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..And It's Goodbye From Jim

On Thursday, January 26th about 50 members in Salford held a Dinner to honour and thank our now retired Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Jim Sutcliffe and his wife Maureen for their dedication and commitment to Freemasonry in Salford.

The meal was excellent; Melon, Soup, Lamb Henry, Crème Brulle followed by Cheese, Biscuits and coffee, a real credit to the catering staff at Salford.

Jim has been travelling regularly from “Up North” for two years after the resignation of his predecessor. He suffered travelling from Clitheroe through the two worse winters for years and despite all, provided us with friendly, constructive leadership and great support.

Chad Northcott explained the great deal of mentoring Jim had given, when he was asked to be APGM for Salford, following Jim’s retirement. During his toast, there were several mentions of the lad from up North! Chad told us Jim is a relative newcomer to Freemasonry, being Initiated into Abbey Lodge (2529) 40 years ago
and quoted the late Jack Price, “ If you want a job doing – He’s the man”. A greater accolade you couldn’t get. Chad went on to say Jim provided us with a great amount of stability.

The Salford District Chairman, Rod Ward continued in thanking Jim and Maureen for their great support not only to Salford and Salford Masons but also to the Salford Ladies.

He thanked Jim for his friendship, expertise and support and Maureen for the support to Jim and Salford!

“For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” was led by John Lillie.

Jim responded “As a man from Up North” – he was lost for words and recalled his first APGM Meeting, with all the eyes upon him, he could feel their owners thinking “what have we got this time?” He thanked all for their support and wished Chad and Salford well.
Rod then presented Jim and Maureen with a token of thanks for their dedication to Salford.

Donation to St Ann’s Hospice

On January 11th, Rod Ward, District Chairman, accompanied by Geoff Baillie, Deputy District Chairman, presented a cheque to St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton, which will be used to provide much needed furniture. The donation was gratefully received on their behalf by Margaret Beck.

Quoting Rod, “Hospices play a vital role in helping individuals and families affected by terminal and life threatening illnesses. I am delighted that the grants from the Freemasons’ Grand Charity will, in addition to funds raised by local Masons, help to run these excellent local services which rely on voluntary and charitable support to fund their work”.

Salford Ladies’ Committee Christmas Lunch

The Salford Ladies’ held their Christmas Lunch on December 18th and as you can see, it was well attended. All enjoyed excellent food and company.

Our new Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, EComp Stuart Hughes, with Sandra attended their first Salford Social event. Not, of course, forgetting to mention our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Chad Northcott, accompanied by Sarah.

Not part of the Salford Team but “Guess the Name” competition prize. The correct guess of Lois was the winner!

The Ladies generously donated £500 to the East Lancashire 2015 Festival, £200 to Helmsley House Supporters towards the Inductive Loop System and £200 to the North West Air Ambulance Service.

Sarah Northcott and Sandra Hughes drew the Raffle

Hilda Ince and Jean Forrester in their usual style, made an excellent job of organising the event which was superbly hosted by Viv Ward.

Salford Childrens’ Christmas Party

All the fun and Father Christmas came to Salford on December 11th  and was ably organised by John Roberts and Norman Alexander. Indoor snow and balloons from Bob’s Disco and Karaoke provided lots of fun for children of all ages. Mike Pennington again had to look after the reindeer for Father Christmas – wouldn’t you think they would let him in to enjoy the party for once?

Madrigal Lodge 5039
Arthur Broomhall Acton PProvJGW, Celebrates
60 Years in Freemasonry

On the 8th of November, WBro Arthur B. Acton, PProvJGW, celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry at Madrigal Lodge, No. 5039.

The Lodge Tyled at 6.00 and on Report, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB, was admitted, accompanied by a District Delegation.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Michael David Cornes greeted VWBro Woodward and offered him the Gavel, which on this special occasion, he accepted.

Apologies were sent from WBro James Sutcliffe, PSGD, APGM, who was suffering a bad cold. Kindly standing in for him was WBro Martin Roche, PJGD, APGM.
Our District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward, PProvJGW, was introduced and in turn introduced the District Team.

WBro Roche told us of events in 1931;
In the US, death rate had risen by 600% due to alcohol in the previous 10 years of Prohibition. In the UK, unemployment had topped 1.5 million in March. It was predicted man would walk on the Moon by 2050. Plans to build the Channel Tunnel were rejected. August 7th, unemployment topped 2 million. There was an unprecedented Building Boom. Hit of the time was “On the Sunny Side of the Street”. Arthur Broomhall Acton was born on the 6th October.

Madrigal’s Secretary, WBro Geoffrey Baillie, PProvGSwdB, Deputy District Chairman, District Almoner, then read an extract from the Minutes of the Meeting on October 10, 1951; Attendance of 46 Members and 38 Visitors saw the Offices filled by Lodge Founders and Arthur admitted in Due Form, his father being Senior Deacon. Arthur was Initiated and Invested with the Badge of the First Degree.
Incidentally, on the First Rising, a Directive from Grand Lodge instructing Secretaries not to use ball point pens when writing the Minutes.

WBro Ward informed of events in 1951;
BBC Announcers were to increase from 8 to 18, non having any dialect. King George VI was given a 10% pay rise. Initial plans of Old Age Pensions starting at 70 for men and 65 for women were changed to 65 and 60 respectively. Deutche Gramaphon introduced the world’s first long playing 33rpm record. The British Atomic Bomb was tested in the Indian Ocean. Winston Churchill was elected for the second time at the age of 77. “Dragnet”, “What’s My Line” and “I Love Lucy” were the most popular entertainment. Most popular music being, “Unforgettable” and “Shall We Dance”. Spurs beat Manchester United.

WBro John Pendle Young, SLGR, delivered a Tribute to Arthur.
He started with his delight at returning to his Mother Lodge, and explained Arthur was his Brother, friend and “Adopted Uncle”. Around 1958, as a young boy, his family moved to Manchester, 3 doors away from Arthur and his wife Val. The family became friends with Arthur and Val and John “adopted Arthur and Val as “uncle and auntie”. As John grew, they became friends and Arthur Proposed him into Madrigal.
At his Initiation, Arthur was the Junior Deacon. He was told, repeatedly, to “Step off with your left foot” which due to embarrassment or confusion, never got right! John went on to say when he received London Grand Rank, Arthur was there to see him receive it. Arthur was his guiding light and Mentor through Freemasonry, he is a Brother, Friend, Mentor and Gentleman. Arthur is an inspiration to the Brethren. John was both honoured and proud to be able to say a few words about Arthur on his 60th Celebration.

VWBro Woodward moved into the body of the Lodge, sitting by Arthur, suggesting at 81, he must have joined Freemasonry at the age of 21.
He was interested in what induced Arthur to join. Arthur explained was through social events and the influence of his father. Arthur stated it is all one happy family and he still helps out if the Lodge is a man short. He occupied the Chair of King Solomon twice. The first time in1969 there were still a number of Founders still in the Lodge, it involved a great deal of learning as in those days, no leniency for reading was allowed under any circumstances. You had to diligently apply yourself to Ritual.
He was Installed for a second time in 1981.
Arthur was a Dentist, retiring from practise at 60, never loosing his dedication to Freemasonry, his goal, a better quality of life for all.
VWBro Woodward commented it’s people like Arthur who have helped Freemasonry come through difficult times, seeking a high moral code in his life.

VWBro Woodward presented Arthur with a letter of Congratulation and Illuminated Certificate explaining its’ rarity, being signed on the 10th of October, the date of his “Birthday”, by the Provincial Grand Master, the Late RWBro Jack Price, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above on the 23rd of October.

VWBro Harold Woodward presenting WBro Arthur Acton with Madrigal’s Worshipful Master,
Bro Michael Cornes

Arthur was then Perambulated around the Lodge, to great acclaim by WBro David Bristol, ProvDepGDC.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Michael Cornes, presented VWBro Woodward with a cheque, to mark the occasion, to be donated to Helmsley House Supporters, for use towards the Loop systems. It was gratefully received and VWBro Woodward acted as “postman”, handing it on to the District Chairman, WBro Rod Ward.

After the collection of Alms, VWBro Woodward, accompanied by WBro Acton and the District Delegation retired.

It was also a special evening for both VWBro Woodward and WBro Bristol being their last official outing before they both retire from their positions at Provincial Grand Lodge on November 17th.

   VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB,             WBro David Bristol,                                    
DPGM In Charge                                    ProvDepGDC

Members of Madrigal Lodge 5039 with Senior Members of the Delegation
Front row, Left to right:
Rod               Harold           Arthur           Michael          Martin               Chad
Ward           Woodward        Acton            Cornes           Roache           Northcott

        The Social Board

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If you have any new stories you would like to see published here, please contact

WBro John Hesketh , District Communications Officer for Salford District

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