News from Rochdale District

The East Lancashire Royal Arch Demonstration Team at Rochdale, 6th December 2010

The Rochdale District Social Committee have once again sponsored Christmas Hampers for Springhill Hospice day patients, many of whom will be alone at Christmas. The Hampers, which are made up by Staff at the Rochdale Branch of Marks and Spencer are then delivered by members of the Rochdale District Team in time for Christmas. The Presentation of the Hampers at the Hospice was made by Bernard Percy the Secretary of the Rochdale District Social Committee.

L to R
Ken Davies MBE - Rochdale District Charity Steward, Megan and Sue from Marks and Spencer Rochdale, Sister Pat Harding - Springhill Hospice,
Bernard Percy - Rochdale District Social Committee, Alan Barlow - Rochdale District Deputy Chairman and Peter Hewitt - Rochdale District Chairman

Around 60 people gathered at the Rochdale Masonic Hall on Tuesday last for the Rochdale District Fellowship’s Christmas Lunch.

The Lunch commenced with a Sherry reception followed by a traditional Christmas Lunch with party poppers galore!

After the Lunch the Rochdale Retirement Choir, under the inspirational direction of Freda Farnworth, provided seasonal entertainment. Not only did they showpiece a number of special arrangements that featured various sections of the Choir but a number of the individual Choir members presented a variety of little gems that included Joy Butterworth as the choirs soloist, Glenys Thomasson giving a mature persons guide to the alphabet, Vincent Birtles relating a number of very amusing stories and Gary Birtles joined forces with the Choir’s accompanist to play a piano duet.

Needless to say, all the guests joined the Choir to sing some of the more popular Xmas Carols.

The Party was also attended by the Fellowship President, WBro Alex McLaren, and his wife Lesley and Vice President, WBro Peter Hewitt, and his wife Sandra.

Thanks must also be recorded to Mrs June Rowlands who organised taxis home for many of the members.

The District Team visit Rochdale Lodge No 6721

The last official team visit of 2011 was to the Rochdale Lodge No 6721.
The Lodge was opened in due form and after the approval of the minutes the District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt and the members of his team were received into the Lodge.
WBro Hewitt was welcomed by the WM, WBro Ken Greer, and salutations were afforded.
In responding, WBro Hewitt introduced the members of the team which, on this occasion, included WBro Andrew Marsh and WBro Stephen Bullen who had been invested as Provincial Grand Stewards at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Blackburn on the 17th November.
The main item on the summons was to demonstrate the full opening and closing ceremony in all the three degree’s. The ceremony had not been conducted in this Lodge for several year’s and was undertaken with much sincerity by the Master and Wardens.
The Chairman congratulated the brethren on the way they had performed the ceremony before he and the visiting Team retired from the Lodge.
The Festive Board was excellent and the room was buzzing with excitement and chatter,
The Toasts were performed with dignity, the penultimate Toast to the Visitors was given by the JW, Bro Scott Buckley, who told an amusing story in time honoured tradition.
The reply was given by WBro Tommy Spencer of Cornucopia Lodge No 4553 who said he had never previously seen the ceremony of opening and closing in full in all three degree’s. Tommy, who is a regular visitor to the Rochdale Lodge is well known for his jokes and never fails to leave the brethren in fits of laughter.
The evening was closed in peace and harmony with the message - and here’s to our next merry meeting.

L to R: Prov G Steward WBro Andrew Marsh, District 2015 Rep. WBro Reg Foster, District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt,
Deputy District Chairman WBro Alan Barlow, Prov G Steward WBro Stephen Bullen and Communications Officer WBro Dave Garnett.

The Annual Meeting of The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire was held at St George’s Hall, Blackburn on Thursday 17th November, with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, VWBro Harold Woodward initially presiding over the meeting with over a thousand brethren present.
Full details of the meeting are available for viewing and downloading on the Provincial website.
At the meeting the previously announced ‘Boundary Changes’ were formally adopted and, as such, we are very pleased and delighted to welcome the craft Lodges which meet at Bacup and Todmorden into the Rochdale District. The Districts of Oldham and Rochdale are both part of the newly named ‘Eastern Area’ (formally Central Area No 2) with WBro Alex. S McLaren, PJGD, as the APGM.

The photograph shows a group of some of the Rochdale District brethren after receiving their appointments or promotions within Provincial Grand Lodge.

A complete list of Rochdale District brethren to be honoured at Provincial Grand Lodge was

Acting Rank

WBro Frank G H Smith, ProvGSuptWks, The Lodge of Harmony No 298
WBro Roger Fielding, ProvDepGReg, The Lodge of Friendship No 277
WBro John Kershaw, ProvJGD, Royds' Lodge No 816;
WBro EStuart Kilpatrick, ProvAGChap, Royds' Lodge No 816;
WBro Michael Church-Taylor, ProvAGReg, Knowsley Lodge No 4661
and a member of Charity Lodge No 3342;
WBro Douglas O Smith, ProvAGSuptWks, Keystone Lodge No 363;
WBro Andrew Marsh, ProvGStwd, Samaritan Lodge No 286
and WBro Stephen Bullen, ProvGStwd, Charity Lodge No 3342.

Past Rank

WBro C Graham Adamson, PProvSGW, Hope Lodge No 54;
WBro Geoffrey Howorth, PProvGSuptWks, Royds Lodge No 816
WBro Frank Griffiths, PProvDepGReg, Lodge of Probity & Freedom No 367
WBro Geoffrey Harrison, PProvDepGReg, Hope Lodge No 54
WBro David Rothwell, PProvDepGReg, St Martin's Lodge No 2320
WBro Norman Baron, PProvSGD, Lodge of Benevolence No 226
WBro Elton Lewis, PProvSGD, Liberty Lodge No 5573
WBro George Matthews, PProvSGD, Lodge of Napthali No 266,
WBro Tony Price, PProvSGD, Roch Valley Lodge No 5120
WBro Peter A Fletcher, PProvJGD, Liberty Lodge No 5573
WBro Cyril Jackson, PProvAGDC, St Martin's Lodge No 2320
WBro Michael Holt, PProvAGDC, Samaritan Lodge No 286
and WBro Andrew Stott, PProvAGDC, Roch Valley Lodge No 5120

Last Saturday a full house enjoyed the 2011 ‘Last Night of the Proms‘ Concert held at St. Aidan’s Church, Manchester Road, Sudden, organised by the Masonic Lodge of
Harmony No 298 in aid of St. Aidans, Masonic Charities, and Rochdale Music Service.

A rousing night of Proms Music and Voices was performed by the Rochdale Schools Concert Orchestra, Rochdale Girls Choir, ‘That’s All Folk’, Rochdale Retirement Choir and soloist, Freda Farnworth. The entertaining programme and stirring Finale, including; Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, and Land of Hope and Glory delighted the enthusiastic audience and left them calling for more at the end of the Concert.

The evening was attended by the Mayor of Rochdale, Coun. Alan Godson, the Mayoress, Gillian Brown, together with the District Chairman of the Rochdale Masonic Lodges, Peter Hewitt and his wife, Sandra. The Compère, Ken Davies, MBE, particularly thanked Richard Charles, Head of the Rochdale Music Service, for all his support in planning the Concert and the valued helpers from St. Aidan’s Church, who fully assisted with the running of the event, which raised over £ 1500 for the worthy causes on the night.

Bro Richard Needham the Birthday Boy

On Wednesday the 9th November Bro Richard Needham of Hope Lodge No 54 celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale.
To mark this auspicious occasion the Lodge welcomed APGM WBro A McLaren who in turn was accompanied by the ProvDepGDC WBro C Whitaker, our APGP WBro E Cheadle, the District Chairman WBro P G Hewitt and several District Officers.
We were also joined by members of the Lodge of Friendship No 277 who had met earlier in the evening.

The APGM was invited to take the Chair of King Solomon by the Worshipful Master, Bro David Duxbury, and on this occasion he duly accepted. The Birthday Boy was escorted to a special chair placed in the centre of the Lodge Room and the APGM delivered a short oration which included some memorable events of the year in which Bro Needham was born.
WBro Graham Adamson then delivered a tribute in which he related memorable moments and events of Bro Needham time as a member of Hope Lodge No 54.
At the Festive Board we enjoyed an excellent meal. The main toast of the night was, of course, to the Birthday Boy and was delivered by WBro Anthony Dugdale who also presented a suitably engraved pewter pint pot to mark this rather special occasion.

In replying Bro Needham thanked the brethren for attending this celebratory meeting and the beautiful present remarking that it would take pride of place in his home (which is in Prestatyn, North Wales) and there it would be on display for all to see. He continued by relating some of his recollections and memories of the past 50 years in Hope Lodge, following which he received a standing ovation.

The formal part of the evening was concluded with the full version Tyler's toast which was eloquently delivered by the Lodge Tyler, WBro Alan Whatmough.

L to R Bro Richard Needham, The APGM WBro Alex McLaren, the WM of Hope Lodge BroDavid Duxbury, The APGP and the District Chairman.

L to R The PDepGDC, The District Chairman, The APGM WBro A McLaren, Bro Richard Needham , The APGP and The District Secretary

The Rochdale District Fellowship held their 30th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 1st November at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale with around 30 members and President, WBro Alex McLaren, in attendance.

The Chairman, WBro David Pawson, opened the meeting by reflecting on some of the wonderful and successful events that had been organised over the last 12 months and the pleasure and fellowship that had been enjoyed by all members at these very varied gatherings. He went on thank the Officers and Committee Members for the help and support they had given him throughout the year to make it such a successful year.

Vice President, WBro Peter Hewitt (Rochdale District Chairman), was then invited to preside over the Meeting to elect officers for the coming year.

Peter referred to the fact that the Fellowship had not only achieve its 30th Anniversary this year but had given so many members and guests immense pleasure in being able to meet with like-minded people in very congenial surroundings and which provided a much needed ‘tonic’ in their daily life. He also referred to the hard and dedicated work that had been undertaken by all the Officers of the Fellowship and called on all those present to show their appreciation to these wonderful people. A special thank you was recorded to the 3 retiring Committee members: Mrs Mary Broadbelt, WBro Alan Grime and WBro Don Conley with very grateful thanks for their past services.

The next business was to elect and install Officers for the forthcoming year. At this point WBro David Pawson was re-elected and installed as the Chairman, his wife, Mrs Susan Pawson as Secretary, WBro Robert Howarth as Treasurer, Mrs Margaret Slade as Vice Chairman and Bro Peter Miller as Social Secretary.

Afterwards Mrs Edna Caygill, WBro George Caygill, Mrs Maureen Chew, WBro Allen Clarke, Mrs Beryl Crossley, Mrs Pauline Schofield and Mrs Ann Stott, JP, were elected as Committee Members for the year 2011-2012.

The Chairman, WBro Pawson, thanked Peter for his help with the Meeting and WBro Alex McLaren for his attendance and support and said how much he was looking forward to yet another year of Rochdale Fellowship success.

The Fellowship meets on the first Tuesday of each month and extends an open invitation to all members of the fraternity and their families to join them at any time. Meeting details can be obtained from Secretary Susan Pawson on 0161 643 5652.

L to R - WBro Robert Howarth (Treasurer), Mrs Margaret Slade (Vice Chairman), WBro Alex McLaren (President), WBro David Pawson (Chairman) and Mrs Susan Pawson (Secretary)

The Rochdale District Hosted Meeting is an annual event in which one of the Lodges in the District ‘hosts’ the meeting.The event is now in its 11th year, and this year it was the turn of St Martin’s Lodge.

The meeting was attended by a Provincial Delegation, and this year the DepPGM in charge, VWBro Harold Woodard PGSwdD presided.

The Lodge was opened in due from and the Minutes read and approved. The lodge then received the Provincial Delegation.

The main item on the summons was to receive a presentation from the East Lancashire Royal Arch Demonstration Team entitled ‘Crafty Companions’.
At this point the Lodge was called off, the Demonstration Team retired, changed into Royal Arch regalia and re-entered the Lodge Room for a very enlightening and entertaining demonstration.
The Demonstration Team then retired and the Lodge was called back on.

After the second rising the Provincial Delegation formally retired which was a joy to observe. The Lodge was then closed in Peace and Harmony at 8.10pm.

The festive board was a jolly affair, and when replying to the toasts, The Deputy Grand Master requested that the brethren should stand in remembrance of the RW Provincial Grand Master Jack Price who has now joined the Grand Lodge Above.

L to R The Rochdale District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt, The Dep Provincial Grand Master in charge VWBro Harold Woodward,
the Rochdale District APGM WBro Alex McLaren

The DepPGM in charge VWBro Harold Woodward and the WM of St Martin’s Lodge No 2320 WBro Anthony White

The District team visit the Lodge of Harmony No 298

Continuing the schedule of visits to lodges, the District Team visited The Lodge of Harmony No 298 on Wednesday 2nd November. This Lodge is the home of two of the District Team namely the Deputy District Chairman, WBro Alan Barlow, and the District Charity Steward WBro Ken Davies, MBE.

The Lodge was opened in due form in the first degree, after the Minutes had been confirmed plus a reading of Lodge minutes from 200 years ago,1811 and 100 years ago1911, the District Chairman introduced the District Team. The main item on the summons was the Initiation of Mr David Mainwaring. The WM passed the chair of King Solomon to WBro Bernard Percy, the IPM and proposer for the candidate, who then conducted this Ceremony.

L to R, WBro Bernard Percy IPM, the candidate Bro David Mainwaring,
the WM, Bro Brian Leightell and the District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt

It was a delightful ceremony, carried out with great passion and feeling. The Junior Deacon Bro Stephen Newman conducted the candidate around the Lodge both with dignity and clarity of voice that was a pleasure to both watch and listen.

The lodge was closed in peace and harmony and the brethren moved to the dining room to enjoy a typical Rochdale Festive Board.

The main toast of the evening was to the candidate Bro David Mainwaring whose reply was excellent and concise.

The District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, after formally replying to Toasts, congratulated the members of the Lodge on such an excellent ceremony. He also thanked various other members of the lodge for their outstanding services to both the Lodge and freemasonry in general.

The District Team Enjoy a Curry at 363

The District Team visited Keystone Lodge No 363 on Thursday 20th October as part of the team’s programme of visits throughout the year.

Keystone have their own particular way in which they admit the WM and Wardens, who are accompanied by the Provincial officers in the lodge.

After opening the lodge, the District Team were introduced by the Deputy Chairman WBro Alan Barlow, who was leading the team on this occasion as The Chairman was on holiday.

The main item on the summons was a presentation - ‘What Masonry means to me’.
Seven members of the lodge ranging from Junior to Senior brethren gave a short paper explaining their Masonic journey from initiation to the present.
Their accounts differed in many ways, some brethren had a history of family members whilst one had absolutely no idea what masonry entailed.
They all, however, were totally committed to freemasonry and all had thoroughly enjoyed their Masonic life.

On retiring to the dining room we eagerly awaited the delights of the forthcoming festive board, and we were not disappointed. The majority of the brethren enjoyed a starter of spring roll and simosa, followed by Rogan Josh, rice and fries, the sweet was a healthy fruit salad and ice cream, and as always in Rochdale it was followed by a cheese board selection and coffee.

This was another night of Masonic friendship, albeit with an unusual festive board to be remembered in Rochdale.

The District Team visit the Rochdale District Installed Masters Lodge No 9211

The District team paid its first visit to the Rochdale District Masters Lodge No 9211 on the 17th October. This meeting was by dispensation as it normally meets on the second Monday.

The meeting was opened in due form by the WM, WBro Eric Kirkbride the former Chairman of the Rochdale District. The APGM WBro Alec McLaren who is an honorary member of the lodge was called upon to take the office of the IPM on this occasion.

The main business of the evening was a Lecture by WBro Ivan Eastwood entitled ‘Early Lancashire Masonic Masonry’.
It was a very interesting lecture and attracted masons from other districts including WBro Jim Whittaker of the Borough & Ashler Lodge No 4858 from the Burnley and Pendle district. Jim is also a member of the team on the Provincial Web Site.
The lecture raised many points of interest and controversy, which continued to discussed at the festive board.

The District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt addressed the brethren and gave details of past and future events that the district had organised.

An unusual event was the entire lodge and visitors then joined the lodge of Probity and Freedom no 2367 in the ballroom where they were celebrating their installation meeting.
We formed a semicircle to witness the singing of the Masters Song, before congratulating the Worshipful Master, WBro Tony Gillard, on his proclamation as WM for a second year.

Returning to the dining room, the final toast of the evening was taken before we parted in peace and harmony.

The Lodge of Harmony hosted the Rochdale District Social Committee Fun Bowls day on Sunday September 25th, 2011 at Ladybarn Bowling Club Milnrow.
Over 50 friends arrived to share a glorious Sunday afternoon of fun and fellowship together.
The highlight of the afternoon was indeed the buffet of Pie and Peas followed by gateau and copious amounts of tea and coffee.

Sincere thanks must go the lady members of the Ladybarn bowling club for their work in making us all so welcome.

A raffle in aid of Masonic Charities raised over £140, and our District Chairman and Sandra drew the prizes.
The spectacular finish to the bowling saw all of us form a circle on the green and bowl towards a centrally placed jack.
The nearest wood coming from W.Bro Bob Howarth.

Walk the Province – 18th September 2011-09-18
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.

Rochdale District Team visits The Lodge of Naphtali No 266
on the 1st September 2011 for their first visit of the new season

This visit was slightly unusual in that two members of the District Team are also members of the Lodge; the WM, WBro Ian Warrington, being the District Mentor and the SW, WBro Ian Clarke, the District Secretary. District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, introduced the other members of the team: the Deputy Chairman, WBro Alan Barlow, Charity Steward, WBro Ken Davies, Communication Officer, WBro Dave Garnett together with Provincial Officer of the Year, WBro Joe Warburton, ProvJGD.
It was a great pleasure to see VWBro Harold Woodward amongst the Brethren of the Lodge in his capacity as an honorary member.
A Ceremony of Passing was then worked, and much to the surprise of the visitors the candidate, Bro Andrij Korolczuk, was presented in a red tunic. The ceremony was a delight to witness and was performed with great dignity and sincerity throughout. The explanation of the jewels of the second degree and the was given by the DC WBro K M A Walker.
The EL 2015 Festival Representative, WBro David Norbury, gave a report and announced the Naphtali Lodge had achieved the status of ‘Grand Patron’ of the 2015 festival, and noted that although this was a milestone for the lodge it was only a start!
The lodge was closed in peace and harmony before the brethren retired to the dining room to enjoy a typical Rochdale superb social board. The evening was a delight to all present and the District Team are already looking forward to the next visit to The Lodge of Naphtali.

L-R: WBro David Norbury, 2015 Festival Rep and Candidates Seconder; WBro Ken P. Shea, Candidates Proposer; WBro R. Ian Clarke, Senior Warden;
WBro Ian Warrington, Master; Bro Andrii Korolczuk, the Newly Passed Brother; VW Bro Howard Woodward, DPGM, Honarary Member;
WBro Bernard A. Forbes, Junior Warden; WBro Keith M.A. Walker, Director of Ceremonies

The Rochdale Lodge No 6721 Annual BarBQ

Fifteen years and still going strong - what started as a quiet ‘one off’ has reached new heights this year with the inclusion of a music quiz.
It was raining everyday from the previous Monday but on the Sunday the sun duly shone on the Rochdale Lodge.
We have been lucky every year apart from one when the heavens opened and since purchasing the gazebos we have been lucky since.
This years BarBQ was earlier than usual in August due to the WM WBro Ken Greer had decided to take his holidays in August.
As can be seen from the pictures the sun really was out and the members of the lodge and their guests were truly enjoying themselves.
The Pictures are by the kind permission of the District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt as no-one in the lodge had the foresight to take any photos.
The music quiz was very successful and will be a main feature in next years BarBQ
A raffle was held and the various prizes were handed to the names drawn from the tub, the tickets for the raffle were handmade by the WM’s wife Lisa - again due to an oversight as we forget to buy books of tickets.
The food was plentiful, the beefburgers and sausages travelling from South Wales, the bananas from the Caribbean and another first, cakes hand baked by Lisa and Sarah Shipton were scrumptious!
Featured in one of the photo’s is the Quiz master Bro Mark Taala.

As everyone was leaving, the words - see you next year - were repeated time and time again

The Magnificent amount of £560 was raised to be shared between the 2015 Festival and Rochdale Masonic Buildings

David Geldard Visits No 10

David Geldard was invited to 10 Downing Street to a reception to celebrate the British Heart Foundation's 50th Anniversary.
The BHF were allowed sixty guests and David was one of four patient representatives invited to the party. David has been involved with BHF for many years, mainly in the planning of their cardiac rehabilitation campaigns, developing courses to train patient representatives and, since 1996, through fundraising.
He joined two pioneering overseas sponsored rides in Israel in 1996, and Jordan in 1997, that together raised £20,000 for BHF from generous people in Rochdale.
But also, as president of the Trans Pennine Cycling Club, he and Colin Fielding, Rochdale's former Man of the Year 2009, established the annual Over The Edge fundraising cycle ride, sponsored by the Rochdale Observer since 1996, that has raised over £140,000 for BHF and introduced thousands of Rochdalians and people from further afield to the joys and benefits of cycling in the countryside and in scaling that formidable Blackstone Edge.
Wearing his Over The Edge medal throughout the function, David said that Samantha Cameron was really interested to hear about Over The Edge ride, and wished her husband could participate in such healthy physical challenges.
David said that it was a great honour to be invited and a tremendous thrill to ascend the Grand Staircase, past the portraits of all former Prime Ministers, to the State Rooms overlooking Horse Guards Parade. Before tasting the Prime Minister's Special reserve stock, he wisely sampled several iced waters tinged with elderberry juice.
An interesting guest David spoke with was the chief executive of a large insurance company who have been keen sponsors of BHF since they discovered that heart disease was the major cause of death and illness amongst over a million workers that they insure. "It's evidence like this that makes support for British Heart Foundation so important", said David.

Harmony Lodge No 298 Annual Garden Party - 2011

Our Worshipful Master Bro Brian Leightell and his wife Barbara hosted the Lodge of Harmony 298 Annual garden party at the home of his daughter in Bamford Rochdale.
Over 70 people turned up and were entertained by young people of the Rochdale Music Centre, recent Champions in the Music World in the North West.
Just as we were about to eat, the heavens opened, did this detract from the occasion? no way! Harmony 298 and their guests are a hardy lot and nothing was going to spoil this afternoon of fellowship and fun.
A well supported raffle was run by two lovely young grand daughters of the WM, who extracted £164 towards Charities, from the guests.
A hearty thanks must go to our Hosts Stephanie and Mark for the use of their beautiful home and their kindness and support of dad, our Worshipful Master, in allowing us to use their garden and home

The Lodge of Harmony 298 has donated the sum of £100 to the Jamboree Fund in support of two Explorer Scouts from Heywood, Will Saurbutts from the 9th. Heywood (St. Michael’s) and Jack Grocott, 1st Heywood (St. John’s Hopwood), who will be attending the 2011. World Scout Jamboree in Sweden this coming July and August.

Both lads are excited in anticipation of this once in a lifetime’s experience. Will was delighted to receive the donation on behalf of himself and Jack from Bro. Brian Leightell, the Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Harmony 298. Also in attendance were Scout Leader Richard Baron and W.Bro. Ken Davies, Rochdale District Charity Steward.

The connection between the Heywood Scouts and The Lodge of Harmony 298 is W.Bro. Ed. Blundell, who started the 9th Heywood Scout Group in 1962 and was their Scout Leader until 1970. To quote Ed. from his holiday retreat in Spain “ Today’s Scouts are tomorrow’s Freemasons” ( which is already quite evident in the Rochdale District).

Will and Jack have promised to feed back their Jamboree experiences to the Lodge of Harmony Brethren later in the year.

Rochdale Masonic Hall was the place to be when one of the World’s top ten uniquely talented traditional jazz bands recently appeared. Over a hundred guests, both masons and non-masons, attended the Rochdale District Social Committee Jazz Evening on Saturday 21st May. The Roy Potts Five and a Penny Jazz Band originally formed in Chester as a purely New Orleans band over 40 years ago was brilliant and brought the evening alive. Over the years the band has absorbed various musical influences playing live performances on TV, radio and in concert, with tours throughout Britain, Europe, and North America.
We were entertained with top class music from The Jazz Age (1920’s or the Roaring Twenties from which jazz music and dance emerged right though to the 1990’s). Roy Potts, whose fluency and lyrical grace bring a new spark to standards, played the trumpet and led the band. The band also included Dave Alexander, the guru of the guitar and banjo; the inimitable Chris Wright’s melodic percussion playing and deft embroidery of catchy grooves with his special vocals and humour on drums; Dave Burke’s beautiful tone and dramatic phrasing on the clarinet and Sax; Pete Fryer played trombone and Tim Kitchener providing a most influential bass role to this wonderful ensemble.
The feedback obtained from the guests was without doubt ‘a fantastic night!’ District Chairman, Peter Hewitt, thanked all members of the Rochdale District Social Committee and especially Alex Broadbent for organising the event, Ken Davies MBE the Compère, Martin & Tina and the Staff at Richard Street for the catering and again thanked Roy Potts for a fun, enjoyable & lively performance. Peter said he was now looking forward to the next major District social event, the ‘New Year’s Eve Ball’, for which tickets will be on sale in October.

Rochdale Masonic Buildings were ‘buzzing’

The 2015 Festival Roadshow

The Meeting of Napthali Lodge No 266 took place on the 5th May, The WM WBro Ian Warrington is also the Rochdale District Mentor and the lodge had invited the ladies along to the festive board, which was to be followed by a presentation of the 2015 Festival Roadshow.

Meanwhile Charity Chapter No 54 had held a convocation and were relaxing in the Dining Room enjoying a festive board for which Rochdale is famous.

Hope Lodge 54 were ‘enjoying’ a practise in the large lodge room, which had by now been vacated by Napthali Lodge.

Not to be outdone the District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt was holding a meeting in the practise room consisting of WM and Wardens to give an insight of the District Team and its remit, he explained that the team was there to help in any way they could.
But it did not end there, in the adjacent Grand Officers room, WBro Ken Davies the District Charity Steward and WBro Reg Foster the District 2015 representative were also holding a meeting with the charity stewards and 2015 reps.
These two meetings came together to enjoy a cup of tea and biscuits before joining the members and ladies of Napthali lodge to hear the presentation of the 2015 festival roadshow.

A very interesting and informative presentation was given by WBro’s Brian Sigsworth and David Rothwell which was very well received. Mrs Joan Warrington on behalf of the Ladies Committee of Naphtali 266 presented WBro Sigsworth with a cheque for £500 in aid of the 2015 Festival. The Ladies also presented Naphtali Lodge with a cheque for £1,000.

A Grand Raffle was held which raised a further £202 for the festival. The WM,JW and DC of Harmony 298 each won a prize and are banned from further raffles !!!

L to R: District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt, WM Napthali Lodge
WBro Ian Warrington, WBro Brian Sigsworth and WBro David Rothwell

The History of the ‘Green Man in Stone’

The last visit of the 2010 -11 Masonic Year by the Rochdale District Team was to Charity Lodge No 3342 on Tuesday 26th April. The APGM for Oldham and Rochdale District, WBro Alex McLaren JGD, is both a member and the Treasurer of Charity Lodge so the team had to be its best behaviour.

The Lodge was opened in due form and the WM welcomed the District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt and invited him to introduce the members of the District Team who were accompanying him.

After approval of the Minutes the Tyler, WBro Michael Cooper, was admitted and invited to present what turned out to be a very interesting lecture entitled ‘The History of the Green Man in Stone‘ based upon an article in the winter 2003 issue of Freemasonry Today by Clive Hicks. A series of pictures was passed amongst the Brethren illustrating many variations of carvings to be found in cathedrals and churches throughout Europe. Most of these carvings are located in places where they are not obvious to the visitor unless they know where to look. The WM, Bro Michael Church-Taylor, thanked WBro Cooper for his very explicit and interesting presentation and the brethren spontaneously showed their appreciation in the usual manner.

WBro McLaren then informed the Brethren that District Chairman, WBro Hewitt, would be travelling to London the following day to be invested as a member of the United Grand Lodge of England at the Investiture Meeting of UGL at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London. Other regular items of lodge business were carried out and the lodge was duly closed in peace and harmony.

The Festive Board was conducted in with dignity and decorum by the DC, WBro Rodney Schofield, during which WBro Hewitt thanked the Brethren for their support of the 2015 Festival and a recent District Quiz and informed them of forthcoming initiatives that are shortly to take place in the Rochdale District.

WBro Hewitt was invited to draw the winning raffle ticket to which he took the opportunity to repay WBro McLaren for his kind words earlier in the evening by pulling the APGM’s ticket out of the hat!

L to R The APGM WBro A MacLaren, The JW, WBro M Cooper, The WM Michael Church- Taylor, and the acting SW

Wednesday 27th April 2011 will be remembered as a Red Letter Day in the life of our District Chairman W.Bro Peter Graham Hewitt PAGDC, as he was invested to Grand Rank by the M.W The Grand Master HRH The Duke of Kent, at Freemasons Hall in London.
Our Chairman was supported by our Deputy Chairman W.Bro Alan G Barlow, W.Bro John Harrop and W.Bro Eric J Kirkbride accompanied on the visit by Sandra and Barbara.
The pictures show us outside the Grand Temple in lovely sunshine and a picture of Peter in front of the pedestal and of all four of us around the GJW pedestal.
We had to be quick to get these pictures as the attendants were rearranging the temple for the following day!
We dined at a Restaurant in Convent Garden before going on to meet our PGM and the brethren from East Lancashire at The Tavistock Hotel where the atmosphere was very convivial.
Congratulations to Peter for a very well deserved promotion and we look forward to serving the Province and Rochdale District for many years to come.

John Swinden of Liberty Lodge No 5573, known to lots of people as ‘John Alexander’, Rochdale’s Singing Jeweller… the Second Rochdale Cowboy, Mike Harding being the first. John loves singing and to make a ‘Dream Come True’ was given the opportunity to sing in a recording studio as a Christmas present. This proved such fun and a fantastic experience..... that he recorded 18 songs at a Studio in Whitworth.

Always wanting to help others, John thought it may be a good idea to sell the CD’s for the benefit of the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. So far so good, all 100 CD’s have been sold and a cheque for £500 was donated to the Hospice on the 2nd April. John sold another 25 copies at the Hospice Fete on the 10th April, again with the
proceeds of £125 going to the Hospice.

Being Rochdale’s oldest cowboy, all the songs range from the late forty's through to the sixties. The title of the CD, Eighteen Roses, comes from one of the tracks, Eighteen Yellow Roses and the fact that the CD has eighteen tracks. The songs are a wide range of some of the old favourites including Elvis, Dean Martin, Folk,
Country & Western, Johnny Cash plus my favourite Christmas Carol. John loves Country & Western, one of his unfulfilled ambitions would be to sing Country & Western in the USA and another ambition would be to sing 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' at Anfield, despite being a Manchester United supporter.

John’s intention is to sell all future CD’s for the benefit of Hewlett Court. The brethren, or indeed anyone who purchases the CD, will assist in raising the funds for our own 'Hewlett Court'. John is selling the CD for £5 and it is called Eighteen Roses.

This CD would make a great present for anyone and copies are available from John on 01706 656021 – daytime.

A Series of Paradoxes

The Rochdale District Officers visited St Martin's Lodge No 2320 on Tuesday 5th April in their continued visits to all Rochdale Lodges.

The Lodge was opened in due form, the Minutes read and approved after which WBro Anthony White read the minutes of the Lodge meeting held 100 years ago in April 1911. This was followed by readings of Ancient Charge No 7 by Bro Philip Moore and Lodge By-Law No 6 by WBro Donald Allen.

The next item on the Summons was to receive an explanation of the 2nd degree tracing board by WBro Richard Smedley, PProvGStwd, of Humber Lodge No 57 in the Province of Yorkshire East Riding. And what a treat it was. WBro Medley informed the brethren that it would be in three parts, an introduction, the presentation and explanation and a reflection. The introduction consisted of his research relating to the derivation of the Tracing Boards which led into the presentation and explanation and concluded by reflecting on some of the anomalies and paradoxes relating to the layout and artefacts of Temple of King Solomon.

We had all been provided with a drawing of the Temple, (see drawing below) with which we are familiar, but WBro Smedley then highlighted and explained some anomalies and paradoxes. For example, as masons we are all aware that a cubit is a measurement from the elbow to the longest finger (= 6 palms or 26 fingers) and the royal cubit (= 7 palms or 28 fingers). The pillars of the temple as shown in the diagram are in the position that we have been taught but in the various books of the Sacred Law, they are placed in other positions. It leaves one in a quandary as to their true location.

Whilst leaving some of us rather bemused, the presentation was exemplary and delivered with sincerity and clarity.

The festive board was excellent. After the Toast to HM The Queen and the singing of the National Anthem there was a gavel-like crash, when the pianist inadvertently dropped the keyboard lid bringing hoots of laughter as the two Wardens instinctively responded by striking their gavels!

The District Chairman addressed the brethren thanking all members of St Martin’s Lodge for their support of the District activities, in particular the Quiz Night that had just been held. He went on the give details of forthcoming special events that are planned for support of the 2015 Festival and hoped the Lodge would give their support to these initiatives.

The JW’s Toast to the Visitors was well responded to by WBro Smedley saying that as we had listened to him for long enough in the Lodge Room his response would be short – and it was!

The Tyler’s Toast brought an interesting and informative evening to a close.

L - R: WBro Richard Smedley, PGStwd, East Riding Yorkshire; Bro Neil Bradbury, WM,
and WBro Peter Hewitt, District Chairman

The latest visit of the Rochdale District Team was to Roch Valley Lodge No 5120 of which the Rochdale District Chairman is himself a member. The Team was joined on this occasion by the APGP for Northern area 2, WBro Ed Cheadle.

Initiation Ceremony of Mr Christopher Mark Northfield was conducted.
The ceremony was excellent with many of the Lodge members taking part.
The Worshipful Master, Bro David Ashworth, undertook the obligation of the candidate with candour and dignity.
The Senior Deacon, Bro Russell Taylor, escorted the candidate around the Lodge with great sincerity.
The Junior Warden, WBro Andrew Stott, presented the working tools of the degree with clarity, and the charge was given by the Lodge Mentor, WBro Tony Heanly, with propriety and solemnity being a joy to listen to. The DC, WBro John Hall, and the District Chairman each played significant roles in the Ceremony.

The festive board was, as always in Rochdale, excellent; the main course dish of roast chicken was truly succulent and mouth-watering.

In replying to the toast to the Grand Officers, WBro Ed Cheadle referred to the work of Grand Lodge and the forthcoming Investiture Meeting. He also encouraged the Brethren to consider the merits of Royal Arch and reminded the brethren that anyone wishing to join Chapter should approach the Lodge Royal Arch Representative for more details.

District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt then addressed the lodge and also introduced the District Team along with the three Provincial Officers of the Year who accompanied the District Team. In particular he referred to the many forthcoming fund raising events that are being organised at Rochdale

The highlight of the evening was the response to the toast to the newly initiated brother, which was given by his proposer and the Lodge SW, Bro Neal Pemberton. In replying to the toast Bro Northfield spoke with such conviction that he will certainly be a future asset to Roch Valley Lodge.

The toast to the visitors was given by the JW, WBro Stott, with a witty response from WBro Michael J Isherwood PProvJGD of The Mellor Lodge No 1774.

After the Tyler’s toast we departed with the words ‘and here’s to our next merry meeting’ ringing in our ears.

L to R: The APGP, WBro Ed Cheadle; Our newly initiated Brother, Christopher Mark Northfield; the WM, WBro David Ashworth and The District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt

The APGP, WBro Ed Cheadle, and The District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, captured whilst busily making copious notes for his address to the lodge

A room full of Brethren, their ladies and friends, Thirty Teams in total, all of who enjoyed a wonderful ‘Fun Quiz’ evening at Richard Street on Friday 25th March 2011. The night was organised by WBro Reg Foster, District 2015 Festival Representative, ably supported by members of the Rochdale District Social Committee.

An excellent atmosphere developed throughout the evening, which was complimented by top class food, served by Martin and his Staff, and a well balanced quiz. The questions, and of course the answers, were provided by WBro Chris Henthorn - aka ‘Chris Britten’ - who managed to keep everyone laughing and fully attentive for the whole night. No mean feat!! A big ‘THANK YOU’ to Chris for all his efforts.

All the Lodges in the Rochdale District were represented by at least one team, and joined on the evening by visiting teams from Middleton, Shaw and Todmorden. The winners were declared as Tonge Hall Lodge No 8763 and in presenting the new Rochdale District Committee Cup, WBro Alex McLaren, APGM, commented that he hoped everyone would return next year to ensure that the District Quiz becomes an annual event.

A Raffle was held for prizes kindly donated by a number of Brethren and overall the evening raised the marvellous sum £1,010.00 which will be donated to the East Lancashire RMBI 2015 Festival Appeal. WBro Ken Davies, District Charity Steward, rounded off the evening’s proceedings by thanking everyone for attending, their great support and very kind generosity.

The feedback from the night has been most positive and so here’s to the ‘2012 Fun Quiz’. Start swotting up NOW!!!

March visit to Liberty Lodge No 5573

The Rochdale District Team visited Liberty Lodge No 5573 on Tuesday 8th March.

The Lodge was opened in due form and The District Chairman and members of his team along with several acting Provincial Officers of the year were welcomed to the Lodge by the WM. The District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt responded by thanking the WM, WBro Peter Fletcher, for the warm welcome the District Team had received.

After the Minutes had been approved and accepted, the correspondence read and the accounts passed for payment we settled down to a demonstration of the first-degree ceremony given by the Worshipful Master and his Officers.
Before commencing with the demonstration the WM said it was 18 years since he last occupied the chair of KS he may be a little “rusty”. The Brethren enjoyed a well worked demonstration Ceremony.

The festive board was excellent; Mushroom Soup followed by a Mixed Grill then an excellent Manchester Tart. A Cheese Board and Coffee followed.

When replying to the toasts the District Chairman introduced the District team, braking with the usual practise of introducing the District Team in the Lodge.

The District Charity Officer, WBro Reg Foster, then spoke about the forthcoming Quiz Night in aid of the 2015 festival. He informed the brethren that, to date, there had been an excellent response from all the Lodges and speculation as to who was going to collect the ‘huge’ trophy was rife – watch this space!!!

Rochdale District Team visit Benevolence Lodge No 226

The scheduled visit for the District Team to Benevolence Lodge No 226 took place on Tuesday 22nd February.
The Lodge was duly opened and the WM, WBro Joe Galvin, warmly welcomed us.

The District Chairman was invited to introduce the twelve members of the Team and which included four Provincial Officers with Acting Rank; these were the Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works, WBro Frank Smith, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, WBro Joseph Warburton, a Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Ray Lancashire and Provincial Grand Steward, WBro Gordon Mason.

After the introductions the team and the members of Benevolence Lodge eagerly awaited the WM to present an explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board to their own entered apprentice, Bro Ian Parry.

The District Team had previously witnessed the WM give an excellent explanation of the Third Degree Tracing Board as a visiting guest at Probity & Freedom Lodge No 367 only a month earlier and this one was equalled in excellence and received due acclaim.

The festive board, to true Rochdale standards, was excellent, the main course being one of the steward’s specialities; a superb steak and mushroom pie.
Toasts in Benevolence Lodge are followed by the traditional honours, however, a feature of Benevolence Lodge is the timing of the claps - these are at delivered at intervals of approximately one second. There is a very good reason for this custom and a visit to Benevolence Lodge is recommended to find the answer.

The District Chairman, in his response, reminded all brethren of the various forthcoming functions that have been arranged by the District Social Committee in support of the 2015 Festival, pleading with them for their usual enthusiastic support.

The District Team now look forward to their next Lodge visit which will be to Liberty Lodge No 5573 on Tuesday 8th March.

L to R DC, Acting JW,WM WBro Joe Galvin; Acting SW and District Chairman WBro Peter Hewit

The third visit of the year by the Rochdale District Team was to The Lodge of Friendship No 277 which took place on Wednesday 9th February. There were 9 members of the team which including 3 Acting Provincial Officers.

The Lodge was opened in due form and the Worshipful Master, WBro Tom Jardine, welcomed the District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, who then introduced the Team.

The Lodge Secretary, WBro Brian Gee, presented a lecture which he had entitled ‘There is nothing new under the sun’. He explained that lecture had been written as the result of an article he had read in a local newspaper regarding the Friendship Lodge with a number of anomalies that needed addressing due to the inaccuracies.

When reading the article - that had been compiled from a little known publication of the history of The Lodge of Friendship, Brian he was astonished by the number of errors including the date of the formation of the Lodge which was shown as 1798 but should have read 1789.

Brian wrote to the newspaper to point out the number of mistakes but, as you may have expected, did not receive a reply. By now he was so annoyed he attempted to obtain a copy of the book that the article had been taken from – it was as illusive as the book on fishing by J D Hartley!

Having eventually obtained a copy more revelations began to appear, one being a claim that the facts that were based on details taken from the lodge minutes. As secretary - and knowing the minutes were under lock and key in secured in the basement of the Rochdale Masonic Buildings – how could this be? The mystery is still there.

The festive board was a jolly affair, and responding to Toasts the District Chairman took on the role of salesman (which he is!) to inform the brethren of the forthcoming events being organised by the District to raise monies for Charity and the 2015 RMBI Festival.

L to R District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt, WM WBro Tom Jardine and Secretary WBro Brian Gee

The second of the two “Calendar Boys” Flower Demonstrations took part at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale on Friday 29 October, 2010. Both events were held in aid of our 2015 Festival and Prostate Cancer. The Rochdale event being organised on behalf of Charity Lodge Ladies - 3342.
At Rochdale Masonic Hall, it was the turn of Ken Hough from Oldham and Don Billington from Liverpool, to come along and entertain us. Ken and Don were successful in gaining a Bronze when they entered the floral art competition at Chelsea last year and are both well know and popular flower arrangers. They both feature in the “Calendar Boys” Calendar for 2011, which was organised by NAFAS to raise funds for Prostate Cancer.
The evening proved to be a great success, and both Pamela Crabtree and Leslie McLaren (organisers of the event) were delighted in raising £611 on the door and through the sales of raffle tickets. The 2011 “Calendar Boys” Calendar was also on sale and proved to be very popular with the ladies!
A cheque for £300 was sent to Prostate Cancer on behalf of Charity Lodge Ladies with the remaining £311 being donated to the 2015 Festival.

The 8 flower demonstrators who bravely took part in the 2011 Calendar which is raising money for Prostate Cancer. Sadly the man with the dark glasses on died shortly after the photoshoot.
The picture is taken outside Townley Hall, Burnley, where despite the weather, and to the astonishment of onlookers, they divested themselves of their dinner suits.

The Inimitable Dave Greenhalgh

On the 31st October last WBro David L Greenhalgh, PProvDepGReg, a Past Master of Liberty Lodge No 5573, retired from his role as The Rochdale District Charity Steward after serving the District with distinction for six-and-a-half years.

During his term of office, David helped to put Rochdale on the map by forming a very pro-active link between the Freemasons of Rochdale and the community of the Borough.
His notable achievements have included:

Providing and installing activity equipment within the grounds of the Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home
Assisted organisation of major Charity Balls in conjunction with the incumbent Mayor of Rochdale
Playing an inspirational role in a major project to turn virgin land into a spectacular and tranquil Sensory Garden for the patients and visitors of Springhill Hospice
Numerous Social Events at the Masonic Buildings Rochdale, which have raised thousands of pounds for local charities
Cajoling people into stewarding ‘through-the-night’ Sponsored Walks for the benefit of the local Hospice

Other events that David and his District Social Committee have successfully organised have included: New Years Eve Balls,Charity Giving Nights, Who wants to be a Millionaire quiz, Dancing Spectacular, ‘Y’ Factor Competition, District ‘Open’ Night, Children’s Xmas Party’s, etc., etc.

David also organised a party to visit the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down (Northern Ireland) as guests of his personal friend, RWBro Roger Matthews, PAGM.

The Freemasons of Rochdale are indebted to David for all the work he has done, the considerable money that he and his Committee have raised for good causes and the inspiration he has given to so many during his time as Rochdale District Charity Steward. His work and achievements will be long remembered.

A Family Affair

The District Team visited St Chad’s Lodge No 1129 on the 19th January to witness a truly memorable Ceremony of Initiation.

The Lodge was opened by the WM, WBro Peter R B Messum, PAGDC.
Peter is not only well known to the brethren of Rochdale but also to the Province as the Chair of the Education and Development Committee.
After the approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting, WBro Messum invited WBro Stephen J Holt, PProvJGW, to occupy the Chair of King Solomon for a very special reason – to conduct an Initiation Ceremony of his son, Alexander Luke Holt. The ceremony was conducted in a most exemplary, dignified and deeply sincere manner.
The Charge in the first degree by Bro Albert Smith was delivered with conviction and clarity.
On the completion of the ceremony, the newly initiated brother, Alex, was escorted to the Master’s Chair , where he was joined by his grandfather, WBro Frank Holt PProvGSwdB, and his Uncle WBro Paul M Holt PProvDepGReg who individually presented the candidate with a Provincial Tie, Provincial Handkerchief and a pair of Masonic Gloves before he retired from the Lodge.

The Social Board, as you might imagine, was a lively and fun affair, the Buildings provided a super meal well up to the Rochdale high standards.

The District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, in replying to Toasts, informing the brethren of some of the past and forthcoming events organised by the Rochdale District Committee and encouraging the Brethren to support and participate in some of these planned future events.

The main toast of the evening, to the newly initiated Brother, was given by WBro Holt to his son, Alexander, who response was given a standing ovation that was justly deserved.

L to R - WBro Stephen Holt - DC, Bro Alexander Holt,
WBro Peter Messum- WM, WBro Frank Holt & WBro Paul Holt – Sec

The District Team pictured with Bro Alexander Holt,
Grand Lodge and Acting Provincial Lodge Officers
along with Officers of St Chad’s Lodge No 1129

The First Visit of 2011

The Rochdale District Team visited Probity & Freedom Lodge No 367 on the 13th January, the first team visit of 2011.

The Lodge was opened and the WM, Bro Anthony Gillard, on behalf of the lodge, extended a warm welcome to the District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, and the members of his Team.

After reading and approving the Minutes, Bro Stephen Holmes read Ancient Charge No 4.

The next item on the summons was to receive an explanation of the 3rd degree Tracing Board which was given by a regular visitor to the P & F Lodge, the Worshipful Master of Benevolence Lodge No 226, Bro Joe Galvin.

It was delivered with such clarity, eloquence and sincerity that the brethren were held spellbound.

Before the Lodge was closed our District Chairman congratulated Bro Gavin on his delivery of the explanation and noted that it is only five years since Bro Galvin joined freemasonry and that his advancement in the craft was truly remarkable.

The festive board, as always in Rochdale, was superb. The Chef, Martin, never fails to amaze the brethren with the quality of the food and this particular meal was super.

The Tyler’s toast - the long version - was given by the Junior Warden, Bro John Lees.

The evening was another one of memories in Rochdale brought to close with the words:

WM Bro Anthony Gillard (centre), Bro Joe Galvin on his left
surrounded by the members of the District Team

L to R - JW Bro John Lees, Bro Joe Galvin, WM Bro Anthony Gillard,
visitor Bro Bernard Percy, WM Harmony Lodge & SW Bro Gareth Williams

The WM Bro Anthony Gillard (centre) and Bro Joe Galvin on his right flanked
by the Senior and Junior Wardens and the Director of Ceremonies

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY IS A ‘REET GOOD DO’

The evenings entertainment was by ‘SEREMA’ who prove so popular that this was the fifth year they have provided music for the New Years Eve Party.

The excellent night raised the magnificent sum of £1250 which will be donated to Masonic and Non- Masonic Charities by the District Social Committee.

A major raffle prize was won, yet again, by the retired District Chairman WBro. Eric Kirkbride

no surprise there !

Our Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro Harold Woodward, who with his wife Phyllis are usually regular attendees at the New Years Eve Party, was sadly missed this year. However the good news is that Harold was discharged from hospital that very morning with a clean bill of health.

Congratulations go to the buildings staff who provided a superb banquet and gave sterling service behind the bar and members of the Rochdale District Social Committee who once again organised a ‘special evening’ to bring in the New Year.

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