District Newsletter No 1

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George Old - 50 Years in the Royal Arch - 2 June 2010

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Fred Kemp - A Celebration of 50 Years in the Royal Arch

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Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance – Bible fall and Bible dedication 26th May

On Wednesday 26th May the Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance welcomed brethren for a special ceremony when they held their latest lodge meeting. At the meeting both a Bible fall (shown opposite) dedication and a Bible re-dedication ceremony took place.

The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance is a member of the Kindred Lodges Association (http://www.kindredlodges.org.uk) which is a group of lodges from all over the world where membership is mainly from brethren associated with uniformed youth organisations such as the Scouts and Boys Brigade. There are over 40 lodges in the association, visiting each other and fostering links where they can.

The Bible was donated to The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance No 6384, to be held for posterity, in a Scouting Lodge, after the final meeting of QUEST LODGE No 5969, a Kindred Lodge, in October 2008, which was attended by members of The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance, at the request of WBro Eddie Barlow, who was the D.C. of Quest Lodge. 

6 ex-members of Quest Lodge made the journey to attend the meeting on Wednesday, with the longest serving ex-member of Quest Lodge, WBro John Dearden  PPSGD  chosen to be The Donor of the Bible for the ceremony.

The Bible Bearer chosen for the ceremony was WBro Ian Ashton (shown here) of The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance as he was instrumental in both setting up the lodge as a scouting lodge and forging links with the Kindred Lodge Association.

The Bible Fall shows the original badge of The Lodge of Allegiance, a George VI crown with the Square & Compasses in a circle below, the Fleur-de-Lys as the Scout “Three Fold Promise Badge” and two Lancashire roses which represents both East and West Scout Counties.

On a report the AProvGM WBro Derek Thornhill accompanied by Grand Officers and a Provincial and District Delegation were admitted.
Following greetings led by WBro David Bristol, the Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies, the AProvGM took the gavel and chair of the lodge. He then introduced the delegation.

Proceeding with the dedication ceremony, the bible bearer, WBro Ian Ashton and the donor WBro John Dearden perambulated the lodge with the Bible and Bible Fall before the blessing and dedication. An oration was then given by The Provincial Grand Chaplain.

WBro Thornhill then asked the Provincial DC to place WBro Ian Ashton in the centre of the lodge. WBro Thornhill gave a resume of WBro Ashton’s Masonic and scouting CV, finishing with his recent retirement from the position of District Communications Officer. WBro Thornhill presented WBro Ashton with a crystal decanter as a token of thanks from the District for his many years of service as a District Officer. WBro Paul Aspinall then presented WBro Ashton with a bottle of whisky to charge the decanter with.

Lodge Members

The delegation then retired and a festive board was enjoyed by all in the usual manner.

The Delegation	The Bible Team
Ian leading the perambulation	Ian receiving the acclamation of all present
The APGM presenting Ian with his decanter	Ian receiving a bottle of whisky from the District Chairman
Ian thinking about filling his decanter
Grand Officers enjoying the social board	The APGM amd the WM

Horizon Lodge – WMs’ Apron presentation

The May meeting of Horizon Lodge was special for two reasons. Firstly it was the occasion of the annual “Old England Night” and secondly the WM was presented with a new Worshipful Masters Apron.

The original WM’s Apron was presented on the consecration of the lodge by founder WBro Fred Holroyd some 30 years ago. Fred has not been in the best of health for the last few years and has not been able to visit the lodge for some time. The lodge decided earlier this year to make Fred an Honorary Member in recognition of his many years of service.

As a token of thanks for this honour Fred wanted to do something for the lodge and after discussion it was decided that after 30 years service the WM’s Apron needed replacing so Fred willingly provided a brand new replacement for the WM to wear during his year of office. The original apron won’t be retired fully as it will still be used during the installation ceremony each year and will continue to be the apron that the new WM will be invested with.

Unfortunately WBro Holroyd was not able to present the apron personally due to his health, but he did send his son in his place, WBro John Holroyd of St Leonards Lodge in West Lancashire. John was initiated into Horizon Lodge and was for many years the Lodge Treasurer, but never went through the chair of the lodge. It was just as nice to welcome John back, and hopefully we will see Fred again in the not too distant future.

The photo shows WBro John Holroyd presenting the new apron to WM Bro Danny Cassidy

The lodge then retired for a traditional Lancashire “Old England Night” where a good time was had by masons and non-masons raising nearly £500 for charity.

WBro G Filbin can’t believe that even his bus fair home has gone!	Fines Master WBro R Wiggans running the final “Darwen Diddle”	WBro John Holroyd even managed to win a raffle prize!

Blackburn and Darwen District 12th Annual Masonic Giving Evening

Blackburn and Darwen District held their 12th Annual Masonic Giving Evening on Wednesday 12th May at Darwen Masonic Hall, where a total of £24,872 was distributed to non-Masonic charities of both local and national standing.

The evening was attended by over 100 people including representatives from over 20 charities with the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jim Hurst being the principal guest.

The main beneficiaries of the night were Thwaites Theatre who received an £8,000 donation, The Young Carers of Blackburn and Darwen our “Local Charity of the Year” who received £2000 and East Lancashire Hospice who received £2005. Other charities included the Air Ambulance, Christies, Macmillan Nurses, Scouts and Guides, RNLI and the Mayor of Blackburn’s charity.

Also receiving money was the Rossendale Mountain Rescue as they were called in to action earlier this year when one of our members injured themselves whilst walking on the moors and had to call on their assistance leading to today’s donation of £300.

In his address The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen paid tribute to masons for their magnificent donations to local charities and the good work that the charities would put the money towards.

The beneficiaries

The audience and top table

Guide Dogs	Guide Dogs
The Audience, paying close attention	The Mayor
WBro Frank Salt presenting the cheque to scout Jack Charnley	District Chairman Paul Aspinall
St. Johns	Thwaites Theatre
The APGM, Derek Thornhill	Teddy with Loving Care

The detailed donations are as follows:

The difference between this and the overall total is for monies spent earlier in this year in direct donations of £24,872

Lodge of Fidelity and Crusaders No 269

On Saturday 17th April 2010 we held a Casino Night at Rishton Golf Club. 70 people attended and there was a good mix of masons and non masons. It had been decided that the proceeds from this event would be in aid of The East Lancashire Hospice and as a result local businesses sponsored the event by donating magnificent prizes; including:

Sunday lunch for 4 at The Dunkenhalgh
32 inch TV
Day racing fast cars
Alan Shearer signed limited edition print
Beauty vouchers
M & S vouchers
Car valet
Queen Anne leather chair
Meal for 2 at The Pack Horse
Divers watch
Round of Golf for 4 at Rishton Golf Club

The event was enjoyed by all who attended and the final result was a donation to the Hospice of £1555.00.

Future events of the Lodge are a Bowls evening on 5th August and a Champagne and Canapes lunch at the Worshipful Masters house on Sunday 5th September, 2010.

Victory Lodge - 9th April 2010
Presentation to WBro Jim Abbott PProvJGW

The April meeting of Victory Lodge was the venue for a presentation to WBro Jim Abbott PProvJGW from Blackburn and Darwen District on his retirement as District Mentor. WBro Abbott has held the position of District Mentor for the last 5 years and was one of the first District Mentors to be appointed. He has been succeeded by WBro Frank Salt PProvSGD.

 After the lodge was opened a delegation led by the AProvGM, WBro Derek Thornhill, PSGD, consisting of PAProvGM, WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh, PSGD, District Chairman, WBro Paul Aspinall, PProvJGW, WBro Chris Oversby, PAGDC, the previous District Chairman and District Officers were admitted.

There followed a faultless presentation of the Second Degree tracing board by WBro Pye, the lodge DC. The AProvGM then took the chair of the lodge and gave a short resume of WBro Abbott’s Masonic career to date. He then made a presentation of an envgraved cut glass lead crystal decanter to WBro Abbott. WBro Aspinall then presented WBro Abbott with a bottle of whisky to charge the decanter with. WBro Abbott was genuinely lost for words as he was not expecting anything like this.

The festive board was a resounding success with WBro Abbott finding his tongue and responding to his toast with the aplomb that we are use to from him. Bro Alan Davenport then organised a raffle in the form of a “diddle” which raised £225 for charity.

WBro Abbott might have retired as District Mentor but he is still very active in the District and he continues to support the lodges and chapters he is a member of as well as running the Masonic Hall in Blackburn as the Company Secretary and Manager.

Jim Abbott centre with H.Hesmondhalgh, P Aspinall, D Thornhill, C Oversby

WBro Alan Younger PProvSGW
50 years a Freemason

On Tuesday 30th March 2010 WBro Alan Younger of Horizon Lodge celebrated 50 years as a freemason.  The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek Thornhill JP, accompanied by the District Chairman WBro Paul Aspinall PProvJGW and other district officers were in attendance. Also present were Grand Officers WBro Hesmondhalgh PAPGM and WBro Lee PJGD and a large number of visitors and lodge members.

Music plays an important part in Alan’s life and along with his wife Betty they make many trips to listen to Orchestras and concerts. Early in his life Alan was a member of the Choir at St Gabriels church. He was also a keen rambler which was where he met his wife. They have 2 children Anne and Claire and 3 grandchildren where the musical connection carries on. Grandson Arthur plays the trumpet for Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Swing Band, and sang solo at their Golden Wedding celebrations 3 years ago.

On leaving School Alan joined the family business as a market draper. In 1950 he was called for National Service where he served in the RAF for 2 years as a driver. On his return he ran the family business until 1974 when he changed career to become a Chemical Agent until he finally retired in 1998.

Initiated into Harmony and Industry Lodge on 10th March 1960, Alan was a founder member of Darwen Lodge in 1966 and served as DC for 18 years. He was appointed to PProvDepGSwdB in 1984 and promoted to PProvSGW in 1997. On the closure of Darwen Lodge he became a member of Hawkshaw Lodge and then joined Horizon Lodge. Alan was also a member of Hutchinson Chapter RA from 1961 to 1999 and is a member of Darwen Mark lodge where he is a Senior Overseer.

WBro Derek Thornhill with WBro Alan Younger and the Master, WBro Danny Cassidy

On presenting his illuminated certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Thornhill made reference again to Alan’s service to others and his commitment to freemasonry in Darwen. WBro Brian Bristol ProvDepGDC then perambulated WBro Younger around the lodge room to spontaneous applause. The Worshipful Master Bro Danny Cassidy then presented a cheque to WBro Thornhill on behalf of the lodge to the 2015 Festival, which WBro Thornhill received with thanks.

Retiring to a splendid festive board, far more than the usual pie and peas at horizon lodge meetings, the Worshipful Master proposed the toast to WBro Younger. Alan replied by thanking several brethren present for the friendship he had shared with them over the years and recounted happy memories of his 50 years in the craft. At the conclusion of his reply the Worshipful Master then presented Alan with a glass ornament to mark his 50 years in freemasonry and also some flowers for Betty his wife as behind every good man is an even better woman!

A Special Night for Cathedral Lodge, No. 7814

Cathedral Lodge No.7814 held a very special evening on Monday 15th March. They passed to the second degree Bro Petr Komarek on behalf of Hiram Lodge No12 of Prague in the Czech Republic.

Several members of the lodge along with members of Limestone Rock Lodge had previously travelled to the Czech Republic and witnessed Petr’s initiation as he was known to the DC of Cathedral Lodge, Cyril Kennerley through a business connection.

Since the change in the political landscape in Prague freemasonry is starting to thrive again and Hiram Lodge have many members waiting to go through ceremonies, over 15 at each of the three degrees, making many years before progression could be made. Therefore due to this and the connection to Cyril, Hiram lodge approached Cathedral Lodge to pass Bro Komarek to the second degree.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master Derek Thornhill accompanied by the District Chairman Paul Aspinall were there to witness the ceremony, also present was another fellowcraft from a different lodge in Prague, neither of which had met before.

Bro Komarek provided proof of proficiency in the first degree with a word perfect recitation of the answers to the questions asked. He was then passed to the second degree in a similar faultless manner by the officers of the lodge.

At the festive board Bro Komarek was presented with a glass ornament to mark the occasion. In his response to the toast to his health Petr said that he was only starting on a journey through masonry that would continue for the rest of his life and that he was very happy that Cathedral Lodge had played a part in it.

Lodge Officers, APGM, District Chairman, PAPG, 2 Czech masons – Petr on the right of WM

Petr Komarek with APGM and WBro Kennerley

WM presents Bro Komarek with glass ornament

Bro Petr Komarek responds to his toast

Blackburn & Darwen District - Hosted Initiates Meeting
Wednesday 20th January 2010

The Blackburn &  Darwen District held a special Initiates Meeting on Wednesday 20th January 2010, at Blackburn Masonic Hall, which was hosted by Billinge Lodge No 4296. A magnificant attendance was recoded of 93 Masons.

The meeting was held primarily for all Brethren who have been initiated over the last three years within the District. The initiates were individually presented to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro D N Thornhill, PSGD, within the Lodge Room. There was then a demonstration by a Provincial and District team regarding certain aspects of the first degree ceremony.

At the Festive Board the APGM asked each member of the District Team to speak for a few minutes and explain their role on the District Committee, after which an excellent buffet supper was enjoyed by all.

Blackburn and Darwen Hospice Cheque Presentation – 7th January 2010

WBro David Lightbown, PProvGSwdb, Deputy District Chairman and WBro John Rimmer, PProvSGD, District Charity Steward, presented a cheque for £2,582.00 to the Hospice. The cheque was made up of £350.00 from the Blackburn and Darwen Charity Stewards Fund for the drinks trolley and £2,232.00 from Grand Charity towards the running costs.

The picture shows the Fund raising manager of the Hospice, Sharon Crymble, holding the cheque with WBro John Rimmer while WBro David Lightbown keeps an eye on the drinks trolley!

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn

Once again this year the ELMC sponsorship of the annual Pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, allowed the Blackburn and Darwen District a special sponsors performance at the Thwaites Theatre on Monday 21st December 2009 which was attended by 300 guests including the Provincial Grand Master, the Past Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

We entertained beneficiaries from ELMC and there were also present many guests from local charities and organisations that we have formed relationships with in our community over the last couple of years.  Unfortunately due to the weather conditions some groups were unable to attend but those who were able to make the trip were certainly well entertained.

The photo (above) shows the winner of the Cow designer competition, Georgina Dent from St Christopher’s High School, Blackburn, receiving a Certificate of achievement for her winning design which was chosen from more than 3000 entries from local schools.

We are most fortunate to have once again had the assistance of our Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel G Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB and our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PSGD, who entertained the audience by well and truly joining in the spirit of things (as you can see from the series of photos above!!)  Everyone present, especially the children, who may not otherwise have been able to attended a Panto,  had a very enjoyable evening including free entry, free programme, and ice creams.  So many thanks must go to the ELMC grant and to Blackburn and Darwen District for their efforts to enable us to put on such an enjoyable evening.

Fidelity Chapter no. 269 Host Joint Convocation - Monday 23rd November 2009

Report to follow.

Centenary Celebration -   Ribblesdale Lodge No.3393

On Tuesday 20th October 2009, Ribblesdale Lodge No.3393 celebrated the Centenary of the lodge's foundation on 20th October 1909. To read further information please see the Blackburn Masonic Hall Website.

The DepPGM, VWBro Dr Nigel G Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB presented the WM, WBro William Livesey, PProvJGW, with the Centenary Warrant.

Members of the Lodge with the Provincial Delegation

Members of the Lodge

345 Car Treasure Hunt

On Sunday 23rd August 2009, some of the members of Perseverance Lodge, no. 345 and friends enjoyed a Car Treasure Hunt which started at Glenfield Park in Blackburn, took in Accrington, Whalley, Billington, and Balderstone finishing with an xcellent meal and Presentation at the Myerscough.

Despite low numbers, a good time was had by all, the overall winners were Brian Hartwell and his team, Jim and Linda Fallow.
£25.00 was raised for Charity.

John Kenyon

Blackburn & Darwen District again helping the Thwaites Theatre

Thanks to a grant from the ELMC Community Fund, the Blackburn & Darwen District are once again helping the Thwaites Theatre in connection with this years pantomime Jack & the Beanstalk.

We have once again run a competition for all primary schools in the area, this year’s competition being for the design of the cow’s costume, which has received a magnificent response with over six thousand entries.

On Friday 31st July the Judging took place at the Thwaites Theatre, the judges including the APGM WBro DN Thornhill, who was accompanied by the District Chairman WBro P Aspinall, Deputy District Chairman WBro D Lightbown and District Charity Steward WBro J Rimmer, who had a very difficult task in helping to come to a decision, as can be seen!!

The winner will be announced shortly in the local press, the winner and a number of other entries will be displayed in the foyer of Radio Lancashire over the coming weeks along with video footage of the judging process. This being on the success of last years competition launch when seven hundred and fifty entries were received , so obviously there is something developing from the acorn we cast last year with connection with our community and long may it continue. 

Lodge of Perseverance Annual Bowling Competition

On Sunday the 19th July the Lodge of Perseverance No. 345 had their annual bowling competition at Blackburn subscription Bowling Club organised by Bro Geoff Kenyon who is a member of the said club. Despite the weather it was a very succesful day with a buffet provided by two of the ladies of the lodge and the fees including the raffle after deductions raised the magnificant sum of just over £350.00.

The winners of the competion were WBro Harry Eddleston partnered by Mrs Linda Fallow who were  presented with the Perseverance Bowling Trophy by the WM.John Kenyon.

The Trophy was first presented in 1944 by WBro Warton.

Victory Lodge visit to the World War One Battlefields

Victory Lodge No 3932 Blackburn, celebrated its 90th year since consecration on 19th June 1919. The lodge was formed from masons returning from the Great War of 1914-18, hence the name. It was decided that in order to commemorate this occasion, the lodge was to visit the war graves of the local soldiers of the Great War over the weekend of 18th to 22 June 2009 and lay remembrance wreaths from the Lodge and Blackburn and Darwen District Freemasons at the Menin Gate and the Accrington Pals memorial. The trip was organised by Bro. Philip Beaumont, who has had considerable experience in this field and it showed.  W. Bro. Paul Aspinall, District Chairman and W.Bro Joe Lamb, District Secretary accompanied us along with our wives.

We left Blackburn at 7.30am on the Thursday morning and arrived in Ypres, Belgium at 7pm that night. It turned out that this weekend was the Ypres internationally famous car rally.

Just before 8pm that night the group walked to the Menin Gate, which was very near our hotel. About 2000 people where gathered at the memorial including many children from Britain. Paul and myself where quickly ushered into a line on the opposite side of the road from the altar. Four Belgium firemen played the Last Post magnificently, whilst everyone around without exception stood still and quite. At the end Paul and I walked up to the altar laid our wreaths and paid our respects and returned, as did the other wreath layers. At the end Reveille was played. The feeling experienced here and at all the other places we visited on the tour is impossible to put into any words. 

The Menin gate contains vast number of names of some of those who died in the war and have no known grave, it is difficult to take in the numbers and you realise the number of countries, which came to the aid of the United Kingdom including the Chinese during this period. Ypres is a town, which was raised to the ground by German bombardment and has been rebuilt to it former glory and a credit to Belgium.

Friday morning was free to explore the museums and fine shops of Ypres, after lunch we visited Essex Farm cemetery where John McCrae wrote the immortal poem “In Flanders fields”, this was a dressing station and inconsequence contains a very large number of graves, soldiers who died of their wounds. From there we went to Langemarck, which is a German cemetery. This was in stark contrast to the allied cemeteries, very plain and to the point. After this we then drove to Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest British cemetery in the world. Again a large number of British school children were present, and at this point I must say that their behaviour on every occasion was a credit to them and their schools. The walls of the monument are full of British and Commonwealth men who again have no known grave.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the large number of smaller cemeteries, many in the middle of farmers fields across Belgium and France, all of which are in immaculate condition and treated with reverence by the people of Belgium and France with no graffiti or rubbish evident.

On Saturday we left Ypres and drove to Arras in France via Passchendale, the Lancashire Cottage cemetery, the Canadian cemetery and Vimy Ridge. We arrived in Arras early afternoon, with everyone free to explore the town and two large market squares. We visited Arras Cathedral, which again had be reduced to rumble by German guns but totally rebuilt in original form. This cathedral is magnificent and well worth a visit.

On Sunday we travelled to Perronne, Blackburn’s twin town and visited the museum in the castle (again rebuilt after the war) and well worth the visit. From there we drove to Lochnagar Carter, dating from the 1915 push by the allies. It is 300ft across and 90ft deep. The measurements mean very little until you physically see the crater. It was created by 60,000lbs of explosives and estimated that 200plus Germans died and where never found again.

From there we drove to Thiepval Cemetery and visitors centre (which was opened by our current Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent in1995). Again the monument is inscribed with thousands of names of men with no known grave.

In the evening we went into Arras centre and the town was alive with young people enjoying themselves which two dedicated stages put up by the local council in the town squares, for musicians to play. The town squares were completely full; an impromptu drum band started marching up and down the street linking the two stages. This went of hours and everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves without any trouble.

From there we went to the final intended visit, the Accrington Pals memorial at Railway Wood near Selle, on route we pasted the Ulster and Newfoundland monuments. At the Accrington Pals monument there are several small cemeteries containing soldiers who came from Lancashire and Yorkshire. Paul Aspinall and myself laid our final remembrance wreath at the monument and paid our final respects before leaving.

This article is a resume of our pilgrimage to where the birth of our lodge eminated but as I said no words can describe the sense and feeling you have when you actual visit these places. The camaraderie of everyone on the trip was excellent and many new friendships were formed. I felt very proud and privileged to have made this trip, and to have laid the wreaths of remembrance on the behalf of Victory Lodge as Master of the Lodge and I know our District Chairman and every member of the party feels the same.

Colouring Competition Winner

The colouring competition that the Blackburn & Darwen District ran last year in conjunction with the Thwaites Theatre and the Lancashire Telegraph was won by Gabrielle Faulkner from St Peters RC Primary School Blackburn.

Gabrielle won a £1000 prize for her school, this money being used to help establish new gardens at the school, the photo shows Gabrielle adjacent to a new oak tree complete with a plaque that marks the event.

Gabrielle was accompanied by her father, school headmaster Mr. Duxbury, Thwaites Theatre Executive Harriet Roberts along with the APGM Derek Thornhill, Deputy District Chairman David Lightbown and District Charity Steward John Rimmer.

David Lightbown

Las Vegas event raises £3100

The Blackburn & Darwen District Charity Event held at the Thwaites Empire Theatre Blackburn on Friday 20th March 2009 was again a successful event, with all three hundred and twenty tickets being snapped up.

The show was based on the Las Vegas Theme with some very talented and enjoyable artists, including some young students from a local dance group.

The event managed to raise over £3,100 on the night for the District Charity Stewards Fund. The District Charity Steward David Lightbown thanked all those present for once again their wonderful support and and called upon both the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek N Thornhill, to assist with the raffle and programme draw. The prizes included an LCD Television set and a mini hi-fi system. The pictures, below, show the District team getting in the spirit of the event. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master really enjoyed himself!

More Teddies Delivered

The Area number one representative for the TLC appeal David Lightbown , attended the Royal Blackburn Hospital A&E Department on Saturday 21st February to deliver the latest batch of teddies.

The photo shows play leader Kelly Smith along with nine year old James Holt in the playroom with a number of the teddies.

Later in the day Granada Telivision were visiting the A&E Department in connection with a documentary programme that is being filmed for Granada Reports , and if the opportunity arises the TLC Appeal will get a mention.

The appeal in this area is now in its fourth year thanks to the wonderful support of Brethren within the Blackburn with Darwen and Accrington Districts, and long may it continue.

Grand Charity and Local District Hospice Donation

Acrrington, Blackburn and Darwen District Officers visited the East Lancashire Hospice to present the annual donation from the Grand Charity. The total amount was supplemented with £350 towards the drinks trolley. This trolley is used to give the patients at the hospice a drink of their choice prior to their dinner. The Districts have been funding the trolley for the past 4 years and hopefully will continue as long as possible.

ELMC sponsored panto at at the Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn on 13th December 2008

The ELMC sponsorship of the Dick Whittington pantomime included a special presentation performance at the Thwaites Theatre on Sat 13th Dec 2008 and was attended by 320 guests including the deputy and assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

We entertained beneficiaries from ELMC and residents from Hewlett Court Residential Home. There were also present many guests from local charities and organisations that we have formed relationships with in our community over the last couple of years, primarily through our ELMC Community Fund Grants.

The photo shows the winning competitor of the cat designer competition, Gabrielle Faulkner from St Peters Primary School Blackburn, along with  teacher Miss Dixon receiving a cheque from deputy chairman Paul Aspinall and District Charity Steward David Lightbown for £1000. Her winning entry being brought to life by Peppermint, also pictured alongside.

Reference to must be  made to our Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel G Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB and our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PSGD, who entertained the audience by well and truly joining in the spirit of things. All present, especially the children, who may not otherwise have attended Christmas panto had a very enjoyable evening including free programme, drinks and ice creams and all went home happy , all thanks to the ELMC grant and Blackburn and Darwen District efforts.

Click here to view a photo montage

Highway named after our Past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Paul JE Rink, OBE

By CATHERINE PYE - Lancashire Telegraph Reporter
This article was recently featured in the Lancashire Telegraph

A busy road in Darwen has been renamed in honour of our Past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Paul JE Rink, OBE dedicated to putting the environment on the industrial and public agenda. Eccleshill Road will now be known as Paul Rink Way in recognition of the contribution Mr Rink has made to the town. He helped set up Blackburn Groundwork Trust in 1989 and was its chairman for over a decade.

"This has been very rewarding and to cap it all the council renames a road. What an honour!" PAUL RINK

Earlier this year, ill health forced him to cut down on many of his commitments. Mr Rink was awarded an OBE for his service to the environment and the community in 1985 and the Trust, now known as Groundwork Pennine Lancashire Trust, is still involved in a wide variety of environmental projects in the borough.
The council agreed to the renaming following the request from Groundwork Pennine Lancashire Trust. The new road sign was put in place this week.

Mr Rink said: “I owe a great deal to Blackburn with Darwen Council. “In 1988 they helped to make it possible for my company to move from Bolton to Darwen. When we started our Groundwork Trust, they were again supportive and made a major financial contribution to our Environmental Centre at Nova Scotia Wharf. “They literally made it possible. Over my whole time as chairman of the trust, and to this day, they have encouraged and supported our work. This has been a very rewarding experience and to cap it all the council decides to rename a road. What an honour!”
“But perhaps it should have been called Groundwork Way to acknowledge all the wonderful work done over nearly 20 years by dedicated and delightful people.”
Peter Neil, executive director of Groundwork Pennine Lancashire Trust, said: “Paul Rink was the founder of Groundwork in Blackburn and has always been a strong ambassador for the town.” Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “This a fitting tribute to a man who has contributed a great deal to the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and its residents. The council works very closely with Groundwork in helping to tackle environmental issues, many of which have helped make a difference to the quality of life of our residents.”
The council said the road had been chosen because it was busy but did not have many houses or businesses
which made the change of name less complicated.

34 Local Charities share the £40,092 donated by the Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen at the 10th Annual Masonic Giving to Non-Masonic Charities Evening at the Darwen Masonic Hall on Wednesday 14th May 2008

The Charities included :- The Mayor's Charity Fund of Blackburn with Darwen, Derian House Childrens Hospice, The Make a Wish Foundation, Newfield Special School, C.R.Y. (Cardiac Risk in the Young) , The Royal Blackburn Hospital A & E Dept, The Lifeboat Institution, N.S.P.C.C., Cancer Research, East Lancashire Hospice, Nightsafe, Diabetic U.K., Samaritans, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, St John Ambulance, St Stephens Church (Roof Fund), British Heart Foundation, St Cuthbert's Church, St Cuthbert's School Project, Neo Natal Clinic (Royal Blackburn Hospital), MacMillan Nurses, Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Disabled Access Group, Pancreatic Cancer Research, Bowley Scout Camp, The Thwaites Theatre Trust, and many others.

This is an annual event in the Masonic calendar for the Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen, it is an event which in simple terms, concludes the charitable generosity of the brethren, in the Masonic Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters for another year.

This particular event started in this Masonic District, some nine years ago, in 1999, as an experiment to bring together the Local Charities to whom the brethren have proposed as being worthy of the financial support being offered for their individual projects and to assist the work being done in the local community by that Charity with benevolent donations from the Freemasons.

From the small beginnings, eight years ago, the event being attended by only eight Charities, today in 2008, 36 Local Charities have shared the fantastic and most generous total of £40,092 all raised within the Lodges and Chaptersin this Masonic District of Blackburn and Darwen.

The evening was attended again by over 140 people mainly from the Charities receiving the donations large and small. The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Maureen McGarvey, accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs Anne Law-Riding, praised the generosity of all Freemasons, when speaking on behalf of all the Charities attending.

The Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master W/Bro Harry Hesmondhalgh, who addressed the meeting stated “this is a true Masonic initiative, it is a humanitarian gesture with every kindness intended towards the bond between the Communities and Freemasonry and congratulated all the representatives of the Local Charities for their individual and combined endeavours “. He also explained that this money is generously given by the Freemasons themselves and not by collecting from the public. Some of the extra donations came from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity (Community Fund).

By the pure nature of this evening's activity Freemasonry will raise the level of public awareness to the generous contribution once again being made to the local community by Freemasonry and hopefully lead to a greater understanding of the principles on which Freemasonry is founded.

Click here to see the story of the redevelopment of Darwen Masonic Hall

The 2,500th  T.L.C. Teddy-Bear Presentation

This special occasion is to mark the delivery of the 2,500th …’Teddy with Loving Care’, having been donated to the Accident and Emergency Unit at this hospital, by the Freemasons, was held on :- Wednesday 30th January 2008, in the Upper Reception Area, at The Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, commencing at 10 a.m.

The first of the ‘Teddies with Loving Care’, was a pilot scheme in this area of Lancashire, and began at The A & E Unit at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, on the 20th April 2006, since then the nursing and play assistant staff, in the A & E Unit at The Royal Blackburn Hospital, have reported back that these small … 15 “ Teddy-bears … are the most valuable piece of equipment, they have, to overcome the trauma of an injured child needing treatment.

The Freemasons in England and Wales, have distributed in excess of 2 million ‘T.L.C. Bears’, and this is another successful community project that the Freemasons in :- The Masonic Province of East Lancashire, have undertaken in the past 3 years.

In attendance at this special presentation, was, from;  The East Lancashire N.H.S. Trust, M/s Samantha Nichol, Divisional Director of Medicine, M/s Susan Bowden, The N.H.S. Trust Communications Manager, and M/s Vicki Allen, Accident and Emergency Department Assistant Play Leader. 

The Mayors and Mayoresses or Consorts, of the Municipal Boroughs, of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle District, Clitheroe, and the Ribble Valley, which are all served by this N.H.S. Trust.

The A. P. G. M., W/Bro. Philip G. Mountford, along with the local Masonic District Officers, of Northern Area No 1.    

W/Bro. Ian S. Ashton,  Blackburn and Darwen District Communications Officer, welcomed and introduced the civic guests, then, The  A.P.G.M. W/Bro P.G. Mountford,  gave explained the purpose, of this Masonic Project, and reported on the response from the project Nationally.
On behalf of The N.H.S. Trust, M/s Samantha Nichol, thanked W/Bro P.G. Mountford and all the Freemasons, for their generosity, as these ‘Little Bears’, do a healing job, that no doctor in the hospital can do, that is to :- ‘Remove the fear, of a frightened child, in strange surroundings.’, and then to have more confidence in the procedures, that the Doctor and Nurses, sometimes demonstrate on the T.L.C. Bear first !!
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Maureen Mc Garvey, congratulated the Freemasons, by having introduced the initiative into this hospital, and how a 15 inches high soft Bear, can have such a loving effect, on being received by a distraught child.
Then she added, that if she presented a tantrum, would she get a T.L.C.Bear ??

At this point in the proceedings, The District Charity Steward, W/Bro. David Lightbown, handed out memento T.L.C. Bears to all the distinguished guests.

Then followed a very nice Buffet, for all attending, where questions were asked and answered.

Photographs show … The Mayors and Masons, with in the foreground, Charity Stewards David Lightbown and Raymond Tattersall, alongside M/s  Samantha Nichol, holding T.L.C. Bears

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

WBro Paul Smillie, District Communications Officer for Blackburn & Darwen. Tel: 0777 939 5566