SYNERGY. Ormskirk and Bootle Group of Lodges and Chapters. Newsletter. Malcolm s first outing

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1 Volume 2 Issue 2 SYNERGY Ormskirk and Bootle Group of Lodges and Chapters Newsletter November 2017 Malcolm s first outing It was a special occasion for the brethren of Arthur Stanley Lodge No 3469 and their guests, who gathered at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall, to witness the installation of David Irving as their new WM. For the evening s ceremony the lodge was honoured by the presence of Malcolm Bell, representative of the Provincial Grand Master as the principle guest in his first outing in the role. Malcolm was accompanied by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers, and acting Provincial grand officers, Carl Matthews. Mike Dutton, and Dave Scott. The DC of the lodge Greg Pinnington called the brethren to order so that the outgoing WM Peter Hoyles could open the lodge in the first degree and after the lodges initial business had been completed the DC requested permission to retire, to form the procession, Greg returned to announce that Malcolm Bell stood without seeking admission, Peter said he would be honoured to receive him. Malcolm Bell accompanied by Frank Umbers, and the acting Provincial grand officers entered the lodge and Malcolm was warmly welcomed by Peter The DC then led the salutations to Malcolm, and Frank Umbers with Raymond Tompsett received the salutations on behalf of the Provincial grand officers. Tom McKenzie then presented the master elect David Irving. Peter then installed David in a dignified and confident manner into the chair of King Solomon. The Malcolm Bell (left) congratulating the new WM David Irving. working tools in the third degree where delivered in an exemplary manner by Peter Whittaker, the second degree by Gary Evans, and those of the first degree by Paul Smith. The Warrant, Book of Constitutions and Bye Laws where presented by Peter Hoyles. The WM then proceeded to invest his officers for the ensuing year. The address to the WM was given by Barry Hurst, in an impeccable manner. Barry who is suffering from a serious illness had made a massive effort to attend the installation, saying that he had never before missed one, and he certainly wasn t going to miss this one. The brethren showed their appreciation to Barry, understanding the difficulties he had to overcome to attend the meeting. The address to the wardens was again impeccably delivered by Tom McKenzie. Malcolm Bell delivered the address to the brethren in a very sincere and confident manner, which befits the composure of an experienced Pr,DGDC. This was well received by the brethren, all of whom knew this was Malcolm s first outing as the representative of the PGM, and from the manner in which it was delivered, it was evident to everyone that after standing behind the PGM, Dep PGM, and the APrGM s so many times, and hearing it delivered, Malcolm s address was up there with the best of them. At the completion of the ceremony Malcolm rose to convey the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, to David wishing him a happy, healthy, and successful year in office. Malcolm then wished everyone in the lodge health and happiness in their Freemasonry. Malcolm went on to say that had Tony been present he would certainly have congratulated everyone who had taken part in the ceremony.

2 Volume 2 Issue 22 Page 2 Continued from previous page. Malcolm thanked Peter Hoyles for an excellent installation, and he also said, that through the DC s union he must say a big thank you to Greg Pinnington the lodge DC. David Irving then rose to present the cheques to Malcolm which he opened and requested permission to announce the beneficiaries to the brethren: 1,200 to the MCF 2021 Festival which has already been donated, 1,074 to the Tracheo Oesophageal Fistula (TOFS) which has already been donated, 100 to the Friends of Tithebarn, 100 to the Masonic Hall Association and 100 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity. Malcolm thanked the lodge for its very generous donation saying that it was a wonderful sum of money to receive on behalf of the recipients who we may never know, but who will benefit from the donations. The group festival representative gave the address to the charity steward / festival representative which is to be given at every installation during the term of the 2021 Festival. After the first rising Greg formed a procession and the principal guest accompanied by the group chairman and the acting Provincial grand officers retired. It is worth noting that Arthur Stanley Lodge is among the few lodges that close the long way which is always a pleasure to see, and which was carried out flawlessly. With the lodge duly closed the members and guests retired to the dining room for some well-earned refreshment, and an excellent three course meal, which as always in Ormskirk was of the highest standard. Pictured from left to right, are: Carl Matthews, Dave Scott, Malcolm Bell, David Irving, Peter Hoyles, Frank Umbers and Mike Dutton. John installed in Standish Lodge as WM Robert Wright (left) congratulating the new WM John Thompson. It was a special occasion for the brethren of Standish Lodge No 4955 and their many guests gathered at the Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard to witness the installation of John Thompson, 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, vice-chairman Graham Chambers, Malcolm Alexander and acting Provincial grand officers. The outgoing WM Roy Gibson started the evening s proceedings by warmly welcoming the visiting brethren to the meeting. Roy opened the lodge and after the initial lodge business was completed he opened the lodge to the second and third degrees, where the director of ceremonies Terry Worthington announced that Robert Wright was without and demanded admission.

3 Volume 2 Issue 23 Page 3 Continued from previous page. Robert was then admitted into the temple accompanied by grand officers, Frank Umbers, Brian Fairhurst and Malcolm Alexander; they were in turn accompanied by acting Provincial grand officers, Mike Dutton, Russell Skidmore, John Walters and David Rigby. Roy then warmly welcomed Robert to the ceremony and offered him the gavel of the lodge, which Robert gracefully declined. Malcolm Sandywell (left) presenting John Thompson the lodge certificate of Vice Patronage for the 2021 Festival. The master elect, John Thompson, was then installed according to ancient custom into the chair of King Solomon; with the ceremony undertaken by David Smith, Stephen Hurst and Terry Worthington. The working tools for an installed master were presented by Stanley Crozier from De-Bon Cuer Lodge No The working tools for the third degree was presented by Bryan Hurst, the second degree by Stephen Hurst and the first degree by Stuart Sidebottom, all three were presented in an excellent manner. Once the lodge officers had been invested, the address to the brethren was given by Robert Wright delivered in his usual confident and proficient manner. At the end the ceremony of installation, Robert addressed the brethren by bringing congratulations from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison, wishing John and all the brethren the very best of health and hoping they have a happy Masonic year. Robert congratulated David, Stephen and Terry for the manner in which they had installed John into the chair and also all the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony. John then presented Robert with six cheques totalling 2,687. 1,587 to the 2021 Festival which has already been donated, 600 to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity, 150 to Macmillan Nurses, 150 to the Northwest Ambulance 100 to Derian House and 100 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.On behalf of the recipients Robert thanked the lodge for their very generous and worthy donations. Once the presentation of the cheques had been completed, Malcolm Sandywell, the group festival representative presented John, with the lodge certificate of Vice Patronage of the 2021 Festival. After closing the lodge in prayer and harmony the brethren made their way to an excellent festive board which was enjoyed by all. Robert Wright and John Thompson (centre), with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers.

4 Volume 2 Issue 24 James celebrates 60 years in Freemasonry Page 4 The Ormskirk and Bootle group witnessed another special celebration when the members of Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007 gathered at the Ormskirk Masonic Hall, with their many guests, to celebrate 60 years in Freemasonry for James Charnock. For the celebration the lodge was honoured by Robert Wright, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who was accompanied by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman, Frank Umbers, group vice-chairman, Graham Chambers, with grand and acting Provincial grand officers. The evening s meeting commenced with the WM, Stuart Cunningham, warmly welcoming everyone to the celebration, before opening the lodge. Once the lodges business had been completed, the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies John Wilcock was admitted into the room. Pictured from left to right, are: Robert Wright, James Charnock and Stuart Cunningham. John announced Robert Wright was without and demanded admission and he was duly admitted into the lodge room in a possession of grand officers, Frank Umbers, Roy Worthinghton (a former Chairman of the Ormskirk Group), Malcolm Alexander and the acting Provincial grand officers, David Scott, Michael Dutton and Russell Skidmore. Stuart warmly welcomed Robert to the lodge and offered him the gavel, which Robert graciously accepted. James was then seated before the pedestal, where Robert proceeded to deliver his presentation on James s life and Masonic career by saying: Brethren, it is always a pleasure to have a celebration in any part of our lives, our memories over the years are punctuated by celebrations including birthdays, marriage, children or anniversaries. It is a time to share our joy and achievements with others; it is therefore very pleasing to see so many distinguished brethren here this evening. You are all very welcome and I thank you all most sincerely for your support of our celebrant. It is my honour to lead that celebration tonight of 60 years in Freemasonry, a truly marvellous achievement, for me it is always a revealing journey through time and I never fail to learn not only about the life of a celebrant but the social trends and historical events throughout the years which I hope to bring to life for you tonight. Worshipful Brother James Charnock, we are particularly delighted that with the assistance of your son, Steven, you have decided to hold this celebration here with us in lodge; we appreciate and thank you for the opportunity of celebrating this marvellous occasion with you. Brethren, I hope that this will be a celebration which not only you will remember but will stay with our celebrant, for many more years to come. James was born in 1933 to Elizabeth and Richard Charnock in Burscough. Richard was a chemist and had a shop in Burscough. James attended Hutton Grammar School near Preston, before going onto Rossall School in Fleetwood which had a renowned rugby team. From there James went to Liverpool School of Pharmacy for three years (now part of Liverpool John Moore s University) and served one year as a locum before being called up for National Service, James served with the Army Medical Corps; it was at the time of the Suez crisis and James was thankfully not sent to Egypt, but it did mean however that his services were needed and he had to complete two and a half years service. After being discharged from the Army Medical Corps, James began working with his father in his chemist shop before setting up his own business with a small chemist shop in Formby in 1956, formerly Charles Stephenson s. Robert said: This proved to be an inspired decision; at that time Formby had a population of around 7,500 and rapidly grew to over 20,000 in the next few decades. Young families moved in and babies followed, young mothers required baby formula and essentials which in the absence of supermarkets were, at that time, only available from chemists. Your business and your reputation grew along with Formby and you enjoyed your career until retirement in 1993 when you sold the business to Boots.

5 Volume 2 Issue 25 Page 5 James married Ann in 1958 and moved to Formby, James and Ann have two sons, Steven and Michael and six grandchildren. When James was younger he use to play rugby, but his business required him working on a Saturday so that put paid to his active involvement. Robert said: Indeed running a business makes it difficult to have a lot of spare time but you always enjoy watching sports. Luckily for you there was a television dealer next door, Talbots, who eventually sold out to Smiths TV in 1972 and for many years you enjoyed popping next door during quiet times to watch the sport on TV. It was in 1977, when I had my first summer holiday job working there in Formby that we met. Amazing to think that was 40 years ago. You struck up a friendship with my father and consequently I believe he never charged you for watching TV all those years for free. Indeed when I married and moved to Formby I remember my father asking you for guidance in respect of the suitability of me purchasing a property on the Park Road estate. Your approval given I was told I could go ahead. I wonder what would have happened if not, either way, Tina and I thank you. James enjoys all sports and has been a long standing member of Formby Golf Club. Robert then went on to recount James s Masonic history. James was initiated into Ormskirk Priory Lodge No 4007 on the 27 November 1957, where his grandfather Richard Charnock was a founder member; becoming worshipful master in 1970 and served the lodge in the role as treasurer from 1971 to James was appointed to PrSGW of the Province of West Lancashire in Proud of this appointment James travelled widely around what at the time was the largest Province under the English Constitution with over 600 lodges. James joined Lathom Lodge No 2229 and subsequently Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No 7755 and has served the office of senior warden in both of them. In 1982 James s service was recognised by receiving an appointment to Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, with a further promotion to Past Junior Grand Deacon in James was exalted into Chapter of Perseverance No 155 in 1979 attaining the chair of first principal in James was appointed Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah in 1988 and once again his service to the Royal Arch was recognised in 1989 by appointment by Supreme Grand Chapter to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer with further promotion in 1997 to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner. James is also a well-respected Mason in a number of other Masonic orders and he has achieved similar high ranks in them. James served the Ormskirk Group as vice-chairman under Harry Caunce from 1989 to 1995; was appointed group chairman in 1995 and served until Robert said: 14 years of service to the group for which we thank you most sincerely, this is not a large lodge and it is to your credit that you have continued to contribute to Ormskirk Priory Lodge and are currently treasurer and have been since 2015, I very much look forward to being back with you all at your centenary in You have certainly been an active and committed Freemason; your 50th celebration was held in 2007 and was led by Brian Gillbanks, father-in-law to your son. I am sure that must have been a memorable night for you. After the detailed account of James s life and Masonic career so far, Robert asked the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Frank Umbers to read out the jubilee certificate before Robert presented the certificate to James saying: WBro James Sutton Charnock PJGD of the United Grand Lodge of England, you have had a life full of hard work and dedication, commitment to family, success in your career and service to Freemasonry, it gives me great pleasure to present to you this certificate recording your achievement of 60 years in Freemasonry and to wish you on behalf of all the brethren here the best of health to enjoy many more years in Freemasonry in our company. Brethren once again please join with me in your warmest congratulations." Robert (left) presenting James Charnock with his jubilee certificate.

6 Volume 2 Issue 26 Page 6 Continued from previous page. With the presentation being over Robert handed the gavel back to Stuart, who closed the lodge and the brethren made their way to the dining hall for an excellent festive board, where the menus had placed within them a copy of the original summons from James initiation in 1957 and the copy of the original minutes from that meeting. During the continued celebrations at the board, the lodge had the privilege to present to James six rose bushes, two called Congratulations, two called Anniversary and two called Thank You. Each rose bush represented ten years in Masonry. Robert Wright, James Charnock, Stuart Cunningham (seated centre) with the grand and acting Provincial grand officers.

7 Volume 2 Issue 27 Page 7 Thomas celebrates 50 years in the Royal Arch Tom Norris was joined by 45 companions to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a Royal Arch Freemason at St Michaels Chapter No 5756 held at the Park Hall Hotel Charnock Richard. The ceremony was attended by Tony Hall, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, who officiated and was supported by four grand officers. There were seven acting Provincial grand officers in attendance led by the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Malcolm Bell. Tony began his address by thanking Tom for the hospitality shown to him when he visited him and his wife Jean at their home. He continued by recounting the historic events in 1929 the year Tom was born. Tony provided a glimpse of Tom s early life through to the present day. Tom has been a resident of Heskin since the day he was born and his present home overlooks his first school. Tony Hall (left) presenting the certificate to Tom Norris. Tom having gained his school certificate went on to study at Wigan Grammar School before becoming an apprentice core maker at Leyland Motors at the age of 16. In 1950 following the death of his father, Tom left Leyland Motors to help his mother in the family business, a smallholding which was the base for 2000 chickens from which the family supplied the National Egg Market. In 1957 Tom bought a coal business which he ran and owned until 1992 when he retired. Tom met his wife Jean just after the war and they have been together for 64 years having married in Tom and Jean are the proud parents of three sons and have five grandchildren. Tom and Jean enjoyed a number of pastimes including pigeon racing in which they were very successful. Tom served on the local church council for 10 years whilst serving as a school governor at the same time and with Jean, helped raise much needed funds for the local church. Tom is a lifelong supporter of Everton Football Club and his interest in football was extended to include Heskin Football Club which he helped to recover from hard times and became its chairman. Tom was initiated into Rufford Lodge No 7217 in 1966 becoming its master in 1978 and has been very active in Masonic fund raising including serving as a member of the organising committee for the annual West Lancashire Charity Dinner and Ball. Tom remains a member of Rufford Lodge and received his grand rank in 1996 for his extensive services to the Craft. Tom was exalted into Unity and Perseverance Chapter No 580 on 13 December 1967 before joining Hesketh Chapter No 986 in 1981 being a member for 11 years. Tom was a founding member of St Michaels Chapter No 5756 in 1987 becoming first principal in Tom has held a number of offices in the chapter and continues to be an active member of the chapter and currently holds the rank of PPrGSN. Tom s certificate was read out by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman, Frank Umbers, before it was presented to Tom by Tony who brought congratulations on behalf of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison. The companions enjoyed a fine festive board being served with black pudding, a main course of braised steak followed by profiteroles. During his response to the toast to his health Tony presented Tom with a Royal Arch 50th Anniversary Lapel Badge. David Rawcliffe proposed the toast to the celebrant during which he described Tom as being a legend, a stalwart, loyal, reliable and hard working in everything he was involved in as a family man, business man, Freemason and all other pastimes he enjoyed. Tom continues to be active in the chapter and encouraged all the members in everything they do. David recalled some of the tales which provided great amusement to those present.

8 Volume 2 Issue 28 Page 8 Continued from previous page. David read a letter from the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Philip Gunning, in which he sent his apologies but recalled the good times he had enjoyed in Tom s company and congratulating him on his anniversary. David continued with a little more detail of Tom s early years leading up to and becoming a Freemason before presenting Tom with a bottle of Malt Whiskey and a Provincial Royal Arch Tie. Tom responded by thanking David for his toast to his health and thanked Tony Hall for his kindness in preparing for and officiating on his special anniversary. Tom also thanked the Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, Danny Jones, for attending and recalled the numerous occasions they had enjoyed together over many years. Tom thanked his personal guests and all present for their attendance and the good wishes he had received. Stuart Cunningham presented a bouquet of flowers to Tom and asked him to pass them to Jean with the best wishes of the companions of the chapter. Further bouquets were presented to Tony Hall and Frank Umbers to be given to their respective wives, Jean and Cathy. The three companions thanked the members of the chapter for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Pictured from left to right, are: Malcolm Bell, Danny Jones, Roy Seddon, Tom Norris, Tony Hall, Stuart Cunningham, Derek Midgley and Frank Umbers. Fermor Hesketh Chapter installation The companions and visitors of Fermor Hesketh Chapter No 1350 gathered at the Litherland Masonic Hall for the installation of Kenneth (Ken) Meath as their new first principal, at which the companions were pleased and honoured to have the presence of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Tony Hall, as their principal guest for the meeting. Tony was accompanied by the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman, Frank Umbers, the group vicechairman, Graham Chambers, accompanied by Malcolm Alexander, Roy Pyne and the acting Provincial grand chapter officers. The meeting commenced with the three principals opening the chapter, before Brian Cunliffe the outgoing first principal welcomed all the visitors to the evening s installation meeting. Pictured from left to right, are: Russell Hird, Tony Hall, Ken Meath and David Maher.

9 Volume 2 Issue 19 Editors Russell Skidmore Barry Hewitt Page 9 Continued from previous page. Once the initial business had been completed the chapter DC Brian Davies announced that Tony Hall was without and demanded admission. Tony was then brought into the temple in a procession, accompanied by Frank Umbers, Roy Pyne and the acting Provincial grand chapter officers, Greg Pinnington, John Roxbrough, Peter Ledder and Mike Silver. After Tony was warmly welcomed by the three principals to the chapter, the installation ceremony commenced with Graham Williams continuing to act as third principal, Russell Hird, replacing Ken Meath as second principal for the preamble. Ken was then installed as the first principal by the Brian, and David Maher was installed as third principal by Ken, both were installed in an excellent manner, with the installation of the second principal to take place at a later date. The ceremony was under the expert direction of the chapter DC Brian Davies who carried out his duties with a high level of proficiency. Brian Cunliffe presented the scarlet robe address and David Smith undertaking the blue robe address, all in a very clear and confident manner. After the appointment of the officers, the address was then given to the three principals by David Smith. This was followed by the address to the companions of the chapter which was delivered by Tony Hall, all the addresses were delivered in a confident and superb manner. At the conclusion of the ceremony Tony brought greetings from the Grand Superintendent, Tony Harrison, congratulating the three principals, by saying: The Grand Superintendent hopes you have a good and enjoyable year in office, Tony then congratulated Brian Cunliffe the outgoing first principal, Dave Smith and Brian Davies for their excellent work and to all the members of the chapter for the enjoyable ceremony, commenting on how well the companions of the chapter had pulled together for the ceremony. Ken then presented Tony with a cheque on behalf of the chapter for 50 to go to the Friends of Tithebarn. Tony thanked the companions for their generosity of the donation on behalf of the recipient. Following the convocation the members and guests retired to enjoy the delights of the festive board, where a raffle was held which raised 82 which will be distributed to charities later in the year. Pictured from left to right, are: Mike Silver, Greg Pinnington, Graham Chambers, Frank Umbers, Russell Hird, Tony Hall, Ken Meath, David Maher, Roy Pyne, John Roxbrough and Peter Ledder. 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