Bury District News

Personal 50th - WBro Tom Keanan held at Radcliffe Masonic Hall

The Brethren of Concord Lodge 1534 had great pleasure in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of W Bro Thomas H. Keenan, PProvAGSwdB, being initiated into Freemasonry.

The Lodge was most pleased to welcome the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Philip Mountford, accompanied by WBro Trevor Thomas, APGP and the District Officers together with the acting officers for the year, WBro Jason Tyler, ProvGStwd, WBro Mike Clare, ProvGStwd, WBro John Gannon, ProvAGDC and WBro Tony Wildin, ProvJGD.

The ceremony in the Lodge was conducted by WBro Mountford who presented a resume of Tom's early days in Scotland and his initiation into Freemasonry, passing and raising, all of which happened within a three month period. This was somewhat explained by the fact that his Lodge in fact met twice in each month. It was of interest to note that there were no less than four other candidates for initiation at the same time as Tom.

WBro Brian Marsden, the Lodge Secretary read the minutes from the 1959 meeting when Tom was initiated and the Lodge D.C., WBro Alan France, PProvJGD, paid a warm tribute to Tom, a much respected member of the Lodge. WBro Mountford read a letter to Tom from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Jack Price, congratulating Tom on his achievement followed by Tom being presented with an Illuminated Certificate to mark the occasion.

To much applause from members and guests Tom was perambulated round the Lodge by W Bro Harold Cooper, ProvDepGDC

At the social board members and guests were treated to a full Christmas Turkey Dinner complemented by Christmas Pudding with Rum sauce to which the WM Bro Timothy Ashwin had great delight in adding further rum, very much encouraged by the brethren.

The toast to WBro Keenan was given by WBro Peter Higginson, PProvDepGSwdB, who paid great tribute to Tom and reminisced on the year of 1988 when Tom became a joining member of Concord Lodge.

WBro Higginson made note that Tom very rarely missed a Lodge meeting or practice night and was considered a very dedicated Brother, always willing to take a Lodge office whenever the need arose.

A cut glass decanter, with matching whisky glasses, was presented as a gift from the members of Concord Lodge. It was considered that this would be a most apt gift for a brother hailing from Scotland.

In his response Tom most sincerely thanked all present for attending and for making this an evening that he would never forget.

The picture at the social board shows WBro Peter Higginson presenting the Lodge gift to WBro Tom Keenan

Stanley Stretton PProvSGW 50th Celebration

WBro Philip Mountford, PSGD Assistant Provincial Grand Master who was accompanied by WBro Geoffrey Litherland, PSGD APGM, WBro Derek Walsh PSGD PAPGM, WBro John Phillimore PSGD PAPGM (Cheshire) , the District Officers plus the Acting Officers of the year in the Delegation to pay tribute to Stanley Stretton PProvSGW at Pilkington Lodge No 6522. An amazing 92 brethren packed in to the Lodge room at Radcliffe.

The secretary, WBro Tony Wildin read the minutes from his Initiation and WBro David Barlow gave a tribute to Stanley which was very well received. WBro Mountford presented Stanley with an Illuminated Certificate (shown below with the WM, Bro Brian Samson) and WBro Harold Cooper ProvDepGDC perambulated Stanley around the Lodge room to a spontaneous applause to show their admiration to a much respected mason.

On this occasion Stanley had asked to break with protocol in that he asked if the Junior Brethren could give a short lecture. WBro Mountford readily agreed. The subject of the lecture was “The Tenets of Freemasonary” and was given by six of the Junior Brethren which was thought provoking and interesting.

The social board was superb with much laughter and making of new friends. WBro D Thornton gave the toast to Stanley after which he was was presented with some crystal wine glasses from the Lodge members, as he enjoys his trips to France, amongst other things sampling the rather good produce of grape. WBro Stretton thanked all those present for coming to celebrate his 50th year in Freemasonary and making it into a most memorable night.

“Bolton & Bury Masons Unite”

On Tuesday 13th October at a lavish champagne reception at the Palace Hotel in Manchester were held the North West National Training Awards 2009. The awards were co presented by Ranvir Singh from BBC North West Tonight. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the most inspiring examples of what training and development in the North West.

The Bolton and Lads Club Mentoring Scheme were entrants in the competition. WBro Terry Kakoullis, Bolton District Charity Steward and WBro Paul Sellers, Bury District Secretary were asked along with other Mentors of the Club to accompany the Chairman, Vicky Corlett, Head of Training and Karen Hall Deputy Chief Executive of the Club.

Not only did the Mentoring Project win the heat in their class but won the North West Award which puts them forward to the National Awards in London on the 10th December with a very strong chance of winning another prestigious award.

The club desperately needs men and women volunteer mentors to help change young peoples lives for the better. If you need any information please contact Terry or Paul.

Pictured from left to right Karen Hall, Terry Kakoullis, Vicky Corlett, Paul Sellers

Bury Mason wins an Oscar

WBro Paul Sellers, a member of Knowsley Lodge No 4661 was chosen to represent the Bolton Lads and Girls Club at the Annual Volunteer Oscar Awards Ceremony to recognise the  valuable work that volunteers contribute to the Bolton Community. The event was held at The Victoria Hall, Knowsley St, Bolton on the 24th September 2009. It was hosted by Kevan Williams from the Local radio station and the Volunteering Oscars were presented by the Mayor & Mayoress of Bolton.

Paul along with other Freemasons from Bolton and Bury have been mentors for the club for the last three years.
This project plays a vital role in helping young people between the ages of 8 and 21, and who experience a wide range of problems to set personal goals for their future and to reach those goals with the support of a caring volunteer Mentor.
It is a hard job to do but the end result is incredible. Mentors who are recruited on to the programme receive appropriate training. They are matched to a Mentee to provide a one-to-one supporting relationship as well as help them to make important decisions regarding their education, receiving appropriate training and gaining employment. Having someone in their lives who is always there for them can be the first step to making changes in their lives.

Young people join the project voluntarily and agree to be linked to a volunteer Mentor for a period of up to 12 months. In April 2004 the Club was awarded Gold Star Status by the Home Office. It is the only North West Project to receive this and one of eight nationally.

The main tasks of the Mentor role include: -
•  Creating a positive supportive relationship between mentor and the young person by adopting a non judgemental approach
•  Initiating and maintaining appropriate relationships with young people
•  Meeting with the Mentee on a weekly basis
•  Attending regular supervision/ support meetings with the project worker
•  Undertaking initial core training and optional ongoing training
•  Attending social activities, group work sessions and optional residential weekends during the programme, and
•  Trying to maintain weekly contact with the project worker
It is hard work and the commitment must be made as everyone seems to let them down. What I can say, without hesitation is that the end result is incredible. We are lucky, these children are not. Let’s share what we have and pass a little over to them. It makes an incredible difference.

If anyone wants to learn more and join the Mentors, please contact me or the Charity Steward of Bolton, WBro Terry Kakoullis.

Never forget: - “That you cannot change the past but you can always change the future” and that “These young people are tomorrow’s citizens

WBro Harry Birtwistle - 60 years a Freemason  

This momentous occasion was marked by a visit to Harry’s home by three members of his Lodge, Earl of Lathom Lodge2560:  W.Bro Philip Mountford, Assistant Provisional Grand Master, Bro Michael Sutton, Worshipful Master and W.Bro Arthur Wilson, Director of Ceremonies. They were accompanied by W.Bro. Howard Berry, District Chairman. A certificate was presented on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master.

Harry was initiated into the Earl of Lathom Lodge 2560 on May 4th 1949. Harry, as ever, was in fine form and entertained with reminiscences and tales of his time in the Lodge. At ninety two years of age he showed the enthusiasm and sense of commitment that has marked his long career in Masonry.

The photograph shows the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Master making the presentation.

ELMC  Supports  All Saints Church - St.Francis Community Centre

The Bury District Charity Steward Stuart Cass presented a cheque for £700 from the ELMC Community Fund to All Saints Church's St. Francis Community Centre.
The petition to ELMC was made by the Papyrean Lodge 5771 in Bury to obtain support from the Community Fund. The new centre at the church is to be used to support all types of community projects in the local area.

Pictured from the left are W.Bro Geoff Clare of Papyrean Lodge, W.Bro Stuart Cass, the District Charity Steward, W.Bro Eric Howarth of Lodge of Relief 42, Susan Stonestreet and the Rev Stuart Millington.

David Thornton's Retirement Dinner - 3 May 09

The Bury and Radcliffe District Officer Royal Arch, David Thornton, retired this summer, after serving 6 years on the District. A superb meal was enjoyed by the Provincial Grand Master, Jack Price, APGM Phil Mountford, AProvGP, Trevor Thomas, District Chairman, Howard Berry and the rest of the District Officers and their better halves, at the Toby Inn, Edgworth. Our District Chairman, Howard Berry, presented David and his most understanding wife with a gift, and remarked how much hard work and tremendous dedication David had put into the District, and the Royal Arch, over his time on the team -he will be a hard act to follow.  We are not sure whether his wife will enjoy him being home more, it remains to be seen.

District Dinner

The Bury and Radcliffe District Dinner was held on May 8th 2009, at Radcliffe Masonic Hall. It was attended by 67 brethren with the guest of honour being Julie Ward, accompanied by Karen Hall, from ELMC in Bridge St. Julie gave a very informative talk on procedures and how the ELMC works. The question and answer section raised some important issues and was very knowledgeably answered. A pamphlet was given to all present so that it could be taken back to the Lodges - it was  full of useful information and was extremely well received, with great benefit to all, but particularly to the Lodge Almoners. It was also the night of the District Charity Stewards raffle prize draw. The 1st prize was a 32inch LCD TV and raised a fantastic sum to be distributed to good causes.

Lodge of St John No.191 Bible Dedication Ceremony

The new Bible for Lodge of St.John was dedicated at a special ceremony held on 9 th April 2009 at the Masonic Hall in Bury. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master Philip Mountford officiated at the ceremony which was attended by over 50 local masons.

The Bible donor was W.Bro Eric Davidson MBE, DL, PProvDepGSwdB and the Bible bearer was Bro Junior Dann. The oration at the ceremony was given by the Assistant Provincial Grand Chaplain Michael Landriau.

The bible had originally belonged to a lodge that used to meet at Bridge Street before closing in 2003. It was refurbished by Bro E.W.Beaman.

Pictured below are members of the Lodge of St.John with the Provincial Delegation.

Pictured below are W.Bro Eric Davidson, the Bible Donor and Bro Junior Dann the Bible Bearer at the dedication ceremony.

60 Years in Freemasonry

Wednesday 1st April 2009 saw a very special celebration at Progress Lodge No.4848 - Bro Arthur Titherington celebrated his 60th Masonic Birthday. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master-VW Nigel Bramley-Haworth attended the meeting to present Brother Titherington with his certificate from the Province.

Pictured below are the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Brother Titherington and the Provincial Delegation.

Bury and Radcliffe District Charity Night

The Bury District Charity Night was a resounding success distributing over £13,500 to local non-masonic charities and good causes. The event was held in the Lodge room at Bury Masonic Hall at which eighteen of the charities and local masons and their families attended.

The Mayor of Bury, Peter Ashworth was in attendance to support the event and with over one hundred people there the atmosphere in the Lodge room was wonderful.

The good causes included amongst others, the Hurdles childrens charity in Bury and the Sedgeley Park under tens Rugby team.

All the recipients are pictured below with the Mayor receiving their cheques

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BURY DISTRICT JOINT CONVOCATION – WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH 2009 - link to RA News

275th Birthday celebrations

The Lodge of Relief No. 42 the third oldest craft lodge in England outside London celebrated its 275th birthday on the 18th September 2008.

This milestone event was attended by both the Provincial and Deputy Provincial Grand Masters and other Provincial Grand Officers of the year. The celebrations were held at Bury Masonic Hall with 100 masons in attendance.

The Lodge was founded in 1733 and the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Jack Price presented the Worshipful Master John Wood with an illuminated certificate from the Province to celebrate and mark this occasion.

Also in attendance to support the celebrations was the Worshipful Mayor of Bury W.Bro Peter Ashworth a past master of Knowsley Lodge who is pictured with the Provincial Grand Master Jack Price and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Relief No.42 John Wood.

See Archived News

Simon Archer
Bury District Comm Officer