City Starkie District News
MINNEHAHA LODGE ACADEMY
The next meeting of the Lodge Academy will be 23 August 2010
The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of any Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or perhaps invite a guest to talk on topics of particular Masonic interest.
This summer so far we have enjoyed talks about admission into, and the purpose behind, the Royal Arch, Mark and the various Additional Degrees. More recently we enjoyed a talk called ‘Progress through the Lodge and beyond’ and last month a very well attended, entertaining and informative address from WBro Tony Costello, the Provincial Mentor, called ‘Why we do the things we do’.
For the August meeting we will learn, by means of a PowerPoint presentation, how Lodge member WBro Peter Cowin, as part of a 4 x 4 Rally in aid of the charity ‘Help for Heros’, along with some 45 other participants, followed the route of the invading allied forces from the Normandy beaches to Hitler’s retreat in the hills. As a result of the splendid effort put in by Peter, the Lodge has decided to direct some of its fund raising proceeds to this Charity and present it at the ‘Charity Giving Evening’ at Freemasons’ Hall on 04 May 2011.
Our get together starts 6.00 pm (ish!) at the Nelson Tavern on Hulme Road in Failsworth, M35 0PW, and you are all most welcome to attend and not just our own junior members, but accompanied non-masons as well.
As always it will be a good, relaxed occasion from which much can be learnt.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Your contacts are:
Simon de Wynter-White. Tel: 0783 83 82 560
Or e-mail at: lordsimon665@hotmail.com
John MM Bissett at: john.bissett@emrltd.com
Ref:Academy web story(4)
Issued by John A Knowles, PAGDC, Secretary
3 BEAMINSTER CLOSE, HEATON MERSEY, STOCKPORT. SK4 3HX 0161 442 6781 john.knowles2@talktalk.net
The Minnehaha Lodge Academy meets on the forth Monday of each summer month, May to August, which mirrors the Lodge meeting days during the Masonic season. The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of any Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or invite a senior Officer to talk on what his duties are.
This Summer we have enjoyed talks, first about admission into, and the purpose behind, the Royal Arch, Mark and the various Additional Degrees within the Masonic movement and then more recently a talk on ‘progress through the Lodge and beyond’.
At our next meeting we are delighted to welcome WBro Tony Costello, Provincial Mentor, who is to give us a talk loosely entitled ‘Why we do the things we do’. The date of this meeting is Monday 26 July 2010, 6.00 pm (ish!) at the Nelson Tavern on Hulme Road in Failsworth (post code: M35 0PW) and you are all most welcome to attend.
As always, a good relaxed occasion from which much can be learnt.
Since its launch a year ago, the Minnehaha Lodge Academy has met on the forth Monday of each summer month, May to August, which mirrors the Lodge meeting days during the Masonic season.
The purpose behind the Academy is to encourage brethren from Senior Warden down – the future of the Lodge – to get together in a more relaxed environment than the Lodge room and, for instance, review the previous season, run through a ceremony moving everyone forward one office or invite a senior Lodge Officer to talk on what his duties are.
As a consequence of the Academy meetings in the summer of 2009 the Lodge has benefited from two new initiates, one Joining member and visits by members of other Lodges in the Province.
Anyone is welcome to attend Academy meetings including potential candidates and visitors from other lodges in the hope that it will generate inter lodge visits.
Yet another Excellent Evening at Old Mancunians’ Lodge No. 3140
Worshipful Master Bro Jeremy Paul with Bros Haris Iftikhar, John Sullivan and Abdul Bardan
Under the Universitys' Scheme, which was launched by the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson, in 2005, Old Mancunians’ Lodge, No. 3140 is certainly making a contribution of new members to Freemasonry, especially in our Province of East Lancashire.
On Monday 12th April they Passed a further three Brethren in an excellent Second Degree Ceremony, led impeccably by their Worshipful Master,
Brother Jeremy Paul, who was well supported by his Senior and Junior Deacons.
The three candidates Brothers’ Haris Iftikhar, Abdul Bardan and John Sullivan were initiated in March 2010. Unfortunately Brother Craig Bennett initiated in November 2009, was unable to attend, due to ill health.
The Senior Warden, Bro Mark Piano, who was the first Brother to be initiated under the Universitys' scheme in East Lancashire, gave the Second Degree Charge and
Brother Dimitar Kazakov presented the Second Degree tools. Both Brethren gave a flawless presentation.
Also in attendance was the Chairman of the 2015 Festival, WBro David Thompson, who accepted a cheque on behalf of the Lodge from the Worshipful Master for a sum of £1200. WBro Thompson replied with thanks, saying, ‘it was a generous donation’.
This was yet again a special evening for Old Mancunians’ Lodge and at the Social Board there were over 30 brethren of which many were in their early twenties. This is really good news and shows that Freemasonry has much to offer younger men, who in turn are able to really enjoy and be grateful of their membership.
WBro William Gow PAGSuptWks
Fifty Years of Masonry
WBro Gow & Provincial Deputation
WBro William Gow PAGSuptWks, Secretary of the Lodge of Truth, No. 1458, celebrated fifty years in Freemasonry on Saturday 27th March, at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Martin Caller, accompanied by the District Chairman, WBro Gerry Young and other officers from the District of Starkie was in attendance.
WBro Caller, District & Deputy Chairmen with Lodge Members
Also present were, fellow officers of the United Grand Lodge of England; WBro Warwick Davenport, WBro Bill Porter, WBro Brian Howells and WBro Hans Riedlsperger and a large presence of Lodge members and visitors.
Colleagues of United Grand Lodge of England
WBro Gow was initiated into the Lodge on the 27th February 1960, having been proposed by his uncle, who was head of the CID in Manchester. It wasn’t until 1964 before he became a Steward of the Lodge, since then has never been out of office! Having served on the Grants Committee of the ELMBI, he was then appointed Secretary for Number 4 District and on completing that roll, he became Secretary of Friends of Freemasons’ Hall, a position he still holds today.
In his opening remarks, WBro Martin Caller said, “this was a very special occasion to a remarkable and well respected Freemason”. He then went on to highlight significant events and changes during the last fifty years. On completion of WBro Caller’s remarks, WBro Alan Roberts PProvSGW delivered a tribute on behalf of the Lodge.
Born in Beswick Manchester, now known as Eastland’s, WBro Gow won a Scholarship to Manchester Central Grammar School for Boys after passing his 11 plus, being six foot tall he became a valuable member of the rugby team. At the age of fourteen he joined the Army Cadet Force and was also introduced to joining the Boy Scouts, becoming an assistant Scout Master at the age of eighteen! On leaving School and deciding not to attend University he joined the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) as a student apprentice.
In 1954 as newly qualified apprentice WBro Gow registered for National Service and joined the Corps of Royal Engineers. Whilst on National Service, he took a course in parachute jumping and on qualifying joined the 9th Airborne Division, firstly in Germany and then Cyprus, which at the time was involved in the EOKA crisis. By this time he had become a Troop Sergeant and was a member of the 37th Field Engineering team that found and arrested Archbishop Makarios III, who later became President of Cyprus.
On returning to civilian life WBro Gow returned to CEGB continuing his studies where he gained a degree and became Principal of the Apprentice Training School. However, in 1981 he had a rush of blood to his head and left CEGB joining a commercial firm called AHS specialising in central heating. Twelve months later he returned to the CEGB, though not as an engineer, but as a Personnel Manager with responsibilities for staff welfare, retiring in 1998. Three months after retiring, he was back working as a consultant, an appointment he kept until 2003.
Before presenting WBro Gow with his illuminated Certificate and a letter from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Caller again remarked on the contributions WBro Gow had given not only to Freemasonry but, his commitments to others! WBro Gerry Young presented a fifty year lapel badge on behalf of the District. WBro Harold Cooper ProvDepGDC, perambulated WBro Gow round the Lodge room to spontaneous applause.
Presentation of Certificate 0f 50 years
The Worshipful Master Bro JT Armstrong presented a cheque on behalf of the Lodge to the 2015 Festival for £200. WBro Caller replied with thanks.
On retiring to an excellent Festive Board, WBro Ken Edwards a District Officer of the Royal Arch and Son-in Law to WBro Gow proposed the toast to the Birthday Boy. In his response WBro Gow thanked everyone for their attendance, saying, his first connection to the Lodge was in 1950 attending the Ladies Evening, at that time his Godfather, WBro Fred Plant, was the Worshipful Master. He thanked WBro Roberts for his remarks in the Lodge room; commenting that, their friendship goes back to their childhood days.
WBro Davenport & WBro Gow find time to reflect on times present and past
WBros Porter, Howells and Davenport
On conclusion of WBro Gow’s reply, the Lodge presented a Decanter and cut glass wine glasses, in recognition of his fifty years in Freemasonry. It was a wonderful way to finish what had been a very enjoyable evening.
Presentation from the Lodge
Special Night for Justice Lodge No. 4632
On Wednesday 24th March, Justice Lodge No.4632 was visited by six Brethren from the Grand Lodge of Denmark:
Bro Johnny Møller, Past Master, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar
Bro Michael Jensen, Master Mason, Hafnia Lodge
WBro Børge Holm, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar and a Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, The Danish Freemasons’ Order. WBro Holm is also a member of, St. David’s Chapter No. 1147 in our own Province.
Ole Johansen, Master Mason, Hafnia Lodge
Arne Hansen, Past Master, Lodge of The Rough Ashlar
Thorning Lindegraard, Past Master, Hafnia Lodge
Members of Justice Lodge with the WBro Caller, WBroYoung, WBro Durkin and WBro Borge Holm
WBro Caller, the Worshipful Master with the Brethren from Denmark
This coincided with the raising to the Third Degree of Bro Garth Orlando Dallas. The visit was arranged by WBro Alan Jones the Lodge Treasurer, who spent several years living in Denmark.
In attendance from the District were, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Martin Caller accompanied by the District Chairman for Starkie,
WBro Gerry Young and the Deputy Chairman WBro Brian Durkin.
WBro Trevor Parkinson the Worshipful Master, welcomed WBro Martin Caller, before handing over the Chair of King Solomon to WBro Leslie Hutchinson the Assistant Director of Ceremonies. WBro Hutchinson performed the Third Degree ceremony in a sincere and word perfect manner to a large gathering of Brethren.
Before closing the Lodge, the Worshipful Master WBro Trevor Parkinson made a presentation to WBro Caller of £500. This, together with £700 previously donated to the 2015 Festival,will allow Justice Lodge to become Patrons of the Festival. WBro Caller replied with thanks.
WBro Martin Caller welcoming Bro Garth Dallas with the Worshipful Master and WBro Hutchinson
The Ceremony completed, the Lodge closed, an equally and enjoyable Social Board followed, which ended a perfect evening.
The Celebration of 50 Years in Freemasonry of WBro George Carter, PProvGSwdB
WBro George Carter & WBro Martin Roche APGM.
The Brethren of Britannia Lodge No. 3005 had great pleasure in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of WBro George Carter, being initiated into Freemasonry. This took place on Friday 19th March at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street. The Lodge was pleased to welcome Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Martin Roche, who was kindly representing WBro Martin Caller, the APGM for the District, who was unable to attend because of family matters.
WBro Roche was accompanied by WBro Stuart Hughes, AProvGP, WBro Gerry Young, District Chairman, Starkie District, WBro Mike Birks Deputy Chairman, Sykes District together with the acting officers for the year, WBro David Bristol, ProvDepGDC and WBro David Hudson, ProvGStwd.
The ceremony in the Lodge was conducted by WBro Roche who informed all those present that George was initiated into the Lodge of Reverence No. 4596 on the 18th March 1960 at the tender age of forty. George was Installed as Master in 1976 and served as the Lodge Almoner and social secretary for fifteen years. On the closure of the Lodge in January 2006 he then became a member of Britannia Lodge.
The Lodge Secretary, WBro Ian McGregor read the minutes from George’s Initiation and WBro Graham Inskip gave a personal appreciation of George, giving several insights to a marvellous Freemason. WBro Carter started work at Gardner’s engineering firm in Eccles, joining the Merchant Navy in 1939, working the North Atlantic crossings, finally being posted to the Far East where he joined the SS Demodicus. On returning home after the war he joined National Vulcan, becoming an engineer surveyor and remained with them until his retirement.
WBro Carter married Joyce in November 1946 and they are now looking forward to celebrating their 64th Wedding Anniversary in November. They are both keen ballroom dancers and this comes in very useful when on holiday, they are both very keen on cruising having been on two world voyages and are looking forward to two cruises this year!
WBro Roche presented George with an Illuminated Certificate (shown below with the
Worshipful Master WBro Chris Lunn) and WBro Gerry Young presented a 50th lapel badge on behalf of the District. WBro David Bristol ProvDepGDC perambulated George around the Lodge room to spontaneous applause.
The Worshipful Master presented a cheque for £250 to WBro Roche on behalf of the Lodge towards the 2015 Festival. WBro Roche replied with thanks for the generous donation.
The Lodge closed everyone then retired to an enjoyable Festive Board.
WBro George Carter, Lodge members and Provincial Deputation
The celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro Geoffrey Ross - 25.2.10
Read all about this lovely evening HERE
The celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro Fred Walker
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WBro Fred Walker PProvSGW, a member of Caledonian Lodge No. 204, celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry on Wednesday 14th October 2009. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the District, WBro Martin Caller led the celebrations; also in attendance was the District Chairman for Starkie, WBro Gerry Young, along with a Deputation of District Officers. WBro Len Hayes, Master of the Lodge welcomed The Assistant Provincial Grand and the Deputation to the meeting. WBro M Caller is shown here with WBro Fred Walker holding his illuminated certificate and accompannied by the Worshipfull Master, WBro Len Hayes. The following photo shows the Provincial Deputation and Lodge Members. |
WBro Fred Walker is a remarkable Freemason, with a capacity to surprise people. He was initiated into Caledonian Lodge on the 14th October 1959, by his farther. His brother WBro Bill Walker, also a member of the Lodge, celebrated fifty years in Freemasonry four years previous. The two brothers are shown on the right.
By the time Fred had reached Inner Guard, he knew all the officers’ parts of all ceremonies except the installation and has delivered lectures in the First and Second Degrees. He was installed as Master in 1972 and became Lodge Secretary for the first time from 1976 to 1986, again 1992 to 2002 and at present, Secretary yet again! He served the Lodge as Treasurer from 1986 to 1992. Actually Fred finds the Book of Constitution interesting!
After leaving Stretford Grammar School, he served a 2 year apprenticeship with the General Post Office, in telecommunications. This was followed by 2 years National Service in RAF, being posted to Gibraltar for 18 months servicing radar on anti-submarine bombers. It was there he met the Grand Master, the Duke of Kent when he visited the rock. Outside Freemasonry Fred is involved with his local Church and along with his wife Joan they have fostered some 30 children usually from 6 days to 6 weeks old for adoption. Some older children were victims of assault, some abandoned and some terminally ill.
In his address the Assistant Provincial Grand Master spoke warmly of Fred’s Masonic career and his service to the community, before presenting him with his illuminated Certificate. On behalf of the District, the Chairman WBro Gerry Young presented Fred with a lapel badge donating 50 years. Following on, WBro Bill Walker gave his own tribute, acknowledging his respect and admiration for his Brother and what he has achieved.
The Deputy Provincial Director of Ceremonies WBro Nigel Pickering then perambulated WBro Fred Walker round the Lodge room to a spontaneous applause from the Brethren present. WBro Alexander the Lodge Charity Steward, presented a cheque to WBro Caller towards the 2015 Festival. WBro Caller replied with thanks for the generous donation from the Lodge.
At the Festive Board, WBro Keith Ward proposed the toast to WBro Walker acknowledging Fred’s amazing qualities and the work he has done not only for the Lodge but also the community. WBro Ward presented a picture of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza to Fred on behalf of the Lodge to commemorate his fifty years. (See photo to right.)
WBro Fred Walker replied by thanking everyone for attending on what had been a memorable evening.
Finally, an atmospheric evening had been had by all those in attendance with an interesting insight to a Freemason!
The celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro Sidney Rose
Three generations of the Rose family were in attendance to celebrate 50 years in Freemasonry of WBro Sidney Rose PAGDC, a member of Old Mancunians Lodge No. 3140, on Thursday 1st October 2009.
Accompanying WBro Rose was Sidney’s son Paul, a Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of the Province, and grandson Jonathan. Between them, they have totalled just over 100 years in Masonry!
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the District WBro Martin Caller led the celebrations, with the District Chairman for Starkie, WBro Gerry Young.
Also in attendance, the Past Provincial Grand Master, Paul Rink, OBE, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Stephen Blank and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Warwick Davenport, Robert Mitchell and the President of the Grand Charity Grahame Elliott, plus numerous colleagues from the Province and the Lodge.
VWBro Paul Rink; WBro Martin Caller; WBro Sidney Rose; WBro Paul Rose; WBro Warwick Davenport & WBro Stephen Blank
Sidney Rose career was served as a top Consultant Surgeon which also involved him with his love of football. In the mid 1960’s he was asked to join the main board of Manchester City FC becoming the director responsible for the welfare of the players. He remained on the board for over for 25 years, experiencing during that time the most successful era Manchester City has ever enjoyed, having followed the club since the 1920’s. After leaving the board he was granted the prestigious position of Life President of the club and still continues to attend matches.
Finally, an atmospheric evening had been had by all those in attendance.
Manchester Masons Sportsman's Dinner 12th November 2009
Arrangements have now been completed for this year's Sportsman's Dinner, which will be held on Thursday 12th November at Bridge Street - 7pm for 7.30pm.
The main Speaker for the evening will be Joey Jones, Ex Liverpool footballer and present Coach of Wrexham FC. The Comedian will be Leslie Gibson, a comedy Impersonator. The meal will be, Soup, Braised Steak or Poached Salmon, Fresh Fruit Salad and Ice Cream, Cheese/Biscuits and Coffee, at £30.00 per head.
The usual Stand up Bingo, Raffle and auctions to raise funds.
Please contact WBro Len Hayes for further details:
Tel: Home: 0161 643 3152
Mobile: 07801454144
E-mail: Len@landbridge.co.uk
Minnehaha Launch Lodge Academy
The junior brethren of Manchester based Minnehaha Lodge, 2363 are seeking to better their ‘on floor’ performances by forming the Minnehaha Lodge Academy with this brief:
- Membership to the Academy is for brethren from Senior Warden down with the Senior Deacon taking up the organisational responsibilities on Installation day each year.
- Anyone is welcome, including non-masons, potential candidates and visitors from other Lodges. In this way members can learn about each other’s lodges, rituals, additional degrees and perhaps arrange visits to and from other lodges.
- Additional Academy practices will be arranged with, for instance, everyone moving forward one office.
- It is intended to be informal and hopefully, informative with invitations from time to time to ‘older and wiser’ heads such as the DC, the Mentor, the Secretary or whoever is appropriate to immediate needs.
The inaugural meeting took place on Monday 18 May 2009, at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester as a result of which three new candidates are seeking membership.
The incumbent Senior Deacon is:
Simon de Wynter-White at: lordsimon665@hotmail.com
Changes in Starkie District
With immediate effect the following changes will take place within Starkie District.
EComp Roger Bower ProvGStwd has been appointed to the role of District Officer for the Royal Arch (DORA). WBro Andrew Jenkins has also been appointed to the role of Charity Steward for the District.
The District wishes Roger and Andrew well in the respective duties. There details can be found on the District Officers information page on this site.
David Hudson
Communications Officer
Another Excellent Evening at Old Mancunians, No. 3140
So many young men are finding pleasure in being a part of Freemasonry via this Lodge, under the University's Scheme which was launched by the Assistant Grand Master, RWBro David Kenneth Williamson in 2005, including five Brethren who the Lodge Raised together to the Degree of a Master Mason on April 6th, 2009 - certainly a first for the Province of East Lancashire and almost certainly a first for England! Two of them were Initiated in October 2008 and the other three in December the same year.
Most interesting was the makeup of those five brethren being two Christians, one Jew and two Muslims. They all took the ceremony together and took their obligations on their different Volumes of the Sacred law. Two recently Initiated Brethren acted as Deacons and the Junior Warden, Bro Mark Piano, was the first Brother to be Initiated under the University's scheme in East Lancashire and since has Proposed a number of Candidates himself.
It really was a very special evening and at the Social board there were over 30 brethren - half of which were in their early twenties – having a great time !! The whole story is really good news for all the brethren of the Province and shows that the craft has much to offer younger men, who in turn are able to really enjoy and be grateful for their membership.
For more information on the University's Scheme and the role of Old Mancunians Lodge in supporting the scheme follow THIS LINK