Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier

Read the Winter Newsletter HERE

'The Mark of a Good Evening' - The Royal Arch Demonstration Team

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.

KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE

WBros Jeff Smith and Jimmy Rogers with the WM John M Styles

King Solomon’s Temple is an interest to us all as it features in our Ceremonies. The Cleveleys Mark Lodge demonstrate the building and the significance of its many parts. During their demonstration at Stanley House, Audenshaw, in Good Companions Lodge, No 6005,  the temple slowly takes its shape as sections are added and explained by the team. The finished product is then a sight to be seen; especially when the Lodge room lights are turned off and the miniature Temple lights turned on.
The idea for this demonstration originated from WBro Sid Bates when it was the turn of the Cleveleys Mark Lodge to host a festival for the six other Mark Lodges in their area. A team of thirteen built the parts for the model they refer to as “The Big Dolls Hose”. It was not long before requests were received from other Lodges to see their demonstration.
And so a series of visits began, the Good Companions Demo being their 494th.  They have visited England, Scotland and Wales and even Milan (Italy) a round trip of 1,950 miles. Their total mileage so far, including their return journey from Audenshaw, has now surpassed 92,000. Another startling statistic is more than 40,000 Masons have viewed their demonstration.  
Apart from the knowledge and interest generated, the basis for these visits is Charity. Donations received are deposited with the Fleetwood Masonic Benevolent Association, a registered Charity.  During their many visits, they have collected more than £85,000 to date. The most collected at one event is £1,000 at a Lodge in Croydon attended by 150 Masons. Their average is £200 (net expenses). I have seen this form of demonstration twice before but none was as detailed and professional as this. Our thanks to a very dedicated team.

SOLOMON'S TEMPLE ILLUMINATED

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

FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS DINNER

Each year at this time of the year, the Audenshaw District, through the District Charity Steward, organises a dinner for the dependants of our District. The Lodge and Chapter Almoners arrange transport for those who find it difficult to travel.
This year more than ninety dined including those supporting our guests. During the evening, after a sumptuous meal, entertainment was provided by a singer whose renditions had quite a few toes tapping as well as dancing. These dinners provide more than just a meal out. The ladies who attend get to meet old friends from earlier days whom they may not see from year to year. It is also our big thank you to them for the support which they gave to our departed Brethren.
The sound of excited chatter passing between friends as they catch up on news of family makes the effort put in by the District Officers worthwhile.
Thanks must go the WBro Paul Waring, District Charity Steward, the Almoners of our Lodges and Chapters and finally yet importantly, the catering staff of Stanley House

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

STANLEY HOUSE UNIFORMS

Most of our Brethren will think they are familiar with the name "BBC". In this case they would be quite wrong. It really stand for the Bacon Butty Club which meets every Saturday morning at our regalia shop in Stanley House.
Those attending are charged a small fee which entitles them to a bacon butty and tea/coffee. Whilst you're there you'll meet old friends and make new ones.    Come along and give it a try; after all you'd only be playing golf, washing the car, cutting the grass or, dare I say it shopping, all of which can be done another day.
This fund raising idea came from our Club Committee, and the uniforms for our catering staff here, were paid for with funds from the BBC.
We must thank our Club Committee for another improvement to the Stanley House facility.

STANLEY HOUSE GATES

WBro Jim Howard, left , with his team.

Over the past few years, Stanley House has had many of the facilities improved or added too. The latest addition are gates at the car park entrance fitted free of charge.
WBro Derek Barclay of Metal Supplies donated the materials, and the manufacturing and installation was completed by WBro Jim Howard of JDJ Engineering Services. Both these Brethren are members of Delphi Lodge, No 9061.
As can be seen in the photo, the addition of these gates adds security as well as embellishing the appearance to the entrance of our Hall. The effect on prospective clients arriving at our Hall, with the possible intent of hiring the facility, will undoubtedly add to the prospect of a successful conclusion.
The members of Stanley House will appreciate the wonderful gesture from these Brethren for donating their time and money to the benefit of us all and we thank them wholeheartedly.

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

AUDENSHAW HOST THE

DC  SUPPORT PROGRAMME

WBros Eric Bond, Norman Cope, Andrew Sinclair, Peter Messum and Joe Glass

Stanley House, Audenshaw, were the latest District in our Province to have the privilege of hosting a meeting for the “DCs. Support Programme”, delivered by members of the Provincial Education & Development Committee. This meeting took place on the 26th May. The Chairman of the Committee, WBro Peter Messum, was highly delighted with the attendance consisting of craft and chapter DCs/ADCs and District Officers.

The meeting was opened by Eric Bond with a Power Point presentation covering the Protocols which a Lodge or Chapter may wish to adopt. It was stipulated that these protocols were suggestions only as each and every Lodge/Chapter will make their own decisions as to which, if any, they would adopt. The session not only covered the expectations of the DCs and their assistants, but also of the Brethren in general when attending in open Lodge and the social board.

The ProvGDC, WBro Norman Cope, in good voice, led the second half. He had the attention of all present from beginning giving many practical tips to implement in their Lodges/Chapters and at the Social Board, although not all would be adopted by some lodges/chapters. The Q & A session following his talk went very well indeed.  Norman seemed impressed by the amount of feedback he received.

WBro Messum went on to say: “DCs are asked to take the proposals back to their Lodges/Chapters to discuss with their Lodge/Chapter Management Committee. A few months after the end of the summer break, the District will call a follow-up meeting of DCs/ADCs to see what progress has been made with implementing the proposals.

The Audenshaw Chairman, WBro John Pearson, added the final comments of the evening thanking the team for their splendid presentation, the members of Audenshaw District for the attendance and the Stanley House catering staff for providing refreshments.

The ProvGDC, Norman Cope and the Past Prov Dep DC Duncan Ferguson compare notes

The Blankenberge Challenge
Paul Waring and Chris Bolton

An early flight at 6-30 am and a comfortable train journey saw us arrive at the Hotel in Blankenberge in time for a little sightseeing in this picturesque seaside town.
We had been warned not to underestimate the strength of the Belgian beer and considering the task ahead we reluctantly decided to exercise caution.
On the first day my event was to be 42 Kms and Paul’s 15 Kms.  Arriving at the start I found mine had been extended to 46 Kms (28.5 miles).  However, Belgium being flat I didn’t anticipate much of a problem and the first twenty miles flew by.  The temperature had quickly risen to the upper 80s and the heat was beginning to take its toll, in fact the last few miles seemed never ending.
Arriving back at the Hotel I found Paul in good shape (round is a shape) after a fine performance.  This was the furthest distance he had covered and he was a little apprehensive that he would need to repeat it the following day.
Happily day two was a little cooler and my distance had been shortened to compensate for day one.  This proved a blessing and I finished without the problems of the previous day.  Paul also finished well and was euphoric thinking of all the people he was going to mug for sponsorship money.
Blankenberge had indeed been a challenge, perhaps harder than expected because of the heat, but we completed it and we are both grateful for the generous support of Lodges, Chapters and individuals who contributed on behalf of the EL 2015 Festival.

(Total donations not yet collated.)

Chris Bolton

TRINITY LODGE No 5651 INSTALLATION

Arriving at the Stanley House on the morning of the 6th April, the busy car park gave a clue that something special was happening on this bright early spring day. The meeting was Trinity Lodge No 5651 which was rescued from extinction when a group of Stanley House members reformed the Lodge changing the meeting time to 11 am.  and today they were having their Installation.
It’s always a special when the PGM, RWBro Jack Price is in attendance and this meeting, the Installation of WBro Allan Bennion, PJGD, was particularly so. At the opening, the PGM insisted there would no procession of Grand Officers entering the Lodge room.
More than 70 Masons attended, including, as you would expect, a plethora of Grand Officers supporting the highly respected Master Elect. The PGM’s opening remarks were to explain that enjoyment must be the priority of all meetings. This proved to be so for the rest of the day.
The Installation progressed in the unique Trinity way until it was time for the Master Elect to be presented. To the surprise and delight of all present, the PGM stepped forward, court bowed to Allan and did the presentation himself. The Installing Master and his team worked an excellent ceremony leading to Allan being placed in the chair. A high ranking Mason Allan may be but, by the proud look on his face, it might have been his first time in the Chair of King Solomon.

Harold Woodward DPGM, Allan Bennion WM , RWBro Jack Price PGM and Stephen Blank APGM

The PGM giving his personal congratulations to Allan

CENTRAL AREA No1 GIVING NIGHT

Some of the recipiants of Masonic Charity with the APGM, WBro Stephen Blank and
The Worshipful The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Jean Brazil

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 £54,882 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.

STABILITY LODGE No 4293 DOUBLE CELEBRATION

On the 10th of March, the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, accompanied by a Provincial Deputation, attended Stability Lodge No 4293 to celebrate a unique meeting; a double “50 years in Freemasonry”. The birthday boys were WBro Philip Conn, PGJD, and WBro John Mellor, PProvJGW. WBro Douglas Irving, the DC, read a tribute to both the celebrants.

WBro PHILIP CONN, PGJD

Philip started his education at St Simons and St Judes  C of E  school in Great Lever Bolton. At 9 years old he passed a scholarship to Bolton School and at 17 having taken his HSC a year early. He started at Manchester University studying law completing his studies with a 2:1, firsts being almost unheard of at that time. He managed to get himself articled to a Manchester Firm of solicitors specialising in conveyancing and probate and a year after qualifying, he formed his own firm specialising in crime and divorce.

It was about this time that Philip was invited to a Stability Lodge Ladies Evening by Henry Gore a well known Manchester Barrister. Philip asked him how he could join the Lodge and Henry said he was very happy to propose him. Within a short time he was appointed Assistant Secretary and consequently served in all the offices except Junior Warden. He was Master of Stability for the first time in 1972 coincidentally the Golden Jubilee of the Lodge.

Philip has Grand rank in three degrees in Masonry and is entitled to be proud of his achievements, but Masonry is about a lifestyle as well as Ritual and Meetings. Philip has lived his life in accordance with Masonic Principles.  He has three sons, all of whom he is very proud and 10 grandchildren and if you are not careful he will show you the photographs.
He also informally adopted the orphaned son of a friend. The boy, called Bryan, came into Phillip and Gita’s home when he was 14, staying until he was 23 when having got a first in computer engineering and qualified as a chartered accountant, he left to create his own home. I think that in itself shows why Philip is such a well thought of man and such a successful Mason.

Sometimes Philip complains jokingly that as a Mason who has achieved Grand Rank in three degrees he should get more respect. Well Philip we at Stability don’t do, what we do is give a great deal of Brotherly love to you and you give it back to us.
WBro Douglas Irving

WBro JOHN MELLOR, PProvJGW

John was born on the 29th of October, 1919. His farther became incapacitated with Rheumatoid Arthritis while quite young. Conequently John had to start work. He was offered employment in the printing trade, but starting at the bottom did not sound attractive, and was rejected as his ambitions lay elsewhere.
He began working as a warehouseman at Baxendale and Co. of Miller Street, in the Fancy Goods and Silversmith’s Department which sounded far more in keeping with his aspirations.          

In his spare time, he took up roller skating, progressing to dancing on ice. Cycling, also played a big part of his life, where he progressed to time trials in the 25, 50, and 100 mile events, achieving 1hr 6min in the 25 mile event. The 1hr barrier had not yet been broken. He had to abandon this sport, in favour of war service,

He considers one of his most notable cycling achievements was taking a week’s holiday in Wales, seeking out the highest passes, and doing a 100 mile per day on fixed a cog (no free wheel). He spent the nights in youth hostels, terminating his journey on the Saturday night and sleeping in a haystack in Heathcoat’s Barn, at Monks Heath in Cheshire. Doing so enabled him to start a 100-mile time trial at 6.00am on the Sunday morning. He not only won the 1st prize for the most improved rider, but also won the first prize for being the fastest rider.
His third passion was chess, taught by his father when he was 14 with a home-made set. He became a very accomplished player, ultimately being selected to play for Lancashire County.

Early in 1939, as war seemed a probability, John joined the Territorial Army for two good reasons;  firstly, he believed that a more powerful army would act as a deterrent to war,  and secondly, if war was to happen, he wanted to be in the service of his choice. Having joined the T.A as a Wireless and Line operator in the Royal Corp of Signals. He was embodied into the regular Army on the 1-9-39; war was declared two days later. He was attached to the 9th Armoured Division and sent to the North West Frontier, India, where their group’s task was to create to new unit named the “Indian Signals Monitoring Group”. Their purpose was to train local troops in radio monitoring. He was eventually promoted to the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant.

On leaving the army, he successfully applied to join Manchester Police and so began a new chapter in his still young life. He retired as an Inspector which allowed him to get a 9 to 5 job as the Divisional Admin Inspector. He chose to retire on 18-11-71, after 25 yrs service. He took up the post of Personnel Officer with Group 4 Total Security for 14 years, until he reached normal retirement age. It does not take a mathematician to work out that he has been on a police pension for 39 years compared with his pensionable service of 25 years.  

Sometime ago in order to avoid the endless discussions about Stability Lodge Ritual between the Past Masters, John re-wrote the whole of the three degrees ceremonies and the installation incorporating all the changes and peculiarities that were used by Stability. A mammoth task, which I think shows John’s total commitment to the Lodge and Freemasonry.
He has for fifty years been a loyal and hardworking member of this Lodge and rarely out of office. His attendance is exemplary having missed only one meeting in all the time that I have been a member.
John…. I and the Members of Stability thank you for your unwavering commitment and loyalty to this Lodge.
WBro Douglas Irving.

The Provinial Grand Master accompanied by the "Birthday Boys" and honoured guests.

WBRO.DEREK WORTHINGTON, 50 YEARS IN FREEMASONRY

WBro Stephen M Blank, APGM, presents the PGM's Certificate to Derek

   I have known Derek through business and Freemasonry for many years and have always had a high regard for him. He was born on 24-9-1930 at Lake Hospital, Ashton-U-Lyne and the country’s population increased to by1.
He was brought up with a strict religious outlook on life. He, his parents, and sister attended Hob Hill Unitarian Sunday School and Church and in those days, there was no playing out on Sundays.
They then moved to Hyde where Derek’s father had obtained employment living in a rented property which had electricity and hot running water - his mother must been in heaven.
Derek’s great achievement at school was to become captain. On leaving at 14, he was employed as an apprentice bookbinder. He continued his education at night school and day release at Stockport and Salford Technical Colleges. He had always found chemistry fascinating and became employed in the laboratory of a manufacturing company making gunk the degreasant.
Sport became most important to him and his passion was cycle track racing and his ever lasting memories are of riding a few times in the same race as Reg Harris, the World track champion.
National Service came along and he was drafted into the Royal Navy for two years, as a stoker mechanic. He should have served on MTB’s, but instead he was kept on dry land looking after the Diesel Generators on Drake’s Island, Plymouth.
Luckily he had started to work at Clayton Aniline where he met Freda and they married on the 6th March, 1954 at Brookfield Unitarian Church in Gorton, 57 years ago.
He eventually moved to the C.P.A training in textiles. This prepared him for the future to become successful in his own business. During this period at C.P.A he was proposed by Bro. A. Wilkins  and seconded by Bro. Lewis Sparrow and initiated into Fellowship Lodge in 1961.
Derek and Freda started Peel Mount Fabrics which through their hard work became a very successful business which is thriving today and being run by their eldest daughter and her husband.
They have a wonderful family with 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws and 8 grandchildren of which they are immensely proud.
Brethren, it is very easy to say I belong to the masons, how much better it is if one can truly say in the fullest sense: “I am a Mason and today we are honouring such a brother.  Derek’s energy and drive for freemasonry over these many years has been an example to us all.”
WBro Derek Walsh

A Few of the Lodge members and visitors supporting Derek

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 our Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stephen Blank, accompanied by our District Chairman Ian Casson and Deputy Chairman Ken Hampson made a very special visit to Willow Wood Hospice.  They presented a cheque from the Grand Charity for £2,300.  You might think why special?  Well this donation was to kick start an appeal to replace their ageing transport.  John Fellowes in his release to the press gave 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  and with parts for the disabled access ramp being almost impossible to obtain, combined with the height of road calming measures, the current vehicle tends to “bottom out” when going over them, the Hospice has no alternative but to replace the vehicle.
Research has identified that the cost of the new HTS (Hospice Transport Service) vehicle to take us well past the end of this decade will be approximately £50,000. It is difficult to give an exact price as the prices are fluctuating all the time but if we don’t get on and start raising the funds now the costs will only increase. The appeal has received a tremendous boost as the local Masonic Lodges have already donated £2.300 to 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 that we have asked our friends in the community for specific help to buy a piece of equipment. However I am sure, even in these difficult and uncertain times people and local businesses will do what they can to help us raise the money to buy a new vehicle that will directly help people in need of our specialist care. “

RANDALL COCKSHOOT 1907-2011

Randall receiving his surprise honour at his Installation from WBro Bill Waite, APGM at the time.

WBro. RANDALL COCKSHOOT, ALEXANDRA LODGE No 993.

To write a news article on the death of a Brother, he would need to be special; WBro. Randall Cockshoot was special.

He was initiated into Alexandra Lodge No 993, at the age of 74 and at that time made it known that he had no intensions ofr advancing through the Lodge. It was not long before he changed his mind and started to progress through the offices.

He was installed into the chair of King Solomon on the 14th December 2001. The meeting was attended by the then APGM, WBro Bill Waite, accompanied by a District Deputation. As a further mark of respect during this special event, the APGM invested him with Honours to Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer. He was later promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon at Blackburn in 2007, one month before his 100th birthday. Has this happened before?

He continued to enjoy his Freemasonry and declined Honorary Membership preferring to remain a full member of Alexandra Lodge and celebrated his 100th birthday at Stanley House. His age eventually took its toll leading to his death on 15th January, 2011, at the grand old age of 103.

He has led a very interesting life. Educated at Burley Street School and on leaving, worked at Beswick Co-op working his way up to Grocery Manager. He was called up in WW2 joining the Tank Regiment  where he learned to drive keeping behind the wheel until his late 70’s. He shared his love of ballroom dancing and crown green bowling with his wife Ada. They had two children, grandchildren and great grandchildren too numerous to mention.

Another major part of Randall’s life was the Brass Band. He started playing at St Mary’s church Bishoplee Band after the war. The band moved to All Souls, and finally to St Peter’s Church in Ashton which is where they remain to this day.

He was an exceptional Freemason and a character to boot. He was a keen supporter of Manchester City, watching his first match in 1922 when they played at Hyde Road. He will be sorely missed.

DENTON INDEPENDENT BLIND GROUP

EComp Peter Cotton, WBro Vic Murphy , Silvia Stevenson,  Shammy the Vicar and  WBro Barry Leach

When Peter Cotton was in the chair of the chair of Reddish Chapter No 3615, he wanted to find a non centrally funded group who needed financial advice and funds to keep going and which were local to Stanley House. “Denton Independent Blind Group” who meet regularly at the “New Chapel” Denton, was brought to his notice and with the kind support of Shammy, the Vicar. Peter learnt that as they have to find their own funds, they fitted the bill and he has been associated with them for around six years.

The group have been together for over twenty-five years and its members are from Denton and surrounding districts, and like most organisations they hols a Christmas Party and Peter suggested Stanley House for this year's party. 

An approach was made to the Stanley House committee who volunteered most generously to help. Forty members and their carers sat down to a beautiful meal which the chef had produced. The cost of the meal kept to a budget which the group could afford and the serving staff cut to a minimum with no effect on the quality of service. Barry Leech, the Hall Chairman, and Vic Murphy the Stanley House secretary helped by Janise the Stanley House manager rolled up their sleeves and acted as waiters alongside the staff to cut costs, they were a tremendous help.

As the afternoon came to a close, Peter commented: “I was proud to be a Stanley House mason today. This is my idea what masonry is all about. I cannot thank the Hall Committee enough on behalf of this group for the support they have received at this special time of the year.”

Our Guests from the Denton Independent Blind Group enjoy their meal whilst Barry Leech,  the Hall Chairman, and Vic Murphy the Stanley House secretary, and Janise, the Stanley House  manager, help to cut costs by serving.

Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier