Latest News

Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

Archived News from Blackburn District

Newfield Special School, Sensory Garden Project,

The Newfield Special School , Sensory Garden

Officially Opening by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen

The Sensory Garden at Newfield Special School, Shadsworth, Blackburn was officially opened on Tuesday 3 rd July '07 by The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Maureen McGarvey. The Mayoress, Mrs Ann Lowe-Riding was also present.

The Sensory Garden is now being utilized by the pupils and staff at this Special School in an educational way which allows the children to understand, and observe nature in all the four seasons of the year. The garden is also attracting birds and insects into this NEW School complex, which also allows the children to enjoy nature.

The Headteacher, Mrs Jane Barry along with the teaching staff and pupils thanked the Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen for this generous gift, and a commemorative plaque was installed at the entrance Garden.

The Mayor commented on this wonderful community project that the Freemasons had undertaken, and stated that the children at this school will appreciate this natural gift for many years to come, especially since they have been involved with the planting of the flowers.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Worshipful Brother Derek N Thornhill JP explained to everyone attending the opening that this is another Community Project that illustrates, ‘True Masonic initiative, and therefore no reward is ever sought or required'. This special project has been supported by:-

The East Lancashire Masonic Charity (Community Fund)

as well as by contributions from local Masonic Lodges and Royal Arch Chapter members. In short, it is a humanitarian gesture with every kindness intended.

By the pure nature of this project Freemasonry will raise the level of public awareness to the contribution once again being made to the local community by local Freemasonry. Hopefully it will also lead to a greater understanding of the principles on which Freemasonry is founded.

Also in attendance were: - The District Charity Steward WBro David Lightbown, the Deputy District Chairman WBro Paul Aspinall, and the District Communications Officer, WBro Ian S Ashton.

The teaching staff commented that, ‘The garden really compliments the layout of the school; the children are most interested, and highly delighted in the ever changing variety of colours of the flowers in the garden, month by month'.

W/Bro. Ian S. Ashton

Blackburn and Darwen Communications Officer

Donation of TWO portable DVD Player Units for the Children's Surgical Ward
at The Royal Blackburn Hospital

The Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen have donated TWO portable DVD Player Units to the Children's Surgical Ward, at the ‘Royal Blackburn Hospital' this week.

This is the second such donation of DVD players to this Children's Ward, which this gives the patient's educational, and interesting enjoyment during their stay in hospital, as well as helping to relieve the trauma and stress of being away from their family.

The photograph shows Play Assistant Lyndsey Wood with District Masonic Charity Steward WBro David Lightbown, holding the DVD Players, along with 8 year old patient Georgina Aspden, from Blackburn .

The presentation was attended by W Bro David Lightbown, the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District, and W Bro Ian Ashton, the District Communications Officer.

Lyndsey Wood, the Nursing Play Assistant on duty received this donation on behalf of the Children's Surgical Ward.

Contact details:- The Blackburn and Darwen Masonic Communications Officer: -

WBro Ian S Ashton

Tel: 01254 703666 or Mobile 07836 799712

The Newfield Special School , Sensory Garden, at Blackburn

‘ The Garden is Growing !'

The Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen are preparing for the official opening of the Sensory Garden at Newfield Special School, Shadsworth, Blackburn on Tuesday 3rd July 2007.

‘The Sensory Garden' is now being utilized by the pupils and staff at this Special School in an educational way, which allows the children to understand and observe nature in all the four seasons of the year. The garden is also attracting birds and insects into this NEW School complex, which again allows the children to enjoy nature.

W Bro David Lightbown views part of the Sensory Garden

The Sensory Garden Growing

This week WBro David Lightbown, the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District, and WBro Ian S Ashton, the District Communications Officer visited the garden, took the above photographs and spoke to the teaching staff.

The staff commented that the garden really compliments the layout of the school, and the children are most interested in the ever changing variety of colours of the flowers in the garden, month by month.

This is another special community project. It has been supported by ‘The East Lancashire Masonic Charity (Community Fund)' as well as the contributions from local Masonic Lodges and Royal Arch Chapter members.

Contact details:- Blackburn and Darwen Masonic Communications Officer: -

WBro Ian S Ashton

Tel: 01254 703666 or Mobile 07836 799712

The Masonic ‘TLC' (Teddies for Loving Care) Project in Blackburn: Phase 3

A Special Storage Cupboard for the ‘TLC Teddies' in the A & E Department
at The Royal Blackburn Hospital

The Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen have donated this special storage unit which depicts a lovely GREEN Bug on the doors at a cost in excess of £330 to store the stock of Teddies, and other essential play equipment, which is used every day in this very busy children's play area of the Accident and Emergency Department at the ‘Royal Blackburn Hospital'.

The presentation was attended by WBro D Lightbown, the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District, and WBro Ian S Ashton, the District Communcations Officer.

Photograph shows Kelly Allen and Vicky Smith, Play Assistants along with 11 year old patient, Kashif Arshad of Blackburn . Also in the picture [top of cupboard] is one of the TLC Teddies on the NEW Cupboard.

As this presentation was being held within the Children's Area of A&E various onlookers became inquisitive, as to what was happening. The Communications Officer was soon explaining all about ‘TLC' and that the following points were given.

for the medical staff to give at their discretion, a ‘Teddy-bear' to children who are in distress and are FREE of any charge, whatsoever,
where the staff feel that a Teddy to cuddle will help to alleviate that distress,
to assist them in their urgent work, sometimes lifesaving, and finally!
the Children can take the ‘TEDDY ‘home with them.

Each Teddy-bear also has a small label affixed that states it has been: - Donated by the Local Freemasons.

There are many children who have received the ‘TLC Teddies' and who also treat them with special affection. Some even name them such as ‘Mason', and one little girl who had suffered serious burns, named her Teddy - 'Burnie'.

Also.....

'TLC Teddies' New Cupboard

The evidence that this is a caring project, is when the children return to hospital, proudly to show the doctor and nurse that she still has her ‘TLC Teddy-bear'.

The benefits extend in so many ways, for example: -

something for the Nurse / Doctor, to befriend the child in distress.
for the child to cuddle, and is something that is safe.
as a reward for being so brave.
for the nursing staff to demonstrate the procedure that they are going to do, and in most cases this works, even to putting on a ‘Plaster Cast' for Teddies broken arm!
the Parents and guardians are most relieved that the child is not distressed, and relax themselves.

The medical staff appreciate this Masonic initiative/ project, as it also speeds up the effective handling of children in distress.

A quote from one A & E Senior Sister, who thanked the Freemasons for this special cupboard, ‘I cannot remember how we used to cope with these children before ‘TLC Teddies', I hope you can continue to supply them for a long time.'

Contact details:- Blackburn and Darwen Masonic Communications Officer

W/Bro Ian S Ashton

Tel: 01254 703666 or Mobile 07836 799712

The 9th "Masonic Giving to Non-Masonic Charities Evening"

34 Local Charities share the £32,540.00 donated by the Freemasons of Blackburn and Darwen, at “ The 9th Masonic Giving to Non-Masonic Charities Evening”in the Darwen Masonic Hall, on Wednesday 9th May 2007.

The Charities included :- The Mayor's Charity Fund of Blackburn with Darwen, Derion House Childrens Hospice, The Make a Wish Foundation, Newfield Special School, Asthma Society, C.R.Y., The Royal Blackburn Hospital A & E Dept, The Lifeboat Institution, N.S.P.C.C., Cancer Research, East Lancashire Hospice, Nightsafe ( Homeless Shelter), Diabetic U.K., Samaritans, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Carers Link, Talking Newspaper, Hargreaves House School, St Georges Youth Club, Age Concern, St Johns A mbulance , Clic Sargent Charitable Trust, St Stephens Church (Roof Fund), British Heart Foundation, Avondale School Project, Neo Natal Clinic (Royal Blackburn Hospital), Southport Dyslexia Association, Mac Millan Nurses, Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Disabled Access Group, Prostrate and Testicular Cancer Research, also to a local Darwen young lady , with an ambition to achieve in the sport of Ice Hockey, by studying in Canada.

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 Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters for another year. To be able to distribute all the donations made over the winter period, between the months of September through to June, when most Lodges and Chapters meet.

This particular event started in this area, some eight 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 2007, 34 Local Charities have shared the fantastic and most generous total of £32,540.00, all raised within the Lodges and Chapters, in this Masonic District of Blackburn and Darwen.

The evening, was attended again by over 125 people, mainly from the Charities receiving the donations large and small. The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Dorothy Walsh, accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs Barbara Arkley, praised the generosity of all Freemasons, when speaking on behalf of all the Charities attending, also the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Derek N Thornhill, who addressed the meeting, and 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 “, also explaining 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 evenings 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.

For further Information … please contact :-
The Masonic Communications Officer … WBro Ian S Ashton
Telephone … 01254 703666 or Mobile 07836 799712
Email … ian.s.ashton@btinternet.com

The photo shows the Mayor & Mayoress, holding the Cheque with WBro David Lightbown, District Masonic Charity Steward, and all the Charities representatives, along with Freemasons.

50th - WBro Alan Smith Benson, PProvAGReg - Cathedral Lodge No 7814

This memorable event took place at Blackburn Masonic Hall, on Monday 19 th February 2007, where 47 brethren witnessed the ceremony of WBro Benson receiving the illuminated certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, presented by The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek N Thornhill, PSGD. Also present were

PAPGM WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh, PSGD along with WBro Fred Kemp, PJGD; WBro Peter Hargreaves PAGDC, the Chairman of Accrington District; WBro Christopher Oversby, PProvJGW, the Chairman of Blackburn and Darwen District; the Deputy Chairman, WBro Paul Aspinall ; the District Secretary, WBro Joe Lamb ; the District Charity Steward, WBro David Lightbown; the District Communications Officer, WBro Ian S. Ashton and the District Mentor, WBro James Abbott.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Tom Turnbull invited the APGM to conduct the ceremony, which he did with aplomb. The photo shows the APGM with the WM, presenting the certificate to WBro Benson.

WBro Brian Metcalf PADepGSuptWks presented a tribute to WBro Alan Benson, going from his start in the Rossendale District, when he was initiated on the 14 th February 1957, into Amity Lodge No 283, at Haslingden (this old Lodge was consecrated in June 1791). In December 1957, he joined the Starkie Lodge of Mark Masons being Worshipful Mark Master in 1970, and is still an active member. He now holds the Mark rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

The Order of the Secret Monitor ( The Brotherhood of David and Jonathan ) became a favourite Masonic Degree for WBro Benson, he was initiated into The Earl of Harewood Conclave No71, on the 2 nd February 1963, he was Supreme Ruler in 1970, becoming then a founder member in 1965, of Roses in Concord Conclave No 185, and was Supreme Ruler in 1971, of this Conclave. WBro Benson has received Provincial and Grand Rank in this Order, and is now elevated to Past Grand Registrar. He has just completed being Supreme Ruler again in 2006.

In 1966 he became a joining member of Cathedral Lodge No 7814, in Blackburn, became Tyler in 1970, and was Installed as Worshipful Master in October 1976, performing all 3 degrees for various candidates with sincerity. Since then he has acted as an Installing Officer, and in 2001 accepted the Office of Lodge Almoner, which he still holds today, and regularly attends the Lodge and all practices.

In 1985, at Blackpool , WBro Benson was promoted to Provincial Grand Rank as PProvDepGReg, and has since had the further promotion to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar.

WBro Benson was born in Rawtenstall in 1925, and lived for many years in Accrington, attending Peel Park Council School, then Accrington Grammar School , (in 1938 WBro Benson was in the same class as a certain Marian Bond). From leaving school, Alan studied Law, and became an articled Clerk, to the firm of Simpson and Ashworth Solicitors, in Accrington . He served in the Royal Air Force from 1944 till 1947.

Upon his return to this firm of solicitors, he qualified as a solicitor in 1949, where he met up again with Marian who was working alongside him as a secretary in the firm and they married in 1950. They have lived happily at the same address in Accrington , and have raised one daughter and two sons. Janet, Robert and Andrew are all happily married, and have blessed Alan and Marian with six grandchildren .

In 1958 WBro Benson, was invited to become a partner in this firm and over many years acquired other firms, to become a major practicing firm of solicitors in Accrington. In 1990 the practice was amalgamated with Farleys. In 1999,The Law Society presented WBro Benson with the ‘Gold Certificate', for recognition of 50 Years Service.

WBro Benson, was elected as a Councillor, in Accrington , and became Mayor of the Borough on 1970, in 1971 was appointed an Alderman, and in 2004 invested as an Honorary Alderman for the Borough.

Other notable records made of WBro Alan S. Benson, include :-
Being a founder member of Rishton Sailing Club, then serving as Commodore, President and now an Honorary Life Member.
The President of Accrington Civic Trust in 1970, and now acts as the Chairman.
Held the post of Honorary Solicitor to the Accrington Masonic Association until 2002.
A member, and Speaker Secretary of Accrington Probus Club.
A lifetime member of The New Jerusalem Church, in Accrington , and he has been secretary of this Church since 1949.

During the Social Board after the ceremony, the Junior Warden, Bro Michael Penny, gave another superb oration to WBro Alan S. Benson. Then it was WBro Benson's turn, to give thanks to all that had been presented to him in both kind words, and gifts, that will always remind him of this wonderful evening. He recalled the passing of fifty wonderful Masonic years, in so many stories, that amazed and enthralled everyone attending.

In conclusion, this was an exceptional evening, for an exceptional and worthy Mason !

Launch of the Sensory Garden Project
at Newfield Special School, Blackburn

The launch of this project, on Tuesday 14th November 2006, is another landmark for Freemasonry in the Province of East Lancashire, as this was the first ELMC Community Fund grant, of £6,500 to be awarded to a Non Masonic Project.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Dorothy Walsh, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Northern Area No 1, WBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PSGD and the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District WBro David Lightbown, along with the District Communications Officer WBro Ian S Ashton.

The above photos are reproduced with permission of the 'Lancashire Telegraph'. The one on the left shows the Mayor and two pupils - Alec Nuttall and Marcus Reddin. The second photo shows the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Dorothy Walsh, cutting the first sod along with The Headteacher of The Newfield School, Mrs Jane Barry, along with the APGM WBro Derek N Thornhill ( wearing his well fitting headgear !!), the District Charity Steward of Blackburn and Darwen, WBro David Lightbown and two pupils of the school.

The Head Teacher, Mrs Jane Barry, welcomed the official party to this new, purpose built, ‘Special School’, to perform the initial ceremony of cutting the ‘First Sod' of the Sensory Garden. The new garden will give pleasure, in all seasons of the year, to the 150 pupils with learning difficulties who are attending the school.

The Mayor was pleased that this Masonic Project will bring a benefit to the School and she would hope to eventually see the finished Sensory Garden in the Spring of 2007. Before then we have to complete all the drainage and other preparatory building work, and set out flowers and other items. It is hoped that the Brethren of Lodges and Chapters of Blackburn and Darwen will assist in this work. She went on to say “to have the local Freemasons, being so generous towards helping distressed children from every community, with a gift that will make them happy, and which will help them overcome their individual learning problems, and assist them to understand the values of nature, is just wonderful”.

The APGM explained the purpose of the ELMC and the Community Fund to the Mayor and the Head Teacher. WBro Thornhill is the Chairman of the ELMC Community Fund and appreciated being able to witness this event personally.

The building work and especially the drainage of the land, will start immediately, so that the major work can be finished in good time, before the official opening of this NEW Special School, by the Local MP, on the 1st December 2006.

Phase 2 of the Masonic TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) Project in Blackburn.

The launch of Phase 2 of this project, on Wednesday 11th October 2006 at 2pm in the NEW A&E Unit at The Royal Hospital Blackburn will be another landmark for Freemasonry in East Lancashire.

The photograph shows the Masonic TLC Coordinator WBro David Lightbown with a patient in A&E,
Georgia and her father Robert, cuddling the Teddies.

The presentation of the TLC Teddies was attended by the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District WBro D Lightbown and the District Communications Officer WBro Ian S Ashton. The Senior Nursing Staff attending included the Senior Sister for the Accident and Emergency Department, Patricia Whalley and the Nursing Play Assistant Kelly Smith.

The presentation of the second 500 TLC Teddy-bears were gratefully received by a group of young patients in the A&E department. Patricia Whalley accepted them from The Masonic TLC coordinator and District Charity Steward WBro David Lightbown. She then said, “To have the local Freemasons, being so generous towards helping distressed children from every community, with a gift that will make them happy, and which will help them overcome a traumatic situation, is just wonderful”.

As this presentation was being held within the Children's Area of A&E, at the New ‘Royal Blackburn Hospital', various onlookers became inquisitive, as to what was happening. The Communications Officer, WBro Ian S Ashton, was soon explaining all about the TLC project. The following points, were given:

# The Teddies are for the medical staff to give to children, at their discretion, who are in distress. FREE of any charge, whatsoever!

# and where the staff feel that a Teddy to cuddle will help to alleviate that distress.

# and further to this, assist them in their urgent work, sometimes lifesaving!

# and the Children take the Teddy home with them.

and that each Teddy-bear, has a small label affixed, that states :-

Donated by the Local Freemasons.

There are many children who have received the TLC Teddies, treat them with special affection and name them accordingly, such as ‘Mason' and one little girl who had suffered serious burns named her Teddy 'Burnie'. The evidence that this is a caring project is demonstrated when the children return to hospital, proudly to show the doctor and nurse, that she still has her TLC Teddy-bear.

This project is a true Masonic initiative, and therefore no reward is ever sought, or required. It is a humanitarian gesture, with every kindness intended. By the pure nature of this project, local Freemasons will raise the level of public awareness to the 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.

The benefits extend in so many ways :-

# As something for the Nurse/Doctor, to befriend the child in distress.

# For the child to cuddle, and is something that is safe.

# As a reward for being so brave.

# For the nursing staff to demonstrate the procedure that they are going to do, and in most cases this works!

# The Teddies can even have a ‘Plaster cast or a Mini-Sling', applied, to demonstrate to the child, that it does not hurt!

# The Parents and guardians are most relieved that the child is not distressed, and relax themselves.

The medical staff appreciate the initiative of this Masonic project, and it speeds the effective handling of children in distress. A quote from the A&E Senior Sister, “I cannot remember how we used to cope with these children before TLC Teddies. I hope you can continue to supply them for a long time.“

Cheque Presentation to the East Lancashire Hospice - 11th October 2006

The East Lancashire Hospice Fundraising coordinator, Mr Harry Grayson, received a cheque for £335.00, from the Freemasons of Accrington, Blackburn and Darwen.

WBro David Lightbown with the well stocked drinks trolley Harry Grayson with patients + Staff + DL + Ian Ashton

This sum of money is a regular six monthly agreed payment to the East Lancashire Hospice, in order to keep the patients ‘Drinks Trolley' well stocked. This is a comfort service provided on a daily basis, for all patients (both residential and day-patients), that they are invited to enjoy an aperitif before they have their lunch.

It was during a visit to present a cheque on behalf of the ‘Masonic Grand Charity' towards the general running costs of this busy East Lancashire Hospice, in Blackburn, that the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh noticed this Drinks Trolley being used in the dining room and enquired of its purpose. The answer given, was that it was for all patients to enjoy a drink before their lunch! WBro Hesmondhalgh remarked on the fact that there was not a very good choice of drinks on the trolley! The answer given was that there are not the funds to provide a wide choice.

WBro Hesmondhalgh, along with other Masonic District Officers present, soon agreed to offer to correct the problem and to continue to donate a sum of money for three years, initially, by the combined help of the Masonic Districts in this area. This offer was gratefully accepted.This funding of this service is well appreciated and the patients soon appreciated the good community work that the local Freemasons are providing.

Presentation to WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh PSGD, PAPGM
from the Blackburn and Darwen District, Northern Area No 1

WBro Hesmondhalgh, WBro Oversby, WBro Thornhill, WBro Aspinall

This very special event was hosted by Coronation Lodge No 3479 at Blackburn Masonic Hall, on Thursday 14th September 2006. The reason for this Lodge being the host Lodge, was three-fold, first of all it is the Mother Lodge of the Chairman of Blackburn and Darwen District, WBro C. Oversby, PPJGW, who just happens to be the Worshipful Master of this active Lodge; secondly the Lodge was delighted to appoint WBro H. Hesmondhalgh as an Honorary Member and thirdly this memorable presentation took place after a candidate had been initiated.

Amongst the many guests, some from other Provinces, was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Northern Area No 1, WBro Derek N. Thornhill, PSGD, The Deputy Chairman WBro Paul Aspinall, other District Officers, and representatives from many Lodges in this and other Districts.

The Presentation came as a total surprise to WBro Hesmondhalgh. The gifts presented were an engraved crystal glass decanter, along with six matching crystal glasses and Harry's favourite ‘tipple', a bottle of GLEN MORANGIE. For Harry's dear wife, May, a most beautiful bunch of flowers, in appreciation for all the work and service that they have both given to the Province and to this District, over many years.

W/Bro Hesmondhalgh then addressed the brethren. He said that he had been so privileged to serve the District of Blackburn and Darwen, alongside the Accrington District, as the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and now that he has retired, he can continue to enjoy his Freemasonry, amongst the many friends, that he has met over so many years, in visiting the Lodges in both Districts. He also added, that his wife May, is finding him plenty of jobs, to fill the hours, now that he is spending more time at home. His gratitude for all the gifts, was certainly extended to everyone present on this occasion.

At the Social Board, the harmony of this established Lodge, was enjoyed, by all, as was the food. The funds raised for Charity this evening, surpassed all expectations, and was gratefully received, and will be faithfully applied, when the donations to various Charities, will be presented next month at the Installation.

Ian Ashton
District Communications Officer

“ Lost and Found in Cyprus ”

I received an email with an unknown contact name, on the 5th June 2006, which read:
"Hi there, WBro Ian S. Ashton, District Communications Officer. I got your address from the East Lancs. web page. I wonder if you can do me a big favour? I recently acquired a Past Masters Jewel that had been presented to at least 3 Past Masters of the Lodge of Fidelity Number 269, in Blackburn . As I am a brother in a Fidelity Lodge Number 230 in Plymouth , Devon , I wonder if the Lodge Number 269, would like this Jewel returned for their collection? Yours fraternally, Bro Ron Stevens, Junior Warden, Lodge of Fidelity No. 230."

Following this up, we eventually made contact by telephone, and the “ LOST and FOUND in Cyprus ” saga, was unfolded.

Two Masonic Jewels, a Past Masters Jewel and a Royal Arch 2nd Principals Jewel, were found, when Ron Stevens daughter, Gail (who is married to an R.A.F. Officer, John, serving in the R.A.F. Regiment, in Cyprus) was visiting a Car Boot Sale at the Dekaliha garrison, in Cyprus. Having parked their car, they were crossing towards the ‘CAR BOOT SALE Stalls', when Gail stood on something, and on observation, to what had by then became affixed to her footwear, her husband John, found that it was a Medal or something! On closer examination, Gail recognized that they belong to the Freemasons, as she had seen this, or something similar, with her father, being a Freemason, back in England .

That evening, Gail emailed this information to her father, and Ron was quite astonished to discover that these ‘Jewels' belonged to a Brother, who was in a Lodge, with the same name as his own - FIDELITY. This was quite a coincidence. Gail was asked to pack them carefully and send them to England. This was duly done, and Ron, upon receiving them, then made fervent enquires, as to where The Lodge of Fidelity No 269, was situated, and found this to be in Blackburn, in the Province of East Lancashire. Then searching on the internet, he found the web site of this Province, which he then chose to contact the District Communications Officer W/Bro Ian S. Ashton.

On the telephone, WBro Ashton thanked Bro Ron Stevens for making direct contact, and enquired as to what information was on the Jewels? Ron described the engraving, on the Past Masters Jewel, which indicated that these belonged to WBro Bob Lowe who was the Master of this, the Oldest Lodge in Blackburn , in 1996/1997. There was also the Royal Arch, 2nd Principals Jewel. Upon then contacting WBro Lowe, enquiring if he had lost anything recently? Bob replied “Not really, but on second thoughts, I have lost my Jewels, but you do not need to worry about them, because they are somewhere in Cyprus, as I mislaid them when visiting my other Lodge, which is a Military Lodge, The Lord Kitchener Lodge, No 3402, in the Military District, of Cyprus, but I am going to order replacements soon”. Then, when the explanation of how contact had been made was given, Bob could not understand how the missing Jewels had been found outside in the area in Dekalhia Garrison Camp, it was a mystery!!

Bob then explained that The Lord Kitchener Lodge No 3402, meets in Army accommodation, in the Garrison at Dekalhia, and he had attended a meeting in May, but was still mystified as to exactly, where the Jewels were found. After contacting Ron Stevens again, we then received his daughters email address and upon making contact, the exact location was disclosed. The end to this happy saga of “ The LOST and FOUND Jewels in Cyprus” is shown in the photograph, taken in front of the Ancient Banner of the ‘FIDELITY LODGE, No 269', where the very grateful WBro Bob Lowe gets presented with the Jewels, by WBro Ian S. Ashton.

P.S. The power of the Provincial web-site - it works!

Masonic Giving to Non-Masonic Charities Evening
Darwen Masonic Hall, Wednesday 10 th May 2006

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 for another year the charitable generosity of the brethren in the District's Craft Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters. The evening is used to distribute all the donations made during the winter period, between the months of September through to June, when most Lodges and Chapters meet.

This particular event started in this area some seven years ago, in 1999. It was an experiment designed to bring together local charities which brethren had proposed as being worthy of the financial support being offered. This support may be for charities individual projects or to assist the routine work being done by that Charity.

From the small beginnings, seven years ago, when the event was attended by only eight charities, we have today in 2006 twenty eight charities sharing the fantastic and most generous total of over £11,000 - all raised within the Blackburn and Darwen Lodges and Chapters.

The evening was attended by over 125 people, mainly from the Charities receiving the donations large and small. The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Yusuf Jan-Virmani, accompanied by the Mayoress Mrs Sabira Jan-Virmani, speaking on behalf of all the Charities attending, praised the generosity of all Freemasons. The Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire , Right Worshipful Brother Paul J.E. Rink, O.B.E., addressed the meeting, and stated ‘This is a true Masonic initiative, it is a humanitarian gesture, with every kindness intended, towards the bond between the Communities and Freemasonry'. He congratulated all the representatives of the local charities for their individual and combined endeavours.

It is hoped that this evenings activity will raise the level of public awareness to the generous contribution, once again, being made to the local community by Freemasonry and lead to a greater understanding of the principles on which Freemasonry is founded.

For further Information please contact :- The Masonic Communications Officer
WBro Ian S Ashton
Telephone 01254 703666
Mobile 07836 799712
Email ian.s.ashton@btinternet.com

The Masonic TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) Project in Blackburn

The launch of this project, on Thursday 20 th April 2006, at 2 p.m., in The A & E Unit at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, will be another landmark for Freemasonry in East Lancashire.

The presentation was attended by the APGM for Northern Area No1, WBro D N Thornhill; the District Charity Steward for Blackburn and Darwen District, WBro D Lightbown; the District Charity Steward for Accrington District WBro D Harwood; the Communications Officers from the same Districts and WBro H Rogers, Audenshaw District. The Senior Nursing Staff attending included, the Assistant Matron for the Accident and Emergency Department, Liz Hurley and other Staff Nurses and Nursing Play Assistants on duty.

Liz Hurley accepted the first 500 TLC Teddy-bears from the TLC Coordinator WBro David Lightbown, in the presence of a group of young patients in the A&E department.

She said, 'To have the local Freemasons, being so generous towards helping distressed children from every community, with a gift that will make them happy, and which will help them overcome a traumatic situation, is just wonderful'.

The A&E Unit is to move from the Infirmary to a new location at Queen's Park Hospital , Blackburn , in July 2006, making it more accessible from the M65 motorway. This prompted the APGM WBro Derek N Thornhill, to enquire about any 'Special Needs' for this new unit, that could be the next Charitable Community project for the District to consider.

As this presentation was being held within the Children's Area of A&E, various onlookers became inquisitive, as to what was happening. The Communications Officers were soon explaining that the teddies were for the medical staff to give, at their discretion, a free 'Teddy-bear' to children who are in distress and where the staff feel that a Teddy to cuddle will help to alleviate that distress. The Children may take the Teddy home with them. Each Teddy-bear has a small label affixed, that states Donated by the Local Freemasons.

There are many children who have received the TLC Teddies and they treat them with special affection. The children give them names, such as 'Mason' and one little girl, who had suffered serious burns, named her Teddy 'Burnie'. The evidence that this is a caring project is seen when the children return to hospital, proudly to show the doctor and nurse, that she still has her TLC Teddy-bear.

This project is a true Masonic initiative, and therefore no reward is ever sought, or required. It is a humanitarian gesture, with every kindness intended. By the pure nature of this project, Freemasonry will raise the level of public awareness to the 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.

The benefits extend in so many ways :-

As something for the Nurse or Doctor to use to befriend the child in distress.
For the child to cuddle, and is something that is safe.
As a reward for being so brave.
For the nursing staff to demonstrate the procedure that they are going to do and in most cases this works!
The Parents and guardians are most relieved that the child is not distressed and relax themselves.

The medical staff appreciate this innovative Masonic project, and it speeds the effective handling of children in distress. A quote from one A & E Senior Sister, 'I cannot remember how we used to cope with these children before we had TLC Teddies. I hope you can continue to supply them for a long time.'

The final duty of the APGM for Northern Area No.1 WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh, PSGD

At the meeting of Ribblesdale Lodge No 3393, on Friday 7 th April 2006, the Lodge Room at Blackburn was the venue for the final duty of WBro H Hesmondhalgh, APGM, PSGD. The Brethren attending this Lodge meeting witnessed the Initiation of Mr. Brett W Knowles, the ceremony was by the IPM WBro D. Cottrill.

The APGM then occupied the Masters Chair and explained to the Brethren that Ribblesdale Lodge No 3393 was the very first Lodge where he was honoured to represent the PGM at an Installation and that he was delighted to have the opportunity to be in the same Lodge, to perform his final duty, on behalf of the Province as the APGM for Northern Area No.1.

The APGM then presented to recently retired District Officers of the Blackburn & Darwen District engraved Glass Decanters, the recipients being :-

WBro W.L. Livesey who was the Deputy District Chairman,
WBro S. Jenkinson, who was the District Secretary,
WBro J. Duckworth, who was the Press and Communication's Officer.

They each in turn, thanked the APGM and the Brethren, for the gifts received.

At the Social Board, the APGM thanked the Worshipful Master of Ribblesdale Lodge, WBro H P Ibbotson and the members of the Lodge, for hosting this event, and to everyone for attending. He also extended his best wishes to his successor as APGM, WBro Derek N Thornhill, and for his Investiture in the same venue on Monday 10 th April 2006.

WBro J.V. Lamb then presented a gift to the APGM, from all the Brethren of the District.

WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh, PSGD, has served the Province of East Lancashire over the past 23 years, attending to many different important Provincial duties. Now that he has retired from this senior office he can relax and enjoy a well earned rest, and maybe (only maybe) his wife, May, can expect to have the company of her husband around the fireside, most evenings, in future.

50th - WBro Alan Smith Benson, PProvAGReg - Cathedral Lodge No 7814

The Worshipful Master, Bro Tom Turnbull invited the APGM to conduct the ceremony, which he did with aplomb. The photo shows the APGM with the WM, presenting the certificate to WBro Benson.

In 1985, at Blackpool , WBro Benson was promoted to Provincial Grand Rank as PProvDepGReg, and has since had the further promotion to Past Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar.

WBro Benson, was elected as a Councillor, in Accrington , and became Mayor of the Borough on 1970, in 1971 was appointed an Alderman, and in 2004 invested as an Honorary Alderman for the Borough.

In conclusion, this was an exceptional evening, for an exceptional and worthy Mason !

W.Bro. Ian S. Ashton, District Communications Officer ( Blackburn & Darwen).