RMBI2015 Ecclesholme News

The Association of Friends of Ecclesholme made arrangement to dedicate the two new gardens recently built at Ecclesholme. The Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire, Bro. Peter John Hosker and his wife Julie along with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in charge of East Lancashire, Bro. Harold Woodward and his wife Phyllis attended the Ecclesholme Gardens' opening. The Deputy President of the RMBI, Bro Chris Caine and his wife, Sally Caine, also attended the two events.

Invited guests and visitors assembled at 1130 am on a glorious day in the first Garden.

VWBro Harold Woodward addressed the brethren, visitors (including residents of Ecclesholme) and ladies in the first Garden. He extended a warm welcome on behalf of Peter Hosker and himself and thanked all of those who have contributed in so many ways to the valuable work of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme. He also thanked the Care Home Manager, Beverley Nyland, the Deputy Manager, Margaret Riste and all the staff, without whom this care home would not be able to provide such high quality, tender, loving care for its residents, "Ordinary people doing extraordinary things".

Harold explained that there are 17 such Care Homes administered by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI). He expressed gratitude to Willie E Shackle, President, Chris Caine, Deputy President and David Innes, Chief Executive, for their leadership. He was pleased that Chris Caine and Sally were present to enjoy the day and stimulate us to further endeavours for the RMBI.

Harold added that the quality care and support (both physical and emotional) that is provided helps to creat a positive, 'feel good' environment, one that gives quality and dignity to the lives of the residents. This environment had been further enriched by the creation of two new Gardens, a feature which from its inception, was supported by the late departed RWBro Jack Price, PGM or East Lancashire. Jack was passionate in his support for the RMBI and for this care home in particular.

Harold invited the Provincial Grand Chaplain from East Lancashire, WBro Rev'd David Halford, to dedicate the first Garden, aptly named the 'Peace, Love and Unity garden' dedicated in memory of RWBro Jack Price.

Harold thanked WBro Stephen Martin Blank, PDepGDC, AProvGM (left), for giving his time today to ably act as Director of Ceremonies of all of the day's proceedings, which had really worked out well.

Harold, on behalf of the Association of Friends, also expressed appreciation for the financial support that had been received from the West Lancashire Freemasons' Charity, the East Lancashire Masonic Charity and the RMBI; without whose support the creation of the Gardens would not have been possible.

He also expressed gratitude to 'Homescape Ltd', Chorley, for the design and construction of the two gardens, 'the beauty of which will give added value to the residents, staff, volunteers and visitors. The end product carries Jack Price's seal of approval.

RWBro Peter Hosker

RWBro Peter Hosker, Provincial Grand Master West Lancashire, opened the second Garden which was dedicated by the Provincial Grand Chaplain of West Lancashire, WBro Rev'd Graham Halsall. The second garden was named the 'Celebration garden commemorating the marriage of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge'.

The Celebration Garden

VWBro Harold Woodward, PGSwdB, Deputy PGM in Charge East Lancashire with RWBro Peter Hosker, PGM West Lancashire


Rev'd Graham Halsall	Rev'd David Halford

Following a splendid buffet lunch, during which Phyllis Woodward, Sally Caine and Julie Hosker were presented with floral bouqets, the attendees travelled to St Mark's Church in Worsley. A lovely Service of Dedication ensued before the days proceedings finally concluded.