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 27 th May 2015 at 3:00pm in the King George s Hall, Blackburn BB2 1AA RWBro Keith Partington Schofield, GMRAC VWBro Alex S McLaren, VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart, WBro John H Smith, PGStwd Assistant 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 VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart WBro John H Smith PGStwd Assistant 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 4 th June 2014 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 29 th September 2014 at Rochdale Masonic Hall Page 14 The Provincial Grand Treasurer s Report for the year ended 31st August 2014 Page 17 The Provincial Accounts and Auditors Report for the year ended 31st August 2014 Page 18 The East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Treasurer s Interim Annual Report Page 19 The s Report for the Masonic year 2014 Page 20

3 The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons East Lancashire RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC VWBro Alex S McLaren VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart WBro John H Smith PGStwd Assistant s Dear Sir and Brother, The Annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge March 2015 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, 27 th May 2015 in the new venue of the King George s Hall, Blackburn BB2 1AA. 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 the Northgate Suite, (side entrance) you will then be directed to the room in which you will change for the meeting. Access to the King George s Hall 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 Friday 1 st May 2015 Yours sincerely and fraternally, Trevor E Parvin PGSD

4 Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Wednesday, 27 th May :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 Assistant 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 4 th June 2014 and the Royal Ark Mariner Investiture Meeting held at Rochdale on 29 th September 2014, 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 2013 / The Treasurer's interim report is included in this meeting booklet. 13. The 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 as Deputy and VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart, WBro John H Smith PGStwd as Assistant s. 17. The Appointment and Investiture of Provincial Grand Officers in the Order of Mark Master Mason. 18. The newly appointed Provincial Grand Officers will be saluted. 19. A collection to be taken on behalf of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund Ltd. 20. Report on the attendance at the meeting. 21. Any other business. 22. Provincial Grand Lodge will be closed. The first verse of the National Anthem will be sung The RW, the Deputy and Assistant s, RW Brethren and Distinguished Guests will retire in procession

5 Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, 4 th June 2014 at the Albert Hall, Town Hall, Bolton Present: - RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC, VWBro Alex S McLaren,, VWBro Stephen J Holt VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart Assistant s RWBro KW Clayton VWBro MF Wilson VWBro JJ Tiler VWBro A Garvey VWBro MC Moreland VWBro SJ Holt VWBro RA Newsome VWBro NG Bramley-Haworth VWBro DCH Brown VWBro J Crawford VWBro GW Davies VWBro KM Farrel VWBro R Gilks VWBro P Hargreaves VWBro W Hodkinson VWBro N Morrison VWBro RP Stanworth VWBro DH Thompson WBro JM Adams, BEM WBro TE Parvin WBro DL Pilling WBro PJE Rink WBro A Bennion WBro CJ Bolton WBro K Bridgett, MA, PhD WBro IM Brookes WBro D Combes WBro PJ Conn WBro DH Gallear WBro JW Hudson WBro T Jewitt WBro R King WBro G Meade WBro AJ Pearson WBro B Sigsworth WBro JB Wilson WBro D Winstanley WBro J Aston WBro WL Anderson JP WBro JE Barton WBro C Birch WBro R Castle WBro JM Green WBro D Greenhalgh PGJW PGMO PDepProvGM PGMO PAProvGM PGMO PGSO PAPGM PAPGM PGSD PGSD ProvGSec PGSD PGSD ProvDC AGDC WBro PM Holt WBro KA Horne WBro C Kennerley WBro T Mather WBro G Newton WBro WJ Porter WBro I Ronson WBro DN Thornhill WBro J Whitney WBro MC Fletcher WBro J Hargreaves WBro BR Heal WBro W Hilton WBro ML Porter WBro H Pouncey WBro AA Ward WBro S Bibby WBro MA Birch WBro N Clarke WBro J Fernandes WBro CC Jewell WBro M Kay WBro J Wood WBro MC Fletcher WBro K Lord WBro JF Rogers WBro Dr SK Archer WBro JC Bicknell WBro T Davies WBro G Green WBro S Higson WBro JF McCord WBro RJ Perks WBro JH Smith ProvGTyler PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PAGSwdB ProvADC PAGSwdB PAGSwdB PGStB PGStB PGStB PGStB PGStB PGStB PGStB PAGStB PAGStB PAGStB GStwd ProvDGDC GStwd GStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd PGStwd APGM Des

6 Distinguished Guests Province of Durham RWBro J Peter Croft GMRAC VWBro Prof Denovan K Wilson VWBro Frank A Rankin WBro Stuart A R Ingram WBro Joseph A Hind Province of Cheshire RWBro Bryan R Ogden WBro David R Sellers WBro Austin W Bamber WBro Colin Hambleton Province of North and East Yorkshire RWBro Eric Gore Browne WBro Allan C Scott WBro Clive Copley WBro Ronald L Campbell Province of West Lancashire RWBro Peter Connolly VWBro Keith A Beardmore VWBro Michael J Clarke WBro Ian D Nairn WBro Arthur Robinson WBro Tony Farrar WBro John Bicknell WBro David Emmerson WBro Geoffery Catterall Province of Northumberland RWBro Gordon Craigs WBro David Moses Province of Cumberland and Westmorland RWBro Keith Hodgson WBro Barry Kirkbride WBro Michael K Clementson WBro David Robinson Province of West Yorkshire RWBro James Steggles VWBro Robert Corfield WBro John F Clough WBro Alan Oldfield RWBro Brian M Batty Province of Warwickshire RWBro Stuart Mac Province of Derbyshire RWBro Colin Cantrell WBro Philip Ablott Province of Kent VWBro David J Green VWBro William J Balderston Province of Staffordshire and Shropshire WBro Michael Heenan Province of North Wales WBro Peter Watkin WBro Alan Brookes Assistant Assistant Provincial Grand Tyler Assistant Assistant Deputy Provincial Director of Ceremonies Assistant Assistant Provincial Grand Senior Warden Provincial Grand Junior Warden Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Provincial Secretariat Assistant Assistant Past Deputy

7 Distinguished Guests from East Lancashire WBro Derek N Thornhill WBro Chad Northcott WBro Chris Welton WBro John Pearson WBro Paul Rink VWBro Nolan Morrison WBro Martin Caller VWBro David H Thompson WBro the Rev d Donald K Price WBro Allan Bennion WBro Norman Clarke Assistant Assistant Assistant Past Past Past Assistant Second Provincial Grand Principal Third Provincial Grand Principal Past Deputy Grand Superintendent Past Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Other Orders in Freemasonry WBro David H Gallear Provincial Prior (Lancashire), Orders of the Temple 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 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 WBro Nigel Bramely-Howarth Intendent General & Divisional Commander of St. John, Masonic & Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine also Past (Craft) RWBro Thomas F Jackson Grand Master, Allied Masonic Degree Provincial Officers of the Year 2013 Senior Warden George Scaife Skelmersdale 141 Junior Warden David G 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

8 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 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 Alex S McLaren,, and the Assistant s, VWBro Stephen J Holt and VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart entered Provincial Grand Lodge escorted by the Provincial Grand Officers of the year 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 33 Lodges in the Province entered Provincial Grand Lodge. Past Commander Tony Davies the Commander of the Progress 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 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 PGSD, 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 2013 The called upon VWBro David Thompson to propose the adoption of the circulated minutes of the last Annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting held on 5 th June 2013 and those of the Royal Ark Mariner Investiture meeting held in Rochdale on 30 th September At the invitation of the, the proposition was seconded by VWBro Ronald Gilks 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 Gerry Young, Provincial Grand Treasurer to make any additional comments to his circulated report and / or to comment further on the audited accounts of the Province for the year ended 31st August

9 2013. WBro Gerry Young, Provincial Grand Treasurer advised the meeting that 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 2013 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, 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 Nolan Morrison and seconded by VWBro Reginald Newsome PAProvGM and approved by the Brethren that the Provincial Grand Treasurer for the ensuing year would be WBro Gerald N H Young. Election of Auditors VWBro David Brown,, proposed and VWBro George Davis, 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 2014 was included in the minute book for this meeting. He invited VWBro John Crawford, the Treasurer of ELMBF to make any additional comments to his circulated report. VWBro 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 PGSD the to state if he had any changes to his report. WBro Trevor E Parvin PGSD 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, Once again I wish to welcome you all to this wonderful venue which unfortunately we will not be able to use next year as the Albert Halls are to undergo a major refurbishment. Consequently we shall meet at King Georges Hall Blackburn in 2015 but will have to change our date to a week earlier than usual which will be the 27 th May. All being well we shall probably be back here in I have already introduced all our distinguished guests but can I thank them all once again for their support, the camaraderie we have with our neighbouring Provinces and the senior members of other orders has always been a great inspiration to me and I value their friendship very much. Next week we once again travel to London for the Grand Mark Investiture which as you all know by now will be an exceptional meeting, with all the high rulers being invested by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. We are especially sorry to see MW Bro Benjamin Addy retire, he has always been a great supporter of this Province so we may now see a little more of him in the lodges in this Province of which he is a member. The meeting will be a long one so I do exhort those who are intending to go to try and get into the Grand Temple early to ensure a seat.

10 The brethren from this Province to be invested by the Grand Master have all earned their preferment by the efforts and the contribution they make to the Province and their lodges. We once again have been fortunate to be awarded two Grand Stewards who are Malcolm McCarthy and Paul Waring and another acting rank with Royce Batters being promoted to Grand Junior Deacon. The other promotions are John Crawford to, Roger Perks, Edward Barton, Alan Ward, Graham Newton and Herman Pouncey to. The first appointments are David Kelly to Dennis Schiff to PAGSwdB and Peter Clegg and Jack Levene to PGStdB all of whom deserve our congratulations. In 2018 the Mark Benevolent Fund will celebrate 150 years of helping our Brethren either individually or through many worthy causes. To mark the sesquicentenary the trustees have approved the funding of a scheme called Hope for Tomorrow for up to ten specially adapted vehicles as mobile chemotherapy units, this will enable this treatment to be brought to local areas to save sufferers who need this type of cancer treatment having to travel long distances to receive their medication. As many of you know I have first-hand experience of having to travel for treatment for my dear wife Brenda so I fully commend this scheme and I sure it will be extremely successful and beneficial to the recipients. The funding of course comes from entirely within our organisation and primarily from the annual MBF Festivals; our Festival in 2021 is now well and truly launched and visible with our new tie and the promotional material which is available. I hope every one of our lodges take a full part in organising events to support this Festival which I want all to enjoy and participate in. We as I have said before derive substantial benefits from the MBF and it is only fair and proper that we try and put back into the system a little of what we have received over the years. I will shortly be investing the officers of the year and promoting those brethren who have contributed to their lodges in many ways. I will only be able to have a brief word here today but I do congratulate everyone and wish them every success in their new roles and thank them for all their past services. At my first Provincial meeting 11 years ago I appointed Keith Clayton as Provincial Almoner and as you all know it is a role he seems to have been to born to do. I am sorry he has decided to retire but fully understand that no one can go on indefinitely. He has done thousands of miles and written more letters on behalf of his petitioners than I would have thought possible, and I can pay no better tribute to his dedication to his office than to echo the words of RW Bro Raymond Smith the president of the MBF and who will be invested as Assistant Grand Master next week. I quote your petitioners are most fortunate to have had you as their Provincial Almoner and we on the Petitions committee are equally fortunate to have their cases presented in such a superb manner, there is little doubt that amongst Provincial Almoners you come out top of the class Brethren there are no words I can add to that. We are still consolidating our lodges and our numbers and although our numbers have declined a little we are holding our own relatively speaking, however there is no room for complacency and doing nothing is not an option. Please redouble your efforts in recruitment with your Craft members and please endeavour to always have some business at your Lodge meetings in the form of an address or Tracing Board or demonstration ceremony. If in doubt for a topic please contact any one of us on the team and we will either come in person or point you in the right direction for a speaker. Please do not forget recruitment into the RAM degree, there is still only about 50% of our members in this order, a fact which continually baffles me as we are so closely linked. The website eastlancsmark.com has all the information regarding forthcoming events such as the annual golf tournament, the charity dinner and gala night, the fun day on August bank holiday at Middleton Masonic Hall all of which are very enjoyable to bring friends and families to, and I hope as many of you as possible will support. There are photographs and reports on past events and there is a link to add your own reports of any event or celebration either forthcoming or has already happened. It is a tool for all of us and should be utilised and taken advantage of. Once again my thanks are to all who organise this meeting from Trevor Parvin and his secretariat to Ian Ronson the Tyler for transporting all our equipment and to John the sound man and once again to Ian Brookes and his DC team. I would particularly like to thank all the acting officers from last year who have supported all our team visits and functions practically to a man.

11 Finally I wish you all that you wish yourselves, my grateful thanks to all of you for your friendship and support over the years, you are what makes my position so gratifying and enjoyable. Leslie F Hiles Memorial Golf Trophy The winner of the Leslie F Hiles Memorial Golf trophy, WBro Mark Davies PProvGCharStwd of Manchester Keystone Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 745 was conducted to the podium where the Provincial Grand Master presented the trophy. The sum raised by The Golf Tournament was donated to ELMBF and WBro Kevin Reaney, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge presented the cheque. The thanked all those involved with the organisation of the event. Charity Event WBro Roger Fielding ProvGCharityStwd of Union Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 171 presented a cheque, the proceeds of the sponsored walk he undertook as part of his fundraising during his year as Provincial Grand Charity Steward, to the. Appointment of the The appointed VWBro 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. VWBro McLaren responded with thanks. Investiture of a Past Assistant s Collarette The invested VWBro Stephen Holt with a Past Assistant 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 a Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and Assistant. Appointment of the Assistant The re-appointed VWBro Jeffrey A Huddart as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The Assistant was proclaimed in his various titles by the Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and saluted by the Brethren of East Lancashire. VWBro Huddart responded with thanks. Appointment of the Assistant The appointed, obligated and installed WBro John H Smith PGStwd as an Assistant. The Assistant was proclaimed in his various titles by the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies WBro Ian Brookes and saluted by the Brethren of East Lancashire. WBro Smith responded with thanks. Appointment and Investiture of Provincial Grand Officers for 2014 Senior Warden Duncan Ferguson Rectitude 18 TI Junior Warden David Rainsbury Friendship 1459 Master Overseer David Leach Temperance 56 Senior Overseer Duncan Holmes Starkie 159 Junior Overseer Ian Casson Manchester Engineers 1059 ProvGChaplain Bro the Rev'd Harry S Edwards Friendship 1459 ProvGTreasurer Gerald Young Progress 1577 ProvGRegistrar Andrew B Sykes Arnold Morton 1649 ProvGSec Trevor E Parvin Progress 1577 ProvGDC Ian M Brookes Union 171 ProvGAlmoner Reg Foster Fabric 939 ProvGChStwd Stephen Lord Keep 911 ProvGInspWks Ian Connor Union 171 ProvGSwdB Paul Clark Manchester Keystone 745 ProvDepChaplain Peter Hargreaves Starkie 159

12 ProvDepGSec David G Rainford Turton 1350 ProvDepGDC Simon Archer William Romaine Callender 136 ProvDepGSwdB Ivan Eastwood Lancastrians 689 ProvGSD E Martin Brownlow St John s TI TI ProvGSD Jack Day Wycoller 1582 ProvGSD G Rodney Shirt County Palatine 156 ProvGJD Peter Andrews Keep 911 ProvGJD Jack Harrison Mossley 1381 ProvGJD Paul Whittaker F W Broadbent 1132 ProvAGSec David Kelly Temperance 56 ProvAGSec Garry Errock Union 171 Prov AGDC (Team) Stephen Lawlor Temperance 56 Prov AGDC (Team) Colin Whittaker Wycoller 1582 Prov AGDC (Team) Michael L Porter Ardwick 1222 ProvGOrganist Paul Bowen Stanley 1454 ProvGStB Jeff Denny Stanley 1454 ProvAGStB Robert Allan Starkie 159 ProvGIG Martin Green Integrity 1369 ProvGStwd Alan Barlow Roberts 24 TI ProvGStwd Colin Bodimeade Manchester Keystone 745 ProvGStwd Tony Cleworth William Romaine Callender 136 ProvGStwd Martin Murray Salford 994 ProvGStwd Kevin Reaney Union 32 ProvGStwd Jason Tyler St John s TI TI ProvGTyler Ian Ronson St Andrews 34 First Appointments Past Rank PProvGSD John Briggs Perseverance 403 PProvGJD John Audain Priory 693 PProvGJD Clive Berry Keep 911 PProvAGDC Ken Bentley Adoniram 1065 PProvAGDC William Black Gawthorpe 1014 Promotions Past Rank PProvGSW Stephen Barritt Gawthorpe 1014 PProvGSW Brian Birchenough Stanley 1454 PProvGSW Rev d Graham Halsall Darwen 1327 PProvGSW Brian Maden Starkie 159 PProvGJW Peter Fraser Gorton 1034 PProvGJW Stephen Lawlor Temperance 56 PProvGMO Colin Firth Manchester Engineers 1059 PProvGSO Henry Jordon Turton 1300 PProvGSO Graham Rudd Integrity 1369 PProvGJO Stephen White Perseverance 403 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 Duncan Ferguson responded with thanks. A collection was taken on behalf of the East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund which raised 2218 including Gift Aid ( 2199 last Year).

13 The reported that all 53 Mark Lodges and 33 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges were represented and the attendance was more than the 417 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 29 th September 2014 RWBro Keith Partington Schofield GMRAC WBro Alexander S McLaren RAMGR WBro Jeffrey A Huddart, RAMGR WBro John H Smith, ProvRAMGR Assistant s

15 The Worshipful Commander of the East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 990, WBro Jeffrey A Huddart, RAMGR, AProvGM opened the Lodge on Monday 29 th September 2014 in due form and with solemn prayer. The meeting dealt with the normal half yearly business of the Lodge. On a report, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Ian Brookes, RAMGR, ProvGDC advised the Lodge that the 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 107 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 9 th December the Investiture of Royal Ark Mariner Grand rank will be held at Great Queen Street where the Pro Grand Master, MWBro Richard Wallis will preside. We are travelling down in force to support the recipients who are WBro s Kenneth G Hampson, Barry R Heal, Beverley J Heywood, Michael J Green and John H Smith, 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:- WBro Jeffrey T Armstrong 1309 # WBro Graham J Layzell 159 # WBro Bryan Bancroft 141 WBro Martin Murray 34 WBro Stanley Bibby 156 WBro Chad A Northcott 1059 WBro David J Biggs 1014 WBro Michael L Porter 1222 # WBro Carl Buckley 20 WBro Harold Potts 403 WBro Brian Elcoat 1132 WBro Graham Rawlinson 171 WBro Andrew Greenhalgh 1577 WBro Malcolm T Roberts 994 WBro John Kershaw 56 WBro Ian D Stone 1010 WBro Wayne Kilford 994 # WBro Christopher Welton 1001 # absent to be invested at the next regular meeting

16 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 Christopher Welton, ProvRAMGR, thanked the and brethren on behalf of all the newly invested Provincial Officers for their fraternal salutations. At this point WBro Alexander S McLaren, RAMGR, DepProvGM, presented a cheque for 500 to the Provincial Grand Master as a donation to the 2021 Festival from and on behalf of the Allied Degrees. The Provincial Grand Master thanked WBro McLaren for the very generous donation from that order. 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 Jeffrey A Huddart, RAMGR, APGM opened the Lodge at Freemasons Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester on Monday, 30 th March 2015 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 Jeffrey T Armstrong Lodge No: 1309, WBro Wayne Kilford Lodge No: 994 and WBro Michael L Porter Lodge No: 1222 had been unavoidably absent from the September meeting. The asked if the Provincial Director of Ceremonies would now escort them to the pedestal. The invested them as holders of ProvRAMGR. 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 Following the removal of the Mark Provincial Office to Salford in August 2013, our administrative expenses profile has changed both in terms of costs and timing and this has made strict comparisons, year on year, difficult. Non recurring costs for the physical removal together with the expense of setting up our own independent postage, telephone and internet systems plus some improvements to the Provincial Website have all had an impact. However, after allowing for these, our regular annual costs remain in line with recent historical levels. It is pleasing to report that support from Lodges to defray the cost of the Annual Meeting has continued to hold up well and with meeting costs well controlled, a modest reduction in the net cost of the event was achieved. Whilst excess income for the year, after a further 1,000 transfer to reserves for future investitures, is lower than has been usual in recent years, nevertheless our total reserves have increased by 1,878 and the Province is in a strong financial position. Last year, increases in Provincial Grand Lodge dues were approved and came into effect on 1 st September However we need to keep these under regular review and I wish to give notice of motion at this year s Annual Meeting of a proposal to increase Provincial Grand Dues by 10p per annum for each Mark Lodge Member and by 5p per annum for each RAM Lodge Member, payable from 1 st September 2016, representing a modest increase of 3%. Finally, I would like to record my grateful thanks to the Provincial Secretariat for their diligent support and also to the Auditors for their assistance and advice. Gerald N H Young Provincial Grand Treasurer 25 th February 2015

18 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS EAST LANCASHIRE INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST Income Provincial Dues & Registration 6,404 6,788 Fees of Honour 1,585 1,805 Ties and Tokens 8 - Bank interest , , Expenditure Rent Telephone/Postage Insurance (200) 134 Printing, stationery & computer costs Collarettes & jewels 67 - Ties, Tokens & sundries 295-3,487 1,732 Provincial Meeting Expenses 12,316 12,242 Receipts (9,684) (9,447) 2,632 2,795 Transfer to General/Reserve Funds 1,000 1,000 Excess income for the year , ,997 8, BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st AUGUST Current Assets Stock of ties and tokens Expenses paid in advance 450 1,000 Bank Balances and Cash 46,489 42, , ,652 Less: Amounts owing and receipts in advance (2,679) (1,115) 44,415 42, , , Represented by: General Fund B/fwd. 17,505 14,058 Excess income for year 878 3,447 18,383 17,505 Reserve Fund B/fwd. 21,352 20,352 Transfer from Income and Expenditure Account 1,000 1,000 22,352 21,352 Centenary Fund Reserve B/fwd. 3,680 3,680 Contributions received - - 3, , ,415 42,537 WBro Gerald 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 2014 and of its excess of income over expenditure for the year then ended. WBro M R McCarthy, PProvGSW WBro C Kennerley, Auditors 25 th February 2015

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.Roger Fielding who had a very successful Sponsored Walk in that he raised 3,400 for ELMBF Funds. Maintenance Costs on our properties have again been high this year & will probably exceed 70,000. As expected there has been a reduction in some of the Donations we are receiving from Lodges due to the start of the 2021 Mark Festival. However, this has been made up to some extent by the receipt of a Legacy ( 5,003) & the donation of 3,000 following the closure of Elizabethan Mark Lodge No With our continuing high maintenance costs we are closely monitoring the Grants that we are able to make. During the year Grants totaling 12,715 have been made to the following recipients:- Worcestershire 2015 Mark Festival 6,000 Provincial Almoners Fund 2,500 Canons Close Careline Assistance 1, Mark Festival (50% of Provincial Meeting Collection) 1,109 East Manchester Community Boat Project 1,000 Floyd Hospital Unit 506 Ribble Valley First Responders 200 Priors Close Welfare Fund 200 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 Devonshire, 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 2015 RW and Brethren, I have pleasure in presenting the report. Membership and Lodge changes During the Grand Lodge year ended 31st August 2014 the changes in membership of the Province were as follows (last year s figures in brackets): - In the Order of Mark Master Mason: - 29 (26) Brethren were advanced and 54 (52) became joining members. Sadly the Province lost 32 (20) Memberships through death, 71 (65) resigned, 4 (3) were excluded and 3 (2) were made honorary members which resulted in a net loss of 27 (13). The total Lodge membership is 1454 (1481). The Billinge and Elizabethan Lodges of Mark Master Masons returned their warrant prior to 31 st August A number of Lodges are considering their future at a time when recruitment in Freemasonry is generally at a challenging period. There are at present 53 Mark Lodges. In the Degree of Royal Ark Mariner: - 21 (15) Brethren were Elevated and 31 (16) became joining members. 17 (11) Memberships were lost from the Province through death; 53 (17) resigned; 4 (0) were excluded and 0 (4) were made honorary members which resulted in a net loss of 22 (0). The total Lodge membership is 759 (781). The Province has 33 Royal Ark Mariner Lodges. The total number of single memberships in the Mark Degree and Royal Ark Mariners is 1487 (1483). 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 back to its usual weekend and was held in the Lake District a stone s throw from Lake Windermere over the weekend of Friday 1 st August The next weekend will be in Shakespeare s country. The was well supported by Members of the Provincial Deputation on his team visits to Rectitude Mark, Keep Mark Charity evening and Middleton Royal Ark Mariners. The 13 th Masters and Commanders Assembly held on the 13 th March 2015 at Ashton under Lyne Masonic Hall was a great success, with over 100 Masters, Commanders and their partners joining the Provincial Grand Master for the evening. On the 12 th April 2015, the Grand and Provincial Officers Reception for Officers of the year 2014, was held at the Middleton Masonic Hall and was attended by over 95 Brethren and their ladies. The Charity Duck race was exceptionally well attended at Sawley Village hall near Clitheroe on Sunday 19 th April a real fundraiser for ELMBF. We all enjoyed the fellowship and fun. Real ale & hot food and a great children s play area, which had been arranged by the Provincial Charity Steward WBro Steven Lord as part of his fund raising for the year. Kinship Meetings During this year there were no Kinship meetings planned. 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 2015 / Personal Anniversaries During the Provincial year: WBro John Rennie celebrated his 50 th in Mark Masonry at WR Callender Mark Lodge on 6 th May 2014 with the in attendance.

21 WBro William Brown celebrated his 50 th in Mark Masonry at County Palatine Mark Lodge on 10 th November 2014 with the in attendance. WBro Ronald Eadie celebrated his 50 th in Mark Masonry at Quatuor Legati Mark Lodge on 12 th May 2015 with the in attendance. WBro Jim Noble celebrated his 60 th in Mark Masonry at Union Mark Lodge No: 32 on 27 th April 2015 with the in attendance accompanied by a Provincial deputation. The consecrated our newest Mark Lodge, The Rugby Football Lodge of Mark Master Masons No: 1965 on Thursday 30 th April I wish to extend our thanks to the staff at The King George s Hall Blackburn 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 David Lightbown for his support with the transport and 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 David Rainford, David Kelly and Garry Errock and the volunteer Graham Rawlinson for all their hard work and dedication during this past year, maintaining 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 PGSD