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Download the Oldham District Newsletter - January 2012 Here
Provincial Officers Reception - See the Report Here
OLDHAM DISTRICT WIDOWS PARTY
Werneth Members Entertain the Ladies
This year more than 50 Widows were chauffeured to and from their homes to the 2011 Annual Widows Christmas party which was held at the Middleton Masonic Hall on Tuesday the 14th December.
Carol Nuttall and Steve Briggs Dancing with the Ladies
The party began with a welcome from the District Chairman WBro David Dunn to all the ladies who came each year and a special welcome to those ladies who have not been for several years and to those ladies who were attending for the first time. He then introduced the principal guests of the evening, consisting of WBro David H Thompson – Chairman of the 2015 Festival and his wife Lesley, together with WBro Alex McLaren and his wife Lesley. Other guests present were WBro Peter Clegg and Mrs Clegg (deputy district chairman), Chairman of the Middleton Masonic Hall WBro Steven Briggs, WBro Howard Nuttall and Mrs Nuttall (widows party secretary), WBro Jack Ball – responsible for organising the stewards for the evening.
Oldham District Ladies EnjoyTheir Chrismas Party
David offered apologies on behalf of the treasurer John Dixon and his wife Gill for not attending due to adverse weather conditions. His final introduction was of himself and his wife Janice.
All the Ladies enjoyed a festive menu beautifully prepared & presented by the Middleton Catering staff and liquid refreshment served by five members of Werneth Lodge 6163, dressed as cowboys.
Oldham Ladies Ejoy Their Meal
After the meal David Thompson proposed the toast to the ladies and Alex McLaren responded on behalf of the ladies. He thanked all who had worked to make the evening such a success. He gave special thanks to the catering staff at Middleton for the wonderful meal. He finished his speech by wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
Two of the Werrne Lodge Entertaining Cowboys
After the formal part of the evening the widows were entertained by Alan Burton ‘The King Of Swing’. He started his act with a medley of Christmassy songs with ‘Let it Snow’ and invited the ladies to sing along with him, and continued with a wide selection of songs.
Following the raffle for the table prizes Alan Burton returned to the stage and many ladies took the opportunity to have a dance with each other or a steward.
At the end of the evening the ladies were presented with their Christmas Gift and finally the evening closed with the Chairman David Dunn wishing everyone a safe journey home and hoped they had enjoyed themselves.
Werneth Lodge Mems Dancing with the Widows
WBro Harry Simmons - 92nd Birthday
The records show that 100 years ago Palatine Lodge opened and closed with no business being transacted. At the 2011 September meeting the Brethren speedily opened and closed the Lodge but this time with the express purpose of sharing their Festive Board with 92 years young W. Bro. Harry Simmons PProvGSptWks at Ecclesholme, where he has been a resident for some time. The purpose was to celebrate his 40 valuable and happy years in Masonry. Beverley, the manager of Ecclesholme, and her dedicated and caring staff provided a wonderful buffet and the Lodge members provided a commemorative framed certificate, cake, and port. Harry unfortunately, was unwell on the day and his grandson David accepted the gifts and accolades on his behalf. Our thanks go to Beverley and her staff and our good wishes to W. Bro. Simmons.
Pictures and write-up courtesy of WBro Peter Hawksworth.
WBro Jack Johnson Celebrates 50yrs in Freemasonry
The 12th October 2011 saw Albert Lodge 854 host the celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro John Johnson. WBro Johnson, always called Jack, had almost 70 members and guests present at the meeting in Shaw. The Lodge was opened by Bro Howard Freear and after the initial business the Deputy Provincial DC WBro Harold Cooper entered the Lodge and announced that WBro Alex McLaren APGM accompanied by a large delegation of Grand and District Officers desired admission.
WBro Alex McLaren occupied the Chair and paid tribute to the contribution Jack had made to Freemasonry which was further supported by a moving oration from his lifelong friend WBro Douglas Chapple.
Alex McLaren then read a letter from the Provincial Grand Master and presented Jack with his illuminated certificate. Jack was then escorted around the Lodge Room by the Provincial Deputy DC to great acclaim from all present. The social board was a very happy affair during which he was presented with a commemorative tankard, and visitors from other Lodges spoke of their happy experiences they had shared with Jack over many years.
Pictures and write-up courtesy of WBro Les Taylor
Walk the Province – 18th September 2011
Hollingworth Lake – A Circular Walk
On Sunday 18th September the Freemasons from the Districts of Oldham and Rochdale gathered with their families and friends at The Hollingworth Lake Visitor’s Centre for their leisurely Sponsored Walk around Hollingworth Lake. In Victorian times Hollingworth Lake was known as the "The Weighvers' Seaport". Spanning 118 acres with the dramatic backdrop of Blackstone Edge, the lake provides one of the most popular days out in the area.
Registration of some 50 Masons with around 100 family members and 40, or so, dogs took place amidst glorious sunshine. The early starters were able to complete the 2.5 mile course without encountering any weather problems whatsoever but the slightly later starters had to contend with one or two showers.
APGM, WBro Alex McLaren was well equipped with walking boots, anorak and rucksack and supported by the two District Chairmen, WBro Philip Price and WBro Peter Hewitt who spread amongst the members in their endeavours.
The event was organised by the respective District Festival Representatives, WBro David Dunn of Oldham and WBro Reg Foster of Rochdale with the support of their wife’s, Janice and Valerie, who performed a sterling roles in organising the registration, first aid and general marshalling arrangements.
Thanks go to all those, including our four legged friends, that supported this event and whilst the final proceeds have not yet been finally determined, the figure raised should exceed £2,000. All proceeds for this event will go to the EL 2015 Festival.
Orchard House Project
Over the past few years Oldham District Freemasons have been involved in projects within the community.
Orchard House is an NHS Trust Day Centre which is set up to support the mental, physical and general needs of those over 65 years old who have functional mental health problems such as psychosis, anxiety and/or depression. Amongst other treatments, the patients are provided with a variety of self help therapeutic and recreational activities.
After a number of visits to the Centre and meetings with Ian Clowes, the manager, it was noted that as part of the therapies the making hanging baskets was a popular activity, however they had no facilities available.
At a meeting of the District committee the Chairman decided, having discussed the merits of the suggested project with the team, to ask the assistant Chairman WBro Edwin Baines to develop the idea of a possible greenhouse and potting shed. Plans were drawn up for submission to Orchard House, which was enthusiastically received. As a result an application was made to ELMC to fund a project to provide a potting shed and greenhouse in order that the patients could grow their own plants from seed. This would greatly enhance the benefits they receive from the current therapies and would fit in well with their involvement in 'Digging for Health' which promotes healthy eating and encourages growing 'things'.
WBro Baines produced plans which involved cutting back some land behind the centre, placing upstanding paving to hold back the land, block paving the area, producing a small raised garden to harden green house plants and erecting a greenhouse and a potting shed, and submitted them to the NHS Management.
In excess of twelve Oldham District Brethren, who were available during the day, offered their services for the project which commenced on the 9th June. Over the following 6 weeks the work progressed at an amazing pace due to the camaraderie of the Brethren and the staff and patients who constantly offer their encouragement. As a result the project was completed on the 20th August.
On Tuesday the 23rd August WBro Alex McLaren APGM began the key handing over ceremony by saying that he was delighted to be present and apologised for not being able to bring better weather. He expressed his delight that the Freemasons of Oldham could assist in supporting the aims and objects of Orchard House and trusts that the new facilities will provide hours of enjoyment for many people for years to come. “We just want to help where and when we can, especially with the more vulnerable in our society”.
Alex McLaren then officially handed over the keys to Mrs Liz Lawton, Orchard House Manager, marking the official completion of the project and also donated a packet of seeds to start the growing process
Liz replied by thanking everyone for their efforts and said how wonderful it had been to watch the project grow, after which she presented a before and after photograph of the plot to both Alex McLaren and WBro Edwin Baines, the project leader. WBro Baines wishes to thank all those that took part in the project and was pleased with the comradeship and the skills each brother brought.
Plot of Land Marked Out
Basic Footing Dig Out
Cutting Back the Land
Upstanding Paving Flags
Hard Core Layed
Half Block Paving
Finished Block Paving
Green House Erected
Completed Project
Keys Hand Over
Hewlett Court Project
Following on from projects of refurbishment and installation at Coalshaw Green, Chadderton Football Club, Royton Air Training Corps, WBro Philip Price (District Chairman) decided to undertake another project at Hewlett Court.
Hewlett Court is the ELMC Residential Home, which provides accommodation for elderly Masons, their wives, and other dependant relatives from predominantly the Province of East Lancashire and is located at Holcombe Brook near Bury.
As the home is set in a large grounds with both secluded and open areas for its residents, a great deal of the garden furniture dotted around the grounds, which is out in all weathers, required maintenance.
It was decided that the Oldham District brethren would undertook to refurbish and replace, where necessary, the defective garden furniture in the grounds of the building. The work was completed in three days, despite the weather. WBro Phil Price is indebted to all the Brethren who participated in this work.
Summer House
District Brethren
Restored Bench in the Grounds
Oldham District Summer Garden Party - Sunday 17th July 2011
Oldham District held its annual Garden Party at Middleton Masonic Hall on Sunday the 17th July. Over 120 brethren and guests attended the garden party this year and were entertained to over five and a half hours of very high standard of entertainment.
Ken Turner, the organiser of the garden party, welcomed everybody to Middleton Masonic Hall and ran through the afternoons programme which began with back ground music played by the group “Not Quite Jazz” who were making their debut at the event, whilst the brethren and guests ate a barbeque buffet excellently prepared by Lodge members and Julie the Catering manager.
When everybody had had their fill of the superb buffet Ken introduced the band of the “Royal Regiment of Fusiliers” who entertained everyone by playing a varied programme ranging from well known marches to music from various musicals. Their programme was in two halves and during their interval the audience was entertained by the Corp of Drums from the “Royal Regiment of Fusiliers” who performed a superb exhibition of music and speciality drumming. This was greatly enjoyed by everyone.
Having had a well earned rest the band returned and again played a very varied programme of well known marches, Broadway show stoppers, and musical tributes to Benny Goodman and Elton John.
Following their final piece of music Ken asked all to show their appreciation of the band and drummers for the excellent performance. He went on to thank everyone for supporting the garden party and also thanked the people involved in the organisation and the running of the event. He then took advantage of the break to run a very successful raffle with lots of excellent prizes.
After the excitement of the raffle everyone was then entertained by a return visit of the “Blithe Singers” consisting of Jill Taylor, John Mathias and their accompanist Claire Dunham. They yet again thrilled us with their wonderful renditions of songs from the shows interspersed with witty Noel Coward ditties sung by John Mathias
The evening was brought to a close by Ken again thanking everyone for their help and support and announcing that the proceeds of the garden party would go to local charities. The garden party next year will be held on the 15th July 2012
A SUCCESSFUL AND ENJOYABLE DAY WAS HAD BY ALL.
'Not Quite Jazz'
Corps of Drums - Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Middleton Charity Giving Night
Middleton Freemasons held their 6th annual Charity Giving Night on Friday the 4th March. Steven Briggs, chairman of the Middleton Masonic Club, played host to well over 75 Masons, families and charity representatives from local and national charities. During the evening several thousand pounds were donated. Steven Briggs called on each Lodge Master or charity steward to present their gift to the relevant charity representatives who then gave a brief summary of the work they do.
Donations were given to
Broughton House – A private home for ex military personnel.
Medequip4kids – Who provide addition equipment to improve facilities for children in hospital
Teenage Cancer Trust – Who help to deliver the best possible care and professional support to young people with cancer.
Dr Kershaws Hospice – Providing specialist palliative care for adults with non-curable life-threatening illnesses
Soup Kitchen – Who provide hot food to less fortunate people.
Moorland Childrens Home Trust – Who help to send and support under-privileged local children on holiday.
Springfield Hospice – Providing care and support to people with life-threatening illnesses
Kingfisher School – A community special school providing appropriate learning opportunities for all children with physical and mental disabilities.
North West Air Ambulance – A Charity based ambulance service for the North West area who have just purchased a second helicopter to provide fast response for transporting patients to specialist hospitals.
Francis House - provides care for children and young adults with life threatening conditions.
Stewart Towler Bursary – Who fund needy children on school trips.
Christies Hospital – Who raise money to fund projects at The Christie Hospital which are outside the scope of the NHS
Samaritans – These volunteers provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair
NSPCC – They campaign to change the law, provide ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline for children
Pennine Acute Trust - To raise £200,000 for the new £44M women and children’s unit which is due to be completed in December 2012?
Stanley Road School For Hard Of Hearing – Who raise money to be able to send the children on special outings throughout the area.
Pennine Oral Cancer Trust – Who support patients and family with Oral Cancer.
Myasthenia Gravis – They support famileys and patients who suffer with the disease (grave muscle weakness).
Hope Hospital Renal Unit – To support patients with care and equipment not supplied by the NHS
British Heart Foundation – To fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease
Oldham District Community Chest – To fund projects to improve the quality of life within the local community
The District Chairman WBro Philip Price thanked everyone for attending and being there to care for those who are less fortunate. In this time of austerity we freemasons feel privileged to be able to help you, the people involved in charity work, as we are all looking to achieve the same goals.
“Thank you for being there to care”
Albert 150th Year Lodge Celebration
Albert lodge celebrated 150 years (1861 – 2011) of lodge meetings on Wednesday the 13th April.
Bro Howard Freear, the Worshipful Master, opened the 1,954th meeting of Albert Lodge in due form and was pleased to receive the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price accompanied by a Provincial Deputation, who had attended to honour the lodge’s 150th birthday.
Bro Howard Freear offered the Gavel and Chair to the RWBro Jack Price, who accepted on this special occasion. On occupying the Chair the RW Provincial Grand Master introduced the Provincial Deputation to a packed lodge, some 91 Brethren. RWBro Jack Price said how pleased he was to be present and commented on the impressive change which had taken place with the refurbished lodge room. The Brethren of the building should feel very proud on what they had achieved.
After his introduction the PGM asked the Provincial Grand Secretary WBro H Alan J Garnet to read the 150th Celebratory Certificate issued by the Province of East Lancashire. The certificate was then placed in a prominent position in the lodge.
VWBro Harold Woodward gave a brief history of the lodge. He started by inviting all to join him on a 'time machine' that would transport everyone back to the middle of the 19th Century. To be exact the year was 1860 and the location The Duke of York Inn, Market Street, Shaw. The Inn was an important stopping place for stage coach travellers and business people associated with the cotton industry. [It should be noted that it was not until 1864 that the citizens of Shaw were introduced to rail travel.]
So it was in the year 1860 and at The Duke of York Inn that 6 business men [all associated with the cotton trade], together with the landlord, discussed the formation of a Craft Lodge in the township of Shaw. [The 7 men were Freemasons and between them they represented 5 Lodges.]
A Petition for a Warrant was submitted to RWBro Stephen Blair, Provincial Grand Master of Lancashire, Eastern Division, in September 1860. The Petition was Recommended and Sanctioned by 12 members of the Lodge of Harmony, No 375 [now No 298], 3 members of Hope Lodge, No 62 [now No 54] and one member of the Lodge of Naphtali, No 333 [now No 266].
The Albert Lodge, No 1156, [Warranted on the 22nd January 1861] was ‘Opened’ on the 11th April 1861 at The Duke of York Inn, Market Street, Shaw. The Lodge continued to operate under Dispensations until it was consecrated [perhaps some 2-3 years later] -------- quite probably by the ProvGM, Stephen Blair assisted by the DepProvGM, Albert Hudson Royds. Richard Barker [not a member of the Lodge] was the first Tyler of the Lodge.
From April 1861 to September 1904, Albert Lodge held its Meetings at The Duke of York Inn, Market Street, Shaw. From October 1904 until June 1922 the Lodge held its Meetings at the Blue Bell Inn, Market Street, Shaw. From 1908 to 1922 the Blue Bell Inn was managed by John Robert Lord, who was also Secretary of Albert Lodge. From September 1922 until January 1926 the Lodge held its Meetings at the Conservative Club [Masonic Room], Queen Street, Shaw. The Albert Lodge held its first Meeting in its own premises ‘The Gables’, Kershaw Street, Shaw, on 10th February 1926.
VWBro Harold Woodward then took various extracts from the lodge minutes to show progress, change and development of the lodge over its many years and finished by saying; "Today we celebrate the past, give thanks for the present and with hope and confidence we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future. Each of us represents the past, the present and the future: key members in the virtue of continuity and the continuity of virtue".
The PGM asked WBro Rev’d David Halford Provincial Grand Chaplain to give an Oration. He began his oration by expressing his thanks for being given the opportunity to address the lodge at it’s 150th anniversary celebration. He set the scene by turning the historical world clock back 150yrs to such times as the American civil war and went on to identify some of the memorable occasions for Albert Lodge from it’s consecration to present day. He identified the foresight and vision of the seven founder members of the lodge and all the Brethren who have supported the Lodge throughout it’s long and continuous history. He added that not only should everyone look back at past achievements but forward to the future and ensure it will be just as purposeful. He ended his oration by once again thanking everyone for the invitation to the celebration and gave everyone good wishes for a flourishing and dynamic future for the lodge.
Prior to returning the chair to the Worship Master the PGM RWBro Jack Price asked WBro Stephen Power to step forward that he might promote him to PProvGSuptWks, in recognition of the work he had done in producing, lapel badges, Gala Dinner Menus (held on the 9th April at Ashton Masonic) and the of Albert Lodge history booklet. Upon his promotion the lodge members erupted in rapturous applause.
Finally the PGM presented the 150th Celebratory Certificate to Bro Howard Freear the Worshipful Master and asked that it be suitable framed and put on display when the lodge held its meetings.
Photograph of the Provincial Grand Master RWBro Jack Price Provincial Deputation, APGM WBro Alex McClaren, District Chairman WBro Philip Price, Worshipful Master Bro Howard Freear and the Brethren of Albert Lodge 854
Widows Christmas Party at Middleton Masonic Hall
The 2010 annual Widows Christmas party took place at the Middleton Masonic Hall on Tuesday the 14th December. This year there were 50 Widows who were chauffeured to and from their home to the party and all enjoyed a festive menu beautifully prepared & presented by the Hall Catering Staff.
The party began with a welcome from the Chairman W.Bro David Dunn to all the ladies who came each year and a special welcome to those ladies who have not been for several years and to those ladies who were attending for the first time. David then introduced the APGM. WBro Alex McLaren and his wife Leslie, the new Deputy Chairman of the Oldham District WBro Peter Clegg and his wife Marlene, who were there for the first time, the District Chairman WBro Philip Price and his wife Lynne, and that hard working secretary and organiser WBro Howard Nuttall and his wife Carol.
APGM Alex McLaren and his wife Leslie
He went on to welcome the guest of honour WBro. Alan Miller, the past Secretary and Chairman of the widow’s party, and a very familiar face to many of the widows.
David offered apologies on behalf of the treasurer John Dixon and his wife Gill for not attending as John had had recent surgery.
Alan Miller, Guest of Honour
District Chairman Philip Price and his wife Lynne
After a wonderful Christmas meal WBro Alan Miller proposed the toast to the widows. He began by welcoming everyone to the party and passed on festive greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Guernsey where he now lives. He apologised for his wife not attending but explained that somebody needed to look after their five dogs. Alan said he recognised many ladies from the various roles he played during his twenty five years involvement in the running of the Widows party. Alan gave thanks to all the Almoners for arranging transport for the ladies to and from this evening’s party. He finished by wishing all the ladies a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
David Dunn explained that there would be two responses to the toast, one from Alex McLaren and the other from Mrs Avis Billington.
Chairman David Dunn and his wife Janice
Alex McLaren began by thanking WBro Alan Miller for his toast and agreed with the compliments therein, he suggested that perhaps the Guernsey PGM should invite all the ladies over there for a holiday. Alex then introduced Janice, The party Chairman’s wife, as she was the only person who had not been introduced. He thanked everyone who had made the party such a wonderful occasion and he gave thanks to the secretary of the committee WBro Howard Nuttall, and all those who had helped him to organise the event as well as all Brethren who had given freely of their time to provide transport to collect the ladies from their homes (and hopefully return them safely). He also thanked Julie and all the staff at Middleton Masonic Hall who had worked tirelessly to make the party such a success.
Alex found it very impressive and commendable that these evenings had been held for nearly 40 years and he was sure that the ladies would wish him to request that it continues for many more years.
He finished off by saying he would not hold up the evening as he was aware that the ladies were very keen to get on with their dancing as he had been privileged to witness their dress rehearsal at the Middleton Fellowship meeting.
Finally he wished everyone, on behalf of his wife Leslie and himself, a Happy Christmas and a health and prosperous New Year, and thanked WBro Miller for his attendance as guest of honour.
District Deputy Chairman Peter Clegg and his wife Marlene
The Chairman then introduced Mrs Avis Billington to respond to the guest of honour’s speech on behalf of the ladies. Mrs Billington explained that she had attended the Christmas Party for the past ten years and had thoroughly enjoyed every one, but she was aware that many of the ladies present had been guests for many more years but were always happy to attend as it was such an enjoyable event. She went on to thank the guest of honour; the APGM and everyone present especially the hard working stewards.
Mrs Avis Billington
The Widows and Guests prepare to dine.
Table 'D' enjoy their 'Starters'
Two of the Stewards attending to the Guests
After the formal part of the evening the widows were entertainment by Lesley and Nigel who sang Christmassy songs and encouraged the ladies to join in. Many ladies took the opportunity to have a dance with each other or a steward.
Party Secretary Howard S. Nuttall and his wife Carol
Before the meal began the evening’s waiters (all members of Werneth lodge) were introduced to the widows. The waiters theme this year was Scottish and many were dressed in kilts and tartan hats. There was lots of fun and laughter when many of the widows tried to lift their kilts, without success!!!
Werneth Lodge - Wine and Dance Stewards
Archives Navigation: Latest News | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 & earlier