Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire
REPORT
OF THE
ANNUAL MEETING
HELD AT
KING GEORGE’S HALL
BLACKBURN
THURSDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2015
Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lancashire King George’s Hall, Blackburn Thursday, 19 November 2015
Registered Attendance RWBro Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL ...... Provincial Grand Master VWBro DN Thornhill, JP, PGSwdB ...... Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro CA Northcott, PSGD ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro N Cope, PSGD ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro JC Welton, PJGD ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro AJ Pearson, PSGD ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro JR Farrington, PSGD ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro PG Hewitt, PAGDC ...... Assistant Provincial Grand Master
RWBro Paul JE Rink, OBE ...... Past Provincial Grand Master RWBro Stephen M Blank ...... Provincial Grand Master [Cheshire] VWBro N Morrison, PGSwdB ...... Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro Dr NG Bramley-Haworth, PGSwdB ...... Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro JH Newman ...... President RMBI WBro H Hesmondhalgh, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro AS McLaren, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro RSC Mitchell, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro PG Mountford, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro MP Roche, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro PMA Rose, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro J Sutcliffe, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro AB Sykes, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro DJ Walsh, PSGD ...... Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro F Wilkinson ...... PSGD WBro JH Aston ...... PJGD WBro R Batters ...... PJGD WBro KO Beeston ...... PJGD WBro A Bennion ...... PJGD WBro S Bibby ...... PJGD WBro Dr MG Boden ...... PJGD WBro HAJ Garnett...... PJGD WBro MB Hill ...... PJGD WBro RS Norris ...... PJGD WBro DH Thompson ...... PJGD WBro FM Walker ...... PJGD WBro JC Welton ...... PJGD WBro D Winstanley ...... PJGD WBro Rev’d DJ Halford ...... PAGChap WBro Rev’d DK Pryce ...... PAGChap WBro JA Griffin ...... AGDC WBro P Aspinall ...... PAGDC WBro D Basger ...... PAGDC WBro H Basger ...... PAGDC
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WBro G Bent ...... PAGDC WBro HJ Bentwood ...... PAGDC WBro HS Berry ...... PAGDC WBro DJ Biggs ...... PAGDC WBro DCH Brown ...... PAGDC WBro BJ Carter ...... PAGDC WBro IR Casson ...... PAGDC WBro N Clarke ...... PAGDC WBro AD Costello ...... PAGDC WBro D Dunn ...... PAGDC WBro B Durkin ...... PAGDC WBro PT Faulkner ...... PAGDC WBro RW Flitcroft ...... PAGDC WBro RI Frankl ...... PAGDC WBro KG Hampson ...... PAGDC WBro P Hargreaves ...... PAGDC WBro L Hayes ...... PAGDC WBro MT Holland ...... PAGDC WBro KA Horne ...... PAGDC WBro S Hughes ...... PAGDC WBro AC Johnson ...... PAGDC WBro EJ Kirkbride ...... PAGDC WBro D Lightbown ...... PAGDC WBro N MacSymons ...... PAGDC WBro PRB Messum ...... PAGDC WBro PJ Price ...... PAGDC WBro GH Scaife ...... PAGDC WBro JS Seddon ...... PAGDC WBro D Simpson ...... PAGDC WBro GNH Young ...... PAGDC WBro IF Hancox ...... PAGSwdB WBro A Holland ...... PAGSwdB WBro P Humphreys ...... PAGSwdB WBro MT Roberts ...... PAGSwdB WBro D Roberts ...... PAGSwdB WBro T Thomas ...... PAGSwdB WBro JA Topping ...... PAGSwdB WBro B Bristol ...... PAGSuptWks WBro DL Pilling ...... PAGSuptWks WBro BF Sigsworth ...... PAGSuptWks WBro PG Bowen ...... GOrg
Acting Officers of the Year WBro Dr SK Archer ...... ProvSGW WBro GT Hodson ...... ProvJGW WBro Rev’d DJ Halford, PAGChap ...... ProvGChap WBro CA Hayman ...... ProvGTreas
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WBro MJ Church-Taylor ...... ProvGReg WBro MP Roche, PSGD ...... ProvGSec WBro JA Griffin, AGDC ...... ProvGDC WBro P Waring ...... ProvGSwdB WBro AP Jenkins ...... ProvGSuptWks WBro Rev’d JG Winstanley ...... ProvDepGChap WBro DJ Cowen ...... ProvDepGDC WBro A Procter ...... ProvDepGDC WBro BJ Carter, PAGDC ...... ProvGAlm WBro BF Sigsworth, PAGSuptWks ...... ProvGChStwd WBro FC Lomax, PProvJGW ...... ProvGOrator WBro RP Bowden ...... ProvSGD WBro D Dredge ...... ProvSGD WBro MJ Entwistle ...... ProvSGD WBro AJ Foster ...... ProvSGD WBro IM Johnson ...... ProvJGD WBro P O'Carroll ...... ProvJGD WBro Rev’d ES Kilpatrick ...... ProvAGChap WBro E Freeman...... ProvAGReg WBro A Holland, PAGSwdB ...... ProvAGSec WBro TJ Galvin ...... ProvAGDC WBro K Newsome ...... ProvAGDC WBro NE Wharf ...... ProvAGDC WBro JM Styles ...... ProvAGSuptWks WBro PG Bowen, GOrg ...... ProvGOrg WBro C Barton ...... ProvGStB WBro R Tindall ...... ProvGStB WBro HS Kaye ...... ProvAGStB WBro BW Robinson, PProvSGW ...... ProvGPurs WBro J Basger ...... ProvGStwd WBro HL Burns ...... ProvGStwd WBro S Crowther ...... ProvGStwd WBro AC Gillard ...... ProvGStwd WBro LK Griffiths...... ProvGStwd WBro K Hawley ...... ProvGStwd WBro CN Hegarty...... ProvGStwd WBro SJ Holland ...... ProvGStwd WBro R Mehta ...... ProvGStwd WBro R Pike ...... ProvGStwd WBro S Roberts ...... ProvGStwd WBro MD Stubbs...... ProvGStwd WBro I Ronson, PProvSGW ...... ProvGJanitor
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RW Provincial Grand Master: “Brethren, since the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held on 20 November 2014, we have been saddened by the death of the following Grand Officers:
Gordon Lee, PJGD 26 December 2014 John MD Hoyle, PJGD 10 February 2015 Bryan Adshead, PJGD 16 March 2015 Ronald Smith, PAGSwdB 23 March 2015 Anthony S Goldstone, OBE, DL, PJGD 5 May 2015 Christopher Oversby, PAGDC 25 September 2015 Harold Tucker, PAGDC 19 October 2015 Anthony Adler, PAGReg 14 November 2015 In addition, 62 Provincial Grand Lodge Officers and many Brethren from private Lodges have passed to higher service in the Grand Lodge above. They will be sadly missed by their families, the Brethren of their Lodges and their friends. We offer our sincere condolences to them all. I ask you to rise in silent tribute in respect of departed merit.
To welcome our Distinguished Guests and Heads of Orders Our Distinguished Guests and Head of Orders were introduced and welcomed. The following Brethren attended:
Cumberland and Westmorland RWBro Norman J Thompson, Provincial Grand Master VWBro Keith Young, Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro Bill J Bewley, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Bill H Morley, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Keith R Beaumont, Provincial Grand Secretary
Isle of Man RWBro R Keith Dalrymple, Provincial Grand Master WBro William J Ashton, Deputy Grand Superintendent WBro Graham B Whyte, Provincial Grand Treasurer WBro Martin Blackburn, Provincial Grand Secretary
West Lancashire RWBro Tony Harrison, Provincial Grand Master WBro Phil H Gunning, Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro John Hutton, Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Cheshire RWBro Stephen M Blank, Provincial Grand Master VWBro Alan Glazier, Deputy Provincial Grand Master WBro Adrian Davies, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Martin R Barlow, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Michael G Leese, Provincial Grand Secretary
Yorkshire, WR WBro D Stuart Cummins, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Paul Clarke, Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Keith Tolan, Provincial Grand Secretary
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Our Past Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Paul JE Rink, OBE, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Masters, VWBro Nolan Morrison and VWBro Dr Nigel G Bramley- Haworth who is, also the Intendent-General and Divisional Commander of St John in the Red Cross of Constantine.
Our Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Paul MA Rose, together with our Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, EComp Allan Bennion.
Bro Alex McLaren, Provincial Grand Master, Mark Order.
Bro Royce Batters, Inspector General of the District of South East Lancashire, Antient and Accepted Rite.
Bro Robert Mitchell, District Grand Master of Lancashire of the Order of the Royal and Select Masters.
Bro Frank GH Smith, Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor.
Bro Ian Clark, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester.
Bro Malcolm Moreland, Regional Grand Prefect of the Knights Benificient of the Holy City.
And Bro David Gallear, Provincial Prior of the Knights Templar.
Special mention was made of Bro Mervyn Wilson who was to be installed as the District Grand Prefect for the Order of the Allied Masonic Degree in April 2016 and WBro David Biggs who was to be installed as the new Inspector General for North East Lancashire of the Antient and Accepted Rite a few days later.
The best wishes of the Brethren were sent to the retiring Inspector General, Bro David Hawkins.
The Provincial Grand Master also expressed his delight to the many Worshipful Masters and Wardens of Lodges for their attendance and in particular thanked them for the excellent work they do in their Lodges and Districts.
The Report of the Provincial Grand Lodge held on 20 November 2014, which has been printed and distributed, will be put for confirmation.
Following a proposition which was duly seconded the Report of the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge held on 20 November 2014 was confirmed and approved.
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To re-appoint VWBro Derek N Thornhill, PGSwdB, as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master
The RW Provincial Grand Master said that it was a pleasurable duty to re-appoint Bro Thornhill as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
He said: “Derek, we have now worked closely together for four years. Your wise council and support is sincerely appreciated. I value the work that you carry out on my behalf and on behalf of the Province. I am delighted that you have again accepted this appointment and I look forward to the future with your assistance. Thank you for your continued friendship and kindness”.
The ProvGDC then proclaimed VWBro Derek Nelson Thornhill, as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Following salutations Bro Thornhill responded.
To Re-appoint the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters
The RW Provincial Grand Master then re-appointed:- Bro Chad Anthony Northcott Bro Norman Cope Bro John Christopher Welton Bro Arthur John Pearson Bro John Richard Farrington and Bro Peter Graham Hewitt
The Provincial Grand Master said “All of my Assistants have afforded me their support during the last year. I am grateful for their loyalty and commitment and particularly the hard work they undertake in their respective areas”
Salutations The ProvGDC then proclaimed the re-appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Following salutations Bro Northcott responded.
District Chairmen The RW Provincial Grand Master also acknowledged his grateful thanks for the work carried out by the District Chairmen, both in supporting their respective APGM’s but also the Lodges within their Districts.
He was delighted to welcome to the meeting: David Hudson Chris Prax Geoff Baillie Peter Douthwaite Gerry Hodson David Dunn Peter Rhodes Terry Kakoullis Steven Barton Paul Thornton David Lightbown
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To receive and adopt the Accounts of the Provincial Grand Lodge for the year ended 31 December 2014.
The RW Provincial Grand Master invited the Provincial Grand Treasurer, Bro Ashley Hayman to present a report on the accounts.
Bro Ashley Hayman: “RW PGM and Brethren, I am pleased to present the accounts of Provincial Grand Lodge for the year ended 31 December 2014, copies of which have been circulated.
There was a reduction in Dues from Lodges, down from £110,423 in 2013 to £107,559 in 2015. I have said in previous reports that I do not like that direction of travel. But the reduction is less than we had budgeted, so I take some encouragement from that.
I also take encouragement from the fact that our total expenses are lower than in the previous year, and also lower than budget. One can look at printing, postage and stationery, where we have saved over £3,000; and one can dismiss that as merely being the result of technology: emails rather than post, but other savings have been the result of policy and of careful management, for which we can all be grateful to the Rulers of our Province and to the Provincial Grand Secretary (by which I mean, in 2014, John Farrington).
We made a surplus of £12,520 in 2014, which has been carried to reserves. I am afraid that such a surplus will not be repeated in 2015. But our reserves are strong, and the drive to reduce costs continues. So I have some good news. Last year I gave notice of motion that I would be proposing a small increase in the dues for 2016. I am pleased to say that I shall not be going ahead with that proposition. During 2014 we completed the programme of building works at the Provincial Office at Ashday Lea. The cost is reflected in the balance sheet in the figure for Tangible assets.
Once again I thank the Secretariat for their support. I must make special mention of Fiona Frankl, who retired during 2015 after many years as our excellent bookkeeper.
My thanks also go to the auditors who once again have conducted a thorough audit with courtesy and efficiency.
RW PGM and Brethren, that concludes my report on the 2014 accounts”.
Bro Ian Connor then gave a report on behalf of the Auditors.
Following a proposition which was duly seconded the accounts of Provincial Grand Lodge for 31 December 2014 were approved.
To elect the Provincial Grand Treasurer for the year 2015 / 2016 In light of no other nomination having been received, the RW Provincial Grand Master then duly re-elected Bro Ashley Hayman as the Provincial Grand Treasurer for the ensuring year 2015 / 2016
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He then expressed his own sincere thanks and those of the Brethren of the Province to Bro Hayman for all his hard work and effort during the past 12 months.
To elect the Auditors for the year 2015 / 2016 The RW Provincial Grand Master had great pleasure in re-appointing Bros Roland Adams, Philip Hollinshead and Ian Connor as the Provincial Auditors for the year 2015 / 2016.
He thanked them for their hard work and effort on behalf of the Province,
To present the EL Masonic Golf Society Derby Cup Unfortunately the winner of the East Lancashire Masonic Golf Society Derby Cup, Bro Harold Cooper of Corinthian Lodge No 221 was unable to attend the meeting due to ill health; the RW Provincial Grand Master presented the trophy to the Worshipful Master of Corinthian Lodge, Bro Martin Roche. He asked that his congratulations and best wishes for a speedy recovery were passed to Bro Cooper.
He expressed his very grateful for the generous donation of £750 to the East Lancashire 2015 RMBI Festival and placed on record his sincere thanks to WBro Malcolm Worsley, the Chairman of the Society, WBro Gerry Hodson the Committee Secretary and Bro Richard Zoltie, the Treasurer for organising this special event. He then reminded Brethren that the competition was open to ALL members of the Province.
He also announced that the EL Bowling Competition had taken place in July and that on this occasion the winners had been a team from Affinity Lodge which is in the Province of Cheshire.
He thanked most sincerely Bro Geoff Leach and his wife, Gill for their efforts in organising the event this year. He was delighted to also receive a donation of £250.
The RW Provincial Grand Master encouraged the Brethren to enter these two prestigious competitions in 2016 and in particularly expressed a wish that the Bowling trophy be “won” back next year.
Report from the Provincial Grand Secretary The RW Provincial Grand Master invited the Provincial Grand Secretary, Bro Martin Roche to present his report.
Provincial Grand Secretary: “Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Brethren, I am pleased to present this, my first Annual Report, to Provincial Grand Lodge.
Some eight months ago I took over from WBro John Farrington as the Provincial Grand Secretary. John had, to say the very least, engineered a very well-oiled machine and I was happy to take control of an exceptionally well run and efficient operation; to date despite my concerted efforts, I have been unable to break it. I have absolutely no doubt that I would be unable to undertake my role without the quality of service we all receive from the invaluable, dedicated and committed work of Susan O’Neill, Andrew Holland my Assistant Grand Secretary and also Anne
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Donnelly. They all regularly do far more than is expected of them – and a good deal also in their own time. There may be different roles and titles but we are a team and combined with the remainder of our team members in the guise of our volunteer staff, I am very privileged and indeed, indebted to them all. We all look forward to your continued co-operation and support in the future.
Since March we have also been examining in detail the costs of operating the Secretariat. We have already identified savings in excess of £1,900 and I look forward to the Provincial Grand Treasurer making his report to Provincial Grand Lodge in 2016.
A number of other significant pieces of work have been absorbed by the Secretariat in support of the recently concluded Festival and now, the planning for the Tercentenary in 2017 as well as some emerging special projects. I am sure our work will continue to evolve and meet the needs of the Province with our eye very much on the future and supporting all of you.
Before moving on to announce the Lodge and personal celebrations that have taken place during the last year, may I finally thank all the hard-working Lodge Secretaries in the Province. We appreciate your dedication, your patience, your good humour and all you do to keep Freemasonry in East Lancashire so efficiently administered.
Since the last meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge Sir you, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters have attended a number of significant events, Lodge celebrations and personal landmarks throughout the Province namely:
The Installations of WBro John Farrington and WBro Michael Gibbons as Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.
The Bi-Centenary of the Lodge of Faith No 344 when we welcomed the Assistant Grand Master.
The Centenary of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge No 3747.
The Golden Jubilee celebration of: Old Salfordians Lodge No 7968
The Amalgamations of Lodge of Tranquility with Hospitality No 274 Bank Terrace with King Oswald Lodge No 462
A Bible-Rededication meeting was held at Coronation Lodge No 3479
You have attended Hosted Meetings or made private visits to the following Lodges: Minnehaha Lodge No 2362 Old Salfordians Lodge No 7968 Fraternity Lodge No 4315 Fidelity and Crusaders Lodge No 269
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Earlier this month, you had the pleasure of attending the 70th of WBro George Cattanach of Huncoat Lodge No 8542 who was Initiated into Kilmolymoch Lodge No 45 (Scotland).
During the year there have been six Personal 60ths celebrations for: Bro Gordon Davies Semper Paratus Lodge No 3440 Bro James Lever Old Boltonians Lodge No 5814 Bro John G Briggs Harmony and Industry Lodge No 381 Bro George Deane Charity Centenary Lodge 3786 Bro Alan Starkie Starkie Lodge No 1634 Bro George Glassbrook Boltonian Lodge No 3716 Bro Colin Winterbottom Kershaw Lodge No 3838 Bro William Walker Caledonian Lodge No 204
You have also attended the Personal 50ths of: Andrew Sykes – Lodge of Relief No 42 and Harry Hesmondhalgh – Prosperity Lodge No 5206
In addition there have been a further 34 Personal 50th Celebrations: Bro Alan Greenhalgh Old Boltonians Lodge No 5814 Bro D Brian Lee Cornucopia Lodge No 4553 Bro Dr Herbert McRobert Alkrington Lodge No 6102 Bro Gerald Coyle Townley Lodge No 5589 Bro William Dallas Lodge of St John RA No 320 (Scotland) Bro Arthur Smith Thursby Lodge No 3855 Bro Ronald Dickin Calder Lodge No 4564 Bro Keith Leigh Corinthian Lodge No 221 Bro Leslie Williams Goulburn Lodge No 3478 Bro George Chappell Albert Lodge No 854 Bro Derek Bell Darley Lodge No 221 Bro Arthur Smith Whalley Arches Lodge No 7489 Bro Neville Rayner Langley Lodge No 3989 Bro Donald Roberts Fairfield Lodge No 7224 Bro Kelvin Gaskell Lodge of Relief No 42 Bro R Graham Inskip Lodge of Reverance No 4956 Bro Keith Ivison Old Salfordians Lodge No 7968 Bro Rodney Evans Mellor Lodge No 1774 Bro Sydney Nicholls Roses Lodge No 5140 Bro Reginald Greaves Lodge of Virtue No 152 Bro Gordon Hebden Harmony and Industry Lodge No 381 Bro Alan Bennett Gorton Lodge No 7657 Bro Barry Nield Lodge of Friendship No 44 Bro Louis Rapaport Old Mancunians No 3140 Bro Harold Solomon Menorah Lodge No 4849 Bro David Bury Rossendale Forest No 4138 Bro Geoffrey Waller Temple Lodge No 3990 Bro David Leeming Lodge of Rectitude No 5197 Bro Melvin Magnall Springfield Lodge No 6722 Bro Alan Mercer Lodge of Fidelity No 269 Bro James Warner Old Blackburnian Lodge No 7933 Bro Alan Wolstencroft Lodge of Faith No 344
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In March the very successful Let’s Talk Freemasonry Conference took place again at Salford. Plans are in place for this event to be repeated again on Saturday, 19 March 2016. Your support for this event Brethren would be greatly appreciated.
Sir, that concludes my Report”.
The RW Provincial Grand Master thanked the Provincial Grand Secretary for his very detailed report.
Collection A collection was held in aid of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity. During the collection the Brethren sang Jerusalem.
Address of the RW Provincial Grand Master RW Provincial Grand Master: “Brethren, I must begin my annual address by repeating my thanks to you all for being here this afternoon.
I also wish to extend my personal congratulations to all those Brethren who are to be appointed or promoted within this Province and to thank those who relinquish their appointments today for their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment.
I also want to thank the very Senior members of this Province including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, the Provincial Grand Secretary and indeed all the members of the Craft Cabinet, never forgetting the Deputy Grand Superintendent, the Second and Third Provincial Grand Principals in the Royal Arch.
It is, for me, a joy to work with them all and I value their support, their vast experience and their rich sense of humour.
As in previous years, I use this annual address to highlight what has transpired over the last twelve months, to mark any historic milestones, and to share with you what is happening now and in the future.
I wish to thank you all very sincerely for your support of our 2015 RMBI Festival which drew to a close at the end of last month with a magnificent Banquet in Bolton attended by the Pro Grand Master, the Mayor of Bolton, several Provincial Grand Masters from neighbouring Provinces and more than 500 Masons and our wives and partners.
To have raised over £2.6 million pounds is a tremendous effort and my thanks go to WBro John Scott, every single member of his Festival Banqueting Committee and all the Festival Representatives in our Lodges and Chapters. As we all know the Festival has been running through the worst economic recession that any of us can remember, yet despite this fact, you have all responded magnificently to the Appeal. I think you can all be very proud of your efforts. I certainly am!!
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We can now concentrate on our own Charity, the East Lancashire Masonic Charity as our premier concern in this Province. As always, I know you will respond positively in supporting that wonderful and very important organisation.
Many of you will have realised that following the closure of the Festival, I have designed a new Provincial Tie, which a number of us are wearing today. I hope you approve of it and will wear it with pride. You will notice that at the bottom of the tie, the Coat of Arms of this Province is detailed. My hope is that many of you will wish to wear the tie, not only in your Lodges and Chapters but in your place of work or whilst attending non-masonic functions so that if you are asked about the significance of the tie you can explain your membership of our illustrious Order. As an open society seeking to increase our membership, it could be an opportunity to promote awareness.
Doubtless some of you who are incredibly enthusiastic will wish to wear the new tie in bed. Which is alright if you have matching pyjamas!, they are presently in the design stage!
Whilst speaking about what has happened in the past and historical milestones, sometime ago the United Grand Lodge was pleased to send a letter of congratulations to HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh on achieving his 50th Anniversary in Freemasonry. In September, we were delighted to celebrate the Centenary of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge No 3747 which was attended by 158 Masons. We were reminded twice during that evening that the Founder of that very special Lodge and its first Master was the then Provincial Grand Master, the 17th Earl of Derby, who served as Provincial Grand Master of this Province for over 49 years.
I would be very grateful if none of you would divulge to my wife that one of my predecessors was PGM for 49 years - she might lose the will to live. You will all be relieved to hear that I have no intention of beating that record.
As I know everyone in this Hall does appreciate we are one of the worlds oldest and longest non-religious, fraternal and charitable organisations and we are very proud of the fact that we have members who are Christians, Jewish, Muslim and from many other denominations.
I am frequently asked about our relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and I am very happy to place on record that we warmly welcome Catholics into our Order. That situation was made clear by Cardinal Heenan, the then Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster when he interceded on our behalf with Rome and in July 1974, Cardinal Heenan received a communication from the Holy See which was promulgated by the Roman Catholic Bishops of England and Wales. The brief extract from that communication reads as follows: “The Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ...... has ruled that Canon 2335 no longer automatically bars a Catholic from membership of Masonic groups.” That was an historic moment Brethren. I am very proud of the fact that in my own Lodges and Chapter we have Roman Catholics who are very active, able and conscientious members. Long may it continue.
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I also wish to share with you that this Province has achieved a significant historical change to the Book of Constitution concerning Royal Arch membership. For two years I have been fighting in the Provincial Grand Masters Forum that it should be unacceptable for Companions in the Royal Arch to remain as members if they have resigned from their Craft Lodges.
The changes to the rules have now been unanimously agreed by the PGM’s Forum [which includes Grand Superintendents who are not PGM’s] and finally agreed by the Grand Master and First Grand Principal, HRH the Duke of Kent.
The new rules which were endorsed by Supreme Grand Chapter at their recent Convocation on the 11th November will not be retrospective and will only come into being at the end of 2016. There will also be considerable latitude to enable those Craft Masons who through no fault of their own have seen their Lodges close to have time to find another Lodge to join.
On a separate matter, when application is made for Provincial Honours, many of you will be aware that a question which appears on the forms asks for details of a Brother’s involvement in other organisations, which are not Masonic [Charitable or otherwise]. The application form makes clear that the Provincial Grand Master is interested to hear of a Brother’s outside interests and this question has been on that form for many years now.
I mention it because it is clear from all the nationwide surveys which have been carried out amongst Freemasons that there is a desire to help others and become involved in local communities. The results of the surveys suggest that the desire to become involved is on both a collective and individual level.
I am well aware of the excellent work which so many Lodges (and indeed Districts) perform to raise money and be actively supportive of local and national charities outside Freemasonry and I warmly welcome their initiative.
The same could be said of individuals whose involvement in non-masonic organisations sets a superb example to us all in their dedication care and kindness to help others less fortunate than themselves.
In many cases, they are unsung heroes who with the support of their wives or partners, work tirelessly in those communities, not for self-grandisement or for public recognition but because they believe in what they do. In other words they carry their Masonic principles into the community.
As your Provincial Grand Master, I want you to feel as I do that you cannot be a responsible member of Society unless you are prepared to shape it – and shape it for the better. I know instinctively that when non masons find themselves working alongside us, they are often surprised and impressed that we do not, as many still believe, confine ourselves to activities that solely benefit other Masons. That realisation removes a barrier that can deter them from joining Freemasonry and can therefore have the effect of encouraging them to do so.
After all, it is a part of our ritual that we aspire to “live respected and die regretted.”
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So many of you are already heavily engaged and committed to work in your communities and I admire you. You and I know that Freemasonry doesn’t make men good. It should make good men better.
This now leads me onto our Tercentenary in 2017 when we celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry. It is a glorious opportunity for us to emphasise the importance of Masonry – not only in our communities but regionally and nationally.
Nationally, the United Grand Lodge will mark the Tercentenary with a huge meeting in the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 31st October 2017. Presided over by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Duke of Kent.
At Provincial level, I have decided that we will produce another video to go on our Website which will highlight the importance of our younger Brethren, many of whom wear light blue aprons and who will share their reasons for joining and their enjoyment of Masonry. This will be specifically designed as a recruitment initiative.
This initiative will be complemented by the work already in hand by the new Recruitment Committee overseen by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
He and I agree that one of the most important, if not the most important problem facing our fraternity, is that we need good men to join our Province. Not just to increase our numbers but because the strength of our organisation will be judged eventually by the quality of our members. Secondly, for the Tercentenary through the good offices of our excellent Provincial Grand Secretary who organised a very successful Musical Evening in Bolton Town Hall, some years ago, we will be organising a musical extravaganza in this very Hall, on the 28th October 2017. That will focus on Masonic music throughout the last 300 years and it has already attracted favourable attention from Grand Lodge.
In addition, I will be politely and diplomatically asking that all of our Masonic Halls in this Province should be open on one specific day in that year. That we would particularly encourage, Mayors, MP’s, leaders of the clergy, other leaders in the community and many other non-masons to witness at first hand what we do and why we wish them to join in our celebration. I will be issuing shortly after this meeting, a Circular in relation to this and our celebrations for the Tercentenary.
During the Tercentenary the renovation of Freemasons’ Hall, in Bridge Street in Manchester should have been completed and that would be a wonderful thing to celebrate.
In addition to all that, we are in the process of purchasing an attractive trailer which will highlight the advantages of joining Masonry in this Province. It will be on display at many public events, agricultural shows, country fairs and anywhere else appropriate. This will promote new membership in the run up to our Tercentenary.
I recognise and respect that most of our Lodges and Districts will wish to celebrate the Tercentenary in their own way and that will certainly be encouraged.
I only ask that you make every effort to co-ordinate your celebrations to ensure the maximum impact in the press and the community. As we all agree, although
15 | P a g e recruitment is vital, retention is essential. I am delighted to tell that primarily because of the excellent work of our Mentors at Provincial, District and Lodge level, this year we have seen that the net reduction in our membership has fallen once again. The figure this year is a reduction of only 133 which is a reduction on last year and that was a reduction on the year before that and the year before that so the trend is one which we would all wish to see.
Brethren, having placed particular emphasis on recruitment in the build up to our Tercentenary, it is important that I share with you an extract from the address delivered by my good friend the Right Worshipful, Keith Dalrymple [who is here today], the Provincial Grand Master of the Isle of Man at his Annual Meeting in September which I attended. I found it very moving. He said this......
We are today face to face with a new world – a world quite different to anything our forefathers either saw or dreamed of. During the past quarter of a century tremendous changes have taken place, some so silently that the process has been almost imperceptible others have been so drastic and revolutionary that the face of things has altogether changed. The result is that the world has entered a new phase of life, with a changed attitude towards, the home, marriage, family and other Institutions formerly regarded as sacred. The number of Brethren who lose interest and lapse in membership is alarming, and it is not the financial strain that is solely the occasion of these lapses.
Well let me tell you Brethren that those words were written more than 80 years ago, by WBro the Reverend Joseph Johnson, Assistant Grand Chaplain.... and 80 years after his book was published we have the recently released findings of an extensive and expensive survey to which almost 10,000 Freemasons responded..... What do they say? First: The way we care for Initiates directly affects membership Second: The most important factors contributing to overall satisfaction are: Feeling valued Developing Masonic knowledge Being included Lastly: It is not cost that leads to unhappiness, it is relationships.
What happened in the interim?
Well soon after Johnson’s Book was published the world went to war, and today the fact that the Grand Masters Council and PGM’s Forum facilitated this survey is evidence that Freemasonry is prepared to listen ... and act! Our ritual tells us that Masonry had great meaning, it is something to be taken home, used in the family, in all walks and circumstances of life.
WBro John Acaster, our distinguished Masonic Historian, in his address to this year’s conference entitled “Let’s Talk Freemasonry” gave a stirring message to us that “the manifold qualities of Freemasonry defy expression”. You could make a long list of elements which each of us has appreciated and benefited by during our Masonic lives’ He went on to say that “we do seek an amicable atmosphere and the relaxations of chitchat, humour and the pleasures of meeting interesting people in the company of some decent food and drink – but so much could be said of any club. It is the quality of inner commitment passing through meaningful trials and a 16 | P a g e repeated allegiance to spreading virtue which gives Freemasonry its “unique selling point”.
I believe that John is right in all that he said, but despite the accuracy of his statement that “the manifold qualities of Freemasonry defy expression”, I should like, in closing, to have a “shot” about what Masonry really means to me.
Our order, like so many other forces for good, forms an important part of the fabric of our Society. From our Masonic associations and extended family, we strive to become better people, actively and financially to support charitable and other good causes and learn to find meaning and stability in a turbulent and very, very difficult world.
The social side of Freemasonry is generally dignified, enjoyable and attended by good company. We have strict codes of decorum and dress and share gentlemanly company whether we be dining with our members after Lodge or entertaining our family and friends during a fund raising evening or a celebratory function.
Our membership consists of men of quality, who are seeking something additional in life. Masonic teachings give us a code for living that complements our pre-existing values and encourages us to become more virtuous, better husbands, fathers, friends and colleagues. It is a tremendous force for good. We are told – are we not – that near the closing hours of our existence, our lives will flash before our very eyes. I think we should make sure that it’s worth watching.
Brethren, as always, I thank you all for your support and kindness to me. I thank you for helping me to realise my ambitions in my own journey through Masonry and I thank you for ensuring that my role as your Provincial Grand Master is so rewarding.
I wish each and every one of you continued success in the year that lies ahead”.
To present Certificates of Exceptional Service The RW Provincial Grand Master then asked the Provincial Grand Secretary to read out the name of the Brother who had been awarded a Certificate of Exceptional Service.
The Provincial Grand Secretary: “RW Provincial Grand Master and Brethren, the Certificate of Exceptional Service was introduced in East Lancashire in November 2013 and is awarded to those Brethren who have made an outstanding contribution to Freemasonry within this Province. Due to the very special nature of this award, only six Brethren have been recipients of it thus far and there will be no more than twelve holders of this prestigious award within the Province at any one time.
This year one Brother is to be added to this very select group and recognised for the outstanding contribution he has made to this Province. We offer our congratulations on this achievement, to WBro Bryan Bristol.”
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Provincial Grand Secretary: “Bryan Bristol was initiated into Freemasonry in 1972 and has served the Province continually since that time, a period of 43 years. He is 81 years of age but his energy and commitment defy that.
He was exalted in to the Holy Royal Arch in 1975 and has 40 year’s service to the Order and was promoted to the rank of PProvGScN in 2003, the highest Past Rank that the Province is able to give.
In the Craft WBro Bristol carries the rank of PAGSuptWks, an honour that was conferred in 2001.
He has given excellent service to both his Lodges and Chapter. He has been Worshipful Master on three occasions and has also fulfilled other significant Lodge and Chapter Offices making an important and valuable contribution. He is a hard working, sincere, helpful and approachable Mason and it is very fair to say that his reputation goes before him as he continues to maintain a very high profile both within and outside his area.
In addition he has been an active member of the Hyndburn Lodge of Installed Masters, within the Masonic Rooms at Clitheroe Conservative Club and very active in the Clitheroe Fellowship, being a pivotal player in the continued success of them all.
Since its restructure Bro Bristol has also been an active member of the FWT Mess and still retains his position as a Representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master; his constant use as such throughout the Province is a testament to the high regard in which he is placed when exercising that role.
WBro Bristol is also a great supporter of the District and is a regular attendee at District Meetings, Personal Celebrations, Hosted Meetings and social occasions such as the District Mess; he is simply a supporter of everything and a devoted friend to everyone.
I can say on my own behalf as a past APGM for the Northern Area, on behalf of John Farrington the current APGM and all whom have gone before us, his opinion and wise council were always valued and never taken lightly.
In summary WBro Bryan Bristol is an exceptional Freemason. Even given his advancing years his commitment and enthusiasm is undiminished. He is a great example to us all on how a Freemason should conduct himself and demonstrates in all that he does the objects of our Fraternity. It is recognised that this award will be well received not only in the East Ribble District but by many Brethren throughout the Province who are proud to acknowledge Bryan Bristol as a friend and a Brother.
Bro Bristol was escorted to the stage for presentation by his son, David.
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Investiture The RW Provincial Grand Master reiterated his thanks to the Provincial Grand Wardens and other outgoing Officers of the year and those continuing in office for their hard work and support.
He then asked the Provincial Grand Secretary to read out the names of those to be honoured: ProvSGW Duncan Ferguson, PProvJGW ...... 7285 ProvJGW Paul Thornton, PProvJGW ...... 5713 ProvGChap The Rev David Halford, PAGChap ...... 3317 ProvGTreas Ashley Hayman ...... 3140 ProvGReg Michael Church-Taylor ...... 3342 ProvGSec Martin Roche, PSGD ...... 64 ProvGDC John Griffin, AGDC ...... 4661 ProvGSwdB Peter Tonge ...... 4524 ProvGSuptWks Andrew Jenkins ...... 163 ProvDepGDC David Cowen ...... 6594 ProvDepGDC Andrew Taylor ...... 8542 ProvGAlm Brian Carter, PAGDC ...... 8542 ProvGChStwd Ken Davies, MBE, PProvGSwdB...... 298 ProvGMentor Alan Kirwilliam, PProvJGW ...... 8825 ProvSGD Mo Afsa ...... 3140 ProvSGD Jeffery Brindle...... 5118 ProvSGD Martin Jones ...... 2447 ProvSGD Peter Lambert ...... 4964 ProvJGD Capt Edward Beaman ...... 2322 ProvJGD James Hilton ...... 5040 ProvJGD Martin Horan ...... 4595 ProvJGD Michael Wyatt ...... 1773 ProvAGChap The Rev Canon Richard Hawkins, PProvSGD ...... 8561 ProvAGReg Edward Freeman ...... 8947 ProvAGSec Andrew Holland, PAGSwdB ...... 4365 ProvAGDC Tony Bardsley...... 8763 ProvAGDC Nick Davis ...... 8947 ProvAGDC David Gill ...... 8178 ProvAGDC Alan Jones ...... 1322 ProvAGDC Les Stevens ...... 3622 ProvAGDC John Yates ...... 3788 ProvGOrg Paul Bowen, GOrg ...... 3248 ProvGStB Stephen Dunks ...... 757 ProvGStB Mark Smith ...... 6693 ProvAGStB James Burns ...... 8528 ProvGPurs Brian Robinson, PProvSGW ...... 7968 ProvGStwd Steven Bane ...... 62 ProvGStwd Tony Berry ...... 8896 ProvGStwd Leslie Brookes ...... 4964 ProvGStwd Lee Gridley ...... 3716 ProvGStwd Andrew Hindle ...... 3479 ProvGStwd John Lees ...... 367 ProvGStwd Leigh Rickett ...... 4661 19 | P a g e
ProvGStwd Simon Rogers ...... 6721 ProvGStwd Graham Thornton ...... 5713 ProvGStwd George Varga ...... 7286 ProvGTyler Jim Smith, PProvSGD ...... 462 PROMOTIONS PAST PROVINCIAL SENIOR GRAND WARDEN Jack Bancroft, PProvJGW ...... 5588 Ken Davies, PProvGSwdB ...... 298 Mark Davis, PProvJGW ...... 992 John Hargreaves, PProvJGW ...... 3306 Frederick Lomax, PProvJGW ...... 5502 Trevor Procter, PProvGSwdB ...... 7933 David Thornton, PProvJGW ...... 6384
PAST PROVINCIAL JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN Peter Blackhurst, PProvGSuptWks ...... 3786 Eric Evanson, PProvGSwdB ...... 581 Brian Gilman, PProvGSuptWks ...... 5198 Brendan Harte, PProvGSwdB ...... 152 Ken Heath, PProvDepGSuptWks ...... 5218 Trevor Jewitt, PProvGSuptWks ...... 266 Christopher Prax, PProvGSuptWks ...... 6594 Barry Rhodes, PProvGSuptWks ...... 1218 Ian Screen, PProvGSuptWks ...... 9101 Paul Sellers, PProvGSuptWks ...... 4661 John Shaw, PProvGSuptWks ...... 1519 James Stahler, PProvGSuptWks ...... 4964 Michael Williams, PProvDepGReg ...... 1218 The Rev John Winstanley, ProvDepGChap ...... 8235
PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND SWORD BEARER Graham Longworth, PProvDepGSwdB ...... 2447 David McGurty, PProvDepGDC ...... 462 Alan Potts, PProvDepGDC ...... 7252 Stuart Rayton, PProvGSuptWks ...... 283 Leonard Samuels, PProvDepGSwdB ...... 2156 Roger Smethurst, PProvDepGSwdB ...... 269 Charles Ward, PProvSGD ...... 1083 Tony Wells, PProvGSuptWks ...... 8542
PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND SUPERINTENDENT OF WORKS Anthony Cross, PProvDepGReg ...... 5140 The Rev Stuart Kilpatrick, ProvAGChap ...... 816 Stewart Longworth, PProvDepGSuptWks ...... 8825 Michael Porter, PProvDepGDC ...... 2185
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PAST PROVINCIAL DEPUTY GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES Malcolm Ashton, PProvJGD ...... 2560 Alf Blackburn, PProvSGD ...... 934 Philip Blackham, PProvSGD ...... 4574 Michael Brotherton, PProvSGD ...... 8825 Bill Bruce, PProvSGD ...... 42 Michael Capper, PProvJGD ...... 7286 Colin Chew, PProvSGD ...... 298 Colin Clegg, PProvSGD ...... 8763 Russell Conn, PProvSGD ...... 8947 Christopher Creelman, PProvSGD ...... 6384 John Dearden, PProvSGD ...... 3622 Brian Derbyshire, PProvSGD ...... 462 David Green, PProvJGD ...... 1774 Steven Greenhalgh, PProvJGD ...... 221 Roy Gregson, PProvJGD ...... 3381 Dennis Heskett, PProvSGD ...... 283 John Hood, PProvSGD ...... 3326 William Humphreys, PProvSGD ...... 3322 Brian Jones, PProvJGD ...... 3786 Chris Jupp, PProvSGD ...... 128 Ian MacDonald, PProvSGD ...... 8249 Charles MacMillan, PProvSGD ...... 2320 Graham Mangham, PProvSGD ...... 1519 Philip Norbury, PProvSGD ...... 2320 Jeffrey Normie, PProvSGD ...... 7968 Robert Paton, PProvSGD ...... 5140 David Poppitt, PProvSGD ...... 5683 Harry Riley, PProvSGD ...... 1459 David Roberts, PProvJGD ...... 4952 Mel Rosenthal, PProvSGD ...... 8947 Bill Sharp, PProvSGD ...... 8561 Alf Shaw, PProvJGD ...... 8528 Martin Stott, PProvSGD ...... 1392 Mel Taylor, PProvSGD ...... 934 Robert Taylor, PProvJGD ...... 678 Ivor Williams, PProvSGD ...... 1459 John Wishart, PProvAGReg ...... 7933 David Wright, PProvSGD ...... 226
PAST PROVINCIAL SENIOR GRAND DEACON Jeffrey Armstrong, PProvGStwd ...... 3381 Jim Clegg, PProvAGSwdB ...... 8561 Peter Cotton, PProvAGDC ...... 7306 Paul Doran, PProvGStwd ...... 8763 Robert Findlay, PProvAGDC ...... 37 Kenny Greer, PProvGStwd ...... 6721 David Grimshaw, PProvGStwd ...... 2185 Alan Hague, PProvAGDC ...... 116 David Hallam, PProvAGDC ...... 430
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Simon Jones, PProvGStB ...... 1012 Leslie Latcham, PProvAGDC ...... 3855 Lee Marsh, PProvGStwd ...... 4828 Richard McEwen, PProvAGDC ...... 5633 John Morgan, PProvAGDC ...... 5140 Kirk Mulhearn, PProvGStwd ...... 6521 Nigel Paton, PProvGStwd ...... 992 John Pearson, PProvAGDC ...... 1144 Allan Potter, PProvJGD ...... 5814 Tony Sivner, PProvAGDC ...... 1798 Tony Stephenson, PProvGStwd ...... 1459 David Wagstaff, PProvAGDC ...... 5395 Ian Walvin, PProvAGDC ...... 1144 John Wilkinson, PProvGStwd ...... 5140 Brian Wilson, PProvAGSwdB ...... 152
PAST PROVINCIAL JUNIOR GRAND DEACON Mark Crosby, PProvGStwd ...... 42 Alan Mercer, PProvAGDC ...... 269 Robert Tyler, PProvGStB ...... 678 Bryan Tyrrell, PProvAGDC ...... 116
APPOINTMENTS PAST PROVINCIAL SENIOR GRAND DEACON Paul Cartwright ...... 274 Steven Flanagan ...... 4661 Peter Grimshaw ...... 3615 Leonard Pike ...... 3615 Peter Robinson ...... 5502 Gary Whitelegg ...... 5120
PAST PROVINCIAL JUNIOR GRAND DEACON Derek Bennett ...... 146 Kenneth Bentley ...... 3306 Garry Bradbury ...... 3989 Dennis Brierley ...... 37 David England ...... 4703 Bernard Fenton ...... 6522 Phillip Fogg ...... 3478 Clifford Foster ...... 6768 Robert Jopson ...... 3787 Terry Kershaw ...... 381 David Krebs ...... 6594 George Pilch ...... 5573 Mervyn Symonds ...... 348 John Whitehead ...... 7306 Stuart Whittaker ...... 6768 Peter Williams ...... 191
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Robert Williamson ...... 325 David Wood ...... 934
PAST PROVINCIAL ASSISTANT GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES Derek Andrews ...... 8528 John Audain ...... 5205 James Barnes ...... 5218 Jonathan Berg ...... 6594 Allan Birtles ...... 7885 Vic Blomeley ...... 5573 David Brown ...... 1144 Jack Cooper ...... 6521 Kenneth Dennison ...... 1774 Eric Holliday ...... 3788 Jonathan Jacobs ...... 8947 Gary James ...... 3282 William Johnson ...... 6385 Geoffrey Layton ...... 344 Lt Col Edward Lee ...... 2322 Bryon Lingard ...... 4703 Jonathan Lipton ...... 1798 Stanley Massey ...... 9248 Keith McNeil ...... 6521 Alan Mellor ...... 854 Allan Merten ...... 6594 Edward Myers ...... 6183 David Platt ...... 6577 Paul Price ...... 3282 David Pritchard ...... 1218 Matthew Riley ...... 8763 Michael Roche ...... 8235 Brian Samson ...... 6522 David Shalom ...... 6594 Colin Smith ...... 8542 Peter Smith ...... 268 Ian Thompson ...... 4553 Roger Tinker ...... 8235 Leonard Tunstall ...... 128 Leslie Wertheimer ...... 3140 Glenn Wood ...... 3788 John Wood ...... 6522 Thomas Yates ...... 5040
PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND STANDARD BEARER Ewan Brown ...... 816 Graham Butler ...... 8235 Heathcliffe Christian ...... 4595 Peter Doherty ...... 9174 Roy Kaitcer ...... 3140 Colin Meddick ...... 5395 23 | P a g e
Howard Nutter …………………………………………………………………………..6183 Keith Palmer ...... 1633 Mark Rowe ...... 6577 Peter York ...... 5677
PAST PROVINCIAL ASSISTANT GRAND STANDARD BEARER Robert Derbyshire ...... 581 Luke Sinclair-Hansen ...... 8178
Provincial Grand Secretary: Sir, in recognition of their contribution in the management and operation, of our 2015 Festival, including our celebratory Banquet, you have been pleased to promote the following Brethren:
Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden David Rothwell St Martin’s Lodge No 2320
Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden Philip Atkinson Good Report Lodge No 7370 Barry Axford Social Lodge No 62 Peter Harding St Thomas Lodge No 992 Ian Hunter Anchor & Hope Lodge No 37
Andrew Jenkins Lodge of Integrity No 163 Terry Kakoullis Anchor & Hope Lodge No 37
Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Graeme Wilkinson Abbey Lodge No 2529
Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works Nigel Johnson Rose of Lancashire Lodge No 9174 Brian Reynolds Lodge of Fidelity No 430
Past Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Reginald Foster Keystone Lodge No 363 Christopher Henthorn Crompton Lodge No 8879 Chris Wildman Arkscroll Lodge No 6594
Additional Honours conferred during the year:-
WBro John Hesketh was promoted to Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer at the Golden Jubilee celebration meeting of the Old Salfordians Lodge No 7968.
WBro Roy Fairhurst was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden at the Bi-Centenary Meeting of the Lodge of Faith No 344.
WBro Henri Lyons was promoted to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden at the Centenary meeting of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge No 3747.
A total of 236 appointments, re-appointments and promotions were conferred.
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To receive a Report on the attendance. The total attendance was 873 with 79 Grand Officers, 522 Provincial Grand Officers, 182 Masters and Past Masters and 90 Master Masons.
The collection for the East Lancashire Masonic Charity raised £4,509.64 together with £982.91 in Tax Relief giving a grand total of £5,492.55
Any Other Business The RW Provincial Grand Master finished by saying: “Brethren, I particularly wish to take this opportunity to say a special thank you WBro Paul Rose who has recently stepped down as Chairman of our East Lancashire Masonic Charity after some 8 years.
I also thank the new Chairman of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity and the Chairmen of the various sub-Committees who work tirelessly throughout the year on behalf of the Province and who are an essential part of our structure.
I also wish to place on record my sincere thanks to the many people involved in organising today’s meeting. In particular, the Provincial Grand Secretary, Martin Roche, the Provincial Assistant Grand Secretary, Andrew Holland, the Provincial Office Manager, Susan O’Neill the Administrator, Anne Donnelly, and, of course, all the volunteers, especially Roger Norris for his contribution to this event.
Likewise, we must congratulate the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team, for their splendid ceremonial presentation which was most impressive.
I also wish to give a special thank you to WBro Ian Ronson, who is to retire today as our Provincial Grand Tyler, an Office he has held for some 11 years. Ian thank you for all you have done for this Province and I wish you and your wife, Caroline all the very best for the future.
On your entry to King George’s Hall today you were guided by Stewards from the East Ribble District led by the District Chairman, Bro David Lightbown and from the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge No 8408.
Outside this main hall, guarding and ensuring our privacy are our Security Brethren, under the direction of Bro Steve Smith.
Thanks also to our soundmen Bro John Hesketh and Bro Peter Hegarty.
Our thanks are also extended to our “medical staff” led by Bro Eddie Barlow and to the Charity Stewards, under the direction of Bro Bennion who have efficiently taken our contributions towards the ELMC.”
The Provincial Grand Secretary reported that there was no further business that could be properly brought before this meeting. The Proceedings concluded with the singing of two verses of the National Anthem.
WBro Martin P Roche, PSGD, PAPGM, ProvGSec
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