coincided with a very special anniversary for one of the lodge’s most senior members. It was, in fact, the 80th birthday of.....<more>
Morecambe Lodge gives to Cancer Care
For the second year running the brethren of Morecambe Lodge have supported the local charity Cancer Care.......<more>
Lancaster Castle reaches £10,000 for 2010
Lancaster Castle Lodge Installation was well attended and saw Richard Holdstock install Alan Fleming in to the chair of the Lodge.......<more>
A Special day for 2010 at Torrisholme Lodge
Morecambe Masonic Hall was the venue for 75 brethren who gathered to witness a rather special and unusual Installation meeting of Torrisholme Lodge.....<more>
SUN AND SCENERY ON GROUP WALK
The 2009 Group Walk in support of the Lancaster and District Group of Lodges and Chapters was hosted by Silverdale Lodge.......<more>
CALENDAR BOYS
Warton Lodge, together with other groups associated with the Parish of Warton, are being featured on a calendar.......<more>
BBQ raises a tasty £900
Lancaster Castle Lodge held its annual BBQ at Yealand Conyers raising nearly £900......<more>
Charting a course for charity
Malcolm Morrison, secretary of Duke of Lancaster Lodge, IPZ of Fortitude Chapter and retired sea captain is also treasurer for Cancer Research UK Morecambe Branch......<more>
BANNER DEDICATION AT PILLING
Pilling Lodge held a Ceremony of Banner dedication in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Philip Gardner at Wyrebank, Garstang........<more>
Wyreside panto raises £2,000
The brethren of Wyreside Lodge with the help of one or two outsiders have again staged their annual panto............<more>
Webmaster is WM of Lancaster Lodge
Chris Butterfield took a day off from his onerous duties as Webmaster of the Provincial Website to allow Jack Baxter to install him as WM of the City of Lancaster Lodge at Rowley Court......<more>
Superb for 2010 at Wyreside Lodge
More than 100 Brethren saw Andrew Cookson install his successor Bill Wilkinson into the chair of Wyreside Lodge...........<more>
Loving Cup tradition revived
After a gap of 95 years an old tradition was revived at the installation meeting of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353..........<more>
Lodge supports Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Duke of Lancaster Lodge has presented a cheque for £250 to Doctor Robin Sylas of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust........<more>
£1,000 for unique charity
At their annual Ladies’ Evening in the Wyrebank Banqueting Suite, Garstang Lodge presented a cheque for £1,000 in support of the Galloway’s Society for the Blind.....<more>
NEW MASONIC HALL DEDICATED
Wyrebank, the new Masonic Hall for Garstang was officially opened and dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, assisted by Grand and Provincial Grand Officers......<more>
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Castle donates £1,000
The Immediate Past Master of Lancaster Castle Lodge Richard Holdstock visited St Johns Hospice Lancaster to present a cheque for £1,000. The money was a part of some £6,000 raised for charity in his year in office and the presentation was one of several he will be making over the coming months.
The cheque was received by Mrs Janet Thompson, a lady who appears regularly to receive donations from Lancaster and District Group lodges as St John’s Hospice Administrator, and as always she graciously accepted the funds donated on behalf of Lancaster Castle Lodge.
Mrs Janet Thornton receives the cheque from Richard Holdstock
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The Provincial Grand Chaplain
The Lancaster and District Group now provides the Province of West Lancashire with the Provincial Grand Chaplain. WBro Rev Graham Halsall was appointed to this high office in 2008.
He is a member of Amounderness Lodge which is one of the lodges which joined Lancaster and District Group from the Preston Group last year. Graham was in the chair of Amounderness Lodge for two consecutive years 2006 and 2007.
Each year the lodge allocates an amount of money for the WM to donate to the charity of his choice. In both of his years in office as WM Graham chose the First Preston Moorfield Scouts, a handicapped Scout Group with which he has close ties. On each occasion the money went towards the cost of providing an outing for the troop.
Picture: PrG Chaplain Graham Halsall with members of First Preston Moorfield Scouts
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Third time for Anthony at the City of Lancaster Installation
WBro Anthony Gregg, PPrAGSwdB, was installed into the chair of The City of Lancaster Lodge. This was Anthony’s third time in the chair having been WM of John O’Gaunt Lodge in 2001 and 2004.
He was effortlessly installed into the chair by Chris Butterfield PPrJGW. Chris had himself just completed his fourth stint as WM having also spent two consecutive years as WM of the old John O’Gaunt Lodge in 2002 and 2003 as well as a year in the chair of a Preston Lodge.
As could be expected with Masons of such experience the ceremony was of the very highest standard and congratulations went to all those who took part.
The presentation of the working tools was of special note. Three junior brethren of The City of Lancaster, the youngest being only 23 years old, all gave faultless performances. The Third Degree Tools was done by Bro Andy Harrison, the Second Degree by Bro David Brayshaw and the First Degree by Bro Tom Currie.
The principal guest was F. Philip Gardner, Senior Grand Deacon of England, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and he was most impressed by what he saw.
Over seventy brethren attended the Festive Board where S Brackstone, proposed a very humorous toast to the health of the Worshipful Master who suitably replied by asking, "Why am I here?"
He continued with an analogy to explain that just as Fortitude and John O' Gaunt Lodges were the building blocks for the foundation for The City of Lancaster Lodge the younger brethren could build upon that foundation. WBro Peter Thompson, accompanied on the piano by WBro Roy Domville, sang the Master’s Song to round off a very successful installation in fine style
left to right: Jim Wilson, Anthony Gregg, Phil Gardner and Chris Butterfield
The brethren who gave the working tools, David Brayshaw, Tom Currie
and Andrew Harrison
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Plantagenet Installation Meeting
Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters held their installation ceremony on Monday 15th February at Rowley Court Lancaster. The principal guest was John V Moore Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibility for the Ormskirk and District Group and the Southport Group.
He witnessed an excellent ceremony carried out by WBro Neil McGill, who is a past master of Lune Lodge. The incoming master was WBro John Stanley who is a past master of Lancaster Castle Lodge. John is a long serving member of Castle having been secretary for six years and director of ceremonies for seven. He was also an acting steward in 1996.
WBro Moore was supported by many Grand and Provincial Grand Officers including Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner, the Group Chairman Jim Wilson and the Past Provincial Grand Master Colin P Wright.
The Installing Master Neil McGill presented John V Moore with two cheques, one for £200 for the 2010 Festival and one for £231.50 for West Lancashire Masonic Charities.
Left to right, Jim Wilson, John Moore, John Stanley, Neil McGill and Phil Gardner
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Panto magic raises £2,050
The brethren of Wyreside Lodge with the help of one outsider, WBro Harry Parker of Scorton Lodge, have staged another pantomime.
They performed “Alladin” for two nights and they did so with much aplomb.
The cast was strengthened this year by the inclusion of several new players. John Worthington, who is to become WM of the lodge in February made his stage debut, as did David Ainsworth. The most notable new recruit was Simon Iredale who entertained the audience during the scenery changes. Simon is a recent recruit to the lodge and he can also sing. This talent will be very useful at installations and ladies’ evenings.
The panto was again written, by Frank Hodgkinson, but this time he also directed and produced it.
The audiences in Cabus Village Hall were treated to hilarious performances on both evenings, and showed their appreciation throughout. Together the two evening performances raised £2,050 for charity.
The lodge made a presentation to Mrs Dona Mawson of Garstang First Responders of £500 and there was also £500 for the Air Ambulance.
Members of the cast.
Worshipful Master Bill Wilkinson presents a cheque for £500 to Mrs Dona Mawson of Garstang First Responders.
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Keith installs his son
Keith Fenton had the pleasure of installing his son Paul as WM of The Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353.
The occasion was well attended, the numbers being swelled by a fraternal visit by The Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 4207 from the Province of East Lancashire. There were 15 East Lancashire visitors who travelled from Rawtenstall. The Duke of Lancaster Lodge has had an association with the other Duke since 2008 and there have been several exchange visits.
The ceremony saw the end of a very successful year in office of Nigel Parish and the installation in the chair of Paul Fenton. Paul has been a member of the lodge for many years but until recently his work commitments prevented him for becoming WM. Paul’s father Keith is also a long-standing member of the lodge, having been master in 1990. Nigel Parish generously stepped aside to allow Keith to install his son into the chair, a pleasure accorded to very few masons. Keith clearly enjoyed the privilege.
The representative of the Provincial Grand Master was the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Stuart Thornber. He is approaching the end of his term in office and the end of the 2010 Festival. He exhorted those present to make one last push on behalf of the festival. Perhaps, due to his encouragement of the brethren to be generous, the charities had a very good evening, with close to £650 being raised. The festive board was excellent, undoubtedly being improved by the first course of pate which was made by the new worshipful master from pheasant he had shot.
Members of the two Duke of Lancaster Lodge.
Stuart Thornber congratulates the new WM, Paul Fenton, watched by guests at the meeting.
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Special birthday treat for Tom
Heysham Lodge’s regular meeting coincided with a very special anniversary for one of the lodge’s most senior members. It was, in fact, the 80th birthday of Tom Holroyd, PJGD, and unbeknown to Tom a special celebration had been planned to take place at the festive board.
At the lodge meeting itself WBro Peter Mason gave a very interesting lecture on the Third Degree Tracing Board. Peter has given the lecture many times but rarely with such a large audience, or one that included an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. And if anyone wondered why the occasion should prompt the attendance of Phil Gardner it was explained that he just wanted to hear what Peter had to say!
The real reason, of course, was to enable Phil to honor Tom’s special day which he did most sincerely by proposing a toast to Tom at the festive board and presenting him with a bottle of wine and a wonderful bouquet for Mrs Holroyd.
Tom Holroyd is pictured with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner.
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Morecambe Lodge gives to Cancer Care
For the second year running the brethren of Morecambe Lodge have supported the local charity Cancer Care.
The Worshipful Master Peter Jackson and his wife Barbra were at Slyndales in Lancaster to present the charity with a cheque for £500. The cheque was received on behalf of Cancer Care by Mr Richard Cogger the charity’s fund-raising administrator.
With the Worshipful Master were Malcolm Cambage and Geoff Needham and their wives, Bill Stables the lodge charity steward, and Jim Wilson, Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group of Lodges
The picture shows Mrs Barbra Jackson presenting the cheque to Richard Cogger.
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Lancaster Castle reaches £10,000 for 2010
Lancaster Castle Lodge Installation was well attended and saw Richard Holdstock install Alan Fleming in to the chair of the Lodge.
Richard is a past master of a London Lodge and became a joining member of Lancaster Castle just four years ago. He proved he has mastered the change in ritual by conducting a superb ceremony of installation. The new WM has also risen rapidly through the ranks having been a member for only six years. Alan is a West Cumbrian from the strickened town of Cockermouth, who now lives in Kendal.
The representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was WBro FR Pyne the Provincial Grand Almoner. At the festive board his response contained many interesting facts about the charity structure of our Province, and the work done by the charities. He was presented with a cheque for the 2010 Festival for £1,000 by Richard who was completing a very successful year in the chair. The cheque was the second donation made to the festival this Masonic season and it brought the total given to the 2010 Festival so far to £10,000. In Richard’s year the lodge has raised a total of £5,600 for charity. In addition to the donation to the 2010, £1,000 was raised for the North West Air Ambulance, £1000 for Help The Heroes, £1,000 for Cancer Research, and £650 for other causes.
At the festive board the toast to the master was proposed by Peter Wiltshire, who provided his audience with a humorous history of the new WM, and in his response Alan showed that he will be an asset to the lodge.
The reply on behalf of the visitors was given by WBro Tattersal the Master of Runic Lodge, and also the guest organist of Lancaster Castle. Using his own inimitable talents and the piano on the stage he provided what can only be described as a uniquely entertaining response.
Tony Harrison, Alan Fleming (WM) and Roy Pyne.
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A Special day for 2010 at Torrisholme Lodge
Morecambe Masonic Hall was the venue for 75 brethren who gathered to witness a rather special and unusual Installation meeting of Torrisholme Lodge No 5245 when the incumbent, Mick Taylor, was again proclaimed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year.
The reasons behind this were tinged with sadness because the lodge had tragically lost a brother who would have progressed to the Chair. Yet there was joy too because in this second year of Mastership Mick was given the rare opportunity of appointing his own 72 year old father as his Senior Warden and of course installing him into the Chair the following year in 2010.
Alan Flack the Director of Ceremonies made a sterling job of coordinating this truncated ceremony into something rather special which everyone present thoroughly enjoyed. Later the Master presented the representative of the PGM, Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber, with a magnificent donation of £1,500 for the 2010 Festival. Stuart in thanking the lodge remarked that as Torrisholme had already donated some £4,600 over the last five years the lodge was already a Gold Patron of the Appeal.
More action was to follow at the Installation banquet which was held at the Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, when special guest Maurice Johnson, Treasurer and Trustee of the Benevolent Fund of Helvetica Lodge, London, arrived as a guest of the lodge having travelled up from London that day. He shocked everyone present, including PPrGM Colin Wright, when later in the Festive Board he presented Stuart with a stunning cheque for £25,000 for the 2010 Festival.
It was noticed by everyone present that, for once, Stuart was at a loss for words! Happily he recovered sufficiently to thank Maurice warmly and to say that he would be writing personally to Helvetica to thank them.
Stuart continued with more praise and thanks to the Lancaster and District Group referring to very recent donations of £1,350 received from Rowley Chapter, £1,000 from Runic Lodge and a virtual plethora of pledges and cash from a very hard working Group Charity Steward in the shape of Barry Robinson whom Stuart singled out for a special thank you for all he was doing for 2010 in the group.
All in all it was a very happy and memorable meeting of Torrisholme Lodge completed by the new Senior Warden proposing the Toast to the health of the Worshipful Master - his son.
Maurice Johnson presenting the £25,000 cheque to Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber
Stuart Thornber, WM Mick Taylor and Group Chairman Jim Wilson
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SUN AND SCENERY ON GROUP WALK
The 2009 Group Walk in support of the Lancaster and District Group of Lodges and Chapters was hosted by Silverdale Lodge.
A total of 33 walkers from 12 Lodges and Chapters braved early morning rain and dark skies to meet at Silverdale Masonic Hall at 09.30 am. But half an hour later their fortitude was rewarded as the skies lightened and the rain stopped for the start of the walk’s scheduled 10.00.am departure time.
The Worshipful Master of Silverdale Lodge, Bro Alec Dobson, had organised a route of some four miles which took in some of most picturesque countryside in the county with views varying from seascape to landscape.
By the time the half-way mark was reached the sun had appeared and the temperature had risen to make for a very pleasant day indeed.
On arrival back at the Masonic Hall the walkers were treated to a magnificent lunch of hot-pot and were congratulated and thanked by the Group Vice Chairman, WBro Tony Harrison.
Hardy Lancaster and District walkers set out in sun and scenery for their annual Group Walk to raise money for charity.
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CALENDAR BOYS
Warton Lodge, together with other groups associated with the Parish of Warton, are being featured on a calendar to raise funds to improve the provision of recreation facilities in the village. The calendars will be sold at £7 each.
The picture that will appear in the calendar can be seen below, and it shows the archway of the Old Vicarage in Warton. This archway features on the Lodge’s precept and the Lodge’s banner.
The intention is to raise money to improve existing play facilities on land owned by the parish. The scheme includes the provision of play equipment for two to 15 year olds; natural play elements, including limestone boulders; an area for older children to gather; and a grassed area for ball games and village events.
Thanks to the hard work of the committee, massive community support and help with grant applications from Lancashire County Council, the group has raised more than £80,000 to date, and is currently completing the last stage of a £50,000 Big Lottery application.
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BBQ raises a tasty £900
Lancaster Castle Lodge held its annual BBQ at Yealand Conyers raising nearly £900.
The event was very well attended with around 80 people turning up. The weather was good and the food was excellent. The Worshipful Master, Richard Holdstock, and his wife Liz put a great deal of effort into the event, and were rewarded by the support they received.
The afternoon was primarily a fund-raiser, with various individual challenges available to the generous. One of the games consisted of throwing a paper air plane of your own design at a bottle of malt whiskey, the nearest thrower getting the bottle.
The amount raised for charity on the day was close to £900 thanks to the generosity of those attending.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil Gardner tries to win the bottle of whiskey with his paper plane.
BBQ time at Yealand Conyers.
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Charting a course for charity
Malcolm Morrison, secretary of Duke of Lancaster Lodge, IPZ of Fortitude Chapter and retired sea captain is also treasurer for Cancer Research UK Morecambe Branch - a role that he has undertaken for the past four years.
The Morecambe Branch of Cancer research UK is manned by 35 volunteers and one manager. Malcolm is involved in checking all accounts to monitor if targets are being met. All accounts are then reported weekly to central office, with the Morecambe shop frequently showing the best performance in the area.
Formed in 2002, Cancer Research UK was the result of a merger between the UK’s two leading cancer research organisations - the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. With a team of 3,000 scientists, doctors and nurses, Cancer Research UK is building on the strengths of both the previous organisations.
However, Cancer UK’s remarkable record of achievement in cancer research is not simply the work of scientists, doctors and nurses. It is also testament to the hundreds of thousands of supporters who give so generously of their time. More than 30,000 volunteers are involved in the charity including those working within the shops and the many more who organise events and community fund-raising operations.
In addition to his work with Cancer Research UK, Malcolm is also treasurer for the Friends of Lancaster Maritime Museum.
The Friends hold meetings on the last Sunday of the month at the Maritime Museum when they enjoy presentations from a diverse range of speakers. They have also been helping museum staff to catalogue the vast treasure of exhibits kept in storage to enable details to be accessed by computer.
The Maritime Museum Friends assist with stewarding at special events, attend the Museum Partnership Advisory Group meetings, advise on boat preservation for the museum’s collection and are currently involved with the purchase of a picture frame for an oil painting of the ship ‘Dawpool’ which is in the process of being restored at the museum’s facility at Preston.
If you would like to know more about the work of the Friends of Lancaster Maritime Museum please contact Malcolm on 01524 811394 or e-mail: mgm.1@talktalk.net.
Malcolm Morrison at work in the charity shop.
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BANNER DEDICATION AT PILLING
Pilling Lodge held a Ceremony of Banner dedication in the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Philip Gardner at Wyrebank, Garstang.
After conducting the regular business of the Lodge, the Worshipful Master, Don Atkinson, opened the Lodge in the Third Degree. The Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies was admitted and announced the arrival of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. After entering in procession with his officers, the APGM accepted the gavel from the Master of the Lodge and occupied the Chair, before appointing Provincial Grand Officers to assist in the ceremony.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master then gave a most interesting and stimulating address to the brethren regarding the purpose of the ceremony and some history on the use of banners through the ages.
Whilst the Banner was held on display to the brethren assembled the Provincial Grand Chaplain delivered the Dedication Prayer after which it was carried to the east. The APGM then delivered the Banner into the keeping of the Master who accepted the it on behalf of the Lodge.
The Provincial Choir sang a psalm, followed by an oration by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. This was extremely interesting and expanded on the theme of Banner history previously touched upon by the APGM.
WBro RR Kippax, PPrJGW, a well-known local farmer was initiated into Pilling Lodge on February 13, 1964, and held many offices until he was called to the Grand Lodge Above on May 9, 2002. In his will he bequeathed money to the Lodge and it was decided that a Lodge Banner be commissioned for display in the newly-built Garstang Masonic Hall.
Bro. T Moss, a member of Pilling’s Mother Lodge, Scorton, and art teacher at Garstang High School, skillfully designed the Banner and Mrs J Files of Grimsargh, a member of the Guild of Quilters exquisitely crafted it.
The main feature of the Banner is the local landmark, Pilling Mill, though now, sadly it is without its sails. Above the mill can be seen the ‘Pilling Pig’, the engine of an ancient Pilling Railway. On either side of the mill scene are the two great pillars supporting the celestial and terrestrial globes. These serve to remind us of our Masonic Principles. Above all these items are the square and compasses, whilst below them is the red Lancashire Rose.
All these items are surrounded by a deep blue frame which in turn is mounted on a pale blue background. The Banner is trimmed on all four edges with gold braid and a tasseled trimming along the lower edge.
Some 100 members and guests enjoyed the Dedication Festive Board when the Charity Steward reported that a magnificent total of £562.42 had been raised for charity.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master gave the toast to the Lodge which was responded to by the Worshipful Master.
Pilling Lodge’s new Banner
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Wyreside panto raises £2,000
The brethren of Wyreside Lodge with the help of one or two outsiders have again staged their annual panto. They performed “Babes in The Wood” and did so to full houses on both nights.
The panto was again written by Frank Hodgkinson and produced by his brother Tom Hodgkinson.
The audiences in Cabus Village Hall were treated to hilarious performances on both evenings, and showed their appreciation throughout. Together the two evening performances raised more than £2,000 for charity.
In addition to the brethren of Wyreside the cast also contained Harry Parker of Scorton Lodge who is in his third year as a fairy, though this year he was in green and not pink, There was also a special guest performance by Peter Mason and Jim Hamilton. They appeared at the end of each act and as the pictures show seemed to fall out, with both ending up the worse for wear.
The cast of “Babes in the Wood”.
Peter Mason and Jim Hamilton.
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Webmaster is WM of Lancaster Lodge
Chris Butterfield took a day off from his onerous duties as Webmaster of the Provincial Website to allow Jack Baxter to install him as WM of the City of Lancaster Lodge at Rowley Court
The ceremony was witnessed by some 75 brethren and in the presence of the Chairman of the 2010 Festival Stuart Thornber.
At the same time as becoming Master of the newly amalgamated lodge, Chris relinquished the post of secretary in favour of the Installing Master, Jack Baxter who Chris then appointed to that office.
This is the third time Chris has occupied the chair of a lodge, firstly Broughton Lodge No.5437 in 1997 (now amalgamated with Vanguard and Fraternity Lodges) then serving two consecutive years in 2001/2002 as Worshipful Master of John O'Gaunt Lodge No.3815 (now amalgamated with Lodge of Fortitude to become the City of Lancaster Lodge)
Chris was pleased to be able to present a further donation of £1,100 in favour of the 2010 Festival to the Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber, who praised and thanked the lodge and informed all the Brethren that the Lodge was already a Gold Patron of the Festival.
The Lodge is in good heart with three candidates to be interviewed for initiation. A splendid festive board enjoyed by all rounded of an excellent day at Rowley Court together with a raffle for Masonic charity raising a further £300.
Chris Butterfield presents a cheque for £1,100 to 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber watched by Jim Wilson, Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group and Barry Robinson, Group Charity.
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Superb for 2010 at Wyreside Lodge
More than 100 Brethren saw Andrew Cookson install his successor Bill Wilkinson into the chair of Wyreside Lodge at the new Wyrebank Masonic Hall. Bill was taking the Chair again after a gap of 22 years with a first class Installation ceremony taking place in the presence of the 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber.
The Lodge later presented a further magnificent donation of £1,500 to Stuart who then informed the visiting Brethren that the Lodge had donated more than £7,000 to Masonic and non-Masonic charities during the last year, and congratulated them on this wonderful achievement.
A splendid festive board was thoroughly enjoyed and following a rousing rendition of the Master’s Song by his younger brother the evening was rounded off with a raffle that raised a staggering £680 for Masonic charity.
Bill Wilkinson presents a cheque to 2010 Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber watched by Tony Harrison (Vice-chairman of the Lancaster and District Group) and Barry Robinson, group charity steward.
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Loving Cup tradition revived
After a gap of 95 years an old tradition was revived at the installation meeting of the Duke of Lancaster Lodge No 1353.
At the social board the WM’s health was drunk from, a Loving Cup. The Loving Cup was last used in 1914 and probably stopped because of the First World War. It was presented to the lodge by George Jackson in 1897 as an expression of appreciation of the pleasure he had derived from being WM. On this occasion it was filled with port.
The Loving Cup was used to toast the health of the new WM Nigel Donald Parrish.
In lodge WBro Phil Young presented Assistant Provincial Grand Master Howard Jones Jones with a cheque for £1,500 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity fund.
IPM Phil Young toasts the health of the new WM with the Loving Cup.
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Lodge supports Cystic Fibrosis Trust
The Duke of Lancaster Lodge has presented a cheque for £250 to Doctor Robin Sylas of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The cheque was presented on behalf of the lodge by the Worshipful Master, Phil Young.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust was founded in 1964, and is working to improve the lives of people with the illness, raise the profile of Cystic Fibrosis and fund research into a cure.
The objectives of the trust are to: Fund medical and scientific research to develop a cure and provide effective treatments for Cystic Fibrosis; ensure appropriate clinical care for those with Cystic Fibrosis; provide information, advice, support and, where appropriate, financial assistance to anyone affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
The illness claims the lives of three young children each week and is a charity well worth our support.
Amongst those at the presentation were the Chairman of the Lancaster and District Group of Lodges, Jim Wilson, and Gerry Jones the lodge charity steward.
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£1,000 for unique charity
At their annual Ladies’ Evening in the Wyrebank Banqueting Suite, Garstang Lodge presented a cheque for £1,000 in support of the Galloway’s Society for the Blind.
Galloway’s is a unique charity based in Lancashire which supports more than 6,000 local blind and partially-sighted people of all ages across the county.
Mr George Turner, the Appeals Manager for Galloway’s, was delighted to receive the generous donation provided by the Lodge and by its support for such local and community charities generally.
WM Frank Horn is pictured presenting the cheque to George Turner, with Mrs Nancy Horn, Bill Williamson, charity steward of the lodge, and Mrs Janet Williamson.
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NEW MASONIC HALL DEDICATED
Wyrebank, the new Masonic Hall for Garstang was officially opened and dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, assisted by Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
After entering the Lodge Room in procession the Provincial Grand Master appointed his officers for the ceremony and opened a Special Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge.
In an impeccable and moving ceremony, attended by some 130 brethren, the Provincial Grand Master dedicated the Lodge Room to Freemasonry, Virtue and Universal Benevolence.
Following the dedication, the Provincial Grand Master announced that he had another important and very pleasurable duty to perform in promoting William Richmond. The Provincial Grand Master praised William’s unstinting efforts over the years and most especially as a prime mover in bringing the Garstang Masonic Hall project to such a wonderful conclusion. He was delighted to promote him to the rank of PPrJGW which was met with universal acclaim by all the brethren present.
After closing the Provincial Grand Lodge, there was one duty left to perform – the official unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque which was undertaken by the Provincial Grand Master, assisted by the group chairman, James Wilson, group vice-chairman Anthony Harrison and group secretary Martin .Baxendale.
The ceremony was followed by a superb banquet in the new Wyrebank Banqueting Suite.
The Provincial Grand Master paid tribute to all the directors of the Masonic Hall for their collective and individual hard work in bringing the project to fruition.
Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker unveils the commemorative plaque, assisted by the group chairman, James Wilson, group vice-chairman Anthony Harrison and group secretary Martin Baxendale.
Pictured at the opening of the new hall, from left are: Andrew Bartlett, George Riley, Keith Gresty, Rod Sherwood, David Kirkham, Graham Davies, William Thompson, Len Sixsmith, William Williamson, David Wearden, Alan Thornton, Gordon Cookson.
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