Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
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Archived News from Salford District

 

Look Who's Getting Married!!

Salford Districts' Chad Northcott is marrying the lovely Sarah on March 5th on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

Chad and Sarah, we in Salford all wish you a very happy day and a long and happy life together.
We look forward to your safe arrival back amongst us.

New Year Gift for St.Anns Hospice !

 

 

Salford District Chairman WBro.Malcolm Roberts accompanied by his Deputy Chairman WBro.Chad Northcott visited St.Anns Hospice in early January to present a cheque for almost £7,000 from Grand Charity. East Lancashire has received almost £30.000 from the Grand Charity for our local Hospices.

Pictured receiving the cheque from Malcolm are Elaine Sigsworth the Practice Development Sister and Julie Foley the Support Services Manager of St.Anns Hospice.

 

Teddies For Loving Care is Launched in Pendlebury Childrens' Hospital

Pictured left to right, WBro Brian Ince District Charity Steward, WBro Robert Mitchell APGM,
Seven year old Caitlan Newns with Teddies and Play Specialist Anna Blinston.

Robert Mitchell APGM for Salford, visited Pendlebury Childrens' Hospital accompanied by the District Deputy Chairman Chad Northcott, District Charity Steward Brian Ince and District Communications Officer Peter Hegarty, on the 19th November, 2007, to present the first batch of Teddies for sick and injured children admitted to the hospital.

This is a wonderful initiative which is proving successful in many Masonic Districts.The Salford Advertiser printed 2 pictures and gave a good account of the event, which can only be good for our cause!

West Salford Lodge meets St. Kearan Lodge 1155 in Scotland.

On Wednesday the 13th of June 2007, W.Bro John Whitworth PPSGD, and Bro Paul Newton of West Salford Lodge No 3867 , whilst on a motorcycle tour of Scotland, were invited to St Kearan Lodge No 1155, near Fort William, who opened their lodge especially for our Lancashire Brethren, as they were in closed season, and performed a demonstration 3rd degree ceremony followed by a “buffet” festive board. An excellent night was had by all, which included a number of visitors who had travelled over 70 miles to attend and make it a special evening for our English Brethren.

As a dispensation had to be obtained to open the lodge, this was all done for the benefit of these two brethren. What a wonderful example of Freemasonry!
As a consequence of this visit an annual fraternal arrangement has now been made, keeping the connection between these two lodges. ( Photo attached)

On Saturday the 14th of July 2007, W. Bro John Whitworth along with Middleton Round Table of Lancashire, hosted a barbecue, and Irish band function in Wakefield, which was attended by many of the West Salford Brethren, and other guests which raised £2000 to be shared equally between Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, and the Wakefield Hospice.

In the last 10 years W. Bro Whitworth who is well known throughout the Salford District, for his singing and entertainment has been instrumental in raising £ 57.000 for various mainly children based charities with The Rainbow Trust in Stockport being one of the beneficiaries.

West Salford Lodge meets St. Kearan Lodge 1155 in Scotland.

On Wednesday the 13th of June 2007, W.Bro John Whitworth PPSGD, and Bro Paul Newton of West Salford Lodge No 3867 , whilst on a motorcycle tour of Scotland, were invited to St Kearan Lodge No 1155, near Fort William, who opened their lodge especially for our Lancashire Brethren, as they were in closed season, and performed a demonstration 3rd degree ceremony followed by a “buffet” festive board. An excellent night was had by all, which included a number of visitors who had travelled over 70 miles to attend and make it a special evening for our English Brethren.

As a dispensation had to be obtained to open the lodge, this was all done for the benefit of these two brethren. What a wonderful example of Freemasonry!
As a consequence of this visit an annual fraternal arrangement has now been made, keeping the connection between these two lodges. ( Photo attached)

On Saturday the 14th of July 2007, W. Bro John Whitworth along with Middleton Round Table of Lancashire, hosted a barbecue, and Irish band function in Wakefield, which was attended by many of the West Salford Brethren, and other guests which raised £2,000 to be shared equally between Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, and the Wakefield Hospice.

In the last 10 years W. Bro Whitworth who is well known throughout the Salford District, for his singing and entertainment has been instrumental in raising £ 57,000 for various mainly children based charities with The Rainbow Trust in Stockport being one of the beneficiaries.

The new Press and Communications Officer for the Salford District is WBro Peter Hegarty from Old Salfordian's Lodge. He would be pleased to hear from you regarding any Salford Masonic news, either for this site, the District Newsletter or for broader publication.

In recent months we have enjoyed two excellent Personal 50th celebrations – that of WBro Dr A John P Clarke, PProvJGW, who celebrated 50 continuous years of Craft Masonry in Zetland Lodge, No. 852, on 21 st March, 2007.

In a moving ceremony WBro Robert SC Mitchell, PSGD, our new and warmly welcomed Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented Jack (as we call him) with his signed illuminated certificate and letter from the Provincial Grand Master.

Earlier in the year, on 25 th January, our well known and loved past Chairman, EComp Dennis Roscoe, PProvGSN, celebrated 50 years of Royal Arch Masonry at Trinity Chapter, No. 5651.

The Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Jack Price, PGSwdB, accompanied by our Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, EComp Trevor Thomas gave warm and heartfelt tribute to Dennis, not only for his contribution to the Royal Arch but for everything he performs to support Freemasonry in general. The Festive board was graced with in excess of 80 guests including the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Grand Principals and the night will be long remembered.

In recent months we have enjoyed two excellent Personal 50 th celebrations – that of WBro Dr A John P Clarke, PProvJGW, who celebrated 50 continuous years of Craft Masonry in Zetland Lodge, No. 852, on 21 st March, 2007.

In a moving ceremony WBro Robert SC Mitchell, PSGD, our new and warmly welcomed Assistant Provincial Grand Master, presented Jack (as we call him) with his signed illuminated certificate and letter from the Provincial Grand Master.

Earlier in the year, on 25 th January, our well known and loved past Chairman, EComp Dennis Roscoe, PProvGSN, celebrated 50 years of Royal Arch Masonry at Trinity Chapter, No. 5651.

The Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Jack Price, PGSwdB, accompanied by our Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, EComp Trevor Thomas gave warm and heartfelt tribute to Dennis, not only for his contribution to the Royal Arch but for everything he performs to support Freemasonry in general. The Festive board was graced with in excess of 80 guests including the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Grand Principals and the night will be long remembered.

 

A MOST UNUSUAL MASONIC EVENT

OR

A DEBT REPAID AFTER 110 YEARS

 

On Saturday 28th January 2006, a young man, Simon Michael Meacham, was initiated into the lodge of his old school, The Old Denstonian Lodge No. 5490 in the Province of Staffordshire .

He subsequently contacted his Lodge Secretary, WBro Henry I. Parker, PProvGReg as he [Bro Meacham] had in his possession a Master Mason's apron and Grand Lodge Certificate of his Great, Great Grandfather Bro Peter Kinsey. This certificate showed that his ancestor had been initiated into Zetland Lodge No 852 in the Province of East Lancashire, on 13th March 1889 and naturally Bro Meacham wished to find out more about Bro Kinsey's Masonic history.

On March 2nd 2006 , WBro Parker wrote to the Provincial Grand Secretary for the Province of East Lancashire WBro H. Alan J Garnett PAGDC, enquiring if any information could be sought from the secretary of Zetland Lodge. After consulting the Lodge Register and Subscription book for the relevant period, the Secretary, WBro W. G. Ellis, PProvSGW confirmed that Bro Kinsey had indeed been initiated into Zetland Lodge No 852, register number 433 on 13th March 1889. He was passed on 10th April 1889 and raised on 8th May 1889. It seems from the records that Bro Kinsey had a hard time to pay his way Masonically.  After joining in March 1889 he paid the total fees for the rest of the year.  In those days the subscriptions were two guineas, payable quarterly,[10/6 per quarter].  In 1890, he paid £2-2-0d and in 1891 he defaulted and the records show that he was in arrears by £2-2-0d.  In 1892 he cleared the arrears off by paying £4-4-0d.  In 1893 he paid the full amount of £2-0-0d.  In 1894 he could only manage 10/6 and the records show that he was in arrears by £1-11-6d.  In 1895 he made no payments and so was excluded in January 1896. The amount in arrears was then £3-13-6d.  The equivalent amount in decimal money is £3.67 and one half penny.

These unhappy facts were then conveyed to Bro Meacham via WBro Parker, secretary of the Old Denstonian Lodge and must have been very uncomfortable reading for a young, enthusiastic Mason. Bro Meacham immediately contacted WBro Ellis with a view to settling the amount owed at once, as he felt that he would not be able to wear his great great grandfather's apron with pride knowing the debt was unpaid.

 

The photo shows Bro Meacham holding aloft his great great grandfather's apron

 

 

 

After discussions between the two secretaries and consulting the Masters of both Lodges, it was decided that a delegation from The Old Denstonian Lodge should visit Zetland Lodge at the April 2006 meeting on Wednesday 19th. This duly took place in the presence of WBro Malcolm K. Worsley PSGD, Assistant Provincial Master for the Salford area with 30 lodge members and 25 visiting brethren assembled. Bro Meacham was supported by his Master WBro J.T.P Roberts PProv SGD, the Lodge Secretary WBro H. I Parker PProvGReg, and six other brethren.

 

The photo shows a group from the Old Denstonian Lodge.

WBro J. M. Green PProvSGD, Worshipful Master, greeted the visitors from The Old Denstonian Lodge, and informed the brethren of the events leading up to this visit and that Brother Meacham was present in order to clear off the dues owing by his ancestor, so that he could wear the apron with pride and without dishonour. The Worshipful Master now recited certain interesting events from history particularly from 1889 and 1896. Bro J. M. Green, Worshipful Master, now invited Bro Meacham to expand on his family history and the reason [bankruptcy] for the exclusion. He spoke eloquently but factually, and displayed the Master Mason's apron and Grand Lodge Certificate that had been folded and kept in a small cardboard box, handed down from father to son for over 100 years. When he resumed his seat, there was spontaneous applause as all present was aware that they were witnessing, a unique experience in the history of both lodges, and possibly, in the annals of Freemasonry. The Director of Ceremonies WBro M.T. Roberts PAGSwdB now conducted Bro Meacham to the Treasurer's table whereupon he settled the amount due. He was then conducted to the pedestal in the East where the Master thanked him and presented him with a commemorative portfolio, a Zetland Lodge tie, and a copy of the Zetland Lodge History. This, is how an amount owing for 110 years was finally repaid, due to a junior brother's s resolve to clear his family's name and without doubt it reflects credit to both him, his Lodge, and School.

At the social board following the meeting, the Master of The Old Denstonian Lodge, WBro J. T. P. Roberts PProvSGD invited the brethren of Zetland Lodge to witness the Raising of Brother Meacham at Denstone College on Saturday July 12th. This was received with acclaim by the ‘Zetlanders' and plans are in hand for a reciprocal visit.

Amongst the visitors to the meeting was the Provincial Senior Grand Warden for the Province of East Lancashire, WBro E. John Acaster, is a keen amateur historian, with connections to the well know Heywood family. After the Lodge meeting WBro Acaster produced a paper for the Zetland brethren showing the surprising connection between Salford and Denstone. The Heywood family were enormously rich and during the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries were great public benefactors. The founding father of the family was (Sir) Benjamin Heywood living in 1829 at ‘Acresfield' in the Irlams o'th'Height area of Salford . In 1831 he bought an estate at Doveleys, Staffordshire and used it as a summer home. His son, Thomas Percival Heywood offered Moss Moor Farm [of 50 acres] on the estate, for the building of a College on C of E lines for the education of middle class children. This College was called St Chads and later changed its name to Denstone College . Hence, the surprising connection between an exclusion in 1896 in Salford, and a former student at Denstone College in 2006.