Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
Archived Starkie District News

District Representatives' Newsletter – January 2008

A Very Happy New Year to all Brethren and Companions of City Starkie Lodges and Chapters. We all hope 2008 will be a memorable year – for all the right reasons!

At the end of last year the Manchester Care in the Community project at ADAS got under way with eleven brethren from Manchester Lodges giving at least one half day decorating the interior of an ADAS property at Levenshulme. We now have a list of 23 volunteers who will be continuing this good work in 2008. Further volunteers would be very welcome. Meanwhile ELMC have made a grant of £5,000 towards the cost of the refurbishment of two properties in Levenshulme and the City Manchester Districts have contributed a further £500. Please pass the names of any additional volunteers to the District Secretary, David Cowen.

A Charity Giving event is being organised for Friday 9th May at Salford Masonic Hall to give Lodges in the four City Districts, Derby, Starkie, Sykes and Salford the opportunity of personally presenting their Charitable Donations to a representative of that charity. It is hoped that the publicity generated by the event will reflect well on the Craft and stimulate some interest in the media. Lodge Secretaries will receive a letter giving details very soon and Lodges who are interested in participating should contact our District Secretary, David Cowen, in the first instance.

We are looking forward to the rearranged visit of the Provincial Grand Master to Cornucopia Lodge No. 4553 on Friday 28th March 2008 to meet all EAs, FCs and recently raised MMs of Starkie and Sykes Districts, all of whom will receive a personal invitation. The evening is open to all brethren and you will be most welcome to join us.

Plans are well advanced for “Not Another Sportsmens' Dinner – Comedians Only” on Thursday 10th April 2008 with top line guest Comedians. It will be organised along the lines of the popular Sportsmens' Evening but with comedians only. This is a Manchester City Districts function, open to both Masons and (male) non-masons alike. Proceeds will go partly to fund the Broken Column Evening and partly to other local Masonic Charities.

January notices:

Amalgamation of Ark/Scroll Lodges Thursday 6th March

Droylsden Lodge Centenary Saturday 8th March

All are invited to join the PGM and recently initiated, passed and raised brethren at
Cornucopia Lodge 4553 on 28th March.(billbell@postmaster.co.uk) 01925 264696

Not Another Sportsmens' Dinner – Comedians Only Thursday 10th April

Manchester & Salford Districts Giving Evening Thursday 8th May

Provincial Grand Chapter Tuesday 13th May

District Representatives' Newsletter – November 2007

Following our appeal for ideas last month I am delighted to report that a number of projects have been identified for Manchester Freemasonry to demonstrate our Care in the Community. These are now being reviewed and plans are being put in place for one deserving local charity – The Alcohol and Drug Abstinence Service (ADAS) – which is situated in the south of Manchester. The Charity needs financial support and an application is being presented to the Community Fund of ELMC, but also they require practical help with renovating and refurbishing properties which will be used for housing. We have written to every Lodge in the Manchester Districts seeking volunteers to give an occasional day or half day working as part of a team of brethren and we will be disappointed if we cannot find a few brethren to participate. Please pass the names of volunteers to the District Secretary, David Cowen.

Whilst on the subject of Charity, we will soon be sending out details of a Charity Giving event to be held next May when donations will be made from Lodges to representatives of charities at the event in the presence of local Mayors and the Press. Similar events in other parts of the Province have significantly raised the profile of Freemasonry in the local community.

Also, I am asked to remind brethren who are members of ELMC that their annual subscription is now due for renewal. For those who are not members, your Lodge Charity Steward will be delighted to supply details.

We are constantly looking out for interesting stories about what is going on in Lodges. The Deacon is the voice of the Province, the City Mason the voice of the City and the website our face to the world. Items of interest particularly including photographs should be channelled through Mike Birks, our Communications Officer (mpbirks@btinternet.com) 0161 747 5924, or any member of the District team.

November notices:

Manchester Sportsmens' Dinner 8th November 2007 (len@landbridge.co.uk) 0161 643 3152

All are invited to join the PGM and recently initiated, passed and raised brethren at
Cornucopia Lodge 4553 on 23rd November.(billbell@postmaster.co.uk) 01925 264696

Palatine Lodge 2447 Band Concert 24th November 2007
(k.longworth1@ntlworld.com) 0161 282 1819.

Provincial Grand Lodge 29th November 2007.

Provincial Grand Lodge Carol Service at St Ann's Church Manchester. 9th December 2007

District Representatives' Newsletter – October 2007

A meeting of Lodge and Chapter Representatives was held on Monday 24th September attended by W.Bro. Martin Caller, Assistant Provincial Grand Master with particular responsibility for Manchester Districts Starkie and Sykes. The meeting was well attended and hosted by Minnehaha Lodge Number 2363 who afterwards provided an excellent Social Board.

The APGM was delighted to report that the PGM's health was going from strength to strength and that he was in excellent spirits. He is planning to visit Cornucopia Lodge 4553 on 23rd November to meet and greet EAs, FCs and recently raised MMs of Starkie and Sykes Districts all of whom will have received a personal invitation.

There were two main themes for the meeting:- Mentoring and Care in the Community.

There is a critical need to recruit and retain high quality freemasons in Manchester and across the Province so the PGM is giving a higher profile to the job of Mentoring in Lodges and Chapters. A meeting of Lodge and Chapter Mentors, WMs and Lodge Secretaries was announced for Wednesday 10th October which has now been held. In a packed Derby Suite, a presentation by Manchester's Senior Mentor, Brendan Harte, APGM Robert Michell and Chas Northcott of the Education and Training Committee was followed by lively debate. The PGM who witnessed the event, concluded by thanking all present for their commitment and enthusiasm. The PGM will formally launch the new Mentoring Initiative at Provincial Grand Lodge on 29th November.

W.Bro. Martin Caller reminded brethren at the District meeting about the Community Fund set up by the PGM and reported that some £84,000 had been given so far to worthy local causes. He asked District Representatives to give some thought to other worthy local charities that they were aware of and he stressed that Freemasonry does not always publicise enough their good works. Manchester Districts are also keenly looking for a Manchester project where we can demonstrate our Care in the Community by actively supporting a local charity with time and effort in addition to cash. Please contact any member of the District Team if you can think of anything which may be suitable for our support.

October notices:

Please ensure all submissions for Honours and Promotions for 2008 are with the District Chairman by 31st October 2007.(gnhyoung@aol.com) 01606 49903

Manchester Sportsmens' Dinner 8th November 2007 (len@landbridge.co.uk) 0161 643 3152

All are invited to join the PGM and recently initiated, passed and raised brethren at
Cornucopia Lodge 4553 on 23rd November.(billbell@postmaster.co.uk) 01925 264696

Palatine Lodge 2447 Band Concert 24th November 2007
(k.longworth1@ntlworld.com) 0161 282 1819.

Provincial Grand Lodge 29th November 2007.

District Representatives' Newsletter – June 2007

The PGM returned to Florida at the end of March for the final stage of his treatment. Those of you who attended Provincial Grand Chapter saw him in good spirits and looking well and although we have learned more recently of a setback in his recovery, the news remains positive.  He is very grateful for the support he and his family have received from the brethren of the Province during this very difficult time.  So please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a successful conclusion to his treatment.

The District Reorganisation is now complete and you will have also learned that our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Paul Rose, retired from office on 8th May. We thank him for all he has done for Freemasonry in Manchester and wish him well in the future – a future which we have no doubt will see him continuing in active support of Freemasonry in the Province.

W.Bro Martin Caller was appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master on 9th May and we all look forward to working with him in the future.

Meanwhile at Provincial Grand Chapter on 29th March, E.Comp. D Brian Howells retired as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Brian retires with the thanks and best wishes of all brethren and companions in Manchester where he has been in active service for many years.

E.Comp Bill Porter now holds responsibility for all Chapters in Manchester .

The TLC Teddy Bear Appeal initiative is proving very popular with the children at Booth Hall Hospital who have received teddy bears. Brethren are requested to purchase the teddy bear badges for £2 (which buys two teddies) from the Lodge Charity Steward who has details of where to obtain supplies. Donations from Lodges and individuals are most welcome and Lodges are asked to consider this appeal as part of their charity giving.

The purpose of this newsletter which is expected to be updated monthly during the Masonic Season is to give District Representatives a GUIDE to current events for their various reports in Lodges/Chapters. It is not designed to be read out in full.

District Representatives' Newsletter – April 2007

The PGM returned to Florida at the end of March for the final stage of his treatment. Those of you who attended Provincial Grand Chapter saw him in good spirits and looking well and although we have learned more recently of a setback in his recovery, the news remains positive. He is very grateful for the support he and his family have received from the brethren of the Province during this very difficult time. So please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a successful conclusion to his treatment.

The District Reorganisation is now complete and you will have also learned that our Assistant Provincial Grand Master , Paul Rose , will retire from office on 8 th May. We thank him for all he has done for Freemasonry in Manchester and wish him well in the future – a future which we have no doubt will see him continuing in active support of Freemasonry in the Province.

W. Bro. Martin Caller will be appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master on 9 th May and we all look forward to working with him in the future.

Meanwhile at Provincial Grand Chapter on 29 th March, E.Comp. D Brian Howells retired as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Brian retires with the thanks and best wishes of all brethren and companions in Manchester where he has been in active service for many years.

E.Comp. Bill Porter now holds responsibility for all Chapters in Manchester .

The “Ladies of Bridge Street” as they are being called – Julie Ward , Marie Wood and Susan O'Neill, are joining the Manchester Great Run on Sunday 20 th May 2007 to raise funds for ELMC. Surely they deserve our support! Go to www.elmc.co.uk/pages/Great_Run.htm for the full story. They have already received many offers of sponsorship and I am sure any further donations will be gratefully received.

The TLC Teddy Bear Appeal initiative is proving very popular with the children at Booth Hall Hospital who have received teddy bears. Brethren are requested to purchase the teddy bear badges for £2 (which buys two teddies) from the Lodge Charity Steward who has details of where to obtain supplies. Donations from Lodges and individuals are most welcome and Lodges are asked to consider this appeal as part of their charity giving.

The St George's Dinner organised by Manchester Districts to help fund the Broken Column evening will be held on Saturday 21 st April at Bridge Street . Tickets which include a traditional English Dinner and entertainment by the Gentlemen of England are £28 each or £55 per couple and can be ordered from Bryan Goodwin on 0161 439 7871 or by email bryan.goodwin@ntlworld.com . For those who are unable to go but would like to support the event, at £10 donation instead would be gratefully received and faithfully applied.

And finally…..the Broken Column Evening for the widows of Manchester Masons will take place on Monday 21 st May at Bridge Street . Please will you ensure that an up to date list of widows has been submitted so that none of your Lodge widows are omitted from this years' event. The District will arrange transport for those widows who are unattached due to Lodge closure and transfer to the ELMC whilst the Lodges themselves must make sure that travel arrangements are in place for their own Lodge widows.

The purpose of this newsletter which is expected to be updated monthly during the Masonic Season is to give District Representatives a GUIDE to current events for their various reports in Lodges/Chapters. It is not designed to be read out in full.

Teddies for Tears

Friday 4 November saw the launch of the TLC Teddies for Loving Care initiated by the Freemasons of Manchester. The chosen venue for the launch was Booth Hall Children's Hospital Accident & Emergency Department where Pat Whiteside, Charities Manager, met senior Freemasons to officially receive the first batch of Teddies.

[From left to right in the photograph they are Robert Mitchell, Paul Rose and Ian Paul shown with staff from the A&E unit]

The Teddies are purchased from donations and fund raising initiatives in Masonic Lodges and are for handing to young and distressed children by the nursing staff. Sister Annette Widdall said of the initiative “We get many donations of toys and gifts but this is the first on-going donation we have ever received”.

Although this was intended to be the first donation of Teddies the staff had stolen a lead on the presentation and already given a blue Teddie to a little girl in need of comfort. Apparently it did what it said on the can; the little girl was pacified and a traumatic occasion made less so.

This initiative is being rolled out Nationwide and has proved very successful wherever it has been introduced. Manchester is the second area in East Lancashire to be involved and as funds become available other hospitals will be invited to participate.

Enquiries from A&E Departments in the Manchester Area receiving children should be made to Ian Paul 0161 926 8881. Thank you.

Old Mancunians Lodge Signs up to 'The Universities Scheme'

Old Mancunians' Lodge No.3140 has become the latest (ninth) Lodge to join ‘The Universities Scheme', a progressive initiative set up by Assistant Grand Master, David Williamason last year to recruit young men to Freemasonry.

Apollo Lodge at Oxford and Isaac Newton Lodge at Cambridge have for many years been recruiting undergraduates. In fact Apollo Lodge is the Mother Lodge of W Bro Paul Rose APGM, the current Master of Old Mancunians' Lodge and it was natural therefore that Paul should be involved in establishing the AGM's Universities Scheme in Manchester which now houses one of the largest student populations in Europe.

We were honoured when David Williamson attended a regular meeting of Old Mancunians' Lodge on 13th November this year when the lodge demonstrated their commitment to the Universities Scheme by Passing 5 young brethren all on the same night in the same ceremony. As most undergraduates are up at university for only three years, it is necessary to employ multiple ceremonies so that candidates can complete all three degrees before graduation.

[The photograph shows the five Fellowcrafts, Bros. John Merry, James Murphy, James Scott, Mujtaba Rana and Steven Whitehead, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro Paul Rose, and the Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W Bro David Kenneth Williamson].

The Lodge ceremony on Monday [13th November '06] was made special by the presence of V W Bro Nigel Bramley-Howarth DPGM who acted as an auxiliary deacon, as did APGM's, W Bro Paul Rose and W Bro Malcolm Worsley. W Bro Robert Mitchell APGM gave an excellent presentation of the Second Degree Working Tools in extended form. Meanwhile, Lodge Secretary, Matthew Walton commanded proceedings from the WM's Chair (proceedings which from time to time were understandably complicated by logistics) with aplomb.

[The above photograph shows the Assistant Grand Master, Rt.W Bro David Kenneth Williamson, signing the register, accompanied by his Director of Ceremonies W.Bro James Sanders].

At a lively social board with a full compliment of visitors, David Williamson congratulated the Lodge on having the courage to embrace change in joining the University Scheme. Much hard work remains in fostering links with Manchester University to guarantee the Scheme's success but a very good start has been made. He pointed out the need to attract younger recruits to Freemasonry, currently there are less than 900 English Masons aged under 25 in the whole country whilst, for example, we have over 40,000 Masons aged over 75. The Universities Scheme will make a major contribution towards adjusting that imbalance. He also reminded us that there is a responsibility on all brethren to help this initiative by encouraging younger men, whether at University or not, to join the Craft.

Further details of the Universities Scheme can be found in MQ October 2006 edition on page 50.

Old Mancunians Lodge Targets Youth to Secure its Future

Old Mancunians Lodge No. 3140 is enjoying a very special year under the leadership of Worshipful Master W.Bro Paul Rose, APGM who was installed in February.

First of all the Lodge celebrated its Centenary in March in the presence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master who presented the Centenary Warrant to the Lodge. W.Bro Sydney Rose, father of the Lodge (and also of the WM) who had updated the Lodge History, gave an interesting resume and all present received a copy. W.Bro John Winstanley, Provincial Assistant Grand Chaplain delivered an entertaining Oration. An indication of things to come was the balloting of two new candidates, one of whom, Marc Piano, is a student in Manchester. Marc dined at the Centenary Festive Board and was subsequently initiated by W.Bro Paul Rose WM in April.

Old Mancunians Lodge has in fact this year moved from being a closed lodge restricted to members with a close connection to Manchester Grammar School to an open lodge with special responsibility for recruiting Manchester students. In order to achieve this objective the Lodge has geared up to carry out additional ceremonies.

So on 10th May in a Lodge relay, Lodge Secretary Matthew Walton first worked Marc Piano's 2nd Degree ceremony then WM, Paul Rose launched into a double Initiation. Perhaps surprisingly, the Lodge was closed in good time for dinner, a tribute to the quality of ritual delivered by the WM and his team! Visitors to the lodge included members of Apollo and Isaac Newton Lodges both of whom attract large numbers of students.

The meeting in June was a simple single 3rd Degree ceremony with W.Bro D Brian Howells in the chair. However there are more candidates on the horizon and further multiple ceremonies will need to be worked.

For more information on the Old Mancunians Association and Old Mancunians Lodge Click here