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The Closure of Hartshead Lodge No 7042

Members of Hartshead Lodge, together with W Bro Stephen Blank APGM and the District Team

Freemasonry expanded enormously just after the war with the result that some Lodges became too big to work efficiently. In some cases this could lead to a newly made Mason having to wait 15 to 20 years before he could go through the Chair.  This happened to the Lodge of Union and it led to seven members of that Lodge seeking to create a new Lodge. After surmounting a number of problems, they still had to decide what to call their new Lodge. In the end, it was W Bro Harry Fox  who pointed out that, since Hartshead Pike was the highest point in Ashton, everyone looked up to Hartshead, and so Hartshead Lodge was born. The Provincial Grand Master, Sir Edward Rhodes, consecrated the Lodge in Albert House on 29th January 1951 in the presence of 137 freemasons. It was the first time in forty years, in the Province of East Lancashire, that a new Lodge had been consecrated outside of Bridge Street.

For more than thirty years, well into the 1980’s, Hartshead Lodge thrived, but then began a slow but steady decline in its fortunes. W Bro Vance Brown was the first Master who had to stay in the Chair for a second year, but thereafter only 12 Master Masons were to move up to Mastership of the Lodge in a period of 28 years, while several Past Masters had to take the Chair for a second or even a third time. More recently Hartshead suffered badly from the sudden death of three key members and its membership declined to the point where the Lodge has been struggling to operate, and then only with the help of visiting friends.

But Hartshead Lodge has a strong and a proud record. In its sixty one years it boasted four Grand Officers among its members, two District Chairmen, one APGP and even a Chairman of the ELMBI. In its time it initiated more than a hundred members into Freemasonry. It has always been responsive to the needs of Charity and has been a leading light in Freemasonry in Ashton.

W Bro Stephen Blank APGM accepts the Warrant of
Hartshead Lodge from W Bro Peter Swain W M

So it was with deep sadness that we met on January 16th, 2012, to return the Warrant of Hartshead Lodge and close it for the last time. Or rather it might have been a sad occasion. W Bro Peter Swain was the first man to be initiated into Hartshead Lodge more than 60 years ago and he sat proudly in the Master’s Chair as the last Master of the Lodge, and he was not going to let anyone be sad, rather he wanted all of us to celebrate what had been.

Our APGM, W Bro Stephen Blank, came to accept the surrender of the warrant and what he said sums up, perfectly, what we should think about the closure of this wonderful Lodge. I shall let W Bro Blank’s words speak for themselves. He said,

“Only the Great Architect can create anything everlasting, nothing that is human or invented by humans lasts forever. This has led us to seek immortality through our inventions, creative activities and our organisations. We suffer birth, life and death with all the joy and sadness they bring and in the same way Lodges are born, live and die. In the first century of United Grand Lodge the average lifespan of a lodge was only 25 years. If you look at it in that context you cannot in any way blame yourselves for the Closure of Hartshead Lodge 7042. Every Lodge has its time!

Think instead of the good this Lodge has achieved, the fellowship and good times brethren have enjoyed during its nearly 61 years. During the ceremony we have heard a letter from the Lodge widows and dependents telling of the support and friendship they have received from this lodge. From your Summons we can read of all the support that Hartshead Lodge has given through being a Patron, Vice Patron and Founder Patron of so many masonic institutions, right up to your being a Patron of the 2015 Festival itself. This, and  much more charitable work which is not recorded on your Summons, is a testament to the good that you have done, and that legacy will live on.

Think of all the great men who have been members of this Lodge, including Peter Swain, who is too modest to include himself among them. Suffice it to say that a man does not achieve the rank of PJGD easily. So I will leave you with your memories. Remember the good times and congratulate yourselves on the good that has been done in the name of Hartshead Lodge no 7042.”

Thank you, Hartshead Lodge Number 7042. Thank you for all that you have been and all the good work that has been done in your name. You will be remembered and you will be missed!

The active members of Hartshead Lodge 7042. W Bros Peter Swain WM, Irwin Nettleship SW, Bill Reeves  JW,
Graham Cooper DC, Kenneth Todhunter Treasurer and Bro Mark Hindle Secretary

SOUTHERN AREA FESTIVAL DINNER ADDRESSED BY THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE RMBI

VWBro Chris Caine PGSwdB and the APGM Stephen Blank PDepGDC

Our APGM, WBro Stephen Blank, organised a Festival Dinner at Stanley House for Lodge and Chapter Festival Reps and their ladies.  The surprise speaker before an audience of more than 80 was the Deputy President of the RMBI, VWBro Chris Caine PGSwdB.  He was accompanied by his partner, Sally Ann.  Festival Chairman Dave Thompson, ProvGChStwd Brian Sigsworth and Southern Area DFRs Paul Waring and Brian Reynolds also attended.

Chris was appointed a Trustee of the RMBI in 1999 and spent six and a half years as its Chairman. He was subsequently appointed Deputy President in October 2010.

Following Stephen’s introduction, Chris gave his talk on a subject clearly close to his heart; Dementia. He has made a detailed study of this disease and is trained and qualified in dealing with residents who suffer from this dreadful illness.  He is enthusiastic about what can be done at the RMBI Homes, without the use of anti-psychotic drugs, and he clearly enjoys speaking on the subject.

Chris showing and example of a Memory Board used in the treatment of Dementia

In his speech he included many examples of the problems that carers meet and how they can be dealt with.  He gave examples of modern signage, why it was needed and why it was designed the way it was. He also spoke about the ‘Memory Box’ which helps sufferers to be sure that they are in their own room.

He received a standing ovation when he finished which was then turned into a Q and A session at which his skills were once again in clear view. We hope to have a précis of his talk up on the web site before long. Audenshaw District Chairman John Pearson proposed a vote of thanks and we all went home considerably wiser on this subject and our Care Homes in general – also well fed and entertained!
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WBro FRANK M READ PAGDC, 60 YEARS IN FREEMASONRY

The APGM, WBro Stephen M Blank Congratulates WBro Frank Moores Read

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t remember December 1951, mainly because I was 9 months old at the time. Frank Read does remember the 10th day of that month for it was on that day that he was initiated into Libra Lodge 5333 at the Denmark Hotel in Moss Side.

The APGM and WBro Read accompanied by distinguished guests

So a large group of us gathered at Westholme Lodge in Mossley on Wednesday, 14th December 2011, sixty years later, to help him celebrate. The meeting was led by our APGM, W Bro Stephen Blank who explained that only the unavoidable circumstance of other duties meant that W Bro Derek Thornhill, the Deputy PGM in Charge, was unable to be with us to celebrate this meritorious event. He also introduced the District Team and two Acting Officers of the Province, all of whom had come, “to pay their own tribute to Bro Read.”

W Bro Blank told us some of Frank’s personal history. This included the time when, as a young man, he was caught up by the Second World War serving with the Royal Navy. He was torpedoed off the southern coast of Ireland on the 4th December 1942, when his ship split in two and sank. He recalls the Atlantic as being very cold, but nevertheless he survived and was able to return to active duties.  W Bro Blank commented, “My generation does not know how lucky it is.”

After his return from active service, he took up employment in the rubber industry, where he spent the rest of his working life. He held many high positions in a number of companies within this industry, which he filled with distinction and always with a constant concern for all his staff. Outside of work, he has always had a keen interest in sport and particularly Golf. Frank is an honorary member of the Rubber Industry Golf Society having been the national secretary for many years, and was totally involved in all its activities. This sporting connection may also be the catalyst which has provided Frank with a very successful marriage as his wife Marion, was a very distinguished golfer at Saddleworth Golf Club where Frank was secretary and then president.

The APGM and WBro Read with the WM and Members of Westholme Lodge No 9101

As I have already mentioned, Frank’s Masonic career began in the Denmark Hotel on 10th December 1951. He was installed as Master in October 1960, and was actively involved in the Lodge, serving as Secretary for a period, before returning to the chair again in 1995. He was promoted to the acting rank of Provincial Deputy Grand Sword Bearer in 1968 and became a Past Warden in 1973, with his career culminating in his appointment as PAGDC in the United Grand Lodge of England in 1977. He joined Westholme Lodge on the 8th April 1987 and was installed as Master in 2001, his 50th year in Freemasonry. He has continued to play an active part in Lodge affairs throughout the decade, serving as Almoner and giving memorable talks.
Frank Moores Read, 60 years a Mason, a caring, sensitive honourable man, with much wisdom to impart, who continually looks to help others. When given the opportunity to comment, Frank said, “Never be ashamed to tell people you are a Mason. Be proud of it.” I would count that as excellent advice. "

The APGM presenting the Certificate to Frank

THE PERFECT ASHLAR CLUB

Young Club Members: The future of Freemasonry

Saturday December 3rd, 2011, could well turn out to be a most significant day in the ongoing story of Freemasonry in the Southern Area. On that day we held the inaugural meeting of the Perfect Ashlar Club, a new Masonic Club for recent initiates into the craft. At the moment, anyone who has joined the craft in the last five years, from any Lodge in the Southern Area, is entitled to join the club, though that condition might change.

The first meeting of the new club was held at Stanley House, Audenshaw and was called by W Bros Tony Davies and Barry Dickson, the District Mentors for Audenshaw and Ashton & Mossley. It followed on from a highly successful series of hosted Lodge Meetings which have explored aspects of the first and second degree ceremonies, and which have previously been reported in these pages.

The meeting attracted a small, but enthusiastic, group of men ranging from those who have been members for less than one year, to those who have been active in the craft for more than four. W Bro John Pearson, the Chairman of Audenshaw District, opened the meeting by explaining a little about his role within the District and introduced some of his officers. They then also talked about the jobs that they do, and the way that their jobs impact on the general membership of the craft in our area.

Then those of us who are too long in the tooth to be considered for membership of the new club retired for a short while, and left the founder members to create their own organisation. On our return, after our temporary absence, they had created the structure of the club. The first Chairman of the Perfect Ashlar Club is Bro Andy Cummins of Dignity Lodge No 8304 and his Deputy will be Bro Jim Scanlan of Mossley Lodge No 6577. The Secretary of the Club is Bro Scott Davies of Lodge of Union No 268. We send our heartiest congratulations to them and wish them every success in the future.

In concluding the meeting, John Pearson said, "This Club is intended to help you on your journey together through Freemasonry. Tell us if you need further explanation of any aspect of our ceremonies or help of any kind. Discuss your queries or concerns with each other. Invite friends who may wish to know more about our Order before asking to join. Above all, please enjoy the benefits of self-development which will follow as you make a daily advancement in your masonic knowledge."

So, if you are quite new to Freemasonry, and meet in a Lodge in the Southern Area, the new Perfect Ashlar Club is for you! It is still early days for the club, and a full programme of meetings has yet to be devised, but they will welcome you with open arms. Take it from me, they may be relatively new to freemasonry, but the future of the craft is well and truly in the hands of masons like them, and it is in safe hands. You will receive a warm, fraternal greeting from these men. To contact the Club you can telephone the Secretary, Scott Davies, on 07968206271 or email him at scottd435@googlemail.com.

Further reports on the future progress of this exciting venture will follow, here, in due course.

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If you have any new stories you would like to see published here, please contact

WBro Kevin Hall, District Communications Officer for Ashton/Mossley District

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