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WBro David Garnett, District Communications Officer for Rochdale District.

St Edmund's Church, Fallinge

What a fabulous night

Proms Night at Rochdale Masonic Hall    – 8th June 3013

The Rochdale Lodge in association with the Rochdale District held a Proms Night at the Rochdale Masonic Buildings on the 8th June 2103.

The Ballroom was very colourful decorated in bunting and balloons the Greater Manchester Police Band under the direction Jonathan Taylor started off the evening’s music with the National Anthem (Gordon Jacob’s Fanfare)  incorporating the Greater Manchester Police Fanfare Trumpets which received a rapturous applause.

Then George Pinnington sang ‘Somewhere’ followed by ‘S’Wonderful’. 
The first half of the programme came to an end with a medley of well known pieces from the hit musical ‘Les Miserables’.

The audience enjoyed an excellent buffet before the concert continued with 
‘Meditation’ played on the violin and received a standing ovation from the audience. The programme continued with ‘Instant Concert’, a medley of 30 well known tunes with a competition won by W/Bro Tommy Spencer for correctly guessing the number of tunes played in this one piece.

The Dam Buster march saw several people imitating aeroplanes and running amuck around the room.

‘Land of Hope and Glory’ was played and the room temperature was rising by the minute before ‘Jerusalem’ was played with the audience standing and singing
(see the video – ‘Land of Hope & Glory’)

The evening was drawn to a close with the national anthem and another standing ovation.

The event raised the magnificent sum of £735 for the 2015 festival

To watch the "Land of Hope and Glory" video, Click here

A Night To Remember

On Tuesday 21st May 2103, at a special meeting of Charity Lodge No 3342 in the Rochdale Masonic Buildings, Rochdale  the assembled brethren witnessed a one in a lifetime event, WBro Alexander Sillars McLaren PSGD, the APGM for the Eastern Area of The Grand Lodge of East Lancashire retired and WBro John Christopher Welton PProvSGW was installed in his place.

The Provincial Delegation

The Lodge was opened in due form the minutes read and confirmed. An alarm was sounded and the ProvGDC WBro Wesley Marchant was admitted and announced that the PGM RWBro Sir David Trippier RD,JP,DL., accompanied by a Provincial Deputation demanded admission.

The PGM VWBro Sir David Trippier with APGM WBro John Christopher Welton

The PGM and the provincial Deputation were admitted.

The WM, WBro Eric Crabtree offered the gavel to the PGM and on this occasion he accepted.

The PGM addressed the brethren before introducing the members of the deputation.

The PGM then invested WBro John Christopher Welton PProvSGW as Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire.

The PGM than presented a collarets to the retiring ProvAPGM, WBro Alex Sillars Mclaren.

After a collection of alms, The PGM and the Deputation retired from the lodge.

WBro Alex McLaren, retiring APGM and the PGM RWBro Sir David Trippier.

At the festive board a total of 134 brethren dined, the room looked resplendent, and the chatter of the brethren was incredibly noisy.

The PGM’s reply to his toast was witty and humorous but above very serious in its content for which he received a lengthy ovation.

The reply to the Provincial Grand Officers of East Lancashire was given by the newly installed APGM, WBro John Christopher Welton who stated that he would serve the Oldham and Rochdale Districts to the best of his abilities for which he also received a lengthy ovation.

A truly wonderful night of Masonic brotherhood that will be remembered with fond memories by all who were present, ending as always with the Tyler’s toast

WBro James Wallace PProvJGD celebrates 60 years as a Freemason

A celebration of 60 years as a Freemason is very special, and to mark the occasion the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Derek Nelson Thornhill, JP, PGSwdB, accompanied by a Provincial and District Deputation visited Liberty Lodge No 5573 on the 14th May 2013.

After the Lodge was opened and the Minutes confirmed the DepPGM and the Delegation were admitted into the Lodge.
The WM, Bro Victor Howarth, welcomed the APGM and offered him the gavel and on this occasion the DepPGM accepted.
The Lodge Secretary, Bro Paul Roberts, then read the minutes from the Installation Meeting of WBro James Wallace.
WBro Harry Bell then delivered a tribute to WBro Wallace who became a freemason in 1953 joining Govan Lodge in Glasgow.
Jim met his wife, Jean, whilst on holiday in the Isle of Man and moved to Middleton. He joined Liberty Lodge and attained the Chair of King Solomon in 1997, and is a member of many other orders of freemasonry.
The DepPGM, VWBro Derek Thornhill, then addressed the brethren before presenting WBro Wallace with an Illuminated Certificate from the PGM, Sir David Trippier, to mark the occasion.
The APGM WBro Alex MaClaren then presented WBro Wallace with an Illuminated Certificate from the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The DepProvGDC escorted WBro Wallace around the Lodge Room to the acclaim of the brethren.
The DepPGM and the Delegations then retired from Lodge accompanied by WBro Wallace.

  Members of the Provincial Delegation with WBro James Wallace

The DepPGM, VWBro Thornhill with WBro Wallace, APGM, WBro McLaren and WM, Bro Howarth

The Festive Board that followed was a happy affair, after the delicious meal the toasts were honoured and the DepPGM gave an excellent and humorous reply to toasts 3, 4 & 5. The next toast was to The WM, followed by the most important toast of the evening to WBro James Wallace PProvJGD which was given by WBro George Piltch. 
There was a certain amount of friendly rivalry as WBro Piltch hailed from Edinburgh and WBro Wallace came from Glasgow. WBro Piltch concluded his toast with a hilarious monologue.
In replying WBro Wallace made references to his happy times with Liberty Lodge and the many other degree’s in which he is a member, not to be outdone, he finished on a high with a short poem.                                               
The assembled brethren rose to their feet and gave WBro Wallace a rousing ovation.         

                                At the Festive Board  L to R  - DepPGM, VWBro Derek Thornhill, WBro James Wallace and  the WM, Bro Victor Howarth

The Festive Board

As always another splendid evening was brought to an end with the Tyler’s toast.

The District team visit  St Martin’s Lodge No 2320

L to R WBro Alan Barlow (Dep District Chairman), WBro Anthony White (IPM) and Bro Paul Wainwright.

The Rochdale District Team paid a visit to St Martin’s Lodge No 2320 on the 7th May.

WBro Alan Barlow Deputy District Chairman headed the District delegation as The Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt was on other Masonic Business.

The Lodge was opened in due form by The IPM standing in For the WM who had tendered his apologies. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved before an ancient charge and a section of the bye laws were read.

The next item on the summons was the raising of Bro Paul Wainwright, The ceremony was performed by his proposer WBro Anthony White.

The ceremony was excellent, the lodge room in Rochdale is a very large room and the clarity of WBro White’s voice was truly outstanding and, along with the brethren taking part in the ceremony, every word could be heard.

The festive board was excellent and noisy, After the toasts WBro Barlow addressed the brethren and gave the dates of various events for their diaries.

Bro White proposed the toast to the newly raised brother and Bro Wainwgright’s response was truly outstanding.

The many visitors on the evening came from as far away as Hull, The toast was given by WBro Phillip Norbury and the reply given by WBro J Lord a member of  Egerton Lodge No1392 in Bury

The Raffle prize,’A selection of meats’ was donated by WBro Liam Bell a butcher, and was won by the lodge Almoner  WBro Keith Broadbent.

Rochdale District Circuit

L to R - WBro John Lees, WM, WBro Ken Greer (The Rochdale Lodge)
and WBro Tony Gillard, IPM

The Worshipful Masters of Lodges in the Rochdale District who attend all the District Installation Meetings form long friendships with Masters of the other Lodges in the District.  From this connection, the current WM of Probity & Freedom Lodge No 367 invited the now IPM of The Rochdale Lodge No 6721 to present the First Degree Tracing Board to members of his lodge
WBro Ken Greer, who has occupied the chair of King Solomon for two years, concurrently with the WM and IPM of P&F Lodge, gratefully accepted the offer and, together with 7 members of The Rochdale Lodge, attended the P&F meeting on the 11th April.
Ken who has the reputation in the Rochdale Lodge of having a photographic memory delivered a superb rendering of the 1st Degree Tracing Board after which he was accorded a spontaneous ovation.
The Festive Board was a noisy and jolly affair and thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The next meeting of the brethren of both Lodges and also members of Hope Lodge No 54 will be a Ten Pin Bowling Challenge at the ‘Strike Ten’ Bowling Alley in Rochdale on the 17th May  - and may the best team win!

50 Years in Masonry - WBro James Marsh PProvGSuptWks

The APGM, WBro Alex McLaren with WBro Jim Marsh holding his certificate and Members of the Lodge

On Wednesday 10th April, WBro Jim Marsh celebrated 50 years as a member of the craft. The Lodge of Friendship No 277 originally met at Oldham but now has its home in Rochdale.

The Lodge was opened in due form and the Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. The next item on the summons was to receive the APGM WBro Alex S McLaren accompanied by a District Delegation.

The APGM was offered the gavel by the WM, WBro Roger Fielding and on this occasion he accepted andintroduced the members of the delegation. The APGM spoke of the year when WBro Marsh was born and pointed out many significant events that took place that year which included amongst many others the first Atlantic flight
from New York to Paris by Charles Lindberg.

WBro Stuart Booth then read  minutes of the Initiation and Installation Meetings of WBro Marsh.

LtoR - Bro Michael Partington (grandson), APGM WBro Alex McLaren,
WBro Jim Marsh, WBro Roger Fielding, WM and WBro Garth Green (nephew)

The APGM then presented WBro Marsh with an illuminated certificate to mark the occasion from the Provincial Grand Master RWBro Sir David Trippier.
To mark the occasion a donation to the 2105 festival was presented to the APGM. The APGM and District Delegation then retired.

At the festive board the WBro Marsh replied to the toast and recalled many significant events in the 50 years he has been a member of the Lodge of Friendship.
He presented all the brethren with an inscribed whisky tumbler to mark the occasion and charged them with a tot of whisky.

WBro Jim Marsh replying to his toast

The following article and photo appeared in:
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines

Freemasonry and the Mayor’s Charity Appeal

Ken Davies, MBE, and Joan Davies, The Mayor of Rochdale,
Councillor James Gartside, Sandra Hewitt and Peter Hewitt

One of the first tasks Councillor James Gartside had when he was elected Mayor of Rochdale was to form a Fund Raising Committee of some 10 people responsible for promoted events throughout the Borough with any proceeds being directed to the Mayor’s chosen charities for his year, Parkinsons UK (Rochdale Branch), Rochdale Blind Welfare Society and Springhill Hospice.

Two of the Committee Members, Ken Davies, MBE and Peter Hewitt, were co-opted from the Rochdale Freemasons and tasked with help to organise a couple of events which, to the delight of the Mayor, managed to raise £5,000 for his fund.

The events included the staging of a North West Film Première of the Dustin Hoffman directed film ‘Quartet’, which was shown at the Odeon Cinema in Rochdale, the other event being a Speakers Dinner held at the Masonic Hall with guest speakers Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL and the former Chief Superintendent of Greater Manchester Police, Lilian King, QPM, MA. Both events were tremendously well supported.

Over the past three years the Freemasons of Rochdale, which includes the towns of Bacup and Todmorden, have donated in excess of £80,000 to local good causes. This has been achieved through a membership of some 500 Freemasons in the Rochdale District.

There will always be a warm welcome extended to men wishing to join, or re-join, any of the lodges of Rochdale and expressions of interest can be forwarded to:

chairman@rochdalemasonic.org.uk

Rochdale District Masonic Fellowship

On Friday 12th April the Rochdale District Masonic Fellowship held their Annual Ladies Evening at the Masonic Hall, Rochdale with an attendance of just over 60 members and guests.

The Chairman of the Fellowship, WBro David Pawson, welcomed everyone to the Ladies Evening and the proceedings then commenced with the tradition of the lighting of Three Candles to represent the three Aims of the Fellowship which are; ‘to please’,’ to be happy in ones self’ and ‘to share happiness with others’.

The guests then enjoyed lovely four-course meal with background music played on the piano by Mrs Laura Pike.

'Drawing of the Staff Raffle’ – Mrs Sue Pawson

Following the Loyal Toast the Rochdale District Chairman, WBro Peter G Hewitt, the proposed a Toast to ‘The Rochdale District Masonic Fellowship’ in which he referred to the foresight of the Founders and the excellence of the work that the Committee over the 32 years of the Fellowship. The response from all the guests was to stand and sing three rousing choruses of ‘We will have Fellowship’.

It was then the turn of WBro Ed Blundell to propose a well prepared and researched Toast to ‘The Ladies’.  His quotes and anecdotes had the audience in stitches and it some time to resume order to enable the proceedings to continue.

‘Response to the Ladies Toast’ – Councillor A Stott

Before delivering the Ladies song, WBro Ian Raynor sang two beautiful songs from Les Misérables; ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ to the absolute delight of all present.

On behalf of all the ladies, Councillor Ann Stott JP, a member of the Fellowship, gave a lovely response to WBro Blundell’s toast and paid tribute to the singing of WBroRaynor and accompanist Mr Laura Pike.

After all the formalities, Entertainment was provided by Kevin Antony with his rendition of songs from the past six decades or so which was greatly appreciated by all present.

Entertainer Kevin Antony

A superb evening thanks in no small measure to the work of Susan & David Pawson and their very supportive Committee.

District Team Visit The Lodge of Prudence No 219

L to R,   Bro Alan Fielder, SW,  Bro Martin Francis Holland,  WBro Kenneth Lambshead, DC, 
WBro Michael Boxall, JW,  WBro Clive Hartley, WM  &  WBro Phillp Rawes, IPM

The first District Team Visit of April was to the regular meeting of the Lodge of Prudence No 219 at the Masonic Hall, Todmorden, where the Team received a most cordial and fraternal welcome by all members of this re-vitalised Lodge.

Once the Lodge had been formally opened the Worshipful Master welcomed the Rochdale District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, and his District Officers and requested WBro Hewitt introduced the members of the Team to the brethren which he did with pleasure.

The principal item of business of the evening was to initiate Mr Martin Francis Holland into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry by the Worshipful Master, WBro Clive Hartley, and his team of well-rehearsed Officers.  The ceremony was executed in a most exemplary manner by all concerned and included a wonderful delivery of the First Degree Charge by Bro John Cockcroft.

Both the Ceremony and the Social Board were overseen by Lodge Director of Ceremonies, WBro Kenneth Lambshead, in a most dignified manner.  At the Social Board Bro Darren Widdup, Inner Guard of the Lodge and the candidates ‘proposer’, delivered a humorous yet pertinent Toast to Bro Holland who, in turn, responded in a most appropriate manner.

A wonderful meal was served by the Hall’s catering staff, which thoroughly complimented the evening to make it a most enjoyable evening of masonry and fellowship - despite the extreme cold weather outside.

The Rochdale District Quiz Night 2013

The team told to ‘brush up’ their act

Twenty teams of Rochdale masons and their friends enjoyed the third annual “Fun Quiz” evening at Richard Street on Friday 15th March 2013.

The questions and answers were posed by WBro Chris Henthorn, aka “Chris Britten”, his presentation and humorous antics kept all the brethren and their ladies laughing and attentive for the whole evening’s proceedings.

During an interval, Chef Martin and his staff served up delicious buffet meals including Meat & Potato Pie and spicy Chicken Curry to keep all the quiz participants working on top form.

After the break it was back to the Quiz which ended with the overall winner being declared as a team from Naphtali Lodge No 266, besides keeping the trophy until the 2014 Quiz, each member of the team received a bottle of wine to celebrate.

The winners of the ‘loo brushes’ was the team headed by our District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, who promised to ‘brush up’ their act for next years quiz.

WBro Reg Foster  with the Winning Team from Naphtali Lodge No 266

The winners of the ‘loo brushes’ was the team headed by our District Chairman, WBro Peter Hewitt, who promised to ‘brush up’ their act for next years quiz.

In presenting the Rochdale District Committee trophy to the winners the organiser, WBro Reg Foster the District Festival Representative, commented that he hoped everyone would come back next year to compete for the trophy once again

A raffle was held for prizes, donated by a number of brethren and overall the evening raised over £500 which will be donated to the East Lancashire RMBI 2015 Festival appeal.

WBro Reg rounded off the evening’s proceedings by thanking everyone for coming and for their generosity and especially Chris Britten for the quiz (which was definitely harder than last year).

Rochdale District Hosted Meeting 2013

L to R: WBro Peter G Hewitt, Rochdale District Chairman,  Bro John Lee, WM  of  P&F Lodge 
The PGM RWBro Sir David Trippier and the Eastern Area APGM WBro Alex McLaren

This year’s meeting was hosted by Probity &  Freedom Lodge No 347 which was founded
December 1821 in Burnley and moved to Rochdale in 1886.
Every Lodge in the Rochdale District was represented with almost 150 brethren in the Lodge Room.

The Lodge was opened in due form and after the Minutes had been read and approved the
Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire RWBro Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL, accompanied by a Provincial Delegation including The APGM WBro Alex McLaren, The APGP WBro Ed Cheadle and the Rochdale District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt were received into to the Lodge.

The WM, Bro John Lees, welcomed the RW PGM and his Delegation and offered him the gavel which on this occasion the PGM accepted.

Sir David said he was delighted to be in Rochdale, the home town of his own Lodge and introduced the Delegation.

The next item on the summons was a short paper delivered by WBro John Spencer Buckley, a past master of Arthur Sullivan Lodge No 2156 which meets in Middleton.
The paper entitled ‘St Edmunds Church, Falinge’ was the winning paper of the 2011 East Lancashire Provincial short paper competition.
St Edmunds Church is a grade A listed building but now disused, it was built in 1882 at a cost of £25,000 (£1.64 million in to-day’s money) by the Royds family of Rochdale and is decorated with masonic symbolism. The benefactor, Albert Hudson Royds became the Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire (1866 to 1878)

WBRo Spencer received a ovation after the he concluded his lecture.

The WM then presented a cheque to The RW PGM for the 2015 festival.

Alms were collected before the PGM and the Provincial Delegation retired from the Lodge.

The Festive board was a splendid affair, where new acquaintances were made and old ones renewed. The RW PGM replied to the toasts in a light hearted manner referring to his sponsored slim for the 2015 festival and received rapturous applause.

The evening was a complete success and the brethren are eagerly awaiting the next hosted meeting with anticipation.

The Communications Officer apologises for the poor quality of the photograph.

WBro Joe puts Pen to Paper

WBro Joe Galvin receiving his Certificate from WBro Fred Lomax

At a recent meeting of The Lodge of Benevolence No 226 WBro Fred Lomax, PProvJGW, the Provincial Grand Orator paid a surprise visit to the Lodge.
Prior to the meeting WBro Lomax had gained permission from the Worshipful Master, WBro Jack Wiggett, to address the members of his Lodge in respect of the 2012 Short Paper Competition.

His wish was to record the fact that WBro Joe Galvin, the IPM of The Lodge of Benevolence had secured the honour of "2012 Certificate of Commendation" with his paper entitled  "My Journey"

After informing the Lodge members, and a visiting deputation of the Rochdale District Team, of Joe’s very commendable submission WBro Lomax then took pleasure in presenting WBro Galvin with a Commemorative Certificate to record this fine achievement

This was met with spontaneous acclaim from the Brethren.

Earlier in the evening WBro Galvin had accepted an invitation from the WM to perform the Raising Ceremony of Bro Alastair Stanley which he did with the skill and expertise that we have all come to expect of WBro Galvin. He was well supported by all Officers of the Lodge.
This was a truly wonderful evening and fine recognition of WBro Galvin’s contribution to Freemasonry and the opportunity to see Joe ‘back in action’.

The Mayor’s Fundraising Dinner

The L to R - J Kenneth Davies MBE (Event Organiser), Mrs Lis Kay, Lilian King QPM, MA (Guest Speaker),
Mayoress of Rochdale, Counc. Jane Gartside, Mayor of Rochdale, Counc. James Gartside,
Sir David Trippier RD, JP, DL (Guest Speaker) Lady Ruth Trippier and Mr John Kay (Chairman Mayors Charity Committee).

The Mayor of Rochdale, WBro Cllr James Gartside, a member of  Keystone Lodge No 363 held a fundraising dinner in support of local charities at Rochdale Masonic Hall on Friday 8 March. The Dinner was organisedby The Rochdale District Charity Committee as part of their commitment to ‘Freemasonry in the Community’.  
Guest speakers were: Sir David Trippier and Lillian King.

Sir David who is the RW PGM for East Lancashire, will be remembered by many as an MP who enjoyed an outstanding political and ministerial career.  He was Minister for Tourism, Small Firms and Enterprise before becoming Minister for Housing, Inner Cities and Construction.  He was then promoted to become the Minister of State for the Environment and Countryside.  Sir David was knighted by the Queen in 1992.

Lillian King served as a Chief Superintendent with Greater Manchester Police; having joined in 1980 she worked in many demanding areas, including Moss Side, before retiring after 30 years service.

Both speakers had the audience in tears of laughter and received outstanding ovations.

The Mayor, WBro Cllr Jim Gartside, said: "I would like to thank Sir David and Lillian for their entertaining anecdotes, it is very kind of them to give up their evening and make tonight a special night "

"I would also like to thank all those who have worked hard to ensure tonight's fund raiser is such a great success, in particular my charity committee and Rochdale District Freemasons,
I appreciate the full house and find it touching to see so many people prepared to help local charities."

The beneficiaries of the fund raising are the Mayor's chosen charities: Springhill Hospice, Rochdale and District Blind Welfare Society and the Rochdale branch of Parkinson's UK.

WM Peter Gobbett with Rochdale's Mayor Jim Gartside

WBro Jim Gartside PProvSGD Long-serving brother, local councillor and now Mayor of Rochdale Metropolitan Borough, Attends Keystone Lodge’s Meeting.
Rochdale's Mayor 'Gentleman Jim ' Gartside started by giving a warm thank you to all Keystone members and fellow masons for their support. He stated that most British mayors wear a collar of office, and new ones are still designed for new municipalities. He then gave a detailed description on the Chain of his office which was especially created in 1974/75 based on ideas from the school children of Rochdale.

The shield is green with a white wave running down the middle on which is a canting roach, also representing the Roch Valley. The shield represents a new Rochdale authority consisting of six Lancashire areas: the rest represents local industries through emblems derived from the Rochdale arms; The border shows six red roses, the rose being a symbol of Lancashire. The supporter on the left is the golden eagle of Rome, commemorating the famous relics of the Roman occupation of this region - the road over Blackstone Edge. This is shown laid on a base of Pennine moorland on which the whole coat-of­arms stands and takes the place of a motto on a scroll.
Judging by the thunderous applause at the end of his address, the audience appreciated WBro Gartsides presentation

Festive Board
At the Festive board, further Mayoral books were on display for all to examine

An Unforgettable Installation

The Lodge of Harmony – 6th February 2013

The installation meeting of the Lodge of Harmony No 298 was a very special and memorable meeting. The representative of the Provincial Grand Master was in fact the Provincial Grand Master himself!

 LtoR, WBro Dr Philip Rowlands, (IPM),  RW PGM, Sir David Trippier and WBro Bernard Percy (WM)

The reason came about as the retiring WM Bro Dr Philip Rowlands was formally the family doctor of the Trippier family and as such has known Sir David for many, many years.
Dr  Rowlands joined freemasonry in South Wales some 56 years ago and continued as a member of this Lodge (even though he had moved to Rochdale almost 50 years ago) until joining Harmony Lodge in 2008. The members of Harmony Lodge voted him as Master elect in 2012.
It was only by chance that the PGM became aware the Dr Rowlands was a member of the craft, and as a result Dr Rowlands invited him to a meeting of The Lodge of Harmony which the PGM accepted.
The Installation was a splendid ceremony and thoroughly enjoyed by all the brethren present.
The Provincial Grand Master and his delegation brought a touch of pageantry and grandeur to the occasion which will be remembered by all present for many years to come, particularly WBro Rowlands.

The Members of The Lodge of Harmony No 298 and the Provincial Deputation

At the festive board the Newly Installed WM, WBro Bernard Percy, paid a great tribute to his new IPM who carried out his duties with great pride and enthusiasm whilst not enjoying the best of health.
The Brethren of Rochdale all know and respect WBro Percy who, during his previous year of office, attended every Installation Meeting of the Rochdale District Lodges and many, many social events.  To have an Installation Meeting with in excess of 80 brethren present testifies to this great respect.  Bernard is very lucky to have 100% support in all his endeavours from his partner, Elaine.
Elaine and Bernard will have a very full year for he is determined that every member of The Lodge of Harmony will enjoy his year to the full.

The Festive Board was a jolly and lively affair

DC Workshop held in Rochdale - 1st February 2013

A workshop for Directors of Ceremonies was held at Richard Street in Rochdale on Friday 1st February, DC’s, Assistant DC’s and future DC’s  from the Oldham & Rochdale districts totalling 60 plus attended.
WBro Joe Glass gave an introduction before the attendees were split into two groups.
Under the guidance of WBro Glass & WBro Duncan Ferguson, each group going into separate lodge rooms where the one session comprised of correct Salutations, Perambulations, etc., whilst the other session highlighted the DC’s responsibility ensuring that all Lodge Officers were aware of their respective roles.

In the Lodge Room

L to R - WBro David Dunn, Oldham District Chairman, WBro Ivan Eastwood, WBro Tony Costello, WBro Chris Welton,  WBro Joe Glass,
WBro Duncan Fergusson, WBro Alex McLaren (APGM Eastern Area), WBro Wesley Marchant  and WBro Peter Hewitt, Rochdale District Chairman.

The two groups then interchanged.
The third and final session was introduced and conducted by WBro Tony Costello and addressed the DC’s control of the Festive Board.
The workshop was an excellent opportunity for all the participants to meet with other DC’s and exchange experiences that they have gained over time.

The meeting was closed at around 9.30pm by the APGM, WBro Alex McLaren who said it was fantastic to see such a wonderful turnout that showed the commitment of the brethren present before thanking the Workshop Team, the DC’s, ADC’s and the prospective DC’s for their attendance.

The District Team take a Sojourn to Bacup

EComp Ed Cheadle, APGP, WBro Brian Gilman, DC, WBro Raymond Cross, Master in the Chair &  WBro Peter Hewitt, District Chairman

On Thursday 31st January the Rochdale District Team took delight in paying their annual visit to Roclyffe Lodge No 5198 at Bacup where they were very warmly received by all members of the Lodge.

After the Lodge was opened and the District Team had been welcomed by WBro Raymond Cross (who stood in for the WM, WBro Chris Lamb who had been detained on business). WBro Alan Butterworth, PProvDepGSwdB (JW) presented a most interesting paper developed by WBro Kent Henderson and which depicted the uses and moral signification’s of the Working Tools of the First Degree.

The Lodge DC, WBro Brian Gilman conducted the Social Board in a very efficient manner, and with the humorous banter one expects from such a friendly Lodge!  A magnificent meal was served and to everyone’s complete satisfaction.

The APGP, District Mentor, Communications Officer, 2015 Festival Officer and District Chairman all addressed the Brethren during the Social Board and, would you believe, two of the raffle prizes where won by members of the District Team for the second year running - to the obvious delight (?) of the Lodge Members!

Royds Lodge No 816 supporting the
Leonard Cheshire Home in Littleborough

W Bro. Stephen Lawlor- Charity Steward with Home manager Jan Philips

Royds Lodge No 816 have supported the Leonard Cheshire Home in Littleborough with financial donations for many years and were invited to attend their Christmas dinner on the 20th December.
The charity steward W Bro. Stephen Lawlor along with W Bro. David Law accepted the invitation and where treated to a very pleasant couple of hours in the company of the staff & residents. A very ample buffet & outstanding entertainment left us in no doubt that they would be well looked after during the forth coming festive season.
Whilst on our visit we became aware that a former member of Royds Lodge No 816, is now one of the residents - Garry King. We where heartened to see that he was in good form and enjoying the occasion (as well as a small beer!)
We also used the invitation to present the home with a small donation, which was gratefully received by the management.
The home are planning a few fund raising events during the year, one of which is a real ale festival, 

         WATCH THIS SPACE!

The First District Team Visit of 2013

The WM, WBro Stephen Holt and the District Chairman WBro Peter Hewitt.

The first visit by the District Team in 2013 was on a cold and frosty night and was to St Chad’s Lodge No1129. On this occasion several Acting Provincial Officers accompanied us. Also present was WBro Eric Crabtree who is acting as the liaison officer for the forthcoming Rochdale Flower Festival in 2014 in support of the 2015 festival.
The lodge was opened in due form and the WM welcomed the District Chairman who then introduced the members of the team.
The minutes were approved and the correspondence read before the WM, WBro Stephen Holt gave a talk on a visit to United States of America were they had visited the Grand Lodge of Boston in Massachusetts. The visit only took place by pure chance as one of the party, WBro Paul Holt had spotted the Masonic Building whilst passing on a tour of Boston by Bus. The talk was illustrated by slides and notes that had been given to the brethren which included a history of the Grand Lodge of Boston, a plan of the Orders of Masonry and a very comprehensive list of famous freemasons.
The festive board that followed was excellent. In replying to the toast to the visitors WBro Bernard Percy, acting Provincial Junior Grand Deacon congratulated the WM on a most enlightening talk that he had given.

The WM, WBro Stephen Holt presenting the District Communication Officer
WBro Dave Garnett with the Raffle prize.

The District Communication Officer had decided on this occasion that he would take a photograph of the winner of the raffle, you can imagine his surprise when the District Chairman drew his number.
The evening was another example of the merits of being a freemason, an excellent lodge meeting followed by a Festive Board where old and new friends shared an evening of friendship and fun.

New  Year’s Eve at Richard Street.

WBro Ken Davies being shown how to sweep-up by Sue Hawkes

The event was once again a complete sell-out, This year’s event was organised and compèred by WBro Bernard Percy  (secretary & treasurer of the Rochdale District Social Committee). His boss, WBro Ken Davies, was relegated to the Cinderella role of sweeping the floor.

The entertainment for the evening was the duo 'Sarrema' who were fantastic, this being their sixth year as the resident band.

Yvonne and Pete Shaw of 'Sarrema'

An excellent meal consisted of choice of Soup, Poached Salmon, Champagne Sorbet, Roast Sirloin Beef with all the trimmings, a choice of Sweet, Cheeseboard, Coffee & Mints. The price for the New Year’s Eve party was a steal.

A Raffle for good causes was held, which was drawn by WBro Martin Roche and his wife Janet, and raised a magnificent total of £650.00
On the stoke of midnight hundreds of balloons were released to the delight of the revellers.

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