Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
News from Rochdale District

Rochdale Springhill Hospice Sensory Garden Update - 30/4/08

God for England, Elizabeth and St George

On Friday 18th April 2008 Liberty Lodge No 5573 celebrated St George's night in fine style in the Rochdale Masonic Buildings, and the large Ballroom was a blaze of red and white colours.

The Guest of Honour was Lt Col.Eric Davidson,Chairman of the Lancashire Fusiliers Association, accompanied by our District Chairman Eric J Kirkbride and his wife Barbara. The evening started by all the guests being welcomed with a Champagne Reception and when all were seated the Flag of St George was paraded in with due Ceremonial.

The Roast Beef of England was duly paraded into the room and cut by our top chef Mr Martin Lewis and the Lt.Col.and District Chairman were asked to taste it. It was declared delicious and ready to be served to all present.

Also in attendance were the United Co-op Milnrow Band who entertained us throughout the meal After the meal the singing of Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory amidst banner waving was sung with such fervour as to cause a sore throat!



A raffle with a £100 cash prize followed and a Heads/Tails game for two super wrist watches took place. Then came the entertainer comedian Barry York who had us all in stitches! Finally the Auction, and with so many wonderful prizes £2700 was raised, to be dedicated to the District Charity Fund which as you know is going directly to the Mayor of Rochdale's Charity The Rochdale Children's Moorland Home.

In a surprise moment and after attending another engagement, The Mayor and Mayoress arrived to support Liberty 5573. He went on to thank all present and the Freemasons of Liberty Lodge for their support. Great credit for a wonderful evening must go to the organising members W.Bros. Harry Bell ( the compere for the evening, doing a super job) Brothers, Jeff Milner, Victor Blomeley, John Swinden, Geoff Howarth and of course not forgetting the Master Auctioneer W Bro David L Greenhalgh.

Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home

A favourite charity of Rochdale Freemasons, who this year raised the magnificent sum of £6,200, which along with an illuminated certificate was presented to the Mayor at the Mayors Ball. The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Peter Evans is also a freemason. A member of  Royds Lodge No  816 in Todmorden, his chosen charity for his year in office was the RCMH.

The Annual General Meeting of the RCMH trustees was held on the 8th April and the Mayor was asked to chair the meeting. This was an ideal opportunity to make the presentation of the certificate, which bore the names of all the benefactors, namely the Lodges and Chapters who donated monies to the appeal. The trustees and staff of the RCMH were overwhelmed at the generosity of the freemasons and the certificate will be displayed in their museum at the home.

The Mayor, Bro Peter Evans, along with our District Charity Steward W Bro David Greenghalgh presenting the certificate to the trustees and staff of the Rochdale Childrens Moorland Home.

Rochdale Fellowship Ladies Evening 2008

In what can only be described as a jewel in Rochdale’s Masonic Crown, Rochdale Fellowship celebrated in style at Richard St. on Friday April 11th 2008.

Over 80 attendees sat down to enjoy a wonderful meal and evening of fellowship in the presence of The Mayor of Rochdale Bro Peter Evans and his wife Helen, our APGM W.Bro Harold Woodward and his wife Phyllis and our District Chairman W.Bro Eric Kirkbride and his wife Barbara, all being greeted and acclaimed by the Chairman of the Fellowship Mrs Margaret Slade, shown here with our APGM.

The Toast to the Fellowship was given by W.Bro Harold Woodward in the absence of W.Bro Bill Ramsey, and the Toast to the ladies was given by W.Bro David Pawson.


In a moving response to the Toast to the Ladies, Miss M Dearden expressed sincere thanks for the inclusiveness she and other single people feel when attending the Rochdale Fellowship.

The artiste was W.Bro Ian Hastie accompanied by W.Bro Eric Kirkbride, and there was a rousing version of “Here’s to the Ladies”. As if this was not enough we were entertained by a duo “A Touch of Class” from Preston.
They were hilarious and our jaws ached with laughing.

The evening was still not over when the District Chairman asked all to stand and toast Bro Alan Brown and his wife Hilda (photo on the right) celebrating this very evening their 53rd Wedding Anniversary.

 

On the left are pictured the Distinguished guests - the Mayor and Mayoress off Rochdale, our APGM and the Rochdale District Chairman and their wives



In paying tribute to Mrs Margaret Slade and our hard working Secretary Mrs Beryl Crossley we all are of one accord

HERE’S TO OUR NEXT MERRY MEETING

 

 

Anglican Freemason celebrates 40yrs in the Ministry

Father Harry Edwards of St Chad’s Lodge 1129 recently completed 40 years service since his Ordination in Birmingham into the Anglican Ministry. Largely retired, if such a proposition is possible for such a gregarious mason, he is currently Chaplain to the Mayor of Oldham Councillor Ann Wingate and he serves as Chaplain to the Showman’s Guild.

Harry’s expertise is in teaching and he taught Science for 20 years, was a Primary School Teacher and latterly a Head Teacher. He served 10 years as Vicar to St Mary’s Parish Church High Crompton Shaw and since retiring he has assisted Father Paul Plumpton at the Parish Church of St James Oldham. Harry served the Province as Deputy Chaplain in 2001. In what must have been a very proud moment he conducted the wedding of his Daughter only two weeks ago.

 Congratulations to a worthy Mason

The photograph shows The Mayor of Oldham Councillor Ann Wingate and her Consort Ken, Father Paul Plumpton, Father Harry Edwards, Diane and Councillor David Dunning of Shaw Parish Council

Photograph by kind permission of The Oldham Evening Chronicle

Freemasons support the Mayor of Rochdale

The magnificent Great Hall of Rochdale Town Hall provided a superb setting for the Mayor of Rochdale 's 2008 Ball. Attended by over 200 people representing all parts of the Community and honoured by the presence of distinguished guests from neighbouring Boroughs, the Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Peter Evans and his wife Helen celebrated a memorable year as principal citizens of Rochdale MBC.

To spontaneous applause they were surprised by a presentation from the Freemasons of Rochdale District of a cheque for £6200 which is earmarked for the Mayor's Charity which this year is The Rochdale Children's Moorland Home, a cause dear to the Freemasons of this District over a long period of years.

The photograph shows the Mayor receiving the cheque from the Rochdale District Chairman Eric Kirkbride and other members of the Rochdale District Team Peter G Hewitt, David L Greenhalgh, Alan G Barlow David Garnett .Two other team members were present Antony Brearley and Alex McLaren. In expressing his delight and surprise the Mayor thanked the Freemasons for their gift and support to him in his year of office.

 

Keystone 363 Celebrates

 WBro Harry Brierley PProvGSwB has served the lodge for 50 years, and this achievement was celebrated in the Lodge on 21st February 2008. Harry is at present in a local Care Home and his wife Joan decided that a fitting tribute would be best done by meeting at home and celebrating with a small party, representing the Lodge and the Rochdale District.

It was with great pleasure that we met at their home in Milnrow and presented Harry’s Certificate and the Lodge’s present of an Inscribed Silver salver. This is a remarkable couple—Harry is 96 and his wife Joan a mere 91, but the sprightliness of Joan would make you think she was 40 years younger!! She still drives and presently has only one problem – her automatic gear box has failed, but the brethren have agreed to sort this out!

Harry was the type of man who made you smile immediately on meeting him and I and many others have enjoyed his company enormously.

He served in the RAF in wartime as PT Instructor, played for Rochdale FC 1935/6 appearing 20 times, scored two goals and was then sold to Mossley FC.

The hours raced by and we finally all left at 1045 having had a most uplifting and happy time together and by the way-- Joan makes delicious cakes on a very regular basis!!

   

The top picture shows the District Chairman Eric Kirkbride presenting the certificate to Mrs Joan Brierley

Botton left shows the Lodge Secretary presenting the Silver Salver.

Bottom right shows W.Bro Alex Broadbent PM, Mrs Ogden, Mrs Brierley,W.Bro David Ogden, Lodge Mentor. W.Bro Bob Codling, Lodge Secretary,  Mrs Kirkbride and W Bro Eric Kirkbride District Chairman.

OPERATION COUNT (Y) DOWN - THE FULL STORY

  PART 1 – THE JOURNEY.

This story begins several years ago with a chance encounter when ‘Dave met Roger' a story told in the archives of the Rochdale web site

Dave Greenhalgh the Rochdale District Charity Steward and Roger Matthews who is a PAGM in the Province of Down in Northern Ireland struck up a friendship. As a result Roger invited Dave to attend their Provincial Lodge meeting in February 2007 in Belfast and Roger has visited Dave's lodge Liberty 5573 in Rochdale several times.

In the summer of last year Roger suggested to Dave that members of the Rochdale District Team may like to visit the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in February 2008. As always with Dave if a thing is worth doing its worth doing properly, so he asked who would like to go. The final party was our APGM, Harold Woodward, The Rochdale District Chairman, Eric Kirkbride, The Provincial Grand Charity Steward, David Geldard, The District Communication Officer, Dave Garnett along with Elton Lewis and Gordon Mason of Liberty Lodge accompanied with their ladies.

Of course nothing is simple in this world and our APGM had to clear the visit with both the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland .

In December 2007 Roger set to work on the other side of the Irish Sea making the arrangements for transport and accommodation with military precision for our arrival. Dave made all the transport arrangements on this side of the Irish Sea , and as usual with all trips --before we knew it the time to go had arrived

Our APGM left home at 4am.our District Chairman left at 5am having cleared snow to get his car out. As I live off the main road and so as not to inconvenience my neighbours at 6.00 on a Saturday morning I said I would meet the District mini bus at the top of my lane.

What a surprise to see deep snow!

Once aboard the plane we had a smooth trip and on touchdown we were met at Belfast City airport (now the George Best City Airport ) by the taxis arranged by Roger. Into the hotel, a shower and a quick change and then to be taken to the Balmoral Conference Centre for the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down

What would the ladies do I hear you cry

Shop, shop and shop came the reply!

 

Mrs Woodward was concerned about flying, but guess who was first on the aircraft!!

PART 2 – THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DOWN

On arrival at the centre we were welcomed by Roger Matthews PAGM who directed us to the lounge where we were greeted by all the brethren present. The welcome could not have been warmer; the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Robert J Armstrong greeted us with open arms and introduced us his four PAGMs which of course included Roger.

After a welcome drink we joined the brethren for the pre-meeting lunch at which we were seated on various tables rather than being seated together.

The ‘crack' I think that's the right terminology around the table was fun, what lodge are you in? Where is Rochdale ? Lancashire ? There were many questions about our website.

The lunch was a full 3-course dinner, which I have to say was superb. After the meal we dressed before entering the Lodge Room, I asked one brother why they wore their aprons under their coats, to which came the witty reply that Englishmen never take their coats off when they work.

There were some 600 brethren present, the ritual was different to say the least and very relaxed. The PGM introduced the visiting brethren on the platform and said he was particularly pleased to see the visiting brethren from East Lancashire .

He had already said that they were to hold a Festival to raise monies for their Grand Charity as we do.

In his greeting of the Brethren from East Lancashire the PGM afforded us all Honours times 11. Our APGM then responded and presented the PGM with one of the framed pictures that were printed for our 2004 festival, numbered 100 of 100 which the PGM accepted with great pleasure.

The Investiture of the Provincial Grand Officers then took place. The PGM spoke to each of the officers at length as they were invested and gave a précis of their service before presenting them with their collar of their office. At his address the PGM said he was to stand down in April and his successor RW Bro Richard H Gray was introduced. The method of salutations is similar to ours, the main difference everyone received 11 whereas we reduce the number. They also saluted brethren who have joined the Grand Lodge above with a very dignified muffled salute --this was a very moving moment that we had not witnessed before.

At the closing of the lodge we returned to the lounge where photographs were taken and our East Lancashire Provincial ties were presented to the PGM and the PAGM's. These were the focus of much attention. The Provincial Grand Lodge meeting was different from ours, much more relaxed but very enjoyable and if you ever are invited to attend, don't think about it – GO.

Our APGM W Bro Harold Woodward with the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Robert J Armstrong and his four PAGMs

W Bro Harold Woodward presents the PGM with one of the framed pictures that were printed for our 2004 Festival.
The seven visiting brethren from Rochdale with the PGM and his 4 PAGMs

This is a bit special, W.Brother Elton Lewis will always remember being stewarded by the next PGM of the Province of
Down Northern Ireland at the evening meal which was held at the Belvoir Golf Club in Belfast

Unusual to us but normal to the Down Brethren, the Deacons asked everyone present for the password in the Third Degree, and then communicated it to the PGM.

We were then returned to the hotel, where we were reunited with the ladies.

Just time to shower and change before being whisked off to the Belvoir Golf Club for Dinner with the PGM, the Provincial Officers and their Ladies,

Oh what a night! The food was delicious, the company superb and it really was night to remember.

PART 3 - THE TRIP AROUND BELFAST AND THE RETURN

As the return flight on Sunday was not until 6pm we had a day to sample the delights of Belfast . We arranged to have a late breakfast (yes, more food) before deciding what we should do, Roger and his wife Rosemary had stayed overnight at the hotel and had offered to act as our guides around the city. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side, it was wet, windy and cold. The consensus of opinion was to take a tour of the city on the special tour buses. After enquiring at the desk we discovered that it was a 10-minute walk to where the tour started-- this would be in the pouring rain.

A phone call and it could only happen in Ireland ; the bus would come and pick us up!! An ex London Route -Master bus duly arrived and took us to the start point of the tour where other passengers joined us. The first point of interest was the Albert Memorial in memory of Queen Victoria 's consort Prince Albert , which is known as the Belfast tower of Pisa because of its lean caused by subsidence. Passing the Harland and Wolf Shipyard where the ill-fated Titanic was built are two massive cranes known as Sampson and Goliath. Now with a preservation order on them to ensure they will remain as a tribute to the shipbuilding industry that once employed over 30,000 workers in its heyday for generations to come

As the Guide said “There was nothing wrong with the Titanic when it left us!!”

The new law courts, now all glass, showing the increasing confidence in the peace process, stand next to the old law courts, which are protected by a wall in places 5 metres thick. This serves as a reminder to the troubles of the past. Then to Stormont Castle a truly magnificent building in a superb setting which is known by everyone due to its being a constant background on English TV in the past.

The next part of the tour was to drive along the Shankhill Road followed by the Falls Road separated by a 70-foot high peace wall, which was erected at the height of the troubles. The many murals painted many years ago are still visible to remind one of the past. The now unused Crumlin Road Court house and the Crumlin Road jail on the other side of the road, which are joined by an underground passage, are another strong reminder of the past, but it was stated that the courthouse is to be converted to a luxury hotel.

There were many more sights that we saw before retuning to the hotel for a late lunch – YES more food

At around 5pm we were transported to the airport for the return flight to Manchester, the flight was a little rough in places due to the high winds and the driving rain but a safe return to Manchester was completed. We all said our goodbyes to Eric, Barbara, Elton and Linda before boarding our mini coach for the last leg of the journey.

 

Will it be trip to remember? ----Certainly

The Rochdale District team hope to have sown an acorn seed which will blossom into a magnificent Oak.

Our thanks must go to Roger, Rosemary and all the Brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down for such a memorable and enjoyable experience which although only lasting 36 hours will be remembered for our lifetime.

52 raise 515  

With the ballroom at the Rochdale Masonic Buildings being available for use on the 29th January 2008, David Greenhalgh the hyper active Rochdale District Charity Steward saw an opportunity raise monies for the Rochdale Moorland Childrens' Home. He arranged for Jamie Bennison of Royds Lodge No 816 to host a Deal or no Deal game similar to the one currently seen on Channel 4 TV

To start the evening the treasurer of the Moorland Home, Jane Ellis gave a talk explaining the workings of the home and the benefits for the children who spend holidays there in the summer months. She recalled some truly tear -jerking moments when she told us of some of the details of the children who attend, even to the point that one child whilst on a picnic broke into panic at the sight of a cow never having seen one before.

She explained the running costs of the home and the help needed. This year a new commercial central heating system is required, as the old system cannot cope and is on the point of collapse.

A buffet then followed which was enjoyed by all present. Jamie then compered the Deal or no Deal game, which resulted in the winner claiming a grand prize of 50p, which, was then immediately handed over to the treasurer of the Moorland Home.

With the help of members of the District Social Committee a raffle took place, which raised £150 which when added to the other monies made a total donation of £ 515 from the event.

The Mayor, Peter Evans then said a few words before the assembled audience made their home in the January darkness. The Mayor of Rochdale, Peter Evans is a also a member of Royds Lodge No 816 and he has made the Rochdale Childrens' Moorland Home his Mayoral charity for his year in office.

The appeal to the brethren of Rochdale has not been missed and the lodges are busy raising monies for this charity.

In 2007 the Rochdale District Social Committee purchased playground furniture to the sum of £2,200 and the New Years Eve dance 2007 raised the magnificent sum of £2,000, which is already earmarked for the Moorland Home.

Pictured is the Moorland Home

Background

In 1894 a group of Rochdale businessmen called ‘ The Voluntary Aid Society ' rented rooms in a farmhouse on the moors above Rochdale to provide holidays for poor children. The philosophy was simple – provide a healthy environment, good food and a warm comfortable house for groups of youngsters to enjoy themselves.

In 1921 a prominent Rochdale family gave Nab Farm to the committee along with 14 acres of Moorland overlooking Rochdale , and this is still the home today. Holidays are currently provided for about 350 children a year.

Rochdale Masonic Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters have served the Rochdale Childrens' Moorland Home for many years in many capacities and we wish the home a secure and successful future.

Another Fantastic Night in Rochdale - Lodge that is - 6721!

The WM, Bro Clive Burgess and his wife Kath are coming to the end of his year in the chair of King Solomon, and to celebrate his wife Kath organised a ‘Burns Night' at the Cottons Restaurant at Rochdale College.

This was the pinnacle of the year and 38 lodge members, wives and guests were treated a gastronomic feast that was a joy to behold. The gourmet meal starting with smoked Scottish salmon followed by Haggis, neeps and tatties with a whisky cream sauce.

The soup was the old Scottish favourite, cock-a-leekie with crusty bread roles. The main course, a choice of Roast Scotch sirloin of beef or a Haddock Cod and Prawn Fish Pie.

At this point in the meal a break was taken, Clive said a few words and it was planned that he recite the Robbie Burns poem ‘Address to a Haggis' but after the first few lines he declined to continue with the excuse that his Scottish accent was failing.

Kath and Clive then organised the distribution of a ‘Secret Gifts', in which everybody had placed gifts in a bag' ranging from a can of Baxter's soup to a bottle of whisky.

Kath than passed a bag around in which everybody placed their small change, these monies will be added to previous sums raised for Kath and Clive's charity this year, which is a children's home in Egypt.

We than continued with the banquet, the desserts were a warm Scottish fruit tart served with glenfiddich ice cream and a Highland raspberry cheesecake with fresh whipped cream. Copious amounts of coffee and teas were served with shortbread biscuits.

At this point the stars of the night were introduced, the chefs, waiters and bar staff who are all students at the college and they received a standing ovation, not one but several. We can only recommend that you visit the Cottons Restaurant and enjoy the delicious food, the superb presentation and the friendly and helpful students.

 

Will there be another Rochdale lodge night at ‘Cottons'?

  You bet there will!

 


The Brethren of Rochdale collected items of food for the WRVS for a second year in 2007, and the following report appeared in the Rochdale Observer on the 9th January.

 

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KINDNESS

Rochdale Meal on Wheels Service is sending a big ‘thank you’ to every one who donated goods for its Christmas hampers.
Project manager,  Wendy Smith said the service was particularly grateful to The Rochdale Masonic lodges, Park Cakes of Oldham, Asda in Rochdale and the charity, Life for a Life.

Mrs Smith said a Special thanks also goes to all the volunteers who gave us so much help.
We would be pleased to hear from anyone else who would like to help us in 2008 too.

If anyone knows someone who would benefit from our service we’d like them to get in touch. I’m sure there must be many elderly people out there who are not getting a hot meal.

For more information ring Rochdale (01706) 643230

ROMS Mentors meet at Rochdale

(No, not CD -Roms but the Rochdale, Oldham, Middleton and Shaw Mentors)

A meeting of Lodge Mentors from Rochdale, Oldham, Middleton and Shaw, took place on Monday 7th January 2008 to hear the official presentation of the Mentoring Programme. The Programme was presented by W Bro Tony Brearley the Rochdale District Mentor Amongst the many brethren present were our APGM, W Bro Harold Woodward,Tony Brearley,Chad Norcott, Les Taylor, the Chairman of the Rochdale District.and around 65 delegates.

Tony Brearley opened the meeting and invited the APGM give a short address. The meeting was a lively affair and there was a lot of interaction, laughter, and raising of hands. The presentation raised a lot of points about the retention of members, and looked at the many possible reasons for resignations from the Craft. The need to retain members is crucial to the Craft and the roles of the lodge mentors were fully discussed.

The lodge mentors were presented with a folder containing many helpful hints and advice along with the available leaflets and booklets which are available from the Province. To conclude the meeting the APGM reiterated his opening comments stressing that we must retain members by giving them all the support they may require and finished with his favourite rallying call

Remember brethren failure is not an option !

At the conclusion of the meeting, supper was served in the form of Martin’s Meat n’ tatter pie and lively discussions between the brethren carried on well into the night.

 

      
       W Bro A P T Brearley, The Rochdale District mentor


Delegates from Rochdale, Oldham, Middleton & Shaw  

First Visit Of The Year

The APGM, WBro Harold Woodward, started 2008 with his first visit to Naphtali Lodge No 266 on Thursday 3rd January.
The Rochdale District Chairman WBro Eric Kirkbride and the Rochdale District team accompanied him along with the Rochdale Brethren who have been appointed Provincial Officers of the year. The APGM and his delegation were admitted to the lodge and the APGM was afforded a warm welcome. The WM offered the chair of King Solomon to the APGM who graciously accepted. The APGM then introduced the members of the delegation.

The next item of business was an explanation of the 1st degree tracing board, which was excellently delivered by the WM, WBro George Matthews to the lodge in general and Brother Darren Price in particular. Grand Lodge Certificates were then presented and explained to Brother’s Robert Andrews, Bernard Forbes and Darren Price by WBro Alex McLaren the Rochdale District Officer Royal Arch. At this point, the DC asked if the APGM wished to retire. The APGM declined the invitation saying that he and his delegation wished to remain and enjoy the fellowship until the lodge was closed.

The festive board was a jolly affair, the meal was excellent and maintained the usual high standard of the Rochdale Masonic Buildings. The APGM responded to the usual toasts and received a standing ovation. A Raffle was drawn and on this occasion the Lodge Chaplain WBro Trevor Jewitt had purchased the winning ticket.

There were two responses to the visitor’s toast the first was by WBro Stewart BeckwIth from the daughter Lodge, St Lukes with Old Masonians No 4294. This was followed by WBro John Scarr of Hope Lodge No 54, who was pleased to note that six of the brethren present were regular attendees on the district circuit in 1977, when along with him they were all in the chair of their individual lodges.

Another superb night of ritual, friendship, nostalgia and fun in Rochdale

The APGM with the acting provincial officers of the year and the Rochdale District team

At the jolly festive board
Intense conversation

WELCOME TO 2008 

Rochdale Masonic buildings were the venue for the Rochdale District New Years Eve Ball. Over 140 guests enjoyed a super menu, fun and games and music from a top duo.The atmosphere was electric and the buzz in the room enveloped all present.

The guests were honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Rochdale Bro Peter Evans and his wife Helen. who received welcome of spontaneous applause. The Mayor tossed the coin for the game of Kings and Queens and at the first toss lost over 100 friends!! The top prize being a SatNav system won by Mrs Irene Booth.

Our District Charity Steward David L Greenhalgh (shown on the left with the mayor) kept the fun going with a raffle drawn by the Mayoress Mrs P Evans.

The usual chaos ensued when all present were offered party poppers and whistling balloons which raised the noise level considerably. The guests let in the New Year on the stroke of twelve and celebrated in great style.

Once again the Rochdale District Social Committee and all who helped make this into one of those nights which you hope will never end are to be congratulated.

 
The APGM usually plays a trombone !
WBro Alan Grime, the district social secretary pointing the way

 
2008 celebrated with a bang

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.