PGM at Pilkington Lodge!

Bury District Newsletter B U R Y D I S T R I C T N E W S L E T T E R F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3 PGM at Pilkington Lodge! The EL 2015 Festival 1,244,165.63 I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : The PGM at 2 Pilkington Lodge At its first meeting of 2013, Pilkington Lodge No. 6522 had the pleasure of hosting the RW Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL, accompanied by the APGM for Western Area, WBro Norman Cope, together with a Provincial Deputation. 20-20 Vision - Norman Cope Talks to the BDN The thoughts of Chairman Mike 4 6 Full report page 2 RWPGM Sir David Trippier with the W.M. Bro. Rodney Greenwood 150 years on.. The Lodge of Merit Celebrates For Your Diary - Lodge and Chapter Events 7 9 20-20 vision - WBro Norman Cope speaks to the BDN - see page 4 Whats On? - 12 Socially The Last Word 15...I do have a vision for the Western Area that we set an example to the Province as a whole of how to enjoy and get the most out of our membership of the craft The Thoughts of Chairman Mike - page 6

P A G E 2 Pilkington Lodge Hosts the Provincial Grand Master At its first meeting of 2013, Pilkington Lodge No. 6522 hosted the Provincial Grand Master, Sir David Trippier, RD, JP, DL, accompanied by the APGM for the Western Area, WBro Norman Cope, together with a Provincial Deputation. The W.M., Bro. Rodney Greenwood, offered the gavel to Sir David,who gratefully accepted, thanked the Lodge for their warm reception, and introduced the Officers comprising the Provincial Deputation. The PGM was then treated to an explanation of the 1st Degree Tracing Board, presented by a number of the Junior Brethren of the Lodge. In response, Sir David commented that he was very much impressed by the format and delivery of the Tracing Board,and wished to congratulate not only those Brethren who had given the explanation, but the Senior Brethren and Lodge in general for the time and effort involved. Later at the Social Board, The PGM thanked Pilkington Lodge for their hosting the meeting, and also the large number of visiting Brethren who were in attendance. Continued page 3

P A G E 3 Pilkington Lodge Hosts the Provincial Grand Master On a lighter note, Sir David also commented on the Father and Son relationship in the Lodge, that of the IPM, WBro. Christopher Cordes, and the Assistant Secretary, Bro. Alan Cordes. The PGM informed those present that he and Alan had known each other for some time, having attended Bury Grammar School together. Sir David then teased his school pal that whilst the son, Christopher, had attained the Chair of King Solomon, the father had not - and it was about time he did! The PGM concluded by again thanking the Lodge for his warm reception, and to all those present for an enjoyable evening. Got something to share? Bursting with an idea? Got a story? Do YOU know someone who would enjoy Freemasonry? Invite them to a Social Event they might like it! LET ME KNOW! peaste@supanet.com

P A G E 4 20-20 vision - WBro Norman Cope speaks to the BDN Q1. How and when were you first introduced to Freemasonry? When I used to do a lot of Amateur Dramatics a good acting friend of mine invited my then girlfriend and me to attend his Ladies Evening. We attended a couple more socials and I enjoyed the company of the members of Brun Lodge so much I enquired about joining. There was a two year waiting list and I eventually joined just over 30 years ago. And I ve enjoyed more or less every minute since. Q 2. Do you have any particular likes in Freemasonry? I ve always enjoyed ritual and, more recently because of my position as Provincial DC, I became fascinated by ceremonial. But way above these I have enjoyed the many close friendships I have made since becoming a Freemason! Q 3. Are there any things you would like to change in Freemasonry or wish had been changed in the past? I regret that we weren t more open about our membership when I first joined. And I would love to find the magic key that would make us a more obvious organization for young men to join in the 21st century. There are one or two other things I d like to see changed, but I ll mention them to the PGM and Cabinet before I share them with everyone else! Q 4. If you had a time machine, what period or particular event in history would you want to travel to? It must have been fascinating to be around in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when Britain became the leading industrial nation, a major power in the world, the source of so much scientific discovery and the birthplace of Freemasonry! But I would have needed to be a member of the upper classes, because to be poor in those days must have been truly dreadful. And, because it was the place of my mother's birth, I would have liked to be in Vienna at the same time when Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert were in their prime (and at least two of them members of the Craft!). The individual event I would have liked to attend would have been the Queen s Coronation. It happened before I was born, but the ceremonial always looks like it would be Grand Lodge on steroids! Now, to have been the DC for that..! Continued page 5

P A G E 5 20-20 vision - WBro Norman Cope speaks to the BDN Q 5. If a film was made of your life, which actor would you like to play you? My choice would be George Clooney, but my wife might tell you Rowan Atkinson would be a better likeness! Q 6. Do you have a vision of the future for Freemasonry in general, or the Western Area in particular? Do you wish to share it at this time? Sadly I don t think I am a major visionary. But I would love to see this organization that I love so much turn the corner and start to grow again. I do have a vision for the Western Area that we set an example to the Province as a whole of how to enjoy and get the most out of our membership of the Craft. Q 7. Are you in any side degrees? Currently Craft and Royal Arch masonry take up more than enough of my time! Q 8. Who or what makes you laugh? Very easy my beautiful wife and daughters! LIVE Spanish Classical Guitar I wonder if there would be any opportunities for me to come and play for you at any of your social events this coming year, in the Bury District. I provide relaxing, unobtrusive background music throughout dinner, and would love the chance to come and play for you. My previous clients include various Rotary Clubs, the BBC, Rock FM, Lords & Ladies, 5-star hotels, & Lancashire County Council. My equipment is PAT tested, and I'm fully insured for public performances, via the Musicians Union. Here's a link to some of my music, which is a unique blend of Spanish and romantic classics through to contemporary tunes. If you'd like me to come and play for you at any of your events, please give me a call directly on 07830 817 900. www.myspace.com/scottrobertsonclassicalguitarist Scott Robertson Spanish Classical Guitarist Tel: 07830 817 900

P A G E 6 Thoughts of Chairman Mike My how time flies; another blank page to fill and subtle hints from the District Communications Officer that copy was needed yesterday! I want to start this month with a focus on the 2015 Festival. You will know from your Festival Representative/Charity Steward that the current total for the Province is nearing 1.25 million. As a reminder, the exact figure is shown at the top left on the front page of this Newsletter. As a District we can be very proud of our collective contribution to that total and, as at the end of January 2013, we now have 10 Lodges/Chapters which are Grand Patrons, a further 14 which are Patrons and 5 which are Vice Patrons. However we can always do more, and I would urge you to focus charitable giving, both personal and through your Lodge or Chapter, on the Festival and ELMC throughout the remaining 28 months of the Festival. Have you seen the Festival update? Ask your Lodge Secretary! Please remember that the many non-masonic local and national charities which we have been pleased to support over the years have many other sources of income, whereas our Masonic charities rely totally on Freemasons for their funding. Remember too that, for the duration of the Festival, the ELMC has ring-fenced 30,000 per annum for the Community Fund and this can be accessed by application from Lodges and Chapters for deserving local causes. Talk to your Charity Steward for details. Mentoring within Lodges is increasingly important as a key part of retention of members, so much so that we now have a Mentor s collar and jewel, an address to the Mentor presented by the Representative of the RWPGM at the Installation meeting and a place for the Mentor in the list of Lodge Officers. Mentors are urged to look well to the future and, with 27% of Initiates leaving Freemasonry within their first three years of membership, there s a very real challenge to be faced. Please support your Mentor in every way you can in his work to encourage and support Junior Brethren in your Lodge. He can t do it all himself! Most importantly, continue to enjoy your Freemasonry. Mike Gibbons

P A G E 7 150 years and counting.lodge of Merit celebrates The Lodge of Merit No. 934 recently had the pleasure of the company of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Derek N Thornhill, JP, PGSwdB, together with a Provincial Deputation, to celebrate 150 years of continuous working. The Lodge Brethren were also delighted to have in attendance a large number of visiting brethren from the district and beyond. The Deputy PGM was delighted to accept the gavel from the W.M. Bro Alan Ikin and addressed the Brethren, complimenting the Lodge on reaching this milestone, and wishing the Lodge another 150 years of continuous working. WBro James Hodge, PPJGW, the Lodge Almoner, gave a brief history of the Lodge from its beginnings, its wandering around the district in search of a permanent home, and the proud heritage of the family of lodges to which Merit belonged. WBro Hodge commented on how pleasing it was that the family was represented in lodge today by visiting Brethren. To mark the celebration, the Lodge Charity Steward, WBro Paul Cichy, PPSGD, proudly presented a cheque for 2000 to the VW Deputy PGM as a donation to the 2015 Festival. Further donations were made of 500 to the ELMC, and 500 to the Bury Masonic Association. The evening was completed when the VW Deputy PGM surprised most of those present (including the recipient) by promoting the longest serving member of the Lodge, WBro George Edward Burkey, to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden to coincide with the significant anniversary in the life of the Lodge. Continued page 8

P A G E 8 150 years and counting..the Lodge of Merit The VW Bro.Derek Thornhill presents the Certificate celebrating 150 Years of working to the W.M. Bro Alan Ikin. A very full and festive Social Board! The VW Bro Derek Thornhill and WBro Norman Cope toast the W.M. Bro. Alan Ikin and Lodge of Merit on 150 years of continuous working.

P A G E 9 Notable Diary Dates - Lodge & Chapter FEBRUARY 2013 WEDNESDAY 20th Amalgamation of Bury Lodge No. 5119 and Lodge of Relief No. 42- Bury Masonic Hall WEDNESDAY 20th A presentation of The Three Mystical Lectures - Chapter of Beauty No. 344 - Radcliffe Masonic Hall MARCH 2013 THURSDAY 7th Personal 50th - WBro Keith Forshaw, Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1012 - Bury Masonic Hall SATURDAY 9th An Evening with Sir David Trippier in aid of the 2015 Festival appeal for the RMBI - Freemasons Hall, Manchester WEDNESDAY 13th Prince Edwin Lodge No. 128 will host a speaker from the Atholl Association regarding the Ancients and Moderns - Bury Masonic Hall FRIDAY 22nd The RW Provincial Grand Master will attend the 25th anniversary meeting of Pythagoras Lodge of Installed Masters No. 9248 - Bury Masonic Hall SATURDAY 23rd Let s Talk Masonry Conference - Salford Masonic Hall NOTABLE DIARY DATES CONTINUED OVERLEAF

P A G E 10 Notable Diary Dates - Lodge & Chapter APRIL 2013 WEDNESDAY 3rd Interactive demonstration of the 1st Degree Ceremony by Progress lodge No. 6522 - Radcliffe Masonic Hall. All masons welcome, especially newly initiated brethren SATURDAY 6th Houghton Weavers Concert hosted by Boltonian Lodge No. 3716 at Bolton Masonic Hall in support of Masonic Charities (including the 2015 Festival). MONDAY 8th Alexander Fleming - The Man & Mason a presentation By the Lodge of Merit No. 934 - Bury Masonic Hall TUESDAY 9th The RW Provincial Grand Master will attend the meeting of Cribden Lodge No. 7285 - Rawtenstall Masonic Hall WEDNESDAY 24th A Presentation of the Traditional History by Knowsley Lodge No. 4661 - Bury Masonic Hall. The social board will include the End of Term address by WBro Dave James - not to be missed!. MAY 2013 THURSDAY 9th Quiz Night - James Bond Films! hosted by Prince of Wales Lodge 1012. Proceeds in aid of the 2015 Festival - Bury Masonic Hall FRIDAY 17th Bury District Dinner - Radcliffe Masonic Hall NOTABLE DIARY DATES CONTINUED OVERLEAF

P A G E 11 JUNE 2013 SATURDAY 15th Hewlett Court Summer Fair in support of the 2015 Festival SATURDAY 29th Bury District Big Band Night at Radcliffe Civic Suite in support of the 2015 Festival www.pglel.co.uk The website is constantly being updated with all the latest news and information in the Province NOTICE TO ALL NEWLY RAISED BRETHREN..A Brother is not considered, by UGLE, as having been Raised to the Third Degree unless, and until, the Traditional History has been communicated to him. Extract from Provincial Circular 107 WEDNESDAY 24th A Presentation of the Traditional History by Knowsley Lodge No. 4661 - Bury Masonic Hall. Contact Paul Sellers - pasellers@me.com Tel: 0161 762 0734 Mobile 07525133565

P A G E 12 Whats On...

P A G E 13 Whats on. At a meeting of Lodge of Merit 934 at 6.30 pm on Monday 8th April 2013 at Bury Masonic Hall there will be a Power Point presentation entitled - Alexander Fleming - The Man & Mason". The Lecture by WBro Mike Clare & Members of Lodge of Merit will discuss Flemings early life, his research, honours and his Masonry. Guests are invited to interact with the lecture. If any Brother would like to attend can they please contact WBro Leslie Ingham on 0161 764 3636 Dining fee - 14.00

P A G E 14 Whats On... St George s Day Luncheon Tuesday 23 rd April 2013 Venue Radcliffe Masonic Hall 12-30 for 1pm Guest Speaker Lt. Colonel Richard Morphew (Mad Dog Morph) Royal Irish Regiment Served 5 tours Northern Ireland, also Falklands post war, Bosnia and Iraq Tickets 20 Three course lunch Please see Geoff Leach or ring 01204 880136 for tickets and further information All money raised to go to Bury Hospice and Tottington St Annes Church Hall This is a mixed dinner and dress code is lounge suits

P A G E 15 Whats On... Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1012 Presents. CHOSEN SUBJECT JAMES BOND FILMS - THE FIRST 50 YEARS! DATE: THURSDAY 9TH MAY VENUE: BURY MASONIC HALL TIME: 7:30PM ACTION TEAMS OF 6 AGENTS (MAX) PRIZES FOR SUCCESSFUL TEAM 10.00 PER AGENT NON - MASONIC AGENTS WELCOME SUPPER INCLUDED PROCEEDS TO 2015 FESTIVAL MISSION CONTACT - SIMON JONES - 07805 239027 sim.jones@btopenworld.com

THE LAST WORD. Paul Easterbrook - Bury District Communications Officer Phone: 0161 724 8238 Mobile: 07796302572 E-mail: peaste@supanet..com Firstly, I would like to thank all the Brethren who provided feedback on the January issue. Secondly, I would like to mention the District Secretary, Paul Sellers who has continued his work despite recovering from a serious operation, and maintained his particular brand of good humour thanks Paul! Thirdly - got to thank Mike Gibbons and Gerry Russell for their continued advice and encouragement - and thorough proof-reading! EDITORS NOTE - When submitting any article for publication please also indicae whether you are happy for it to appear on the PGL website. Please note also, that if you submit pictures for publication where people are named, then their permission must be obtained. In the case of minors then written parental permission must be supplied. Next time. Tales From Burns Night.. Festival News Whats New February Highlights YOUR NEWS!!!!!!! Bury District News is the Newsletter of the brethren of Bury District in the Province of East Lancashire edited by Paul Easterbrook, District Communications Officer, and printed by Gerry Russell, Deputy District Chairman. All editorial content is based on the personal opinions of the editor and is not intended to represent or reflect the opinions or feelings of the members of the District in general or any individual member. All content is the property of the editor and must not be copied, transmitted, reprinted, or published in any format without the written consent of the editor. The editor does not necessarily concur with any opinions or content expressed in any letter or article submitted for publication.