News from Rossendale District

On Friday 5 February the District Chairman, WBro John Farrington, accompanied by the District Charity Steward, WBro Dave Law and the District Communications Officer, WBro Peter Brennand visited the Rossendale Hospice.

Left to right Irene Smith Manager, Julie Openshaw Day Therapy Team Leader, Michael Flannery Day volunteer and Pam Connell SRN Day Therapy

Whilst the primary purpose of the visit was to present a cheque for £1000 from Grand Charity, part of the annual giving from Grand Charity for Hospice Care nationwide of over half a million pounds, those present also took the opportunity to receive an update on the Hospices forthcoming move to new premises.

On 16 April the Hospice will relocate from its present home to a new Health Centre on Bacup Road in Rawtenstall where they will occupy part of the top floor of a brand new building. This will enable them to work with other health professionals and to provide a more complete service to the residents of Rossendale. It will also mean that their services can be further developed and offered five days per week as opposed to the four days that the unit presently operates.

Although the District had offered some assistance in making the move this unfortunately will not be able to be taken up. The Primary Care Trust is planning and organising those activities in great detail and will actually facilitate the whole operation at the time. This is understandable given present legislative restrictions!

During discussions Irene Smith, the Manager of the Hospice advised that the annual running costs at the Hospice are in the region of £650K of which approximately £120K is provided by the PCT. They are therefore extremely grateful for the donation made and also the general support provided by Freemasons. As we are all aware generating income in the present economic climate is an increasing problem.

It was suggested that the monies donated by Grand Charity might be used in a way that would and demonstrate this support to the users of the facility. Irene undertook to consider how this objective could best be achieved and to return to us with some ideas.

We wish the Hospice well with the move and hope that they are able to continue to provide the excellent levels of care to those in the Valley who need their assistance.

A meeting for Rossendale District New Members, (those initiated within the last three years) was held at Ash Day Lea, Rawtenstall on Tuesday 2nd February 2010. The evening was particularly well attended with fifteen New Members from Lodges across the District present. In addition two apologies had been received. A great turn out!

During the welcome and introductions the work undertaken by WBro Nick Pearson, the previous District Mentor was referred to and acknowledged. At the meeting we were especially privileged to be joined by our District Chairman WBro. John Farrington and delighted to welcome our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Northern Area Number 2 WBro. Martin Roche. Bro Roche despite promising to ‘sit on his hands!’ joined in fully contributing hugely to the evening with some extremely informative and entertaining reasoning in the lively open forum.

During the evening members were asked to reflect on their Masonic journeys thus far, discuss how it was going and the support they needed/were receiving and to share their view with each other. As one might expect, given the work that has previously taken place with some of these Brethren, the conversation was frank and extremely positive and very useful.

All agreed that the evening had been very worthwhile and a further meeting will be planned for the summer.

WBro John S. Ellis PPSGD District Mentor

Organised by the Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge No 1504 Ladies Committee over 60 members and friends attended Padiham Masonic Hall on Saturday 23rd January and enjoyed a magnificent Burns supper of Scotch broth, Haggis with neeps and tatties, Roast Beef and Vegetables followed by trifle and then cheese and biscuits.

WBro WTK Black gave the address to the Haggis in what can only be described as interesting and competent manor, (For those that understood the old dialect). After the meal the guests were treated to a description of the short but bountiful life Robert Burns 1759 – 1796 by Bro Norman Wharf the Worshipful Master who also proposed the toast to the Lassies. A raffle raised £170 for charity which will be designated during the next Worshipful Masters Year.

If you had been at Holmroyd, Bacup, for the installation of WBro Andrew Marsh on 17th November 2009 you may have thought it was a case of déjà vu because in 2007 he was first installed by his father WBro Peter Marsh PPSGD (which was in itself a unique occasion for the lodge), but on the 17 th November 2009 he was re-installed into the Chair of King Solomon again by his father who acted as Installing Master (what would be the odds on that).

This all came about due to the unavailability of the existing Worshipful Master WBro Mark Doyle to attend meetings due to his heavy work commitments in Scotland. Andrew volunteered for a second year in office to fill the gap until the next Warden will be qualified for the Chair.
An excellent evening was had by all, enhanced by the bonus of hot pies at “half time”.

The Lodge also enjoyed the company of WBro Ed Cheadle PAGDC APGPs who was representing the RW Provincial Grand Master.

The Picture is WBro Ed Cheadle PAGDC, WBro Andrew Marsh Worshipful Master and his father WBro Peter Marsh PPSGD.

It was on the 25th November 1959 that WBro Alan Speak became the first of three to be initiated into Huntroyd Lodge No 6385 by his Father the then Worshipful Master who had become a member of the lodge soon after its consecration in 1947. This finely made Huntroyd Lodge a family affair as Alan’s uncle WBro H Speak PPAGDC who was Worshipful Master in 1968 was also a member. Alan is shown below with the WM and members of Huntroyd Lodge.

WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD Assistant Provincial Grand Master who was accompanied by colleagues of United Grand Lodge, Rossendale District Chairman John Farrington and a District Delegation read a letter from The Provincial Grand Master RWBro Jack Price and presented Alan with his certificate commemorating 50 years. The photo below shows WBro Sutcliffe congratulating Alan.

Alan was installed into the Chair of King Solomon in 1972, it was in that year he initiated his brother who now lives in Aylesbury but was unable to attend the celebrations due to ill health. Since then Alan has taken an active part in the lodge becoming Chaplain immediately after being IPM. A position he held for some years. At present he is Lodge Treasurer. He was appointed PProvGSuptWks in 1988 and promoted to PPJGW in 2000. It was with great pride that in the same year he initiated his son Chris in to Freemasonry and seeing him installed into the Chair of King Solomon brought Alan added joy. That joy increased when Chris was appointed to ProvGStwd last week at Provincial Grand Lodge. Alan said he was the proudest man in the room that day. See photo below.

As a local butcher Alan has made friends with people from all walks of life probably due to his wicked sense of humour which is renown at Padiham and throughout the Rossendale District, this being the hallmark of his attitude to life and to freemasonry, taking things seriously when necessary and enjoying himself all the time.

The Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge No 1504 were the hosts for the third meeting which was attended by Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe, Rossendale District Chairman, John Farrington, WBro Ed Cheadle and a delegation of District Officers and Officers of the year.

With fifty nine brethren in total listening Brothers Steven Irving, Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge, Mario Lapresti, Royds Lodge and Craig Grime of Calder Lodge, who had stepped in to help out as Brothers Alan Dunnicliffe Abbey Lodge and Martin Gill Royds Lodge were on holiday, talked about their experiences and expectations of their first 18 Months in Freemasonry. Encouraged by what they had heard some of the Brethren shared their own early experiences of early Freemasonry particularly our APGM and District Charity Steward. A friendly discussion about the rolls of Proposers, Seconders and Mentors ensued.

The photo on the left shows (Left to Right) Bro Mario Lapresti,WBro James Sutcliffe APGM,Bro Craig Grime and Bro Steven Irving

The three speaker’s certainly rekindled memories for some of the Brethren present, this being evident by the number of nodding heads visible around the lodge.

A special thank you to the three participating Brethren was given by WBro Sutcliffe and WBro Farrington.
A feast of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puds was enjoyed by some 50 brethren at the Social Board.

On Wednesday the 7th of October 2009 the Duke of Lancaster Lodge No, 4207 held their installation at Ashday Lea in Rawtenstall when W.Bro, John Radford P.Prov.JGD was installed as WM.

Ten brethren from the older Duke of Lancaster Lodge no, 1353 which meets in Lancaster attended the installation and the photograph shows members of the two lodges in the lodge room after the installation.

The front row is, from left to right WBro. Paul Lambert Senior Warden 4207, WBro. Derek Pilling 4207, WBro. John Radford WM 4207,
WBro Phil Young IPM 1353, W.Bro. James Sutcliffe APGM, WBro. Roland TaylorJunior Warden 4207

During the past year the two lodges have instigated exchange visits with great success and hope to continue these in the future building a closer relationship between the brethren.

Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall was the venue for this year's District Quiz which was once again organised by District Charity Steward Dave Law on Friday 25 th September 2009.

Over 50 Masons and friends made up the ten teams, representing each of the five Halls in the District, enjoyed a relaxed evening competing for that illustrious first prize, six bottles of Morrison's finest (Cheapest). Quiz Master Geoff Haworth assisted by Glenys, who acted as the independent score keeper, posed some thought provoking questions. Not everyone, however, agreed with some of his answers and had to be reminded that the answer in the book was the correct one.

Whalley Wizards (wonder where they came from) were the overall winners with 75.5 followed closely by the Wine Gums from Rawtenstall. The Knicker Bocker Glories however didn't fair quite so well with only 45.5 points. Unfortunately the Red Rose Samaritans team who were the obvious favourites to win the crown could only manage a meagre 55.5 (better luck next time).

£160 was raised by a raffle which will be placed into the District Pot along with the proceeds of the Sponsored walk to be donated on our Annual Giving Night. The evening was enhanced by a superb homemade potato pie with (real) mushy peas supplied by Ellen and Steve from Ashday Lea.

Photo 1 Shows the winning Team being presented with their Prize By WBro Dave Law District Charity Steward.

The Second hosted meeting of the season was held on Thursday 24th September at Roclyffe Lodge No 5198, Bacup Masonic Hall. A smaller delegation than previously was led by WBro James Sutcliffe APGM. Once again the four Brethren gave descriptions of how they found their First Eighteen months in Freemasonry. Although fewer questions were posed some good observations were made by members of Roclyffe Lodge.

That it could be useful to use the theme of this meeting during recruitment drives and that the concerns of some of the brethren about being pressured into learning ritual was well founded, as unlike many years ago when Masons could close their office doors and learn some ritual on the pretence of writing letters, today's new members find themselves in a faster moving environment both at home and work.

A huge thank you has to be given to Roclyffe Lodge members for the warm welcome extended to all the visitors and also to the catering staff for a fantastic meal of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puds, not forgetting the Chocolate Gateaux.

Lodge Mentors Meeting – Monday 14 September 2009 – Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall
“doing nothing is not an option”

The meeting was opened by the District Chairmen WBro John Farrington who paid tribute to the work on Mentoring started in the Rossendale District by WBro Nick Pearson, the previous District Mentor, who had sadly passed away on 19 July 2009.
The Chairman also introduced WBro Martin Roche, the recently appointed Provincial Grand Mentor. WBro Roche was congratulated on his appointment and the best wishes of the District were given in his role. WBro John S Ellis was also introduced as the newly appointed District Mentor. John is of course well known to the Brethren having previously acted as the Membership Officer. As is the case in many Districts the two roles will now be combined.

WBro Ellis informed those present that the Provincial Grand Mentor had attended the APGM’s Northern Area Cabinet Meeting in late June and had explained to the District Officers from both Rossendale and Burnley and Pendle his future role and aspirations. Whilst Martin was present this evening it fell to John to communicate that information. WBro Roche would then pick up any additional issues.

A brief presentation followed that covered all the relevant points and the requirements of the Mentors Team going forward. This began with a review of the work already undertaken in the District and the progress that has been made. Specific reference was made to the last three rounds of Hosted Meetings, all of which had been connected to the Mentoring theme.
Following this presentation the Provincial Grand Mentor addressed the group and delivered a number of very simple massages. He emphasised that he had no wish to over complicate either, his own or the Lodge Mentors role; he just wanted Brethren to honour the various commitments they had made in Masonry to care for and look after each other in whatever form that took. This approach and the passion with which he delivered his message were very much appreciated by all in attendance and a lively general discussion ensued. During the debate Mentors were asked to consider positive steps that they would take in their own Lodges.

At the conclusion of the meeting WBro Roche offered his service and that of the District Mentor to support and assist with any activities that Lodges may want to implement. He congratulated those present and the District on the progress already made and on the excellent attendance that evening (13 Lodges were represented and 2 apologies had been received). It was agreed by all that this had been an interesting, enjoyable and worthwhile evening and the momentum must be maintained.

Having thanked WBro Roche for his input and guidance the formal part of the evening concluded but discussion went on for some time over light refreshments, testimony to the success of the night.

Photo: Provincial Mentor WBro Martin Roche, District Chairman WBro John Farrington, District Mentor John Ellis and Lodge Mentors.

A Hosted Meeting, held at the Lodge of Tranquility, No. 274, took place at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall, on 7th. September, 2009. W.Bro James Sutcliffe, APGM, together with a District delegation were in attendance and all were made very welcome by the Brethren.

W.Bro Sutcliffe led a discussion entitled "My First Eighteen Months in Freemasonry", bringing up a number of points for consideration by all present. Many issues were then raised by four Brethren who had recently joined our ranks. They are Bro Steve Irwin (Red Rose of Lancaster, 1504), Bro Alan Dunnicliff (Abbey 2529), Bro Mario Lopresti and Bro Martin Gill (both of Royds Lodge, 816). Their individual and joint contributions, while highlighting certain misgivings early in their Masonic careers, clearly showed their deep and abiding commitment to the Craft. After a number of questions and a healthy discussion, they were thanked by W.Bro Sutcliffe, whilst the remainder of the Brethren showed great appreciation.

Pictured in the centre is the Bro Robert Russell WM of the Lodge of Tranquility No 274 with WBro James Sutcliffe APGM to his left and WBro Ed Cheadle APGPs and WBRo John Farrington District Chairman to his right

A member of Tranquility, Bro. Lee Travis(see below), then presented a cheque to W.Bro Sutcliffe, for the sum of £250-00 for ELMC, this being derived from sponsorship for a skydive from 12000 feet, a magnificent personal effort, for which he was warmly thanked. This was then followed by a sumptuous Festive Board, rounding off a wonderful evening of Masonic fellowship.

On the 5th of June Bro Lee Travis of Grants Lodge No 8825 made his first ever parachute jump with the Black Knights at their base in Cockerham. After a short training session Lee was introduced to the instructor he would be strapped to, a person luckily who had completed in excess of 4300 jumps.
After a short wait, he was given the nod to get changed.’ I have to admit, I was pretty nervous and had lost all colour in my face by this time!’ said Lee. Along with 7 others he boarded the plane which rose to 14000 feet.’ I was out first, so strapped to the guy who was then in charge of my life I edged forwards, dangled out of the door. 3-2-1 and before I knew it I was out of the plane and hurtling towards the earth at 200 mph!!! The initial sensation was more extreme than any theme park ride I have ever been on after about 3 seconds a small chute was deployed so we could free-fall at about 120 mph; I managed to compose myself to be aware of my surroundings.

Breathing was challenging as you can imagine, but it was the most intense and exhilarating 25-30 seconds of my life. Then before I knew it the main parachute opened (to my relief!) I felt my heart pounding out of my chest from moving at such speed to a now relaxing descent. I could now catch my breath and take in the world from the best view ever!!

The photo on the right is of Bro Lee Travis presenting his cheque for £250 to WBro James Sutcliffe, APGM at the Hosted Meeting held on Monday 7th Sept at Tranquility Lodge No 274 Rawtenstall.

Royds Lodge 816 held a charity event at the Bella Vista Hotel Hollingworth Lake Rochdale on Friday 19th June in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

More than 80 guests attended the event and raised a fantastic £1,062! This was done by ways of a raffle, auction & a bucket collection. The entertainment was provided by ‘Real Class’ who played throughout the evening. Special surprise guest entertainers were ‘ABBA DABBA DO!’ who made their debut appearance & wowed the audience with their adaptation of several Abba classics!

The organisers would like to say a big thank you to ‘George Webster’ of “ Webster’s Recording”, Littleborough who kindly donated the use of his recording studio, & all the staff at the Bella Vista.

ABBA DABBA DO are shown above - from left to right are Andrea, Debra, Stepen and Martin.

The evening organised by Dave Law, Rossendale District Charity Steward, was attended by more than 40 people representing 15 different charities from across the Rossendale District.

John Farrington, Rossendale District Chairman opened the evening by welcoming everyone to Ashday Lea Masonic Hall at Rawtenstall, including Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe and his wife Maureen, before handing over the proceedings to Dave Law.

The District Charity Steward explained to the visitors the structure of Freemasonry in the Country and the work undertaken by the various charities. Also how the donations they were too receive were allocated and how charity monies had been raised by the District holding through various events such as the annual sponsored walk and quiz night.

During the course of the evening each of the recipients gave the other guests a little insight into the work of their particular organisations and an idea as to how the donations would be applied. The commitment of the various charities represented was evident as was the passion each holds for the voluntary work that they do.

£13,200 was distributed on the night which consisted of £9,500 from The East Lancashire Masonic Charity Community Fund and £3700 from District funds. A further £2150 has been pledged by individual Lodges from the District. A £1000 grant from The Freemasons Grand Charity had already been presented to The Rossendale Hospice.

A Grand Total of £16,350.

Before the evening’s proceedings ended Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe thanked the representatives for attending and making the evening not only possible but a great success. He informed the guests that the monies they had received from The Grand Charity, ELMC or the District had all been raised from Freemasons who are second only to the National Lottery as the biggest donator to good causes in the country.

The District Chairman then closed the evening thanking all District Officers for their continued support and on this occasion particularly, Dave Law for his persistent hard work. Dave received warm applause from all those present.

Two members from Fidelis Lodge, No. 8688, which held its final meeting in December 2008, visited Derian House on Monday 16 February 2009, to present a cheque for in excess of £400. This money had been raised during the evening at that final meeting of the Lodge, which had been attended by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the area Assistant Provincial Grand Master. In addition to the cheque thirty six teddies, as part of the “Teddies for Loving Care” scheme, were presented, to give to children who need to attend the Hospice.

Derian House is a children’s Hospice based in Chorley and has to generate extensive funds through charitable donations and other money raising events, on an annual basis, to ensure its future. During the visit, those present were afforded a tour of the building and had the opportunity to view the wonderful facilities that are available, find out more about future development plans to extend the Hospice and admire the outstanding work undertaken by the Hospice staff. This was an exhilarating but chastening experience.

The photograph shows the cheque being handed over to Miss Roya Khadem - who is a member of the Derian House fund raising team - by WBro Fred Whitworth, a Founder member of Fidelis Lodge, No. 8688 in1976, and WBro John Farrington, the Rossendale District Chairman, who was the last Master of Fidelis Lodge prior to its closure.

As reported in the previous issue of this Newsletter, most of the active members of Fidelis have now joined Huntroyd Lodge, No. 6385, which also meets at Padiham. They will continue to enjoy their Masonry in that setting.

The Rossendale District wishes all those involved with Derian House well for a successful future.

Rossendale District Chairman receives a wonderful honour as he retires as Deputy Principal of Nelson & Colne College

Although sad to be losing long-standing staff member and Deputy Principal, John Farrington, Nelson & Colne College was delighted to recognise his contribution to its many years of success and innovation by naming their new restaurant ‘Farringtons' in his honour.

Current Principal, Lyn Surgeon, was also keen to express her gratitude to John and said that though she had only known John for a relatively short period of time she knows what a special man he is.

Not only had John held the position of Deputy Principal, but he has also held the role of Acting Principal on two occasions, in 2004 and 2008. On both occasions John managed the college through some difficult periods, perhaps most notably in 2008 when he oversaw an Ofsted Inspection with very little notice, whilst the college was in the midst of its new-build; a feat he accomplished with admirable competence, securing Nelson & Colne College's “Outstanding” reputation.

However, undeniably the most moving part of the evening was when Chair of the Board, Andrew Buchannan, unveiled the new college restaurant, named ‘Farringtons' in John's honour.

John said that the naming was “a great honour”, going on to say “I can't express my gratitude sufficiently. It's very humbling to stand and listen to such kind words.” John offered thanks to many people, including his wife Christine, also a Catering Lecturer at the college, who John called his “greatest supporter and fiercest critic”. Staying true to character and thinking of others before himself, John thanked and praised the hard work of another Catering Lecturer, Geoff Horn, who was also retiring and who had likewise served the college for a great number of years. When combining their total years of service, John and Geoff have contributed 72 years of hard work and dedication to Nelson & Colne College.

There is no doubt that the loss of John will be sorely felt by both students and staff at Nelson & Colne College. However, keen to keep ties with the college, John has agreed to continue in his duties as Clerk to the Board of Corporation and we are sure that the excellent reputation of the college's restaurant will help keep John's name in our memories.

John has said that he will now concentrate on delivering Christine's "Special Projects", improving his golf and, of course, he will continue to enjoy his freemasonry.

[Article can be seen on http://www.nelson.ac.uk/college-information/news-and-events/college-news/news-item/?newsStory=312]

On Wednesday 3rd December 2008 at Padiham Masonic Hall Fidelis Lodge No 8688 held its final meeting. It was attended by some 55 brethren including a Provincial delegation led by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro Dr Graham Nigel Bramley Haworth accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe and members of the ossendale District Team.

A brief history of the lodge was presented by WBro Fred Whitworth a founder member who had been Master of the lodge in 1980 and 2000. The Worshipful Master, WBro J R Farrington returning the Warrant of the Lodge to WBro Sutcliffe said the decision that the Brethren had made had been difficult, but that it was to be the correct one. Before the Lodge was closed the Worshipful Master invited four of the regularly attending members who where founders of the lodge to occupy the following positions; WBro R Dickin, Masters Chair, WBro D Jarvis SW’s Chair, WBro F Whitworth JW’s Chair and WBro A Young to act as Inner Guard. Fidelis Lodge, consecrated on the 24th February 1976 was finally closed the last words belonging to those who 32 years previously had been at that first meeting.

Social Board
To celebrate this, the final meeting of the Lodge the Ladies of both Lodge members and visitors had been invited to attend the social board; 78 people dined. During the course of the evening several of the usual toasts were given and responded to. The WM in replying to the toast to his health spoke on behalf of all those who had previously had the privilege to act as Master of Fidelis Lodge and thanked all those present for their support of the Lodge during its existence, remembering particularly absent Brethren. He also paid tribute to the remaining Founders for the way in which they had led the Lodge through the recent difficult period.
On the night nearly £400 was raised for charity. Two cheques each for £500 were presented to ELMC and the Padiham Masonic Hall Building fund respectively. The remaining charity monies, including the £400 from the evening will be presented to Darien House, a children’s hospice once the account is finalised.
Whilst a poignant occasion the social board concluded with Fidelis members singing their usual visitor’s song, torture for all in attendance, reminding those present that the active members of the Lodge will now, as a group continue to enjoy their masonry, but in Huntroyd Lodge No 6385 – to the future!

Rossendale District Charity Steward David Law together with Rochdale District Chairman Eric Kirkbride and Charity Steward David Greenhalgh are pictured with last years Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Peter Evans at a presentation to the committee of Rochdale Children’s Moorland home on Thursday 6th November 2008.( See following picture).

The meeting at the children’s home was organised to formally present donations raised during the year and was supported not only by the two Districts of Local Freemasons but also by the Rochdale Round Table and Rochdale Style magazine. David Law presented a cheque for £1500 raised by Royds Lodge members. A further £500 per year has been pledged to the home by a new Royds Lodge member which will assist them in maintaining the excellent care that they offer to children and families from both the Rochdale and Rossendale areas.

Peter Evans a member of Royds Lodge 816 became Mayor of Rochdale in 2007. During his year in office, members from both the Rochdale and Rossendale Districts of Freemasons became actively involved in supporting Peters chosen functions to raise money for the Mayors Charity, Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home. These included a Dinner held at Rochdale Masonic Hall which was supported by APGM James Sutcliffe and Chairman of the Rossendale District John Farrington together with several other Rossendale District Officers.(See Picture on left).

A magnificent additional £29,000 was presented by the Mayors Charity and will now enable the home to secure much needed renovations including a new central heating system and kitchen area improvements.
Matron Barbara Morrish and Chairman Beryl Varley together with the other committee members were overwhelmed by the level of support received from the Freemasons and are extremely grateful to everyone for their contributions to the Children’s Home during the Mayors Year.

Rossendale District held a Music Night at Ashday Lea Masonic Hall on Friday October 17th 2008.
Organist Lesley Barlow, who gave her time free, performed a recital of popular music to some 35 members and friends which raised £250. Lesley requested that part of the monies raised be presented to her nominated charity Bleak Holt (a Charity which offers shelter and food for stray and neglected animals. The remainder will be distributed to other local charities at our next annual Giving Night.

The photograph shows Lesley presenting a cheque to the representative of her nominated charity Bleak Holt.

A grant from the Community Fund of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity to the Maden Community Centre, Bacup, ensured that the Family Theatre Week ran from 18-22 August 2008. It enabled a total of 205 children and their parents to have fun together at Fearns Community Sports College which culminated in a performance on the final day. The event had grown in popularity from last year, when some 140 adults and children took part.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe, who attended on the final day, said it was great to see so many people of various ages having fun together.
The event is advertised by the centre so that anyone can sign up for the week. Families are also encouraged to attend by being referred by Lancashire County Council’s Children’s Integrated Services staff and Health Visitors. Every day from 9.00am – 3.30pm is packed full of activities and people could learn dancing, acting, singing and circus skills, to name but a few.
A party was held at the Maden Centre on October 24th to commemorate a successful Theatre Week. District Chairman, John Farrington, together with Deputy Chairman, Steve Barton, Membership Officer, John Ellis, and District Charity Steward, Dave Law, were given a guided tour of the centre by Sue Hopkinson.
This is the second year that Rossendale District Freemasons have supported this event. It is intended to carry on working closely with the centre in order to identify any key areas were further support may be offered in the near future.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Sutcliffe
presenting the £9000 cheque to Susan Hopkinson
who co-ordinated the workshop.