Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

News from Rochdale District

Rochdale Springhill Hospice Sensory Garden Update - 30/4/08

Rochdale Freemasons Deliver

TARGET REACHED for the Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home

In 2007, Freemasons in the Rochdale District gave a promise to the then Mayor of Rochdale that we would support his nominated Charity. The recipient would be the Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home where there was a need to provide a new hot water system for the children to enjoy a hot shower at the end of each day. The Mayor, Peter Evans is a member of Royds Lodge No 816.

Our District Charity Steward David Greenhalgh agreed to be the Mayor’s Fund Raising Organiser and many functions involving the Rochdale Freemasons took place in the year.

At a presentation evening on November 6th 2008 cheques totalling £41,000
were passed to The Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home

Freemasonry donations were from Royds Lodge, No. 816 who gave £1500, Liberty Lodge. No. 5573 who gave £750, The Rochdale District Social Committee who gave £2050, and the Mayor's Fund, in which the Rochdale District Freemasons have been heavily involved, gave £29,000!!!

In his response Bro Peter Evans said that he would always remember and cherish the work put in to his year by the Freemasons of the Rochdale District.The District are pleased to acknowledge other donations to Home which came from The Round Table £4250 and Style Magazine £3500.

This is a tremendous achievement and congratulations are due to the Freemasons of the Rochdale District and the brethren of Royds Lodge 816 who meet in Todmorden.

Rochdale District Charity Steward, WBro. DL Greenhalgh, and the Rochdale District Chairman,
WBro. EJ Kirkbride, present cheques to the Chair of the Rochdale Childrens' Moorland Home

Tyler Does 50 Years!

A remarkable achievement indeed but not quite what you might think.The Lodge of Benevolence celebrated WBro Arthur T Tyler’s 50 years membership of the Craft on Tuesday 28th October 2008.
Living in Berkshire proved no obstacle for this sprightly mason who came to enjoy an evening of Masonic fellowship in the presence of our APGM, Harold Woodward, and the Rochdale District team - including Provincial Officers of the Year.
Our District Chairman engaged the brethren by setting the scene of the year 1958. Bro Jack Hallam read the Lodge minutes of the Initiation meeting and WBro Lionel Taylor gave a glowing tribute to the birthday boy, both to the delight of all present.
The Festive board was a jolly affair, impeccably directed by WBro Martin Roche ProvDepGDC. In a special moment, the Brethren from Charity Lodge, No. 3342, dining in the adjoining room, came in to toast WBro Tyler. WBro Jeffrey Rhodes had the pleasure of proposing the toast to Arthur and making a presentation from the Brethren of the Lodge.

A memorable evening for a special Brother!

APGM presenting Arthur with certificate recording his 50 years in the Craft

The APGM with WBro Arthur T Tyler, the 'acting' Provincial Officers and members of the District Team

Rochdale Chairman has a secret admirer

I never cease to be amazed that people think of us as special.
Are we Heck!

That said I received an unsolicited telephone call on Tuesday evening just as I was about to leave for the Albert Chapter meeting. The phone caller said she was called Jenny and that we had won a competition.

I thought I will listen but be prepared to put the phone down on a scam caller.

Jenny knew far too much about me, and I don’t mean date of birth etc.etc. Imagine the surprise to be told that we had been nominated for the competition and the prize was Chocolate, a really big hamper full. It was no scam and on collection Jenny said that she had in that short conversation, felt that she had always known us, and knew far more about us that we could imagine.

Eric J Kirkbride

Any Diet has now been abandoned

By heck Barbara luv, what we go’in to do wi all these chocolate goodies

The Rochdale District Hosted Meeting - Wednesday 8th October 2008

This years meeting was hosted by Hope Lodge No 54, which was consecrated in 1814 and one of the older lodge in Rochdale. Each lodge in the Rochdale District was represented and there were almost 100 brethren in the lodge room.

The lodge was opened in due form and after the minutes had been read and approved, the APGM for the district W Bro Harold Woodward accompanied by the District APGP, the Rochdale District Chairman, the Acting Provincial Officers and the District Team were received.

The Master of Hope Lodge W Bro Graham Adamson offered the gavel to the APGM who on this occasion accepted.

The APGM made a short address and then introduced the members of his delegation.

The APGM WBro Harold Woodward with the Acting Provincial Officers and the District Team

The next item of business was to receive a presentation by W Bro Martin Roche a Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies who was assisted by junior brethren from Rochdale lodges and was entitled

‘A dialogue between Simon a town mason, and Philip a travelling mason’
a presentation of a Masonic Catechism from around the year 1740.

The junior brethren taking part in the presentation were - Bros David Duxbury, Mark Brazil, David Ashworth, Matthew Wood and Christopher Hajikakou, they then proceeded to set up the room and after taking their places the Lodge room lights were extinguished and the presentation was delivered by candlelight. The whole of the brethren present were then transported back to the year 1740.

This being an inaugural presentation it was enthusiastically received by the brethren and followed by spontaneous rapturous applause.

The APGM then called off the lodge whilst a photograph of the brethren was taken.
The APGM, his delegation and the cast of the presentation then retired before the lodge was closed in due form.
The festive board took the form of round tables with members of the delegation spread around the brethren. The meal was, as always in Rochdale delightful and the chef Martin was congratulated on his culinary skills, and his team for their superb service


W Bro Martin Roche Prov Dep GDC with the five junior brethren	After the Festive Board the APGM addressed the assembled brethren

Another fantastic and memorable night of Masonic delight in Rochdale

Saturday 27th September 2008 - The Rochdale District Committee and the Springhill Hospice proudly presented the 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner of the Rochdale Springhill Hospice at the Rochdale Town Hall

The event was hosted by Dame Mary Peters DBE, the patron of the Rochdale Hospice

Many Freemasons and partners from Rochdale Lodges headed by our APGM ,W Bro Harold Woodward, and including the East Lancashire Provincial Charity Steward W Bro David Geldard, the Rochdale District Chairman W Bro Eric Kirkbide,and the Rochdale District Charity Steward and Communications Officer attended the 20 th Anniversary Celebration Dinner and enjoyed a pleasant meal in the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall in the Rochdale Town Hall.

The normal venue of the Rochdale Masonic Buildings was forsaken for a larger venue namely the Rochdale Town Hall where the number of guests who attended was in the region of 300.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the ever-delightful Norman Prince who could raise a laugh even if you were marooned at the North Pole.

Dame Mary Peters DBE (pictured left) then enchanted the audience with reminiscences of her many Olympic games she has attended, firstly as a competitor where she gained a coveted Gold medal and continued as a TV presenter.

Items of memorabilia were then auctioned to boost the monies raised by the raffle for the Springhill Hospice. We were then entertained by top TV, Radio and after dinner comedian Martin Gold who had the guests in tears.

To bring the evening to a close, the hospice chief executive Christine Webb thanked all the sponsors and guests without whom the evening could not have taken place.

The guests then made there way home to the accompaniment of the Rochdale Town Hall clock striking midnight with not a glass slipper anywhere to be seen

Another example of Freemasons supporting the Community

Rochdale Lodge No 6721 its members and their guests have gone to the dogs!!

No, not an unplanned catastrophe but a very well organised trip on Friday 12th September to the Greyhound race course at Belle Vue Manchester. The Junior Warden Bro Ken Greer organised the trip and 55 people attended.
The Manchester Suite was ours for the evening and 13 races for all to enjoy.
The atmosphere was really good and many smiling faces as the bets on the races produced many winners.

On the left is shown our Communications Officer throwing his ripped up race ticket in the air, so I suppose he didn’t win!
We had a birthday boy present Brother Simon Rogers and a cake illuminated by many candles gave him a surprise as shown in the picture on the right.

Here we have the ‘punters’ enjoying the night. The evening concluded with a raffle at which were some super prizes.

The Raffle raised £223 for the Charity Box.

I am sure that the Worshipful Master, Bro Dennis Buckley, will remember this night out at the dogs as a special night in his masonic year.

The Lodge of Friendship No 277 - second Summer Lunch
Sunday 31st August at the Old Golf House in Huddersfield

The theme this year was the "steeplechase", & all attendees had been warned that they would need full pockets when arriving & empty ones when leaving.

After an excellent lunch the "Steeplechase" commentary was given by WBro Roger Fielding, IPM, and the race was won by WBro Derek Cheetham, with the second place going to Mrs Trish Hall.

A raffle was also held and those winning 3 prizes were fined for their audacity! Over £800 was raised on the day, this included generous donations from members & friends who were unable to attend.

The Friendship Steeplechase 2008

(Race Commentary by the IPM W Bro Roger Fielding)

An ante post field of 130. 128 ran.

Master’s round – well that was never going to be a goer and predictably Network Rail also failed to run.
From the off Terri’s Trolleys took a commanding lead of the field and looked unshakeable. Strike up the Band and Willheorwonthe were in strong pursuit as these three broke away from the field.
They came to the first…and predictably it was all over for Terri’s trolleys … yes Terri’s trolleys fell at the first fence. Turning into the straight Strike up the Band was challenged by Satnav who saw a way through the field, Gin and Tonic who had looked out of spirits at the start of the race tried to break loose but Tarmacadam was in the road, and Curtain Ties looked like he was being held back by his rider.

And so to the second Fence. Final Curtain was brought down and Support tights pulled up. The field broke free again with Siamese Fillies now in the lead – in fact they were neck and neck.
Myopic DC was straining to see if there was a way thru the field, in fact he was just straining to see the field.

At the Third Fence – it was the much feared Chair. Would The Master make it through the chair? Yes they were all over, except Virgin Explorer – she refused. Along the back straight Debutant was enjoying a first time out. Tony’s diet was battling with Ann’s dinners. Floral Display was running a good race but was clearly wilting.

Oxo Cube was going well and taking stock of the field but he was being challenged by Gravylikemothermade. Scarecrow was in the middle of the field. Swan vestas and Bryant and May were well matched. London 2012 had a lot to do to catch Beijing Olympics.

A riderless Terri’s Trolleys was interfering with the runners…. I had a feeling we hadn’t seen the last of Terri’s trolleys. Victorian Corset was going well but could it stay the course.

In the final straight The Master led from Siamese Fillies, November Weekend and Navel Orange.

Navel Orange and Siamese Fillies weekend overtook The Master and struck out for the finish – it was neck and neck – too close to call but in the final yards Navel Orange was pipped at the post by Siamese Fillies.


The punters lead by Alan Barlow, Rochdale District secretary	Race Commentary by the IPM W Bro Roger Fielding

The WM's wife Terry Boden (left) with the second prize winner, Mrs Trish Hal	The First Prize

Golden wedding celebration of Trevor and Edith Ripley

Saturday 30th August 1958 was the wedding day of WBro Trevor and Edith Ripley, and so it was that their Golden wedding day was celebrated on Saturday 30th August 2008 at The Masonic Hall Richard St Rochdale. Trevor is a past master of Unity Lodge1868 at Oldham and is presently an esteemed member of Liberty Lodge 5573 here at Rochdale.
The party was provided with excellent music by David Townend and Martin Williams and the dancing led by Richard Wilson
Bro John Ashworth, a long standing friend, give a marvellous résumé of their lives together raising many amusing anecdotes, which were appreciated by the 101 guests present.
Trevor as an accomplished high profile footballer, Edith by his side as he played for Bradford Park Ave FC
Trevor and Edith are involved in Rochdale Riding Club,
(Trevor being Chairman) their love of horses coming from them encouraging daughter Janet in her early years to ride.
Many friends from the Riding Club were present at this celebration and the affection for this marvellous couple was very evident.
In winding up his tribute John Ashworth hit the nail on the head when he said of Trevor and Edith
“It’s nice to be important ..but. it’s important to be nice, and you both are.”
It was a real privelige to be a guest at this occasion and all present wish Trevor and Edith many more years of happiness together.

The Rochdale Lodge No 6721 – 12th Beefburger Bash

Who would have guessed that what began 12 years ago in 1996 as a ‘one off' would have been repeated every year. And how things have changed, the majority of lodge members who attended the first Bar BQ were present at the 12th, many now invite guests and there is now a growing number of children, including grandchildren.

The weather plays an important role on the day and this year although warm we were lucky that it remained dry but overcast with occasional sunshine throughout the day. Over the years the weather has ranged from brilliant sunshine to wet and windy. Some years ago we introduced the good old ‘gazebo' to either protect us from the sun or keep us dry.

The ‘younger' brethren arrive on the previous day to erect the gazebos and it always causes a great amount of hilarity when it comes to finding the right combinations of poles for the frames. Cars are parked in the field but this year the cows that normally graze the field were absent and the field was not cut until the Friday before the Bar BQ. The gazebo erectors got a bit of a surprise this year when they were handed pitch forks and rakes to clear a large amount of cut grass to make way for the parking area.

The Bar BQ is a great time for ‘catching up' with what's been going on throughout the year with lodge members and guests in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and no lodge event would be complete without a raffle to raise monies for charity.

This year the event raised a record amount of £433 which will be distributed to various charities at the Installation Meeting in February.

Our Brother the ex Mayor of Rochdale

Members of Rochdale Round Table and some of their supporters organised an Abseiling event on Sunday 6th July at the Rochdale Town hall. Many brave souls faced the 150ft drop from the clock face to the ground of the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall tower to raise vital funds for charities.

One of the brave and more unusual entrants was last year's Mayor and a brother , Councillor Peter Evans who is a member of Royds' Lodge No 816 who meet in Todmorden. His aim, to raise even more money for his chosen charity in his year as Mayor of Rochdale

Councillor Evans said: "As a pensioner nearing my 69th Birthday this was an achievement that many expected me not to do. It was made easy by the excellent mountain rescue team and the locally designed equipment. This equipment has world-wide acclaim and after Sunday I know why.

Peter's chosen charity, The Rochdale Moorland Children's Home has raised to date the magnificent total of £29,000

Freemasons in the community

Almoners Visit To Hewlett Court

On Tuesday 17th June the Rochdale District Lodge and Chapter Almoners’ paid a most interesting and memorable visit to Hewlett Court at Holcombe Brook to see the facilities and services of this wonderful facility we have on our door step.

On arrival at Hewlett Court we were met by WBro Philip Crumbleholme the residential superintendent who, in turn, introduced us to some of the residents who had volunteered to take us in small groups for conducted tours of the premises. All Almoners were very impressed with the facilities and standards of the Home to the extent that some were even considering putting their own names on the waiting list to move in themselves!

After the tour we congregated in the Lounge where tea, coffee and biscuits were provided. Philip, in conjunction with WBro Peter Moots, then gave us a very informative overview of the Hewlett Court operation, the qualifying criteria for residency, the programme of activities that are arranged for the residents, etc. This prompted a whole series of questions from our Almoners which were dealt with most professionally by our hosts.

The visit was a tremendous success and has now equipped all our Almoners with first hand and up-to-date information regarding Hewlett Court. Should you know of someone who you think may be able to take advantage of this wonderful set-up then do not hesitate to speak to your Almoner in total confidence.


WBros Ronnie Taylor, David Acton and Bill Pattinson	Bro George Caygill and WBro David Ireson

WBros Barry Birch, Peter Moots (Secretary – Hewlett Court) and EComp Frank Healey	EComp Harold Hilton, WBros James Marsh, James Gartside, David Geldard and Laurence Corkin

WBros James Gartside, David Geldard and James Marsh	W Bro John Cook and Mrs Margaret Taylor Hewlett Court residents

left to right: EComp Frank Healey – Rochdale Chapter of 1st Principals No 9211, EComp Harold Hilton – Probity & Freedom Chapter No 367, WBro James Gartside – Keytone Lodge No 363 & Chapter of Hope No 54, WBro Philip Crumbleholme – Superintendent – Hewlett Court, WBro Bill Pattinson – The Lodge of Benevolence No 226, WBro James Marsh – The Lodge of Friendship No 277, WBro David Geldard – Liberty Lodge No 5573, WBro Peter Moots – Secretary – Hewlett Court, WBro Barry Birch – The Lodge of Napthali No 266 & The Chapter of Napthali No 266, Bro George Caygill – St Chad’s Lodge No 1129 & Unity Chapter No 298, WBro David Ireson – St Luke’s with Old Masonians Lodge No 4294, WBro Ronnie Taylor – St Martin’s Lodge No 2320, WBro David Acton – The Rochdale Lodge No 6721, WBro Laurence Corkin – Charity Lodge No 3342 and WBro Peter Hewitt – Rochdale District Deputy Chairman.

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

Charity Giving Night - Friendship Lodge No 277

Friendship Lodge No 277 had been consecrated in September in 1789 and was the oldest lodge in Oldham, the lodge moved to Rochdale in 2004 when the Oldham Masonic Buildings closed.
In April 2006 they amalgamated with Tudor Lodge 467 and Hollingworth Lodge No 2702 retaining the name of Friendship Lodge No 277. The WM was RW Peter Walthall PProvGM.
After the sale of the Oldham Masonic Buildings the lodges and chapters received a share of the proceeds. Friendship Lodge No 277 distributed the ‘windfall’ to various charities and organisations at their regular lodge meeting on the 14th May.
It had been previously decided that the Social Board would be an ‘Open Board’ and wives and partners would be invited to join the representatives of the various charities that would be receiving the cheques allocated at the last meeting.
A buffet meal was served and the Worshipful Master W Bro Dr.M G Boden presented cheques to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Rochdale Springhill Hospice, Riding for the Disabled and Frances House Children’s Hospice.
Jumbulace who are based in St Albans were unable to attend and the treasurer sent a cheque by post.
All the recipients had open days planned throughout the year and they invited all the brethren to attend.
Friendship Lodge No 277 have also purchased shares in the Rochdale Masonic Buildings to show their commitment.
The Lodge have also retained a certain amount which has been earmarked for the East Lancashire Masonic Charity.


Riding for the disabled	Frances House Childrens’s Hospice

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice	The Rochdale Springhill Hospice

The Worshipful Master W Bro Dr M.G.Boden presenting cheques to the representatives

Rochdale Lodge 6721 goes hunting for treasure

W Bro Brian Taylor and W Bro Brian Wilson (the two Brian’s} organised a Treasure Hunt on Sunday 18th May. Starting at Richard Street at 1pm there were 10 cars and crews who accepted the challenge. The first leg, to Bacup had couple of teams confused. They arrived at the car park before the marshalls who had the next set of clues.
Leg 2 - from Bacup to the Tesco car park in Edenfield must have been easy judging by the high scores on the answer sheets.
Leg 3 - from Edenfield to Ramsbottom finished at the East Lancs Railway station.
Leg 5 - Saw the return to Edenfield, but this time finishing in the ASDA car park. However, the car park having two levels caused more confusuion but everyone eventually ended up in the top car park where the marshals was waiting.
The final leg, 5 headed north thro Crawshwbooth & Dunockshaw before heading west towards Accrington.
The final destination was the Whittakers Arms on the outskirts of the town, where all enjoyed a delicious carvery or bar meal.

Once the results had been collated the WM (who did not win) announced the scores. The winning team was W Bro’s Clive Burgess and Jim Belfield and their wives who scooped the first prize of Cinema vouchers.
The 2nd and 3rd Prizes along with the booby prize were then presented.
The sum of £70 raised from the entrance fees for the event was then donated to the Lodge Charity Account to be disbursed at a later date.

Rochdale Lodge No 6721 visits Manchester Cathedral

Rochdale Lodge holds a ‘picnic’ every year, which is organised by the WM and his lady. Over the years there have been many memorable ‘picnics’ ranging from Canal boat trips with an onboard meal to a tour round Bridge Street followed by a meal, and a tour of Rochdale Town Hall followed by a meal in the ‘Exchange’.
This year the WM and his wife Dot arranged for a guided tour of Manchester Cathedral followed by a meal in the Mitre Hotel, which is adjacent to the cathedral.
36 Brethren, wives and friends met outside the cathedral at 7.30pm on Tuesday the 13th May, on a gloriously pleasant, sunny warm and evening.
The cathedral guide for the evening was Mavis Redshaw
who’s knowledge of the building was amazing, she led everyone around the building explaining all the hidden gems and mysteries.
The original building was started in the 15th century when Manchester was little more than a poor village; it did not become a cathedral until 1847.
Whilst the main party continued on the tour a small contingent opted to climb the tower to observe the magnificent views afforded of Manchester and the surrounding areas.
Michael Scott one of the cathedral vergers prepared the explorers for the journey, the do’s and don’ts for the expedition.
The method of ascending the tower is by a circular stairway, which is only about two feet wide with steep steps. The first stop was the bell ringing room some thirty feet above the ground, then upward and onwards to see the actual bells before the final assault on to the roof.
Once on the roof and up the final steps to the flagpole platform the views are spectacular, and as an added bonus we could see and hear all the fans assembling for the Rangers/Russia EUFA Cup Final match the following day.
A donation from the lodge was given to the cathedral before a final photograph of all-present was taken in the nave.
After leaving the cathedral we walked across Cathedral Yard to the Mitre Hotel for a well-deserved meal.
After the meal the WM, Dennis Buckley said a few words and we all dispersed in different directions for a safe and secure journey home.

The cathedral is well worth a visit if you have never been, in the visitors guide there is a invitation from the dean to ‘Come in and take a walk around’,


The WM and his wife at the summit of the climb	The group photographed in the nave

A Lodge of Harmony 298 Hat trick

The Lodge of Harmony was consecrated in 1793, and for the first time in its long life is proud to say that it has not one, not two, but THREE live Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England in its membership and all three were initiated into Freemasonry in The Lodge of Harmony 298.

The picture shows (left to right) the three brethren
W.Bro Kenneth S Halstead PAGDC and W.Bro. Eric J Kirkbride PAGDC. W.Bro Donald A Spencer PJGD.

The picture was taken on Wednesday 7th May 2008 just before Eric who is the Rochdale District chairman was received with rapturous applause and then saluted by the brethren and visitors in the Lodge Room at Richard St Rochdale.

May they have many happy times to continue sharing this unique Craft Lodge moment.

A Grand Day Out

Two of our Rochdale Brethren were appointed to Grand Rank at the Annual Investiture Meeting of The United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England, held at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London
On Wednesday 30th April 2008.
W.Bro Eric J Kirkbride and W.Bro Peter RB Messum were invested to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies by
The Grand Master His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, KG GCMG GCVO ADC.
The Grand Temple was full with many brethren standing, and was a spectacle which will be forever imprinted on our minds.
Both our Brethren were supported by the Rochdale District Team and the photograph shows them in front of the Grand Master's Chair

The East Lancashire Brethren then attended a Banquet at The Carlton Club in St James' London, and in opulent surroundings enjoyed great fellowship together.
Our Provincial Grand Master proposed the toast to the newly honoured brethren and our District Chairman had the honour of replying, on behalf of all the recipients.

Indeed A GRAND DAY OUT.

God for England, Elizabeth and St George

On Friday 18th April 2008 Liberty Lodge No 5573 celebrated St George's night in fine style in the Rochdale Masonic Buildings, and the large Ballroom was a blaze of red and white colours.

The Guest of Honour was Lt Col.Eric Davidson,Chairman of the Lancashire Fusiliers Association, accompanied by our District Chairman Eric J Kirkbride and his wife Barbara. The evening started by all the guests being welcomed with a Champagne Reception and when all were seated the Flag of St George was paraded in with due Ceremonial.

The Roast Beef of England was duly paraded into the room and cut by our top chef Mr Martin Lewis and the Lt.Col.and District Chairman were asked to taste it. It was declared delicious and ready to be served to all present.

Also in attendance were the United Co-op Milnrow Band who entertained us throughout the meal After the meal the singing of Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory amidst banner waving was sung with such fervour as to cause a sore throat!

A raffle with a £100 cash prize followed and a Heads/Tails game for two super wrist watches took place. Then came the entertainer comedian Barry York who had us all in stitches! Finally the Auction, and with so many wonderful prizes £2700 was raised, to be dedicated to the District Charity Fund which as you know is going directly to the Mayor of Rochdale's Charity The Rochdale Children's Moorland Home.

In a surprise moment and after attending another engagement, The Mayor and Mayoress arrived to support Liberty 5573. He went on to thank all present and the Freemasons of Liberty Lodge for their support. Great credit for a wonderful evening must go to the organising members W.Bros. Harry Bell ( the compere for the evening, doing a super job) Brothers, Jeff Milner, Victor Blomeley, John Swinden, Geoff Howarth and of course not forgetting the Master Auctioneer W Bro David L Greenhalgh.

Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home

A favourite charity of Rochdale Freemasons, who this year raised the magnificent sum of £6,200, which along with an illuminated certificate was presented to the Mayor at the Mayors Ball. The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Peter Evans is also a freemason. A member of Royds Lodge No 816 in Todmorden, his chosen charity for his year in office was the RCMH.

The Annual General Meeting of the RCMH trustees was held on the 8th April and the Mayor was asked to chair the meeting. This was an ideal opportunity to make the presentation of the certificate, which bore the names of all the benefactors, namely the Lodges and Chapters who donated monies to the appeal. The trustees and staff of the RCMH were overwhelmed at the generosity of the freemasons and the certificate will be displayed in their museum at the home.

The Mayor, Bro Peter Evans, along with our District Charity Steward W Bro David Greenghalgh presenting the certificate to the trustees and staff of the Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home.

Rochdale Fellowship Ladies Evening 2008

In what can only be described as a jewel in Rochdale’s Masonic Crown, Rochdale Fellowship celebrated in style at Richard St. on Friday April 11th 2008.

Over 80 attendees sat down to enjoy a wonderful meal and evening of fellowship in the presence of The Mayor of Rochdale Bro Peter Evans and his wife Helen, our APGM W.Bro Harold Woodward and his wife Phyllis and our District Chairman W.Bro Eric Kirkbride and his wife Barbara, all being greeted and acclaimed by the Chairman of the Fellowship Mrs Margaret Slade, shown here with our APGM.

The Toast to the Fellowship was given by W.Bro Harold Woodward in the absence of W.Bro Bill Ramsey, and the Toast to the ladies was given by W.Bro David Pawson.

In a moving response to the Toast to the Ladies, Miss M Dearden expressed sincere thanks for the inclusiveness she and other single people feel when attending the Rochdale Fellowship.

The artiste was W.Bro Ian Hastie accompanied by W.Bro Eric Kirkbride, and there was a rousing version of “Here’s to the Ladies”. As if this was not enough we were entertained by a duo “A Touch of Class” from Preston.
They were hilarious and our jaws ached with laughing.

The evening was still not over when the District Chairman asked all to stand and toast Bro Alan Brown and his wife Hilda (photo on the right) celebrating this very evening their 53rd Wedding Anniversary.

On the left are pictured the Distinguished guests - the Mayor and Mayoress off Rochdale, our APGM and the Rochdale District Chairman and their wives

In paying tribute to Mrs Margaret Slade and our hard working Secretary Mrs Beryl Crossley we all are of one accord

HERE’S TO OUR NEXT MERRY MEETING

Anglican Freemason celebrates 40yrs in the Ministry

Father Harry Edwards of St Chad’s Lodge 1129 recently completed 40 years service since his Ordination in Birmingham into the Anglican Ministry. Largely retired, if such a proposition is possible for such a gregarious mason, he is currently Chaplain to the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Ann Wingate and he serves as Chaplain to the Showman’s Guild.

Harry’s expertise is in teaching and he taught Science for 20 years, was a Primary School Teacher and latterly a Head Teacher. He served 10 years as Vicar to St Mary’s Parish Church High Crompton Shaw and since retiring he has assisted Father Paul Plumpton at the Parish Church of St James Oldham. Harry served the Province as Deputy Chaplain in 2001. In what must have been a very proud moment he conducted the wedding of his Daughter only two weeks ago.

Congratulations to a worthy Mason

The photograph shows The Mayor of Oldham Councillor Ann Wingate and her Consort Ken, Father Paul Plumpton, Father Harry Edwards, Diane and Councillor David Dunning of Shaw Parish Council

Photograph by kind permission of The Oldham Evening Chronicle

Freemasons support the Mayor of Rochdale

The magnificent Great Hall of Rochdale Town Hall provided a superb setting for the Mayor of Rochdale 's 2008 Ball. Attended by over 200 people representing all parts of the Community and honoured by the presence of distinguished guests from neighbouring Boroughs, the Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Peter Evans and his wife Helen celebrated a memorable year as principal citizens of Rochdale MBC.

To spontaneous applause they were surprised by a presentation from the Freemasons of Rochdale District of a cheque for £6200 which is earmarked for the Mayor's Charity which this year is The Rochdale Children's Moorland Home, a cause dear to the Freemasons of this District over a long period of years.

The photograph shows the Mayor receiving the cheque from the Rochdale District Chairman Eric Kirkbride and other members of the Rochdale District Team Peter G Hewitt, David L Greenhalgh, Alan G Barlow David Garnett .Two other team members were present Antony Brearley and Alex McLaren. In expressing his delight and surprise the Mayor thanked the Freemasons for their gift and support to him in his year of office.

Click here for archived items for January to March 2008

For further details about "Freemasonry in Rochdale" please contact either
Eric J Kirkbride on 014 57 874 192 or Peter G Hewitt on 01706 343400.