Every year in September, buildings that are often not open to the public throw open their doors and invite visitors to explore these hidden or forgotten jewels of local culture and heritage. This event is publicised as the National Heritage Open Days event.
A couple of new recruits: Pauline Dennison demonstrates how to use the gavel to her friend Jane Swidenbank.
Masons meeting at Kerneforde Hall, the home of Freemasonry in Carnforth are proud to be a part of this regular event and invited members of the public to take a tour around their building. Local Masons Phil Newby, Roger Nevinson, Frank Senior and Ian Birnie, were on hand to offer explanations or answer any questions together with the group chairman Jim Wilson.
Throughout the day a number of visitors took up the open invitation and were guided around the hall. The symbolisms of the Masonic furnishings were explained and information given on the aims and objectives of Masonry, together with details of its significant activity in charitable giving. Many admitted to being totally unaware that a Masonic hall existed in Carnforth and said how much they welcomed the chance to view the hall and learn about Freemasonry.
The first meeting place used by local Masons was above the old stables at the Royal Station Hotel on Market Street until a dedicated Masonic hall was created above the former Co-op premises at the junction of New Street and John Street in 1977.
Pictured from left to right, are: Frank Senior, Jim Wilson, Roger Nevinson and Phil Newby.
The premises now occupied have seen many uses, mainly remembered locally as the original Church of England primary school built in 1850, then the old National School and latterly prior to its purchase by the Carnforth Masonic Hall Company in 2012, as a night club.
The modern and impressive range of facilities available at Kerneforde Hall are the result of the dedication and hard work of local Masons. The premises management team welcome enquiries for private hire as the venue is fully licensed and has in-house catering facilities. The hall has already hosted weddings, birthday parties and social events as well as catering for business meetings.
Other local venues that were open for exploration included Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, Midland Hotel Morecambe, Morecambe Town Hall and Heysham Heritage Centre.
Further details on the facilities available and enquiries concerning private hire of Kerneforde Hall can be found at the website: http://www.kernefordehall.co.uk Information about Heritage Open Days is available at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
The function room at Kerneforde Hall that is available for weddings, birthday parties and other social events.