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Click here for Grants Jewish Dinner, to be held on Monday, January 17th, 2011

Click here for Burns Night Poster, to be held on Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

Padiham Masons Remember

Wreaths were laid on Sunday November 14th at Padiham Cenotaph by WBro Speak from Huntroyd Lodge No 6385 and WBro Ian Allinson from Calder Lodge No 4564.

Meal at Farrington’s

Farrington’s restaurant at Nelson and Colne College was the venue for an informal meal organised by Rossendale District Charity Steward Dave Law. Staffed by the students, as this is an integral part of their course, some 36 members and friends from various Lodges in the district were greeted on arrival by the students and offered a selection of entrees with Bucks Fizz.

Seared Scallops on Brioche with lime and Honey Dressing served with Marinated Ginger Prawns and Pear Prosciutto and Rocket Rolls began the meal with a burst of colour. This was followed by Consommé with Autumn Vegetables leading to a choice of main course: Roast Lamb on Thyme Mash with natural juices and Red Onion and Chilli Jam OR Supreme of Salmon on Red Wine Risotto with white wine and herb Sabayon - both served with vegetables and Potatoes.

The best however was certainly left until last: A choice of either Chocolate Fondant with Ice Cream Brandy Snaps and chocolate sauce or Baked Alaska with Caramel Sauce and Mango.

Afterwards a raffle was held with enough prizes donated for each table to win at least one. Some however faired a little better:

Dave thanked the staff for their hard work in making this an enjoyable evening for all present he also thanked WBro John Farrington and Christine for their assistance in organising the event.

Unfortunately due to a prior engagement John and Christine were unable to be present. £203 was raised and will be added to other amounts already raised. We all look forward to a repeat sometime next year.

New Initiates Meeting - Rossendale District

Following on from the 'spring workshop' a meeting was held on Wednesday October 6th at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall, for new members to address some of the key issues raised in February. The approach was deliberately informal with 'no flipcharts or power point’!   the emphasis being  made on providing the group with information in a relaxed atmosphere ,  providing an  overview in response to their previously highlighted concerns, and  'fill in' some of the knowledge gaps which established masons often take for granted.

In particular this session covered:

The Rossendale District:
 ‘What is it, how does it fit into the provincial structure, who are officers,    what is their role etc.  

Masonic Charities:  
An overview of the 4 main charities and their aspirations together with illustrations of how the money collected is applied.

Communication; 
Considered the wide range of media and methods in place and how we can all access the information to enhance and inform our Masonic knowledge.  

The East Lancashire Masonic Handbook:   
This really useful and yet little known publication is a very helpful manual for new initiates. It covers many of the areas identified by newer members as topics to better understand. A copy of which was given to the new members present.

From Initiation to Worshipful Master

The first Rossendale District Hosted Meeting of the season was held at Royds Lodge No 816, Tomorden, on Thursday 14th October. Forty two Brethren were in attendance and forty attended a very lively Social Board afterwards. The theme for the evening was ‘From Initiation to the Master’s Chair’.

The meeting was attended by WBro Martin P Roche, APGM who was accompanied by Rossendale District Chairman WBro John Farrington and several other members of the District Tea. The evening was intended to afford three brethren from around the District an opportunity to outline their of their own experiences from their Initiation into Freemasonry up until their installation as WM. The speakers on this occasion were:

WBro C Speake ProvGStwd              Huntroyd Lodge       No 6385.
WBro A Marsh                                     Samaritan Lodge     No 286
WBro Edwin Hardman                       Starkie Lodge           No 1634

It is not intended at this time to report on all that was referred to as this was only the first of three such evenings. The next meeting will be at Starkie Lodge, Rawtenstall, on January 26th 2011 and then Huntroyd Lodge, Padiham, on February 23rd 2011.

A point which all three speakers where agreed upon was that more time should be afforded to new initiates for them to be able to observe and learn and to progress at their own speed; not to be continually pressured into performing as a gradual build up of learning will boost their confidence and in turn enable Lodges to retain their members.

WBro Roche then asked those present if they had any observations they would like to share. He emphasised that it was not intended to challenge the observations made but an opportunity to give personal views.

WBro David Tayor, who, it was announced, will be taking over as Rossendale District Secretary on 1 January 2011 from WBro Allan Kirwilliam stated the importance of Past Masters in assisting junior brethren  by attending practices and not taking a back seat after they have completed their term in office.

Bro Peter Evans Worshipful Master of Royds Lodge indicated that it is vital to develop by going to Instruction meetings as this will assist understanding and provide greater enjoyment.

Bro Mario Lapresti thanked the presenters and said that some of the comments that had been put forward by the three brethren during the evening had helped him to appreciate what lies ahead and he hoped that others had benefited also.

The District Chairman indicated that the purpose of such meetings is to listen and to absorb the views of others. In order to succeed we should all be responsive to the individual needs of Brethren in our Lodges and support them accordingly.

WBro Steve Barton, the Deputy District Chairman summed up the general points that had been made and the common themes that had arisen and WBro Farrington expressed the thanks of the District to Royds Lodge for accommodating the evening, the presenters for their efforts, the Deputy Chairman, District Mentor and Coordinator for their support of the speakers in their preparation and all who had attended to make the evening a success.

ELMC and Grants Lodge No 8825

The ELMC has donated £150 to the Manchester Diocesan Mothers Union [MU] Hospitals Project which Lynne Longworth co-ordinates to add to the £100 given by members of Grants Lodge No 8825.

The monies will go towards the cost of providing various items the MU Project provide for all hospital neo-natal units across Greater Manchester and East Lancashire, and help them to care for more premature babies and families whose baby sadly does not make it. They provide this service to all faiths. It is needed more than ever at the moment with the current spending cuts.

The MU provide mittens, bootees, ventilator bonnets, gowns and cot blankets for sick babies, Angel pockets with tiny teddy bears for babies who do not make it, and toiletry bags for mum’s admitted as emergencies who havn’t had time to get their own toiletries requisites together.

Photograph shows Dave Law [District Charity Steward] presenting the cheque to Lynne Longworth, watched by husband Stewart & other members of Grants Lodge

150 years of Royds Lodge No 816

On Thursday 30th September 2010, Royds Lodge, No. 816, from Todmorden, celebrated their 150th anniversary at Rochdale Masonic Hall. A dispensation was granted for the meeting to be held at Richard St due to the large number of brethren expected to attend and they were not disappointed as over 100 visitors, which included the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Harold Woodward, joined with the members of the Lodge to celebrate the anniversary.

The Worshipful Master, Bro Peter Evans, opened the Lodge at 6.00pm. After the minutes of the last regular meeting had been confirmed, WBro Stephen Lawlor, Charity Steward, proposed that the following donations be made: 

    
£8016 to the 2015 Festival
£816   to the ELMC
£816   to the RMBI
£816   to Springhill Hospice
£816   to Help the Heroes
£816   to Leonard Cheshire Homes

Master, WBro Peter Evans with cheque for the Deputy PGM

A Provincial Delegation led by DepPGM, VWBro Harold Woodward, then entered the Lodge. The Worshipful Master offered the Gavel to the DepPGM who accepted and proceeded to introduce the members of the delegation which include our own APGM, WBro Martin Roche, District Chairman, WBro John Farrington, and our previous APGM, WBro James Sutcliffe. He also commented on how nice it was to see the Lodge room so full.

Members of Royds Lodge with the Provincial Delegation

WBro Stuart Kilpatrick, PProvJGD, then delivered a short history of the Lodge mentioning their affiliation with Royds Lodge of Malvern, No. 1204,  a delegation of its members being present, followed by an Oration by the Provincial Grand Chaplain after which WBro Alan Garnett, Provincial Grand Secretary, read the certificate to the brethren, which was then inspected by the DepPGM before he presented it to the Worshipful Master, indicating that, along with the Warrant of the Lodge, it should be passed on to his successors pure and unsullied, as he then received it.

WBro Stuart Kilpatrick, PProvJGD, was then escorted by the Provincial Director of Ceremonies to the DepPGM who commented that Stuart had been Lodge Secretary for 15 years. On behalf of the Provincial Grand Master VWBro Woodward promoted WBro Kilpatrick to PProvDepGReg.

The Provincial Delegation the retired and the Lodge was closed in Peace and Harmony. The Sesquicentenary Banquet began with Cream of Broccoli and Stilton Soup followed by Cod Tails and Prawn Sauce, Roast Top Side of Beef and Vegetables, Cherries Jubilee and a selection of Cheese and Biscuits. A commemorative glass/goblet engraved with the Royds Banner was given to all present. 

PHOTOS TO FOLLOW

Huntroyd Chapter of First Principals, No. 6385

"Despair to Discovery"

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

Murder Mystery Evening

The Lodge of Prudence 219 hosted a Murder Mystery night at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall on Saturday 25th September. The evening was entitled ‘Kaos at the Kronkie Club’ or ‘I’m a celebrity – Get me out of care'.   The mystery was written by Darren Hutchinson, who also performed along with our Worshipful Master, Clive Hartley.  All the cast members work within the NHS or Police,and played the parts of ex-cabaret/variety entertainers.  They had been invited to a dinner given by their agent, who revealed that he was writing a book and exposing all their secrets, which led to him being killed.

72 people attempted to solve the murder, by listening and observing the performance, whilst enjoying a 70’s themed meal. The evening was a great success and raised a total of £430.00 for local hospices. If anyone is interested in holding a murder mystery evening, the cast perform for free, for charity raising events.

District Quiz

51 members attended the Quiz night held once again at Ashday Lea, Rawtenstall on  Friday 17th September. A relaxing and enjoyable evening produced a hard fought quiz with Constancy being clear leaders up until the last question when they were pipped by Three Rivers who won by 1 point with a total of 82. Rossendale Districts 2015 Festival Representative, Graeme Wilkinson, for the third year in a row, was a member of the triumphant Three Rivers Team, which explains the huge smile on his face or was the First Prize of 6 Bottles of Tesco’s finest now reduced to five.

The raffle raised £106.

My thanks again to all who attended and especially to Geoff Howorth (quizmaster), from Royds Lodge 816, who along with District Charity Steward, Dave Laws, also of Royds, wore the silly hats ( do they put something in the water over the hill in Todmorden) and of course Steve and Ellen and the staff for the catering.  A supper of Tattie Pie and Peas was enjoyed by all.

Losing team 'No Mates' who, with only 4  members, did remarkably well under the circumstances (with 51 + 1/2 points) were recipients of the runners up Toblerones.

   Winning Team ‘Three Rivers’ who accepted 6 bottles of wine as the winning prize

   Quiz Master Geoff (Left) and Dave Laws (Right)

Losing Team ‘No Mates’ with their Toblerones

Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge BBQ - Saturday 31 July 2010

The annual Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge BBQ was once again hosted by Margaret and Peter Brennand at their home in Ewood Bridge Rossendale.

Although the weather left a lot to be desired the rain did hold off long enough for the food to be cooked and eaten. Some thirty Masons and friends attended and enjoyed a pleasant evening.

A special thanks must be extended to Bro Neil Hunt for his culinary skills.

£200 was raised on ticket sales with a further £60 on the raffle. This will be added to previous monies raised and distributed at the end of the present Master’s year.

Master Cook Bro Neil Hunt perfecting his style while guests await his offerings

A Walk on the Wet Side

Morecambe Bay was the venue for this year’s District Walk. Meeting at Arnside on Sunday 18th July, in what can only be described as wet and dismal conditions, some 200 people, including 17 from the Rossendale District, began their crossing at approximately 10.35am. The journey would take them about 3 hours.

Wet before they start.

The dress of the day for the majority was shorts and sandals. On lookers may have thought this a strange choice considering the weather but a very good one as on the journey, rivers and channels had to be forded. At the mid way point, when it seemed that there would be no let up in the weather, the rain stopped making the latter half of the walk to Kent’s Bank Railway Station a more pleasurable one.

District Charity Steward Dave Law was on hand with dry towels for the cold and weary travellers.
Rossendale Walkers were:

John Farrington            Huntroyd
Johns Neighbour         116
Ross Turner                   Hospitality
Alan Towers                  Calder
Bryan Ross                   Calder
Steve Lawlor                 Royds
Andrea Lawlor              Royds
Martin Gill                    Royds
Deborah Gill                 Royds
Mario Lopresti              Royds
Mario’s Friend             
Norman Wharf             Red Rose
Hazel Wharf                  Red Rose
Nigel Pickering             Grants
Tom O’Brien                 Constancy
Tom O’Briens Friend
Tom O’Briens Friend
Gus Robinson              Huntroyd
Mrs Robinson              Huntroyd

District Charity Steward WBro Dave Law is personally grateful for the support given by Lodge members and their wives, friends and families. Although an alternative walk had been planned of around 3 mile even with the horrible weather, everyone chose to walk the bay.  
It is hoped that sponsorship for the event will raise around £1,000 which will be distributed to charity at a later date.

A huge Thank You to all who took part. Superb.

District Chairman John Farrington emerges from the ordeal unscathed.

One man and his two dogs WBro Nigel Pickering. Now where did I put that Phone?

Rescue Vehicle on hand if needed.

The Old Vicarage, Burton in Kendal, was the venue for a fund raising BBQ in aid of
The 2015 Festival and the ELMC.

For another year Nigel and Angela Pickering hosted the above event which was attended by Brethren and friends from the Provinces of Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria, West Lancashire as well as our own East Lancashire.
Sadly the weather was not as good as we have experienced over the previous weeks, but that did not deter everyone from enjoying a fantastic array of foods and beverages that had been provided by all present.
Nigel and Angela, along with some of their close friends, provided a wonderful tombola and a fair ground Hoopla Game at which Rossendale District Communications Officer Peter Brennand excelled, winning the main prize of a bottle of Lamb’s Navy Rum which was thankfully received and will definitely be faithfully applied.
The evening raised £243 which will be split between the 2015 Festival and The ELMC.
Everyone who attended had a thoroughly enjoyable time and would like to offer a special thanks to Nigel, Angela and all who helped.

Left to Right  WBro Keith Turner, Abbey Lodge, WBro Nigel Pickering and WBro John Griffin, Bury District Chairman.

WBro  Richard Elscome from West Lancs showing WBro Norman Cope how it is done who stands in amazement.

A well earned slurp after a great deal of hard work.

Angela instructing Nigel on the correct method alas to no avail.

50 Years with Hospitality - 17th June 2010

Ronald Horrocks PPAGDC was initiated into The Lodge of Hospitality No 1697 on the 12th May 1960. Proposed by Bro Jack Taylor and Seconded by WBro S Carter. Ron’s brother in law was at the time a member in Haslingden and his cousin, George was a member of Constancy Lodge No 4767 and a founder member of Cribden Lodge No 7285.

Ron was born in Helmshore in 1925. His first employment on leaving school at aged 14 was in Howard & Bullough’s textile mill and later became an apprentice electrician at Irwell Vale Mill.

During the Second World War, Ron worked on lifts and cranes which made him exempt from call up. However, just after the end of hostilities at the age of 21, he was drafted into the RAF for national service where his electrical skills were put to good use. After being demobbed in 1949 his felt it was time to have a change. Ron bought a fish and chip shop business from his brother and the following year he purchased the premises also. This proved to be a wise decision because the flat above, after renovation, became home to himself and Dorothy whom he married that same year. This August they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary along with their son Stephen,  daughter Katherine and two grandchildren.

Ron and Dorothy sold their business in 1992 and retired but kept the premises which is still an old fashioned fish and chip shop.

During his work years Ron’s masonry had to take second place and eventually he stopped attending but always made sure of his connection by prompt payment of his dues. A couple of years after his retirement Ron began attending again and went back onto the ladder and he was installed as Worshipful Master in November 2000. Ron became Charity Steward after installing his successor, a position he still holds. In November 2008 Ron received Provincial Grand Rank as PProvAGDC.

The evening's celebration was led by WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD. After the lodge was opened a brief amount of business was conducted before calling off so that the Ladies who had been invited to the social board could enter the Lodge and enjoy the presentation given to Ron by WBro Sutcliffe on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master. Ron was escorted around the lodge by the Director of Ceremonies WBro Ian Lord to a loud applause from both Ladies and Brethren.

WBro Sutcliffe also presented Ron with a Masonic Lapel Badge on behalf of the Lodge before handing back the gavel to the Worshipful Master, Bro Ross Turner.

Ron with WBro James Sutcliffe and Members of The Lodge of Hospitallity

With the Ladies

Left - Right - Dorothy, Ronald, Jim Sutcliffe and Kathrine

Social board

Around 80 members and their guests assembled at the Bella Vista restaurant at Milnrow, Rochdale on Friday 14th May 2010 for a charity night in aid of The Rochdale Children’s Home.

They enjoyed a marvellous buffet meal, the entertainment was provided by the excellent “Simply Red Ties” (highly recommended) and supported by the surprise appearance of the “The Four Mad-Leys”.

An Auction and Raffle which raised a total of £650 will be added to other monies raised over the forth coming year.

The Worshipful Master and his wife Helen who are selfless supporters of the Home wish to thank all those who attended the evening and also those whose hard work enabled the evening to be a success.

Left to Right: Marion Hill, Andrea Lawlor, Debra Gill and Brenda Brown.

Left to Right: Debra Gill, Bro Martin Gill, Andrea Lawlor and WBro Stephen Lawlor.

The Teddies for Loving Care Scheme and Victim Support 

The Rossendale District had not been closely involved in the TLC Scheme as there is no A&E unit within our boundary. We did however get involved in selling lapel badges in our five Masonic Halls some years ago and this proved popular and successful. Via a personal link established through Royds Lodge No 816 a number of badges (80) were provided for the Victim Support Unit in Manchester and were sold very quickly on our behalf. In discussion it was suggested that Teddies could be used to comfort children who have to attend court, in this instance Crown Court and who are traumatised by the experience. In our ignorance we thought that this would be children attending court with parents/guardians who would be the witnesses. How wrong we were! These children are often the victims of crime! This relationship has proved to be so successful and beneficial (please see the attached letter as one example) and very chastening, that it was decided by the APGM who oversees the TLC Initiative in East Lancashire, that this project with Victim Support should, if possible be extended throughout the Province, and that it should be centrally co-ordinated by Rossendale Brethren. This is a very powerful link with some vulnerable members of our community.

Following a meeting with the Regional Director of Victim Support it was agreed that a further meeting be arranged with area volunteers to roll out the scheme. This meeting took place at Albert House, Bloom Street, Manchester on Thursday 6 May 2010.

The meeting was very well attended with 16 representatives for Victim Support including the Court Manager and his Deputy, two Witness Service Managers and volunteers from the following areas being present; Bolton, Burnley, Bury and Oldham, Lancashire (Whitworth, Bacup, Accrington and Burnley), Rochdale, Salford and Trafford, Stockport and Tameside, Wigan and Manchester central. The Province was represented by Stephen Lawlor (Royds Lodge Charity Steward), Steve Barton (Rossendale District Deputy Chairman), John Farrington (Rossendale District Chairman). Dave Law the Rossendale District Charity Steward who has been instrumental in the development was unfortunately unavailable and sent his apologies as did Peter Brennand the District Communications Officer.

At the start of the meeting the District Chairman gave a short presentation on the structure of Masonry it’s commitment to Charity and how the TLC scheme had developed. He explained the involvement with Victim Support, how this had come about and how the Province would wish it to progress. Emphasis was placed on the use of the Teddies to alleviate distress and not to generate funds for Masonry. The costs would be met by Masons. Those present were very enthusiastic about the scheme and provided examples of how the teddies had already assisted. Reference was made to a teddy bears picnic as the first point of contact with children in one area. All in attendance were keen to take teddies for use in their work and sought reassurance that they could be used in Magistrates as well as Crown Court.

It is interesting to note that only 7% of cases actually go to court and there are many other instances where a TLC teddy could be utilised to provide comfort in difficult circumstances. Our view is that the link is with Victim Support and not with the court and that those “on the ground” will determine where the teddies can best be used. Approximately 300 Teddies were distributed, 20 to each volunteer and a number for the three Crown Courts. The teddies are now in use! All those present also asked for lapel badges to sell on our behalf even having been repeatedly told that there was no obligation on them to do so and that the continuation of the scheme was not dependent upon any financial return. The reward for Masonry would be the practical application of the initiative and the benefits that this could bring to people within our community.

We look forward to receiving positive feedback on this extension to the TLC Scheme. We know the excellent work that has already been done and commend those who work for Victim Support either in a paid or voluntary capacity for the commitment they show and the tremendous results they achieve in very trying circumstances. They have our total admiration and respect.

Following in Father’s Footsteps

Thursday 13th May 2010 saw Bro Mark G Pickup, Master Elect Installed into the Chair of King Solomon at Abbey Lodge No 2529 Whalley a position previously held by his father WBro Neil Pickup. Mark was installed by WBro E Starr PProvDepGSwdB. The addresses were given by WBro R Wellock PJGD, WBro SmithPProvGSuptWks and WBro ChadwickPProvDepGSwdB. The ceremony was attended by WBro Leslie Greenwood the Representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master along with RWBro Dr Nigel Bramley Haworth PastDepPGM and WBro James Sutcliffe Assistant PGM. The photo shows the members of Abbey Lodge and their distinguished guests.

After an excellent ceremony attended by some 45 brethren of which there were 19 visitors from approx 15 Lodges everyone adjourned to Whalley Golf Club for the Festival of St John where all enjoyed a feast of French Onion Soup followed by Roast Beef &Yorkshire Pud, Apple Pie & Cream and Coffee and Mints.

On the left, the Worshipful Master Mark Pickup, with WBro L Greenwood,(left) and Installing Master WBro  E Starr(right). On the right we have A helping Hand at the social board.

11 May 2010 - WBro Norman Jackson 50 Years in Freemasonry

Read the Full story Click Here

Rossendale Masonic Fellowship

Saturday the 27th March 2010, was Spring Fayre morning for the Rossendale Masonic Fellowship at Ashday Lea, members had worked hard to set up the stalls on the Friday evening.

Saturday arrived with a nice spring morning, a promising start and the stalls all filled. The Chairman WBro Peter Cheetham welcomed every one present and a special welcome for WBro Martin Roche, Assistant Provincial Grand Master and Mrs Roche.

At 10:00am prompt, WBro Martin Roche, opened the Fayre. He expressed his support in the Fellowship and hoped that older Brethren their families and Widows would join and he would continue to give his support. The Chairman then presented Janet with a bouquet of flowers from members of the Fellowship.

The Fayre got into full swing with Tombola, Cake& Jam's stand, Bric-a -Brac stand, Book stall and Bottle and Food Hamper Raffles, all manned by members of the Fellowship.

People continued to flow in and we were pleased to welcome WBro John Farrington, Mrs Farrington and family, supporters of the Fellowship.
At the close WBro Martin Roche and Janet drew the raffles and many left with smiling faces. WBro Roche said how much he and Janet had enjoyed the morning and looked forward to being with us again.

The attendance was the best for many years and it looks like our taking from the Stalls and Raffles will be a record.
Thank you all for making the morning a success.           

WBro Peter Cheetham

Rossendale’s New Assistant Provincial Grand Master

Tuesday 16th February 2010 became part of the history of the Lodge of Silent Temple No126 at Burnley Masonic Hall as they hosted The Provincial Grand Master RWBro Jack Price and a full delegation from the Province for the investiture of WBro Martin Roche as Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle Districts.

Provincial Deputation

A spectacle of colour and pomp which is normally only seen at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge began what was to prove to be a memorable evening as the Provincial Grand Master accompanied by Past Provincial Grand Master RWBro Paul Rink, Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro Harold Woodward, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro Dr Nigel Bramley Haworth, the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and too many to mention Grand Officers including our own Chairman WBro John Farrington were welcomed into the Lodge by the Worshipful Master Bro A May.
The business of the Lodge was conducted by the Worshipful Master after offering the Gavel to RWBro Jack Price who on this occasion politely returned it. This however was not to last long for on the second occasion he accepted.

The PGM spoke about the need for leaders to enable the organisation to achieve its full potential. That new members must be encouraged to progress as they are our future and would in time become leaders in the Craft. He spoke of WBro Martin Roche whose commitment to the craft was unquestionable and his achievements too numerous to mention in the time available.
After being presented to the PGM by WBro Norman Cope, the Provincial Director of Ceremonie,s Martin recited his obligation as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Escorted to the East he was invested with his chain of office by the PGM who greeted him with love, loyalty and respect. The Chain Bearer was WBro Wes Marchant,  Martin’s long standing friend.

WBro Martin Paul Roche, Assistant Provincial Grand Master

WBro Martin Roche PPSGW, Assistant Provincial Grand Master was then escorted around the lodge to a warm applause from some 120 members of Silent Temple, Guests and friends. Martin retired from the Lodge in his rightful place accompanying the PGM and his Assistants.

A festive board of Soup, Braised steak with vegetables and Apple pie was enjoyed by all. A raffle was held which, when added to the Alms collection, raised £992.70. The final total became £1000 when the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters coppered up amongst themselves to raise the extra £7.30, a most benevolent gesture on their part.

Martin Roche, Jack Price and out two District Chairmen

Rossendale Hospice – An Exciting New Opportunity!

On Friday 5 February the District Chairman, WBro John Farrington, accompanied by the District Charity Steward, WBro Dave Law and the District Communications Officer, WBro Peter Brennand visited the Rossendale Hospice.

Left to right Irene Smith Manager, Julie Openshaw Day Therapy Team Leader, Michael Flannery Day volunteer and Pam Connell SRN Day Therapy

Whilst the primary purpose of the visit was to present a cheque for £1000 from Grand Charity, part of the annual giving from Grand Charity for Hospice Care nationwide of over half a million pounds, those present also took the opportunity to receive an update on the Hospices forthcoming move to new premises.

On 16 April the Hospice will relocate from its present home to a new Health Centre on Bacup Road in Rawtenstall where they will occupy part of the top floor of a brand new building. This will enable them to work with other health professionals and to provide a more complete service to the residents of Rossendale. It will also mean that their services can be further developed and offered five days per week as opposed to the four days that the unit presently operates.

Although the District had offered some assistance in making the move this unfortunately will not be able to be taken up. The Primary Care Trust is planning and organising those activities in great detail and will actually facilitate the whole operation at the time. This is understandable given present legislative restrictions!

During discussions Irene Smith, the Manager of the Hospice advised that the annual running costs at the Hospice are in the region of £650K of which approximately £120K is provided by the PCT. They are therefore extremely grateful for the donation made and also the general support provided by Freemasons. As we are all aware generating income in the present economic climate is an increasing problem.

It was suggested that the monies donated by Grand Charity might be used in a way that would and demonstrate this support to the users of the facility. Irene undertook to consider how this objective could best be achieved and to return to us with some ideas.

We wish the Hospice well with the move and hope that they are able to continue to provide the excellent levels of care to those in the Valley who need their assistance.

New Members Night

A meeting for Rossendale District New Members, (those initiated within the last three years) was held at Ash Day Lea, Rawtenstall on Tuesday 2nd February 2010.  The evening was particularly well attended with fifteen New Members from Lodges across the District present. In addition two apologies had been received. A great turn out!

During the welcome and introductions the work undertaken by WBro Nick Pearson, the previous District Mentor was referred to and acknowledged.  At the meeting we were especially privileged to be joined by our District Chairman WBro. John Farrington and delighted to welcome our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Northern Area Number 2 WBro. Martin Roche. Bro Roche despite promising to ‘sit on his hands!’ joined in fully contributing hugely to the evening with some extremely informative and entertaining reasoning in the lively open forum.

During the evening members were asked to reflect on their Masonic journeys thus far, discuss how it was going and the support they needed/were receiving and to share their view with each other. As one might expect, given the work that has previously taken place with some of these Brethren, the conversation was frank and extremely positive and very useful.

Some of the key messages were:

• A need for more explanations regarding aspects of the ritual and its meaning
• Willingness/desire to progress – but at their own pace (not the Lodges)
• Committed but often pressurised by conflict with personal/professional lives
• Need to retain perspective; Masonry must be complementary to our lives
• No awareness of the East Lancashire Masonic Handbook
• Charity - a main theme of masonry in its several forms (money, time, support etc)
• Freemasonry as a way of life – to makes good men better
• New openness is welcomed, but a need to go even further
• Be proud to be a mason, it’s a privilege; but keep it select.
• Charity – little understanding or appreciation of the extent of the charitable donations / work

All agreed that the evening had been very worthwhile and a further meeting will be planned for the summer.

WBro John S. Ellis  PPSGD District Mentor

Burns Night

Organised by the Red Rose of Lancaster Lodge No 1504 Ladies Committee over 60 members and friends attended Padiham Masonic Hall on Saturday 23rd January and enjoyed a magnificent Burns supper of Scotch broth, Haggis with neeps and tatties, Roast Beef and Vegetables followed by trifle and then cheese and biscuits.

WBro WTK Black gave the address to the Haggis in what can only be described as interesting and competent manor, (For those that understood the old dialect). After the meal the guests were treated to a description of the short but bountiful life Robert Burns 1759 – 1796 by Bro Norman Wharf the Worshipful Master who also proposed the toast to the Lassies. A raffle raised £170 for charity which will be designated during the next Worshipful Masters Year.

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