Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
News from Rossendale District

24/04/08 - Provincial delegation attend Abbey Chapter No 2529 Installation

 

Working with the Scouts at Sandal Holme Barn

On 2 February 2008 a site survey was undertaken at Sandal Holme Barn by the District Team together with Glen Fendall and Ian Macdonald from the East Lancashire Scouts. Snow was falling and the temperature was below zero. On arriving the cold quickly disappeared as the warmth of what could be achieved dawned. Set in a beautiful part of the Ribble Valley overlooking Longridge Fell a barn that needs wood burning stoves to heat it, paint, tiles and shower cubicles to make it useable. With the project plan together with the support of Abbey Lodge No 2529 and the Rossendale freemasons the barn will come alive.

 
Sandal Holme Barn near Bashall Eaves   Glen Fendell Deputy County Commissioner, John Farrington Rossendale District Chairman, Ian Macdonald and Steve Barton Rossendale Deputy District Chairman admire the scenery

Archery, pistol shooting, mountain biking and yes a camp stove and even baked beans this will be a hive of activity for young people in the wider community of East Lancashire. Freemasons giving their time to work in the Community and with financial support from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC) will see wood burning stoves installed in the near future.

Sandal Holme Barn will be available for field study trips, day use by schools & colleges and for social events for local community groups. The camping barn can be described as a "stone tent" with basic facilities and it includes a kitchen area with a cooker & microwave, a hot water boiler, a wooden sleeping platform, tables & chairs for eating, toilet facilities and mains water.

 
Glen Fendell Deputy County Commissioner, John Farrington Rossendale District Chairman and Simon Jones Abbey Lodge Charity Steward discuss the project plan   From left to right Simon Jones Abbey Lodge Charity Steward, Ian Macdonald East Lancs Scouts, Jim Sutcliffe APGM, Harry Jones (first user?) , John Farrington Rossendale District Chairman presenting a £500 cheque from ELMC to Glen Fendell Deputy County Commissioner

An exciting start but with a lot planned for the future. The presentation of a £500 cheque from ELMC (pictured above) and another £250 cheque from Abbey Lodge helps kick start this worthwhile project.

Third generation Master as father installs son at Samaritan Lodge No 286

Samaritan Lodge 286, Bacup, celebrated a rather special annual installation in November when Bro.Andrew Marsh was installed into the chair of King Solomon by his father, Peter Marsh, Worshipful Master The evening was made even more special by the attendance of W.Bro James Sutcliffe the APGM for Rossendale, Burnley & Pendle.



Pictured from left to right WBro James Sutcliffe Assistant Provincial Grand Master , Andrew Marsh WM and Peter Marsh Installing Master

Andrew's grandfather was Master of Great Marton Lodge 3985 in Blackpool West Lancs. and Peter was Master of Lodge of Unity 132 in Ringwood, Hants and IOW making Andrew a "Third Generation Master".

As Peter said, "having initiated Andrew, raised him, and now installed him, what greater Masonic privilege can a father have? As for the future, Andrew has a son William, so who knows what will happen in the next 10 years”.

 

Raymond Haffner celebrates 50 years in freemasonry

On 19 December 2007 WBro Raymond Haffner PPJGW and his friends celebrated his Golden Jubilee at Calder Lodge No 4564 Padiham. He was presented with his certificate and letter of congratulations from the RtW Provincial Grand Master by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro James Sutcliffe. His first act after receiving his certificate was to present a comprehensive report as the Lodge Almoner. Raymond is very much active as Lodge Almoner and District Representative.

WBro Raymond Haffner on the right receiving his certificate from WBro James Sutcliffe Assistant Provincial Grand Master

On 18 December 1957, Raymond was initiated into Freemasonry and the charge after Initiation was given by his father. His Second Degree ceremony followed in February 1958, and his Third Degree in May of that year, after which his father, W.Bro.George C.A.Haffner gave him the Traditional History.

In 1945, aged 17, he volunteered for and joined the Royal Marines. After completing basic training, he volunteered for the Commando units – serving with the 3rd Commando Brigade stationed in Hong Kong . His many duties included escorting Japanese prisoners of war back to their homeland.

Eventually, Bro. Raymond Haffner was installed as Worshipful Master of Calder Lodge 4564 in October 1969. The address to the Master was delivered, in what must have been an emotional moment for both, by his father W.Bro. George Haffner.

Outside Freemasonry and the family business, Raymond is / was a keen yachtsman, owning a boat along with 2 partners; a communicant member of St John the Divine Church, Holme-in-Cliviger: a member of Burnley Rotary Club: a member of Burnley Probus Club: President of Burnley Caving Club (following many years exploring potholes): a long-distance walker – including (in no particular order) the Dales Way and the Himalayas – reaching the top of Kalapathar at 19,000 feet which is 2,000 feet higher than the basecamp for Mount Everest but on the other side of the valley. He is also an active member of the Royal Marines Association.

 

 

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