PGM visits Lodge of Harmony
The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, accompanied by the Provincial Team, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore and many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers attended the Installation meeting.......<more>

Party time at Ormskirk
Christmas was celebrated slightly earlier this year by more than 75 children who attended the fourth children's christmas party held at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.....<more>

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
The Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters celebrated the advent of Christmas with a Carol Service at Lathom Park Chapel......<more>

£1,125 for Derion House
Ray Hale, the franchisee of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall organised and promoted a raffle during the first half of the 2008 Masonic season......<more>

Return to Group News Page

Ormskirk & District Group Ball

The staff of Briars Hall Hotel, Lathom, were pleased to host the Ormskirk Group Ball for the third year running. The principal guests were Phillip Gunning (Group Chairman) and his wife Anne, John V Moore, (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) his wife Norma and Christopher Hamilton (Assistant to the Three Principles) and his wife Iris.

The Ball is the highlight of the social season for the group and nearly one hundred brethren, family and friends gathered at the start of the evening for a buck’s fizz reception. This was followed by an excellent roast turkey dinner which came in for much praise by the guests over the final course of coffee and mints.   

After the banquet in his role as chairman Phillip Gunning thanked all the members of the social committee for all their hard work throughout the year on behalf of the Ormskirk Group.

The John O’Connor disco then got everyone in the party mood. Steve Charles then provided some excellent musical entertainment from the 70’s and 80’s which saw the dance floor filled.

 During the mid session break for Steve to refresh himself before his second session; the social committee drew the winning numbers for the raffle tickets which had been sold earlier in the evening. The raffle raised £590 for Charity.

from left to right: Norma and John Moore, Anne and Phillip Gunning, Iris and Christopher Hamilton and Cathy and Frank Umbers.

A view of the Ball room

Return to TOP

A weekend of “Highland Hospitality”

Michael Jackson (Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Chivalry No 3974) and Sharon Mike’s partner organised a trip to Edinburgh for members of the lodge and their wives/partners along with members from Radio Millennium Lodge No 9709 and St Oswald Lodge No 5170.

The visit to Edinburgh started with a tour of Freemasons Hall and the Museum of the   Grand Lodge of Scotland, which was founded in 1736. Bro Harry Wilson gave an interesting tour and a talk on the history of the Grand Lodge.

After a short break at their hotel, the brethren visited Lodge Edinburgh Castle No 1764, where they were made very welcome by Brother Thomas Devlin the Right Worshipful Master and all the brethren.  After the lodge was opened, all the visiting brethren were greeted by Thomas and introduced to the immediate past master John Wood.

The lodge then welcomed Douglas A Findlay (Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master) and the Grand Wardens, Thomas F Jessop (RW Senior Grand Warden) andAlexander Galbraith(RW Junior Grand Warden) along with other officers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. A second degree ceremony was then worked. The candidate Bro Kevin Munro was raised to the second degree in an exemplary manner. The brethren then enjoyed an unofficial harmony “festive board” which was prepared by Thomas’s wife.

The brethren then met up with their wives and partners who had enjoyed a meal in the city before being picked up by the coach to take them and the brethren back to the hotel for a night cap before retiring for the night.

The following morning after breakfast at the hotel the party boarded the coach to visit Rosslyn Chapel which is still surrounded by scaffolding and a temporary roof, which has been in place for several years to allow the building to dry out. The final stages of the major refurbishment are nearing completion. The scaffolding is due to be removed during the summer of 2010, when the new lead roof and the internal and external repairs by today’s 21st century stone masons will have restored the Chapel to its former splendour of the 15th and 16th centuries

Michael had arranged an external and internal Masonic tour of the Chapel by Ian Robertson, which all the visitors enjoyed. Ian is a well known Scottish historian and the co author of “Rosslyn and the Grail” which is described by the Fortean Times as the one book that you should read about Rosslyn Chapel. Many of the brethren asked Ian to autograph their copy of Rosslyn and the Grail, which he kindly did before they boarded the coach for the trip back home.

The brethren and their partners outside Rosslyn.

Rosslyn Chapel (under the canopy).

Michael Jackson thanking Ian Robertson outside Rosslyn after the tour.

Return to TOP

Dad initiates son into Rufford Lodge No 7217

WBro Derek Midgley took the chair of King Solomon at the March meeting of Rufford Lodge No 7217 to initiate his son, Robert Midgley, into freemasonry.  Rob’s uncle, WBro Stan Midgley, travelled over from his home in Spain to deliver the Ancient Charge.

It was a very moving ceremony which was performed by all the officers who took part in an excellent manner. The meeting was very well supported with nearly 50 brethren in attendance and included 5 Grand Lodge officers and the Group Vice Chairman, WBro Frank Umbers.

Rob, aged 30, proved to be an excellent candidate and was made very welcome by all present on what was a very enjoyable evening. His cousin aged 34, is also due to be initiated into Rufford Lodge at the May meeting, so it is good to see such a healthy influx of younger brethren into the Ormskirk group.

WBro Derek Midgley (left) welcoming his Son Bro Rob Midgley into Rufford Lodge after his initiation ceremony.

WBro Derek Midgley and Bro Rob Midgley (front centre) with all the the Officers of Rufford Lodge who took part in the ceremony.

Return to TOP

Three junior brethren present the working tools

John Stuart Seddon represented the Provincial Grand Master at the installation meeting of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge No 8719 at Ormskirk Masonic Hall. John was accompanied by Phil Gunning the Ormskirk and District Group Chairman, John Price, Peter Wilson and Tom Norris all of whom are Past Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies.

More than 50 brethren watched as Nigel Waters and Barry Gee installed John Butterworth into the chair of the lodge. At the end of the ceremony John presented Stuart with five cheques to the value of £1,200. Stuart thanked the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, £700 to the 2010 Festival, £150 for North West Air Ambulance, £150 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of WBro John Charles Price, £150 for Help for Heroes and £50 for Tithebarn. Stuart then presented John a Gold Patron’s certificate in recognition of the donations made by the lodge to the 2010 Festival.

At the social board, whilst responding to the toast to Grand Officers, Stuart paid tribute to the work done by the Installing Master, Barry Gee. He also praised the three younger brethren who explained the working tools; Phil Dickinson (first degree), Denis Lucas (second degree) and Bryan Davison (third degree). Stuart said that they had delivered the working tool addresses in an exemplary manner.   

Pictured, from left to right are the three brothers who presented the working tools - Phil Dickinson, Denis Lucas and Bryan Davison.

John Stuart Seddon congratulates John Butterworth after the ceremony.

Return to TOP

Award winning chefs in Ormskirk

The OMHA Executive is pleased to announce that Jim Yates and Paul Breeze have agreed to provide catering and bar services for all lodges, chapters and other degrees until the end of May 2010.

Jim and Paul are directors of Thyme Out Food Co which is located in Liverpool and was set-up in 2007. It has the combined experience of more than 30 years in the catering industry.

Thyme Out Food Co is an energetic business offering a full range of catering services to clients throughout the local area. This includes weddings and other special event catering as well as managing the catering at Bootle Town Hall.

Jim has more than 15 years experience in the hospitality and catering industry. Beginning his career in 1994, he was taken under the wing of award winning chef and restaurateur, Jim Sines at Master McGraths restaurant in Scarisbrick.

After training in customer service and front of house management, Jim was promoted to restaurant manager in 1998. Under his management the restaurant was awarded Lancashire Life Pub Food of the Year award 1999/2000. During this time and to further his knowledge and skills in the industry, Jim attended catering college at Southport. In 2005, Jim took the position of catering manager at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, organising weddings and other high profile events in the Cathedral’s Crypts.

Here he first met and worked alongside Paul Breeze, forging a firm friendship and excellent working relationship that has since formed the basis of Thyme Out Food Co.

Seeking further experience in contract and event management, Jim then moved to The Pickled Walnut as contracts manager. Here Jim oversaw the day-to-day running of a rugby club and a Masonic hall, taking charge of the front of house for large events when required such as the Royal Variety Performance and Calderstone Tennis Tournament. In 2007, Jim set up Thyme Out Food Co. with partner Paul Breeze.

Paul has been a professional chef for nearly 15 years achieving a merit award during his training at the Birmingham College of Food. He then further honed his culinary skills at the Hilton Hotel Coventry before joining the now legendary team of gastro pub entrepreneurs in the Midlands led by Paul Salisbury.

Then seeking further challenges he moved to the south to run a small hotel in Dartmoor as a chef manager achieving a Taste of the West award and Michelin bib gourmand.

Sensing a gap in the market for gourmet outside catering he joined family and friends in Liverpool to research the market and find employment within the sector. His first position in the North West was as head chef at the Metropolitan Cathedral under the tutelage of Master Chef Jim Sines.

He then worked for Bespoke Outside Caterers The Pickled Walnut which included a six-month tenure as catering manager at St George’s Hall Liverpool in which time he catered for Royalty, the Prime Minister and a host of stars and dignitaries during the 800th birthday and Capital of Culture festivities before setting up Thyme Out Food Co with partner Jim Yates.

The hall executives are very grateful to Jim and Paul who have stepped in at short notice to provide the catering and bar services in the hall.

Pictured: from left to right: Paul, Jennie, Jim and Sally.

Return to TOP

125th WM installed

Phillip Gunning (Ormskirk Group Chairman) represented the Provincial Grand Master at the installation meeting of Lodge of Harmony No 580. Phillip was accompanied by four Grand Officer: T Norman Hunt (Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master), Jim Charnock (Past Junior Grand Deacon), Roy Worthington (Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies) and Peter Mason (Past Junior Grand Deacon). 

The Installation ceremony was carried out by Ray Collins a Past Master of the lodge. Ray installed Derek John Gibson as the 125th Worshipful Master of the lodge

At the end of the ceremony, the Immediate Past Master Alan Robert Johnson presented Phillip with six cheques. The total value of the cheques was £800 (£250 to the 2010 Festival, £200 to JJCT (Blind Children Charity Trust), £100 to Macmillan Nurses, £100 to Tithebarn, £100 West Lancashire Carers and £50 to the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association).

Phillip then thanked Alan and all the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques he had received.

In his response to the toast to the Grand Officers, Phillip said that he had enjoyed an excellent ceremony and he congratulated all the brethren who took part. He particularly thanked the junior brethren who delivered the working tools – Bro Rory Green (third degree) and Bro Alan Browne (second degree).

At the social board, in his proposal of the toast to the health of the Worshipful Master, Alan said he had known Derek for 21 years and he was sure he will be an excellent ambassador for the lodge.

Pictured from left to right: Phillip Gunning (Ormskirk Group Chairman), Ray Collins (Installing Master), Derek John Gibson (WM), Alan Johnson (IPM) and Frank Umbers  (Group Vice Chairman).

Return to TOP

Christmas comes early

Christmas was celebrated slightly earlier this year by more than 50 children who attended the fifth Children's Christmas party held at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.

This year the committee members tried to improve the format by having a children's entertainer doing party games and a little bit of magic. The “play/party dance area” was increased this year by having the face painting up-stairs. This had the added bonus of taking a few parents upstairs. Of course, Father Christmas was there, and he gave every child a present and a selection box.

Instead of a sit-down meal formal "Happy-meal" style food boxes where given out, with a sandwich, sausage roll, a snack and juice. This worked well as the kids seemed happy with them.

The party is totally non-profit making and the organising committee members - Ray Hale (Aughton Lodge No 7996), Ken Hives (Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286), Tom Stub (Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286), John Wootton (Aughton Lodge No 7996), Brian Povey (St. John’s Lodge No 673) and Derek Gibson (Harmony Lodge No 580) thank everyone who contributed to paying for costumes, photos and raffle prizes. Special thanks also go to the suppliers who gave the food, drinks and chocolates free of charge. There was special thanks to Lynne Hale and her girls who prepared and served the food.

Pictured from left to right, front row, are: John Wooton, Santa Claus and Lyn Hale. Middle row: Chris Cullen and Lorraine Stubbs Back row: Tom Stub, Derek Gibson, Brian Povey, Ken Hives and Ray Hale.

The entertainer and the presents ready for Santa to deliver

The entertainer and some of the children who attended the event

Return to TOP

Park Hall Lodge receives Gold Patron certificate

Seventy brethren attended the installation meeting of Park Hall Lodge No 8375 when the principal guest was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Frank Wilkinson. Frank was accompanied by Phillip Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group) together with three other Grand Officers. There was also a large attendance of Provincial Grand Officers along with eight Masters in office of Lodges from within the group.

The Installation was carried out by Andrew Killeen a Past Master of the lodge. The new Master, Michael John Simms will no doubt feel he was installed by an excellent ritualist.

At the end of the ceremony, Michael presented Frank Wilkinson with five cheques. The total value of the cheques was £1,250 (£500 to the 2010 Festival, £250 to Help the Heroes, £250 to Macmillan’s Nurses, £150 to Tithebarn and £100 to the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association).

Frank said the £1,250 of donation was a magnificent sum, and the £500 to the 2010 had earned the Lodge Gold Patron status of the 2010 Festival. He then presented the gold certificate to Michael.

Michael then presented Frank a cheque for £135 to Queens Court Hospice, from the Ladies of Park Hall Lodge. Frank thanked the members of the Lodge and their Ladies on behalf of the recipients of the cheques he had received.

At the social board, in his proposal of the toast to the health of the Grand officers Frank said he last visited Park Hall lodge 10 years ago as the Senior Warden of the Province. He said on that occasion he was the representative of the PGM. He said he had not dreamed he would be back 10 years later in his own right as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

In the conclusion of his speech Frank said that he had enjoyed an excellent ceremony and he congratulated all the brethren who took part. He particularly thanked the Brethren who delivered the working tools – Bro Jonathon Allwright (Third Degree), Bro Carl Matthews (Second Degree), Bro Andrew Cunningham (First Degree). Frank also said it was great to see all the progressive offices on the floor of the lodge filled by Master Masons. He went on to say he hoped he would not have to wait 10 years before he visited Park Hall Lodge again.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Frank Wilkinson, Andrew Killeen (Past Master of Park Hall Lodge), Michael John Simms (new WM), Glen Forshaw (Immediate Past Master) and Phillip Harry Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group).

Return to TOP

120 at carol service

More than 120 Brethren and Companions together with their families and friends attended the annual Ormskirk and District Group Carol service.

The Service was held at Lathom Park Chapel and was conducted by the Rev Chris Jones. The service was planned by Frank Umbers (Vice-chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group) and celebrated the advent of Christmas. Nine Lessons were read and many well-known Christmas Carols were sung by the congregation between them.

The Lessons read by: Peter Wilson (President of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association); Frank Umbers (Vice-chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group); David Dugdale (Past Master of the Lodge of Chivalry No 3974); Tim Bailey (Stanley of Bickerstaff Royal Arch Chapter No 3511); Jamie Lomax (Past Master of Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286); Gary Evans (Worshipful Master of Arthur Stanley Lodge No 3469, representing Masters of the  Ormskirk Group); Stephen Smith (Stanley of Bickerstaff Royal Arch Chapter No 3511, representing Principles of the Ormskirk Group); Phillip Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group) and the Rev Chris Jones  (Vicar of Ormskirk Parish Church).

The Offering was equally divided between Tithebarn Residential Home and Lathom Park Chapel. At the end of the service the congregation joined Phillip and Frank for mince pies and a glass of sherry.

Frank Umbers acknowledged the assistance given by all those who took part in the service, particularly the organist, Miss Elizabeth Hayton.

The Rev Chris Jones (Vicar of Ormskirk Parish Church) and Frank Umbers (Vice-chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters).

Latham Park Chapel of St John the Divine.

Return to TOP

Maghull Lodge No 7190 Installation

The installation meeting of Maghull Lodge No 7190 was well supported with 56 Brethren attending the meeting. WBro Brian Henshaw (Chairman of the Southport Group) represented the Provincial Grand Master at the meeting. Brian was accompanied by Phillip Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group) together with 6 other Grand Officers. There was also a large attendance of Provincial Grand Officers and 11 Masters of Lodges from within the Group.

The Immediate Past and Installing Master Keith M. Parr installed his successor William George Follett in an excellent manner. At the end of the ceremony, the new Master presented Brian Henshaw with two cheques. The total value of the cheques was £1,300. Brian thanked the members of the Lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques (£50 to Tithebarn and £1,250 to the 2010 Festival). He said the £1,250 was a magnificent sum which had earned the Lodge its Gold Patronage of the 2010 Festival. The Gold certificate was presented to the new Master by Brian Henshaw.

At the social board, in his proposal of the toast to the health of the New Master, Keith told the Brethren that he was delighted to have had the honour of installing Bill into the Chair of King Solomon. He said that Bill was a stalwart of the Lodge and it was great that he had decided to take the office of Master.

He said that it was the second time in the chair for Bill who had first become a Master of Goodacre Lodge No 2495 on 27 March 1996. Goodacre Lodge (the mother Lodge of Maghull Lodge) had met at Hope Street before closing in 2003. In his closing remarks Keith said that Bill had joined Maghull Lodge in 2003 and had served as the Lodge Director of Ceremonies for 5 years. He had served that office well and he was sure that Bill will do an equally excellent job as Master of the Lodge. 

WBro Brian Henshaw (Chairman of the Southport Group), Bill Follett and Phillip Harry Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group).

Bill presenting Keith with his Past Masters Jewel.

Return to TOP

New Master for Ormskirk Prior Lodge No 4007

The installation of Brian D Heaney was carried out by the Immediate and Installing Master, Peter Fairclough and Phillip Harry Gunning (Immediate Past Master and Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters) at the meeting of Ormskirk Prior Lodge No 4007.

On this occasion, the Lodge was honoured by the presence of John V Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Also attending was Frank Umbers, Vice Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters, along with many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.

After Brian had been placed in the chair of King Solomon, Jim Charnock presented Brian with the Hall Stone Jewel which has been worn by Masters of the Lodge since 1921. Jim said in his presentation of the Jewel, that Lodge’s qualified for the Jewel from United Grand Lodge when every member of a Lodge had donated £25 towards the Queen Street Building Fund, “that was a great deal of money for an individual donation in those days”. Jim also reminded Brian and the brethren watching that the Jewel commemorated all those who died in the First Great World War. 

At the end of the ceremony, John Moore was presented with several cheques to the value of £1000. John thanked the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, particularly for the £600 to the 2010 Festival, which he noted entitled the Lodge to receive a Gold Patrons Certificate, which he presented to Brian D Heaney in recognition of the Lodge’s generous donations to the 2010 festival.

Pictured, from left to right are: John V Moore, (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) Brian D Heaney Worshipful Master and Phillip Harry Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters)

Hall Stone Jewel (Worn by the Master of the Lodge)

Return to TOP

Grand Officer goes in the chair

Over 50 people visited Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511 Installation meeting. They included John V Moore, (Assistant Provincial Grand Master), Phillip Harry Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters) along with many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers who witnessed WBro John Price installed into the chair of King Solomon.

The Installing Master Bro Ray Tompsett installed John in a well and worthy manner. Ray was assisted during the ceremony by Frank Umbers the Lodge’s Director of Ceremonies, who presented the three sets of working tools.  Other Past Masters assisted by giving the addresses to the new officers.

At the end of the ceremony, John Moore was presented with two cheques to the value of £900. John thanked the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, particularly for the £800 to the 2010 Festival, which he noted entitled the Lodge to receive a Grand Patrons Certificate, which he presented to John Price in recognition of the Lodge’s generous donations to the 2010 festival.

Pictured, from left to right are: John V Moore, (Assistant Provincial Grand Master) John Price WM (Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies) and Phillip Harry Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters)

Return to TOP

Chivalry are Gold Patron’s

Twenty visitors attended the Installation meeting of the Lodge of Chivalry No 3974, They along with the members of the lodge witnessed an excellent installation ceremony conducted by WBro Mike Gray who installed Michael Jackson into the chair of the lodge in a most sincere manner.

At the end of the ceremony Mike presented cheques to the value of £1,500 to WBro Kevin Poynton who was representing the Provincial Grand Master at the meeting. Kevin thanked the Brethren for their very generous donations; he told the brethren that he was particularly pleased to receive the cheque for £800 to the 2010 festival as it entitled the Lodge to receive a Gold Patron’s Certificate to mark the £4,000 donations Lodge has made since the 2010 Festival started. Kevin then presented the Gold Certificate to Michael.

During the festive board Kevin again thanked the members of the Lodge for their contribution to the 2010 festival and informed them that the monies raised across the Province currently stood at 4.4 million pounds and he urged the brethren to continue giving generously to the fund as there is only seven months left to ensure the total sum raised is worthy of the largest Province in the country.

Pictured: Michael Jackson the new Worshipful Master and Mike Gray the Immediate and Installing Master

Return to TOP

Group bowls competition

Despite the inclement weather the Ormskirk Group Bowls tournament proceeded as planned with more than 30 people attending during the afternoon including members, their families and friends.

A total of 14 Brethren braved the wet conditions to compete in the tournament each playing in three preliminary rounds before the best nine. The competition was very tight as there were two people on equal scores for the final spot going into the knockout stages.

The final was between John Medcalf, Worshipful Master of St. Michael's Lodge No 5756 the eventual winner and Bert Patterson, Director of Ceremonies of Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007 being the runner-up.

The presentation of the two trophies was made by Frank Umbers, Ormskirk Group Vice-Chairman who congratulated both players on their fine exhibition of bowling and thanked every one who attended for their support.

Frank also wished John and Bert the best of luck as they will represent the group in the Provincial Bowls Tournament to be hosted by the Ormskirk and District Group on the 11 July 2009 at Tarleton Bowling Club.

John Medcalf receives the winner’s cup from Frank Umbers.

Bert Patterson receiving the runners-up shield from Frank Umbers

Return to TOP

£720 raised at ball

More than 140 people attended the Ormskirk and District Group Ball held in the Briar's Hall Hotel, Lathom. The Ball is an annual charity event and this year raised some £720 from the raffle organised by the group’s social committee.

The Ball this year also marked the retirement of Alan Byers, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Alan has served in this role for seven years.

During the course of the evening Phillip Gunning thanked Alan for all his hard work in the Ormskirk Group and he wished Alan and his Wife Maye a long, happy and healthy retirement. Phil presented Alan with a set of wine glasses, silver topped wine stopper and some vintage wine on behalf of the Chapters in the group.

Alan thanked all the members of the group for their gifts. He also said he has very much enjoyed his time as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and although he has retired from this role he plans to come back to Ormskirk to visit the Chapters he has so much enjoyed visiting over the last seven years.

Pictured from left to right, are: Norma and John Moore, Anne and Phillip Gunning, Maye and Alan Byers and Cathy and Frank Umbers. 

Return to TOP

£100 towards church renovation

Ormskirk Group Chairman, Phillip Gunning has authorised a donated of £100 from group funds to support the communiy’s  efforts to raise badly needed funds for re-decorating and re-wiring of Emmanuel United Reform Methodist Church in Ormskirk. The church is pictured above.

Return to TOP

Group chairman raises his son

Philip Gunning, the Immediate Past Master of Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007 and Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters had the special pleasure of raising his son, Andrew to the Degree of a Master Mason. Andrew was Initiated in February 2008 and Passed to the Second Degree in January 2009.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John V Moore, attended the ceremony along with many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers and visitors from other lodges in the Ormskirk Group.

Andrew Gunning is congratulated by his father Philip Gunning, Immediate Past Master, Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters. 

Return to TOP

Ormskirk Priory Royal Arch Chapter Installation

The installation meeting of Ormskirk Priory Royal Arch Chapter No 4007 was honoured by the presence of the Third Provincial Grand Principal, the Reverend Harry Ross who represented the Grand Superintendent. He was accompanied by the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Alan Byers and the Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group, Phillip Gunning. 

Ian Clements installed Kushroo H Suraliwala as the new First Principal. Richard Craige was installed as Second Principal, with Phil Powell being installed as Third Principal..

After the installation ceremony the Reverend Ross was presented with two cheques, one for £50 to the Friends of Tithebarn and £100 to the 2010 Festival. He thanked the companions of the Chapter on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, particularly for the £100 donated to the 2010 Festival. 

Pictured, left to right, are: the Rev Harry E Ross (Third Provincial Grand Principal), Richard Craige (Second Principal), Kushroo H Suraliwala (First Principal), Phil Powell (Third Principal) and Alan Byers, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.

Return to TOP

Lodge receives 2010 Patron's Certificate.

The Representative of the PGM, Kevin Poynton, accompanied by the Ormskirk and District Group Chairman, Phil Gunning attended the Installation meeting of Pilgrim Lodge No 6207 at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.

After the ceremony Kevin congratulated the Immediate Past and Installing Master, Nevil Hosler, for the heartfelt manner in which he Installed Roy Skidmore. Kevin also thanked the members of Pilgrim Lodge for their contributions towards the 2010 Festival and considering their declining numbers, he was delighted to be able to present the Worshipful Master with their Patron's Certificate.

Roy was accompanied by some 42 brethren at a most enjoyable and happy festive board. However, the evening was tinged with a little sadness as, due to declining numbers, it was suggested that this might be the last Installation to be held by Pilgrim Lodge.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Robert L Graham, Kevin Poynton and Roy Skidmore the new Worshipful Master.

Return to TOP

£450 for 2010 Festival

The Installation meeting of St Michael’s Lodge No 5756 was attended by more than 40 brethren, who witnessed an excellent installation ceremony conducted by Jason Nash who installed John R Metcalf into the chair of the lodge. At the end of the ceremony John presented a cheque to the value of £450 on behalf of the brethren towards the 2010 Festival to Danny Jones, Chairman of the Wigan Group who was representing the Provincial Grand Master.

During the festive board Danny thanked the Lodge for its contribution to the 2010 Festival and informed them that the monies raised across the Province currently stood at just over £4 million and he urged the brethren to continue giving generously to the fund as there is only slightly over one year left to ensure the total sum raised is worthy of the largest Province in the country.

The Chairman of the Wigan Group of Lodges and Chapters, Danny Jones is pictured with the new Worshipful Master, John R Metcalf and the Installing Master, Jason Nash.

Return to TOP

Deputy PGM visits Vale of Skelmersdale

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Brian Gillbanks, accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John V Moore, Ormskirk and District Group Chairman, Phil Gunning and several other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers attended the Installation meeting of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge No 8719 at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.

More than 70 brethren saw Barry Gee install Nigel Waters into the chair of the lodge. At the end of the ceremony Nigel presented Brian Gillbanks with four cheques to the value of £1,000. Brian thanked the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, £50 to St Thomas’s Church Restoration Fund, £50 to Tithebarn Hospice, £100 to the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association and £800 to the 2010 Festival.

At the social board, whilst responding to the toast to Grand Officers Brian paid tribute to the work done by the Installing Master Barry Gee. He also praised the two younger brethren who explained the working tools –Geoff Arkinstall who explained the Third Degree Tools and Martyn Berry who explained the First and Second Degree Tools.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brian Gillbanks, WM Nigel Waters and Barry Gee the Installing Master.

Return to TOP

Charities benefit at Chapter installation

The representative of the Grand Superintendant, Christopher Hamilton, Chairman of the Southport Group of Lodges and Chapters attended the one hundred and fifty second installation meeting of the Royal Arch Chapter of Unity and Perseverance No 580, along with Kenneth W Shaw and G Brian Fairhurst and Phillip Gunning Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters.

Stephen Brereton, the immediate past First Principal of the Chapter installed William Goulden as the new First Principal. Neil Brown was installed as second Principal, with Steven Hayes being installed as Third Principal of the Chapter.

After the installation ceremony William presented two cheques totalling £300 to Christopher, who thanked the companions of the Chapter on behalf of the recipients of the cheques. 

More than 50 companions attended the banquet after the installation ceremony. Responding to the toast to Officers of Grand Chapter, Christopher thanked the companions of the Chapter for their generous donations of £250 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £50 to Tithebarn. The Companions were then entertained by David Harrison who sang the Three Principals’ Song to the newly installed Principals.

The three Principals, from left to right: G Neil Brown (Second Principal), William Goulden (First Principal) and Stephen W Hayes (Third Principal).

Return to TOP

Stanley of Bickerstaffe Installation

The installation meeting of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Royal Arch Chapter No 3511 was honoured by the presence of Ken W Shaw who represented the Grand Superintendent. He was accompanied by the Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group Phillip Gunning and three Past Grand Standard Bearers - Keith Walmsley, John Price and Michael T Kinsella. 

Walter Lyon installed Stephen John Smith as the new first Principal in an excellent manner. Gregory Pinnington was installed as second Principal, with David J Sandall being installed as third Principal of the Chapter.

After the installation ceremony the senior member of the Chapter, Ernie Cotton, presented two cheques to Ken Shaw who thanked the companions of the Chapter on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, particularly for the £300 donated to the 2010 Festival. 

More than companions attended the festive board. During the response to the toast to Officers of Grand Chapter, Ken again thanked the companions of the Chapter on behalf of all the beneficiaries for their generous donations and said that the Masonic Samaritan Fund 2010 Festival total now stands at £4 million and he hoped that Companions who had not yet become individual patrons would reconsider their decision and do so before the end of the Festival in order to enable the 2010 to reach a sum worthy of the Province. The Companions were then entertained by David Harrison who sang the Three Principals Song.

The three Principals, from left to right: Gregory Pinnington (Second Principal), Stephen John Smith (First Principa)l and David J Sandall (Third Principa).

Return to TOP

PGM visits Lodge of Harmony

The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, accompanied by the Provincial Team, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John V Moore and many other Grand and Provincial Grand Officers attended the Installation meeting of Harmony Lodge No 580 at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.

The Installing Master Rob Hales was assisted by the Provincial Wardens who occupied the Wardens’ Chairs during the ceremony to install Alan Robert Johnson. The Address to the Master was given by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Thomas Norman Hunt.

During the ceremony, Rob Hales presented Peter Hosker with four cheques to the value of £1,400. Peter thanked the members of the lodge on behalf of the recipients of the cheques, particularly for the £400 to the 2010 Festival, which he noted entitled the Lodge to receive a Grand Patrons Certificate, which he presented to Rob in recognition of the Lodge’s generous donations to the 2010 festival.

At the social board, David Winder, Provincial Junior Grand Warden whilst responding to the toast to Provincial Officers paid tribute to the work done by Rob Hales. He also expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to visit Harmony Lodge again as it was a very old and distinguished Lodge. Its warrant dates from 1850 although records show that Freemasonry in Ormskirk dates back to 1781 with the Lodge of Harmony No 580 meeting at the Golden Lion Inn. David recommended that visitors to the Lodge who had not looked at the Master’s chair to do so before they left the hall.  

Harmony is one of the three oldest lodges in the county. From the early beginning the Lodge of Harmony initiated the spread of Freemasonry in the district and in 1853 four members of Harmony Lodge with five other petitioners from various other lodges, founded the Lodge of Unity No 613 in Southport, and thus Freemasonry spread to that town.

In 1857 the Lodge of Harmony, spreading outwards, sponsored Hesketh Lodge at Croston, which in turn led to the forming of Freemasonry in Leyland. Further sponsoring by Harmony Lodge took Freemasonry into Skelmersdale with the founding of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge in 1911.

Pictured, from left to right are: Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Mark Dimelow, David Winder, Provincial Junior Grand Warden, John V Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker Provincial Grand Master and Gareth Jones, Provincial Senior Grand Warden. 

Pictured, left to right, are: Installing Master Rob Hales, Peter Hosker and Alan Johnson WM.

The Master’s Chair which Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Winders advised visitors to inspect during their visit. John Ladmore, who was the Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Harmony No 845, in 1856, presented the Master’s chair to his Lodge in 1857. This handsome chair has for the past 159 years been used by Masters and First Principals of Lodges and Chapters meeting in the Lodge room, first at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Ormskirk and now at The Masonic Hall, Park Road, Ormskirk.

A closer view of the Master’s Chair which Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Winders advised visitors to have a close look at during their visit.

Return to TOP

Party time at Ormskirk

Christmas was celebrated slightly earlier this year by more than 75 children who attended the fourth children's christmas party held at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.

The kids danced at the disco, many had their faces painted while others collected balloons from the clown who spent hours blowing them up. A hot food buffet with juice drinks was also available. Obviously the big man himself was there - no not the Provincial Grand Master - but Father Christmas. He gave every child a good present and a selection box, and he had his photograph taken with each child if they wanted a free souvenir picture with him (posted to their home).

Never missing the opportunity to raise funds the organising committee ran a raffle with all proceeds which are expected to be more than £115 going to the 2010 Festival. The party is totally non-profit making and the committee thanks everyone who contributed to paying for costumes, photographs and raffle prizes. Special thanks also go to the suppliers who gave the food , drinks and chocolates free of charge and Lynne Hale and her girls who prepared and served the food.

Father Christmas arrives at the party.

Some of the children at the party with their balloons.

Return to TOP

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

The Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters celebrated the advent of Christmas with a Carol Service at Lathom Park Chapel.

More than100 Brethren and Companions of the group, together with their families and friends attended the service organised by Frank Umbers, Vice-chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group.

The Reverend Chris Jones conducted the service of Nine Lessons and Carols. Many of the Lessons were given by younger Brethren:

The Lessons were read by: W Peter Wilson (Vice President of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association); Peter G Smith (Mentor of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters);

Mark Holloway (Provincial Communication Officer for the Ormskirk Group); Frank Umbers (Vice-chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters); Gary Evans (Arthur Stanley Lodge No 3569, representing Masters of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters); Walter Lyon (Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511, representing Principals of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters); Phillip H Gunning (Chairman of the Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters); the Reverend Chris Jones (Vicar of  Ormskirk Parish Church).

The organist’s arrival was delayed, so Philip Gunning the group chairman led the congregation (to everyone's amusement, including the Vicar) in a carol singing rehearsal.

The Offering of £214 was equally divided between Tithebarn Residential Care Home and Lathom Park Chapel.

At the end of the Service the congregation joined Phil and Frank for mince pies and a glass of sherry.

Pictured, left to right, are: Mrs Norma Moore, Assistant Provincial Grand Master John Moore, the Reverend Chris Jones, Phillip H Gunning, Frank Umbers and Mrs Cathy Umbers.

Lathom Park Chapel of St John the Divine.

Return to TOP

£1,125 for Derion House

Ray Hale, the franchisee of the Ormskirk Masonic Hall organised and promoted a raffle during the first half of the 2008 Masonic season on behalf of Derion House.

The support by the Brethren from Ormskirk and District Group of Lodges and Chapters was tremendous with more than 50 bottles of wines and spirits being donated for the prizes. The raffle tickets sold by Ray and his team in the bar and public restaurant raised £1,125 on behalf of Derion House.

The draw was for the raffle was held at the Festive Board of Ray’s mother lodge, Aughton Lodge No 7996.

The winner was Mr. Darren Christian of Banks, Southport.

Ray is to be congratulated for his efforts in running and promoting this eveny.

Return to TOP