News from Salford District

Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

50 Years in Freemasonry for WBro Kenneth E Brookes, PProvGSuptWks

A ‘feast' of masonic fellowship was enjoyed by the brethren of Madrigal Lodge No 5039 on 8 October 2008, when the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Geoffrey Litherland, PAGDC, arrived with a District Delegation and the Provincial Deputy Grand DC, WBro David Bristol, to celebrate 50 years of membership of the Craft for WBro Kenneth Elwyn Brooks,PProvGSuptWks.

The Provincial delegation pictured with WBro Brookes

Ken Brookes is the current Master of Madrigal Lodge and, when he offered the gavel to the AProvGM, it was accepted and returned, Bro Litherland content to conduct the first part of the celebration from the floor, leaving the Master in situ.

Bro Litherland introduced himself. The brethren learned that, prior to being invited to become an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province, Geoff, since 1975, has been active in many masonic Orders (including being Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor). He also has masonic connections going as far back as 1792! The AProvGM then introduced the members of the Delegation including the EComp Trevor Thomas, AProvGPs, the District Chairman WBro Rod Ward, Deputy District Chairman WBro Michael Nicholson and District Secretary WBro Eric Bell and EComp Ken Olive District Officer Royal Arch.


WBro Geoffrey Litherland APGM presents WBro Kenneth Elwyn Brooks with his 50 years certificate		WBro David Bristol ProvDepDC parades WBro Kenneth Elwyn who receives the acclaim of all present

The main event was, of course, to celebrate the tremendous service given to Freemasonry by Bro Brooks. 50 years ago Kenneth was Initiated into St David's Lodge, No. 1147. During that ceremony the working tools of the Degree were presented by one Bro Herbert Raines – the Father-in-Law of our Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro H Alan J Garnett.

Kenneth was raised in 1959 and it is noteworthy that in 1962, he became the 10 th Steward on the Stewards' bench before eventually progressing in line to Master. Kenneth is proud that, during his career, he has served in every Craft and Royal Arch Office (except for Secretary) – 10 years as ADC and 14 years as Treasurer. He joined Madrigal Lodge in 1992. During his masonic life Ken has proposed or seconded 26 new members to either the Craft or Royal Arch. His business life had centred on the newspaper industry although he was active in the RAF during the war years.

Many of those present, reminded by the APGM, reminisced on events in the world at the time of Kenneth's Initiation – in 1958 the first automated “trunk” dialling calls were made, Julie Andrews starred in My Fair Lady, it was the year of the Munich Air Disaster and McMillan visited Kruschev in Russia!

The AProvGM invited the District Chairman to read a congratulatory letter to the ‘Birthday Boy' and present him with a specially framed, illuminated certificate, both from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Jack Price. Bro Brooks was then paraded around the Lodge, to warm and hearty acclaim from the brethren, before everyone retired to the Festive Board and shared a sumptuous dinner together completing a magnificent and convivial night.

Lodge members seated with the APGM and the birthday boy!

Salford District Lady’s Luncheon, 10th September, 2008

Our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Geoffrey Litherland, was the Principal Guest at this annual Salford event, which the District Almoner arranges for the pleasure of the widows of Salford Freemasons and their friends. Geoffrey warmly welcomed the attendees and expressed his delight at being present at such a congenial afternoon. He, in turn, was warmly received by the ladies, many of whom return year after year to enjoy our hospitality.

Friends old and new, supported by some of the Lodge and Chapter Almoners, met in the bar to reminisce and catch up on the latest news. After a light mixed meat salad and lemon torte lunch, Jean Forrester and WBro Ralph Etherington entertained with humour, tales and songs from the musicals. Our gratitude goes to both of them, for rounding off a delightful afternoon in the company of the Ladies.

The Lodges themselves are thanked for the financial support they give to enable this occasion, which encapsulates the affection and care we give to the widows of our departed brethren. Thanks also to the District, who also invite the widows of closed Lodges, some of whom have not yet been taken under the wing of one of our other Lodges or Chapters.

WBro Geoffrey Litherland is seen at the front (centre picture below) enjoying the occasion.

11th - 13th July 2008

The Provincial Grand Master RtW Bro Jack Price and his wife Dorothy are pictured above and below with a number of visitors to the flower festival.

A devastatingly delightful display of floral brilliance and masonic beauty met the hundreds who came to experience the Flower Festival at Hemsley House.

Two years of planning and work by Salford Masons, their Ladies and the Flower Festival Committee, ably chaired by WBro Brian Ince, the District Charity Steward, culminated in a fantastic feast of masonic symbolism and tradition, decorated with magnificent floral tributes all created by Pamela Crabtree, Ketty Day and their large band of flower arrangers.

The Grand Opening was performed by Past Provincial Grand Master RWBro Paul Rink, OBE (who of course was the APGM for Salford for a number of years) and Marlene Rink. Before cutting the ribbon he addressed the welcoming party which included the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth and Sonia, the past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro James Dunsford Hemsley and Sally and the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Malcolm K Worsley (with Norma) and WBro Robert SC Mitchell (with Meg). He thanked the Flower Festival Committee, and especially Jean Forrester, for their contribution. “We have achieved so much in Salford and have come such a long way in the 15 years that I have been involved here, and today Marlene and I know we are amongst good friends”. Finally he thanked the outgoing District Chairman WBro Malcolm Roberts and Lynne and welcomed the incoming Chairman, WBro Christopher Welton and Barbara.

Later in the day, District Secretary (and soon to be Deputy Chairman) WBro Rod Ward and his wife Vivienne Ward, welcomed the Mayor of Salford , Councillor Margaret Ann Morris and the Mayoress, Mrs Anne Walters, to the Hall and conducted her on a tour of the building.

The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price and Dorothy were welcomed to the Festival by our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Geoffrey Litherland. He accompanied them on their tour where they met up with the Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Allan Bennion, and the Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro Alan Garnett, all of whom were with their families.

In excess of 100 spectacular arrangements covered Craft and Royal Arch Masonry in the two Lodge Rooms and further displays depicted additional orders from Royal Ark Mariner to Secret Monitor to Ancient and Accepted Rite and the Knights Templar. Virtually every wall, corner, banister and table was adorned with colour and the attention to detail in each display was exquisite. Many of those viewing the displays, all of which were sponsored and/or dedicated in memorial, were overcome with emotion as the sites, aromas, words, sounds and feelings challenged their senses.

A masonic museum showing artefacts, regalia, ancient papers and certificates and even suits of armour became another highlight of the Festival and many enquirers looking for more information about freemasonry were fulfilled by the Stewards on Duty. Meanwhile, in the next room the Lady Masons colourfully presented their own Order and enjoyed similar inquiries on membership.

The Worsley Suite had been transformed into a 50s style Tea Room and our visitors enjoyed refreshments prepared by Mrs Jean Smithies and her crew - from Soup and Sandwiches to Carrot Cake, Cream Teas and Chocolate Fudge Cake. Live piano music was provided throughout the day by our team of volunteers which included Past District Chairman, WBro Dennis Roscoe. Music was played in every other room in the Hall throughout the Festival, thanks to WBro John Hesketh's radio and sound system.

The Closing Ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Jack Price, who gave immense praise to all those involved in the Festival, including the Committee, the staff of Hemsley House and all of those who came to see what was on offer. He concluded by drawing the raffle prizes, which of course leads on to the next point: Many thousands of pounds have been raised by the Flower Festival, all of which will be used to support local Salford good causes via our own fund, or other needy throughout East Lancashire via the East Lancashire Masonic Charity.

This is the first time in many years that we have thrown our doors wide open to the public and our hope is that we have now placed Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, more firmly on the map. Visitors included Masons and their families, members of the public, Masonic Fellowships and local dwellers or business owners. Over the three days we have promoted the good name of freemasonry, advertised the Hall and the services it has to offer, encouraged people to understand more about what we are and what we do, and above all, given many hundreds of people an experience in our Hall which they will fondly remember for a long time.

See more pictures on the Salford Flower Festival

Photo from the Salford District Giving Night on Friday 18th May 08

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