Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier

13/10/10 - Manchester Masons Giving Evening 2011

Manchester Masons - Sportsman’s Dinner

Manchester Masons held their Sportsman’s Dinner at FMH, Manchester on Thursday 11th November.

This annual event is held to raise funds for the Manchester Masons Widows, ‘Broken Column Dinner’ which will be held in May 2011.

Over 150 Manchester Masons and their Guests were treated to an exceptional meal and fabulous entertainment provided by, Rochdale-born and bred comedian Dudley Doolittle.  Dudley started his successful stage career in the late 1960s, as lead singer in the group 'Reg James Explosion'.  He's also a keen Rochdale FC fan, so you'll also probably hear him at Spotland every other Saturday.   Dudley was ably supported by after dinner speakers, Tom Lee, the Channel 4 Horse Racing commentator and correspondent and the ex Australian and St Helens Rugby League coach Ian Millward.

WBro Ken Buckley of Virtue Lodge No. 152 acted as MC for the evening, carrying out a marvellous job, particularly with auction of prizes, which consisted of a signed Wayne Rooney England shirt (see above left) from the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa (complete with a letter of authentication) and a signed South African cricket shirt.  To all who supported the event and to those who donated prizes, many thanks.

The photo above right shows WBros Peter Harding and Elliot Moss taking notes of who's brought what during the auction. Although all figures have not yet been finalised, at first glance, the Manchester Masons have made approximately £2500 - £3000 to towards the running cost of the Manchester Widows Broken Column Dinner, which will be held next year on Monday 16th May.

Finally, special thanks must go to, WBro Len Hayes (Chairman for City Sykes District) and WBro Brian Durkin (Deputy Chairman for City Starkie District) for organising the evening’s entertainment.

Auction Prizes Blackburn Rovers Bolton Wanderers and South African Cricket Shirts and signed Manchester United Football

Brethren and their guests enjoying the evening's entertainment

Volunteer Lodge members, again supporting this years dinner

WBro Ken Buckley MC, WBro Brain Durkin, Dudley Doolittle, WBro Stuart Hughes, WBro Len Hayes, Tom Lee and Ian Millward

The Three Manchester Districts i.e. Derby, City Starkie, City Sykes, are hosting a Whisky Appreciation Night on:

5th Feb 2011

at Freemason's Hall, Bridge Street

7.00 for 7.30 pm

SEE THE FESTIVAL EVENTS PAGE HERE

Manchester Children’s Hospital

Manchester Children's Hospital is the largest single site children's hospital in Europe covering not just Greater Manchester but North Wales and the Lake District. With over a 1,000 children passing through a week the call for "TLC" (Teddies for Loving Care) is tremendous!

On Tuesday 10th August a deputation of Manchester masons - W.Bros Martin Caller, Jim Sutcliffe (both APGM's), Len Hayes (Chairman Sykes District), David Stevens (TLC officer Manchester) and Harry Rogers (Provincial Teddy Bear man!) met Susan Fairclough (Play Specialist Manager) and Katy Crinnion (Community & Events Fund raising officer) to distribution Teddies to some of the patients.

The above picture shows WBros Sutcliffe and Caller with Katy Crinnion (with the glasses) and Susan Faircough along with some of the nursing staff who explained how helpful the Teddies were not only as a reward, but a comfort for the children who were experiencing many new and not very nice issues.

Martin Caller	David Stevens
Jim Sutcliffe and David Stevens	Jim Sutcliffe
Martin Caller	The thought of 2 APGMs were too much for some of the children! they said "Just leave the Teddies and we will collect them later"!

David shows Katy the recognition recorded on the wall of major donation by the ELMC

Brethren, I know most of you have already bought a lapel badge we still need every penny for this well deserving cause. Please don't stop with one as other designs are available and further merchandise coming soon....................

Manchester Masons - Broken Column Dinner

(“Welcome’ is a lovely word, it means so many things, the warmth of Human Friendship, and pleasure that it brings”)

The City Manchester Districts of Sykes, Starkie and Derby extended a warm welcome to approximately 150 widows and their escorts at the annual Broken Column dinner at FMH Bridge Street, on Monday 17th May.

The evening commenced with a drinks reception where widows renewed acquaintances with each other, remembering happy times from the past and this continued throughout the evening.

After a warm welcome from WBro David Basger, Chairman of Derby District the widows and guest’s enjoyed an excellent meal and entertainment, which was organised WBro Mike Birks, Deputy Chairman of Sykes District, supported by WBro Brian Durkin, Deputy Chairman of Starkie District, who acted as DC for the evening.

Tony Berry of the Houghton Weavers provided the entertainment and this year was accompanied his son Tom.  Tom currently a student at Chetham’s School of music, is due to continue his studies at the London School of music.  He is also a past finalist, (Brass section), of the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year.

WBro Martin Caller, Assistant Provincial Grand Master gave a light hearted speech before proposing the toast to the widows and WBro Stuart Hughes, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals gave the closing address on behalf of the Manchester Districts.

The Masons of Manchester are extremely grateful to Mike Birks, Brian Durkin, the District Secretaries and all those who gave of their time to make this a truly excellent evening.  The cost of such an evening is borne by the Manchester Districts.

WBro Keith Hatton

Tony Berry of the Houghton Weavers with his son Tom

WBro Martin Caller and a suprised looking WBro Brian Durkin

Manchester Masons Giving Evening

5th May 2010

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Alison Firth and Consort Mr Andrew Fox with Martin Caller, Jim Sutcliffe and the District Chairmen

Manchester Masons' Race Night

Manchester Masons held their annual Race Night on Thursday 11th March.
The evening was supported by approximately eighty Brethren and their guests, to raise funds for the Manchester Widow’s dinner the 'Broken Column Evening'.  This will be held on Monday 17th May.
The organising team of Mike Birks, Brian Durkin and Len Hayes wish to thank everyone for attending, the Lodges, Chapters, Individuals who sponsored the eight races, prize donors and finally all who sponsored a horse!
A magnificent sum, of approximately £1,500 was raised!!

Members & guests of Volunteer Lodge

Nora & Bill Porter

Place your bets! WBro's Len Hayes and Andrew Jenkins

Trevor Wood studying the form, with Volunteer Lodge Members Martin Murray and Alan Archer

Manchester Masons
Weekend Away

A relaxing weekend by the sea in St. Annes was enjoyed by the Provincial Grand Master and his wife Dorothy when they joined members and families from the Manchester Lodges of; Yarborough, King Edward VII, Vigilance, Internet and Old Mancunian’s.

On the Saturday evening, Yarborough Lodge No. 633 hosted a dinner dance, which the ladies, gentlemen and brethren thoroughly enjoyed.  A good weekend was had by all!

Thank you to WBro Jack McManus of Yarborough Lodge for forwarding the picture.