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Meet the APGM

Brethren. This piece is by way of an introduction and welcome from me. Now that you are seeing my picture popping up around the District and on the Provincial website, it is only right that you can put a history to it!

My home Masonry is in the south of the Province in Ashton-under-Lyne where I was for a number of years, the District Charity Steward. My Royal Arch Masonry is now in Rochdale since the closure of Oldham Masonic Hall some years ago. I am a Mark Mason in West Yorkshire and I am currently Provincial Grand Master Overseer, with my mother Lodge being at Uppermill where I am also founding Scribe of a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. My home RAM Lodge is at Mossley. My other main Masonic involvement is Knights Templar in which I am about to receive acting rank in the Provincial Priory of Lancashire.

However, I will have met many of you during my period in office as an acting Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies for several years, latterly in the Royal Arch and then in the Craft. Immediately prior to my appointment as your AProvGM, I was the first Provincial Grand Mentor; a role that I found challenging and hugely rewarding and the principles of which I hold very dear. Again, it was a role in which I will have come across a good number of brethren in our area.

Outside of Freemasonry and my professional life, I have (probably since the age of 15) been involved in charitable activities. After qualifying as a church youth worker I became immersed in working with my peers and more particularly, disadvantaged young people. By 20 I had been invited to become one of a group of advisers to HRH The Prince of Wales on matters related to young people and a short time later became a full member of the Management Board of The Prince's Trusts with whom I served for a number of years.Outside of this a love for music and performing arts has led to some 20 years of semi-professional work and engagements, latterly as a writer, theatre critic and Festival Adjudicator. I am currently President of a children's theatre company based in Bolton and additionally run workshops and master classes in musical theatre performance across the country, but specialising in young performers. My writing and performing contacts have allowed me to stage and promote many charitable events over the years and it is something I continue to be involved in.

In all of this I am supported by my dear wife Janet, who I am sure often forgets what I look like!

I am passionate about Freemasonry and am now committed to our area. If there are problems, let us face them together and deal with them and with that in mind, you will find that I have quite a pragmatic approach to the work that needs to be done. But I balance that with a need to ensure that we all enjoy what we do, get as much as we can from it and equally, put the effort in to keep Freemasonry alive, sustainable and a force to be reckoned within our communities.

Therefore, let us celebrate all that is good about this amazing fraternity we are a part of and be proud of who and what we are. Yes there are challenges ahead, but there are so many good things we are involved in that we should be telling the world about.

Finally, you will no doubt be aware that I am taking a keen interest in our new members and their introduction to our Order. Where possible, I will be attending a number of ceremonies and have given an open invitation to all our new members to accompany me. It therefore reinforces that the care of Freemasons does not lie just with your Lodge Almoner or Mentor. We all have a role to play, including me!

I look forward to meeting you all in the coming months and with this message, send my best wishes to you and your families. 

WBro Martin P. Roche
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Northern Area 2

Royal Lancashire Lodge Initiation

Bro Jenkinson with the Master

Royal Lancashire Lodge, No.116, initiated its newest member on Thursday, 25th. February, 2010. Bro. Matthew Paul Jenkinson became the first candidate to be initiated in the 250th year of the Lodges existence. The Worshipful Master and his Officers conducted a ceremony which reflected the high standards which are always evident in this wonderful old Lodge, whilst our new-made Brother displayed, even at this early stage, that mixture of dignity and friendliness which seems, so often, to characterise Masons. The Festive Board provided an opportunity for Bro. Jenkinson to respond to the toast to his health, which he did with warmth and sincerity, promising to serve the Lodge, as so many have done in the past. Bro. Jenkinson has joined in the proud traditions of Royal Lancashire Lodge, whilst the Brethren of the Lodge have warmly welcomed their newest brother, Bro. Matthew Paul Jenkinson.

Bro Jenkinson with the Brethren of his Lodge

Pendleside Hospice receives grant from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity

Pendleside Hospice recently received a further grant of £2,232 from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity which was presented to Hospice Fundraising Manager Christina Cope at Burnley Masonic Hall. Since 1984, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has donated over £8 million towards the operating costs of hospice services across England and Wales and in 2009 alone, individual grants to a total of £500,000 have already been issued to hospices throughout the country.

District Chairman David Biggs presents the cheque under the watchful eyes of Brothers Jeff Brindle, Daryl Wilkinson,
Stephen Rothwell, Peter Vent and Glynn Hughes, representing Lodges from Burnley, Nelson and Colne

For further details contact Bob Summers. District communications officer 07801 137 698 or bobsummers@another.com

Lodge of Silent Temple, No. 126, host Investiture of Martin Roche - 16 Feb 2010

The Lodge of Silent Temple, No. 126, under the excellent leadership of WBro A May, hosted the the Investiture of the new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Martin P Roche, at the Masonic Temple, Burnley tonight. The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, was supported by an immense Deputation and the support from local Freemasons for the evening was tremendous.

Read all about the Investiture meeting and the excellent celebratory Festive Board HERE

LEFT - WBro Martin Paul Roche, Assistant Provincial Grand Master

Burnley & Pendle Freemasons Provide Toys for Local Refuges

Freemasons in the Burnley & Pendle District have recently initiated a project to provide good quality children’s toys, games and books to two local charities; the Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative (PDVI) and the Burnley-based East Lancashire Women’s Refuge Association, both of which support women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse or violence.

Thanks to the generosity of Brethren, their families and work colleagues, we were able to deliver the first consignment of well over 100 toys, games and books to PDVI’s offices in Brierfield on 13th November 2009.

Children arriving at a women’s refuge can be very traumatised, not only as a result of the abuse or violence to which they or their mothers have been subjected, but also from losing their favourite possessions – e.g. clothes, toys, books – which can happen if they are forced to leave their homes with little, if any, notice for safety reasons.

Although some local authority funding is available to support the women living in a refuge, there is no financial help at all for their children, and the refuge charities are either obliged to use their limited cash reserves to buy children’s clothes and toys, or rely on donations from well-wishers. With the festive season approaching, the need for additional toys to give as Christmas gifts is even greater and the timing of our first delivery could not have been better.

Anyone wishing to donate children’s toys, games or books, which are welcome throughout the year, are asked to contact their Lodge Charity Steward or any member of the District team.

WBro Roy Samuel Faulkner celebrates 60 years in Freemasonry

WBro Roy Samuel Faulkner celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry, at the regular meeting of Royal Lancashire Lodge on 29th October, 2009. Brethren filled the Lodge room to hear a short, but fascinating account of W.Bro Faulkner's life to date, including a period of very active war service, involving some of the smaller ships in the Royal Navy. W.Bro Frank Riley went on to say that, despite being wounded in action, WBro Faulkner was fortunately spared to us and after many intricate windings, settled in Colne, as the landlord of "The Stone Trough".

His Masonic career spans Victory Lodge, Highgate Lodge, Stalybridge Lodge and Royal Lancashire Lodge, in addition to being Honorary Organist at Roses Lodge. In the Royal Arch, he was Scribe E of Cana Chapter for many years.

The photo on the right shows WBro Jim Sutcliffe, our APGM presenting an illuminated certificate marking WBro Faulkner’s 60 years of Masonic service, after which he then circumnavigated the Lodge room, to the positively thunderous applause of the Brethren.

The members of Royal Lancashire Lodge presented a cheque for the Hewlett Court Comfort Fund. Upon adjourning to the Festive Board, where WBro Peter Faulkner, WM of Old Rossallians Lodge, accompanied his father, the assembled company were informed by W.Bro Jim Sutcliffe, that Roy is to be promoted to PPSGW at Provincial Grand Lodge on 19th November, 2009, an announcement warmly received by all present.

Many plaudits and tributes were paid to WBro Faulkner throughout the evening, not only for his mellifluous music and his "wicked" sense of humour, but also for his untiring work and deep commitment to Masonry. No Mason who attended the evening could have been in any doubt of the great esteem and deep respect felt towards WBro Roy Samuel Faulkner, by all who know him.

Graham's Great Run for Marie Curie

Since joining the Freemasons last November Bro. Graham Thornton, of Ormerod Lodge 5713, learned more about the giving to charity of monies raised within the Lodges. Taking this on board he decided to do the Great North Run. The Charity he selected to run for was Marie Curie Cancer. Bro. Thornton did the run in September this year.

The final figure he raised is £800 for his chosen charity and Graham pictured above would like to thank all the Brethren who supported him in his effort.

Clarets legend Jimmy McIlroy drew the winning ticket in Pendleside Hospice’s annual Car Raffle in Charter Walk Shopping Centre Burnley on Saturday 26th September.

The car was supplied by local dealers Walker Farrimond and bought thanks to the generosity of Burnley and Pendle Freemasons and local companies, Alderson and Horan Funeral Services, SFN Solicitors, John Macadam Garages and Charter Walk Shopping Centre.

Because the costs of the car and all the raffle administration are covered by the sponsors’ donations, it means that every pound raised from ticket sales goes directly towards patient care. This year’s Car Raffle raised the magnificent sum of £27,477 – money that will help the hospice provide care to local people suffering from cancer and other life limiting illnesses.

Picture (courtesy of Lancashire Telegraph) shows Jimmy McIlroy drawing the winning ticket, watched by the sponsors and Hospice Fundraising Manager Christina Cope.

Pendle View Primary School benefits from District and ELMC donations

Charity Stewards from Lodges in Nelson and Colne were given ‘top marks’ by the staff and pupils of Pendle View Primary School when they attended the Friday afternoon assembly on 18th September 2009.

Pendle View Primary School is the primary special school in Pendle for children with a wide range of learning needs and receives regular donations from the Burnley & Pendle Freemason’s Community Fund to assist with the costs of taking groups of children on holiday to the Wingate Centre in Cheshire, which provides specialist residential accommodation and recreational facilities for children and adults with all types of disability.

However, this year, the District’s donation was needed to replace flatscreen TV monitors which had been stolen during a break-in. The children were devastated by the loss of the screens which are strategically located around the school to broadcast the Life Channel, a TV programme aimed at children that comes into the school via an internet connection and contains a series of short films about keeping fit and healthy. The school can also add its own video clips and photo stories of pupils’ activities.

Happily, an emergency application to the ELMC Community Fund was successful, resulting in a grant of £1,500 towards the cost of the holiday, which was able to go ahead shortly after the cheque presentation.

Picture shows Headteacher Debbie Morris and some of the school’s pupils with the visiting Charity Stewards. One of the new flatsceen TV monitors can be seen in the background.

Shuttleworth Lodge host an Open Evening for local charities and good causes

Shuttleworth Lodge No 6098 welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley, Cllr. John Harbour and Mrs. Gillian Harbour to their Lodge meeting on 28 th September 2009 at Nelson House Burnley, together with numerous dignitaries from the local community and representatives of organisations which the Freemasons in the Burnley & Pendle area have supported in recent years.

The guests including wives and partners of Lodge & District members were given a brief history of Freemasonry from WBro Jim Sutcliffe, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and an explanation on how Masonic Charities raise money for distribution to worthy causes from WBro David Biggs, District Chairman for Burnley & Pendle.

Picture shows (seated) WBro Jack Ryan, Master of Shuttleworth Lodge with the Mayor and Mayoress, and (standing), WBro David Biggs and WBro Jim Sutcliffe with representatives of organisations helped by the Freemasons.

The representatives of organisations which have received donations and practical support from Freemasons were then invited to explain how the money donated by Burnley & Pendle Freemasons, which in 2009 to date has been in excess of £34,000, had been put to good use in helping those in need in our communities.

Among those speaking were the Mayor of Burnley, East Lancashire Women's Refuge Association, Pendleside Hospice, Pendle View Primary School , Burnley General Hospital Urgent Care Centre and the Place2Be.

After the meeting, the Lodge members and their guests sat down to a splendid buffet dinner provided by Matt Patterson-Farnworth the Burnley Masonic Hall catering manager. Christina Cope from the Pendleside Hospice responded to the visitors toast on behalf of all the guests.

Picture shows Christina Cope discussing the success of the partnership between Burnley & Pendle Freemasons and Pendleside Hospice with Paul Thornton Burnley & Pendle District Deputy Chairman

WBro Keith Brown PJGD marks his personal 50th

Brethren gathered from far and wide to mark the Personal 50th Anniversary of W.Bro Keith Brown's entry into Freemasonry. W.Bro Brown's Lodge, Marsden within Pennine Valley were hosts to W.Bro Jim Sutcliffe, our APGM, accompanied by a Provincial delegation, together with many Grand and Provincial Officers. A short, but very moving ceremony was held at Nelson. W.Bro Sutcliffe detailed W.Bro Brown's Masonic curriculum vitae, after which W.Bro Brown accepted his 50th Anniversary certificate.

WBro Keith Brown then presented Nelson Masonic Hall with his own jewels in a magnificent frame crafted by himself, providing a record of his lengthy and distinguished career. All present showed their approbation in the usual Masonic manner.

Pictured - WBro Keith Brown PJGD (on the right) presenting the jewel cabinet to WBro John Hudson Provincial Junior Grand Warden who is Chairman of the Nelson Masonic Hall Company.

Pictured in the foreground from l to r - WBro Jim Sutcliffe APGM, Bro Howard Nutter WM of Marsden within Pennine Vallley Lodge and
WBro Keith Brown with his Grand Lodge Officer Colleagues.

Proceedings were then adjourned to Colne Masonic Hall for an excellent Festive Board, together with further speeches, although not before WBro Brown received a whisky decanter and glasses from the Lodge, to be suitably engraved (and no doubt used) at a later date.

W.Bro Brown told the Brethren of the recent, tragic loss of his dear wife, paying tribute to her for the support that she gave, both to him and to the Lodge. Without exception, every Mason present felt privileged to share his thoughts. He ended by forecasting a return in ten years time to mark his 60th. Anniversary, a wish heartily endorsed by the Brethren, with all promising to be present on that occasion as well. So ended a wonderful evening of Masonic fellowship, a fitting tribute to a truly worthy Brother.

Editorial and images supplied by W.Bro Trevor Thomas Colne Liaison Officer.

Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters, No.9111, held their Annual Charity Clay Shoot at Coniston Shooting Ground, near Skipton, on the 20th August, 2009. Despite one or two showers, a goodly number of Masons, Ladies and Guests turned up to learn to shoot and were soon getting to grips with some excellently presented targets. As the morning progressed novices, as well as the more experienced shooters, were encouraging each other, breaking plenty of clays, having a great time, and discovering what really good fun “experience clay shooting” can be.

When all the counting was finished, the highest score of the day went to WBro Graham Brereton, whose superb glass trophy was sponsored by Remec Engineering of Burnley. Second place went to WBro Trevor Thomas, sponsored by Ventre Industries of Houghton. WBro Shane Ward took third place, "supported" by CWR Scaffolding of Burnley. Mrs. L. Walmesley led the Ladies; her trophy being donated by Haworth Timber Supplies of Burnley.

The Junior prize, sponsored by Whitford Caravan Centre of Burnley, went to young Thomas Parker, who shot superbly, despite his obvious youth, definitely one to watch for the future. Mrs. Valerie Thomas supported the rest of the field, in the process making the "Must Try Harder" Trophy, sponsored by Fast Glass, her very own (beware, she is planning to return next year, things may be very different then!).

Grateful thanks must go to Mr Michael Bannister, the owner of the Coniston Estate, together with all his staff, for again allowing us the full use of the superlative facilities at the ground, including the splendid new clubhouse. Typically, despite a busy schedule, Mr. Bannister also came along to present the prizes. Nelson House put forward a bottle of Champagne for each sponsor and many friends of the Lodge provided prizes for the (very full) raffle table.
Shoot organisers, Bro John Cooper, WBro Ron Foster and WBro Harvey Capstick richly deserve our gratitude for ensuring the smooth running of the event and raising the magnificent total of £2099 for Charity. Finally, to all our shooters and guests, for supporting us in our charitable aims, many thanks and "see you next year".

Burnley & Pendle District Supports Pendleside Hospice at Local Events

Burnley & Pendle District team members and several of their ladies turned out at two local events recently to man the Pendleside Hospice stall, giving the hard-pressed Hospice fundraising managers a couple of Sundays off.

First, on 30 th August, the team manned the Hospice stall at the Barrowford Show, where, contrary to events in recent years, the weather remained exceptionally fine. Secondly, on 13 th September we were at the Woodland Heritage Festival at Towneley Park in Burnley. Close to £500 was raised for Hospice funds through sale of raffle tickets for the Citroen C1 Splash Car (which has been co-sponsored by the District) and other items of merchandise.

Graham Smith (District Charity Steward), Keith Jackson (District Co-ordinator for Nelson), David Biggs (District Chairman) and Paul Thornton (Deputy District Chairman) at the Barrowford Show, with the Citroen C1 ‘Splash' Special Edition Car

Graeme Wilkinson (Area Festival Manager), Sue Squires, Mike Squires (District Treasurer) and Sue Biggs at the Towneley Park Woodland Heritage Festival.

Garth (District Secretary) and Lilian Routh take it easy before the rush starts!

The WM and Brethren of Brierfield Lodge No.7560 welcomed WBro Mike Thurman, Grants Director of the Masonic Samaritan Fund, together with Almoners from Lodges and Chapters in the District to their regular Lodge meeting on 15 th September 2009.

WBro Thurman, who had travelled all the way from Bedford in Hertfordshire, gave a most informative presentation on the work of the MSF which included some truly astounding statistics on the sums raised and distributed by the Fund since its inception in 1990.

There were numerous case studies of beneficiaries both in England and overseas, all of which served to make our Almoners more aware of the range of services offered by the fund and the processes for making a successful application.

At the social board after the meeting, the WM presented WBro Thurman with a donation to the MSF of £133, comprising the Lodge collection and proceeds of the social board raffle.

WBro Mike Thurman (front row, second from left) with Bro Gerard Knight, WM of Brierfield Lodge and visiting Almoners.

Prestonian Lecturer visits Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters

The brethren of Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters welcomed into their midst the 2009 United Grand Lodge of England’s Prestonian Lecturer, W.Bro John Wade, at the recent lodge meeting. The title of the lecture “Go and do thou likewise” explained the history of English Masonic Processions from the 18th to the 20th Century. The lecture was very informative and also light hearted with one or two technical hitches making it into the proceedings. A very enjoyable evening was had by all culminating with many brethren purchasing the lecture programme as a souvenir.

Photo - WBro Ivan Eastwood and APGM WBro Jim Sutcliffe welcome WBro John Wade to Pendleside Lodge of Installed Master  

Midnight walk helps raise over £175,000 for Pendleside Hospice

Garth Routh the Burnley & Pendle District Secretary was responsible for the stewarding of a recent event for Pendleside Hospice. Starting at 9-00pm the freemasons from Burnley helped steward car parks ready for the midnight start and then various parts of the route. They were delighted to witness 2,000 ladies cover the route.

	Garth Routh (second from left) inspects the troops
	Jim Sutcliffe APGM on the left can't believe the calibre of the troops! Prizes for identifying some of them.

Finishing at 3-30 am with a well earned bacon sandwich the volunteers were rewarded by knowing that the event raised over £175,000. Such a success the next Midnight Walk will be on Saturday 5 June 2010.

Local organisations receive over £7,000 from

Burnley & Pendle District Freemasons

18 organisations within the Burnley and Pendle area received in excess of £7600 from the district charity at the recent giving day. The event, held at Burnley Masonic Hall, attracted an excellent turnout of recipients and interested masons from the district. Each organisation took the opportunity to explain a little about their activity, what they did within the community and what the presented cheque would allow them to achieve. In some instances it was as simple as paying for an item of equipment and others as complex as funding toward a career in athletics.

Hosted Meeting at Royal Lancashire Lodge on 7th May

Royal Lancashire Lodge pulled out all the stops for a highly successful Hosted Meeting at Colne Masonic Hall on 7th May. The meeting was attended by a deputation of District, Grand & Acting Provincial Officers led by WBro Jim Sutcliffe, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who, after taking the Chair, introduced the members of the deputation and then invited WBro Les Greenwood (Lodge Mentor) to deliver a lecture on the Charge after Initiation.

Originally written by VWBro Rev’d Neville Barker Cryer, the paper was very well received, not least due to the way in which Les introduced his own thoughts and made the talk all that more personal to Colne Freemasonry in general and Royal Lancashire Lodge in particular. It was remarked by many of those present that this paper should be given to every Initiate who would thereby better be enabled to understand and appreciate the Charge he received on his first night in Freemasonry.

Pendleside Hospice Car Raffle Launch

Saturday 18th April saw the realisation of another ‘flagship’ community project in the District with the launch of the Pendleside Hospice Car Raffle for 2009, co-sponsored by the Burnley & Pendle Freemasons’ District Community Fund.

Several members of the District team were on duty throughout the day to support Christina Cope and Kaye Bartle from the Hospice with raffle ticket sales to the public. The car, which displays our logo along with those of the other sponsors, will be on show at various events during the summer, until the draw is made on 26th September.

Since the costs of purchasing the car and administering the raffle are completely covered by the sponsors, the entire proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be of direct benefit to the Hospice and are forecast to exceed last year’s total of £25,000, meaning that the sponsors’ donations will be more than doubled in value.

Photo courtesy of the Lancashire Telegraph

Hewlett Court Visit

A group of Brethren from the Burnley & Pendle District and their wives enjoyed a tour of the Hewlett Court retirement home in Holcombe Brook on Saturday 9th May, following which they were treated to tea and biscuits by the residents.

All those who joined the tour were impressed with the standards of comfort and décor in each the rooms and communal areas and the range of facilities available for the residents – so much so that Pam Latcham says she has made a forward booking for Les when she can no longer stand to have him at home!

Pendle Lodge Junior Brethren wow APGM

The Junior Brethren of Pendle Lodge 4703 worked an excellent demonstration of the 1st degree ceremony at the regular April lodge meeting.

The team, comprising of
Bro. Keith Bateman MM acted as junior deacon
Bro. Ian Salthouse FC acted as inner guard and explanation of NE corner.
Bro. Mark Barlow EA acted as Junior Warden and explanation of working tools.
Bro. Kevin Pickering EA acted as Senior Warden and charge in the first degree.
Bro. Glyn Lund EA gave an explanation of the first degree apron. Indeed it was Glyn's first lodge meeting, having only been initiated at the previous March Lodge.

The Worshipful Master W. Bro. Roy Langtree remained in his chair and conducted the demonstration. The junior brethren had spent up to 6 weeks picking up the ritual and ceremonial aspects of the ceremony for their big night. The response by the visitors was overwhelming with congratulations for all their efforts. W.Bro. Jim Sutcliffe APGM commented that the “acting DC had nothing to do on the night” and “what an excellent evening of masonry we had all witnessed”.

Suffice it to say the team had a wonderful evening and were full of enthusiasm for the rest of their Masonic year.

Pictured below is the Demonstration Team with the APGM

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