News from Salford District

A Special Suprise for WBro Michael Nicholson and St John's Lodge, No. 325 CLICK HERE

Organised by WBro John Astbury, PProvGStwd, and attended by WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM, EComp David Thornton, APGP, Salford District Chairman WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, Salford Deputy Chairman WBro Geoff BailliePProvDepGReg, The Right Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, Mr George and Mrs Carole Wilson. The Salford Ladies Committee were also well represented by Chairman Mrs Viv Ward, Secretary Mrs Jean Forrester, Treasurer Mrs Hilda Ince plus many Committee Members.

The Night was opened by Rod at 7.30, welcoming The Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, Charity Representatives and members, explaining the purpose of the evening and donations had been from individuals rather than collecting tins. Rod then handed over to John Astbury to introduce each Charity.

The first donation was to Broughton House, a Home for ex Servicemen and women.
There were individual Lodges and the East Lancashire Masonic Charity totalling £3,300 this year towards a new minibus.

Northern Air Hospital Radio, celebrating 50 years of cheering up patients in Hope and Crumpsall Hospitals received £1,000 towards studio equipment allowing them to provide 24 hour uninterrupted broadcasting.

HAWC who provide support and counselling to young people with cancer received £1,000. unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, they were unable to attend this evening.

The Salford Ladies have made The Multiple Sclerosis Society their chosen charity this year and presented the Society with £508.

Maritime Lodge 3025, made Francis House Hospice their charity for the year and presented them with £550.

The North West Lung Centre, who research into all lung diseases, based at Wythenshawe Hospital were supported by Monarch Lodge 3381 with a donation of £400

St Anns Hospice, a charity caring for thousands of patients with life threatening illnesses, also supporting their families and carers in Greater Manchester received £4,158.

Manchester Millions Mens’ Cancer Appeal since its instigation has received over £60,000 from Freemasons, of which £2,00 from Salford Members plus a further £200 tonight.

Salford Childrens’ Holiday Camp at Prestatyn, providing holidays for underprivileged children were donated £300

The Mayor of Salford’s Charity Fund was given £500 towards three local causes chosen by the Mayor, Councillor George William Wilson and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Carole Wilson

The evening was brought to a close by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, James Sutcliffe, who thanked all for attending and the Brethren for giving so generously. Considering the 2015 Festival is running, tonight’s donations totalling £14,416 can only be considered a great success.

Left to right, Mrs Viv Ward, Salford Ladies’ Chairman; WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, District Chairman; Councillor George W Wilson, The Right Worshipful Mayor of Salford; Mrs Carole Wilson, The Mayoress of Salford; WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM and WBro John Astbury PProvGStwd, District Charity Steward.

The purpose of the evening was for newer Lodge members to gain a better knowledge of Freemasonry and to help older members to learn views and ideas from them.

WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD WBro Roger Stuart Higson
District Chairman Assistant Provincial Grand Master PProvGSwdB, WM

The Meeting opened at 6 o’clock and on Report, WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM, accompanied by WBro Rod Ward PProvJGW and the District Delegation were admitted.
The next business was to read a eulogy to the late WBro Albert Hurstfield, PProv SGW. This was presented by the Lodge Chaplain, WBro Malcolm Roberts, PAGSwdB, with great respect and emotion for a man and Mason he had known for many years.
Pleasentaries were then exchanged between the Worshipful Master, WBro Roger Stuart Higson, PProvGSwdB and WBro Sutcliffe who accepted the gavel.He continued the meeting by introducing two newer members to the Craft who were “eager and willing” to give a brief talk on their experiences in Freemasonry. No Press Gang there then!

The first to speak was Bro John Lucas, Senior Deacon of Zetland Lodge.
He joined the Craft on his return to Salford, where his father was already a Freemason, and found a very warm and friendly welcome.
He described the harmonious discussions at practise night, how he understood changes in Freemasonry from the olden days – how it is comfortable to be in light blue surrounded by a sea of dark blues, that progression on the ladder is much quicker now, which shortens the time for learning Ritual and gaining help and encouragement from those dark blues. All this helped him personally in overcoming nerves – which we all can relate to!
He suggested the use of personal log books to record visits to other Lodges, the use of social events as a recruitment tool and help from Mentors in recruitment.
Summing up, he is glad he joined and finds the camaraderie helps in his keen interest.

The next to share his experiences was Bro Martin Parker, a Newly Raised Brother from Arcturus Lodge 7252.
Bro Martin, although a relative newcomer into the Craft showed commendable enthusiasm.
He was pleased to present the Working Tools to a Candidate having just gone through the ceremony himself, a veritable task and enthused about learning ritual.
He suggested all Ceremonies in Salford should be published on the website, allowing all members the ability to choose visits to other Lodges of which they may have no contacts.
At the Social Board is important to invite potential Candidates, allowing them to see first hand the camaraderie they will receive upon joining a Lodge.
Martin expressed the need to know more about Freemasonry before making the commitment, obviously without too much detail and therefore spoiling the ceremony.

WBro Sutcliffe continued the meeting and in his words there certainly was, “Food for thought”.
“Any Questions” brought an interesting debate on Capitation Charges for a member being in more than one Lodge at Salford. This will be looked into further as to the financial implications of the Hall and possible ways of helping members.
It progressed into a discussion of knowledge of Side Degrees, with the possibility of inviting members to explain the advantages and meanings of them but not necessarily as a recruitment drive.
The subject of a notice board to allow such things as the District Calendar and Lodge Ceremonies for those who are not on the internet was brought up. I was pleased to announce this is already under way and a suitable site is being looked into.
The last topic was “Joining” fees and if they could be reduced or removed.

In summing up, WBro Sutcliffe thanked Bros. Lucas and Parker for their valuable input into the meeting, WBro Higson for allowing him to take the gavel and all who attended and participated. It had been a very useful meeting.

Bro Nixon Amuntung Bro Martin Parker Bro John Lucas, WBro Roger Stuart Higson
Excelsior Lodge 7286 Arcturus Lodge 7252 Zetland Lodge 852 WM, Zetland Lodge 852

Members of St Johns 325 with WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM,
WBro Malcolm K Worsley, PSGD, PAPGM, WBro Rod Ward PProvJGW, District Chairman, the District Team and visitors

On 17th May 2010, St John’s Lodge, 325, held a Meeting to honour WBro “Jack” (as he prefers to be known) Anderton’s Personal Celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry.

The Lodge was opened at 6.00pm promptly and a Dispensation read. On Report, WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM accompanied by a District Delegation were admitted. Pleasantries were exchanged between the WM, WBro John Jackson and WBro Sutcliffe who accepted the gavel.
He continued to enlighten us of a few things happening back in 1960 – the completion of the Aswan Dam, JF Kennedy ran for Presidential Office, America sent troops into Vietnam, Elvis Presley ended his Military Draft, the Beatles played Hamburg and of course Jack was Initiated into Lodge of Harmony, 325, on April 28th. There were 42 Members and 26 Visitors, Jack’s father Norman performed the Ceremony while Jack’s brother Cyril conducted his Perambulations and presented the Working Tools.

WBro Roy Smithies PProvDepGSwdB, then delivered a tribute to Jack, enlightening us of his early career in the family business for which Jack was involved in transport. One day he being too ill with ’flu to attend work, promptly found himself sacked! Undeterred, he soon found similar work with another local company and found himself delivering to all parts of Lancashire with occasional trips towards London well before motorways were invented. In those days he was also expected to service and maintain his vehicle as well! His employers were forever thoughtful and gave him half an hour off to get married.

Despite his parents and In-Laws being against the union both parties saying it wouldn’t last, it did – and for 72 years.

Jack was conscripted into the Army. The Regiment to which he was assigned (name withheld to protect the guilty) he was quoted as saying “I didn’t get on with them” and was transferred and trained as an Engineer before finally being de-mobbed.

After leaving the Forces, he returned to his benevolent employers for a few years and later bought his wife a chip shop, which they ran for many years. Jack confessed he doesn’t like fish and chips!

WBro Sutcliffe then formally presented Jack with his Illuminated Certificate and Congratulatory Letter from the Provincial Grand Master. Jack was then Perambulated around the Lodge to great acclaim, after which WBro Rod Ward PProvJGW, the District Secretary presented him with a 50th lapel badge on behalf of the District.

To complete the evening, WBro Eric Bell, PProvGSuptWks, District Secretary and Lodge Secretary read an extract from the minutes of Harmony Lodge 325 pertaining to Jack’s Initiation.

On Tuesday March 30th, Helmsley House held a meeting for all Lodge and Chapter Almoners.

The District Almoner, WBro Geoffrey Baillie, PProvDepGReg, supported by WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM, and WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, District Chairman, opened the meeting by reminding us of the duties, needs and special qualities of Almoners.

He then introduced John Williams, Development Director of the Masonic Samaritan Fund.

John informed us the Grand Charity was established in 1981 and has to date supported some thirty thousand Masons and hundreds of non-Masonic charities to the sum of around £80 million. In 2009, 117 Grants were made to East Lancashire totalling £194,581. £2.6 million had been donated to 385 charities in England and Wales. Non-Masonic areas of support include Medical Research, Vulnerable People, Youth Opportunities, Hospices, Air Ambulances and Emergency Disaster Relief. Various examples of each were explained in detail.

After coffee and biscuits, John continued with information about the Masonic Samaritan Fund. It was established in 1990 to provide Health and Care Support. He went on to explain Respite Care is not just for the elderly and showed several cases of such. East Lancashire has received £1,297,772 from the fund so far. One very important but not obvious fact came out – Let your wife or partner know about Masonic Charities, you never know when your dependants might need them!

For further information on Masonic Charities and how they could help you or your dependants, do not hesitate to contact your Almoner, or should this cause any embarrassment, WBro Geoffrey Baillie.

The very well attended 38th Annual District Dinner was held on Monday, March 29, 2010. Its’ purpose is to bring together, in a social environment, representative members of all Lodges and Chapters meeting in Helmsley House.
The evening started with a welcome by WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM,

followed by particularly fine dinner of roast leg of lamb (or poached salmon for those who preferred) with creamed potatoes, roast potatoes, spring cabbage and carrots. Apple Strudel and the obligatory cheese and biscuits just filled the small gap left. During the meal, raffle tickets were being sold by WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM and EComp David Thornton AProvGP.

running concurrently with the District Dinner. After our meal, WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD, APGM and WBro Rod Ward PProvJGW, Salford District Chairman, accompanied by WBro Geoff Baillie PProvDepGReg visited the Ladies to present flowers to Mrs. Maureen Sutcliffe, Mrs, Viv Ward the Ladies’ Chairman, Mrs. Maureen Thornton and Mrs. Sarah Northcott.

Rod Ward, with Sarah Northcott, whose husband was the guest speaker this evening

Entertainment was provided by our own “James Herriot” in the form of WBro Chad Northcott, PProvGSwdB, the Chairman of the Communications Committee, who gave an excellent and amusing talk entitled “All Masons Great and Small”, enlightening us on the joys and stories of a newly qualified veterinary surgeon and his Initiation to Freemasonry. I’m not too sure how he kept his gloves white but you could certainly be sure of a warm handshake!

Rod Ward then thanked Chad and gave an excellent off the cuff response, as Chad had already introduced the District Team and ended his talk with a toast to “Salford Masons”.

WBro James Sutcliffe then brought the Evening to a close with thanks and encouragement.

On behalf of all attendees, Jim thanked WBro Eric Bell PProvGSuptWks, District Secretary, for all the hard work he has put in behind the scenes to ensure the evening was a complete success and WBro.Geoffrey Baillie PProvDepGReg, Deputy District Chairman for acting as Master of Ceremonies.

The Salford Ladies’ hosted a Coffee Morning at Helmsley House on Saturday 23rd January. Its aim was to help increase interest in the fund raising aspects of the Committee.

The Morning was well attended and included some accompanying gentlemen who quickly formed a breakaway but attentive group.

Mrs Viv. Ward, the Ladies’ Chairman, started the morning by saying it was an informal event and explained the Committee was formed during the renovation of Helmsley House to help their partners with fund raising. Much was achieved in support of the 2005 Festival and now they aim to help in fundraising for the 2015 Festival.

Mrs Jean Forrester, the Secretary, added there are three “formal” gatherings each year; the District Dinner, held alongside the Salford District Dinner, the Christmas Luncheon and the AGM.

The Treasurer, Mrs Hilda Ince added although they were called formal, it was not mandatory to attend – (although I’m sure no lady would miss an excuse for a good chat!)

The Committee has around 20 members and would like to hear from any Lady who would like to join especially if they have any good ideas for fundraising.

Before departing they all stood for the obligatory photo, as you can see the gentlemen couldn’t wait to go shopping!

On Tuesday January 19th Doric Lodge 3622 hosted a very special meeting to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry of their Worshipful Master, WBro David Westwood, PProvGSuptWks. The Lodge was opened at 6.00, an Ancient Charge read, the minutes approved and a by-law read. On Report, WBro Malcolm Keith Worsley, PSGD, PAPGM, accompanied by WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, the Salford District Chairman, along with a District Delegation were admitted.

WBro Worsley took the gavel and explained he was particularly pleased to be brought out of “Retirement” as he had known David for 30 years. He then proceeded with the Ceremony, congratulating WBro Westwood on his achievement and enlightening us on his life so far. He had enjoyed education in 14 schools due to his father being in the Navy and being posted, eventually settling in Kent where he was initiated into Corinthian Lodge 218. After serving in the RAF, he settled in Manchester and joined Doric Lodge 3622 in 1963 and has been an active member since. He is in his third Mastership of Doric, the first was in 1991, again in 2001 and now in 2010.

The Lodge Secretary, WBro Dr.Graham Leaver, PProvJGW, then gave a fulfilling tribute to “Big Dave” as he is affectionately known, including an excerpt from the Minutes of his initiation into Corinthian Lodge 218 and his achievements in Doric. He also informed us that his bounds of Freemasonry are international. On holiday one year, he met a German family who in conversation expressed interest. So much interest was shown by their son, Torsten Wittler, he was initiated into Zur Alten Linder lodge – which David attended as well as his Raising.
WBro Worsley then presented David with an Illuminated Certificate commemorating his Golden Jubilee in Freemasonry. David then perambulated the Lodge to great acclaim:

WBro Philip Westwood, David’s Brother then read a very fitting poem, “Fifty Years in Freemasonry”:

David and Philip Westwood

David with his personal guests

The Members of Doric Lodge with WBro Malcolm Worsley