PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST LANCASHIRE LANCASTER AND DISTRICT GROUP. The Group Gazette. December 2018

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1 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF WEST LANCASHIRE LANCASTER AND DISTRICT GROUP Volume 12 Issue 1 September 2015 The Group Gazette December 2018 We believe in an ethical approach to life, our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount however, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR from all the GROUP OFFICERS Group Festival of Lessons and Carols: report and pictures page two We believe in an ethical approach to life, our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount. However, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

2 Page 2 The Group Gazette December 2018 Give the greatest gift of all this Christmas THE PACKED congregation at the Lancaster and District Masonic Group s 24th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols were urged in the Order of Service to give the greatest gift of all this Christmas - a moment in time to offer kindness, compassion and love to those in need. Held once again in the beautiful St Michael s-on-wyre Parish Church the occasion saw brethren, family and friends from across the Rev Andrew Wilkinson leads the service. Group come together for what has come to be regarded by many as the start of Christmas celebrations. The uplifting and heartwarming service led by vicar Andrew Wilkinson saw the lessons read by representatives of lodges from across the Group. A warm welcome was especially given to Group Chairman Neil McGill, Vice Chairman Scott Devine and Group Secretary Chris Larder together with our Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals of the Royal Arch Chris Butterfield and immediate past Group Chairman Jim Wilson. The June Baker Singers reprised their Festival debut performance of last year to the great delight of everyone and gave two superb renditions of One Candle by Beck and Fisher and Were You There? by Natalie Sleeth. The organist for this year s service was a new name and face - Keith Worsnam. Keith has been playing for more than 70 years and has been both the main organist at Lancaster Priory and the Lancaster City appointed organist for over 30 years. During that time he has played for three members of the Royal family - Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Her Majesty the Queen and Festival organiser Allan Brown was especially grateful that Keith had been able to make time in his busy schedule to give the Festival the benefit of his talent. Indeed, Allan, as the event s guiding star also wishes to sincerely thank not only Vicar Andrew, but the church wardens and the PCC for their continued warm welcome and support in making the evening such a happy and enjoyable one. Led by Keith and the Singers the congregation really made the rafters ring to a Festival favourite - The Catterall Carol. Undoubtedly invoking memories of Rev John Finch who wrote it, the carol also causes us to think of family and friends who have departed or are unwell or away on business and can t be with us at this special time of year. Following the service mulled wine, sherry and mince pies were served which gave everyone the opportunity to offer their own personal good wishes for the festive season. The beautiful St Michael s-on-wyre Parish Church Above: pictured from left to right are: Neil McGill, Scott Devine, Mrs Karan Devine and Chris Larder. Below: pictured from left to right are: Mrs Pat Parkinson, Jim Wilson, Philip Gardner, Mrs Kath Gardner and John Stanley.

3 The Group Gazette December 2018 Brethren, May I offer to you and your families my warmest seasonal greetings. Once again we have reached the end of another Masonic season which has seen changes and developments within our Masonic structure but as usual the dedicated brethren of this Group have taken them all in their stride. Sadly we have lost Morecambe Fellowship, but they did go out with a bang donating a large amount to the MCF, Blood Bikes and The Deaf Children s Society. I had a very enjoyable afternoon as the guest of the Garstang Fellowship and on behalf of the Group Officers I thank them for their kind invitation. Carnforth will be holding their lunch in the New Year which I will be attending - a perfect start to the New Year. The Group Officers are most grateful to the Fellowship chairmen and their committees for all the hard work they put in to ensure their members enjoy happy and interesting meetings. We know events just don t happen and take a lot of planning and we thank you all for your dedication and support of our Fellowships and we wish you every success for the 2019 season. I also wish to thank the members of the Group Executive. The Group Page 3 REFLECTIONS FROM THE GROUP CHAIRMAN NEIL S NOTEBOOK Christmas reflections from the Group Chairman could not run as well as it does without their hard work and dedication and we, as Group Officers, rely heavily on their expertise and I hope they have enjoyed working as part of a happy and successful team. With our long-standing and hard-working past Group Chairman Jim Wilson standing down and as the year comes to an end I must once again thank him for all the support and help he gave, and continues to give, me and the other Group Officers. We have therefore appointed some new members to the Group Executive this year who are settling in nicely and we hope they are enjoying their roles. A very big thank you to Scott my vice chairman and Chris Larder the secretary, who with the additional support of Daniel Crossley help steer the ship. It has been a steep learning curve for all of us but I am delighted to say they have stepped up to the mark and carried out their duties with a great deal of professionalism and enthusiasm and I have great hopes for both their futures within the Group. Dave Grainger, our Assistant, has continued to play a very active and supportive role within the Group and I thank him for all his help and support and when we have the final details worked out I hope as many of you as possible will join us at Barrow Masonic Hall for his retirement dinner. It has been a pleasure to work with him but I know Dave is looking forward to stepping down, although I suspect he will still find plenty to do. May I take this opportunity to welcome in April, Keith Kemp as our new Assistant. He is well known to all of us and I am sure we will enjoy working under his direction. I must not forget a stalwart of the Group Chris Butterfield, our Assistant in the RA, a closet IT expert for the Group and of course I look forward to working with him in the coming season. One other brother I wish to thank is Peter Pemberton who every month puts together our Group Gazette which has to be a flagship of Masonic publications. This is no mean task and Peter spends many hours editing stories and collecting photographs, along with Paul Thompson and Stewart Aimson to ensure this Group has a superb publication. At this time of year we must always remember those less fortunate than ourselves and I would make a plea to those who have not already done so to make a personal pledge to the MCF 2021 Festival and wear your Jewel with pride. Many brethren are already supporting the Festival by making pledges and it is very satisfying to see so many Festival jewels being worn but I would enjoin you to keep supporting the Festival by using the white envelopes and donating at installations to the MCF. I do hope that this Group will have raised a magnificent total worthy of the Provincial Grand Master s own Group and I ask you all to support him in his endeavours as much as he supports the members of this Group. The larger charities continue to attract large donations from London and West Lancs so I would ask you when considering lodge and chapter donations to support our own Masonic Halls whose directors do such a great job in keeping them a fit place to hold our meetings and festive boards Once again it was a great pleasure to attend our annual Carol Service held in St Michael s-on-wyre Parish Church and hosted for us by St Michael s-on-wyre Lodge who put a lot of work into arranging this service for us and I do thank Allan Brown and his team of helpers for all their hard work. I also thank the team at St Michael s church for allowing us to hold our service of lessons and carols once again - in particular the Rev Andrew Wilkinson, his church wardens and members of the PCC. Special thanks go to the June Baker Singers and new organist this year Keith Worsnam for adding to the evening with their harmony. Brethren and companions, on behalf of our PrGM, our Assistant and Assistant in the RA, the Group Executive and the Group Officers, I wish you and your families and loved ones a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year. God bless you all and thank you for your support. Neil McGill

4 Page 4 The Group Gazette December 2018 A million more reasons to be proud! THE MASONIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (MCF) has launched a 1 million three-year partnership with Age UK to fund a new project called Later life Goals. Through Later Life Goals, Age UK will offer tailored support to older people going through major life transitions such as bereavement, a partner going into care, retirement, financial hardship, reduced mobility or a serious health diagnosis. The project will focus on the wider goals that each person hopes to achieve rather than solely on their immediate problems, including loneliness. Through face-to-face sessions, often in the person s home, Age UK s advisors will help older people to identify their goals for later life such as to have more money or to get out more. Once goals have been set, the advisor will help the person to identify the skills, support and social networks they will need to achieve those goals. Indeed, the MCF is committed to supporting older people and through their Later Life Inclusion Grants are supporting charities that help people to overcome barriers to actively participate in society in their later years. These grants will help people who face social isolation or loneliness due to reasons such as financial hardship, care responsibilities, a decline in physical or mental health, or life transitions including retirement or bereavement. Their support will help to provide a range of services to support the physical and emotional needs of people as they age, including communitybased programmes and access to healthcare, transport and technology. There are over 200,000 older people in the UK who haven t spoken to anybody in the past month. Financial difficulties and poor physical health are two of the recognised factors that can lead to social isolation and our almoners are asked to remember that the MCF can help with daily living expenses, supporting children in full-time education and one-off expenses. The charity may also be able to help with mobility equipment so if you think somebody is in need of assistance please contact in the first instance our Admin Care Officer David Morgan on , or david@demorgan.me.uk for further advice.

5 The Group Gazette December 2018 Page 5 UNITED GRAND LODGE of ENGLAND TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Poulton-le-Sands Lodge presents a TIMELINE DRAMA AND PAGEANT Wednesday 23rd January 2019 at 6.30 pm Masonic Hall, 5 Derby Street, Morecambe LA4 4BD Anthony Sayer Jas Anderson Samuel Pritchard Elias Ashmole Think the evolution of Grand Lodge from was a seamless affair? THEN THINK AGAIN!!! Come and meet some of the characters who shaped our Masonry By courtesy of the St Helens & Prescott Group and facilitated by your Provincial Grand Master RW Bro J A Harrison DETAILS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LODGE SECRETARY

6 Page 6 The Group Gazette December 2018 CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER NEWS Truly a team affair at Fortitude THE 92nd installation convocation of Chapter of Fortitude No 281, held at the Masonic Hall, Lancaster, Stewart Aimson, Paul Dent and David Grant were installed as first, second and third principals respectively in the company of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison. Tony was accompanied by the full Provincial team including Deputy Grand Introducing... Pictured from left to right at the presentation of the vice patron certificate, are: Tony Harrison, Paul dent, Stewart Aimson, David Grant and Simon Hanson the group charity steward. Superintendent Paul Renton, Second Provincial Grand Principal Barry Jameson and Third Provincial Grand Principal Ian Higham together with Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Christopher Butterfield, Provincial Scribe Nehemiah David Case and Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Andrew Barton. Other officers on the team included Andrew Ridal, Mark Barton, Tony Cassels, Dennis Skett, David Tattersall and Peter Maxwell. The companions were also delighted to welcome Lancaster and District Group Chairman Neil McGill, together with an array of grand and acting Provincial grand officers. In charge of directing this glittering host, was David Thomas, acting as Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Tony began proceedings by introducing his team to the companions present, following which the three principals were installed in their respective chairs in a most delightful and dignified manner. The robe addresses were delivered in fine fashion. The red robe address was presented by Keith Middleton, the purple robe address by Jimmy Nisbet and the blue robe by Anthony Gregg. SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS At the completion of the ceremony Tony rose to offer his sincere congratulations to the three principals on achieving their respective chairs. It was, in Tony s words an excellent ceremony. He was also exuberant in his praise for the past first principal Nigel Parrish and for the work he had undertaken, not just this evening but throughout the year. The Grand Superintendent was delighted to accept charitable disbursements from the chapter the beneficiaries being MCF 2021 Festival 250 and WLFC 50. On their behalf, Tony expressed grateful thanks. In recognition of the chapter s contributions to the festival, Tony presented them with a certificate denoting their status as a vice-patron of the MCF 2021 Festival. At the festive board held in the Rowley Court Banqueting Suite, Chris Butterfield responded to the toast to the grand officers by firstly congratulating the chapter officers for all their hard work in making the ceremony so enjoyable. Chris then moved to toast the health of the Grand Superintendent by expressing his delight at being in his company, adding that Tony spends many hours promoting the Province and deserves our wholehearted support. On replying to the very complimentary toast to his health by Chris, Tony first expressed his pleasure on an excellent evening and hoped all the companions present had also enjoyed it. Tony thanked the grand officers and the Provincial team for their support on such a special occasion, as well as all the group officers. Tony then expanded upon a number of issues, in particular the need for all companions to consider themselves membership officers and to try and encourage Craft Masons to seriously consider joining the Royal Arch and complete their journey in Freemasonry. Tony went on to mention the launch in December 2018, of an online learning resource called Solomon. The launch of Solomon will make daily advancement a reality in the Craft and Royal Arch. He urged the companions to log on and investigate the programme, as it will be a great way to learn more about Freemasonry. Masons will be able to use it to formulate lectures and discussion topics and many a DC will welcome the advice it contains. To access Solomon, go to Continued on page seven

7 The Group Gazette December 2018 Page 7 CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER NEWS CHAPTER NEWS Truly a team affair at Fortitude Continued from page six Thanks were also proffered to everyone for their contributions so far to the MCF 2021 Festival, particularly those who have taken out pledges for patronage and Tony was delighted to see so many companions wearing the festival jewel. Just over 2,800 Masons from the Province had already made their pledge and he looked forward to more members joining. He again congratulated the chapter on achieving vice patron status of the festival, it was a fantastic achievement. Tony concluded by extending seasons greetings to all present for a merry Christmas and great new year. ENJOYABLE AND EXCITING CEREMONY On behalf of Provincial grand officers, David Case rose to extend his warmest greetings adding that the companions present had been witness to an enjoyable and exciting ceremony and that it had been a delight for him to attend this installation. Following an inspiring toast to the three principals by Nigel Parrish, a delightful performance of the Principals Song was given by Fred Fox with accompaniment by David Tattersall. Responding to these tributes, Stewart thanked a number of fellow companions of the chapter, who had assisted in making the evening such a success. Upon giving his final thanks of the evening, Stewart presented Tony, on behalf of the Chapter of Fortitude, with a bouquet of flowers for his wife Maureen. The enjoyment of the evening was further emphasized by the announcement that the raffle had raised a total of 300. Pictured from left to right, are: Paul Renton, Barry Jameson, Paul Dent, Tony Harrison, Stewart Aimson, Ian Higham, David Grant, Neil McGill, Keith Kemp and Chris Butterfield. Tony Harrison (centre), with members of the Provincial team, together with the Lancaster and District Group Chairman Neil McGill (front row, third from right).

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9 The Group Gazette December 2018 Santas galore at Pilling Lodge (but they are all imposters!) PILLING LODGE No 7879 held its Christmas meeting at Wyrebank, Garstang. The meeting was followed by a seasonal festive board when once again Pilling Jubilee Silver Band gave a superb performance of traditional tunes and carols to the great delight of the brethren. The superb atmosphere generated can easily be seen in the camera roll of pictures but in case any Page 9 Pilling Lodge WM John Eccles (left) thanks Pilling Band Musical Director Steve Hartley. young reader may see the Gazette we are very happy to make it clear that none of the Santas pictured is the real one as he is far too busy preparing for the big day!

10 Page 10 The Group Gazette December 2018 Carnforth Lodge s care for those in need CARNFORTH LODGE No 4951 decided not to give Christmas cards this year but instead to demonstrate one of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry - that of care for the needy and less fortunate in our society. Instead of the customary seasonal cards they have therefore donated an amount of tinned foods and a cheque for 100 to the local foodbank. Incredible as it may sound 14 million people live below the poverty line in the UK, with individuals gong hungry every day for a range of reasons from benefit delays to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. The Trussell Trust is committed to helping to stop hunger in the UK and runs a network of over 420 foodbanks which work out of more than 1,200 centres across the UK and provide emergency food to people referred to them for support. In the last year their network gave 1,332,952 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. Emma Revie, the Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust says, As a nation we expect no-one should be left hungry or destitute - illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job could happen to any of us and we owe it to each other to make sure sufficient financial support is in place when we need it most. It s hard to break free from hunger if there isn t enough money coming in to cover the rising cost of absolute essentials like food and housing. For too many people staying above water is a daily struggle. It s completely unacceptable that anyone is forced to turn to a foodbank as a result. And yet this is the issue that the Trust is working so hard to alleviate. However, they also recognise that stopping hunger is about more than just food which is why whet are working with foodbanks to provide a range of new services like money advise and Fuel Banks, helping people to break the cycle of poverty. Pictured, from left to right, are WM Evan Beswick, Charity Steward Jim Stewart and Morecambe Foodbank Manager Annette Smith

11 The Group Gazette December 2018 Page 11 Longridge Lodge No 8077 invites you to a SPECIAL MAGICAL VALENTINE S LADIES EVENING with magician BOBBY GOLDSTONE and DISCO Saturday 16th February for 7.00 pm Carriages midnight Wyrebank Banqueting Suite Garstang Evening dress 30 pp Closing date for booking 1st February 2019 RSVP to: Andrew Thiele The Willows Goosnargh Lane Goosnargh PR3 2BN Tel: andythegooner@btopenworld.com Please send printed list of guests with rank and any dietary requirements with cheques payable to Andrew Thiele

12 Page 12 The Group Gazette December 2018 Ian steps up for another year at Morecambe Pictured from left to right at the presentation of the Grand Patron s certificate, are: Scott Devine, Jonathan Heaton, Ian Macluskie, Roy Norman and Neil McGill. THE BRETHREN of Morecambe Lodge No 1561 were delighted to welcome Jonathan Mark Heaton to their installation ceremony at Morecambe Masonic Hall as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master. Jonathan was accompanied by the group chairman Neil McGill, vice chairman Scott Devine and secretary Chris Larder together with acting Provincial grand officers Les Newlands, Graham Dowling and Nigel Isherwood. The ceremony was a short one, with Ian Macluskie being proclaimed master for a further year. However, despite being a proclamation the assistant director of ceremonies and acting DC Bryan Cambidge had formulated an appropriate ceremony that was performed with such skill and finesse as to warrant the lavish praise later bestowed by all the brethren present. Others taking part included Michael Sweetman, Mark Swanepoel and Mathew Armstrong who delivered the working tools of the third, second and first degrees respectively. All these brethren are light blues and performed their roles with great assurance and aplomb. Further addresses of equal high standing were to the WM, by Marian Korzeniowski, the wardens by Max Yates and the brethren by Geoffrey Wilman. Particular attention should be drawn to Marian Korzeniowski, who as a relatively young Mason, was presenting the address to the master for the first time, which he did flawlessly, a great credit to himself and to his lodge. SUPERB CEREMONY The ceremony having been completed, Jonathan rose to bring the greetings and good wishes from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison. Jonathan said that had Tony been present he would have certainly thanked Ian for taking the master s chair again and hoped he had the good health to enjoy it. Crossing the floor of the lodge, Jonathan approached Bryan, congratulated him on being made DC of the lodge and said that Tony would have sorely wished to be present to witness the superb ceremony conducted by him and would have thanked all who had taken part for their excellent work during the evening. Jonathan was delighted and impressed to receive notification of disbursements made to charities and good causes, during Ian s tenure as master, totalling 4,082. These included MCF 2021 Festival 1,579, WLFC 640, Raven Winder Walk 355, Masonic sporting charities 85, St Johns Church 1,000 and other good cause 423. The money collected towards the festival, allowed Jonathan to present Morecambe Lodge with a Grand Patron certificate, having already received a vice patron and a patron s certificate on previous occasions. This was the first time Jonathon had seen a grand patron s certificate and it was a tremendous pleasure for him to be able to present the lodge with their well earned award. The brethren who delivered the working tools form left to right, are: Neil Armstrong, Mark Swanepoel and Michael Sweetman. Continued on page 13

13 The Group Gazette December 2018 Ian steps up for another year at Morecambe Continued from page 12 Page 13 Pictured from left to right, are: Chris Larder Les Newlands, Jonathan Heaton, Ian Macluskie, Roy Norman, Neil McGill, Scott Devine, Graham Dowling and Nigel Isherwood. At the very well attended Festival of St John at Morecambe Masonic Hall Jonathan was very pleased to have the opportunity to offer his own personal congratulations to everyone who had taken part in the ceremony. Praise was proffered to the new DC Bryan and the brethren who had delivered the working tools. Further praise was also offered to Ian for taking the chair of King Solomon again, for not many brethren would be willing to take on the role of WM for two successive years. Jonathan then went on to discuss a number of topics which the PrGM wanted bringing to the notice of the brethren, including the WLFC and the MCF 2021 Festival. Another important subject was membership. For Jonathan, membership should be at the foremost of our minds, as we are the custodians of our fraternity and as such, we should all consider ourselves membership officers and encourage good men to join. In conclusion, Jonathon expressed his belief the key to our future is enjoyment and that he had certainly enjoyed his visit to Morecambe Lodge, it had been a wonderful evening and thanked everyone for their friendship. Pilling Band Musical Director Steve Hartley leads the band, and the audience, in carol singing. again proved a star attraction with a wonderful selection of tunes featuring three virtuoso solo performances and leading everyone in the singing of carols and, of course, the Twelve Days of Christmas. It has also become a much loved part of the lodge s Christmas festive board for the ladies to exercise their thespian talents with a recitation of Twas The Night before Christmas which brought a much-deserved standing ovation from the menfolk. Right: WM Frank Hogarth (right) thanks Steve Hartley and the band. Wassailing at St Michael s-on- Wyre ST MICHAEL S-ON-WYRE LODGE No 8348 invited ladies and gentlemen to share their seasonal festive board at Wyrebank, Garstang. Pilling Jubilee Silver Band once

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15 The Group Gazette December 2018 John Jackson Orr celebrates 101 Page 15 JOHN ORR - popularly and affectionately known as Jackson - has celebrated reaching his 101st year in Northlands Village Rest Home, Great Eccleston. A very sprightly John welcomed many visitors - including many Masons from Garstang including the WM of Great Eccleston Lodge No 8895 and almoner John Parkinson - and is always eager to catch up on news from around the local lodges and brethren. Pictured, from left to right, are: John Parkinson, John Orr, fellow Mason and resident of Northlands Stan Reed, John Thornton and his partner Susan who is the manager of Northlands). Scorton Lodge and friends dance for NW Blood Bikes SCORTON LODGE No 5791 held a charity ballroom and sequence dance in Barton Village Hall in aid of NW Blood Bikes. The evening opened with a presentation by Lee Townsend, a volunteer with Blood Bikes, who had brought along one of the fully liveried bikes which are equipped to police standards. Lee detailed the valuable work of the Blood Bike Charity and expressed his thanks for the support given by Scorton Lodge and Freemasons generally. The evening proved to be a great success, raising 535. Left: Harry Parker (left) with Lee Townsend.

16 Page 16 The Group Gazette December 2018 A wonderful celebration for Colin THE BRETHREN of Vale Lodge No 5256 were honoured by the presence of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Grainger, on the auspicious occasion of celebrating Colin Martin s 50 years as a Freemason. David was joined by the Lancaster and District Group Pictured from left to right, are: David Grainger, Colin Martin, Paul Taylor and Neil McGill. Chairman Neil McGill, grand officers Norman Thompson, Stuart Hughes, Keith Kemp, David Swindlehurst and Keith Jackson, as well as acting Provincial grand officers Reg Wilkinson, Les Newlands, Barrie Bray and Steve McKellar. This charismatic ensemble was adeptly orchestrated by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald. After accepting the gavel of the lodge from WM Paul Taylor David began by stating that to be a member of anything for 50 years is always a cause for celebration but to be a member of our organisation for that long is an example of commitment and dedication that really must be highlighted. It is therefore right to congratulate Colin on the occasion of his golden jubilee. David then asked Barry to place the celebrant before him and having first made sure he was sitting comfortably, he opened his address by recalling the memorable events of 1943, the year of Colin s birth. This was the time when the Second World War had just started to turn ever so slightly in favour of the Allies. In Russia, Stalingrad was retaken by the Soviet Army and the German 5th Army surrendered, with several thousand men being taken in to captivity. Italy started peace overtures to the Allies and British and Canadian troops landed in Italy and Naples was taken. The German battleship Scharnhorst, the then pride of the German Navy, was sunk north off Norway. THE WORLD OF FOOD RATIONING At home, the weekly food ration in 1943 for two people consisted of four rashers of bacon, 200 grams of meat, 50 grams of butter, 50 grams of cheese, three pints of milk, 200 grams of sugar and one egg. It was into this world, on 16 June in Liverpool, that Colin and his twin brother Alan was born to David and Ethel Martin. Colin s father was an electrical contractor, but was serving with the famous Desert Rats when his twin boys were born. Their family home was in the Everton area of Liverpool, which was regularly bombed, so Colin s mother took the children to live with their paternal grandmother in Lancaster. After the war, the family stayed in Lancaster and Colin went to school at Bowerham Infants, then Moorside Juniors and finally Skerton Secondary School. At the age of 14, Colin went to night school at Poulton College in Morecambe to study for his City and Guilds certificate in catering, which he successfully completed. At 16 years old, Colin went to Courtfield Catering College in Blackpool, at the time reputed to be the best in the country and after one year was awarded the Advanced Catering and Administrative Certificate. When National Service called, Colin elected to join the Merchant Navy instead, working for Dutch Shell on their tanker ships. On leaving the Merchant Navy in 1962, Colin went to work at Beaumont Hospital in Lancaster as Cook in Charge, staying there until Over the years Colin worked in catering for the Rank Organisation at Forton Services, Lancaster University, Blackburn Royal Infirmary and then finally at the Royal Albert Hospital from 1976 until his retirement due to ill health in Whilst at the Royal Albert, Colin was appointed Mental Health and Food Enforcement Officer within the Health Service. In his personal life, Colin married Phyllis in 1972 and has a daughter Cheryl, who is currently working as a chartered engineer. Unfortunately, Colin s marriage with Phyllis ended in divorce. Continued on page 17

17 The Group Gazette December 2018 Page 17 A wonderful celebration for Colin Continued from page 16 In the year 2000, Colin married Eileen, who he freely admits is his rock and in his own words does not know what he would do without her. Colin s Masonic journey started on 27 November 1968, when he, along with his brother Alan, were initiated into Vale Lodge in the old Masonic Hall at Church Street, Lancaster, after being proposed by their father. At that juncture, David asked the lodge secretary for an extract of the minutes of that meeting to be read out, at the completion of which David moved on to detail Colin s Masonic career. Colin became WM in 1980 and has been ADC, almoner and charity steward, spending five years in each role. In Provincial Grand Lodge, Colin has been appointed to the very high rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden. He is also a founder member of Plantagenet Lodge of Installed Masters No 9357 and a member of Heysham Lodge No In the Royal Arch, Colin has been the first principal of Lancaster Castle Chapter No 5952 twice, in 1986 and 1987 and is also a member of several other orders, holding high rank in them all. COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATE David completed his address by formally conveying the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison before asking Neil to read the commemorative certificate that the PrGM had caused to be issued. It was David s pleasant duty to actually present Colin with his certificate marking his golden jubilee as a Freemason, adding that he hoped Colin would have many more years of pleasure within Freemasonry. At a well-attended festive board held in the Lancaster Masonic Hall dining room, David once again added his own congratulations and best wishes to Colin, whilst also thanking both the group and acting officers for their support. The toast to Colin s heath was proposed in an eloquent manner by his long time friend Geoff Morrow, a member of Vale Lodge even before Colin was initiated. On completion of the toast to Colin, the WM of Vale Lodge Paul Taylor, rose to present Colin with an engraved hip flask on behalf of the lodge, as well as a Masonic lapel badge from George Fox, a member of the lodge who unfortunately could not be in attendance at his celebration. In response, Colin thanked not only the members of Vale Lodge for their gift, but also everyone who had attended for their company on what had been a wonderful celebration. Above: The Great and the Good. Colin Martin s phalanx of impressive guests. Below: Pictured from left to right, are: David Grainger, Colin Martin, Paul Taylor and Neil McGill, (front - centre), together with grand and acting Provincial grand officers.

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19 The Group Gazette December 2018 Page 19 CRAFT AND ROYAL ARCH INSTALLATIONS CRAFT INSTALLATIONS DATE LODGE ATTENDING 2019 JANUARY 08 Tuesday Silverdale 6926 D J Walmsley PSGD APrGM 16 Wednesday Duke of Lancaster 1353 H Cox PSGD PAPrGM 23 Wednesday Amounderness 7105 C C Butterfield PAGDC FEBRUARY 18 Monday Plantagenet LIM 9357 D Randerson PAGDC APrGM 19 Tuesday Wyreside 2605 J Karran PrSGW 21 Thursday City of Lancaster 281 C C Butterfield PAGDC 27 Wednesday Poulton-le-Sands 1051 J A Harrison PrGM MARCH 06 Wednesday Lune 4724 D J Winder PSGD APrGM 20 Wednesday Longridge 8077 P R Pemberton PPrSGW 26 Tuesday Garstang 6633 J H Wilson PJGD 27 Wednesday Carnforth 4951 P Schofield PAGDC APRIL 04 Thursday Aegis 9115 J A Harrison PrGM 26 Friday St Michael s-on-wyre 8348 J S Seddon PSGD APrGM MAY 09 Thursday Pilling 7879 F P Gardner PSGD PPrAGM ROYAL ARCH INSTALLATIONS DATE CHAPTER ATTENDING 2019 MARCH 04 Monday Great Eccleston 8895 M R Threlfall PPrGSN, APrGPs 04 Monday Morecambe 1561 I Higham PGStdB 3rdPGP 14 Thursday Heysham 4108 C J Rowling PGStdB APrGPs APRIL 04 Thursday Carnforth 4951 J Robson PGStdB 11 Thursday Sandylands 5702 J A Harrison GSupt 29 Monday Scorton 5791 B Jameson PGStdB 2ndPGP GROUP SPECIAL EVENTS EVENT CELEBRANT DATE 50th Anniversary 50th Anniversary 50th Anniversary WBro James Victor Pearson PPrGSuptWks Morecambe Lodge No 1561 WBro Stanley Naylor PPrAGDC Wyreside Lodge No 2605 WBro Douglas Eric Willoughby PPrSGW Lune Lodge No 4724 TBC Tuesday 16 April 2019 Wednesday 5 June 2019

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