Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
News from Oldham District

Shaw Masonic Hall Charitable Giving Night

Shaw Masonic Hall had a Fantastic Charitable Giving Night on Friday 16 th February. The evening was the highlight in the Masonic Calendar for 9 Lodges. David Dunn, Oldham District Charity Steward together with the rest of the Oldham District Team, the District Chairman Philip Price and our APGM, W. Bro Harold Woodward, 12 Charities/Beneficiaries were invited to The Gables Masonic Hall to receive their donations in person from the respective Worshipful Masters and representatives of the 9 Lodges.

Despite the appalling weather, over 85 people attended the event, which began with a tour of the Masonic room that received many interesting comments. The opening address from David Dunn outlined the evening's proceedings and gave an informative talk on how Freemasonry came to be established locally, nationally, and internationally. After his address all where invited to hot refreshments.
The 9 Lodges then made their presentations, which commenced with a combined donation to Oldham Scouts from Werneth, Oldham-Mitre, Solidarity Albert, Jubilate, Stanley , Halcyon, Tonge Hall and United Companions Lodges.
David Dunn
David Dunn Opening Address
 
Each of the recipients having received their donation took the opportunity to convey not only their appreciation, but also to demonstrate the commitment they have to their organisation.
In all, twelve beneficiaries received donations including Hey Kids, Hyde British Legion, Royton ATC, Oldham Scouts, Francis House, North West Air Ambulance, Chernobyl Children, Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Shaw & District Disabled Association, Royal Oldham Hospital League of Friends, Lancashire Fusiliers Museum and Friends of Coalshaw Green Park,
Royton ATC

Shaw & District Disabled Association

  
 
Hey Kids with Solidarity IPM Jeremy Marshall and His Fiancée  
Barbara Wilson MBE
Friends of Coalshaw Green Park

 

A closing address by our APGM, W Bro Harold Woodward, summed up the feeling of pride represented by Charities and Lodges present:

Extract from Harold's closing address

“ From what I have witnessed and experienced this evening, I have been both challenged and inspired.
It has been a delight to meet with young adults who have a personal discipline and a code of conduct that demonstrates a healthy respect for others.

It has also been a privilege to meet with you who represent the voluntary and charitable sector of society : demonstrating an unselfish love for others.

I believe that we share many common values in our approach to life.

Our financial support for what you do is but one dimension of our commitment to your work. We must seek to work collaboratively in our ‘outreach' activities within the community.

Let us build on the contacts and new friendships and understandings that have been established this evening. I am convinced that working together we can make a real difference in character building and connect / reconnect with those members of our community who are in any way disadvantaged.

You are the present and future heroes / heroines of our society. We salute you for being people of commitment and dedication. We thank you for sharing your experience and this evening with us. You have certainly added something rather special to our lives. Thank you for being special.”

Harold Woodward APGM

Closing Address

 

  The Gables Masonic Hall (Shaw) Recipients Receiving Charitable Donation

From Left to Right : Fiona McIntosh, Brian Wigue, Lawrence Stanley, Harold Woodward, Mark Hamilton, Shelley Bradley, Rev: David Irelend, David Hayes, Teresa Novothy, Rhiannon Bradley, Brian Hurst, Andrew Walkden, Betty Tomlinson, Barbara Wilson, Karen Marsden, Philip Price.

John LeBrun
lebrunjs@ntlworld.com