| FORTHCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS |
| DISTRICT DIARY |
Archived news moved to bottom of page
Read about the Bolton,Bury and District Golf Competition on the Bolton News page
On Friday May 17th sixty-seven Masons from Bury, Radcliffe and Rawtenstall came to gether at Radcliffe Masonic Hall for their Annual District Dinner. The guest speaker was to be WBro Alan Kirwilliam, the Provincial Grand Mentor who was joined by Bury District Chairman, WBro Mike Gibbons, with Deputy Chairman, WBro Gerry Russell being the DC for the evening.
The Dinner Guests at Radcliffe Masonic Hall
After a very acceptable four-course meal it was time to draw the raffle which had been promoted by the Bury District Charity Stewards and organised by their secretary WBro Steve Clarke. With a first prize of a 32" televison and many other generously donated prizes, the raffle raised just over £1000, with 2/3 being donated to the EL2015 Festival and the remainder to the ELMC.
A selection of the prizes on offer
Also drawn on the night was the 120 Club raffle for March, April and May but the highlight of this draw was the annual prize draw with one lucky member picking up £500. On behalf of the 120 club WBro Gibbons was pleased to donate cheques to the managements of Bury, Radcliffe and Rawtenstall Masonic Halls.
Bury District Chairman, WBro Mike Gibbons, takes wine with Guest Speaker, WBro Alan Kirwilliam
After an address by the District Chairman, WBro Mike Gibbons, it was time for the guest speaker. WBro Kirwilliam spoke passionately about his role as Provincial Grand Mentor, how he had seen what needed to be changed in the mentoring process and how he had gone about inplementing those changes. A key aspect was the issue of professionally printed information packs for the three degrees in craft frremasonry which would be made available, free of charge, to all new initiates. Similarly there will be information and guidance packs made available to all of the Lodge and Chapter mentors. WBro Kirwilliam's talk was very well received by all present, with many guests seeking to obtain copies of the packs that had been introduced. It was explained that these will soon be available as complete packs from the printer at a cost of £5. (See the mentors pages)
District Chairman , WBro Mike Gibbons; WBro Alan Kirwilliam and Deputy Chairman, WBro Gerry Russell, with the three information packs
The whole evening had been extremely well organised by District Secretary, WBro Paul Sellers, who had also produced very attractive menu cards for the event.
As we enter the Masonic summer recess here is something a little different. Bro Gary Sofield, the Inner Gaurd of Egerton Lodge, has constructed this Lodge Room out of Lego. Gary explains:
It all came about one practice night when another brother and I were talking about different way to remember your lines once you leave the lodge. Some practice at their place of work; walking the dog; or a quiet time at home if you are lucky. The only problem with that I thought was it is just two dimensional and you have to use your imagination, so I came up with using a chess board and its pieces. Chess boards already have the black and white squares and there's more than enough pieces to act their parts out. It was only when I was hit with serendipity after standing on my 6 year old son's Lego men that I had an idea,and out of that spawned the Lego floor plan. I had to stay true to Lego and only use original pieces; the only add-ons being the tracing board paintings. All three chairs go up in grandeur, the masters chair the highest. We also have the volumn of the sacred law, working tools, candles, columns and rough and smooth ashlars. It's all to help with memory, the brother touching one piece while saying his lines then touching another piece to give the reply. It was just an aid and done for a laugh but the problem was when I mentioned it, one and all wanted to see it. I think a few of the brothers on the floor just needed to see what they looked like. Vanity comes to mind.
From Above
From the West
From the North
From the East
Hosted Meeting at Cribden Lodge - April 9th 2013
There was hardly a spare seat to be had in the Derby Lodge Room at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall, when Cribden Lodge No 7285 hosted a meeting to which the Provincial Grand Master had been invited. The Master of the Lodge, WBro Derek L Pilling, who was occupying the Chair of King Solomon for the fifth time, opened the Lodge in due form and welcomed all the visitors to this special meeting. The usual Lodge business being complete, on a report WBro Wesley Marchant, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, was admitted who announced that the RWBro Sir David Trippier, PGM, was without, together with a Provincial Deputation, and was demanding admission.
The Provincial Grand Master was duly welcomed into the Lodge to be offered the gavel which he declined. Prior to introducing the members of the Deputation Sir David rose and addressed the Lodge principally concerning the help and co-operation received by himself and WBro John Farrington, the Provincial Grand Secretary, in arriving at the decision to relocate the Provincial Secretariat at Ashday Lea. Sir David explained that Rawtenstall was perhaps as close as possible to being the geographic centre of this huge Province and expressed his belief that this was an ideal location where he felt that the staff would be most welcome and content.
The Deputation was then introduced and included WBro Norman Cope, APGM; EComp David Thornton, APGP; WBro Mike Gibbons, Bury District Chairman; WBro John Farrington, Provincial Grand Secretary; WBro Peter Faulkner and WBro Mark Davies, the Provincial Grand Wardens; WBro Wesley Marchant, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies; WBro John Griffin, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies together with the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer and the Provincial Grand Standard Bearers
The Provincial Grand Master with the Provincial Deputation and the Brethren of Cribden Lodge
The Provincial Grand Master with WBro Norman Cope,APGM, and the Brethren of the Lodge
The PGM with WBro Derek L Pilling, Master of Cribden Lodge
After the Lodge had been opened in the third degree, there then followed the highlight of the evening, an explanation of the Traditional History. This was an excellent and word perfect presentation by WBro Anthony Adams, given to two recently raised Master Masons, which brought spontaneous acclaim from all present. The Provincial Grand Master and the Deputation then retired prior to the Lodge being closed by the Worshipful Master and his Officers.
WBro Anthony Adams
Also present in the Lodge were several junior brethren from various lodges in the Bury District who were members of the recently formed Perfect Ashlar Club and led by WBro Jeremy Aston, the Bury District Mentor, who was the initial instigator in forming the club. These junior brethren had the pleasure of being introduced to Sir David at an informal meeting prior to the Social Board.
Members of the Perfect Ashlar Club with Sir David and WBro Jeremy Aston, Bury District Mentor
The Social Board was an occasion with a superb atmosphere about it where the brethren were able to relax and chat over an excellent meal served by the very efficient and pleasant young staff. In his response to the toasts Sir David expressed his appreciation for the welcome he had received and how much he had enjoyed the evening. As well as offering congratulations to WBro Adams on his presentation of the Traditional History Sir David revealed that his sponsored diet had now raised approaching £10,000 in support of the EL2015 Festival and that he had surpassed his original weight loss target. Sir David explained the new initiative whereby lodges and chapters in which all the brethren had made an individual contribution to the festival would be presented with an illuminated certificate in acknowledgement of this achievenent. This certificate could then be proudly displayed in the lodge or kept with the minute book. Sir David was also most pleased to accept an extremely generous cheque for the Festival from the Worshipful Master.
At the Social Board
Sir David takes wine with WBro Derek Pilling
EComp David Thornton and WBro Norman Cope
(Is that really wine in WBro Cope's glass?)
WBros Wesley Marchant and John Griffin
Altogether a most enjoyable meeting and social board, organised by Lodge Secretary WBro David Taylor, which will no doubt live long in the memory of the Brethren of Cribden Lodge
The Bury District 120 Club
After several months of overcoming difficulties I am pleased to say that we now have the 120 Club back on track again with WBro Graeme Hoyle kindly taking on the role of treasurer. As the Club runs from October through to May, a period containing eight monthly draws, we found we had unfortunately missed five of these. However, with the kind permission of the Worshipful Master, we were able to correct this situation by making five ‘catch-up’ draws at the meeting of The Lodge of St John, No 191, on Thursday March 14th. The list of winners is shown below
For those not familiar with the Club the rules are very simple. An annual payment of £20, preferably by Bankers Order, gives inclusion into eight monthly draws, with prizes each month of £50, £40, £30, £20 and £10. An annual draw is also made at the District Dinner when the prizes are £500, £250, £200 and £100. All profits from the Club are donated to the Bury and Radcliffe Masonic Halls with the intention in the future of Ashday Lea also benefitting as Rossendale brethren hopefully join the Club.
If you would like to join the Club, or indeed take a second number if you are already a member, then please contact your District Representative or use the form below.
For any further information please contact the treasurer WBro Graeme Hoyle on 01706 828 214, graemehoyle@btinternet.com or WBro Gerry Russell on 07764826233, grussell@gnsystems.co.uk
Pythagoras Lodge of Installed Masters No 9248 Celebrates Twenty Five Years
Consecrated on 22nd March 1988 Pythagoras Lodge of Installed Masters was proud to celebrate it's twenty fifth birthday on Friday 22nd March with a large gathering of both members and visitors. Bad weather prevented one or two of the current 61 members from attending but a good complement of visitors made up for this. Of the original forty-two founding members, drawn from twenty-one lodges, ten are still serving, with eight being present at this special celebration.
After the lodge had been opened by WBro Ron Hall, the present Master, WBro Rev John G Winstanley, the Provincial Deputy Grand Chaplain, was invested as Chaplain of the Lodge. On a report the Lodge was honoured and delighted to receive the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Sir David Tripper, together with a Provincial Deputation.When offered to him by WBro Hall, Sir David was pleased to accept the gavel in order to conduct the celebratory stages of the meeting. After he had introduced the members of the Provincial Deputation Sir David invited WBro Howard Berry, Senior Warden, to give a brief history of the first twenty-five years of the Lodge, which proved to be both very interesting and informative. The contents of a special certificate to mark twenty-five years was read to the assembled brethren by WBro Andrew Holland, acting as Provincial Grand Secretary, before being presented to the Worshipful Master by the Provincial Grand Master. WBro Hall was delighted to receive this certficate on behalf of the brethren of the Lodge.
On behalf of the Lodge WBro Hall was pleased to present a cheque to Sir David in support of the EL2015 Festival
The Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, with WBro Ron Hall, Master, the Provincial Deputation and members of the Lodge
Sir David and WBro Hall with APGM, WBro Norman Cope; Former APGM, WBro Phil Mountford; the Wardens and Brethren of the Lodge
The Provincial Grand Master with the Worshipful Master and the Special Certificate issued to mark the occasion.
An excellent Social Board followed where the celebratory mood continued and a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere prevailed. When Sir David rose to speak his informal and humourous address brought much laughter and applause from a very appreciative audience.
Every brother at the Social Board received a first class documented booklet, 'The First Twenty Five Years', which had been carefully researched and written by WBro Bryan Southern, the Secretary of the Lodge, who had also arranged the whole of this very enjoyable evening. All present will surely be looking forward to the next celebration at this very special lodge.
Albert Shaw - 50 years as a Mason
On Wednesday March 13th 2013 several of the Brethren of Progress Lodge No 4848 joined APGM WBro Norman Cope in celebrating the 50 years in Freemasonry of Bro Albert Shaw. Albert is now resident in Burrswood House Residential & Nursing Home in Bury where the celebration was held in one of the lounges. After WBro Howard Berry had welcomed all present, WBro Cope gave a resume of Albert's life as a much respected member of Progress Lodge and reminded Albert of the events of 6th March 1963 when Albert was initiated. WBro Cope also invited Albert to recall the costs of various necessities of the time. The highlight of this celebration was the presenting to Albert of an Illuminated Certificate of 50years membership signed by the Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier. WBro Cope also read a letter of congratulations to Albert from Sir David, after which further presentations were made by the Master of Progress Lodge, WBro Fred Wilcock.
All present were pleased to drink a toast to Albert's good health after which Albert thanked everybody for attending and joining him in this special celebration. A celebratory cake was presented prior to the guests being invited to partake of a buffet lunch which had been prepared by the staff of Burrswood.
Alberts special celebration was shared with his wife Bett, daughter Pat,WBro Harold Cooper and Deputy District Chairman, WBro Gerry Russell, together with the brethren from Progress Lodge. No doubt an occasion Albert will be proud to remember.
APGM, WBro Norman Cope, reads the Certificate of 50 years to Albert Shaw
Albert with his wife Bett and WBro Fred Wilcock, Master of Progress Lodge
Albert and Bett are joined by WBro Wilcock and WBro Norman Cope
Albert and Bett with the Celebration Cake
For a portfolio of pictures from this celebration see
Albert Shaw's 50 years as a Mason
by WBro Mike Clare
WBro Mike Gibbons, District Chairman, presents cheque for £2661 from ELMC to WBro Ian Hargreaves, Co-ordinator for TLC (Bury).
Since TLC (Bury) was launched in August 2007 over 9000 teddies have been given to children attending the A&E Department at Fairfield General Hospital to help reduce their fear and distress whilst undergoing treatment.
The scheme is funded entirely from money raised by Freemasons in Bury and Radcliffe. Initially the funds came from the sale of TLC lapel badges and generous donations from Lodges and Chapters in the District. With the launch of the 2015 Festival the focus of Lodges and Chapters quite rightly turned to supporting the 2015 Festival and the amount of donations to TLC reduced so an application was made to ELMC Community Fund to enable the scheme to continue.
WBro Hargreaves said ‘I am grateful for the support from ELMC which will allow TLC (Bury)to continue for another year, taking Freemasonry into our community by helping to care for children attending our local hospital.’
Initiation at Knowsley Lodge No 4661
Wednesday the 27th February 2013 will remain in the memory of a father and son as something really special. The reason, Bro Stefan Urban, Junior Deacon of Knowsley Lodge No 4661conducted his son, Bro Stefan Urban in the ceremony of his initiation. Confusing, it certainly was for Bridge St for a short while as on the summons it said that Mr Stefan Urban was proposed by Bro Stefan Urban and assumed it was a misprint by the Lodge Secretary, for once, on this occasion he got it right. I blame the parents!
One of the most pleasing aspect of his son joining the lodge was that Stefan Jnr asked to become a member and not the other way round which is often the case, so should bode very well for the future.
We were also very fortunate that WBro Jeremy Hesketh Aston, PJGD, the District Mentor and instigator of the Perfect Ashlar Club recently set up in the Bury District, invested our Lodge Mentor with his new collar and jewel.
Young Stefan proved a fabulous candidate and his father did him proud by himself conducting him round the Lodge in an exemplary manner with confidence, considering it was his first ceremony as a Deacon, and immense pride. To further make it a special evening, his seconder, WBro Steven Flanagan, ProvAsstGSuptWks, delivered a perfect rendition of the Charge in the First Degree.
At the social board WBro Steven Flanagan, who is also the Lodge Mentor, presented Bro Stefan Jnr, following the toast to his health and Bro Stefan's reply, a booklet entitled "A personal guide to being an Entered Apprentice". WBro Flanagan pointed out that as far as he was aware, in doing this, Knowsley may have jumped the gun as it was quite possible that Bro Stefan Urban Jnr was the first candidate in the Province to receive this important new document!
Still confused over the names, it should be interesting for the WM when addressing by name who stands up and salutes!
Bro Stefan Urban, WM Bro Leigh Rickett and Bro Stefan Urban JD
Bro Stefan Urban receiving "A personal guide to being an Entered Apprentice" from WBro Steven Flanagan, ProvAsstGSuptWks, the Lodge Mentor
WBro S Flanagan, ProvAsstGSuptWks, Bro S Urban and WBro J H Aston PJGD, District Mentor
Celebration of the Amalgamation of Lodge of Relief No. 42 and Bury Lodge No. 5119 – 20th February 2013
Ninety-two Masons were in attendance to witness a ceremony which will live long in the memory of those who were present, as The Lodge of Relief and Bury Lodge were amalgamated.
The occasion was honoured by the attendance of the RW Provincal Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL and a substantial Provincial Deputation, ably led by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Wesley Marchant.
The Worshipful Master of Bury Lodge of Relief, Bro Antony Cleworth, greeted the Provincal Grand Master and offered him the gavel, which the Provincal Grand Master accepted, and occupied the Chair of King Solomon.
The Provincal Grand Master thanked the Brethren for their warm reception, and proceeded to introduce those Brethren comprising the Provincial Deputation. That completed, the Provincal Grand Master then gave a brief history of the two lodges now coming together, and on a lighter note, commented on the regularity that various public houses in Bury had played in the respective histories of the two Lodges – and he was familiar with a few of them personally!
The Provincial Grand Secretary, WBro John Farrington, then read the Certificate of Amalgamation.
There then followed a passionate oration from the Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro the Rev'd John Winstanley, who asked the Brethren of the two lodges to consider this amalgamation as a marriage – requiring the same qualities – patience, tolerance, compassion, and urged the Brethren to work together in harmony, as befitting the long history of the two Lodges.
The formal ceremony of amalgamation was then performed by the Provincial Grand Master and Brethren of the Lodge, including the deliverance by Sir David to the Worshipful Masterof the Warrants, Certificate of Amalgamation, Banner, and By-Laws of the new Lodge.
The Ceremony was concluded by an address to the Brethren by the Provincial Grand Master.
A full and festive social board then followed, a highlight of which was the placing of a boiled egg before the Sir David - to assist his recent declaration to lose weight and raise money for the EL2015 Festival!
The Provincial Grand Master with the Brethren of the Bury Lodge of Relief and the Provincial Deputation.
The Brethren of the Lodge with the Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, and the APGM, WBro Norman Cope
Sir David with WBro Antony Cleworth, Master; WBro Norman Cope, APGM and WBro Paul Sellers, the District Secretary
WBro Cleworth being warmly congratulated by Sir David Trippier
The Brethren of the Lodge were trying to assist Sir David with his sponsored slim
Sir David addresses the Brethen to the delight of WBro Cope, WBro Marchant and WBro Cleworth.
The Social Board
WBro Antony Cleworth, WM, responds to his toast
Pictures by Courtesy of WBro John Hesketh
Pilkington Lodge Welcomes the Provincial Grand Master
At its first meeting of 2013, Pilkington Lodge no. 6522, meeting at Radcliffe Masonic Hall, welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, RD, JP,DL, accompanied by the APGM for the Western Area, WBro. Norman Cope, together with a provincial deputation.
The Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, with the Brethren of Pilkington Lodge and the Provincial Deputation
The W.M., Bro. Rodney Greenwood, offered the gavel to Sir David, who gratefully accepted, and thanked the Lodge for their warm reception.
Sir David with Bro Rodney Greenwood, Worshipful Master
The PGM was then treated to an explanation of the 1st Tracing Board by Junior Brethren of the Lodge. In response Sir David commented that he was very much impressed by the format and delivery of the Tracing Board and congratulated not only those brethren who had given the explanation, but the Senior Brethren and lodge in general for the time and effort involved.
Sir David with APGM, WBro Norman Cope, and the Officers of the Lodge
Later at the Social Board, the PGM thanked Pilkington Lodge for their welcome, and also the large number of visiting brethren who were in attendance.
The Brethren enjoy the Social Board
On a lighter note the PGM also commented on the father and son relationship of the IPM WBro. Christopher Cordes and the Assistant Secretary, Bro. Alan Cordes. The PGM informed those present that he and Alan Cordes had known each other some time, having attended Bury Grammar School together. The PGM then teased his school pal that whilst the son, Christopher, had attained the Chair of King Solomon, his father had not – and it was about time he did!
The PGM concluded by again thanking the Lodge for his warm reception and to all present for a thoroughly enjoyable and successful evening.
Lodge of Merit No. 934 – Celebration of the 150th Anniversary .
The Lodge of Merit No. 934 recently had the pleasure of the company of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PGSwdB, together with a Provincial Deputation, to celebrate 150 years of continuous working.
The Lodge Brethren were also delighted to have in attendance a large number of visiting brethren from the district and beyond.
The Deputy PGM was delighted to accept the gavel from the W.M, Bro Alan Ikin, and addressed the Brethren, complementing the Lodge on reaching this milestone, and wishing the Lodge another 150 years of continuous working.
WBro James Hodge, PPJGW, the Lodge Almoner, gave a brief history of the Lodge from its beginnings, its wandering around the district in search of a permanent home, and the proud heritage of the family of lodges to which Merit belonged. WBro Hodges commented on how pleasing it was that the family was represented in lodge today by visiting Brethren.
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then presented an illuminated certificate signed by Sir David Trippier, the Provincial Grand Master,to Bro Alan Ikin, Worshipful Master of Lodge of Merit, to record the attaining of this 150 year milestone
To mark the celebration, the Lodge Charity Steward, WBro Paul Cichy, PPSGD, proudly presented a cheque for £2000 to the VW Deputy PGM as a donation to the 2015 Festival. Further donations were made of £500 to the ELMC, and £500 to the Bury Masonic Association.
The evening was completed when the VW Deputy PGM surprised most of those present (including the recipient) with the granting of further provincial honours on WBro George Edward Burkey, PPGSwdB, who was most modest in his promotion to PPJGW.
VWBro Derek N Thornhill, Deputy PGM, with the Provincial Delegation and the Brethren of Lodge of Merit
VWBro Derek N Thornhill, Deputy PGM, with the Brethren of Lodge of Merit
VWBro Thornhill hands the Certificate to Bro Alan Ikin, Worshipful Master.
Grand Charity Cheque for Bury and Rossendale Hospices
On Monday December 17th WBro Mike Gibbons, Chairman of Bury District Freemasons, had the pleasure of presenting a Grand Charity cheque for £1,710 to Bury Hospice . On this occasion Mike was fortunate enough to have chosen the very day that the new Hospice building was being handed over from the builders to the Hospice Team. Mike managed to persuade Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox to join Hospice CEO Jacqui Comber on a photo of the cheque hand over.
WBro Mike Gibbons presents the cheque to Hospice CEO Jacqui Comber watched by Sara Cox
This presentation was followed on Wednesday December 19th by a second cheque presentation to Rossendale Hospice for £1000. Mike had pleasure in handing the cheque from Grand Charity to Lisa Bailey from the Hospice Donations Team. Behind Mike and Lisa in the picture is is the Hospice 'Giving Tree' which recognises major donations to the Hospice on an engraved leaf - contributions from Freemasonry are well represented on the tree already.
WBro Mike Gibbons presents the cheque to Lisa Bailey from the Hospice Donations Team
Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier
Former Rossendale District News Here
If you have any new stories you would like to see published here, please contact
WBro Paul Easterbrook, District Communications Officer for Bury District.