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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.

APGM, WBro Stephen Blank and APGP, EComp Norman Clarke

APGM SETS PRIORITY FOR 2012

The Provincial Officers Reception for the newly named Southern Area was held on Sunday 27th November, at Albert House, Ashton. The reception provides an opportunity for those Brethren & Companions who have been appointed or promoted during 2011 to meet with each other, as well as the District Teams. As W Bro Ken Hampson, the Chairman of Ashton & Mossley District, said, “We just like to make a little fuss, to congratulate them, so that the event does not go by unnoticed.”  Our APGM, W Bro Stephen Blank and our APGP, E Comp Norman Clarke were present, along with the two District Teams and welcomed the Brethen and Companions together with their wives or partners.

W Bro Blank thanked all those present for their efforts within their Lodges and Chapters, reminding them that it was those efforts which had earned them their Honours. He continued, “Southern Area’s clear priority for 2012, apart from the 2015 Festival, must be Recruitment. The main responsibility for that must remain with individual Lodges. As newly promoted and appointed Provincial Officers, you will have a significant voice within your Lodge but the District Teams also want to hear any ideas you may have. At the very least, please encourage your Lodge to debate the issue.   Chad Northcott, a colleague APGM, is taking responsibility for Recruitment on the Province’s Strategic Planning Group and he will set out the help the Province can give as well as suggestions for activity by Lodges. You brethren will be the key to ensuring Lodges take the message on board.”

W. Bro Hampson said that, “In 2012, our District, as part of a Province wide initiative, are to hold several open days at Albert House and Westholme, Mossley. By opening our Halls and inviting the general public to look around and ask questions we hope that we can encourage more people to consider joining us. We will put together a programme that we hope will interest and encourage more new members. This initiative is designed to follow on from the good work our Provincial and District Mentors have done over the last twelve months, work that will continue well into the future.”

THE 2nd DEGREE MYSTERIES EXPLAINED

The APGM, WBro Stephen Blank, Accompanied by the APGP, EComp Norman Clarke and the
Southern Area District Mentors, WBros Tony Davies and Barry Dickson with the Newer Members of our District

A special gathering of the newer members of our order took place at Albert House on the 23rd of November courtesy of Denton Lodge No 5234. The guest speaker was the Provincial Grand Mentor, WBro Tony Costello. This was to be the second in a series of papers and Tony’s opening words were:

        “ It is a truly a pleasure to be in a district which considers informing and educating its brethren as such an important issue.”

This was to be the crux of the meeting; to educate and inform our newer members and indeed all present, to the inner mysteries and meanings of our ceremonies. The 2nd Degree was the subject. Shorter though this ceremony is, it still contains strong symbolism which may not be apparent, but is often considered to be the most beautiful and meaningful by those who have considered the degree a little more carefully.  It also, like other other degrees, contains areas which, if studied, prove intractable.
One such part is the work force receiving their wages at the temple. Tony explains with some humour:

“There were supposedly around 180,000 craftsmen working on King Solomon’s Temple. Would we be happy to believe that all 180,000 went up those stairs to receive their wages in a not too large middle chamber and that each one was opposed by two Wardens who required proofs. Even if they had the process off to a fine art and allowed one every ten seconds 24 hours a day to pass and be paid, the queue would be nearly 21 days long! Also, where did they go before the middle chamber was built?”

It is hoped that in the near future, Tony will prepare a paper for the 3rd Degree and its mysteries. It is strongly recommended that any Brother interested in this subject should attend and be “Educated” in Masonic symbolism.
At the festive board, which followed, the two District Mentors explained more about the Masonic Charities and Southern Area’s Perfect Ashlar Club, launched on the 3rd of December for the further benefit of our newer members.

The Provincial Grand Mentor, WBro Tony Costello, the APGM, WBro Stephen Blank
and the APGP, EComp Norman Clarke

GRAND LODGE of SCOTLAND to the GRAND LODGE of ENGLAND

Bro. Andrew Koropisz , a member of Ardwick Lodge, having completed a 60 mile, through the night, charity cycle ride for the British Heart Foundation, decided he would like to attempt something similar for the 2015 Festival. The idea he came up with, somewhat more adventurous than his previous charitable ride, was to cycle from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Edinburgh, and finish at the Grand Lodge of England, London, approximately 400 miles.
Andrew has been a Freemason for just 12 months and is 21 year old. For a Brother so new to Masonry to attempt a challenging trial such as this is quite magnificent.
Cycling is just a hobby to Andrew and he is hoping that amongst the Brethren of Central Area No1, or indeed the Province, there will be a few like minded athletes who would wish to accompany him for the whole or part of this epic journey. It is hoped to complete approximately 100 miles per day with hopefully a support vehicle accompanying them throughout. There is no limit as to how many can join him.
As far as accommodation is concerned, it is hoped that a meeting of the proposed riders will decide all the eventualities. It is thought that a deal could be possibly arranged with one of the large motel chains for overnight stays. The time this journey will take place will be around July, 2012.
Interested parties and possible sponsors, large or small, should contact Andrew at:

apk@gmx.co.uk or 07891 065 416

ALPHIN LODGE HOSTS OFFICIAL PRESTONIAN LECTURE

VWBro Harold Woodward, WBro Dr. James Campbell, Prestonian Lecturer
and WBro Brian Smith Alphin Lodge WM

PRESTONIAN LECTURE - ALPHIN LODGE No 8461 TUESDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2011

After setting a previous record with visits and presentations by 3 Prestonian Lecturers in 3 consecutive years, Alphin Lodge No.8461 has done it again big-time, with a first for Ashton & Mossley District and a first for the Province of East Lancashire.

On Tuesday 6th September 2011, the UGLE Prestonian Lecturer of the Year, WBro Dr James W.P. Campbell AGSuptWks visited Alphin Lodge to deliver an Official Presentation of his 2011 Prestonian Lecture, posing the question “Was Sir Christopher Wren a Freemason?”    Our DeputyPGM, VWBro Harold Woodward, was in attendance to welcome WBro Campbell to the Province, well supported by Grand and Provincial Officers and a numerous retinue of Freemasons in general, from all parts of this and other Provinces.

WBro Campbell who is an Architectural Historian and a Senior Lecturer at Cambridge University, has studied and researched the life and works of Sir Christopher Wren for over twenty years, and is acknowledged as a leading authority on the subject.  He both entertained and educated us with a fascinating trip to the early days of English Freemasonry. After being led down an intriguing trail of unexpected twists and turns, and up more than a few blind alleys, we were variously teased and tormented, as one minute’s fact was proved to be the next minute’s fiction, and once described reliable sources were later exposed as anything but reliable. 

Few of us realised that Wren’s early career was that of a scientist and mathematician, and that the Great Fire of London in 1666 totally changed his life, when he was challenged with the task of redesigning the City of London and many of its buildings.  The famous edifices he designed are far too numerous to list, but his most notable work, St. Paul’s Cathedral, was also very convenient when the builders clocked off, for a pint of “London Pride” in the nearby Goose & Gridiron Ale House, at that time the home of the Lodge of Antiquity.

Was Sir Christopher Wren a Freemason?  Our distinguished lecturer couldn’t be certain. But a straw poll was taken in the Lodge Room and, from the company that Wren kept, his friends and his professional associates most of whom were Masons, it was the majority opinion on the balance of probability that Sir Christopher Wren was almost certainly a Freemason himself.

Many thanks all round and much credit to Alphin Lodge, and to WBro Dr James Campbell, for another really special and memorable evening.    What’s next, watch this space!!!

Ian Casson.

WBros. Chris Powell, John Wade, Dr James Campbell and John Acaster

CENTRAL AREA No1 WALK THE PROVINCE

This group, including children and dogs, start off on the long walk

            The walks for Central Area no 1 took place in and around Stalybridge Country Park on 10th July.  There were three walks of varying difficulty. The participants –who included the Festival Chairman, Dave Thompson - were blessed with good weather, temperatures of 17c, high broken clouds and visibility to the horizon.  29 walkers turned up including 2 daughters, 1 son, 1 granddaughter and 2 dogs.  The people had ages ranging from 5 to 71 – the dogs didn’t give their ages!
The walkers set off in high spirits and completed their walks in the expected times with no mishaps. Everybody ended up at Westholme Masonic Hall where they received a well-earned feed as they had joined 120 other people taking part in Mossley Lodge’s annual BBQ.  Mossley Lodge were delighted to be ‘hi-jacked’!
Sponsorship figures have not been finalised as this report is written but we have raised to date around £1,100 for the Festival, a figure that is expected to rise when all the sponsorship money is collected. Many thanks are extended to the walkers, helpers and Mossley Lodge for all their efforts from me, Peter Cole AFM and Stephen Blank (APGM) and Norman Clarke (APGP).

EComp David Thompson, Festival Chairman and WBro Stephen Blank, APGM

CENTRAL AREA No1 GIVING NIGHT

TAMESIDE MASONS  -  CHAMPIONS OF CHARITY

On Friday Evening 1st April 2011, Audenshaw, Ashton, and Mossley Freemasons held their 4th Annual Charity Giving Night at Stanley House, Audenshaw, where a profusion of generous donations was showered upon an amazed audience of beaming beneficiaries.

Anchorman and MC, John Cavanagh, introduced our APGM WBro Stephen Blank, who began the proceedings by extending the warmest of Masonic welcomes to our Guest of Honour, the Worshipful, the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Mrs Jean Brazil together with her Consort Mr Sydney Brazil.

For the benefit of our non-Masonic guests, he briefly explained the role of our various Masonic Charities, the important work they do, and the valuable contribution they make, not just within our national and international brotherhood, but as active participants in our local communities, and generously supportive of a wider world in times of need and distress.

One by one, a long list of Beneficiary Representatives including Willow Wood Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Care, Marie Curie, the RNLI, the Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, was invited to the stage to be presented with donations from Lodges and Chapters.  And a long string of Lodge and Chapter Representatives was also invited forward to make donations to the 2015 Festival, the ELMC, our Building Funds and other Masonic Charities.

WBro Chris Bradley

An amusing and valuable, but sadly serious, sideshow was also provided by a previously hirsute Chris Bradley from Rose of Lancashire and Minerva Lodges. With an unfortunate family Breast Cancer history, and after recently losing his daughter to the disease, Chris had a year’s head of uncontrolled hair growth cut and shaved, to raise over £1,200 towards the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. He raised £230 at the Giving Night with a bucket collection.

After grateful thanks from APGM Stephen Blank to the Mayor, for finding the time in her diary to join us, Audenshaw and Ashton & Mossley District Chairmen, John Pearson and Ken Hampson, then made the final presentations of the evening with cheques to the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

Madam Mayor’s appreciative response revealed her own special interest in community groups and the good works they do, and with the news that the total donations for the Charity Giving Night topped the figure of £54,809 generously spread across a wide spectrum of beneficiaries, everyone departed homewards, well satisfied with this year’s efforts but, in the certain knowledge that next year at Ashton will be an even greater challenge.

WBreo Brian Reynolds, Ashton and Mossley and WBro Paul Waring, Audenshaw, District Charity Stewards,
showing the total amount donated on the night.

WBro John Pearson, Chairman of Audenshaw, the APGM, WBro Stephen Blank, the Mayor of Tameside,
Councillor, Jean Brazil and WBro Ken Hampson, Chairman of Ashton and Mossley.

UGLE CHOOSES ALPHIN LODGE TO HOST
 2011 PRESTONIAN LECTURE

After previously achieving an amazing record, of unofficially presenting the Prestonian Lectures for the last three consecutive years, Alphin Lodge No.8461 has now capped it all after being chosen by the United Grand Lodge of England to host an Official Presentation of the Prestonian Lecture for 2011.

WBro Dr James W.P. Campbell AGSuptWks will deliver his lecture “ Was Sir Christopher Wren a Freemason? ”, and presumably reveal the answer to the question, at the monthly Meeting of Alphin Lodge at Mossley Masonic Hall on Tuesday 6th September.

This is a huge accolade for Alphin Lodge, and reflects great honour on the Province of East Lancashire and the Ashton & Mossley District.

With limited accommodation available, an early demand for tickets with a modest Dining Fee of £17.00, could signal a later and embarrassing shortage, so all those who wish to ensure a seat need to take action now.

Please apply to Alphin Lodge Secretary, WBro Ralph Slade PProvAGDC,   at:- 32 Linkside Avenue, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6YS
Tel. 0161-665-1457  or email:-  ralph.slade@btinternet.com

The First Amalgamation For Ashton and Mossley District

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Harold Woodward, the WM, Brian Farrow and the APGM, WBro Stephen Blank

On Monday 7th March 2011, at Westholme Masonic Hall, Mossley, the Brethren of Stamford and Assheton Lodges together with a multitude of visitors, celebrated the first ever Amalgamation Ceremony in the Ashton & Mossley District.
Both of the Lodges were Consecrated in 1947, Stamford Lodge No. 6427 on the 14th April at Albert House, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Assheton Lodge No. 6467 two months later on the 18th June at Bridge Street Manchester. The Consecrating Officer on both occasions was VWBro Lt.Col. Sir Alan Sykes, the then Deputy Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire.
What kind of men were the founders of these Lodges?  Well they came from all walks of life and included Managing Directors, Builders, Shopkeepers, Bankers and Accountants, but one notable name still evident today is that of Arthur Mayne, the first Master of Stamford Lodge,  and also the founder of the Maynes Bus and Coach Company.
The name of Stamford Lodge had been chosen, for being well recognised and respected in the area, most of the land  in Tameside being owned by The Earl of Stamford.  Assheton Lodge was given the early name for the town of Ashton, as the vast majority of the Founders lived and worked within the Borough. A request to use the Borough Coat of Arms as the Lodge Crest, although at first  refused was later granted, and afterwards incorporated on all Assheton Lodge Summonses.
With the Lodge Room suitably filled to mark such a memorable occasion, VWBro Harold Woodward, the  present day Deputy Provincial Grand Master, presided over a long awaited and emotional Ceremony of  two distinguished Lodges finally coming together.
Commencing his address, VWBro Woodward declared, “Today marks the end of the past and the beginning of the future.  Each of  you has the responsibility for defining and securing the future of your Lodge”.
He then went on to talk about Freemasonry in general, making the following salient points, 
“As we contemplate our future, and our inevitable destiny, let us remember that what we leave behind is not engraved in tablets of stone but is enshrined in the lives of others.    Each of you is responsible for ensuring that the very best parts of our Masonic DNA are enshrined in all who succeed us.  I call upon you to ‘stand firm’.  Do not compromise our core values or lower the standards of the high moral code that is our guide to how we live our lives.  The future of our Order and your Lodge depends on you ‘standing firm’.”
And in concluding he reminded the assembly that “Freemasonry will not be measured in the future by quantity : it will be judged by its quality.  If you cannot have both [quality and quantity] at any one time, then you must choose and choose wisely.  Brethren of Stamford and Assheton Lodge No. 6427, look well to the future of your Lodge.  Love one another and care enough to care : until time with you shall be no more.”

MASONIC SUPPORT FOR WILLOW WOOD HOSPICE

L to R: WBros Stephen Blank APGM, Ian Casson Ashton & Mossley Chairman, Ken Hampson Deputy Chairman and Mr John Fellows, Willow Wood.

On Friday 25th February 2011, our Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stephen Blank, accompanied by District Chairman Ian Casson and Deputy Chairman Ken Hampson, made the annual visit to Willow Wood Hospice, where they presented a cheque from the Grand Charity for £2,300. 
This particular visit, however, was of a more purposeful nature, as Willow Wood are utilising this year’s Masonic donation to kick-start a new and targeted appeal to replace their ageing transport.
In his release to the press, Fundraising Manager John Fellowes made the following statement:--
“After years of transporting patients around Tameside and Glossop, Willow Wood Hospice is today launching a massive appeal to replace their ageing Patient Transport Vehicle. Unfortunately the Hospice is experiencing problems with their existing mini bus, which tends to “bottom out” when contending with the raised road calming measures around the area, and with parts for the disabled access ramp being almost impossible to obtain, the Hospice has no alternative but to replace the vehicle.
The cost of a new HTS (Hospice Transport Service) vehicle to take us beyond the end of this decade will be approximately £50,000 although it is difficult to determine an exact figure as prices are continually fluctuating.  The only certainty is that if we don’t get on and start raising the funds now, costs will only increase. The HTS Appeal has received a tremendous boost with this Masonic donation of £2,300 towards the fund, and with other pledges of support we are looking to raise a further £40,000”.
John continued to say, “This is the first time since the original appeal to build Willow Wood Hospice  that we have asked our friends in the community for help to buy a specific piece of equipment. However I am sure that even in these difficult and uncertain times, local businesses and individuals will do all they can to help us raise the money to buy a new vehicle, which will directly help those people in need of our specialist care. “

  W. Bro. Peter John Swain PJGD, 60 Years in Freemasonry

VWBro Harold Woodward – Deputy Provincial Grand Master and WBro Peter Swain, PJGD

On Monday 21st February 2011 at Albert House Masonic Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne, WBro Peter J. Swain celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry, and as you might expect the Lodge Room was filled to bursting point.  The VWDeputy Provincial Grand Master, Harold Woodward, took the Chair for this auspicious occasion and, after introducing the Provincial Deputation, gave a brief history of Peter’s 60 years, which included extracts from the early Minutes of Hartshead Lodge. 
Peter was born on the 10th October 1929 to Sidney and Florence Swain and was educated at Burnage School. He married Marjorie in 1953 and they have three children, Andy, Nick and Ruth. All have settled into family life, providing Peter and Marjorie with four Granddaughters and a step Grandson, a family of which he is extremely proud.                                                 
After his National Service, in which he rose to the rank of Quarter Master, Peter joined his father in the family carpet business, F. W. Sharpe, which had previously been owned by his father, Sidney, since 1936.  In due course Peter took charge of the Company, taking great pride in the exceptional and bespoke service he offered, with quality hand-sewn carpets in unique patterns and distinctive one-off designs.
Peter has enjoyed a long and active life in Freemasonry, with his name appearing in the Founders’ Minutes before Hartshead Lodge No.7042 was even Consecrated.  When discussing who should be the first candidate, the Worshipful Master Designate, WBro Arthur Ogden could not decide. Not wishing to upset his friends WBro Sidney Swain or Bro James France, whose sons were the two candidates, he therefore spun a coin which came down in favour of Peter.   
That is how Peter Swain became Hartshead Lodge’s first Initiate on February 19th 1951, and his name, occupying one Office or another, has appeared on every summons since the Lodge’s Consecration.   After being passed on the 16th April 1951, and raised on the 24th May 1951, all his three Ceremonies conducted by WBro Arthur Ogden,  he was then Installed as Worshipful Master for the first time on the  October 15th 1956, for the second time in October 1991, and for a third period of Office as Master to celebrate Hartshead Lodge’s 50th Anniversary in January 2001, and his own Personal 50th Anniversary in Freemasonry at the following Meeting in February.

This year, WBro Peter Swain has again been Installed as Worshipful Master, that  being considered by the Lodge to be the most appropriate Office in which to celebrate  his 60 years in Freemasonry.
Away from Freemasonry, Peter extends and practises his charitable nature by supporting many other needy causes, and Peter and Marjorie Swain have regularly given their spare time, manning stalls at various fundraising events and in particular for animal rescue centres. While speaking of charity, Peter is also a keen supporter of Manchester City.
As a devoted father, he has enjoyed lots of summer holidays with Marjorie and their children, many of which involved driving to Devon for family fun in the compact confines of a caravan. Hours of happy memories for successive generations of the Swain family, but can you imagine the unpublishable pictures of Peter Swain in a pair of shorts and a Pakamac??   More recently Peter and Marjorie have also made transatlantic trips on the QE 2 to visit Andy and his family in America, where they seem to have settled.
During the celebrations, a framed picture of the Founders of Hartshead Lodge, which included Peter’s father, WBro Sidney Swain, was presented by WBro Stephen Blank, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, on behalf of the members of the Lodge of Union. 
Later at the Social Board, the VWDeputy Provincial Grand Master, Harold Woodward proposed a toast to WBro Peter Swain, when he thanked him for his long and distinguished service to East Lancashire Freemasonry, and particularly for his time both as Deputy Chairman and afterwards as Chairman of the Ashton & Mossley District. The Brethren of Hartshead Lodge also presented Peter with a voucher for a weekend away at a hotel of his choice, and when the Tyler’s Toast eventually signalled the end of a great Masonic Evening, everyone departed homewards with the feeling that the long and devoted services of an outstanding Ashton Freemason had been celebrated and recorded in a most suitable manner.

WBro Stephen Blank the Assistant Prov. Grand Master and Peter.

STUART WINS A GOLD

Stuart, Centre, Sharing the Glory with his Team Mates.

A few months ago, Bro Steve  Marshall, a member of Waverley Lodge, No 1322, meeting at Albert House, Ashton-under-Lyne, approached the membership to assist with financial help in supporting his son Stuart’s expenses, he having been selected to Fence for England in Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Although it is an honour to be selected, the expenses incurred have to be met by the athlete.

Stuart has been Fencing for over ten years in which time he has seen a great level of success in local, national and international competitions. He has Fenced as part of the Great British Sabre team in such places as St. Petersburg, Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia to name but a few. Within the last six months he has won individual major open competitions in Reykjavik and Copenhagen. 

At the games, after coming a very creditable 5th place in the Men’s Individual Sabre event, he went on to win a Gold medal beating Austria in the final of the Men’s Sabre Team Event.

This young man has brought pride to himself, his family and his country, and Freemasonry must take some pride in being able to help Stuart who in turn would like to thank Waverley Lodge and members of the District Committee for their generous donations to his travelling fund.

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

  Kevin Hall, District Communications Officer for Ashton/Mossley District,
Telephone 01457 861 827 or email kevin@jaspernet.co.uk

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