Promoting the Fraternity across the World
The East Lancashire 2015 Festival for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution was launched in late 2009 and, despite a slow start, during the worst recession in living memory, the fund raising efforts culminated in the Festival Banquet.The Chief Executive of the RMBI, David Innis, announced the total: £ 2,628,436.12
On Tuesday 7th June, Brethren from East Lancashire made an early start catching the 8.35 am Virgin Train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. Stops were made at Stockport, Macclesfield and Stoke where we collected additional Brethren to make a total of 65 in our party. By 9.30 am, we were all enjoying refreshments with drinks served by the Grand Stewards David Biggs and Gerry Young, assisted by Tracy our Stewardess from Virgin.
In honour of the Queen’s 90th Birthday, Bolton District Freemasons paraded to the local parish church to receive a service after enjoying a wonderful Sunday Lunch at Bolton Masonic Hall.
On Wednesday 17th February WBro Herbert Garside Hulme, who is known to just about everyone as Bert, celebrated his personal 60th Anniversary in the Craft. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Derek N Thornhill PGSwdB, accompanied by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Southern Area, WBro John Pearson PSGD and the District Chairman, WBro Peter Douthwaite PProvGSwdB, were present to mark this exceptional occasion.
Marlene and her husband WBro Alan Armitage from Stanley Lodge No 2917 attended the ceremony with Marlene being one of only 90 men and 90 women selected to receive Maundy Money – each coin representing one of the Monarch’s years. The Queen handed two purses – one white and one red – to each person during a procession of the Chapel, whilst the choir sang. to receive Maundy Money from the Queen.
2016 Maundy Service
“Talking Heads” is presented as a short playlet of an encounter between two craft lodge members; one an experienced Past Master (and Royal Arch Companion) WBro Ian Clark, SLGR, and the other a Master Mason WBro Mike Baker, PAGDC, curious to know more. It covers the history of the Order, explanations of the regalia, links to the Craft, why the Royal Arch is the climax and completion of pure Ancient Freemasonry
Donation to the Stalybridge Snorkel Club
The time is 8-30am on Saturday the 19th March. The Education and Development Committee members are arriving at Salford Masonic Hall to prepare for the 8th “Let’s Talk Masonry Conference”. By 9-15 the delegates are completing their registration and, with their morning coffee in hand, set about meeting old and new friends.
the main business of this meeting was to celebrate the 50th Anniversary in Freemasonry of WBro.Edmund Kenworthy PPGSwdB. Eddie was duly placed in the centre of the Lodge room, facing the WBro in the Chair, and the secretary, his son Ian, read the minutes of his initiation meeting into King George V Lodge No.3529
On Monday June 6th Deputy District Chairman for Bolton & Farnworth District Peter Jones abseiled off the ‘Big One’ in Blackpool in support of the ABF Soldiers’ Charity.
Peter was naturally nervous, however watching fellow abseiler Rick Clement’s courageous effort, he stepped over the edge to an uneventful and even peaceful descent.