Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

News from Oldham District

Ben Brierley Lodge Centenary Meeting

On Monday 10th November 2008, Ben Brierley Lodge, No. 3317, celebrated their Centenary at Middleton Masonic Club and provided a most memorable night for the throngs that packed the Lodge room. In a masterful display of organisation over 120 brethren were seated in the room, in time to tyle on schedule at six o’clock. The sight of the Lodge room so full with masons, of this and other Provinces, and in fact, as there were some brethren from north of the border present, other Constitutions, was impressive enough before the meeting started.

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master, Bro D Paul Lewis, after the initial business had been completed. We were then treated to the entrance of the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, and his Provincial Deputation. This is always a splendid sight and any brother who sees it knows he is in for a good evening. After the PGM and his Wardens had taken their respective chairs, the first order of business was to read the Centenary Warrant. This was done by the Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro H Alan J Garnet, PJGD. The Warrant was then placed on display on the floor of the Lodge.

Next, WBro Revd. David J Halford, a long standing member of Ben Brierley Lodge and the acting Provincial Grand Chaplain, gave an Oration. This was delivered with obvious affection for his subject and was both interesting, informative and included some of Ben Brierley’s poetry. WBro Halford touched on the origin of Ben Brierley Lodge and went into some detail of the life of Ben Brierley himself. This wasn’t a list of dry facts but gave an insight into the place and time that he had lived and worked in. I am sure many of the brethren present, learnt a lot about, as WBro Halford put it, “A self taught man and Mason who readily put into practice the benefits of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of organised society.”

WBro Harry Sykes was ‘up next’ - another long standing member of Ben Brierley Lodge He gave a brief history of the Lodge and, again, his obvious pride and affection for his Lodge shone through. That’s not to say that there wasn’t a liberal sprinkling of WBro Sykess’ dry humour to keep everyone amused. As well as the significant events in the history of the Lodge, WBro Sykes also spoke about some of the past members of the Lodge and the contributions they made. This gave a real sense of the continuity and the legacy that the Lodge has, as it celebrates its centenary.

The Provincial Grand Master then presented the Centenary Warrant to the Worshipful Master and, in his turn, the Worshipful Master presented the PGM with a Centenary Jewel. As an honorary member the PGM immediately pinned it on. He was then presented with a truly generous check to the ELMC for the sum of £3317, matching the Lodge’s number.

The final ‘piece of business’ for the PGM was to promote WBro G Wellens, Ben Brierley’s Royal Arch Representative, to the rank of PProvJGD - an honour that was very apparently a surprise for many there including WBro Wellens. He was very clearly moved by the event. The Provincial Grand Master and his team then retired and the Lodge was closed by Bro Lewis, bringing an enjoyable and flawlessly organised meeting to an end.

And so to the social board. The warmth and hospitality that the members of Ben Brierley Lodge had shown to their visitors continued. The highlight was the toasts by the Wardens. It is always a privilege to propose the toasts, but when the brothers are actually there in person it is doubly so. The Senior Warden, WBro Bill Andrews and the Junior Warden, Bro Andrew Halford (who in the tradition of Ben Brierley Lodge is one of the two sons of WBro the Rev David Halford in the Lodge) gave excellent toasts. The toast to WBro Harold Woodward, the APGM, who was part of the Provincial Deputation, was particularly warm and heartfelt.

The response by the Provincial Grand Master echoed the fraternal feeling that I am sure everybody felt and he particularly mentioned the stability that freemasonry offers in a world of rapid change.

It only remains to proffer congratulations to Ben Brierley Lodge No. 3317 on a great start and thank their Centenary committee and all the brethren for a really memorable and enjoyable Masonic evening.

Summer Garden Party a Roaring Success Held on Sunday 20th July 2008.

The flyer said “Sure to be a highlight of the summer” and having experienced it I would say it might be considered ‘the’ highlight. A very well attended function with good food, great entertainment and of course convivial company, what more could one ask.

The organisation by Ken Turner and the rest of the district team was flawless, even to the point of having the best weather of the month delivered for the event. As this is one of the few opportunities for members of Shaw and Middleton lodges to enjoy each others company on a large scale it was good to see both buildings represented, there were more Middleton Masons present but I’m sure when the good report gets back to Shaw future events will be more balanced.

The afternoon started with the Barbeque cooked and served by members of the district team which was universally well received, Charles Ward wore a rather fetching pink outfit which everyone commented on and David Whittingham never missed the plate when serving the chicken, it was pointed out that a plate is a lot bigger than golf hole, which he misses quite often but we will not be so churlish as to dwell on this. The selection of desserts was enough to wreak the diets of all but the strongest willed and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth as the Strawberry Gateaux was reluctantly consumed, it was even worse when they went back to try the chocolate.

It was then time for the entertainment to start. In keeping with the intention of raising money for local charities we were to be entertained by a local choir and band.

The first session from the band was held in the garden and although there was a little, watery, evening sun it was ‘a bit parky’ still this being Oldham district and we being hardy folk most people sat in the garden enjoying the ‘summer’ and the band. The Lancashire Fusiliers band played a wide and varied selection of music. They had several instruments which you wouldn’t expect to find in a brass band including a piccolo and clarinet that gave a much mellower sound than usually associated with a brass band.

The music then moved indoors and the Choir gave their first performance. The choir’s membership was gathered from an amateur operatic society in Higher Crompton but they had stopped all that messing about on the stage and instead concentrated on singing. We were again royally entertained with songs from the shows performed as full choir sprinkled with solo performances.

Next it was the bands turn again they too had moved inside because, as they said it’s hard to play a flute with cold fingers. Another fantastic programme of music followed including songs from Abba and light classics finished off with a rousing rendition of the regimental march ‘The British Grenadiers’

It was then up to the choir to provide a fitting finale, which they most assuredly did. Again there were some excellent soloists and selections by the whole choir, the excepts from West Side Story were particularly memorable When the ladies sang ‘I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair’ it was hard to see how the men could match them but they came back with ‘There is nothing like a Dame’ and everybody was happy. Persuaded to do an encore they reprised ‘The Bear Necessities’ with much audience participation which added a lot to the enjoyment but little to the sound quality.

It only remained for Ken to thank everyone and announce that about £1200 had been raised. He handed the mike the district chairman Philip Price who inspired and pleased us all by not singing, instead a few well chosen words sent us home under a clear blue summer evening sky humming and happy.

The first, the fourth and the last

This is the remarkable series of events which took place at the Richmond Lodge No 1011 Installation meeting which took place on the 17th June at the Middleton Masonic Rooms. The ‘first’ concerned W Bro Eric Kirkbride who recently elevated to The Grand Lodge was asked to represent the Provincial Grand Master at the Richmond Lodge Installation. This was Eric’s first time acting as the PGM’s representative, and in his capacity as the chairman of the Rochdale he asked the district team would they like to accompany him on this auspicious occasion. And indeed 5 of the team were present.
Richmond lodge is an old established lodge but small in numbers and there were another group of visitors from Salford and West Yorkshire.

The installation took place and the newly installed Master, W Bro M Carr had taken the chair of King Solomon for the ‘fourth time, this must be a record.

At the social board the fellowship was a joy to behold, excellent food was combined with excellent company, the toasts to the Queen, the Grand Master, the Pro Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers were proposed and honoured.
The next toast, which on this occasion would be remembered by all present, was to The Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire W Bro Paul E Rink. The Senior Warden proposed the toast for the very ‘last’ time in the province as the PGM retired from office at midnight. W Bro John Whitworth, from West Salford Lodge No 3867 sang the Masters song unaccompanied, his rich melodious voice filling the room with emotion. Another first was the reply to the visitor’s toast given on this occasion by W Bro Ken Rowlett who is an acting Provincial Grand Steward.

The evening ended with everyone looking forward the Installation of the new Provincial Grand Master that was to take place the following day in Blackburn.

Pictured from L to R; W Bro John Whitworth, WM, W Bro M Carr, W Bro Eric J Kirkbride, Representative of the PGM
W Bro Philip J Price, Oldham District Chairman

WBro Leslie Auger celebrates 50 years in freemasonry

On the 19th March at the Middleton Masonic Hall WBro Harold Woodward APGM took the Chair of Arthur Sullivan Lodge No 2156 to present WBro Leslie Auger a certificate to celebrate 50 years in freemasonry. During the ceremony the lodge secretary read the minutes on what happen the day that Leslie Auger was admitted into freemasonry. WBro Philip Price (District Chairman) stood and related what was in the news and sports events that took place in February 1958.

Members of the Manchester United Football team were injured and killed in a plane crash.
Washington: Howard Eisenhower was on the way to recovery after his operation.
Mick Howarth became formula 1 champion.
General Charles de Gaulle was elected president of France.
First Parking meter was introduced in London.
The first yellow line was painted in London.
Hover Craft became new form of transport.
Leslie Auger was initiated into freemasonry by WBro Eric Bowler PProvGStwd on the 19th March 1958 with 43 members and 5 visitors present.

WBro Thomas J.B Whiteley PProvJGW then gave an in-depth history of Leslie Auger’s life.

“Leslie was born in Sheffield on the 2nd March 1925 into a large family of six brothers and one sister; sadly he is the only survivor. Everyone in his family was musical and singing was encouraged making it a home full of melody as was the case in most homes before the advent of television. Leslie attend school and ended up at grammar school at the age of twelve and left at the age of fourteen to take his first job as a laboratory assistant in the fuel technology department of Sheffield University. At the age of sixteen he found employment in the rating department of the Town Hall and found many work colleagues with the same musical interest as himself and in fact one was an ex opera singer who helped Leslie in his voice production and so he began to consider music seriously.
After service in the RAF as a wireless mechanic stationed at a lonely, boring, transmitting post in the Persian Gulf he resumed his duties at the rating office. Then a vacancy occurred at Sheffield Cathedral as a base soloist, he applied for the position and sang there for four and half years. During this time he gained recognition and moved to Manchester Cathedral a more prestigious position, however, he fell on poor times until his Cathedral salary arrived.
His brother persuaded him to put his finances on more firm footing and took up a place at Didsbury Teacher Training Collage and after teaching for ten years he decided to call it a day.
When he was initiated into free masonry 19th March in 1958, soon afterwards began his considerable contribution to Masonic Music, being for many years a member of the East Lancashire Masonic Quartet.
In 1971 he was installed into the chair as master of the lodge whereby he carried out his duties in his own inimitable way”. His musical talent was noticed by many and when asked to perform at social boards, Ladies Evening etc. he gave his services free. As well as his singing talent he also found time to be an extra in such soaps as Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
In 1980 he married for the second time a wonderful young lady named, coincidently Lesley and was known in the lodge as Mrs Leslie.

After the address by WBro Thomas J.B Whiteley, WBro Harold Woodward presented him with the Certificate and letter sent by the Provincial Grand Master WBro James Ernest Rink.
After the presentation WBro Leslie Auger spoke of many aspects of his life and thank his wife for all the support she had given him over the years.

This photos shows WBro Leonard Samuels, WBro Leslie Auger and WBro H Woodward, APGM.

WBro Leslie Auger accompanied WBro Harold Woodward APGM and the district team to an early retirement to the social board and photographs were taken.


WM of Tongue Hall Lodge, WBro Leonard Samuels, WBro Leslie Auger and WBro H Woodward APGM	WBro Leslie Auger PProDepGSwdB & District Team

Imperial Lodge No 5609 Warrant Surrender - 14 March 2008

The lodge was originally consecrated on the 23rd March 1936 some 72 years ago. Since that date many Brethren have taken on the responsibility of Worshipful Masters of the lodge creating many evenings of ceremonies, lectures resulting in hours of friendship and Masonic fellowship.
As we all know each Master makes a promise to administer the lodge to the best of his skill and ability, and ensure that the lodge’s warrant issued by ”The United Grand Lodge of England” is kept in good order and passed to his successor.
However, over the years all lodge memberships rise and fall and it is with sorrow that Imperial Lodge’s membership has fallen to a number that it is unable to sustain a working lodge.

True the Worshipful Masters promise, WBro Paul Murphy was unable to pass the Lodge and its Warrant onto a successor and had no option but to return the Warrant to ”The Provincial Grand Lodge of England” representative.
WBro Harold Woodward PPSGD, APGM was in attendance when the lodge was closed with great dignity and ceremony and received the Warrant on behalf of UGLE.

WBro Reginald James Vernon's 50th

On the 6th March at the Middleton Masonic Hall WBro Harold Woodward APGM took the Chair of Langley Lodge and presented to WBro Reginald James Vernon a certificate to celebrate 50years in freemasonry. During the ceremony the lodge secretary read the minutes on what happen the day that Reg. Vernon was admitted into freemasonry. WBro Philip Price (District Chairman) stood and related what was in the news and sports events that took place in February 1958.

Provincial and District Officers (WBro Martin Roche ProvDepGrandDC, WBro Reginald James Vernon PPGS Bearer,
WBro Harold Woodward PSGD APGM and WBro Philip Price PPJGW.

Bro Bob Holder then gave an in-depth history of Reg. Vernon’s life.

“Reg. was born in Exeter in 1924 into a family of seven brothers and sisters. He attended the local John Stocker Secondary Modern School, leaving at the age of fourteen to find employment in a variety of office jobs.
At the outbreak of war Reg joined the A.T.C. where he rose to the rank of Flight Sergeant – an early reflection of his abilities. The Officers of the A.T.C. were largely drawn from the teaching staff of the local Technical School and Reg was quick to seize the opportunity to further his education and soon volunteered to join the R.A.F. under the P.N.B. scheme namely the Pilot, Navigator, Bomb-aimer scheme and was dispatched to Pembroke College Cambridge for initial training. Later he went on to Marshall's Flying School where he was taught to fly a Tiger Moth biplane and was allowed to fly solo after only six hours tuition! After submitting to aptitude tests in London, Reg was selected to be trained as a navigator- a most responsible position- here was the guy who had to get you there and then bring you back again, often using a sextant and the stars and a lot of head-scratching.

Reg was then posted to a transit camp at Heaton Park where he had to kick his heels for six months whilst waiting for a ship to Canada where he successfully qualified as a navigator. The top third of the course were awarded a Royal Commission, the rest were promoted to Sergeant. Reg, having earned a position in the top third, emerged as Flying Officer Vernon.

The Canadian Training course was so extensive that, by the time it was completed, the European conflict had ended, and as he was preparing to go to the Far East, the atom bomb was dropped so ending hostilities. So all of Reg's war effort was to become, as he likes to call it, "Just a Cook's tour." Nevertheless he enjoyed every minute of it.

Reg went on to complete his education at Grimes Tutorial College in Manchester were he obtain his School Certificate which gained his entry into Teacher Training College at Chester where ex-service men were taught gratis and even given a small grant for living expenses so that as a married man like Reg he had to watch the coppers. Reg's first teaching post was at a school in Oldham and it took him some time to understand the local dialect. As the years passed Reg. took up many positions in teaching.

Reg was first encouraged to join the Masonic fraternity by his father-in-law who was a Provincial Officer in a Cheshire Lodge and, after waiting five years, was initiated into Langley Lodge by none other than my Father on 6th March 1958. It took Reg seventeen years finally to ascend to the Chair of King Solomon during which time he had occupied every office on the floor of the Lodge. Following his year as Immediate Past Master Reg was continually in office and became the first Charity Steward of the Lodge, then Assuistant D.C. and subsequently D.C. Later serving as Chaplain, Almoner and Auditor. He has seldom been out of office and was the first member of Langley Lodge to occupy the chair for a second time. He was promoted to Past Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendent of works and later elevated to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer”

The Lodge was closed and all where invited to the social board. The presentation at the Social Board of the tie & 50th Badge from Imperial George Lodge No: 78 were by W. Bro. Eric Chisholm P.Prov.SGW.
The most senior Brother present that evening and who remembered many of the goings on as recorded in the minutes was WBro. Arthur Pierce P.Prov. JGW; he celebrates his personal 60th in about 18months!


Reginald Vernon with his certificate and Harold Woodward	Harold Woodward and Reginald Vernon

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