CENTRAL AREA No 1 IN THE TOWN HALL
The Worshipful the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor John Sullivan, and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Francoise Sullivan, following their attendance at the Charity Giving Night, invited a deputation from Central Area No 1 to visit the Town Hall in the Mayor’s Parlour on the 21st May. Eight members accompanied by their ladies attended. They were treated to drinks in the parlour served by the Mayor’s attendant.
The Mayor welcomed the party and went on to explain the duties expected of a Mayor and the history behind the office. They were then led through the Town Hall to the council chamber where he explained who sat where and the duties they performed in the chamber adding that he, as Mayor, must keep silent during proceedings. The party then returned to the Parlour and were presented with a sumptuous buffet with glasses already filled by the attendant who could not be faulted for his memory.
During the buffet, the attendant took over and directed everyone’s attention to the various artefacts around the room and the tales that accompany them. The portraits generally had a Hyde bias as Councillor Sullivan is a Hyde man, and it is the privilege of the Mayor in office to select portraits from the council gallery.
The Mayor took over as the evening was drawing to a close finishing with answers to the various questions posed to him from a very inquisitive audience. All present then formed a group with the Mayor and Mayoress for a portrait which will cement a firm memory of this special visit.
Our APGM, WBro Stephen Blank, thanked the Mayor and Mayoress for their generosity and particularly on the Mayor’s favourable comment on our Giving Night and appreciation of work done by Freemasons for our community.
This is the second year in succession that the Civic Mayor of Tameside has attended our Giving Night and there are signs that warm relations are starting to be developed between Freemasons and Civic leaders of Tameside which should be to the benefit of all.
Central Area No 1 Committee members and their ladies in the Mayors Parlour inside Ashton-u-Lyne Town Hall
The APGP, EComp. Norman Clarke and APGM, WBro. Stephen Blank, on either side of the Mayor of Tameside, Councillor John Sullivan
A rare sight indeed as the Photograph was taken inside Tameside Council Chamber
The Mayor, Councillor John Sullivan, explains to group the workings of the council
A visit to Grand Lodge
On Wednesday 9th June, 2010, District Officers and Hall Committee Members from Ashton, Mossley and Audenshaw caught an early train from Manchester Piccadilly en route for London Euston, and Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street.
It all began back in February with a suggestion from APGM Stephen Blank, but which was immediately seized and acted upon by Audenshaw District Chairman John Pearson, that we should organise a visit to Grand Lodge for the June Quarterly Communication Meeting followed by a private lunch, next door in the Grand Connaught Rooms, and then an afternoon tour of Freemasons’ Hall.
Stephen booked the lunch, John procured the rail tickets, and British Rail whisked us smoothly and at breakneck speed, to arrive at Great Queen Street and link up with some of our Brethren who were already in London, having attended the Grand Mark Investiture Meeting the previous day. There was still ample time to wet a few whistles before signing in and donning regalia for the Grand Lodge Meeting.
For those who have never visited Grand Lodge before, the magnificence of the building and the general atmosphere was amazing, and after witnessing the Opening Processions and Ritual, it was generally agreed that the standard was almost as good as that of East Lancashire. The business agenda was swiftly and impressively dispatched by the MW The Pro Grand Master and his Officers, with The Grand Charity AGM, presented by the President of The Grand Charity, Graham Elliott, known and loved by all, sandwiched in the middle. And almost before we knew it, Grand Lodge was closed, we had sung the National Anthem in unison, and were off down the street for lunch, preceded of course by some more whistle wetting.
And what a lunch it was! Six courses of dining delight for most of our number, twenty-one in total, ( there was the odd complaint that the Vichyssoise Soup was a little chilly ), and all washed down with an excellent choice of white and red wines. Good food, good company and sparkling conversation.
But there was more to come. Stephen Blank had previously hinted at the possibility of a mystery guest, but to our great surprise, the door was opened to reveal the RW The Deputy Grand Master, Jonathan Spence, who had slipped away in between courses from the Official Grand Officers’ Lunch to welcome and entertain us for ten minutes, and reveal secrets about our APGM which you would never have guessed. For the present time, my lips remain sealed!!???
Not to be outdone by the Craft, it was then followed by a brief visit from the ME Second Grand Principal, George Pipon Francis, to ensure that the Royal Arch was also represented, so we were doubly impressed by Stephen’s influence amongst our High Rulers.
With time pressing we returned to Freemasons’ Hall, known to many as “Thames House”, MI5 head office from the TV “Spooks” series. We were then taken on a more leisurely tour of a wonderful building, a fitting memorial to our fallen Brethren, with superb ceilings, stained glass windows, and a pair of bronze doors which were gifted by East Lancashire, and were briefly enlightened and educated on its complexity and its function as our Masonic Headquarters.
Chucking-out time at five-o-clock and where do we rest for an hour or two before we catch our train? The “Newton Arms” says APGP Norman Clarke, an acknowledged expert on resting and whistle wetting, and there we did both, joined by our PGM Jack Price and his minder Alan Garnett ProvGSec, until we caught the train a little later at Euston.
APGM, Stephen Blank and Ashton & Mossley Chairman Ian Casson were both pushed off the train at Wilmslow by an unidentified bunch of tuneless whistlers, but understand that everyone arrived home safely, if in semi-liquid form.
The only comments since have been “Great trip! When can we do it again?”
Many, many thanks to the organisers.
Ian R Casson.
Group photo taken in the Grand Temple in front of the Grand Masters Chair
Eagle eyed viewers
may spot our recently appointed Grand Orator, Kai Hughes, peeping through at the far left hand side.
Dining in the Cambridge Room at the Connaught Suite
We were fortunate to have a short visit from
the RW Deputy Grand Master, Jonathan Spence, who had slipped away in between courses from
the Official Grand Officers’ Lunch. Not to be outdone by the Craft, it was then followed by a brief visit
from the ME Second Grand Principal, George Pipon Francis, to ensure that the Royal Arch was also
represented, so we were doubly impressed by Stephen’s influence amongst our High Rulers.
How many of the newer members of our Fraternity in East Lancashire know that the Bronze Doors
at the entrance to the Grand Temple were donated by our Province in celebration of the 70th birthday
of the RW Bro The R Hon The Earl of Derby who was our PGM at that time.
After the pomp and ceremony, two of our rulers take a break filling time before making
for the train station.
The “other ranks” take a break also. This young lady was convinced by Steve Boyle, second
left, that we were undertakers attending a convention and doing a special offer on oak
and cardboard coffins. He also guessed her height which astounded her as he was correct.
Mossley Band Concert raises funds for the Festival
“Westholme” - Mossley Masonic Hall - was the venue for a Concert held on Saturday 8th May, with a splendid and varied musical content by Mossley Brass Band under their conductor Duncan Byers.
The concert had been arranged for Mossley Lodge, No. 6577, by the Master, David Dredge, and the DC, Garry Errock. Members of the Lodge together with their wives and families were pleased to welcome the guests who included David Thompson, the Festival Chairman, with his wife Lesley, and Ian Casson, District Chairman, and Mrs Claire Casson.
A wholesome potato pie supper was enjoyed and a usual Mossley convivial atmosphere added to the excellent event which had been arranged for the purpose of benefiting the East Lancashire 2015 Festival for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.
The Master, DC, and Secretary of the Lodge, Ken Hampson, (Deputy District Chairman) can be seen in the photograph above presenting a cheque in the sum of £375.00 to David Thompson. The Chairman expressed his own thanks but especially the thanks of those who would benefit most, those Masonic brethren and dependents who live in our Masonic Care Homes.
Tameside Masons Meet Charity Challenge
WBro Paul Waring, C.S. for Audenshaw, The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor John Sullivan and WBro Brian Powell, C.S. for Ashton & Mossley.
On Friday Evening 16th April, Freemasons from the Ashton & Mossley and Audenshaw Districts (Central Area No.1) held their 3rd Annual Charity Giving Night at Ashton Masonic Hall, when their Guests of Honour were the Worshipful, The Civic Mayor and Mayoress of Tameside, Councillor and Mrs John Sullivan, together with APGM WBro Stephen Blank and his wife Marilyn.
It began with a long line of Lodge Representatives, queuing to make a bumper collective contribution of £27,500 to launch the East Lancs 2015 RMBI Festival, which was received by a broad smiling Festival Chairman, WBro David Thompson. This was followed by a list of over fifty-five other Beneficiaries, ranging from Willow Wood Hospice (where we were also supported by Cheshire Masons), Macmillan Cancer Care and the Christie Hospital, to the Scouts, the Church Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade, and Help for Heroes, who shared in a massive total of over £65,000 by late arriving donations. It was explained to all present, that rather than shaking tins in a shopping precinct, all these monies were raised personally by Tameside Freemasons and their Ladies.
The final presentation by Ashton & Mossley Chairman Ian Casson, was a substantial cheque to the Mayor’s Annual Charity Appeal and, in responding, the Mayor said that he was “gob smacked” by Masonic generosity and commitment to the local Community, of which he was previously and totally unaware.
After a similar gesture last year, an invitation has since been received for a small party of Freemasons to attend a Reception in the Mayor’s Parlour at Ashton Town Hall. This is much appreciated and will be eagerly and gratefully accepted. At last we seem to be making new and important friends. Let’s keep it up!
PRESTONIAN LECTURE – ALPHIN LODGE No 8461 TUESDAY 2nd MARCH 2010
PRESTONIAN HAT-TRICK AT MOSSLEY!
On Tuesday 2nd March 2010, Alphin Lodge No 8461 set a new, and they claim unbeatable, record in the Province of East Lancashire, when they were visited by WBro Wayne Buffett Warlow PProvJGW, the UGLE Prestonian Lecturer for 2010, to deliver their 3rd Prestonian Lecture in 3 years!
Our DeputyPGM, WBro Harold Woodward, was in attendance to witness the event, together with APGM, WBro Stephen Blank, and ProvDC WBro Norman Cope, and a large gathering of Brethren, not only from Ashton & Mossley District but also from much further afield.
We were rapidly whisked away to the wonderful world of Wayne Buffett Warlow, who entertained, educated and enthralled us with his Presentation on “Music in Masonry and Beyond”. It began with an unusual version of “Name that Tune, Composer, or Performer”, and broadened to illustrate Masonic influence in both classical and modern music and, in reverse, music’s influence in masonry. An explanation of its connections in Britain, Europe, and America, also identified many of the composers and show-biz performers, whose works and names we have long known and admired, as also being our Brothers in Freemasonry.
The Lodge Room Presentation, which involved some amusing audience participation, was then followed by an equally enjoyable and entertaining Social Board at which, in fulfillment of a foolish and previous promise, District Chairman Ian Casson finally passed the Port around the tables. What won’t he do to win friends and influence people?
And long after the Tyler’s Toast, stray black jacketed and pinstriped individuals could still be seen driving around Mossley Town, with satisfied smiles but puzzled looks, fiddling with their satnavs and enquiring of the local drunk, “ How the devil do we get out of this place?”
WELL DONE, ALPHIN LODGE! A GREAT NIGHT ALL ROUND! WHAT’S NEXT??
Masons’ Gift to Hospice
As reported in our Autumn newsletter, Willow Wood Hospice hydrotherapy pool was in need of vital repairs. Thanks to a donation of £10, 000 from the Freemasons of East Lancashire and Cheshire and the Masonic Grand Charity, on Friday 19th February a cheque was presented by Stephen Blank, Ian Casson and Eric McConnell. The cheque was to cover the cost of the work carried out to the hydrotherapy pool.
The Masons paid to install the original pool and have now paid for the repairs in full. The head of fundraising for the hospice John Fellows said “This donation is to meet costs of essential repairs and refurbishment to the pool. Due to the continued and quick support of the Masons we were able to carry out the repairs so that patients would continue to benefit”. The cheque was presented to the hospice’s finance and services manager Karen Houlston and physiotherapist Chris Wells.
WBro Rev Dennis Thomas, PGDepChap, PAPGM, 50th Anniversary
Dennis Thomas with Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price
A fabulous evening of fun, jubilation, happy memories and mirth, yet veiled with aspects of sadness, was enjoyed at Mossley on 22nd February 2010
CLICK HERE to read all about it
Help for Heroes
On Saturday 30th January an event was held at the Lowe's Arms in Denton to raise funds for "Help for Heroes", partially as a tribute to a young man from Mossley who lost his life in Afghanistan.
At a Masonic meeting in Audenshaw I was inveigled into having my beard removed, obviously being sponsored for this. The members of three lodges, Minerva, Waverley & Rose of Lancashire have so far come up with about £150 in sponsorship, such monies being sent to the charity in the name of the lodge!
I know that the event has already taken place, but if any other brother from any other lodge would like to help this charity, may I suggest that they have a word with their charity representative and have the money sent in their lodge's name!
I must admit that I do have a personal interest in this because if my step-son had not left the army to emigrate to Albany in New York State, from whence his wife originates, his next posting would have been to Afghanistan with the field hospital to which he was attached.
Chris Bradley
Alphin Lodge - Prestonian Lectures
Alphin Lodge No 8461
on 2nd March 2010
Prestonian Lecture for 2010
by Worshipful Brother Wayne Buffet Warlow
Will present his Lecture entitled
"Music in Masonry and Beyond"
It is anticipated there will be great interest in this Lecture.
Numbers will be strictly limited.
There will be a dining fee of £15.00
For further details and application forms
Please contact
W.Bro Ralph G. Slade
Secretary
Alpihn Lodgee
Tel 0161 665 1457
"Reconnection with the Community" is really taking effect in Ashton & Mossley and Audenshaw Districts. After much work by the District Team over a prolonged period, and following the recent Giving Event much has been achieved in developing positive relationships with local Civic Leaders - Read on:
After decades of mistrust and suspicion, much of it due to earlier Masonic secrecy, the Freemasons of Ashton, Mossley, and Audenshaw are at last beginning a dialogue with the leaders of the Community in which most of us live, work, and play.
Over the last two years, the Mayors or their Deputies have attended our Christmas Carol Services and Charity Giving Nights. Following the most recent Giving Night at Audenshaw, when £67,000 was donated to Charity, the Worshipful the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Jack Davis, reciprocated by inviting a small party of Freemasons to visit Ashton Town Hall on Tuesday Evening 5th May.
APGM Stephen Blank, APGP Norman Clarke, and District Chairmen Ian Casson and John Pearson, together with four of their District Officers and all their wives, were received by the Mayor and the Mayoress, Mrs Carole Davis, and entertained in the Mayor's Parlour with a generous supper and liquid refreshment. After a trip to the Council Chamber and an explanation of the protocols and working practices, we returned to the Mayor's Parlour, where we were treated to an enlightening and educational description by the Mayor's Attendant, of the furniture, paintings, and other works of art within the Parlour. He also explained their significance and importance in the history of Tameside, which now includes former towns in both Lancashire and Cheshire.
During our conversation with the Mayor. we identified that we have a number of mutual interests. As much of our Masonic effort is for the benefit of our local communities, we agreed that the end results should be complementary to the work of other localand civic organisations, irrespective of creed or political colour.
On departing for our homes after a delightful and entertaining evening, we were all most appreciative of the Mayor's gesture and generosity, and we very much hope to foster and further develop a promising relationship for the benefit of us all.
Ian Casson.
House of Commons
Ian Kenworthy a Past Master of King George V Lodge No.3529 was invited to the Houses of Parliament by the British Lung Foundation to talk to M.P’s last June (Photo. right).
Ian has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.) which is an incurable lung disease. Currently, this means, he has only 25% lung capacity.
He was invited due to the fact that he campaigns on a voluntary basis in the local area for better treatment for patients.
As the Chair of the Tameside and Glossop 'Breathe Easy Group', providing support to all lung disease patients and their families, Ian is the patient representative for Tameside & Glossop on the N.W. lung health collaborative in addition to several committees at the Primary Care Trust and local hospital.
Ian, who was accompanied on the trip by his wife Janet, said ‘It was a very interesting, enjoyable day and although our local M.P’s unfortunately could not attend due to other commitments I did receive letters of support from them. We had tea in the members dining room and the Health Minister Ann Keen did speak to everyone there.’
If anyone has or cares for anyone with a breathing problem you are welcome to attend Breathe Easy which meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Pensioners House, Grafton Street, Hyde at 1-30pm.
BROTHER INSTALLS BROTHER
Prince Alfred Lodge No 1218 were delighted to be hosts to two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters at their Installation meeting....
WBro Stephen M Blank, PDepGDC, APGM, of the Province of East Lancashire, and WBro Martin W Stray, Junior Grand Deacon of the United Grand Lodge of England, and APGM of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.
Our Local Team: Ian Casson, Ken Hampson, Steve Boyle, Peter Douthwaite & Peter Cole (Mike Williams is the Sec of 1218) were all there to form up behind the APGMs as a District Delegation.
WBro David Leach is the Lodge Chaplain for Prince Alfred Lodge, and the serving Master of Harlow Lodge No 4404, in Harrogate in the Province of West Riding - Yorkshire.
David bought his father WBro Frank Leach, a PM of Prince Alfred Lodge and resident of Connaught Court, Fulford, York (That very beautiful Masonic Home in York). Eight brethren accompanied them from Yorkshire.
WBro David Pritchard expressed his particular pleasure and pride as he installed his eldest brother John into the Master’s chair of Prince Alfred Lodge No 1218 (photograph). Both David and John first started Masonic life in Wilton Lodge No 1077, Bridge Street, Manchester. David had worked especially hard on his ritual and preparation, which paid off handsomely when the ceremony went faultlessly. David was very ably supported by the Past Masters of the Lodge throughout, which included three exceptional Addresses to the Master, Wardens and Brethren.
In recent time Bro John has been resident in Spain (to assist his health issues) and the brethren were so pleased to find him having benefited so much as a result. He was indeed in fine form, and he brought best wishes to all the members and wives from Gina, his good lady.
There were 43 masons seated at the Festive Board, which was a joy to behold. The food was great, the conversation non-stop, and the fraternal camaraderie was exceptional. Both of the APGMs gave informative and humorous responses at the table. Their attendance enhanced an already memorable occasion.