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.