Latest News

Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire

Latest News

Archived Sykes District News

District Representatives News Letter, January 2008

The response for volunteers has been encouraging and we currently have a pool of twenty Brethren to call on. It would be even better if we had thirty so please pass the names of any new volunteers to the District Secretary, David Cowen. The Community find has made a grant of £5,000 to this very worthy cause and the Manchester Districts are giving an additional £500.

Charity Giving Evening 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.

The Provincial Grand Master has re-arranged his visit to Cornucopia Lodge for Friday 28 March 2008. Invitations will be sent to all City Sykes and City Starkie Lodges early in the New Year but this occasion is open to all masons and anyone else who would care to join us on that evening would be most welcome – especially the junior Brethren. If you are interested please contact the Secretary, W.Bro Bill Bell on 01925 264 696 or bill.bell@onetel.com

Short Papers Competition The Manchester Freemasons' Hall based Internet Lodge No. 9659, has launched a “Short Papers Competition”. It is aimed at encouraging members of the Craft throughout the world to write a Paper that can be delivered in a lodge in about five minutes. The Paper can be on any Masonic related subject and is likely to provoke thought and stimulate interest and debate throughout the Craft. Entries – which in two principal categories can be up to 500 words in length in one case or up to 1500 words in length in the other - will be eligible for a number of Awards. The Competition has the strong support and endorsement of the Pro Grand Master, who will be present at the announcement of the winning entry. To read the Pro Grand Master's message and for full information about the Competition and the Rules for entry click on the link http://internet.lodge.org.uk and go to “Short Papers” or contact Alex Viner .

Broken Column Dinner Now is the time to be considering your list of lodge widows for the Broken Column Dinner. Next year's dinner will be held, as usual, at Freemasons Hall, on Monday 19 May.

A Comedy Evening and dinner is being organised for 10 April 2008 with guest Comedians. The title will be “Not Another Sportsman's Dinner – Comedians Only”. It will be organised along the lines of the popular Sportsman's evening but with comedians only. This is a District function and is open to both Masons and non-Masons alike. Proceeds will go partly to find the Broken Column Evening and partly to other Masonic Charities.

Giving Evening An evening is being organised to give Lodges the opportunity of personally presenting their Charitable donations to a representative of that charity. This will take place on Friday 9 May 2008. It is hoped that the publicity generated by the event will reflect well on the Craft and stimulate some interest in the media. Lodges which are interested in participating should contact their District Secretary in the first instance and details will be forwarded as they become available.

Publicity 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 on the world. Items of interest, particularly including photographs, should be channelled through Mike Birks, our Communications Officer, who will submit them to the several editors. Mike can be contacted on 0161 747 5924 manchestermason@btinternet.com. And if something interesting is happening in the future you can publicise it on www.masonicnews.co.uk.

Advertising The viability of most publications depends upon advertising and the Deacon is no exception. Should you wish to advertise your business to every mason in the Province then please contact Brian Durkin 01925 763073 briandurkin@btconnect.com .

Provincial Grand Chapter is one of the more colourful events on the Masonic calendar. Tuesday 13 May is the date of the annual Provincial Convocation at St George's Hall, Blackburn, and all companions are welcome.

ELMC you are asked to remind Brethren who are members of the ELMC that their annual subscription is now due for renewal. For those who are not members, our own Provincial Charity asks just £60 a year from its members, that only £5 a month, a sum which is well within the means of most of us. Of course you can contribute as much as you wish but a minimum of £60 makes you a member.

The Manchester Lodge of Masonic Research has an extensive, varied and interesting programme for the coming season and visitors are most welcome. Details of their forthcoming events can be found on the website and on masonicnews.co.uk Those without PCs should contact Kevin Horne, 2 Blackburn Road, Burnley BB12 8JZ or ring 01282 772373.

Forthcoming Celebrations We send our congratulations to the following Brethren celebrating 50 years in Freemasonry (60 in the case of W.Bro James Glass). These celebrations will be marked in the usual manner and Brethren wishing to attend should contact the Lodge Secretary directly.

David H Seal, 25 Feb 2008 at 62 Social – Sec: John Farmer 0161 928 2524
Donald Newton, 13 May 2008 at 1633 New Avon – Sec: Christopher Welton 01625 582 461
Sydney Smith, 20 Nov 2008 at 8855 Mt Sinai – Sec: Anthony Crystal 0161 941 5288

Sportsman's Dinner at Freemasons Hall, Bridge Street

On 8th November 2007, the Manchester Masons held their annual Sportsman's Dinner at Freemasons Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester. Over 150 Manchester Masons and their Guests attended, and were treated to an exceptional meal and fabulous entertainment provided by the Main Speaker, Mike Watkinson, and Comedian, the ex Haughton Weaver, Norman Prince. Both were exceptional entertainers.

The function, supported by the Manchester APGM's , is organised to raise funds for the Manchester Masons Widows, in the form of a ‘Broken Column Dinner'. A success it was, and although, at the time of writing, final figures are not in, it is estimated that about £3200 to £3300 was raised through raffle and Auction Prizes. A massive thank you to all who attended and participated. The next Sportsman's Dinner will be on 13th Nov 2008, with the Main Speaker being advised shortly.

Once Again, thanks for your fabulous support – But we have another function shortly, named :-
‘NOT ANOTHER SPORTSMAN'S DINNER – BUT COMEDIANS ONLY'
The Evening will be on THURSDAY 10TH APRIL 2008, at Bridge Street, Manchester. Again proceeds are towards our Widows ‘Broken Column Dinner'.
The evening will be hosted by JAMES H. REEVE, the Radio Personality, Ably assisted by Comedians AUSTIN KNIGHT and BERNARD WRIGLEY (THE BOLTON BULLFROG)
The Cost of the Evening will be £29.50, a small cost for a big night of entertainment. For further details please contact Brian Durkin on 01925 766655 or Len Hayes on 0161 643 3152

November 2007 Newsletter

ADAS 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 has been 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.

The Community Fund has made a grant of £5,000 to this very worthy cause and the Manchester Districts are giving an additional £500.

The Paper can be on any Masonic related subject and is likely to provoke thought and stimulate interest and debate throughout the Craft. Entries – which in two principal categories can be up to 500 words in length in one case or up to 1500 words in length in the other - will be eligible for a number of Awards. The Competition has the strong support and endorsement of the Pro Grand Master, who will be present at the announcement of the winning entry. To read the Pro Grand Master's message and for full information about the Competition and the Rules for entry click on the link http://internet.lodge.org.uk and go to “Short Papers” or contact Alex Viner.

Broken Column Dinner Now is the time to be considering your list of lodge widows for the Broken Column Dinner. Next year's dinner will be held, as usual, at Freemasons Hall, on Monday 19 May.

Gala Dinner A decision has been made not to hold the Gala Dinner every year for a number of reasons. The next Provincial Dinner will be held in 2008 on a date yet to be announced.

A Comedy Evening and dinner is being organised for 10 April 2008 with guest Comedians. Whilst the details are a little sketchy at present it would be a good idea to put this in your diary.

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 "Ladies of Bridge Street" as they are being called, Julie Ward, Maria Wood and Susan O'Neill, are joining the Manchester Great Run on Sunday 20 May 2007 to raise funds for the ELMC. Surely they deserve our support!

Go to www.elmc.co.uk/pages/Great_Run.htm for the full story. If you prefer I feel sure a postal donation addressed to any of the ladies at Bridge Street would be well received.

TLC - Teddy Bear Appeal is an on-going initiative that is proving very popular with the children who receive the teddy bears. Brethren are requested to purchase the teddy badges for £2 (which buys two teddies) from their Charity Steward who has the 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 Celebration will take place on Saturday 21 April 2007 at Bridge Street. It is vital that Manchester Social functions are well supported because they fund the Broken Column evening. Tickets are £28 each or £55 a couple, inclusive of wine, and can be ordered from Bryan Goodwin on 0161 439 7871or bryan.goodwin@ntlworld.com . For those of you who are unable to go but would like to support the event a £10 donation instead would be gratefully received and faithfully applied.

The Broken Column Evening will take place on Monday 21 May 2007 at Bridge Street. Would you please ensure that your up-to-date list of widows has been submitted so that none of your lodge widows are omitted from this year's event. The District will arrange transport for those widows who are unattached due to closure and transfer to the ELMC whilst the Lodges themselves must make sure that arrangements are in place for their own Lodge widows.

The Provincial Grand Master has now returned to Florida for the final stage of his treatment. He his very grateful for the support he and his family have received from the Province during this very difficult time. Please continue to include him in your thoughts and prayers for a successful conclusion to his treatment .

Welfare Lodge No 4780

On Tuesday 14th November 2006 at a ceremony at Bridge Street, Manchester Welfare Lodge No 4780 closed its doors after 80 years.

The Lodge was consecrated on 24th March 1926. Nineteen members and guests attended the final meeting to witness WBro Ed Cheadle PAGDC, Chairman of Manchester Sykes District receive the Warrant from WBro David Trunkfield PProvSGD.

Members of Welfare Lodge at their final Lodge meeting.

WBro Brian Shaw gave a moving account of his 43 years in the Lodge and WBro Ken Garbutt gave a eulogy to one of their best known members, WBro Cec Whitehead who had sadly passed away in August.

The majority of the members are to join Pilgrim Lodge No 7306 at Middleton and are looking forward to a mofre fulfilling Masonic life.

Chairman's Review

The new Masonic season promises to be busy for Manchester Sykes District. During the next few months there are 5 brethren who attain their 50th anniversary in Freemasonry commencing with W.Bro. Meyer Rose at Zion Menorah Lodge on 28th November, 2007. On the 2nd February, 2007 W.Bro Frank Morley reaches his milestone at East Lancashire Centurions Lodge followed on the 5th February by W.Bro Dennis Eyres at Constellation Lodge.

Others who are due to achieve their golden jubilee towards the end of the season are W.Bro. Philip Davies at Zion Menorah Lodge and W.Bro Peter Tompsett who is an honorary member of St.Thomas Lodge. The District team is looking forward to sharing these remarkable occasions with all these long serving and distinguished brethren.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master will visit the District on 8th March, 2007 when he presides at the installation of Bro. David Hudson at St. Davids Lodge.

An event yet to be finalised is the ceremony to celebrate the amalgamation of St Davids Lodge with Manchester Lodge.

Two lodges have intimated that they are to close during the year, Welfare Lodge on 14th November, 2006 and Temple on 4th December.

The Manchester Area social events start on the 9th November, 2006 with the Sportsmans Dinner where Wilf McGunness formerly of Manchester United is the guest speaker.

The Burns Supper follows on 25th January, 2007 with the St.Georges Night being on 21st April. It is important that these events are well supported as these functions provide the funds for the Broken Column Dinner on 21st May, 2007 to which all widows of Manchester Lodges, both past and present, may attend free of charge.

W.Bro. Ivan Goldberg has retired from his post as District Secretary. Ivan has given valued and distinguished service to the District during his tenure of office and has the gratitude of the District for all the hard work he has done over the last two years. He has our best wishes for the future and success in his position as Assistant Curator of the Museum.

Ed Cheadle

An Amalgamation

Wednesday 17 May 2006 saw a very memorable amalgamation ceremony take place for the amalgamation of Menorah Lodge No. 4849 and Zion Lodge No. 1798 to form the new Zion Menorah Lodge.

The Derby Suite was filled to capacity and around 170 brethren witnessed a ceremony devised by the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Nolan Morrison and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Bill Wait and conducted by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Paul J E Rink, accompanied by a Provincial Deputation which included W Bro Paul Rose, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro D Brian Howells, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principal and W Bro Edwin Cheadle, District Chairman of Sykes District within which District both Lodges previously operated and within which the new amalgamated Lodge will continue to be.

The amalgamation in fact saw the bringing together of mother and daughter lodge. Zion Lodge was consecrated on 12th May 1879 and Menorah Lodge was the first daughter lodge of Zion Lodge, consecrated on 11 November 1926 and therefore represented an entirely logical procedure for the two Lodges to undergo. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master commented that the amalgamation very much followed Provincial policy the expectation being within the Province of East Lancashire that the number of Lodges would continue to reduce by reason of Lodges coming together to form stronger Lodges. Both Menorah and Zion Lodge were previously strong Lodges within the District but decisions were made to amalgamate at a time of strength to meet the challenges of the future.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and his team extended their very best wishes for the successful future of the amalgamated Lodge. The ceremony was followed by an equally successful social board and many distinguished brethren of the Province were in attendance including the Grand Director of Ceremonies of United Grand Lodge accompanied by two of his deputies as guests.