Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire

Transcription

1 Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge to be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014 at 3:00pm in the Albert Halls, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 ISA RWBro Keith Partington Schofield, GMRAC VWBro Alex S McLaren, PGJO VWBro Stephen J Holt, PGJO - VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart, PGJO s WBro Trevor E Parvin, PGSD

2 The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC VWBro Alex S McLaren PGJO VWBro Stephen J Holt PGJO VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart PGJO s CONTENTS Welcome and instructions letter for Provincial Meeting Page 3 Provincial Grand Lodge Summons Page 4 Minutes of the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting held on Wednesday 5 th June 2013 at the Albert Halls, Town Hall, Bolton Page 5 Minutes of the Annual Investiture Meeting of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner held on Monday 30 th September 2013 at Rochdale Masonic Hall Page 14 The Provincial Grand Treasurer s Report for the year ended 31st August 2013 Page 17 The Provincial Accounts and Auditors Report for the year ended 31st August 2013 Page 18 The East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Treasurer s Interim Annual Report Page 19 The s Report for the Masonic year 2013 Page 20

3 The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC VWBro Alex S McLaren PGJO VWBro Stephen J Holt PGJO VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart PGJO s Dear Sir and Brother, The Annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge March 2014 I am commanded by the Right Worshipful to inform you that the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, 4 th June 2014 in the Albert Halls, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1SA. Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers; Present and Past Provincial Grand Lodge Officers; Masters; Wardens; Overseers; Present and Past Masters of Mark Lodges and Commanders of Royal Ark Mariner Lodges of this Province are hereby summoned to attend. The attendance of Mark Master Masons of this and other Provinces is welcomed. Please familiarise yourself with the security arrangements for the meeting which are available on the Provincial web site before you arrive. On arrival you will be required to register your attendance at one of the tables in the foyer outside the Albert Halls, you will then be directed to the room in which you will change for the meeting. Access to the Albert Halls will not be available until approximately one hour before the meeting start time. BRETHREN ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED BY 2:30 pm Short Black Coat or Dark Lounge Suit Full Dress Regalia Dinner at 6:00 pm All acting officers please return their jewels to the Provincial Mark Office by 30 th April 2014 Yours sincerely and fraternally, Trevor E Parvin PGSD

4 Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Wednesday, 4 th June :00 pm 2:30pm All Brethren to be seated 2:40pm Distinguished Guests will be escorted into Provincial Grand Lodge The RW will enter Provincial Grand Lodge escorted by the Provincial Grand Officers of the year AGENDA 1. Provincial Grand Lodge will be opened at 3:00 pm. 2. A deputation of Commanders from Royal Ark Mariner Lodges will be received. 3. The RW will be saluted. 4. The and the s will be saluted. 5. Visiting RW s and other Right Worshipful Brethren will be saluted. 6. The Very Worshipful Brethren and other Distinguished Guests will be saluted. 7. The will welcome and introduce the distinguished visitors to the meeting. 8. The minutes of the Mark Annual Meeting held at Bolton on 5 th June 2013 and the Royal Ark Mariner Investiture Meeting held at Rochdale on 30 th September 2013, included in this meeting booklet, will be submitted for confirmation. 9. The Provincial Grand Treasurer will present for adoption the Provincial Grand Lodge Accounts for the year ended 31st August The accounts of the Province and his report are included in this meeting booklet. 10. The election of the Provincial Grand Treasurer. 11. The election of Auditors. 12. The Treasurer of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Limited will present the interim report on the accounts for the year 2012 / The Treasurer's interim report is included in this meeting booklet. 13. The 's will report on the year This is included in this meeting booklet. 14. The RW will address Provincial Grand Lodge. 15. The RW will present The Leslie F Hiles Memorial Golf Trophy. 16. The RW will re-appoint Alexander S McLaren PGJO as Deputy and VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart PGJO as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. 17. Appointment and Investiture of WBro John H Smith PGStwd, as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. 18. The Appointment and Investiture of Provincial Grand Officers in the Order of Mark Master Mason. 19. The newly appointed Provincial Grand Officers will be saluted. 20. A collection to be taken on behalf of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Ltd and the 2021 Mark Festival. 21. Report on the attendance at the meeting. 22. Any other business. 23. Provincial Grand Lodge will be closed. The first verse of the National Anthem will be sung The RW, the Deputy and s, RW Brethren and Distinguished Guests will retire in procession

5 Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, 5 th June 2013 at the Albert Hall, Town Hall, Bolton Present: - RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC, VWBro David Anderson, PGJO, VWBro Stephen J Holt PGJO WBro Jeffrey A Huddart s RWBro B Adshead RWBro KW Clayton VWBro A Garvey VWBro MF Wilson VWBro JJ Tiler VWBro MC Moreland VWBro T Jackson VWBro DCH Brown VWBro GW Davies VWBro KM Farrel VWBro R Gilks VWBro GM Greenhalgh VWBro P Hargreaves VWBro W Hodkinson VWBro RA Newsome VWBro JH Phillimore VWBro RP Stanworth VWBro DH Thompson WBro JM Adams, BEM WBro TE Parvin WBro DL Pilling WBro D Priestley WBro A Bennion WBro CJ Bolton WBro K Bridgett, MA, PhD WBro IM Brookes WBro PJ Conn WBro RW Flitcroft WBro DH Gallear WBro JW Hudson WBro T Jewitt WBro AS McLaren PGJW, PDepProvGM PGJW PGMO PGMO PDepProvGM PGMO, PAProvGM PGSO PGSO PGJO PGJO PGJO PGJO PGJO PGJO PGJO PGJO, PAProvGM PGJO PGJO PGJO PGSD PGSD PGSD PGSD, DepProvGM DES WBro G Meade WBro N Morrison WBro AJ Pearson WBro RG Wilkinson WBro JB Wilson WBro WL Anderson JP WBro JE Barton WBro C Birch WBro R Castle WBro JM Green WBro MA Hunter WBro WJ Porter WBro EM Starr WBro J Whitney WBro B Elcoat WBro J Hargreaves WBro W Hilton WBro GA Hinchliffe WBro KA Horne WBro G Smith WBro AA Ward WBro PM Dodson WBro J Fernandes WBro MC Fletcher WBro JK Wright WBro GR Green WBro S Higson WBro R Batters WBro JC Bicknell WBro JF McCord WBro RJ Perks WBro JH Smith PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGDC PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGStB PAGStB PAGStB PAGStB GStwd GStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd

6 Distinguished Guests Province of Durham RWBro J Peter Croft GMRAC VWBro Frank A Rankin WBro Stuart A R Ingram WBro Danny Guy Province of Cheshire RWBro Bryan R Ogden WBro David R Sellers WBro Austin W Bamber WBro Colin Hambleton WBro Bill Caren Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Province of North and East Yorkshire RWBro Eric Gore Browne WBro D Robert Clancey WBro Neil T Woodward WBro Clive Copley WBro Neil Webster Deputy WBro Ronald L Campbell Deputy Provincial Director of Ceremonies RWBro Fred A Smith Past Province of West Lancashire RWBro Peter Connolly VWBro Keith A Beardmore VWBro Michael J Clarke WBro Ian D Nairn WBro Geoffrey H Lee WBro John Bicknell Deputy WBro Giles Berkley Provincial Grand Senior Warden WBro Peter Hegerty Provincial Grand Junior Warden VWBro J Anthony Harrison Past VWBro G Daniel Jones Past Province of Lincolnshire RWBro Revd. Trevor J Walker WBro Leslie A Darby Provincial Grand Senior Warden Province of North Wales RWBro Peter Talbot WBro Peter Watkin Province of Cumberland and Westmorland RWBro Keith Hodgson WBro Barry Kirkbride WBro Michael K Clementson WBro David Lomas Province of West Yorkshire RWBro James Steggles WBro John F Clough WBro James I Reynolds Provincial Grand Senior Warden WBro Graham Cooper Deputy Province of Derbyshire VWBro Colin Cantrell WBro Paul Shepherd Past Grand Steward

7 Province of Northumberland WBro Frederick C Main WBro Ian D Daniel WBro David Moses VWBro Michael J Louis Past Province of Kent VWBro David J Green WBro William J Balderston Distinguished Guests from East Lancashire WBro Derek N Thornhill WBro Martin Caller Bro Stephen Blank WBro Martin P Roche WBro Chad Northcott WBro Chris Welton WBro William J Porter Deputy Grand Superintendent VWBro David H Thompson Second Provincial Grand Principal WBro the Rev d Donald K Price Third Provincial Grand Principal WBro Norman Clarke Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals WBro Allan Bennion Past Deputy Grand Superintendent Other Orders in Freemasonry WBro David H Gallear Provincial Prior (Lancashire), Orders of the Temple WBro David Kirkham Chief Adept (North-Western Counties), Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia WBro James M Adams BEM (Cheshire), Royal Order of Scotland VWBro Ian Clark (Lancaster), Royal Order of Scotland WBro Alex S McLaren District Grand Prefect, Allied Masonic Degree WBro Royce Batters Inspector General 33º (South East Lancashire), Rose Croix WBro David B Hawkins Inspector General 33º (North East Lancashire), Rose Croix WBro Howard S Nuttall Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler (East Lancashire), Order of the Secret Monitor VWBro Glyn J Davies JP Grand Superintendent (Lancashire and Cumbria), Knight Templar Priests VWBro Malcolm Moreland Regional Grand Prefect, Knights Beneficent of the Holy City RWBro Thomas F Jackson Grand Master, Allied Masonic Degree Provincial Officers of the Year 2012 Senior Warden Stephen F Swinyard Gorton 1034 Junior Warden J Michael Shaw Union 32 Master Overseer Michael E Roberts Mossley 1381 Senior Overser Philip J Price Manchester Keystone 745 Junior Overseer Peter Hughes Adoniram 1065 ProvGChaplain Bro the Rev'd Harry S Edwards Friendship 1459 ProvGTreasurer Kenneth Shea Roberts 24 TI ProvGRegistrar Howard S Nuttall Union 32 ProvGSec Trevor E Parvin Progress 1577 ProvGDC Ian M Brookes Union 171 ProvGAlmoner Keith W Clayton Progress 1577 ProvGChStwd Robert Caserta Friendship 1459 ProvGInspWks Harvey M Capstick Gawthorpe 1014 ProvGSwdB Brian J Carter GF Nuttall 1405 ProvDepChaplain Herman Pouncey Quatuor Legati 1165 ProvDepGSec Raymond G Wilkinson Supera Moras 1042 ProvDepGDC John H Smith Derby 817 ProvDepGSwdB Anthony M Kenny Perseverance 403 ProvGSD Edwin S Baines Integrity 1369

8 ProvGSD Martin W Blades Elizabethan 1174 ProvGSD David Mullin Union 171 ProvGJD Thomas Corbally Goulburn 680 ProvGJD Bryan Bancroft Skelmersdale 141 ProvGJD Joseph Boardman County Palatine 156 ProvGJD Norman Morlidge JP Supera Moras 1042 ProvGJD Thomas S Mills William Romaine Callender 136 ProvAGSec David Kelly Temperance 56 ProvAGSec David G Rainford Turton 1300 Prov AGDC (Team) Shaun Higson F W Broadbent 1132 Prov AGDC (Team) Jack Aston Priory 693 Prov AGDC (Team) Michael L Porter Ardwick 1222 Prov AGDC Jack Best F W Broadbent 1132 ProvGOrganist Paul Bowen Stanley 1454 ProvGStB Anthony F Talbot Roberts 24 TI ProvDepGStB William B Thompson GF Nuttall 1405 ProvGIG Peter MacCarthy Faith 20 ProvGStwd Ian RM Connor Union 171 ProvGStwd Jeffrey Denny Stanley 1454 ProvGStwd David A Leach Temperance 56 ProvGStwd Robert F Allan Starkie 159 ProvGStwd Colin W Firth Manchester Engineers 1059 ProvGStwd Duncan Holmes Starkie 159 ProvGTyler Ian Ronson St Andrews 34 The Distinguished Guests were introduced by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Ian M Brookes and warmly received by the Brethren. The, RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC, accompanied by the Deputy, VWBro David Anderson, PGJO, and the s, VWBro Stephen J Holt PGJO and WBro Jeffrey A Huddart escorted by the Provincial Grand Officers of the year entered Provincial Grand Lodge in procession. Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer by the, RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC at 3:00pm. A deputation of Royal Ark Mariner Commanders, one from each of the 35 Lodges in the Province entered Provincial Grand Lodge. Past Commander WBro Ian Casson the Commander of the Manchester Engineers Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No confirmed that each Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in the Province was represented and pledged their allegiance to the and the Province. The Provincial Grand Master welcomed the Commanders and invited them to take their place in Provincial Grand Mark Lodge. Salutations The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Ian M Brookes, proclaimed RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC, by his various titles, as and called upon the Brethren to salute him. The responded. The and the Assistant s were saluted and responded. Distinguished guests were saluted and responded. Attendance of the Provincial Officers of the year The, WBro Trevor E Parvin PAGDC, reported that all Provincial Grand Officers of the year were present save those who were unavoidably unable to attend and had sent their apologies and good wishes. Minutes of the Provincial meetings held in 2012 The called upon VWBro David H Thompson PGJO to propose the adoption of the circulated minutes of the last Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting held on 5 th June 2012 and those of the Royal Ark Mariner Investiture meeting held in Salford on 24 th October At the invitation of the

9 , the proposition was seconded by VWBro Ronald Gilks PGJO and approved by the Brethren. Provincial Grand Treasurer s Report The advised the meeting that once again the Province had decided to include in the minute booklet the various reports of Officers of the Province and the ELMBF interim report. Accordingly, he invited WBro Trevor E Parvin to make any additional comments to WBro Kenneth Shea FCA, Provincial Grand Treasurer circulated report for the year ended 31st August WBro Kenneth Shea FCA PProvGSW, Provincial Grand Treasurer was unfortunately absent through illness although he had no additional matters to add to either the accounts or to his report. Auditor s Report WBro Malcolm McCarthy PProvGSW, presented the Auditor s Report. It was proposed by VWBro Malcolm Moreland PGSO, that the accounts for the Province for the year ended 31st August 2012 be approved and adopted, and that a vote of thanks be extended to the Provincial Grand Treasurer and Auditors. This was seconded by VWBro Wilfred Hodkinson PGJO, and approved by the Brethren. Election of Provincial Grand Treasurer The announced there was only one nomination for the office of Provincial Grand Treasurer, WBro Gerald N H Young. It was proposed by VWBro Alan Garvey PGMO and seconded by VWBro Reginald Newsome PGJO PAProvGM and approved by the Brethren that the Provincial Grand Treasurer be WBro Gerald N H Young. Election of Auditors VWBro Keith Clayton, PGMO, proposed and VWBro George Davis PGJO, seconded that WBro Cyril Kennerley, and WBro Malcolm McCarthy be elected as Auditors. The proposition was approved by the Brethren. Accounts of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Limited The advised the meeting that the interim report of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund (ELMBF) up to 17 th February 2013 was included in the minute book for this meeting. He invited WBro John Crawford, the Treasurer of ELMBF to make any additional comments to his circulated report. WBro John Crawford advised the meeting that the accounts had now been audited and he was pleased to report that there were no changes to his report. 's Report The advised the meeting that the s report was also included in the minute book. He invited WBro Trevor E Parvin PAGDC, the to state if he had any changes to his report. WBro Trevor E Parvin PAGDC advised the meeting that the only additional information was to advise him and the meeting with considerable sadness that since the last Provincial Meeting there has been several Brethren called to higher service. These Brethren were very special to us and we offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends. He invited the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to call the meeting to order, whilst the Provincial Grand Chaplain offered a Prayer to departed merit. s Address RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC addressed the meeting: - Brethren, It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this wonderful venue for our Provincial meeting and to thank all the lodges for their contributions towards the expenses of maintaining our presence here. We have once again had a busy year, with various celebrations in our Lodges and I am pleased that we do seem to be holding our own as regards membership, however complacency is not an option and we should all be aware of the benefits of promoting our degree to our colleagues in our Craft lodges. The Fellowship again has had a full programme of events which will be ongoing again this year, and I do urge you to support the efforts that they make for our benefit especially welcoming families and friends. The Fellowship is not a fund raising committee and was formed to benefit all of us and our families and does deserve and require your

10 support. All the events are listed on our website (eastlancsmark.com) which also has all the information you need regarding the secretariat and the ELMBF, as well as information about the RAM degree which again we should all be conscious of promoting to our Brethren in our Mark lodges. I have mentioned in the past that the ELMBF are open to suggestions for support to local charities and indeed we have responded positively to several requests and in addition to the grants which are detailed in the ELMBF treasurers report I will be presenting a cheque for 2500 to the Droylsden branch of the Air Cadets at the Gala day on Sunday 21 st July at Rochdale Rugby Club. We shall once again be travelling to Grand Lodge next week and the support for the investees seems to increase each year, our grateful thanks are due once again to Malcolm McCarthy for acting as our travel agent in amongst all the other roles he undertakes on our behalf. Grand Lodge will be presided over by the Grand Master and he will be investing a new Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro Richard Wallis. We will always be grateful to his predecessor Michael Edward Herbert who was a great friend of this Province but Anno Domini unfortunately always prevails, we wish him well in his retirement. From our Province Nolan Morrison, Trevor Jewitt, Alex McLaren and Jeffrey Huddart will be promoted to PGJO, Trevor Parvin to PGSD, David Combes, Graham Mangham and David Bleackley to. The first appointments are, and I am very pleased that this year we have been granted an extra Stewards collar, so for the first time we will have three Grand Stewards who will be Chris Welton, Tony Davies and Simon Archer, Jack Aston will be appointed to acting ADC, Derek Thornhill and Cyril Kennerley to PAGDC, David Hawkins to PGStdB and Michael Porter PAGSwdB. Brethren I think that they all deserve our acclamation for their achievements. In my address last year I briefly mentioned that we will be hosting the Mark Benevolent Fund Festival in I have held back on the launch as I did not want to impinge on our Craft 2015 Festival, but as that is now drawing to a close I believe that we can start our activities in earnest. I have appointed WBro Tony Davies as Festival Chairman and he has identified his committee to assist him. The main thing I want to stress Brethren is that we all treat this Festival not as an imposition, but as a means of putting back into the system a little of what our beneficiaries have enjoyed over the years. No matter how much we raise we will not be able to replace the amount that this Province has benefitted from the Mark Benevolent Fund. The grants that have been awarded to our petitioners which have been requested by the Provincial Almoner s via the Lodge Almoners far exceed what we have contributed to the Mark Benevolent Fund. If we all take on board that raising funds can be a very satisfying and pleasurable exercise, particularly if events and functions organised by individuals or Lodges involve all our families, which is surely the main ethos of Mark Masonry, we can make this Festival one that we all can enjoy, and in 2021 present a substantial total which we can all be proud of, and will reflect the prestige of this the best Province in the country. I do assure you Brethren that no pressure will be applied in anyway whatsoever to any individual to raise funds, not by me or the executive or any member of the Festival committee, I hope that our final total will be the result of giving on a purely voluntary and enjoyable basis. I will shortly be investing the appointments and promotions for the ensuing year, I will not be able to have much conversation with you all today, but I do congratulate you on your preferment in advance, and for those who are being appointed to acting office I look forward to your support during the year for any team visits that we plan. I also wish to thank all the retiring acting officers for their support during the year which has been exceptional. As always Brethren my grateful thanks go to the people in the engine room of the Province, to Trevor Parvin and his merry men in the office, who believe me put in many hours of work for our benefit throughout the year. Once again Ian Brookes and his DC team have given a faultless display to our ceremonial proceedings, as they do throughout the year. Special thanks to the Tyler Ian Ronson whose health has not been too good, and still transports our equipment to wherever in the Province it is required.

11 Also to John for the sound system, and the paramedics who I hope have not been called upon. Finally I wish to thank you all for your support and friendship to me and my deputy and assistants over the last ten years. It is a tremendous privilege to lead this Province and I enjoy every moment of being PGM, as I have often said it is the best job in freemasonry but it would all be for nothing without you, the members of East Lancashire Mark. I am very grateful to you all and I wish you all a happy and sunny recess and look forward to the coming Masonic season with as much enthusiasm as I have always done. Thank you and God bless you all. Leslie F Hiles Memorial Golf Trophy The winner of the Leslie F Hiles Memorial Golf trophy, WBro Melvyn Tindall PProvGMO of Integrity Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1369 was conducted to the podium where the presented the trophy. The Golf Tournament raised the sum of 500 which was to be given to ELMBF and WBro Colin Clegg, the Worshipful Master of that Lodge presented the cheque. The thanked all those involved with the organisation of the event. Charity Event WBro Robert Caserta ProvGCharityStwd of Friendship Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1459 presented the cheque in the sum of 6, the proceeds of the sponsored walk and his year as Provincial Grand Charity Steward, to the. Investiture of a Past s Collarette The invested VWBro David Anderson PGJO with a Past Deputy Provincial Grand Masters Collarette. He expressed his gratitude for the loyal service he had given to him personally and to the Province over many years as an Assistant and. Appointment of the The appointed WBro Alexander S McLaren as the Deputy Provincial Grand Master. The was proclaimed in his various titles by the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro John H Smith and saluted by the Brethren of East Lancashire. WBro McLaren responded with thanks. Appointment of the s The re-appointed VWBro Stephen J Holt PGJO and WBro Jeffrey A Huddart as s. They were proclaimed in their various titles by the Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and saluted by the Brethren of East Lancashire. VWBro Holt responded with thanks.

12 Appointment and Investiture of Provincial Grand Officers for 2013 Senior Warden George Scaife Skelmersdale 141 Junior Warden David Rainford Turton 1300 Master Overseer Garry Errock Union 171 Senior Overser David Ireson Roberts 24 TI Junior Overseer Duncan Ferguson Rectitude 18 TI ProvGChaplain Bro the Rev'd Harry S Edwards Friendship 1459 ProvGTreasurer Gerald Young Progress 1577 ProvGRegistrar Chad Northcott Manchester Engineers 1059 ProvGSec Trevor E Parvin Progress 1577 ProvGDC Ian M Brookes Union 171 ProvGAlmoner Keith W Clayton Progress 1577 ProvGChStwd Roger Fielding Union 171 ProvGInspWks P Andrew Palmer Rose of York 1010 ProvGSwdB Malcolm Roberts Derby 817 ProvDepChaplain Herman Pouncey Quatuor Legati 1165 ProvDepGSec Raymond G Wilkinson Supera Moras 1042 ProvDepGDC John H Smith Derby 817 ProvDepGSwdB David Wane Semper Paratus 852 ProvGSD John Astbury Robert Burns 1613 ProvGSD John Rennie William Romaine Callender 136 ProvGJD Stuart Davenport St John s TI TI ProvGJD Eric Hamer Rectitude 18 TI ProvGJD Thomas Haworth Starkie 159 ProvAGSec David Kelly Temperance 56 ProvAGSec David G Rainford Turton 1300 Prov AGDC (Team) Stephen Lawlor Temperance 56 Prov AGDC (Team) Jack Aston Priory 693 Prov AGDC (Team) Michael L Porter Ardwick 1222 Prov AGDC James Brindle Quatuor Legati 1165 Prov AGDC Philip Atkinson Friendship 1459 ProvGOrganist Paul Bowen Stanley 1454 ProvGStB Alan Jones Skelmersdale 141 ProvDepGStB Jeffrey Armstrong Stanley 1454 ProvGIG John Cavanagh Manchester Engineers 1059 ProvGStwd Christopher Prax Constitution 949 ProvGStwd Edwin Tyler Manchester Keystone 745 ProvGStwd Sushil Rawal Roberts 24 TI ProvGStwd Andrew Greenhalgh Rectitude 18 TI ProvGStwd Barrie Nixon Union 32 ProvGStwd John Rimmer Darwen 1327 ProvGTyler Ian Ronson St Andrews 34 First Appointments Past Rank PProvGSD Martin Whittaker Gawthorpe 1014 PProvGSD Richard Markham Gorton 1034 PProvGSD Stuart Hindle Adoniram 1065 PProvGJD Fred Whitworth Elizabethan 1174 PProvGJD Peter Bentham Billinge 908 PProvGJD Andrew Rigby Arnold Morton 1649 PProvAGDC Brian Robinson St Andrews 34 PProvAGDC John Lowe Perseverance 403 PProvAGDC James Adderley George Farnworth Nuttall 1405 PProvAGDC Philip Dean Supera Moras 1042

13 PProvAGDC Jack Hall Turton 1300 PProvAGDC Brian Kennedy Integrity 1369 Promotions Past Rank PProvGSW Barry Leech Good Report 1309 PProvGJW Brian Sharpe Roberts 24 TI PProvGJW Keith Doyle F W Broadbent 1132 PProvGJW Jack Levene Constitution 949 PProvGJW Stuart Reeves Middleton 1303 PProvGJW Brian Maden Starkie 159 PProvGMO Alan Nelson Quator Legati 1165 PProvGMO Michael Birkett Elizabethan 1174 PProvGSO John Hardman St John s TI PProvGSO R Jeffery Marshall Starkie 159 PProvGSO Edward Everitt Semper Paratus 852 PProvGJO Michael Faraday Keep 911 PProvGJO Henry Jordan Turton 1300 PProvGJO Frank Andrew Mossley 1381 PProvGSD Bryan Ross Pendle 695 PProvGSD Ronald Wadeson F W Broadbent 1132 The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies called to order the East Lancashire Brethren below the rank of a Grand Officer, who had not been either appointed or promoted that afternoon. They saluted the Provincial Grand Senior Warden and the other invested Officers. The Provincial Grand Senior Warden WBro George Scaife responded with thanks. A collection was taken on behalf of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund which raised including Gift Aid ( 2198 last Year). The reported that all 55 Mark Lodges and 35 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges were represented and the attendance was more than the 458 who had signed the attendance list. There being no further business the closed Provincial Grand Lodge in due form and with solemn prayer. The proceedings ended with the singing of the first verse of the National Anthem. WBro Trevor E Parvin, PGSD

14 The Minutes of the Annual Investiture Meeting of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariner Hosted by East Lancashire Provincial Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 990 at the Masonic Hall, Rochdale on Monday 30 th September 2013 RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC WBro Alexander S McLaren RAMGR WBro Stephen J Holt RAMGR WBro Jeffrey A Huddart RAMGR s

15 The Worshipful Commander of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 990, WBro John B Wilson, RAMGR opened the Lodge on Monday 30 th September 2013 in due form and with solemn prayer. The meeting dealt with the normal half yearly business of the Lodge. On a report, the Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies advised the Lodge that the Provincial Grand Master was outside the Lodge and he demanded admission. The Worshipful Commander was pleased to receive him. The Provincial Deputation entered. The Worshipful Commander proffered the Sceptre of the Lodge to the which he accepted with suitable words of thanks. He then occupied the Chair of the Lodge. The invited the Provincial Grand Senior and Junior Wardens to take office. s Address Brethren, it really is a very impressive outlook to see this Lodge room so full with some 113 Brethren present. I do thank you for your welcome to myself and on behalf of all the Provincial Team. Once again we have practically a full complement of acting officers supporting our meeting and I am grateful as always for their attendance, fully justifying their appointments to acting rank. This degree is an essential element within Mark Masonry and I suspect will always remain so, and we who have taken this voyage into this beautiful and important degree should actively encourage others in our Mark Lodges to join with us, it would be a decision that they will not regret and will certainly enhance their Masonry. I will shortly be investing the recipients of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner rank and I am sure you will join with me in congratulating them on their preferment it is as always in recognition of their past service to their Lodges and to the order in general. It is not an automatic promotion because of serving as Commander, but is conferred with the view that their commitment to their Lodges has increased to another level and I would expect them to continue to support and encourage the junior members of their Lodges. I would also hope that the practice of not having an item of interest on the summons if there is no ceremony will not be as prevalent, there are lots of interesting talks and lectures to be sourced from various avenues and not the least of these is the explanation of the RAM tracing board which does split very easily into segments to involve more Brethren in the ceremony. On the 10 th December the Investiture of Royal Ark Mariner Grand rank will be held at Great Queen Street where our Pro Grand Master, MWBro Benjamin Addy will preside. We are travelling down in force to support the recipients who are WBro s Norman Clarke, Thomas Mather, William Anderson, Royce Batters, John Whitney and Ian Ronson and I am sure you would wish to congratulate them all on their forthcoming appointment. I will now proceed with the investiture and hope the enthusiasm and dedication they have given to the Order will continue, and they will set as much of an example in the future as they have in the past. The names of those brethren appointed to Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand rank were read out as follows:- Name Lodge Lodge Number David Asbridge Billinge 908 Anthony Alderton Mount Horeb TI Harvey Capstick Gawthorpe 1014 Ian Connor University of Manchester 1001 Ronald Coucill Progress 1577 Cyril Kennerley Starkie 159 W Arthur Lee Turton 1300 Peter C MacCarthy Faith 20 Roy Partridge Manchester Engineers 1059 John Rennie Lathom 136

16 David Roberts Ardwick 1222 Michael Shaw Integrity 1369 Stephen C Simpson Lancastrians 689# Douglas Stott Salford 994 Derek N Thornhill Billinge 908 Christopher J Wild Keep 911 # absent to be invested at the next regular meeting The brethren were conducted by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to the for investiture. The newly invested brethren were saluted in due form and WBro Derek N Thornhill, ProvRAMGR, thanked the and brethren on behalf of all the newly invested Provincial Officers for their fraternal salutations. The Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies then conducted the Worshipful Commander to his chair and the to his seat in the lodge. The lodge officers then resumed their seats. The Worshipful Commander completed the Lodge business and closed the Lodge in due form. Second Investiture The Worshipful Commander of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 990, WBro John B Wilson, RAMGR opened the Lodge at Freemasons Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester on Monday, 31 st March 2014 in due form and with solemn prayer. This was the Installation Meeting of the Lodge and before that took place; The was received and greeted by the Worshipful Commander. He reminded the meeting that the Province had adopted the format that Brethren appointed to the rank of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner would not be allowed to have that honour until they had been formally invested at a meeting of this Lodge. WBro Stephen C Simpson a Past Commander of Lancastrians Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 689 had been unavoidably absent from the September meeting. The business was then completed. WBro Trevor E Parvin, PGSD

17 Provincial Grand Treasurer s Report on the Financial Year RW and Brethren, I am pleased to present the Audited Accounts of the Province for the year ended 31 st August Administrative costs continued to be well controlled and the removal of the Provincial Office to Hemsley House, Salford at the end of the last financial year, is expected to assist further in holding back expenditure increases in the future. However changes in the timing of payments as a consequence of the relocation may have produced lower cost figures this time to give a one off benefit in the year under review. Additionally modest office removal charges will impact on the accounts next year. Figures for the costs and funding of the Annual Meeting have the biggest impact on our Income and Expenditure Account and I am pleased to report that, in 2013, Lodges continued to give strong support by way of voluntary contributions whilst costs remained flat. Control of costs overall allied to higher voluntary support for the Annual Meeting have enabled us to strengthen the General Fund for future expenditure by over 3,000 after a further 1,000 was added to the Reserve Fund for investitures. At last year s meeting, Notice of Motion was given of a proposal to increase Provincial Grand Lodge dues by 10p per annum to 3.10 per annum for each Mark Degree Lodge Member and by 5p to 1.80 per annum for each RAM Lodge Member, payable from 1 st September This will be formally proposed at the forthcoming Provincial Meeting in accordance with the notice of Motion. These increases of 3% overall will be the first increases in Provincial Grand Dues for 6 years. I am indebted to the Provincial Secretariat for all their hard work and support and wish to place on record my thanks to the Auditors for their assistance and helpful advice. Gerald N H Young Provincial Grand Treasurer 25 th February 2014

18 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS EAST LANCASHIRE INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST Income Provincial Dues & Registration 6,788 7,044 Fees of Honour 1,805 1,470 Ties and Tokens - 30 Bank interest , , Expenditure Rent 854 1,464 Telephone/Postage Insurance Printing, stationery & computer costs Collarettes & jewels - - Ties, Tokens & sundries ,732 2,600 Provincial Meeting Expenses 12,242 12,257 Receipts 9,447 9,076 2,795 3,179 Transfer to General/Reserve Funds 1,000 1,000 Excess income for the year 3, , ,974 8, BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st AUGUST Current Assets Stock of ties and tokens Expenses paid in advance 1, Bank Balances and Cash 42,477 38, , ,636 Less: Amounts owing and receipts in advance (1,115) (1,546) 42,537 38, , , Represented by: General Fund B/fwd. 14,058 12,074 Excess income for year 3,447 1,984 17,505 14,050 Reserve Fund B/fwd. 20,352 19,352 Transfer from Income and Expenditure Account 1,000 1,000 21,352 20,352 Centenary Fund Reserve B/fwd. 3,680 3,680 Contributions received - - 3, , ,537 38,090 WBro Gerlad NH Young, Provincial Grand Treasurer Report of the Auditors to the Members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Masons of East Lancashire We have audited the above accounts of the Province and have obtained all the information and explanations which we considered necessary. In our opinion the above accounts have been properly prepared and give a true and fair view of the Province s state of affairs as at 31st August 2013 and of its excess of income over expenditure for the year then ended. WBro M R McCarthy, PProvGSW WBro C Kennerley, PAGDC Auditors 25 th February 2014

19 East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Interim Report for the Financial Year As this report is being compiled in February it is not possible to include meaningful financial details of Income and Expenditure. We can however report that we are extremely grateful to last years Provincial Charity Steward W.Bro.Robert Caserta who had a very successful year in that he raised for ELMBF Funds. Maintenance Costs have again been high this year & will probably exceed 75,000. We are beginning to see a reduction in some of the Donations we are receiving from Lodges due to the start of the 2021 Mark Festival. With our continuing high maintenance costs we are therefore closely monitoring the Grants that we are able to make. During the year Grants totalling 21,450 have been made to the following recipients:- Droylsden Air Cadets 2,500 Buckinghamshire 2014 Mark Festival 6, Craft Festival 5,000 Provincial Almoners Fund 5,000 Canons Close Careline Assistance 1,500 East Manchester Community Boat Project 1,000 Priors Close Welfare Fund 450 Spending intentions for the next financial year include support of the annual Mark Festival with a Grant of 6,000, which next year will be held in Worcestershire, The East Manchester Community Boat Project will receive a 1,000 grant, further to our agreement to sponsor a seat on their canal boat and assist with their Waterways licence fee. Relief will continue to be given, through the Provincial Almoner, to deserving cases, as required. The full financial report will be available on the Mark web site in June of this year. John Crawford Treasurer

20 's Report June 2014 RW and Brethren, I have pleasure in presenting the report. Membership and Lodge changes. During the Grand Lodge year ended 31st August 2013 the changes in membership of the Province were as follows (last year s figures in brackets): - In the Order of Mark Master Mason: - 26 (33) Brethren were advanced and 52 (101) became joining members. Sadly the Province lost 20 (40) memberships through death, 65 (81) resigned, 3 (10) were excluded and 2 (8) were made honorary members which resulted in a net loss of 13 (5). The total Lodge membership is 1520 (1533). The Derby and Robert Burns Lodges of Mark Master Masons returned their warrant prior to 31 st August A number of Lodges, Billinge (Now Closed), Elizabethan (Closing 8 th April) and Starkie are considering their future at a time when recruitment in Freemasonry is generally at a challenging period. There are at present 53 (56) Mark Lodges. In the Degree of Royal Ark Mariner: - 15 (26) Brethren were Elevated and 16 (25) became joining members. 11 (10) memberships were lost from the Province through death; 17 (58) resigned; 0 (2) were excluded and 4 (2) were made honorary members which resulted in a net loss of 0 (18). The total Lodge membership is 844 (844). The Province has 33 (35) Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. Provincial Grand Lodge activities during the year. During the year there have been several notable events since the last Provincial meeting. The Provincial Away Weekend was held at in York over the weekend of Friday 2 nd August 2013 and a great time was had by all who attended, the next weekend away is proposed for the Lake District. The was well supported by members of the Provincial deputation on his team visits to St Andrew s, Skelmersdale and Adoniram Mark Lodges. The 12 th Masters and Commanders dinner held on the 14 th March 2014 at Bolton Masonic Hall was a great success, with over 100 Masters, Commanders and their partners joining the for the evening. The Charity Banquet this year was held on the 14 th September 2013 at Middleton Masonic Hall. The Charity Evening at Union 171 Mark was held on 21 st September 2013, which had been arranged by the Provincial Charity Steward WBro Roger Fielding as part of his fund raising for the year On the 27 th April 2014, the Grand and Provincial Officers Reception for Officers of the year 2013, was held at the Audenshaw Masonic Hall was attended by over 90 Brethren and their ladies. Kinship Meetings. During this year there was a Kinship meeting held at Wycoller Lodge on 16 th April It is the wish of the to continue to hold these meetings throughout the Province. If you think that your Lodge is able to host one and that you are able to attract sufficient Craft Freemasons who are not Mark Master Masons, please let me know as soon as possible so that your request will be considered at the planning meeting for 2014 / 2015.

21 Personal 50th Anniversaries. During the Provincial year, VWBro Arthur Axford celebrated his 50 th in Mark Masonry at Manchester Keystone Mark Lodge on 23 rd September with the PGM in attendance and WBro John Rennier s 50 th at WR Callender on 6 th May I again wish to extend our thanks to the staff at Bolton Town Hall for all their help and cooperation in making today s arrangements so successful. To the Secretary Fraser McCord and the members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge of Mark Master Masons No our grateful thanks for their valued contribution to the front-of-house and stewardship duties. To Ian Ronson, the Provincial Grand Tyler and his loyal group of helpers for moving the furniture and setting up this magnificent room. To the Bolton Masonic Hall for their support with the loan of Lodge furniture. May I also include our most sincere appreciation to the Paramedics Eddie Barlow and Derek Smith who are standing by in the hope that their services will be not be required and to John Hesketh and Peter Hegarty for their expertise with the sound systems. To my Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Secretaries Ray Wilkinson, David Kelly and David Rainford and the volunteer Fraser McCord for all their hard work and dedication during this past year, implementing the new computer system and administering many of the day to day activities of the Province. To our IT professional John Green for designing our data base and revamping the Provincial Web site along with Bob Summers. Obituaries. One of the very sad aspects of this report is to address the passing to higher service of members of the Province. They have made their unique contributions to and through our Order; they will be remembered for the lives they have lived and for what they have left behind. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those Brethren called to higher service. Trevor E Parvin PAGDC