Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
Burnley & Pendle District Archived News

Deputy Grand Superintendent visits Cana Chapter at Colne - click here

Burnley & Pendle and Rossendale Districts Joint Carol Service

The joint District Annual Carol Service took place on 9th December at St Peter's Parish Church Burnley with the event this year being organised by Rossendale District. 

On left WBro Donald Simpson Burnley/ Pendle District Chairman accompanied by WBro David Biggs, Deputy Chairman.
 
Once again there was a Christmas Tree Festival being held in the Church which is for local organisations and charities to show their work in the community.  This year the Freemasons of Burnley and Pendle District sponsored a ChristmasTree and together with various display boards it was nice to see the Freemasons taking part and being able to display how Freemasonry helps and supports local and national charities together with local organisations. 

 

Some of the other Christmas Trees on display sponsored by local charities and organisations.

The people who attended the Carol Service were able to see the Freemason'sTree and display along with trees and displays from other organisations and the whole service and seasonal refreshments were enjoyed by all who attended.
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Murder Mystery Night

Nelson House Forwards Committee held their last fund raising event on 9th November, 2007, to raise funds for Nelson House Masonic Hall.  The Committee was set up two years ago to raise £25,000 for a new fire escape and other alterations to the building. 

This task has now been surpassed and so they have handed the reigns over to a new Committee, namely the 'Wish List Committee', to carry on the good work.

The Murder Mystery night was held at Burnley Masonic Hall.  A group of local Strolling Players who were given the name for the night - 'The Harle Syke Hooligans and Lane Bottom Louts', came along to perform 'A Lesson Taught'.

A cheque for £150 was presented to Mr Howard Rogers, a member of the cast, by Jeff Ward, Chairman of the Forwards Committee, for their chosen charity, 'Marfan'. This charity helps people who suffer from a specific condition relating to wasting of muscular connective tissue.

Pictured is WBro Jeff Ward on the left presenting the cheque to Mr Howard Rogers.

Charity Night

On 2nd November, 2007 W. Bro. Ivan Eastwood, W. Bro. Philip Preston and others organised a Charity Evening at Burnley Masonic Hall. It was a very enjoyable evening. W. Bro. Bernard Sagar of the Lodge of Silent Temple opened the evening with some Lancashire dialect tales followed by, from Radio Lancashire fame, Doris and Elsie who told us their lives and troubles in humourous rhyme. The evening raised £422 which was divided between Derian House Childrens Hospice and ELMC.

W. Bro. Eastwood and W. Bro. Preston presenting £211 to Julie Ward for the ELMC.
W. Bro. Preston presenting Doris and Elsie with £211 for Derian House Childrens Hospice.

BRUN LODGE 5118

On Friday, 19th October, 2007 the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro. Paul James Ernest Rink, OBE, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. James Sutcliffe and a Provincial Deputation attended Brun Lodge.



Pictured WBro Neil Pickup APGP, WBro James Sutcliffe APGM, Bro Daryl Ian Wilkinson and Rt WBro Paul Rink OBE PGM

Prior to the Tyling of the Lodge the PGM held a meeting with some of the new Brethren who have joined Lodges in the Burnley and Pendle District over the last couple of years.  This was well received and enjoyed by the new Brethren and it was felt that this should be done on a more regular basis.

  
Pictured are some of the newer brethren who had a lively discussion with the PGM prior to the Lodge Meeting

It was nice to see the PGM looking well after his illness, it was also nice to see a virtually full Lodge Room for the ceremony of initiation of Mr. Daryl Ian Wilkinson, who had just turned 21 last month.

The ceremony was well received and the WM W. Bro. Craig Simpson and all his Officers made it a very enjoyable evening for everyone attending.

Closure of Towneley Lodge No 5589

On 2nd October 2007 the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro James Sutcliffe, PSGD together with the District Delegation attended the closure of Towneley Lodge No 5589. 

Towneley Lodge, which meets at Burnley Masonic Hall, was consecrated on 13th January, 1936 and was closed due to fall in Lodge membership.  WBro George Whiteside, PPGSwdB gave a short lecture on the history of the Lodge. 

The WM W Bro Peter Jackson, handed over the Warrant of the Lodge to WBro James Sutcliffe, who said that having visited the Lodge on many occasions, he was particularly saddened by the closure. He wished all the brethren well for the future, whatever path they took although many of the brethren are joining other Lodges.

The Amalgamation of the Lodges of Colne and Noyna

On 1st of October 2007, Noyna Lodge No 6447 amalgamated with Colne Lodge No 4402 at the Masonic Hall Colne.

The Deputy Prov Grand Master VWBro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB accompanied by the Assistant Prov Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD were in attendance. The Ceremony was under the direction of the Prov GDC WBro Norman Cope PAGDC and a District Deputation was lead by the District Chairman WBro Donald Simpson PProvJGW.

The ceremony was conducted by the Deputy PGM who with great enthusiasm performed a shorter ceremony of amalgamation due to the size of the Lodge Room.  He then presented the WM of Colne Lodge, Bro Barry Cunningham, with the Certificate of Amalgamation. The new Lodge will keep the same name and number of Colne Lodge i.e. Colne Lodge No 4402.

Deputy PGM/ Asst PGM/ WM of Colne Lodge/ JW & SW of Colne Lodge/ Prov GDC/ District Chairman and WBro Neil Pickup


 

VW Bro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth Deputy PGM and Bro Barry Cunningham, WM of Colne Lodge receiving the Certificate of Amalgamation.

 

60th Anniversary at Colne

On Tuesday 18 September 2007 there was nearly a full Lodge room at Colne Masonic Hall for a very special night. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW.Bro Dr Nigel G Bramley-Haworth PGSwdB, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD accompanied by a District delegation were present to celebrate 60 years in Masonry for WBro David Leeming Mercer PProvSGW. W.Bro Mercer requested no fuss be made on the night. He himself took to the floor to give a lecture which was well received by the brethren, before being presented with his certificate by VWBro Bramley-Haworth.

At the festive board the members of his Lodge, Roses No 5140 presented him with an engraved silver plate in recognition of his commitment to his Lodge over these years. He was also presented with a cake to mark the occasion.

W.Bro.Mercer with his cake

VWBro Bramley-Haworth D.P.G.M, WBro J Sutcliffe APGM, WBro N Cope PGDC, WBro Mercer, WBro D Simpson District Chairman and other Officers from the District Team.

Teddies for Care at Burnley General Hospital

On Tuesday 11th September 2007 Burnley and Pendle Freemasons presented teddies to the Department of Emergency Medicine at Burnley General Hospital.

Clare Clark, Matron of the Emergency Departments across East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust received the teddies on behalf of the Burnley staff.

Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) is a Masonic Project which is run in other Districts along with our own, where by children who visit the department for treatment may receive a teddy. These teddies are for the medical/ nursing staff to give free of any charge, and at their discretion to children who are in distress and where the staff feel that a teddy to cuddle will help alleviate that distress.

The children then take the teddy home with them. Each bear has a small label affixed, which states ‘Donated by the Local Freemasons.

Pictured above are Donald Simpson, David Biggs and Graham Smith from the Freemasons, with Clare Clark, Matron of ED (centre) and Nursing Staff along with children and parents who were in the Department when the presentation was taking place.

 

MASONIC CLAY PIGEON CHARITY SHOOT

The Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters 9111 once again held their Masonic Shoot at Coniston Hall, Nr. Skipton, on 23 rd August, 2007. Coniston Hall was chosen again as a venue due to the fact that it has magnificent grounds and facilities for staging such events. Mr. Bannister, the Proprietor of Coniston Hall, kindly helped sponsor this event along with:

UKBW.com – bathrooms, Burnley
Holme Park Developments, Burnley
Howarth Timbers and Building Supplies, Burnley
Whitford Caravans, Burnley
Capitech Developments, Burnley
Remec Engineering, Burnley
CWR Scaffolding, Burnley
Marc Stone (on Site Photographer)

The event was organised by Bro. John Cooper (ex-England Clay Pigeon Shooting Representative) W.Bro Ron Foster and W.Bro. Harvey Capstick along with others. The event was open to Masons and non-Masons and was well supported with over 78 people taking part in the shooting contest as well as many others who came along just to support and enjoy the day. The event has raised over £2,500, which will be distributed through the Masonic Charities to local Charities and Organisations in the Burnley and Pendle District.

  

 

Mr. Bannister was on hand to present the prizes. The first prize went to Charles Driver who was presented with a cut glass bowl, the runner up prize went to W.Bro Simon Capstick, the best junior shot went to Josh Brown and the best ladies shot went to Karen Lowe, who were all presented with a glass plaque.

Mr. Bannister was presented with a silver plate as a thank you for hosting the event.

 

Morecambe Bay walk raises over £2,000 for local charities

Pictured on the left are the Deputy District Chairman David Biggs and the District Chairman Donald Simpson discussing tactics before walking across the Bay.

On Sunday 10 June 2007 over 20 walkers raised over £2,000 for local charities which will be presented at a District giving night some time in the future. The weather was perfect on the day especially for the spectators.
Some of the walkers before the start of the walk across Morecambe Bay
 In the forground from the left, Donald Simpson, Bly & Pendle District Chairman, Jim Sutcliffe APGM, Steve Barton, Ross Dist Deputy Chairman, Greg Casson Organiser, John Farrington Ross Dist. Chairman and David Biggs Bly & Pendle Deputy Chairman

Masked ball raises funds for Derion House Childrens Hospice and for Nelson House

Nelson House Ladies at Burnley held a Masked May Ball. The event was well supported and the evening was a great success. Donations are to be made to Derion House Childrens Hospice as a tribute to the late Chairperson of Nelson House Ladies, Mrs. Lesley Casson, who passed away last year with cancer and also to the Forwards Committee at Nelson House Burnley who are raising money to fund a fire escape at the building.

Who is selling the tickets? - its a masked ball so we don't know

District Giving Day

Pictured are W.Bro Donald Simpson Distict Chairman (centre) & W.Bro Graham Smith District Charity Steward presenting cheques

On Saturday, 21st April, 2007 cheques were presented to local charities and organisations to the value of £4,427.  The annual donation from Grand Lodge was also presented to the Pendleside Hospice. The cheques were presented by W. Bro. Donald Simpson, District Chairman.  After the presentations there was a tour of the Lodge Room, which was well received. 

W. Bro. Simpson and W. Bro. David Biggs, Deputy District Chairman, gave a brief explanation of the Lodge, followed by questions and answers.

The cheques were presented as follows:

Mayor of Burnley's charity             £500
Mayor of Pendle's Charity             £500
MS Trust Peru Trek                   £250
Burnley and Pendle Heartbeat         £250
St. Cuthbert Scout Group Burnley    £300
The Active Club                       £300
The Nelson Ladies Choir              £300
The Samaritans (Nelson)              £500
Senior Citizens Welfare Ass.         £500
Ridgewood Community High School    £700
Burnley Youth Theatre                 £200
St. Peters Church Burnley             £127
Pendleside Hospice                   £2,250

 

Some of the Lodges Charity Stewards who attended and helped raise the money for local charities

Meeting of new masons at Burnley

W.Bro James Sutcliffe Assistant Provincal Grand Master asked Ashlar Lodge no 4858 Burnley to host a new masons meeting. It was for new brethren who had joined freemasonry in Burnley Nelson and Colne over the last 3 years.

The meeting held on 7 March 2007 was well attended with over 80 in the lodge room. W.Bro Sutcliffe took the Chair of the Lodge then asked all new brethren to assemble in the north where he personally greeted them and this was well received by the new brethren.

W.Bro David Biggs Deputy District Chairman then presented a talk on the history of Grand Lodge Certificates from 1757. This was followed by W.Bro.Michael Landriau District Officer Royal Arch who gave a talk on the benefits of joining the Royal Arch


Pictured is W.Bro James Sutcliffe Assistant Provincial Grand Master with some of the Brethren who attended the Lodge meeting

OPEN NIGHT ATTRACTS 40 NON-MASONS

Shuttleworth Lodge no 6098 Burnley held an open night on 22 January 2007 which was attended by 40 non-Masons including some gentlemen with their partners. Some of those attending came with members from other Lodges in the District. W.Bro James Sutcliffe Assistant Provincial Grand Master was there along with E.L.M.C. Welfare Officer Mrs Julie Ward who gave a talk on the Charitable side of Freeemasonry. Some of those attending have now shown an interest in joining Freemasory and we look forward to that day.



The photograph showing the Worshipful Master of Shuttleworth Lodge No 6098 WBro John Ryan in the foreground with the District Chairman WBro Donald Simpson to his left and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe to his right together with some of the people who attended is published by kind permission of the LANCASHIRE EVENING TELEGRAPH who have copywright to it


Stamps for the Pendleside Hospice

The Bretheren of Burnley and Pendle have been collecting stamps for the local Pendleside Hospice.  Pictured above are WBro James Sutcliffe APGM and WBro Donald Simpson PPJGW, Burnley and Pendle District Chairman, looking at another batch of stamps ready to be take to the Hospice for them to sell to raise money. We would like to thank all the bretheren who have helped in collecting the stamps and keep up the good work, don't forget to deposit your stamps in the box provided at your local Masonic Hall.

W.Bro Paul Thornton
District Communications Officer

WBro Jack Hopwood's 50th.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Jim Sutcliffe accompanied by a District Deputation attended Thursby Lodge 3855 at Burnley Masonic Hall to celebrate 50 years in Masonry of W.Bro. Jack Hopwood P.P.A.G.Reg.( Sussex ).W.Bro Hopwood was presented with his certificate from W.Bro. Sutcliffe and later at the festive boards some gifts from the Lodge.

  

The photo on the left is of WBro Sutcliffe congratulating WBro Hopwood and the photo on the right is of WBro Brian Horne PAGDC, Provincial Grand Almoner - WBro George Clarkson PAGDC - WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM - WM of Thursby Lodge, WBro Martin Whittaker and WBro Jack Hopwood PPAGReg (Sussex).

Freemasonry in the Community helping Pendleside Hospice

Calling all freemasons in Burnley & Pendle District to save their used postage stamps for Pendleside Hospice. Collecting boxes are available at Nelson House Burnley, Nelson Masonic Hall and Colne Masonic Hall. The stamps are sold on to raise funds for the Hospice.


The Assitant Provincial Grand Master W. Bro. Jim Sutcliffe P.S.G.D. is helping the cause by depositing stamps into the collecting box at Nelson House, Burnley. Other boxes can be found at Nelson Masonic Hall and Colne Masonic Hall. All used stamps deposited will be sent to Pendleside Hospice to be sold on for funds for the Hospice. Please help in this worthy cause and deposit your used stamps in the boxes provided.

The Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters 9111 Clay Pigeon Shoot

The Pendleside Lodge of Installed Masters 9111 organised a Clay Pigeon Shoot which was held in the grounds of Coniston Hall in the Yorkshire Dales. The event raised £1,600 for local charities and was enjoyed not only by the members of the Lodge but by friends and family too.

Bro John Cooper of Shuttleworth Lodge helped Managing Director, Mr T Bannister, to organise the event. John has in the past represented England in this sport and was on hand to give advice to novices who wanted to join in the day and have a go.

The day was a great success thanks to the hard work of the staff at Coniston Hall who helped make things run smoothly.

 

Picture: Bro John Cooper (right) loses his patience with WBro Keith Jackson (the clay is behind him)

60 years in Masonry for WBro Foster Mitchell PPAGDC

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro Nigel G Bramley-Haworth PSGD, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Jim Sutcliffe PSGD, along with a District Deputation, attended the Lodge of Silent Temple No 126 to celebrate 60 years in Masonary for WBro Foster Mitchell PPAGDC.

The photo shows WBro Mitchell receiving his 60 years certificate from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Bramley-Haworth. Alongside him is his brother, WBro Steven Mitchell and the APGM, WBro Jim Sutcliffe. Everyone who attended the Lodge at the Burnley Masonic Hall had an enjoyable evening including the recipients brother, WBro S Mitchell who was initiated with him 60 years ago.

WBro Paul Thornton,
District Communication Officer.

THE TWINS OF SILENT TEMPLE

On Tuesday 19th September, 2006 the Lodge of Silent Temple No 126 based at
Burnley Masonic Hall had a very special evening. W.Bro H.Terefenko,
P.P.G.Stwd., took the chair to Initiate his twin sons Gregory and Henry into
the Lodge together. Present were Brothers W.Bro Foster Mitchell P.P.A.G.D.C.
and W.Bro Stephen Mitchell who were also initiated into the Lodge of Silent
Temple together on Tuesday 17th September, 1946, exactly 60 Years to the
day. W.Bro Harold Woodward Assistant Provincial Grand Master was in attendance for this very special evening.

The photo is of the twins and the initiates of 60 years ago.

Paul Thornton.

Ken Cowgill celebrates 50 years in Freemasonry at
Colne Lodge No 4402

Ken Cowgill was presented with a special birthday cake surmounted with a battle tankcrossing a sand dune inscribed with the motifs of the desert rats, carrying the inscription,"To our own desert rat W.Bro. Ken Cowgill on the occasion of his celebrating 50 years in freemasonry, initiated into Colne Lodge 4402 March 1956". Ken was a tank commander during the second world war and fought through the African desert with the Queens Lancers (the death or glory boys) up through Italy, Monte Cassino and then on to Germany where he was demobbed 1946. Having been away for more than four years he was then reunited with his bride whom he had married two years before being sent out to Afica.

He is and remains a much loved member of Colne lodge and was in cracking form on this very special occasion. WBro Jim Sutcliffe APGM, was present on the occasion to mark this special event.


Charity Donations - March 18th 2006


The Burnley & Pendle District distributed £2,200 plus the annual Grand Lodge donation to the Pendleside Hospice on  March 18 th at Colne Masonic Hall.  A tour of the Lodge Room provoked great interest to the recipients who all expressed surprise and thanks at what the local Freemasons were doing in the Community.

The following charities benefited on the day.

Mayor of Burnley Charity Fund £500
Mayor of Pendle Charity Fund £500
Samaritans £300
Open Hands £300
D.A.W.N. £300
Burnley Womens Aid £300