SYNERGY. Ormskirk and Bootle Group of Lodges and Chapters. Newsletter. Stephen installed as master for the third time

Transcription

1 Volume 2 Issue 1 SYNERGY Ormskirk and Bootle Group of Lodges and Chapters Newsletter October 2017 Stephen installed as master for the third time Prince of Architects Lodge No 4188 held its installation meeting at the Litherland Masonic Hall, where the brethren were proud to give a very warm welcome to the guest of honour, Provincial Grand Master James Anthony (Tony) Harrison, accompanied by the Provincial team orchestrated very ably by Keith Kemp Provincial Director of Ceremonies with his Deputy Director of Ceremonies Ian Halsall. Along with Tony were Robert Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Southport, Ormskirk and Bootle Groups, Frank Umbers, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, Graham Chambers, group vice chairman and Malcolm Alexander, group secretary. Also in attendance were grand officers Michael Kinsella, who is a member of Prince of Architects and his guests Brian Henshaw and Mark Mathews. Tony Harrison (left) congratulating Stephen McCracken on becoming WM. The master elect, Stephen McCracken, who has twice been master of his mother lodge, Excelsior Engineers Lodge No 4248 in Cheshire, was presented by his lifelong friend and son of his original proposer into Freemasonry James Jones; also a former member of Excelsior Engineers which surrendered its warrant in Stephen was installed into the chair of King Solomon by the installing master Dr Morgan Denyer in his own inimitable style, thus becoming the 98th master in 98 years and maintaining the tradition in Prince of Architects that no one goes through the chair of the lodge twice. The working tools of the three degrees were presented by Andrew McGregor, Barry Connolly and Anthony Claro respectively. Barry and Anthony both being light blues. Maintaining the standard of the ceremony, the address to the deacons was given by Howard Minard, to the tyler, Anthony Harford, by Paul Shirley and to the stewards by Carl Mathews one of the four acting Provincial grand stewards attending. Jim Jones gave the address to the master; the address to the wardens was not carried out as David Turner (father) and Kieran his son were unable to be present. The address to the brethren was delivered in fine style by Tony Harrison. The newly installed master then presented Tony with cheques for charity totalling 2,395 this comprised 135 to the Litherland Masonic Hall, 560 to the charity Contact the Elderly, 500 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and 1,200 to the 2021 Festival. Tony then presented the master with a certificate to acknowledge that the lodge is now a Vice Patron of the 2021 Festival. The brethren then retired to the festive board to enjoy the traditional six course meal, finishing with a whole Stilton and the port being passed around. The stewards were very busy with the wine servings! The master s song was rendered by one time cathedral chorister and lodge member John Hill in his usual superb style. Tony spoke to the brethren about the 2021 Festival, the Tercentenary Celebrations and about attracting younger members to join Masonry. He thanked all the brethren for the standard of the ceremony and for the hospitality that had been shown to the Provincial team and himself. At the close of the celebrations it was announced the raffle had raised 300 to be donated to charity at a later date. A very enjoyable time was had by all. Continued on next page.

2 Volume 2 Issue 12 Page 2 Continued from previous page. Tony Harrison, Stephen McCracken, Robert Wright (centre) with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers. Gordon installed as master of Aughton Lodge The Ormskirk and Bootle Group new Masonic season commenced with its first installation meeting with Aughton Lodge No 7996, held at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall and for the evening s ceremony the lodge was honoured by the presence of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Robert Wright. Robert was accompanied on the evening by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman, Frank Umbers, group vice-chairman, Graham Chambers as well as grand officer Malcolm Alexander and a number of acting Provincial officers. The acting WM and installing master for the evening Stewart Cranage warmly welcomed everyone to the installation and proceeded to open the lodge in a calm and dignified manner. Once the lodge s initial business was completed, Stewart proceeded to open the lodge to the second and third degree. Stewart then asked Malcolm Sandywell to occupy the senior warden s chair and Edward Harrison to occupy the junior warden chair. Robert Wright (left) congratulating Gordon Johnson on becoming WM. The director of ceremonies, Ian Tupling, entered the room and announced that Robert Wright was without and demanded admission and was duly admitted into the lodge in a possession, accompanied by the grand officers Frank Umbers and Malcolm Alexander and the acting Provincial officers Carl Mathews, Russell Skidmore, John Walters, David Scott, Michael Dutton and Thomas Bradfield-Kay. Stewart formally welcomed Robert to the lodge, before offering him the gavel, which Robert graciously declined. Master elect, Gordon Johnson. was then presented to the lodge by Ian Tupling, After Gordon had taken his obligation, Stewart on behalf of the outgoing WM, James Carrie, thanked the brethren for all their support and hard work during his year in office. Stewart then installed Gordon into the chair of King Solomon in a warm and sincere manner. The working tools for the third and second degrees were presented by Derek Westby, with Charles Browne presenting the working tools for the first degree; all in an excellent and proficient manner. While Gordon was investing his officers the address to the charity steward was given by the Group Festival Representative, Malcolm Sandywell and the address to the deacons by Tom Bradfield-Kay. Continued on next page.

3 Volume 2 Issue 13 Page 3 Continued from previous page. Once Gordon had invested his officers for the forthcoming year, the address to WM was given by Derek, followed by the address to the wardens by Malcolm Sandywell and the address to the brethren by Robert Wright, again all the addresses were delivered faultlessly and in a proficient manner. The ceremony being completed, Robert stood up and brought the personal greetings and congratulations to Gordon from the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison; on attaining the chair. Robert also congratulated all those that had taken part in the ceremony, in particular mentioning the excellent and sincere installation undertaken by Stewart assisted by DC Ian, the ADC John Wootton and the other installing officers. the ceremony now being completed, Gordon presented Robert with seven cheques, 1,200 for the MCF 2021 Fund, 100 for the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, 175 to the Friends of Tithebarn, 200 to the Ormskirk Masonic Hall, 275 to the Salvation Army, 275 to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, 275 to Macmillan Cancer Support, totalling 2,500 to charities. Robert on behalf of the recipients thanked the lodge for their very generous and worthy donations. Following the meeting the brethren retired to the festive board to conclude an excellent evening. Pictured (centre) Robert Wright and Gordon Johnson with grand and acting Provincial officers and members of the lodge.

4 Volume 2 Issue 14 Stuart installed as master of Ormskirk Priory Page 4 Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007 which is one of the smaller lodges within the Ormskirk and Bootle group and with the lodge approaching their centenary in a couple of years; started the new Masonic season with their installation meeting at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall. For the evening s ceremony the lodge was honoured by the presence of Peter Lockett, Chorley Group Chairman, as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master. The outgoing WM Alan Ashcroft welcomed everyone to the evening s installation and proceeded to open the lodge in the first degree, after which the lodge DC Bert Patterson informed him that Peter Lockett was without and was seeking admittance. Peter was duly admitted into the lodge in a possession, accompanied by grand officers Frank Umbers (Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman), Malcolm Alexander and John Wilcock. Also in attendance were Graham Chambers (group vice-chairman) together with acting Provincial grand officers Michael Dutton, Carl Mathews and Russell Skidmore. Alan then proceeded to open in the second and third degrees. Alan then asked Ian Kennedy, senior warden, and John Rawcliffe, acting junior warden for the ceremony to remain in the warden s chairs and Peter Fairclough to remain as inner guard for the installation ceremony. Peter Lockett (left) congratulating Stuart Cunningham on becoming WM. The master elect, Stuart Cunningham was then presented to the lodge by Bert Patterson and after Stuart had taken his obligation, Alan asked the officers of Ormskirk Priory Lodge to stand, thanking them for all their help, support and hard work during his year in office. Stewart was then proficiently installed into the chair of King Solomon by Alan. The working tools for the third degree were presented by Bert Patterson, the second degree by Ian Kennedy and the working tools for the first degree where presented by Brian Heaney, all in a confident and proficient manner. While Stuart was investing his officers the address to the charity steward Ray Hampson was delivered by the Group Chairman, Frank Umbers and once all the officers for the forthcoming year had been invested the address to WM was given by John Wallbank and the address to the brethren by Peter Lockett; again all delivered faultlessly and in a proficient manner. Frank Umbers then stood up and gave Stuart the presentation of the Hall Stone Jewel. The ceremony now being completed, Peter stood up and brought the personal greetings and congratulations to Stuart from the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison, on attaining the chair. Peter congratulated all those that had taken part in the ceremony, mentioning the excellent installation undertaken by Alan, Bert and the brethren who delivered the working tools and address to the master by John, commenting on how well they were delivered. The ceremony now being completed, Stuart presented Peter with three cheques, 200 to Tithebarn, 100 to the Air Ambulance and 100 to Alder Hey Children s Hospital and on behalf of the recipients Peter thanked the lodge for their very kind and generous donations. Following the meeting the brethren retired to the festive board to conclude an excellent evening. Continued on next page.

5 Volume 2 Issue 15 Page 5 Continued from previous page. Pictured are Peter Lockett, Stuart Cunningham, Alan Ashcroft (centre), with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers. Eureka installs Gary as new master The brethren of Eureka Lodge No 3763 and their many guests gathered at Litherland Masonic Hall for the installation of Gary Melton as their new WM. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Anthony (Tony) Bent as their principle guest. Tony was accompanied by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers, group vice chairman Graham Chambers, grand officer Freddie Wright and acting Provincial grand officers. A few of the lodge officers were unable to attend the meeting and the lodge was helped out by group vice -chairman, Graham Chambers, taking the position of JD for the ceremony. Tony Bent (left) congratulating Gary Melton on becoming WM. The acting and installing WM Don Fraser started the evening s proceedings by warmly welcoming the visiting brethren to the meeting, before opening the lodge. After the initial lodge business was completed; Don opened the lodge to the second and third degrees, where the director of ceremonies Stephen Bousfield announced that Anthony Bent was without and demanded admission. Tony was then admitted into the temple accompanied by the grand officers, Frank Umbers and Freddie Wright; Litherland Masonic Hall Chairman, Ian McKinnon, accompanied by Peter Kelly and Joe Williams who acted as the Provincial Grand Deacons for the ceremony. Also in attendance were acting Provincial grand officers, Russell Skidmore and Fred Dickinson. Don then warmly welcomed Tony to the ceremony and offered him the gavel of the lodge, which Tony gracefully declined.

6 Volume 2 Issue 16 Page 6 Continued from previous page. The master elect, Gary Melton was then presented to the lodge by the presenting officers Freddie Wright and Stephen Bousfield, and after Gary had taken his obligation, Don on behalf of the lodges outgoing WM, John Lennon, thanked the brethren for all their support and hard work they had given John during his year in office. Don then asked Joe Williams, Crosby Lodge No 3714 if he would assist the lodge by occupying the chair of SW. The installing master, Don proceeded to install Gary, according to ancient custom into the chair of King Solomon in an excellent ceremony. The working tools in all three degrees were presented in an excellent and proficient manner by Gary Adamson. Once the lodge officers had been invested, the address to the WM was given by Don, followed by the address to the brethren by Tony Bent; all delivered in their usual confident and excellent manner. At the end the ceremony of installation, Tony addressed the brethren by bringing congratulations from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, wishing Gary and all the brethren the very best of health and hoping they have a happy Masonic year. Tony congratulated Don for the excellent and dignified manner in which he had installed Gary into the chair, commenting on the very short notice that Don had received for performing the ceremony. Tony then proceeded to congratulate all the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony. After closing the lodge in prayer and harmony the brethren made their way to an excellent festive board which was enjoyed by all. In responding to the toast to the grand officers, Tony thanked Gary for the warm welcome that he and the grand officers had received from the lodge and he was delighted to again praise the work undertaken by Don and the brethren in the ceremony. Before the evening s festive board came to a close the master s song was performed exquisitely by Don Fraser, who was accompanied by Raymond Massey on the piano. During the evening a raffle was held raising 107 with the proceeds to be donated equally between the Litherland Masonic Hall and the Alder Hey Children s Hospital. With the evening finishing Gary presented Tony with a bouquet of flowers for his wife, before the principal guests retired, after an enjoyable evening in good company. Pictured from left to right, are: Russell Skidmore, Freddie Wright, Frank Umbers, Tony Bent, Gary Melton, Don Fraser, Graham Chambers, Fred Dickinson and Stephen Bousfield.

7 Volume 2 Issue 17 A painter and a sailor well nearly! The members and visitors to the Lodge of Chivalry No 3974 installation meeting were treated to a very enjoyable ceremony delivered by the outgoing WM David Dugdale. Page 7 David is the IT Director for Crown Paints who are based in Darwen, Lancashire. David has worked for Crown Paints for 10 years and although the head office is in Darwen, David regularly travels around the world to attend management meetings held by David s boss who is vice president of Hempel, a global supplier of marine paints and coatings. David and his wife Gaynor have two children Natasha and Alex. Although David has a busy work and family life he still finds time to enjoy his Freemasonry and has been known to drive straight from Manchester Airport, having arrived from a trip to America, to Ormskirk to attend a lodge rehearsal! David installed Andrew Bradshaw his senior warden into Andrew Bradshaw (left) and David Dugdale. the chair of King Solomon. Andrew Lives in Newquay Cornwall and travels to Ormskirk every month to attend lodge and visit his mother and father who live in Rainford, near St Helens. Andrew served in the RAF for 24 years and for the last 10 years has worked for Sirco, who provide support for the military, as a senior supervisor at Royal Navy Air Station, Culdrose, Helston. Andrew Whittle congratulates Andrew on attaining the chair of King Solomon. Andrew and his team of seven engineers have just completed a project to restore to service a Merlin EH101 Mk3A helicopter that has been in storage for 22 years. The work started in April 2017 and was completed in September returning the helicopter to service with its squadron two months early. Andrew and his wife Sue have three children, Ashley, Matthew and Linzi. Andrew s father Tom Bradshaw is the oldest member of the lodge and first served as WM in Tom was the proudest Mason at the installation when he presented Andrew for installation into the chair of King Solomon. After Andrew was installed in the chair he was presented with the working tools of a master Mason by Martyn Fenton, the working tools in the second degree where presented by Martin Stewart, who was only asked to present them on the morning of the installation. The working tools in the first degree where also presented by Martin Stewart who was later installed as the senior warden. Following the investiture of his officers for the ensuing year, Andrew was given the address to the WM by the immediate past master and new director of ceremonies David Dugdale. The address to the wardens was given by Colin Frodsham and the address to the brethren was given by the assistant director of ceremonies Alan Hodgson. David then presented the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Andrew Whittle with four cheques totalling 700. MCF 2021 Festival 300, West Lancashire Freemasons Charity 200, Ormskirk Masonic Hall 100 and 100 to the Forget Me Not Trust. Andrew Whittle thanked the members of the lodge for their donation, he then presented the cheque for the Forget Me Not Trust to Ezra McGowan who was in attendance as a guest of the lodge secretary. Ezra along with his brother are the founders of the charity which provides food and drink to the homeless in Manchester. To find out more about the work of the Forget Me Not Trust click here. Continued on next page.

8 Volume 2 Issue 18 Page 8 Continued from previous page. Pictured from left to right, are: Michael Dutton, Graham Chambers Roy Worthington, Andrew Whittle, Andrew Bradshaw, David Dugdale, Frank Umbers, Malcolm Alexander and Carl Matthews. After the meeting, some 40 brethren retired to the dining room to enjoy a fine meal and some liquid refreshments. At the festive board Andrew Whittle congratulated Andrew Bradshaw on being installed in the chair of the lodge. He also congratulated David on the work he did in the lodge saying: You well and truly did a great job of installing your successor and then taking the office of DC, well done. Later in the evening Tom presented Andrew with a Bible which was inscribed with details of his installation and the family history. The following day Andrew said: I really enjoyed the evening and I was blown away by the way David installed me in the chair. Tom (right) presents Andrew with the Bible on behalf of the members of the lodge. Brethren enjoying the meal at the festive board.

9 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 9 Group charity steward installed as WM Robert Wright (left) congratulating David Sullivan on becoming WM. It was a special occasion for the brethren of Fermor Hesketh Lodge No 1350 and their guests, who had gathered at Litherland Masonic Hall, to witness the installation of David (Dave) Sullivan, Ormskirk and Bootle Group charity steward, as their new WM. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Robert Wright as the principle guest. Robert was accompanied by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers, and acting Provincial grand officers. The outgoing and installing WM David Maher started the evening s proceedings by warmly welcoming the visiting brethren to the meeting, before opening the lodge and after the initial lodge business was completed; David opened the lodge to the second and third degrees, where the director of ceremonies Graham Ashmore announced that Robert Wright was without and demanded admission. Robert was then admitted into the temple accompanied by grand officers, Frank Umbers and Brian Cunliffe; accompanied by William Hunter and Dave Sullivan who acted as Provincial grand deacons for the precession together with acting Provincial grand officers, Russell Skidmore and Thomas Bradfield-Kay. David then warmly welcomed Robert to the ceremony and offered him the gavel of the lodge, which Robert gracefully declined. The master elect, Dave Sullivan was then presented to the lodge by Derek Finney and after Dave had taken his obligation, David Maher thanked the brethren for all their support and hard work during his year in office. David Maher then proceeded to install Dave, according to ancient custom into the chair of King Solomon. The working tools in all three degrees were presented in an excellent and proficient manner by William Hunter and once the lodge officers had been invested, the address to the brethren was given by Robert Wright delivered in his usual confident and excellent manner. At the end the ceremony of installation, Robert addressed the brethren by bringing congratulations from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, wishing Dave and all the brethren the very best of health and hoping they have a happy Masonic year. Robert congratulated David Maher for the manner in which he had installed Dave into the chair also DC Graham Ashmore and the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony. The ceremony now being completed, Dave presented Robert with three cheques, 100 for the West Lancashire 2021 Festival, 100 to Tithebarn and 50 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity. Robert also mentioned that lodge members had already given 134 to the 2021 Festival via the white envelope scheme and on behalf of the recipients Robert thanked the lodge for their very generous and worthy donations. After closing the lodge in prayer and harmony the brethren made their way to an excellent festive board which was enjoyed by all. Continued on next page. Editorial Notes: The editors of this newsletter wish to point out that due to file size restrictions imposed on them by the web site hosting company they have had to produce the newsletter in two parts. It is our intention to provide monthly editions during the Masonic season, and at other times if there is sufficient content. Please send any news articles, announcements, pictures or items of interest to: Russell Skidmore : russell.skidmore@tiscali.co.uk

10 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 10 Continued from previous page. Pictured from left to right, are: Russell Skidmore, Frank Umbers, Robert Wright, David Sullivan, David Maher, Brian Cunliffe and Thomas Bradfield-Kay. Peter becomes WM of Stanley of Bickerstaffe The installation ceremony of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511, was very well attended with over 50 members and guests meeting to witness Peter Smith being installed as their new WM. With the meeting being held at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall, for the evening s ceremony the lodge was honoured by the presence of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Philip Gunning and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Anthony (Tony) Bent who was the lodge s principal guest for the ceremony. Tony was accompanied on the evening by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman, Frank Umbers, group vice-chairman Graham Chambers, as well as grand officer Malcolm Alexander and acting Provincial grand officers. The outgoing WM and installing master, Andrew Clarke, started the evening by warmly welcoming everyone to the installation before proceeding to open the lodge. Once the initial business was completed, Andrew proceeded to open the lodge to the second and third degrees, where the director of ceremonies, Peter Graham entered the room and announced that Phillip Gunning and Tony Bent were without and demanded admission. They were duly admitted into the lodge in a procession, accompanied by grand officers Frank Umbers and Malcolm Alexander; together with acting Provincial grand officers, Michael Dutton, Fred Dickinson, Carl Mathews and Russell Skidmore. Andrew formally welcomed Philip to the lodge, before offering him the gavel, which Philip graciously declined and Tony Bent (left) congratulating Peter Smith on becoming WM. once the salutations had been taken, Philip and Tony swapped seats where Tony was then formally welcomed to the lodge by Andrew as their principle guest.

11 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 11 Continued from previous page. Andrew then asked William Follett to occupy the senior warden s chair, Ray Tompsett to occupy the junior warden s chair, William Griffiths to act as inner guard and Geoff Lever to act as tyler. The master elect, Peter Smith was then presented to the lodge by Geoff Lever and after Peter had taken his obligation, Andrew thanked the officers and the brethren of the lodge, for all their support and hard work during his year in office. Andrew then installed Peter into the chair of King Solomon in a warm, sincere and faultless ceremony. The working tools for the third degree were presented by James Roberts, the second degree by Edward Clarke and the first degree by Ray Tompsett, all three degree tool where presented in an excellent and proficient manner. Once Peter had invested his officers for the forthcoming year, the address to WM was given by Andrew followed by the address to the brethren by Tony Bent, again all the addresses were delivered faultlessly and in a proficient manner. The ceremony being completed, Tony stood up and brought the personal greetings and congratulations to Peter from the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison; on attaining the chair. Tony also congratulated all those that had taken part in the ceremony, in particular mentioning the excellent installation undertaken by Andrew assisted by outgoing DC Peter Graham, the new DC Malcolm Sandywell and the other officers involved in the ceremony that evening. The ceremony now being completed, Andrew on behalf of Peter and the lodge had the privilege to present Tony with four cheques, 950 Freemasons Grand Charity, 400 for the West Lancashire Masonic Charity, 100 to the Huntington s disease Association and 250 to the Friends of Tithebarn. Tony on behalf of the recipients thanked the lodge for their very generous and worthy donations. After the meeting was closed the brethren retired to enjoy the festive board and during the evening s speeches Andrew proposed the toast to the health of the new WM Peter, giving an insight into his career as a police officer and the time he has spent working in Hong Kong taking a secondment with the Hong Kong Police (Anti-Corruption Unit.) before returning home to the UK and joining the Fraud Squad at the Police Headquarters and spent some time with what is now called the Professional Standards Department. The evening now completed the brethren retired to go home after a memorable occasion. Pictured from left to right, are: Russell Skidmore, Michael Dutton, Malcolm Alexander, Philip Gunning, Tony Bent, Peter Smith, Andrew Clarke, Frank Umbers, Fred Dickinson and Carl Mathews.

12 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 12 Dad installs son into chair of Rufford Lodge Christopher Andrew Hayton was installed as the WM of Rufford Lodge No 7217 at the Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard, by his dad Andrew Hayton. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Harry Cox, who was accompanied by grand officers, Brian Fairhurst, Tom Norris and Malcolm Alexander, together with the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Vice-Chairman Graham Chambers. There were also six acting Provincial grand lodge officers in attendance, Mike Dutton, Carl Matthews, Joe Codling, Jim Finnegan, Phil Houldsworth and Peter Rumley. A total of 49 brethren attended the meeting. Andrew Hayton installed his son Christopher in a very enjoyable ceremony into the chair of King Harry Cox (left) congratulates Christopher Hayton. Solomon. The working tools were presented in an excellent manner by junior brethren of the lodge; third degree by Eric Ashcroft, second degree by Robert Midgley and first degree by Philip Smitton. In bringing greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, Harry congratulated the lodge members who had taken part in the ceremony, giving special thanks to the junior brethren who had presented the working tools so well. He said he had thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony which had been carried out in a warm and sincere manner. Harry was then presented with cheques in the total sum of 2,200. To the benefit of the MCF 2021 Festival 1,200 and the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity 1,000, this was in addition to the donations already made by members in the white envelopes scheme. Harry thanked the brethren on behalf of the future recipients who would benefit from their kind generosity. A certificate of vice-patronage of the festival was then presented to the lodge by Malcolm Sandywell the group festival representative. Greetings on behalf of all visiting brethren were given by Roy Gibson the WM of Standish Lodge No Following the meeting an enjoyable festive board was enjoyed by all the brethren, which was followed by the usual Rufford tradition of an auction of pot plants. The master's song was delivered in an excellent manner by Nick Medway with musical accompaniment by Doug Little. Harry Cox with Christopher Hayton and his father Andrew Hayton (centre), together with grand lodge officers and acting Provincial grand officers and the group vice-chairman.

13 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 13 Phil becomes WM again after 39 years John Roberts (left) congratulating Phil Stansbie on becoming WM. The brethren of Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286 were honoured by the presence of John Roberts, Chairman of the Liverpool Masonic Hall, for their installation ceremony to witness Phil Stansbie being installed as WM. It is the first time Phil, a retired college lecturer, has been worshipful master for Lathom Abbey, which he joined in 2005; and has held the office of secretary for the last 12 years. Phil is also a member of Arrowhead Lodge of Freedom No 8500, which is part of the of the Wigan group of lodges, where he was previously a WM in Phil is married to Patricia, and they have three children and six grandchildren. After the lodge was opened by the outgoing and installing master John Mercer, and the general business of the lodge had been completed, John Roberts was admitted into the temple accompanied by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers, vice-chairman Graham Chambers and grand officers Martin Walsh and Malcolm Alexander. Also in attendance were acting Provincial grand officers, Michael Dutton and Carl Mathews. John then asked Mike Smith to remain in the senior warden s chair, Jamie Lomax to occupy the junior warden s chair and Alan Lloyd to remain as inner guard. The master elect, Phil Stansbie was then presented to the lodge by Wilf Pye and Ken Hives. Once Phil had taken his obligation, John thanked all the brethren, their families and friends for the support they have given him and his wife, Sheila during his year, enabling them to have a very happy year and a financially successful year for charity. John then installed Phil into the chair of King Solomon in a warm and sincere ceremony. The working tools for the third degree were presented by Peter McLauglin, the second degree by Mike Smith and the first degree by John Plummer; who had only been initiated three months ago. All three degrees tools where presented in an excellent and proficient manner and the address to the chaplin Ken Jones was delivered by Stewart Cranage. Once Phil had invested his officers for the forthcoming year, the address to the WM was given by Ken Hives followed by the address to the brethren by John Roberts, again all the addresses were delivered faultlessly. John Roberts then brought the personal greetings and congratulations to Phil from the Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison; on attaining the chair. John also congratulated all those that had taken part in the ceremony, in particular mentioning the excellent installation undertaken by John Mercer assisted by the lodge DC Nigel Kent and all the other officers involved in the ceremony that evening. The ceremony now being completed, Phil presented John Roberts with eight cheques for charities totalling the magnificent amount of 3,050 for the following good causes. 400 for Parkinson s UK, 400 for Alzheimer s Research, 400 for Blood Bikes (North West), 400 for Asthma UK, 400 to the Friends of Tithebarn, 400 to MND Association, Merseyside, and 400 to Rosemere Cancer Foundation and 250 to the Ormskirk Masonic Hall Association (OMHA). John thanked the lodge on behalf of the recipients, for their very generous and worthy donations. After the meeting was closed the brethren retired to enjoy an excellent festive board. The meal commenced with Egg O Brien, followed by sugar baked ham as the main course, and for desert syrup tart and ice cream. During the festive board a raffle was held, which raised 270. During Phil s response to the toast to his health he highlighted the excellent fundraising achievement by John and Sheila Mercer and family during John s year in office leading to the generous amount presented to the charities earlier in the ceremony. A most enjoyable evening was had by all. Continued on next page.

14 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 14 Continued from previous page. Pictured from left to right, are: Carl Mathews, Graham Chambers, Frank Umbers, John Roberts, Phil Stansbie, John Mercer, Martin Walsh, Malcolm Alexander and Michael Dutton.

15 Volume 2 Issue 1 Page 15 A very special occasion was witnessed by the brethren and guests of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511, where the lodge was pleased to witness James Clarke being raised, by his father Andrew. Andrew is the current WM of the lodge and during his year in office he has had the honour and privilege of being able to initiate, pass and raise his son James. James grandfather Edward Clarke is also a member of the lodge and has been involved in James ceremonies, Edward was the deacon for James first degree and delivered the second degree tracing board. On a very emotional evening Andrew performed the full ceremony of the third degree in splendid style and with obvious great sincerity. The members of the lodge and their visitors witnessed a fine ceremony which was warmly appreciated by all. Three generations of Masons Edward (left) looks on as James (centre) is congratulated by his father Andrew. James was invested with his master Mason apron which had originally belonged to Edward when he was raised in Edward passed it on to Andrew when he was raised in Andrew had looked after the apron for what they both hoped would be the day when his son became a master Mason. The Clarke dynasty proudly continues with three generations now in Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge.

16 Volume 2 Issue 1 Editors Russell Skidmore Barry Hewitt Bootle Pilgrim Lodge summer quiz night Page 16 John Spurr the quiz master(left) and WM Allan Hore with the quiz sheet. For the fourth year running Bootle Pilgrim Lodge No 1473 hosted their annual summer fun quiz night, as a great opportunity for the brethren of the lodge and group accompanied with their partners and friends, to meet up during the summer break to have some fun together. The evening commenced with WM Allan Hore warmly welcoming and thanking everyone for supporting this year s quiz, before handing over to the quiz master, John Spurr. John started the quiz off with a fun round for the teams. Each team was given a piece of paper with a different football stadium and football team written on it. They then had to find the corresponding stadium and team displayed on various cards placed around the room; this revealed the next stadium and team progressing until they reached Wembley. The main quiz was split into various sections, starting with a Who am I? which was a pictures round of famous people, the second part of the quiz was called Cinema Greats where teams had to name the film made famous from a list of actors. This was followed by the round Children s Stories who wrote about for this participants were given a list of famous children s books and had to name the famous authors. The fourth part of the quiz was a round called Who remembers the ones who were second which really got the brain thinking with various questions like who was the second British F1 world champion. The final round in the quiz had everyone thinking outside of the box, to get the name of plants and trees from cryptic clues. During the night there was a short interval, were everyone was able to enjoy a large buffet, which was provided by the members of the lodge and guests, before recommencing with the quiz. Later in the evening with the time for filling in the quiz sheets being over John gave out the answers, after which Allan had the privilege of presenting the winning team, with a score of 84 points, a prize of 14 worth of lottery tickets, which was collected on behalf of his team by Keith Callaghan, Bootle Pilgrim Lodge. Allan then presented the runners up with a prize of 4 worth of lottery tickets to the second place team with 82 points, which was collected by Joyce Martin, wife of Gordon also a member of Bootle Pilgrim. Finally Allan gave a prize to the team with the lowest points, a bottle of wine, which was collected by Tom Williams, Commercial Travellers Lodge No Allan Hore (left) presenting the quiz winning prize to Keith Callaghan. At the end of the evening a raffle was drawn, which raised a further 88, making a total of 220 for the night, with all the proceeds to be divided between a number of charities during the ensuing year. The quiz night now being finished, Allan again thanked everyone for attending and supporting the evening, with Allan giving special thanks to Ian Yates and his catering staff for setting the room up for the evenings quiz; Joan Skidmore for all her hard work in making the table decorations and organising the buffet and finally John Spurr for another excellent brain thinking quiz, Allan then presented John with a bottle of wine as a thank you gift for all the hard work he had given. The quiz night was again another successful night in the lodge s social calendar, with plans to hold another quiz night next year. Editorial Notes: The editors of this newsletter wish to point out that due to file size restrictions imposed on them by the web site hosting company they have had to produce the newsletter in two parts. It is our intention to provide monthly editions during the Masonic season, and at other times if there is sufficient content. Please send any news articles, announcements, pictures or items of interest to: Russell Skidmore : russell.skidmore@tiscali.co.uk