News from Audenshaw District

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

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.

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.

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!

Pennine Lodge No 8798 held a special meeting at Mossley on the 22nd of February. It was held to celebrate 50 years in Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry for WBro E W Dennis Thomas. Celebrating both orders together was unique but then so is the man himself.
He is Past APGM for Central Area No1, and a PDepGChap, a post in which he was previously active. He is a big man with a big heart and has done much for our area and the Province which is well known to us all, therefore this article will show the other sides of Dennis.
His youth began in the same manner he was to continue. He was educated at Bible College of Wales where he became Head Boy. On leaving school he joined the RAF winning the middleweight boxing championship for North England and played rugby for the Command and for Swansea. He left the RAF and joined industry after gaining a Higher National Certificate in Chemical Engineering which led to him taking charge of a large chemical plant manufacturing Nickel Sulphate, Copper Sulphate and basic precious metals.
The call of the Church was too strong so in 1961 he entered St Michaels College, Cardiff, and was ordained in Brecon Cathedral in 1963 aged 31. In 1969 he became vicar of Ystradfellte, Breconshire and in 1970 he became a County Councillor for Breconshire and held the post of Vice Chairman of libraries and Museums . Thus, to contribute to his religious duties, he was to begin activities in civic, educational, and charitable areas. This list can be seen at the foot of this article in full.
The “After Dinner Speaking” part of Dennis’s career does need mentioning as it chimes with his Masonic ideals- in particular Charity. He was on the circuit for 20 years raising approximately £8,000 - £10,000 per year, the highest in one night being £6000 at the Anglo American Club. All monies were given to various Charities. After being diagnosed and successfully treated for stomach cancer he then gave all monies to supporting Research into Cancer of the Stomach at Manchester Royal Infirmary. The highlight of this part of his career was being the personal guest of Sir Bobby Charlton when he received the Variety Club Heart and meeting the top football player in the world. He also received, in 2005, the “Public Service Award” for outstanding services to the residents of Dukinfield.
In 2004 he retired from the post of vicar of St Marks and St Lukes, Dukinfield, having held that post for 30 years.

Our present APGM, WBro Stephen M Blank wished to add a personal note to Dennis:

“I am privileged to have known ‘EWDT’ Masonically for many years. When I was appointed APGM for Ashton, Mossley and Audenshaw I was only too well aware that this was still Dennis Thomas territory even though he was last but one APGM in the Area. After all, his larger than life photograph was staring down at me from all three Halls – and in Mossley I could swear the photo moved and spoke like the ones in Harry Potter!

I was delighted it fell to me to kick off the process of arranging his Personal 50th Craft (and Royal Arch) celebration. Of course our RW ProvGM, Jack Price, needed no persuasion to attend and despite a ‘hiccup’ due to Jack’s indisposition last year everything went beautifully on 22 February 2010. I greatly enjoyed a very jolly evening and was surprised to find out that apparently W Bro Thomas is Welsh (!). I was sorry to have to announce at the end of the evening the passing of the WM of Pennine Lodge, WBro David Clawley PProvAGDC who had of course been very ill, but I felt the Brethren should know. That’s life – a mixture of good and bad.”

Finally Brethren, a big thank you must go to WBro Simon Thomas, Dennis’s son, who, with the assistance of Pennine members, organised a splendid evening in support of a special Freemason. I am sure we all wish him well.

Life achievements of Revd Edward Walter Dennis Thomas

Educated at Bible College of Wales becoming Head Boy.
On leaving school I joined the RAF. I won the middleweight boxing championship for North England and played rugby for the Command and Swansea.
Left the RAF and joined industry after gaining a Higher National Certificate in Chemical Engineering. I then took charge of a large chemical plant manufacturing Nickel sulphate and Copper sulphate and basic precious metals.
Call of the Church was too strong – In 1961 entered St Michaels College, Cardiff.
Ordained in Brecon Cathedral in 1963 (aged 31yrs)
In 1969 became vicar of Ystradfellte; Breconshire in 1970 became a County Councillor for Breconshire County Council – Vice Chairman Libraries and Museums. Helped plan the Museum at the Shire Hall Brecon and Presided over its opening. Founder of the South East Wales Arts Council, and Colege Howell Harris, and a member of the Brecon National Park.
Served on many other committees and represented the County on many occasions including being a member on the Council of the University of Wales. On 13th July 1972 By command of Her Majesty I was invited to attend the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Moved to England in 1974 and became the first vicar of the United Benefice of St Marks and St Luke’s in Dukinfield. Held many positions such as

Divisional Chaplain for Greater Manchester Police. Appointed in 1977 to Tameside division who was commanded at the time by Chief Supt Bill McLoughlin (present at dinner) and am still serving the Division. My appointment was the first Divisional Chaplain in the Country, which was created by Sir James Anderton, Chief Constable.
Chaplain to three different Mayors of Tameside.
Lord Lieutenants’ Chaplain
Chaplain to Greater Manchester Police, Special Constabulary – My appointment was the first Chaplain to the Special Constabulary in the Country, which was again created by Sir James Anderton, Chief Constable. I still serve as such.
Chaplain to the Sea Cadets.
Officiating Chaplain to Her Majesty Forces – Manchester Garrison at Ladysmith, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Chaplain to the Tameside Parachute Association
Chaplain to the Dukinfield and Stalybridge British Legion

Work in community: -
Chairman and Governor of several schools in Tameside.
Founder of the Latch Key Scheme for children
1st Chairman of Tameside Voluntary Bodies
Reader for Talking Newspaper for the Blind
Founder and Chairman of Community Project Unit employing 750 and the Youth Opportunity Scheme employing 250 with a Manpower Services Grant
2003, appointed to sit on the first Standards Committee for Tameside I still sit on this committee.
2007 appointed to sit on the Independent Police Committee.
I was a member of the “After Dinner Speakers” circuit for 20years raising approximately £8,000 - £10,000 per year. The highest in one night was £6000 at the Anglo American Club. All money was given to various Charities. But after being diagnosed and successfully treated for stomach cancer I then gave all monies to supporting Research into Cancer of the Stomach at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Highlight being the personal guest of Sir Bobby Charlton when he received the Variety Club Heart and meeting the top football player in the world.
In 2005 received “Public Service Award” for outstanding services to the residents of Dukinfield.
In 2004 I retired from the post of vicar of St Marks and St Lukes, Dukinfield. Having held that post for 30 years.

Masonic Craft and Royal Arch History
WBro Rev E W Dennis Thomas PDepGChap, PAProvGM

Craft

1954 R P St John Charles Lodge 6466, Swansea
1965 West Glamorgan Lodge 5291, Swansea
1975 Integrity Lodge 6328 Dukinfield
1981 Minerva Lodge 300, Ashton-u-Lyne
1986 Rose of Lancashire Lodge 9174, Audenshaw
1990 Lodge 9328, Manchester
1992 Waverley Lodge 1322, Ashton-u-Lyne
1993 East Lancs Provincial Lodge 3747 Manchester
1993 Fortitude Lodge 0064, Manchester
1998 East Lancs Centurion Lodge 2322, Manchester
Trinity Lodge 5651, Audenshaw
2002 Pennine Lodge 8798, Audenshaw (now Mossley)

Craft Honours

1989-1990 AGChap
1990-1991 PAGChap
1992-1994 DGChap
1994- PDGChap
1992–2001 AProvGM of East Lancashire

Royal Arch

1959 Virtue and Hope Chapter 0237, Swansea
1972 West Glamorgan Chapter 5291, Swansea
1992 Pennine Chapter 8798, Audenshaw
1996 East Lancs Provincial Grand Officers Chapter 747, Manchester

Royal Arch Honours

WBro Jack Hill, 50 Years in Freemasonry

   His dedication to charitable work started in his early years as a member of the 2/230rd Johnston Hewlett Scout Group. His working life started at the Trustee Savings Bank in Manchester but this was cut short by his National Service in 1950. Always the joker, he convinced his friends that he was involved in combat duties in Korea, which fell flat when he let it be known he was in the Pay Corps travelling no further than Devizes. After demobilisation, he returned to the bank.

   He and Mavis, his wife, later opened a Fish & Chip shop in Miles Platting. His friend and fellow Lodge member, WBro Raymond Wallace, commented that the fish were not the only things battered in Jack’s Chippy as he lived in a rough area. He suffered vandalism, robberies and personal attacks during his 28 years but despite these problems they ran a successful business until retirement in 1995.

   Jack was proposed into Freemasonry by WBro Richard Oliver & Seconded by WBro Arthur Francis. He was Initiated at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester, by his proposer Bro Richard Oliver with 39 members and 16 visitors present, including his seconder, Bro Arthur Francis. He was on honeymoon at the time and had to explain to his new wife, Mavis, that they would have to return early for the ceremony. You don’t get wives like that these days.

The APGM, WBro Stephen Martin Blank, led the next item on the summons which was: “To celebrate the 50th Anniversary in Freemasonry of W Bro Jack Hill, PProvDepGSuptWks.”   He stated: If the RWPGM was physically able to attend all the Personal 50ths in his Province, there is no doubt he would be here. Instead, he has deputed me as his personal representative having responsibility for Central Area no 1, to carry out his duties. Brethren, 50 years is a fantastic stint to put in to any activity. The phrase 50 years IN Freemasonry is perhaps the wrong one. It implies Bro Hill has sat on the back row for 50 years and watched what was going on. As stated earlier from a Brother better placed than I, Bro Hill was never a back row Mason – he was a leader from the front. Presently Inner Guard, Chaplain & Almoner of the Lodge. Reference to clanking of three collars making him sound like Daisy the Cow. I won’t comment since I wrote the Guidance that said the PGM prefers only one collar to be worn”.
He then went on to present the RWPGM’s illuminated certificate, followed by a perambulation of the Lodge to much acclaim from the brethren present.

Composite Lodge, No 457,5 arranged a special meeting on the 25th of January, to celebrate WBro Joe Beaumont’s 60 years in Freemasonry. He was to be supported by our APGM, WBro Stephen M Blank, and a District Delegation. Sadly, Joe was taken ill and the meeting was postponed. The brethren arranged for his Illuminated Certificate and a letter from the RWPGM to be presented to him in hospital. A short time later, Joe passed to the Grand Lodge above whilst in hospital aged 85.

   He was a Site Manager for AMEC, one of the largest building contractors in the world, in his working life, and though he had his moments, he never married. He was initiated into Composite in 1950 and progressed to WM in 1963. As was the norm in those days, Ladies Evenings started at 3-30pm. with whist and continued with dinner at 6-00 followed by dancing until midnight or so, which could be quite exhausting. His mother supported him with these events as his lady.

   He was also a member of Ashbury Chapter in which he was exalted in 1952. He held many offices in his Lodge and was rewarded with Provincial Honours eventually attaining PProvSGW in 2002.

   Joe’s war service was in the Royal Navy as a Radio Operator attached to the arctic convoys with the Fleet Air Arm, a most unpleasant duty for any man. In his youth he played rugby for the TocH, a Charitable organisation. I suppose there are few members of a certain age who will remember the TocH which began its life in Poperinge, Belgium, in 1915, in 'Talbot House' (after Lt. Gilbert Talbot, killed at Ypres) and became known by its initials in Army Signallers language of the day. Their tenets were similar to those of Freemasonry.

   In 1970 Joe was elected treasurer, an office he maintained until his passing. His final act as treasurer was to donate two cheques to the 2015 Festival, one from the Lodge for £600 and a personal cheque for £600 to mark his 60 years service, allowing the Lodge to qualify as patrons of the 2015 Festival.

   Joe was also a member of Friendship Lodge, and Lord Stanley Chapter, both at Bridge Street.

   On Friday 12th February 2010 a packed congregation at Manchester Crematorium heard a marvellous tribute to Joe from WBro Brian Riley which drew applause from all privileged to be present. The ceremony fittingly closed with Frank Sinatra singing “My Way”. He was great character and a gentleman, and will be missed not only by the brethren in the orders of which he was a member, but to Freemasonry in general.

On the 22 November 2009, our APGM, WBro Stephen M. Blank, was invited to open the Friends of Ecclesholme Christmas Fair. He was accompanied by his wife Marilyn and together they were given a tour of the home itself.

In his opening speech, the APGM stated: “I have become aware of the connection that Brethren from my Area and indeed the Province of E Lancs feel for the RMBI’s Ecclesholme Care Home. This despite the fact that it is in West Lancs! That shows among other things that although there is friendly rivalry between East and West, Masonic brotherhood trumps it and we work together when we need to. So I am pleased to see my colleague from W Lancs WBro John Clipsham, APGM for Eccles and South Eastern Groups here today. I hope he will turn a blind eye to my Chain and E Lancs Festival tie!” He went on to say, “We have taken great care to be able to hit the Festival launch running so I’ve already been briefed twice on RMBI, its 17 care homes and its 160 years of service. I’ve also attended two more briefings in my Area and I have a manual!”

Stephen congratulated the Home Manager, Bev Niland on her supervisory skills and also on the award of a 3rd presentation of a “Gold Award” from the Local authorities for the quality of its catering. The Association of Friends of Ecclesholme provide amenities and transport for the residents of the home. The Committee of the Association received especial thanks and in particular its Chairman WBro Michael Gouldsbrough from the Warrington Group. Our own Don Roberts, a long time member, has been nominated by the Association as its representative to sit on the Council of the RMBI.

Our APGM went on to say, “I have been asked and am particularly pleased to thank the Widnes Group of Lodges and Chapters - and all the Groups / Districts who are involved with the Association of Friends - for making the recent Gala Dinner event such a huge success, I believe £750 to the Fund. Next year the Gala Dinner is to be hosted at Stanley House on 30 October 2010 by my Audenshaw District in East Lancashire.”

Having completed his opening speech Stephen then declared the Ecclesholme Christmas Fair for 2009 open for all to enjoy the festivities.
Audenshaw should be very proud to see our APGM opening such a prestigious event at the start of our RMBI Festival and doubly proud to see WBro Donald Roberts PAGDC taking a leading role on behalf of Ecclesholme.

In December 2008 I received a phone call from the MEGS offering me the position of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals for Central Area No.1 and on 26th March I was invested at ProvGC in that role.

I was initiated into Fairfield Lodge,7224, in 1985 and exalted into Fairfield Chapter a year later. I have been a founder member of three Chapters, and since 1997 being involved in the District. My first appointment was that of DORA in Ashton and Mossley followed by District Secretary and District Chairman for the Audenshaw and now my new role as an APGP. Being involved in the District has been a privilege and to work with many eminent Masons as well as meeting so many Brethren and Companions within the Province but in particular Central Area No.1, which without their friendship and support over the years I doubt I would be in a position to hold this office.
Holding District Office is time consuming but fortunately I have my best friend and wife in Anne whose continual support and understanding has enabled my progression within Freemasonry.

My new role will be a challenging and exciting, especially continuing the work of such a dedicated predecessor in EComp David Thompson, whom I wish every success as Chairman of the 2015 RMBI Festival.

These times are hard for expansion of Freemasonry and the Royal Arch, but as Companions we must support the Craft in all their endeavours in attracting new Masons; for we rely solely on the Craft for membership into the Royal Arch. We need to look towards establishing strong and vibrant Chapters within this District and ensure that all our meetings are interesting, stimulating and motivating to improve the perception of the Royal Arch to all Brethren.

Finally I am looking forward to continuing my friendship, and working with, our APGM WBro Stephen Blank and the two District Teams, but most of all with you Companions and Brethren of Central Area No.1; enjoy your Freemasonry.

November the 11th is a date rooted in the minds of the people of this country. Sombre though it may be, I am sure Gorton Lodge No 7657 would be forgiven for making that date a celebration. They were celebrating their Golden Jubilee; 50 years of continual service to the craft.

From left to Right:
Front Row: WBro Ian S Paul ProvSGW, WBro Stephen M Blank, APGM,
WM WBro Gordon Davis and WBro John W Hudson ProvJGW.
Back Row: WBro Paul Bowen ProvOrg, District Chairman, WBro John Pearson,
WBro Norman Clarke, APGP and WBro John Winstanley ProvDepChap.

To assist with their celebration, they had the support of a full Provincial and District Deputation including the Provincial Wardens, WBros Ian S Paul ProvSGW and John W Hudson ProvJGW. This was lead by the area APGM WBro Stephen Martin Blank, PGDepDC. He happily took the proffered gavel from the WM, and last surviving Founder, WBro Gordon Davis, who seemed relieved to pass it on. Our APGM introduced his team then went on to introduce the ProvDepGChap, WBro John Winstanley, who delivered an Oration threading its way through to past 50 years of Gorton’s existence.

Lodge Members with:
L to R: WBro Ian S Paul ProvSGW, APGM WBro Stephen M Blank,
WM WBro Gordon Davis and WBro John W Hudson ProvJGW.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation to our APGM of a £2,500 donation to the East Lancs Festival 2015 qualifying them for Grand Patronage. They went even further by delivering into WBro Blank’s hand, a letter pledging that by the end of the 2015 Festival, they will have donated £7657, their Lodge number. Donations of £250 to other Charities were also announced.

As the meeting was coming to a close, our APGM had one more surprise up his sleeve. The ProvDepDC escorted the WM, WBro Gordon Davis to the pedestal, the APGM stepped from his chair and to the delight of all present, invested Gordon as PPSGW on behalf of the RWPGM. The WM was then perambulated round to Lodge to much acclaim from all present.

More than 60 Brethren retired to the social board to a sumptuous meal identical to that at their Consecration. During the dining period, a raffle was held for several valuable prizes including a TV. The sums raised during the evening for Charity were more than £550. The organisation for the evening could not have been better so a special thank you must go to WBro Andrew Lewis, the Lodge secretary.

Our newly appointed District Charity Steward, WBro Paul Waring (shown on the left), had the task of organising the “Friends and Companions Dinner” within a short while of taking the post. With the assistance of WBro Vic Murphy, it went very well in deed. On the 9th October, 102 diners arrived at Stanley House looking forward to a pleasant dinner and entertainment. With the stewards resigning a few days earlier and a new chef in the kitchen, it looked like it would be a very trying period for Paul.

As it turned out all went well. Our retiring steward,Andrea, as we would expect from her past provision, came on the night to direct the servers in providing their usual professional service and no doubt giving advice to the chef. WBro Roger Paul arranged for Billy Myers to entertain everyone whose voice was similar to that of Frank Sinatra, provided the entertainment for our guests mixing songs with humour and a lot of audience participation, he kept the evening going with a bounce.

As the evening came to an end, the District guests happily made their way home and Paul could pat himself on the back and also thank those who supported him on a very successful evening.

WBro Chris Bolton, known to all at Stanley House for running the highly successful regalia shop, is perhaps not so well known for his fitness regime. He is a member of the Long Distance Walking Club the title of which gives a clue to Chris’ activities away from Masonry.

During the summer break, he added his name to a list of athletes entering a 100K walk in Belgium known as the “Death March”. The list of competitors totalled almost 11,000. The total of entrants finishing was quite a few less; 40% had dropped out before the finish.

The event started at 9-00pm walking through the night as it was cooler, a situation soon to changed as daylight appeared and the temperature rose into the 90’s for the final hours.

Chris completed the course in 16 hr and 42 min being amongst the first 500. At the finish, 1,500 were treated for heat stroke, hence the name Death March, but our intrepid Chris was not one of them. He later had to walk more than 2K back to his digs.

The amazing thing about this remarkable achievement is that Chris is 70 years old and no doubt left many a younger person behind him. The PGM, Jack Price, has promised his full support for Chris next year as he intends to repeat the exercise in aid of the East Lancashire Grand Festival. It is hoped the members at Stanley House will also give their support.

In the 1850’s in Bombay, India, resident Freemasons found that if they wished to continue their Masonic life, the only English Lodge was Lodge “St George”. The expense of joining this Lodge was prohibitive to many Brethren thereby leading to the formation of Concord which would be more affordable.

On the 6th September 1858, a petition was sent to London and the warrant granted. “Concord Lodge” No 1059 was consecrated on Friday 19th February, 1859. Re-numbering by UGL gave them No. 757 at a later date.

Due to a steady decline of the European population, the decision was made to approach a new Masonic Hall at Audenshaw, in the Province of East Lancashire, with a view to a permanent transfer from Bombay for which a dispensation was granted.

In celebrating their 150th. year, a Lodge Banner was presented by Bro. Stephen Griffiths, the newest member, and dedicated by the VWBro Dr Nigel Bramley-Howarth.

During the last decade of the twentieth century there was a marked decline in the membership of many Masonic lodges. Egerton Lodge No.1030 can be cited as an example; the number of brethren in full membership fell from 31 in 1990 to 13, ten years later. Moreover, the increase in the age of members and their obvious inability to attract candidates for membership raised doubts as to its viability.

In 2001, WBro., Harry Rogers, who was the District Amalgamations Officer, became aware that Egerton was not the only lodge struggling to survive. Province maintained a list of such lodges which included Egerton and the Lodge of Emulation. It was suggested that they have a meeting to discuss the situation at which they learned that Manchester Dramatic Lodge was considering an amalgamation, for the same reasons.

Prince Albert Lodge, interested at the early stages, decided not to proceed and was wound up about a year later. Egerton, Lodge of Emulation and Manchester Dramatic decided to merge and were later joined by Prestwich Lodge. Egerton was the oldest lodge having been formed in 1865 – it was numbered 1030. The modus operandi was that the other three lodges would be wound up and that their members would join Egerton, which would change its name to Phoenix Lodge. That was duly achieved by October 2002.

The Amalgamation ceremony took place in February 2003. It was a magnificent occasion, with about 140 brethren attending. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master at that time, VWBro Paul Rink, conducted the ceremony with the full provincial team. This was the first time in Masonic history that four lodges had amalgamated. So Phoenix arose from the ashes of its constituent lodges. Everyone was elated. There were now 44 subscribing members and 7 honorary. WBro. Harry Rogers accepted honorary membership for the vast amount of work he had done behind the scenes to achieve this goal. In the first year seven brethren resigned and two were excluded for non-payment of their subscriptions. Three more resigned in the following year and two honorary members died.

Closure was to be in this Masonic season but most of the members who reside locally, and some others – eight in all - are to apply for membership of Reddish Lodge No. 3615. People who live further a-field will join lodges to which they can travel more easily. Phoenix lasted just over six years.

"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.

The “Giving Night “, held at Stanley House, Audenshaw, on the 20th of March, proved to be very successful. With an attendance of around 150 people, including his Worship, the Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Jack Davies, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress and representatives of the beneficiaries. During the evening 74 charities, mostly local, received awards.

The total amount donated from Masonic Orders meeting within Central Area No1, which encompasses Audenshaw, Ashton and Mossley, was almost £67,000 . At a similar event last year the same Freemasons donated more than £41,000, and, considering the country is in a credit crunching period, the increase this year is all the more remarkable.

The largest donation in our immediate area was to the Community Centre Project at Christ Church, Ashton, which received £10,000.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for our area, WBro. Stephen Blank. opened the proceedings making all present most welcome, and, at the end of the proceedings, he surprised the Mayor with a donation of £1000 to the “Mayor of Tameside’s Charity”. The Mayor, in his closing speech, thanked Steven and all the Masons for the obvious good work they do for non-masonic charities and gave a personal thank you for the surprise donation to his own special charity.

"Dear Mr Freemasons, My name is Joshua and I am 5 years old. A little while ago, I told my mummy that I didn’t feel well and when I woke up I was in a hospital, which was very scary. The nurse gave me this bear to be my friend and that helped a lot because he didn’t seem scared at all. My dad says that you and your friends give the bears – please don’t ever stop.”

As all parents will understand, there is no worse feeling than when your child falls ill unexpectedly. In Joshua's case he collapsed into unconsciousness and was rushed to hospital for a battery of tests. Thankfully he has made an uneventful recovery. I cannot tell you how much receiving the bear in A & E meant to him, and to us, as it had such a positive effect on Josh. Being a freemason, I was aware of this scheme, but being a parent, and having seen it in action, I can tell you, with the greatest pleasure and thanks, what a wonderful thing you are doing. I agree with Joshua – please don’t ever stop.

WBro John Stewart, a member of Audenshaw Lodge No 4828, received the shock of his life when he opened a letter from the Cabinet Office offering him the honour of an MBE for “Services to the Church and the local community”. Never the less, John soon recovered and answered yes by return.

He was born in Glasgow and moved to Droylsden in 1952 joining the congregation of Clayton Methodist Church to continue his service to the church. He has since helped thousands of young people at Sunday school and in the Youth Club which he started. He gave his service to the Church for nearly 45 years finding it at times very demanding and now, at 83, feels it is time to sit back. Unfortunately, the club has now closed.

Reflecting of the honour conferred by the Queen, John commented “if people needed my assistance, I felt a natural tendency to help”. Clearly a person like John is well deserving of the honour. He and his wife Doreen and their family will be enjoying the opulence of Buckingham Palace for his investiture.

An application to the Community Fund proved successful for Bill Emery of Denton Lodge and the brethren of Rose of Lancaster Lodge at Stanley House. Bill is a member of the organising committee for the Denton and Audenshaw Carnival.

The grant awarded of £800 was for operational costs as their main fund raiser, a car boot sale, could not take place.

Derek Thornhill, the Community Fund Chairman, said that he was happy to grant the award as all the criteria had been met, especially concerning Masonic involvement.