Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
News from Rossendale District

Music Night for Bleak Holt

Rossendale District held a Music Night at Ashday Lea Masonic Hall on Friday October 17th 2008.
Organist Lesley Barlow, who gave her time free, performed a recital of popular music to some 35 members and friends which raised £250. Lesley requested that part of the monies raised be presented to her nominated charity Bleak Holt (a Charity which offers shelter and food for stray and neglected animals. The remainder will be distributed to other local charities at our next annual Giving Night.

The photograph shows Lesley presenting a cheque to the representative of her nominated charity Bleak Holt.

£9000 for Theatre Workshop


A grant from the Community Fund of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity to the Maden Community Centre, Bacup, ensured that the Family Theatre Week ran from 18-22 August 2008. It enabled a total of 205 children and their parents to have fun together at Fearns Community Sports College which culminated in a performance on the final day. The event had grown in popularity from last year, when some 140 adults and children took part.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe, who attended on the final day, said it was great to see so many people of various ages having fun together.
The event is advertised by the centre so that anyone can sign up for the week. Families are also encouraged to attend by being referred by Lancashire County Council’s Children’s Integrated Services staff and Health Visitors. Every day from 9.00am – 3.30pm is packed full of activities and people could learn dancing, acting, singing and circus skills, to name but a few.
A party was held at the Maden Centre on October 24th to commemorate a successful Theatre Week. District Chairman, John Farrington, together with Deputy Chairman, Steve Barton, Membership Officer, John Ellis, and District Charity Steward, Dave Law, were given a guided tour of the centre by Sue Hopkinson.
This is the second year that Rossendale District Freemasons have supported this event. It is intended to carry on working closely with the centre in order to identify any key areas were further support may be offered in the near future.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe
 presenting the £9000 cheque to Susan Hopkinson
who co-ordinated the workshop.



Royds Lodge No 816 raise £1,700 for charity including £1,000 for the Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home

Royds Lodge 816 members and friends held a social event and buffet at the Belle Avista near Hollingworth Lake on Friday 20th of June 2008. The evening was a huge success with about 80 in attendance and it raised £1,700 on the night of which £1,000 will be presented to ‘The Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home'. Entertainment was by Laurie Ash (Sinatra tribute) and his band who played all evening.

Whilst the home has Rochdale in its title it almost exclusively looks after families and children from the Rossendale District. Royds Lodge donated £500 recently as part of the Rochdale Mayors Charity which was also to offer support for the home.

The picture shows left to right, Steven Lawlor (Lodge Charity Steward) Brian MacDonald, Kieron Hardman (WMaster) and Aubrey Oldham

New members and their Mentors meet to share their experiences

A lively discussion on the experiences of new members made for an interesting and enjoyable evening on 29 May 2008. Many questions were answered including 1 what should happen on practice nights, 2 for those whose mentors didn't attend finding out who they are, 3 what to do when visiting another lodge and 4 preparing for the next personal ceremony.

 

The next meeting of new members is scheduled for Monday 10 November 2008 at Ashday Lea Rawtenstall when all those present at this meeting will attend and will encourage other new members and their mentors to attend.

8 May 2008 - Abbey Lodge No 2529 Installation Meeting held in the sunshine?

The Installation Meeting of Abbey Lodge No 2529 saw a number of members of the closed Cloisters Lodge No 8623 joining their new Lodge and taking office. Pictured from left to right are Bro Mark Pickup JW, WBro Philip Mountford APGM, WBro Graham Lazells WM, WBro James Sutcliffe APGM, WBro Edward Starr SW and WBro Graeme Wilkinson IPM and Installing Master.

The Installation Banquet was held at the Church Hall at St Mary's RC Church in Sabden in what was exceptional weather. The traditional taking of health of the Worshipful Master and Installing Master proposed by WBro Philip Mountford was held outdoors with the backdrop of Pendle Hill. Pictured below are from left to right WBro Graeme Wilkinson IPM, WBro Philip Mountford APGM and WBRo Graham Lazells WM.

Members of Abbey Lodge No 2529 pictured with WBro Philip Granville Mountford APGM

24/04/08 - Provincial delegation attend Abbey Chapter No 2529 Installation

 

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