The lodge room at Milnthorpe Masonic Hall was packed with brethren and visitors for the September meeting of the Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615.
This travelling, specialist lodge of the South Fylde Group had applied for a dispensation to the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland to hold its meeting at this northern location on this occasion. Following a swift business meeting which included the brethren conferring honorary membership to Canon Godfrey Hirst, members and guests moved to the festive board to enjoy pie, peas, beetroot, black forest gateaux and to receive a presentation lecture from one of the lodge’s own members.
James Henderson is currently senior deacon of the lodge and he kindly offered to share with the brethren his enthusiasm and passion for the training of young people through one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, the Army Cadet Force (which is generally shortened to Army Cadets). The Army Cadets offer young people in our communities unforgettable experiences and life-changing opportunities.
James, with the aid of PowerPoint slides, explained in great detail the training programme that he himself is currently working through to becoming a fully qualified sergeant within his own Lytham St Annes detachment, based at AKS Lytham school in Lytham St. Annes. James spoke of the sessions he helps deliver around a range of themes that include fieldcraft, navigation, weapons training and first aid. He added that the Army Cadets aim to inspire young people to develop themselves mentally and physically, to challenge their limits, grow their own abilities and go further in life, unlock their talents and to shape their own futures as useful citizens within local communities. Following the presentation, a lively and keen question and answer session ensued and a raffle was drawn which raised the sum of £110.
WM Martin Swarbrick thanked everyone for attending what had been a very interesting and enlightening presentation. He thanked James Henderson for the hard work and commitment he gives to Freemasonry and to the Army Cadets. The WM then presented James with the proceeds of the raffle, namely £110, to donate to the ACF Friends of Lancashire charity.
The next meeting of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire will be held towards the end of November 2025 at Morecambe Masonic Hall and will be an Olde English event with gentlemen to dine.
Report and pictures by John Topping.