Archived Stories - January - June 2010

Liberty Lodge, No. 5573 - Ladies Come to Dinner

The lodge was tyled and opened by the Master, Brother Vic Blomely at 6.45 pm. The business was concluded apart from a lecture to be given by WBro David Geldard, MBE, and then, after the Lodge was closed, the ladies and other guests were brought in and seated around the Lodge room.

David now gave a most interesting and humorous talk on his work for The British Heart Foundation. There was much laughter during the course of the talk. David, in his usual manner, made himself the brunt of the humour of his stories and talked lightly of his ill health whilst in the Jordanian Desert!

After the talk the Worshipful Master was escorted to the West where he presented two cheques. The first one was for £1000 and was presented to the representative for Sky Light Circus to enable them to help children in Rochdale. The other was a sum of £3000 which was gratefully received by W.O.2 Cooney   and L/Corp. Patterson for Help the Heroes.

After these presentations our retiring Hymn was sung and the Master and officers of the Lodge processed out in the usual way so as to show our ladies and guests a little of the way in which we conduct ourselves.

Vic and Harry getting ready to hand over the cheques in the Lodge room with the ladies

The ladies and guests graced us with their presence at dinner

District Chairman, WBro Eric Kirkbride and his wife Barbara together with
our Deputy Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt and his wife Sandra

This day was the 47th Anniversary of the wedding of WBro Harry Bell to his lovely wife Kath
All that time and she still has him in training!

Our congratulations also went out to Bro John Ashworth and wife Jacqueline who are to celebrate their 49th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 10th June. All present had a wonderful time and the members of the Lodge were both pleased and proud to have been able to help the charities and share this evening with their guests. They look forward to doing it again in the future.

An Appointment at the Palace

Rochdale charity stalwart and Immediate Past Master of the Lodge of Harmony, No. 298, WBro Ken Davies, recently collected (Friday 21st May) his MBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace. Ken was named in the Queen's New Year Honours list for his services to charity in Rochdale. Ken was accompanied to the Palace by his wife Joan and their two sons Alun and Iain.

A particular pleasing part of the day was the interest Prince Charles showed in my charity work.He was obviously well informed and referred to the Hospice , Rotary and the Freemasons, and that made the ceremony extra special, and very personal. It was also quite fitting that the Prince of Wales presented the award with Ken's strong Welsh family background.

After the ceremony the family enjoyed a celebratory lunch and then spent the rest of a memorable weekend visiting London's attractions in glorious sunshine. Ken, who was among 90 recipients at the Palace ,said, "I was very, very proud to receive my MBE. It was a wonderful day and a marvellous occasion".

left to right:   Alun, Ken, Iain and Joan

Hosted Meeting at St Chads, No. 1129

Click the montage below to see what happened when Brethren of the District and the Provincial Mentor gave an explanation of the 1st Degree Ceremony at St Chad's Lodge on 19 May 2010.

Provincial Officers Reception for Rochdale and Oldham

The evening began with Alex McLaren, APGM, welcoming the brethren from Oldham and Rochdale to the evening. This was the first time the reception had been hosted at Oldham and he hoped everyone, "Enjoyed their meal, the evening and took the opportunity to make new friends".

After a very enjoyable meal the APGM Alex McLaren made a short speech when he again expressed his wife's, Lesley, and his own gratitude, that so many officers and their wives had attended the meal, ”Especially as it was a Bank Holiday weekend, and they had to forego watching the Eurovision Song contest to attend the reception!”

He also thanked both District Chairmen, WBro Eric Kirkbride & WBro Philip Price, for all their efforts during the year and also for finding the time in their very busy schedules to attend the reception. The APGM then went on to announce several appointments within Central Area No2 (Craft) and Northern Area No. 2 (Royal Arch), that will soon become effective, and passed on congratulations from everyone. The promotions were as follows:

Deputy District Chairman -  WBro Peter Clegg
District Secretary               -  WBro Leslie Taylor
District Mentor                  -  WBro Craig Spencer Smith

WBroMcLaren concluded his short speech by thanking the organisers for the evening and also the staff of Rochdale Masonic Hall for all their efforts to make the evening a success. The Rochdale District Chairman, WBro Eric Kirkbride, responded to The APGM by thanking him for his kind words and also congratulated him on his recent promotion to Acting Junior Grand Deacon in the Craft.

The evening continued with everyone chatting informally with new found friends. A Very enjoyable night was had by all & hopefully more such evenings will follow.

Here Comes Summer

The Rochdale District Team and Rochdale Acting Provincial Officers visited Roch Valley Lodge No 5120 as their final Lodge visit before the summer break. Leading the delegation on this occasion was the District Deputy Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt.  By coincidence, Peter is also a member and the current IPM of Roch Valley Lodge.
On entering the Lodge WBro Hewitt took the seat opposite to his usual seat as IPM. He was jovially offered the gavel for the impending demonstration ‘passing’ ceremony but declined the offer and instead took the opportunity to introduce the District delegation.

The WM, Bro Gary Whitelegg took the ceremony, the candidate being his older brother, Stephen. A delightful evening was enjoyed by all present in the lodge room. At the festive board WBro Hewitt again took a seat opposite to his normal seat. The festive board was to the normal Rochdale standards, being a salmon salad to reflect the super weather we had just been experiencing.

At the Social Board, WBro Hewitt responded to Toast no. 5 apologising to the members for the fact that, having been a member of Roch Valley Lodge for some 35 years, he was reasonably well known to the lodge members and had been heard to speak to them before!  He gave an enlightened speech and paid tribute to the work of all the District Officers and especially the Rochdale District Social Committee who were responsible for many social events which took place in the Rochdale Masonic Hall.  He gave the dates of several forthcoming events including an ‘Oomph Night’ on the 15th October.

The response to the Visitors Toast was given by the District Secretary, WBro Alan Barlow. WBro Reg Foster, the Rochdale District 2015 Festival Representative, then said a few words about the Festival and asked that any Brother who had any questions regarding the 2015 Festival should feel free to should contact him or the Lodge Festival Representative. It was also mentioned that a ‘Roadshow’ regarding the festival would be visiting Rochdale in the near future.  A raffle was organised and the proceeds went directly to the 2015 Festival Fund.

The final toast of the evening was the long version of the Tyler’s Toast, this evening given for the very first time by the Lodge Tyler, WBro Keith Davenport.

The Rochdale District Team visits each lodge in the district at least once in every Masonic year to offer their support to all the lodges.
This visit, as many others the Team have undertaken, was a delightful occasion and the reception and hospitality afforded by Roch Valley Lodge truly appreciated.

WE WILL BE BACK!

 
The Rochdale District Team and Rochdale Acting Provincial Officers of the year.

 
The Festive Board

Mamma Mia !

Click HERE to view photos taken on the night.

People who attend charity nights expect a fun night with great entertainment. Well, on Saturday 22nd May 2010 they were not disappointed when they attended a fun filled Mamma Mia event, hosted by the Rochdale Masonic Social Committee team at the Rochdale Masonic buildings, Richard Street.

This was a gala charity night that is set to bring in some Money, Money, Money for local charities.

Doors opened at 7.00pm with the live band Ultimate Abba. Temperatures soared when the dynamic high kicking duo performed Abba’s favourite hits. The singing and music was brilliant and they kept the whole audience entertained from start to finish. Everyone went home singing the songs, making it a night to remember!

Many people, like Alex Broadbent, adopted a summer/beach theme and dressed the part, really getting into the spirit of the night.
Special thanks go to staff at the Masonic hall who put on a spectacular performance and also to Dilip Desai and Doug Smith who brought the house down with their tribute to the Greek Stavros Flatly and son (of Britain’s got Talent fame!).

We all now look forward to the next even
A Bavarian Night in October 2010

Oh what a night !!

Members of the Rochdale Lodge No 6721,
their Ladies and Guests stepped back in time to the 60’s.

The Masonic Buildings had been transformed into a Night-Club and Casino.

Click HERE to view photos taken on the night.

Music was provided by a 20 piece swing band from Greater Manchester Police, made up of serving and retired officers, the little drummer boy being a member of the Rochdale Lodge. The music was fantastic, playing from songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Peggy Lee to name but a few, and the Casino was in full flight with fortunes being won and lost. The bandleader even cracked a few jokes between the music sessions, which were performed by a male and female vocalist whose rendering’s raised rapturous applause. Members of the audience danced to slow foxtrot’s, quicksteps and the more energetic jived.

The hot & cold buffet was superb, congratulations to the buildings manager and staff. A raffle took place, tickets being purchased with chips from the casino - the more chips you won the more tickets you had. The prize - a 27” TV was won by Tony Taylor and was presented to Tony by the WM Bro Kenny Greer and his lovely wife Lisa. Lisa then presented a cheque to the bandleader who said it would go a nominated GMP charity. The raffle prize was donated by Pioneer Logistics.

The night was brought to a close with the band playing New York, New York and the guests on the dance floor swinging their legs and singing to the band. The evening raised £1,300 pounds. The proceeds to be divided equally between the 2015 Festival, and the Rochdale Masonic Buildings. After all without the building the evening could not have taken place.

Dare  I say it - Yet another fantastic evening at the Rochdale Masonic Buildings.

A Double Whammy !

The District Team had arranged to visit Liberty Lodge No 5573 in May but we were in for a suprise! The ceremony was a passing, not one candidate but two. Not only were the candidates from another lodge, but from another District. The Entered Apprentice Freemasons were members of the  King Edward VII Lodge No 3329 from the City Derby District which meet in Freemasons Hall, Manchester. They were supported by several members of the Lodge including their WM, WBro Barry Cuttle PJGD and WBro Warwick Davenport PSGD, PAProvGM.

The Rochdale District Deputy Chairman, WBro Peter G Hewitt, PProvJGW, accompanied by Acting Provincial Officers and members of the Rochdale District Team were admitted to the Lodge. WBro Hewitt responded to the warm welcome by the WM of Liberty Lodge and introduced the delegation.

The Rochdale District Deputy Chairman, WBro Peter G Hewitt, PProvJGW, accompanied by Acting Provincial Officers and members of the Rochdale District Team were admitted to the Lodge. WBro Hewitt responded to the warm welcome by the WM of Liberty Lodge and introduced the delegation. The brethren of Liberty Lodge then worked the double ceremony of passing. Before retiring from the lodge WBro Hewitt requested that the two newly passed brethren accompanied him in the retiring procession.

The festive board was a lively affair. The food, for which the Rochdale Masonic buildings are renowned, was mouth-watering and delicious. WBro Warwick Davenport responded to the toast to the Grand Officers with a witty and entertaining reply which had the brethren roaring with laughter. Brothers Howard Coles and John Paul Gilmore both replied to the toast to the newly passed brethren and finally the WM of King  Edward VII Lodge No 3329, WBro Barry Cuttle, responded to the toast to the visitors.

Left – The newly passed brethren, Bro Howarrd Coles and
Bro John Paul Gilmore with WBro Warwick Davenport and
WBro Barry Cuttle.  

Right – Front Row – The WM of Liberty Lodge Bro Victor
Blomley with his Wardens and the newly passed Brethren

Back Row – The District Delegation, Grand Officers and
Acting Provincial Officers.

Hot  Water - Smiles and Pleasure

The Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home is a charity which has long been supported by the Freemasons of the Rochdale Lodges and Royds Lodge No 816 in Todmorden. A couple of years ago it was brought to the attention of our District Charity Steward WBro David Greenhalgh that the hot water and heating system was old and no longer able to cope and the children had to shower and bathe on alternate days when visiting the home.
David contacted WBro Graham Adamson PPJGW of Hope Lodge No 54 who has served the Home as its Treasurer and as a Trustee for over 30 years. Yes, the heating system was on its last legs and a replacement system was urgently required. A meeting of the District Team was hurriedly convened to discuss the matter and to draw up an action plan.

A request for a grant was made to the community chest of the ELMC but unfortunately on this occasion it was unsuccessful. Although it was a huge disappointment not to receive a grant, The Rochdale District Team having made a promise to replace the heating system  set about idea’s for raising funds.

A promise is a promise

Bro Peter Evans now the WM of Royds 816 was at the time the Mayor of Rochdale and made the Moorland Home his Charity for the Year.
The lodges all made donations along with the Rochdale District Social Committee and Royds Lodge 816 in Todmorden.
The money raised was then used to purchase all the necessary equipment to completely refurbish the heating system.
The work was carried out by local contractors who could only do the installation work in the closed season and they promised that the work would be done in time for the first children arriving at Easter 2010.

Completion date was met early in 2010 and after successful trials, the system it was ready for use.  So when the first children arrived this Easter to enjoy the Home all systems were go. Imagine the pleasure of the staff and children in having enough hot water to be clean and fresh going to bed after the activities of the day!

Great credit must go to all the people, Masonic and Non masonic, who give their time and talents to this wonderful facility where children, who often have so little, can enjoy the benefits of this superb facility here in Rochdale. We are proud to know that our efforts along with others in raising the money to provide this system will give pleasure both now and in the future.

Posted 11/5/2010

How inspiring to enter a full ballroom to the magnificent sound of the Whitworth & Healey Prize Band. 
To witness red and white flags everywhere whilst  welcoming as honoured guests two Rochdale men who are serving soldiers in the Lancashire Fusiliers was truly an honour. The two soldiers, W02 Cooney and L/Cpl Patterson in full mess dress accompanied by their and Ladies have recently returned from service in Afghanistan.

After a sumptuous meal (roast English beef of course) we all joined in the truly patriotic songs - Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. At this point one brother removed his shoes and tried to conduct the gathering ! During the second spot by the Band, who should enter but our own WBro David Tattersell playing the Post Horn Gallop. The feast was not over yet - On came comedian Mr Nicky Nelson who had the Audience in fits of laughter.
But Wait -
There was more to come!
The head/tails game, the Raffle with super prizes donated by the Lodge and the District, and finally the Auction. In all over £3,000 was raised for both Local and National Charities.

Congratulations to Liberty Lodge for all the work they put into this marvellous celebration

If you missed it this year, book it for 2011

Friday 23rd April 2010

Come into the Parlour

Our Ladies were invited to join the Mayoress of Rochdale, Sue Etchells, for Afternoon Tea in Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday 15th April 2010.

You can see from the Photograph that they had a great time, even winning the top raffle prize of the event!!
Entertainment was by The Rochdale Retirement Choir under the baton of Freda Farnworth (stage name of the wife of W.Bro John Harrop PProvJGD).
The event was in support of the Mayor’s Charities and 150 Ladies enjoyed a super afternoon together.

HOPE LODGE

When the District Team visited Hope Lodge, No. 54 on the 14th April there was an addendum to the Lodge business which stated that there was to be a Dedication and Presentation of a new IPM collar (see Article below)

The Lodge lives on, It is always a sad time when a lodge surrenders its warrant and very often the artefacts of the lodge are lost to the members. NOT SO WITH the regalia of Alpha Lodge 6480, consecrated 1947. At the regular lodge meeting of Hope, No. 54 on April 14th 2010, Past Master of Alpha Lodge, No. 6480, WBro David Hegginbotham, PProvSGD, produced the renovated WM Collar from 6480 and presented it to the Brethren of Hope, No. 54, for use by the IPM for the time being.
WBro David Hegginbotham is now a member of Harmony 288 at Todmorden. Especially important was the fact the present IPM of Hope, No. 54, WBro Philip G Howard, served as WM in Alpha Lodge 2001/2 and would have worn this collar in his year in office. The collar had been renovated to a very high standard and the WM thanked WBro Trevor Jewitt for his assistance in the restoration work. How good it is to see a part of Alpha Lodge live on:

The picture shows (LtoR), The Master, WBro Geoffrey Harrison, PProvJGD with WBro Philip Howard, IPM
and WBro David Hegginbotham PProvSGD with the restored collar and splendid it looks.

District team visit Hope Lodge

On Wednesday 14th April, The Rochdale District team were enthusiastically received by the WM and Brethren of Hope Lodge No 54. The picture (above) shows the team with two of the Acting Officers of the year W.Bro James Callan Prov SGD and W.Bro Elton Lewis Prov GStwd flanking the District Chairman and our APGP.

The Rochdale District team under the direction of its chairman WBro Eric J Kirkbride PAGDC affectionately known by one member as ‘boss’ visits each of the lodges in Rochdale district at least once a year.

WBro Ed Cheadle PAGDC, who is the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in the Royal Arch for Northern Area no 2  including the Rochdale District, accompanied the team.

On this occasion we were treated to a paper from the Provincial Education and Training team entitled  “Questions and Answers, Craft Masonry, First Degree” which was presented by the Lodge Junior Deacon Brother David Jones.

The team was also delighted to witness a very special item, which is reported separately.

The team retired from the lodge after the second rising and WBro Eric Kirkbride requested that the baby of the lodge Bro Hugh Smyth who had been initiated the previous month should retire with the team.

The Festive board was indeed a very happy affair, with WBro Elton Lewis replying first on behalf of the visitors and WBro Malcolm Percival replying second in a very amusing way which was appreciated by all.

Another grand evening of Masonic workings and fellowship in Rochdale

Grandfather Initiates his Grandson

The APGM, WBro Alex McLaren, accompanied by the District Chairman, WBro Eric Kirkbride, the District Team and acting Provincial Officers visited The Lodge of Friendship, No. 277, on the 9th February to witness WBro Jim Marsh initiate his 21 year old grandson Michael Partington.

The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM, WBro Eric Howarth, who then offered the gavel to the APGM who on this occasion declined. A welcome was afforded to the District Chairman who then introduced the members of the delegation. WBro Jim Marsh then took the Chair of King Solomon and performed a moving and heartfelt initiation. On completion of the ceremony the APGM requested that Bro Michael be escorted to him. He then gave a short address and proceeded to present Bro Michael with a 2015 festival tie - a personal gift from the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price. The lodge was then closed in peace and harmony.

The festive board was alive and truly enjoyed by all present, the main course being a ‘suet rag pudding and chips’ guaranteed to pile on the calories with no effort whatsoever. In his response to the toast to the newly initiated brother, Michael gained a resounding applause when he thanked ‘Grandad’. The visitor’s response was given by the District Communications Officer who informed the brethren of various forthcoming events in Rochdale which are planned to support the 2015 festival. 

District  Team Visit  St Chad's Lodge 1129

Our District team were honoured to be received by the brethren of St Chads Lodge 1129 on Wednesday 20th January 2010 as their first team visit of the new year.

WBro Nigel Love ,the Secretary of 1129 read a paper "Why do we say and do That ? which in itself was thought provoking.

The WM, Bro Ray Lancashire, presided over the proceedings and the sight of the lodge room being full certainly provided a spectacle which was a joy to behold.

The team had five acting Provincial Officers in WBros Frank Smith, Jim Callan, Eric Crabtree, Roger Fielding and Elton Lewis present.

The Rochdale District is certainly in fine spirits.

As can be seen in the photo the festive board was 'electric'.

50 Years in the Craft

Brother (Doctor) Philip Rowlands, Wing Commander

Born 25th September 1930 on the same street as Aneurin (Nye) Bevan, the famous Welsh Politician who was the post war architect of the National Health Service.

Philip received a Scholarship to the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire where he secured his BSc and at 23 gained his MD and ChB (Chirurgiae Baccalaureus) degrees. In 1954 he won the Willie Saeger Prize and Gold Medal in Medicine and in 1967 he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians. In 1971 he was a prime mover in the setting up of Spotland Group Practice where he was a General Practitioner and Paediatrician and retiring from the practice in 1995.

A keen rugby player, he was capped for Glamorganshire and East Midlands. Tried for Wales in 1954 at Cardiff Arms Park. Squadron Leader P. Rowlands played No.14 for the Royal Air Force against the Royal Navy Saturday 15th February 1958 at Twickenham and again on Saturday 22nd. March 1958 at Twickenham played No 14 against The Army. Philip had to give up competitive rugby in 1958 due to a knee injury, he may have had to stop playing but seems could not leave the game alone as he is featured as Physio in the Official Programme of the Wales v England Game 19th February 1978.

Masonic History

His uncle. WBro Clifford Ronald Phillips, the Borough Surveyor from Chippenham in Wiltshire and WBro Oliver Llewelyn, The Borough Treasurer of Tredegar, had convinced him that he should become a Mason. He was initiated on the 10th of January 1957 into St Georges Lodge No 1098 in Tredegar South Wales.
Due to his medical training and national service taking him away from Wales Philip was unable to attend since his Raising. He had only resigned in October 1996 in other words he had paid subscriptions for some 39 years.
Philip joined the Lodge of Harmony in Rochdale in January 2008 and is certainly making up for lost time as he is to become Junior Deacon at the Installation Meeting on 3rd. February 2010.

Bro Philip with the Provincial and District team

The APGM,  WBro Alex McLaren congratulates Bro Philip.

W.Bro Ken Davies  PP Dep. G. Supt. Works.
Worshipful Master    Lodge of Harmony 298

Appointed MBE    New Year 2010 Honours List

For Charitable services in Rochdale. 

Ken has enjoyed charitable fundraising for many local organisations, groups, clubs and Rochdale Mayors for over 30 years.  It started back in the late 1970s when his two sons Iain and Alun joined Kingsway Youth Band.  As a member of the parents’ committee he helped to raise much needed funds to purchase uniforms and instruments. Further monies were raised for the Band to travel to Germany in 1984 and Switzerland in 1986 on two very successful visits representing the Borough of Rochdale. 

Over the years he has been invited to join six Rochdale Mayor’s committees to raise funds for various charities, worked with local committees representing Cancer Research, Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Alzheimer’s UK and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Rochdale Music Service. 

Other avenues of fundraising developed via Ken being a member of the Rotary Club of Rochdale East, a dedicated Mason and current WM (for the 2nd time!!) of the Lodge of Harmony 298. In addition he has worked with and been supported by other local Rotary Clubs, Masonic Lodges, Round Tables , Lions Clubs, Sports clubs and schools to name but a few. 

It was in 1992 that Ken was approached to become a Trustee of Springhill Hospice and three years later commenced as full time Fundraising Director. The Hospice became an integral part of his life and ably supported by Joan, his family and so many friends he enjoyed eleven very happy years as part of the Hospice Fundraising Team until retirement in 2005. However he is still very much involved having been invited back as an Associate Trustee to assist with fundraising!! 

Meeting people and charitable fundraising have always given Ken a special “buzz” so the award of an MBE, following receipt of Rotary’s highest award, a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1994 and being named Man of Rochdale in 2006, is now the icing on the cake.

Don't forget to check the older articles by clicking the links in the left hand panel.

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For further details about "Freemasonry in Rochdale" please contact either
Eric J Kirkbride on 014 57 874 192 or Peter G Hewitt on 01706 343400.