HALLMARK NEWSLETTER. News and views from Widnes Masonic Hall and the Widnes Group of Lodges and Chapters

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1 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Newsletter Date News and views from Widnes Masonic Hall and the Widnes Group of Lodges and Chapters Inside this issue Group Chairman s notes Kevin Poynton new APrGM 2 3 Goodwill trip 4 From dad to lad 5 The making of a Lewis Jewel of the Order explained Widens Group dinner The Kingsway way 10 Kingsway support Child Care Centre 11 Talk of a song 13 Excellent ritual at Widnes Chapter 14 SEPTEMBER 2014 COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN DAVID WILKINSON During the summer months we have continued with the improvements at the hall. The main success of the work has been the installation of the access control that now prevents unauthorised parking on the car park. Allied to this has been the fitting of CCTV cameras to the front of the building that adds to our overall security. When some cabling issues have been resolved, cameras will also cover the back of the building overlooking the car park. There have been positive comments about the new lighting in the main hall, but there are different opinions about the effectiveness of the new fittings that have been installed in the lodge room. Lowering the lights to improve the all round illumination is an option but we value the views of members. Moving into the new season, our priorities will be dealing with the plastering in the small lodge and improvements to the foyer to make it more attractive. The hall has been in use throughout the summer including a wedding in the lodge room. The dance classes have continued and tea dances have been held on a Wednesday afternoon. It is all welcome revenue for the building and if circumstances arise where you can recommend the hall then I would urge you to do so. Our facilities are worth sharing with the wider community. I was always told to finish with good news and I am pleased to tell you that there will be no increase in the capitation payment this year and an agreement has been reached with the caterers not to increase the price of meals. Finally, if any brother has a suggestion on any aspect of the hall then please speak to your lodge board member to bring to the board.

2 Page 2 COMMENTS FROM THE GROUP CHAIRMAN HALLMARK NEWSLETTER DEREK WILLIAMS We are fast approaching the start of another Masonic season and I trust you have or are enjoying a well deserved holiday. Janet and I spent two weeks in the Canary Islands, which we enjoyed immensely. As we were waiting to depart for the airport for our return flight to the UK, I received the tragic news about Ian Boswell which certainly dampened the spirits on the journey home. However, life must go on and I look forward to working with our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master Kevin Poynton, whom I have known for many years, both of us being members of the Chapter of Equity. I and many others consider it a great honour for Widnes Group to have Kevin appointed to such a high office and wish him many years of good health to enjoy the role. Replacing Kevin as our Assistant in the Royal Arch is Barry Jameson. Barry is past Vice Chairman of Warrington Group and also Past Provincial Grand Charity Steward, an office he worked hard at and gained great respect from both Regional and Group Charity Stewards and the Province in general. He will be warmly welcomed in the group. The investiture of the new Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent on 31 July was a very polished occasion with the Grand Secretary as the investing officer, assisted by the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his team, along with the Provincial Grand Masters of Cheshire and the Isle of Man. I was delighted to see the Widnes Group so well represented. The summer recess has seen a number of improvements to the hall. I wish to place on record my thanks and appreciation to David Wilkinson and his team who have worked hard to ensure these changes come to fruition. I will say no more as I know David has highlighted all of the changes in his report. The sad closure of Bold Lodge No 7583 in June marks the end of an era which commenced in April I am please that the majority of the brethren found a new home within Widnes Group and I hope they continue to enjoy their Freemasonry. As this has strengthened numbers in some of the remaining lodges, I hope that they will benefit from the experience. The coming year will see three Golden Jubilees celebrated in the Craft: - Hallmark offers you the opportunity to express your opinion on Board, Group or Masonic maters. We would welcome any news and photographs from your Lodge or Chapter meetings or events. Please contact WBro Frank Parle PPrGStwd via the Publicity Officers pigeon hole or to;- widpubof@westlancsfreemasons.org.uk 14 Jan 2015: Peter W Browne: - Goodwill Lodge Jan 2015: Barrie N Collinson: - St Paul s Lodge April 2015: Ron C Dennett: - Lodge of Equity and Appleton 1384 On Friday 24 April 2015 we are hosting the new Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison, at the Widnes Group Dinner. I look forward to these events and hope you give your full support to them.

3 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 3 Kevin Poynton Assistant Provincial Grand Master Kevin was born on 19 March 1955 and lived in Dovecot, Liverpool. He attended St Margaret Mary infants, junior and senior schools. His first job was at the age of eight as a milk boy with Hanson's dairy. Kevin says he remembers waiting on the corner for the milk float to come out at 5.30am on a Saturday morning, working until 2pm, then getting paid the princely sum of two shillings (10p). After leaving school at 15 Kevin started training as a cabinet maker but didn't like it and preferred selling them rather than making them. In 1971 started work with his dad who was works manager with a well-known kitchen manufacturer, who had asked him to set up a new retail outlet in Northwich providing kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. After two years they lost interest in the business, so Kevin and his father borrowed some money and bought it. The company now employs 10 staff and has experienced four recessions (he says he probably caused two of them!) however, the business is still going because he says he has good people around him. Kevin says: I have been married to the most wonderful woman, Sue, for 36 years and without her help and support both my business and my Masonic career would not have been possible. They have one son, Antony (34) now a director of the company, who is married to Anna, both of whom he is very proud of, last December they presented Kevin and Sue with their first granddaughter, Amelia. They also have another 'member' of the family in the form of man s best friend, a miniature schnauzer called Charlie. Kevin s Masonic career began in December 1981 when his father-in-law (Arthur Howard Ford-Giltrap) who was the WM of Kingsway Lodge No 7870 initiated him into Freemasonry. It took nine months for him to be passed and raised and it took a further 10 years to attain the chair of the lodge in He was exalted into the Royal Arch in December 1982 and passed through the various offices to the first principal s chair in He served as Director of Ceremonies in both Sue and Kevin on the Liverpool Eye. lodge and chapter and received his first Provincial rank in 1998 in the Royal Arch, which was Provincial Grand Steward, followed by another acting rank again in the Royal Arch in Provincial Principal Grand Sojourner. His first Craft rank was also came in 2002 when he was appointed PPrSGD. In 2004 he was appointed as a Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and held that office for three years in the Craft and went on to serve for five years as DPGDC in the Royal Arch, Kevin says I have loved every single minute. He was promoted in to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2007 and was appointed to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in In Royal Arch he was promoted to PPrGSN in 2010 and to Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter in 2011.

4 Page 4 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER In April 2012 Kevin was invested as an Assistant to the Three Grand Principles. Kevin said: As time moves on we all have to make way for our successors and I was ready to put away my DCs wand happy in the knowledge that I had done the best that I could and had been happy in my work. I was delighted (albeit slightly numbed) when the Grand Superintendent telephoned to ask me if I would remain as member of his team, as one of his Assistants in the Royal Arch. Kevin is pictured on board Queen Mary II as it enters New York Harbour. Kevin was invested as Assistant Provincial Grand Master, by Tony Harrison at Provincial Grand Lodge on 31 July Kevin is responsible for Warrington, Widnes and Woolton Groups After his investiture Kevin said: "Very early on in my career I was told in no uncertain terms that the three words which someone in high office should remember were: 'Humility' 'Humility' 'Humility' and act accordingly. I felt very humble at being chosen to perform the duties of the high office to which I have been appointed and will do my best to uphold the high standards of those who have taken the office before me. It won't however, deter me from approaching my new role with the same sense of happiness as I have tried to maintain in those roles previously held." Goodwill trip The WM of Goodwill Lodge No 3896 in Widnes, Lewis Redhead and his father David, who is the immediate past master of the lodge, went down to Goodwill Lodge No 7904 in the Province of Essex to see Roy Monnery install his successor into the chair of King Solomon. Roy is the last remaining founder of this Goodwill Lodge and was installed into the chair last year as part of their 50 year celebrations. This is now the second year that the two Goodwill Lodges have been visiting each other and hopefully they can continue it for many more years to come. The lodge meets at Chingford Masonic Hall which is beautifully located on the edge of Epping Forest. Lewis, (left) and David Redhead. Masonic Trivia; The England football manager Sir Alf Ramsey was himself a member of a lodge that meets in Chingford and his Masonic apron is displayed on the wall of the lodge ante-room. Goodwill 7904 and Goodwill 7904 lodge banners. Both Lewis and David were received very warmly by Roy Monnery and the other members of the lodge and they also had the great honour of meeting John Webb the Provincial Grand Master of Essex who was there in a private capacity as a member of the lodge. The installation ceremony was first rate and the brother who was installed into the chair has intimated that he will be coming up to Widnes to our Goodwill Lodge No 3896 installation in March 2015 and hopes to bring other members with him.

5 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 5 From dad to lad Members and guests of Goodwill Lodge No 3896 were pleased and honoured to have Assistant Provincial Grand Master Derek Parkinson as their principal guest to witness the installation of Lewis Redhead, (the lad), into the chair of King Solomon by the WM of the lodge David Redhead, (the dad). This was Derek s first visit to Widnes since his appointment to APrGM and on this occasion Derek was accompanied by Widnes Group Chairman Derek Williams, Dennis Rudd PAPrGM and five grand officers. Lewis is a 28 year old man from Runcorn who works in child care and before the meeting said that he was very relaxed about the evening and looking forward the ceremony and the year ahead, which includes a third degree ceremony in May. David opened the lodge and with competent efficiency transacted the initial business of the lodge before lodge DC, Bob Williams, announced the entrance of Derek Parkinson into the lodge. Escorting Derek into the lodge were Provincial Grand Steward Gareth Finlay, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon John Gibbon and acting Provincial deacon Frank Thomas. David Redhead, (left), congratulating Lewis Redhead. After giving Derek a truly warm welcome, David presented him with two charity donations, the first for 500 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and the second for 500 to Halton Haven Hospice. Derek said that these were very generous donations and the people receiving them will be truly grateful. Dave Merrill, (board representative), was then presented with a cheque for 300 for the Widnes Masonic Hall Development Fund, Dave thanked the lodge on behalf of the board for their generosity. Brian Magan was then asked to occupy the position of senior warden, Steve Nickson the position of junior warden and Robert Miller the position of inner guard for the installation. This done, Lewis was presented by his brother-in-law Neil McLean to the WM for installation. An excellent installation ceremony was then carried out by David in a very professional manner, but not without a hint of emotion. The lodge was then treated to three excellent presentations of the working tools, the third degree by Ben Smith, the second degree by David Redhead and the first degree by Paul Smith. Lewis was then instructed by the DC to appoint and invest his officers for the ensuing year, this he did with ease. At the appropriate points in the ceremony, well delivered addresses were given to the almoner by Nat Killen, to the deacons by Dave Merrill, to the WM by Neil McLean, to the wardens by Frank Thomas and to the brethren by Derek Parkinson. Derek Parkinson congratulating Lewis Redhead. With the installation of Lewis complete, Derek Parkinson conveyed the congratulations and best wishes to Lewis from the Provincial Grand Master who also wished him the best of health for the coming year. Derek then said that he had very much enjoyed the ceremony, as it was a

6 Page 6 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER pleasure to witness such excellent work by the installing master. Derek also congratulated the DC and all the brethren who had taken part in a job well done. The final business of the lodge was then transacted by Lewis before he closed the lodge and the 92 brethren present, including eight visiting masters and guests from Essex, Nottingham and Birkenhead retired to the festive board to a splendid four course meal with wine and tea or coffee. Responding to the toast to the grand officers, Derek again congratulated Lewis on being installed as WM and said that he was delighted with the way the tools were done. He said he was delighted to be here on this special occasion to see a father installing his son and in a few years another family will have a special occasion as a son installs his father. Derek completed his response by saying, We need to continue valuing people as it s very important that we work together, individual members make up the lodge as a whole. In his toast to the WM, which was full of emotion, David Redhead said that Lewis is a keen poker player so be very careful with your dealings with him. The song to the health of the worshipful master was sung by Norman Pritchard in very fine voice accompanied by Dennis Myers on piano. To complete the evening, Lewis was presented with a 50 year commemorative tumbler from the members of Goodwill Lodge No 7904 in Essex, a lodge which David Redhead had attended on the occasion of their 50th anniversary celebration. Lewis also received a Masonic medallion from his parents. Pictured from left to right, are: John Gibbon, David Redhead, Derek Parkinson, Lewis Redhead, Derek Williams and Gareth Finlay. The making of a Lewis A lot of hard work paid dividends and turned into immense pleasure for David Berrington as he initiated his only son Adam into St Paul s Lodge No The current WM of St Paul s Lodge, Tommy Glynn, had kindly agreed to allow David, who is a past master in St Wilfrid's Lodge No 7836 and Bold Lodge No 7583, take the chair for the meeting. Adam is 35 and a construction company director from Widnes who has just started two more green energy companies. With his partner David and Adam Berrington.

7 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 7 they have two children and they are planning to get married next year, Adam s interests are football, golf and kick boxing. David opened the lodge and efficiently worked through the initial business before Adam was formally announced escorted into the lodge by Les Williams, the junior deacon of the lodge, to start his journey through the first degree to become an entered apprentice. Adam was ably conducted throughout the ceremony by Les who kept Adam at ease and on the right course at all times. The ceremony conducted by David, which had a bit of emotion, was excellent and was an absolute pleasure to witness. The charge after initiation was superbly delivered by Ian Morris. Pictured from left to right, are: Derek Williams, David Berrington, Adam Berrington Pictured from left to right, are: Ian Morris, Adam Berrington and Les Williams. At the end of the ceremony David said, Bringing my son into Freemasonry has been one of the proudest moments of my life. My son is now by brother. Adam commented, It was a very interesting ceremony and very enjoyable, I now look forward to my future in Freemasonry. During the festive board which followed the ceremony, at which everybody enjoyed an excellent meal, Widnes Group Chairman Derek Williams welcomed Adam into the Widnes Group of Lodges and explained that he is not only a member of St Paul s Lodge but also a member of a worldwide fraternity. Derek then presented Adam with a welcome pack containing information about the first degree, the Widnes Group and other useful information. Jewel of the Order explained A factual and detailed lecture about the Royal Arch jewel was delivered at a special joint convocation for all the Widnes Group chapters, organised by Widnes Group Vice Chairman Neil Pedder and hosted by Chapter of Equity No 1384 in the presence of the Deputy Grand Superintendent Steven Reid accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Kevin Poynton, Widnes Group Chairman Derek Williams and Paul Hesketh on his last engagement as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies. Companions from Chapter of Equity assisted by companions from Widnes Chapter No 2819, Bold and St Paul s Chapter No 5459 and Kingsway Chapter No 7870 were due to deliver the lecture in a series of 10 parts, but unfortunately two of companions taking part were unable to give their parts due to work commitments. Barry Tomlinson, a member of Chapter of Harmony No 220 from Garston stepped in to fill one role and the lecture was then split into nine parts. Other companions taking part were; Derek Williams, Bob The Royal Arch jewel.

8 Page 8 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Williams, Mike Burwin, Steve McNee, Lewis Redhead, John Gibbon, David Hockin, and Frank Parle. Extensive research has been carried out on the Royal Arch jewel with references from many eminent companions and respected institutions and the lecture has been compiled from a paper by A D Matthews PPrDGSwdB. The lecture started with an explanation as to why the newly exalted Royal Arch Mason is rewarded with a jewel, the general The three ribbons of the jewel. design and the meaning of the symbolism of the jewel. The design originates from the eighteenth century and it is an essential part of the clothing of every companion to be worn on the left breast, taking precedence over all other Masonic medals. The mathematical relationship of the jewel in its system of threes was described in full as was the meaning of all the inscriptions on the obverse and reverse jewel and the location on the jewel for the wearers name to be inserted. Explanations of the significance and meaning of the three different coloured ribbons on which the jewel hangs were also given. At the conclusion of the lecture, which was very well received by all the companions present, Steven congratulated all the companions who had taken part in the explanation of the jewel and said that he had enjoyed a very interesting and thought stimulating lecture and had learnt from it. Bob Winch, (first principal), then presented Steven with a cheque for 100 as a donation to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity. Steven thanked Bob on behalf of the recipients for the generous donation. Pictured from left to right, are: Steven Reid, Derek Williams, Kevin Poynton and Neil Pedder. Once all the business was complete, Bob closed the convocation and all retired to a very delightful festive board. Pictured from left to right on the front row, are: Derek Williams, John Gibbon, Steven Reid, Kevin Poynton, David Hockin and Frank Parle. Left to right on the back row, are: Barry Tomlinson, Bob Williams, Mike Burwin, Steve McNee and Lewis Redhead.

9 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER WIDNES CHAPTER ROSE CROIX No 318 Page 9 CONSECRATED MAY 1937 of Knights of the Pelican & Eagle & Sovereign Princes Rose Croix H.R.D.M. Under the Supreme Council 33 of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas Sovereign Grand Commander V P Bro. A. J. Englefield 33 Inspector General South West Lancashire V Ill Bro. F. Stuart Potter 33 NEW MEMBERS! The Widnes Rose Croix Chapter seeks to welcome new members to join this beautiful order which is open to all Freemasons who profess the Trinitarian Christian Faith and have been Master Masons for 12 months or more, who are in good standing and have been initiated in a lodge under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England. The manner of the work in the chapter is reflective of a deep and thought provoking order. If you are interested in becoming a member please make contact with the Recorder or Treasurer, both of whom will be glad to answer any questions you may have. The Chapter meets on the Fourth Friday in January, May and October (Enthronement) Recorder: Alan R Haslam Treasurer: David Redhead Hillside 15 Kirkstone Crescent 75 Chequer Lane Beechwood Up Holland Runcorn Lancashire WA7 3JQ WN8 0DE Tel: Tel: alanrhaslam@aol.com dredh98122@aol.com More information can be found at the Supreme Council website by using the link below:- Advance notice of Widnes Group Dinner 2015 We are very lucky in that there will be an early opportunity for all brethren of the Widnes Group to meet the new Provincial Grand Master, Tony Harrison, next year as he will be attending the Widnes Group Dinner on 24 April This is an early notice so that those who wish to attend the dinner can get the date in their diaries and book their place with the group secretary John Gibbon. Let s ensure that we have a good turnout to the dinner and that Tony gets a very warm welcome from the members of Widnes Group. John Gibbon can be contacted via ;- groupsec@widnesfreemasons.org.uk or phone; More details will follow as soon as we have them.

10 Page 10 The Kingsway way Members of Kingsway Chapter were pleased and honoured to have Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Paul Renton, as their principal guest to their installation meeting, on his last visit before his promotion to PGStdB in Supreme Grand Chapter. Paul entered the chapter accompanied by Widnes Group Chairman Derek Williams and escorted by Provincial Grand Registrar Neil Pedder and Provincial Assistant Grand Sojourner Bill Goulden, both of whom are recently appointed. After formally welcoming Paul to the meeting, first principal Jack Thompson presented Paul with two cheques, both for 100. The first was for the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and the second for Widnes Masonic Hall Building Fund. Paul thanked Jack and the companions of Kingsway Chapter on behalf of those who would ultimately benefit from their generosity. HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Pictured from left to right, are: Zbigniew Rybiczonek, Norman Williams and Paul Smith. The installation of the three principals elect, under the expert guidance of the chapter DC Mike Roe, then got underway with Paul Smith, (third principal elect), being obligated by the third principal Zbigniew Rybiczonek with the readings by Alan Carter. Alan Tittensor took over as third principal while Jack Thompson obligated Zbigniew as second principal elect with the readings by Brian Horabin. Paul Brannan took over as second principal while Jack also obligated and installed Norman Williams as first principal, who was taking on the role for the second time. Norman s first time was with Tracery Chapter No 4719, a chapter in which he served as secretary for 10 years before they found it necessary to close. After installing Norman, Jack continued with the installation of Zbigniew Rybiczonek as second principal and then Zbigniew installed Paul Smith as third principal. Following the robe address to the second principal, given by Jack Thompson and the robe address to the third principal, given by Paul Brannan, Norman appointed and invested his officers for the Pictured from left to right, are: Paul Renton, Zbigniew ensuing year. Rybiczonek, Norman Williams and Paul Smith. The address to the principals was given by grand officer Bill Auckland, a member of Kingsway Chapter and the address to the companions was given by Paul Renton. With the installation complete Paul Renton brought greetings and congratulations from the Grand Superintendent Peter Hosker to the principals saying that Peter hopes that you will have a happy and successful year in office. Paul added by saying that if Peter had been present he would have congratulated the IPZ for an excellent ceremony, the DC for the control of the ceremony and all those who had taken part for a job well done. Norman Williams brought the meeting to a close and all the companions retired to the festive board for a very flavoursome three course meal with wine, tea or coffee. Replying to a toast to his health at the festive board, Paul Renton said that he now brings his own

11 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 11 congratulations to the three principals and on a ceremony that went extremely well, the way it was done was superb and the work done by the IPZ was over and above the call of duty. Paul then mentioned that in the last 12 months 490 requests for charity assistance have been granted by the four Masonic charities with a total of 1,200,000 being paid out. Paul ended by saying that the Royal Arch is the completion of a wonderful degree and a new modern approach to the exaltation ceremony is now being developed to make the ceremony more interesting for the exaltee. Pictured from left to right, are: Bill Goulden, Paul Renton, Derek Williams and Neil Pedder. Kingsway support Child Contact Centre After Kingsway Lodge No 7870 had received an urgent request for a donation from Halton Child Contact Centre, it was decided by the members to use a raffle at a forthcoming Race Night to raise the donation. This proved very successful as Kingsway Lodge managed to raise the magnificent total of 130 on the night. The money was required for the rent of the two locations which the Contact Centre uses in Widnes and Runcorn. A cheque for the amount was presented to the volunteer staff at the Contact Centre by Alan Taylor, WM of Kingsway Lodge, who was accompanied by Ian Rowan, the treasurer of the lodge. Thanking Kingsway Lodge on behalf of the centre, Dot Massie, (co-ordinator), said: This donation will support Contact Centre in continuing its very valuable work. Halton Child Contact Centre is a charitable organisation, which provides facilities for the children of broken homes to maintain contact with both parents in a safe atmosphere. The service is provided free of charge and allows contact to take place without parents having to meet. They use Trinity Church in Widnes and Christ Church in Runcorn on alternate Saturdays and all the meetings are staffed by volunteers. Alan Taylor presents the cheque to Dot Massie watched by other volunteers. If any Lodge is looking to support a local charity, Halton Child Contact Centre would be very pleased to be considered.

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13 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 13 Talk of a song The Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters No 9057 meeting held in the McCausland Suite at Widnes Masonic Hall was an evening of Masonic music. Present at the meeting was Derek Hughson, Past Provincial Grand Organist (West Lancashire), to give an illustrated talk on The Master s Song, what is it? Following the completion of the initial lodge business, Paul Rigby (WM) introduced Derek Hughson and gave him a very warm welcome before Derek commenced his talk. Derek s talk, which was interesting and highly entertaining, began by him saying that The Master s Song is the name for the song which is sung in tribute to the worshipful master at his installation, but many Masons having never heard it called by any other name, suppose that there is only one song, but in fact there are at least three in regular use. As the proceedings at the festive board are never recorded and the practice singing such a song at an installation goes back much further than anyone can remember, exactly how far back can only be speculated. The existence of the words and tune for The Master s Song in the 1723 Book of Constitutions provided food for thought. When it is realised that there are 28 verses to the song, with choruses, then one can but admire the stamina of the early Freemasons! What is known is that the music for Here s to his health in a song, composed by J M Bentley, was first published before 1868 and some years later the subtitle The Worshipful Master s Song was added. Since Paul Rigby, (left), with Derek Houghson. the mid 1860 s other songs have been written expressly for the same purpose and they are also called The Master s Song. Throughout his talk, Derek provided musical illustrations of a number of Master s Songs, in various keys and tempos, which had been recorded with Alan Burrows PPrSGD doing the singing and Derek at the piano. At the end of Derek s talk Paul thanked Derek for his very informative and humorous talk and then Derek received a very enthusiastic round of applause. Paul then brought the meeting to a close and all retired to the festive board for a very delightful three course meal with wine, tea or coffee. But that was not the end of the musical evening, when the meal was over Derek proceeded to give another illustrated talk, this time on Songs at the Festive Board and the brethren were invited to join in singing the chorus of the songs illustrated, which went down very well. Derek has delivered this talk 26 times over the last 12 years in East Lancashire, West Lancashire, Cheshire and Lincolnshire. Derek s next talk at the end of May will be given to Shropshire Masonic Education Group in Telford. Mersey Valley Lodge of Installed Masters have three meetings each Masonic year, September, January and April, with the installation taking place in January. Meetings are held at Leigh, St Helens, Warrington and Widnes. Membership is open to all WM s and past masters of these groups and membership to this prestigious lodge is recommended. For further details and application for membership please contact the lodge secretary Alan Patterson, awpat@sky.com

14 Page 14 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Excellent ritual at Widnes Chapter The installation ceremony of Widnes Chapter No 2819 was a joy and pleasure to witness as the standard of ritual displayed was excellent from start to finish by all who took part. First principal Tom Newton led the way as he opened the meeting and conducted the initial business of the chapter. With the initial business complete, the chapter DC Bill Bushell then announced the entrance of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Kevin Poynton, accompanied by the Chairman of Widens Group Derek Williams, Provincial Grand Registrar Neil Pedder and Provincial Grand Steward Darren Brown. Kevin received a very warm welcome from Tom, second principal Peter Jones and third principal Brian Boothroyd. The three principals elect were then presented to each of the principals in turn by Bill Bushell to mark the start of the installation proceedings with Peter Jones being installed as first principal, Brian Boothroyd as second principal and Paul Smythe as third principal in a ceremony that was excellently carried out by all concerned. Flawless robe addresses were then given to the three principals by Alan Lowe to the first principal, Frank Thomas to the second principal and Brian Magan to the third principal. Peter then got on with the job of appointing his officers in the chapter for the ensuing year. Following this the address to the three principals was superbly delivered by Brian Metcalfe and the address to the companions of Widens Chapter was delivered with feeling by Kevin Poynton. Pictured from left to right, are: Darren Brown, Bill Bushell, Kevin Poynton, Tom Newton, Brian Boothroyd, Peter Jones, Paul Smythe, Derek Williams and Neil Pedder. Pictured from left to right, are: Kevin Poynton, Brian Boothroyd, Peter Jones, Paul Smythe and Derek Williams At the conclusion of the installation ceremony, Kevin rose to convey congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Grand Superintendent and his own behalf, to all who took part in producing a wonderful ceremony that was rich in ritual. Kevin said, The evening went well and with the standard of ceremony as it was and the lack of notes showed that the companions put a lot of effort into learning the ritual. I hope the three principals have a good year with plenty of work to do. Kevin made special note of the excellent way Tom Newton installed Peter Jones as first principal. Kevin and his entourage then retired from the chapter before the final business of the chapter was transacted by Peter, who then closed the chapter and all retired to the festive board for a fabulous meal. In a response to a toast to his health, Kevin mentioned that the order had raised about 2,500,000 for the Royal College of Surgeons appeal which closed recently, adding that West Lancashire had contributed a sizeable donation, exceeding expectations.

15 HALLMARK NEWSLETTER Page 15 CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY FUND RAISING CABARET Saturday 11 October 2014 At Widnes Masonic Hall 7:30pm To help raise funds for this year s Children s Christmas Party Sandra has organised a fabulous Cabaret Night There s great entertainment and refreshments Tickets 10 Please give your support to raise funds for the Children s Christmas Party For further information and to book tickets please contact Sandra on; or KINGSWAY FUNCTION ROOMS The Masonic Hall Kingsway Widnes Conveniently situated on Kingsway, this is your 'one stop shop' for any event. For more details Phone: A Complete Wedding Venue under one roof Having recently undergone a 30,000 programme of refurbishment and redecoration, the Rooms can accommodate a wide range of functions for up to 180 guests. There is disabled access at the rear of the building allowing easy access from the illuminated car park. Our Caterers offer a wide range of options for both the Buffet and Wedding Breakfast Menus. Samples of what are available and information on samples and pricing are available by contacting Kingsway Function Rooms. Details can be found on the web page :-