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District Newsletter No 1

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Mother Goose at the Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn

Once again this year the ELMC sponsorship of the annual Pantomime, Mother Goose, allowed the Blackburn and Darwen District a special sponsors performance at the Thwaites Theatre on Friday 17th December 2010, which was attended by over 300 guests, unfortunately due to the severe snow that fell during the day several guest including the RW Provincial Grand Master, Jack Price were unable to attend the performance. The official photographer was also unable to make it from Kirkham so we are unable to give you the usual superb quality pictures of the event. However not wanting readers to miss out on the star performance we can include some of a much lower quality for which we apologise.

Attending the performance were beneficiaries from ELMC, guests from local charities and organisations that we have formed relationships with in our community, including school children from Newfield School. This year’s design a costume competition attracted over 3500 entries from local school children to design a costume for Mother Goose. The winner, Rebecca Wilkinson of St Wilfrid's School was there to see her design in person.

Design versus reality

For the third year running we had the assistance of our Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel G Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB and our very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PSGD, AKA the Ugly Sisters, who gave a much too convincing performance as pantomime dames. Their official duties were to present the competition winner, Rebecca Wilkinson, with her certificate and draw the raffle for the evening.

Everyone present, especially the children, who may not otherwise have been able to attended a Panto,  had a very enjoyable evening including free entry, free programme, and ice creams.  So many thanks must go to the ELMC grant and to Blackburn and Darwen District for their efforts to enable us to put on such an enjoyable evening.

East Lancashire Hospice Cheque Presentation – 23rd December 2010

Brethren from both Accrington and Blackburn and Darwen Districts attended East Lancashire Hospice on the 23rd December 2010 to present a cheque for £2,850 to hospice. The cheque was made up of a donation of £350 to support the Drinks Trolley provided by both districts with the balance of £2,500 being this year’s donation from the Freemasons Grand Charity as part of the Hospice Grants Scheme.

The picture below shows the brethren along with 3 patients from the day care centre and the drinks trolley can just be seen on the left. The patients were all in good spirits and were very grateful for the donation.

Back row L to R: WBro Roger Flitcroft, Chairman Accrington District; WBro Paul Aspinall, Chairman Blackburn and Darwen District; WBro David Lightbown, Deputy Chairman B&D District; WBro Paul Smillie, District Communications Officer B&D District; WBro John Rimmer, District Charity Steward B&D District

Joint District Christmas Carol Service

On Sunday 5th December the Blackburn and Darwen District joined with Accrington District to hold a Christmas Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church, Oswaldtwistle. The event was well attended with over 90 Masons and their families present. WBro Derek Thornhill, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Northern Area Number 1, opened the service by welcoming brethren and their families from both districts and also representatives from the Mark Degree.

WBro Thornhill APGM welcoming the congregation

A veritable feast of yuletide carols were sung during the service accompanied by WBro Stephen Watson on the organ and a choir made up of masons and friends arranged by Mrs Barbara Gee. Between each carol was a lesson read by members of the Accrington and Clitheroe District Fellowship. The collection taken during the service amounting to £178 was donated to the church.

WBro Brian Madden reading a lesson

Closing prayers were led by Bro Reverend Don Johnson. The Accrington District Chairman WBro Roger Flitcroft then closed the service by thanking everyone for turning up and wished everybody best wishes for the festive season.

After the service tea/coffee and mince pies were provided by the church.

Mrs Aspinall, Paul Aspinall (District Chairman), David Lightbown (Deputy Chairman),
Mrs Lamb and Joe Lamb (District Secretary)

BLACKBURN MASONIC HALL OPEN DAY

17th October 2010

A very succesful Open Day was held at Blackburn - CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance host the KLA Autumn Festival -

with a presentation of the building of King Solomon's Temple - 25 September 2010

CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWS STORY

George Old - 50 Years in the Royal Arch - 2 June 2010

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Fred Kemp - A Celebration of 50 Years in the Royal Arch

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Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance – Bible fall and Bible dedication 26th May

On Wednesday 26th May the Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance welcomed brethren for a special ceremony when they held their latest lodge meeting. At the meeting both a Bible fall (shown opposite) dedication and a Bible re-dedication ceremony took place.

The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance is a member of the Kindred Lodges Association (http://www.kindredlodges.org.uk) which is a group of lodges from all over the world where membership is mainly from brethren associated with uniformed youth organisations such as the Scouts and Boys Brigade. There are over 40 lodges in the association, visiting each other and fostering links where they can.

The Bible was donated to The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance No 6384, to be held for posterity, in a Scouting Lodge, after the final meeting of QUEST LODGE No 5969, a Kindred Lodge, in October 2008, which was attended by members of The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance, at the request of WBro Eddie Barlow, who was the D.C. of Quest Lodge. 

6 ex-members of Quest Lodge made the journey to attend the meeting on Wednesday, with the longest serving ex-member of Quest Lodge, WBro John Dearden  PPSGD  chosen to be The Donor of the Bible for the ceremony.

The Bible Bearer chosen for the ceremony was WBro Ian Ashton (shown here) of The Lancashire Scouting Lodge of Allegiance as he was instrumental in both setting up the lodge as a scouting lodge and forging links with the Kindred Lodge Association.

The Bible Fall shows the original badge of The Lodge of Allegiance, a George VI crown with the Square & Compasses in a circle below, the Fleur-de-Lys as the Scout “Three Fold Promise Badge” and two Lancashire roses which represents both East and West Scout Counties.

On a report the AProvGM WBro Derek Thornhill accompanied by Grand Officers and a Provincial and District Delegation were admitted.
Following greetings led by WBro David Bristol, the Provincial Deputy Director of Ceremonies, the AProvGM took the gavel and chair of the lodge. He then introduced the delegation.

Proceeding with the dedication ceremony, the bible bearer, WBro Ian Ashton and the donor WBro John Dearden perambulated the lodge with the Bible and Bible Fall before the blessing and dedication. An oration was then given by The Provincial Grand Chaplain.

WBro Thornhill then asked the Provincial DC to place WBro Ian Ashton in the centre of the lodge. WBro Thornhill gave a resume of WBro Ashton’s Masonic and scouting CV, finishing with his recent retirement from the position of District Communications Officer. WBro Thornhill presented WBro Ashton with a crystal decanter as a token of thanks from the District for his many years of service as a District Officer. WBro Paul Aspinall then presented WBro Ashton with a bottle of whisky to charge the decanter with.

Lodge Members

The delegation then retired and a festive board was enjoyed by all in the usual manner.

The Delegation	The Bible Team
Ian leading the perambulation	Ian receiving the acclamation of all present
The APGM presenting Ian with his decanter	Ian receiving a bottle of whisky from the District Chairman
Ian thinking about filling his decanter
Grand Officers enjoying the social board	The APGM amd the WM

Horizon Lodge – WMs’ Apron presentation

The May meeting of Horizon Lodge was special for two reasons. Firstly it was the occasion of the annual “Old England Night” and secondly the WM was presented with a new Worshipful Masters Apron.

The original WM’s Apron was presented on the consecration of the lodge by founder WBro Fred Holroyd some 30 years ago. Fred has not been in the best of health for the last few years and has not been able to visit the lodge for some time. The lodge decided earlier this year to make Fred an Honorary Member in recognition of his many years of service.

As a token of thanks for this honour Fred wanted to do something for the lodge and after discussion it was decided that after 30 years service the WM’s Apron needed replacing so Fred willingly provided a brand new replacement for the WM to wear during his year of office. The original apron won’t be retired fully as it will still be used during the installation ceremony each year and will continue to be the apron that the new WM will be invested with.

Unfortunately WBro Holroyd was not able to present the apron personally due to his health, but he did send his son in his place, WBro John Holroyd of St Leonards Lodge in West Lancashire. John was initiated into Horizon Lodge and was for many years the Lodge Treasurer, but never went through the chair of the lodge. It was just as nice to welcome John back, and hopefully we will see Fred again in the not too distant future.

The photo shows WBro John Holroyd presenting the new apron to WM Bro Danny Cassidy

The lodge then retired for a traditional Lancashire “Old England Night” where a good time was had by masons and non-masons raising nearly £500 for charity.

WBro G Filbin can’t believe that even his bus fair home has gone!	Fines Master WBro R Wiggans running the final “Darwen Diddle”	WBro John Holroyd even managed to win a raffle prize!

Blackburn and Darwen District 12th Annual Masonic Giving Evening

Blackburn and Darwen District held their 12th Annual Masonic Giving Evening on Wednesday 12th May at Darwen Masonic Hall, where a total of £24,872 was distributed to non-Masonic charities of both local and national standing.

The evening was attended by over 100 people including representatives from over 20 charities with the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jim Hurst being the principal guest.

The main beneficiaries of the night were Thwaites Theatre who received an £8,000 donation, The Young Carers of Blackburn and Darwen our “Local Charity of the Year” who received £2000 and East Lancashire Hospice who received £2005. Other charities included the Air Ambulance, Christies, Macmillan Nurses, Scouts and Guides, RNLI and the Mayor of Blackburn’s charity.

Also receiving money was the Rossendale Mountain Rescue as they were called in to action earlier this year when one of our members injured themselves whilst walking on the moors and had to call on their assistance leading to today’s donation of £300.

In his address The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen paid tribute to masons for their magnificent donations to local charities and the good work that the charities would put the money towards.

The beneficiaries

The audience and top table

Guide Dogs	Guide Dogs
The Audience, paying close attention	The Mayor
WBro Frank Salt presenting the cheque to scout Jack Charnley	District Chairman Paul Aspinall
St. Johns	Thwaites Theatre
The APGM, Derek Thornhill	Teddy with Loving Care

The detailed donations are as follows:

The difference between this and the overall total is for monies spent earlier in this year in direct donations of £24,872

Lodge of Fidelity and Crusaders No 269

On Saturday 17th April 2010 we held a Casino Night at Rishton Golf Club. 70 people attended and there was a good mix of masons and non masons. It had been decided that the proceeds from this event would be in aid of The East Lancashire Hospice and as a result local businesses sponsored the event by donating magnificent prizes; including:

Sunday lunch for 4 at The Dunkenhalgh
32 inch TV
Day racing fast cars
Alan Shearer signed limited edition print
Beauty vouchers
M & S vouchers
Car valet
Queen Anne leather chair
Meal for 2 at The Pack Horse
Divers watch
Round of Golf for 4 at Rishton Golf Club

The event was enjoyed by all who attended and the final result was a donation to the Hospice of £1555.00.

Future events of the Lodge are a Bowls evening on 5th August and a Champagne and Canapes lunch at the Worshipful Masters house on Sunday 5th September, 2010.

Victory Lodge - 9th April 2010
Presentation to WBro Jim Abbott PProvJGW

The April meeting of Victory Lodge was the venue for a presentation to WBro Jim Abbott PProvJGW from Blackburn and Darwen District on his retirement as District Mentor. WBro Abbott has held the position of District Mentor for the last 5 years and was one of the first District Mentors to be appointed. He has been succeeded by WBro Frank Salt PProvSGD.

 After the lodge was opened a delegation led by the AProvGM, WBro Derek Thornhill, PSGD, consisting of PAProvGM, WBro Harry Hesmondhalgh, PSGD, District Chairman, WBro Paul Aspinall, PProvJGW, WBro Chris Oversby, PAGDC, the previous District Chairman and District Officers were admitted.

There followed a faultless presentation of the Second Degree tracing board by WBro Pye, the lodge DC. The AProvGM then took the chair of the lodge and gave a short resume of WBro Abbott’s Masonic career to date. He then made a presentation of an envgraved cut glass lead crystal decanter to WBro Abbott. WBro Aspinall then presented WBro Abbott with a bottle of whisky to charge the decanter with. WBro Abbott was genuinely lost for words as he was not expecting anything like this.

The festive board was a resounding success with WBro Abbott finding his tongue and responding to his toast with the aplomb that we are use to from him. Bro Alan Davenport then organised a raffle in the form of a “diddle” which raised £225 for charity.

WBro Abbott might have retired as District Mentor but he is still very active in the District and he continues to support the lodges and chapters he is a member of as well as running the Masonic Hall in Blackburn as the Company Secretary and Manager.

Jim Abbott centre with H.Hesmondhalgh, P Aspinall, D Thornhill, C Oversby

WBro Alan Younger PProvSGW
50 years a Freemason

On Tuesday 30th March 2010 WBro Alan Younger of Horizon Lodge celebrated 50 years as a freemason.  The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Derek Thornhill JP, accompanied by the District Chairman WBro Paul Aspinall PProvJGW and other district officers were in attendance. Also present were Grand Officers WBro Hesmondhalgh PAPGM and WBro Lee PJGD and a large number of visitors and lodge members.

Music plays an important part in Alan’s life and along with his wife Betty they make many trips to listen to Orchestras and concerts. Early in his life Alan was a member of the Choir at St Gabriels church. He was also a keen rambler which was where he met his wife. They have 2 children Anne and Claire and 3 grandchildren where the musical connection carries on. Grandson Arthur plays the trumpet for Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Swing Band, and sang solo at their Golden Wedding celebrations 3 years ago.

On leaving School Alan joined the family business as a market draper. In 1950 he was called for National Service where he served in the RAF for 2 years as a driver. On his return he ran the family business until 1974 when he changed career to become a Chemical Agent until he finally retired in 1998.

Initiated into Harmony and Industry Lodge on 10th March 1960, Alan was a founder member of Darwen Lodge in 1966 and served as DC for 18 years. He was appointed to PProvDepGSwdB in 1984 and promoted to PProvSGW in 1997. On the closure of Darwen Lodge he became a member of Hawkshaw Lodge and then joined Horizon Lodge. Alan was also a member of Hutchinson Chapter RA from 1961 to 1999 and is a member of Darwen Mark lodge where he is a Senior Overseer.

WBro Derek Thornhill with WBro Alan Younger and the Master, WBro Danny Cassidy

On presenting his illuminated certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, WBro Thornhill made reference again to Alan’s service to others and his commitment to freemasonry in Darwen. WBro Brian Bristol ProvDepGDC then perambulated WBro Younger around the lodge room to spontaneous applause. The Worshipful Master Bro Danny Cassidy then presented a cheque to WBro Thornhill on behalf of the lodge to the 2015 Festival, which WBro Thornhill received with thanks.

Retiring to a splendid festive board, far more than the usual pie and peas at horizon lodge meetings, the Worshipful Master proposed the toast to WBro Younger. Alan replied by thanking several brethren present for the friendship he had shared with them over the years and recounted happy memories of his 50 years in the craft. At the conclusion of his reply the Worshipful Master then presented Alan with a glass ornament to mark his 50 years in freemasonry and also some flowers for Betty his wife as behind every good man is an even better woman!

A Special Night for Cathedral Lodge, No. 7814

Cathedral Lodge No.7814 held a very special evening on Monday 15th March. They passed to the second degree Bro Petr Komarek on behalf of Hiram Lodge No12 of Prague in the Czech Republic.

Several members of the lodge along with members of Limestone Rock Lodge had previously travelled to the Czech Republic and witnessed Petr’s initiation as he was known to the DC of Cathedral Lodge, Cyril Kennerley through a business connection.

Since the change in the political landscape in Prague freemasonry is starting to thrive again and Hiram Lodge have many members waiting to go through ceremonies, over 15 at each of the three degrees, making many years before progression could be made. Therefore due to this and the connection to Cyril, Hiram lodge approached Cathedral Lodge to pass Bro Komarek to the second degree.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master Derek Thornhill accompanied by the District Chairman Paul Aspinall were there to witness the ceremony, also present was another fellowcraft from a different lodge in Prague, neither of which had met before.

Bro Komarek provided proof of proficiency in the first degree with a word perfect recitation of the answers to the questions asked. He was then passed to the second degree in a similar faultless manner by the officers of the lodge.

At the festive board Bro Komarek was presented with a glass ornament to mark the occasion. In his response to the toast to his health Petr said that he was only starting on a journey through masonry that would continue for the rest of his life and that he was very happy that Cathedral Lodge had played a part in it.

Lodge Officers, APGM, District Chairman, PAPG, 2 Czech masons – Petr on the right of WM

Petr Komarek with APGM and WBro Kennerley

WM presents Bro Komarek with glass ornament

Bro Petr Komarek responds to his toast

Blackburn & Darwen District - Hosted Initiates Meeting
Wednesday 20th January 2010

The Blackburn &  Darwen District held a special Initiates Meeting on Wednesday 20th January 2010, at Blackburn Masonic Hall, which was hosted by Billinge Lodge No 4296. A magnificant attendance was recoded of 93 Masons.

The meeting was held primarily for all Brethren who have been initiated over the last three years within the District. The initiates were individually presented to the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro D N Thornhill, PSGD, within the Lodge Room. There was then a demonstration by a Provincial and District team regarding certain aspects of the first degree ceremony.

At the Festive Board the APGM asked each member of the District Team to speak for a few minutes and explain their role on the District Committee, after which an excellent buffet supper was enjoyed by all.

Blackburn and Darwen Hospice Cheque Presentation – 7th January 2010

WBro David Lightbown, PProvGSwdb, Deputy District Chairman and WBro John Rimmer, PProvSGD, District Charity Steward, presented a cheque for £2,582.00 to the Hospice. The cheque was made up of £350.00 from the Blackburn and Darwen Charity Stewards Fund for the drinks trolley and £2,232.00 from Grand Charity towards the running costs.

The picture shows the Fund raising manager of the Hospice, Sharon Crymble, holding the cheque with WBro John Rimmer while WBro David Lightbown keeps an eye on the drinks trolley.

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

WBro Paul Smillie, District Communications Officer for Blackburn & Darwen. Tel: 0777 939 5566