The PrGM Tony Harrison was pleased to appoint and invest David Walmsley as Assistant Provincial Grand Master at the recent Provincial meeting held at Blackpool. David will have particular responsibility for the Eccles and South Eastern Groups, succeeding John Hutton who has recently retired.

David Walmsley, Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

David was born in Preston and on leaving school, gained a cadetship with the Lancashire Constabulary. His first posting was to Eccles and for the next 30 years he served in various roles, latterly specialising in forensic sciences and major crime investigation before taking retirement from the force in 2001. He then worked as a community safety advisor for the local authority in Salford, assisting witnesses in the criminal justice system, until he took final retirement in 2012.

He and his wife, Sandra, were married in 1975 and have two children.  Their son Mike is a senior manager in the construction industry as well as following in his father’s footsteps as he is also the chief officer of the Greater Manchester Special Police Constabulary. Their daughter, Claire is a travel consultant and lives with her family in Essex. They have one granddaughter and another grandchild expected shortly.

When time permits, David and Sandra enjoy walking both locally and in the Lake District. They have travelled extensively and particularly enjoy cruising, having visited the Mediterranean, the Far and Middle East, the Caribbean and South America plus other exotic destinations.  David admits that he particularly enjoys their trips to Essex, where he receives intense instruction from his granddaughter on the duties of a perfect grandad!

David and Sandra.

David’s Masonic career has been as equally busy and varied as his professional history. He was initiated into Broad Oak Lodge No 7239 in 1978, serving in several offices within the lodge including a stint as director of ceremonies for eight years. He also served as master on three occasions and as if this wasn’t service enough, he returned to the chair for a fourth time in 2013, some four years after the lodge had amalgamated to become Trafford Park Broad Oak Lodge No 4486.  He received his first Provincial appointment as PrGStwd in 1994, rapidly gaining promotion in Provincial rank and he now holds his present grand rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, which he received in 2015.

In the Royal Arch, he was exalted into Egerton Chapter No 2216 in 1989 and served as the first principal in 1998. He was appointed as Provincial Grand Steward in 2004, promoted in 2008 to PPrGSN and received the grand rank of PGStdB in 2017.

At a local level, David has given exemplary service to the Eccles Group, occupying the group offices of minutes secretary, secretary, vice chairman and chairman across a span of 16 years.  He is succeeded as Eccles Group Chairman by Stuart Sutherland Boyd, who was the chain bearer at David’s investiture.

On learning of his appointment, David admitted that he had regarded the honour with ‘a great deal of pride, tempered with a little trepidation’ but was very grateful for the opportunity it afforded him to be of further service to the Province.

On a warm late spring evening, 150 members of the Woolton Group together with guests gathered at the Village Hotel, Whiston for their Tercentenary Black Tie Dinner.

Pictured from left to right, are: Sam and Julie Robinson, Andy and Amanda Whittle, Tony and Maureen Harrison and Kevin and Sue Poynton.

Woolton Group have held several events so far, this year including their celebrated Sunday luncheons and a trip to London with a visit to Grand Lodge and an evening cruise on the Thames. The black tie evening was a culmination of a so far momentous and challenging schedule for celebrating.

The dinner menu card had been designed with a black tie theme and the hotel staff had added by dressing all the tables and chairs in black and white that created a very impressive view of the room. The Tercentenary banner was most prominent above the stage.

On arrival, everyone was offered a glass of Prosecco and whilst we waited for the dining room to open we were entertained by Mike Tattersall providing a medley of songs. Once everyone had taken their seats for dinner, the director of ceremonies for the evening Gary Devlin, announced the entrance of the Group Chairman Andy Whittle accompanying his wife Amanda together with the group Assistant Provincial Grand Master Kevin Poynton with his wife Sue, Sam Robinson with his wife Julie, the Group Vice Chairman Mike Cunliffe with his wife Felicity followed by the principal guest, our Provincial Grand Master Anthony Harrison and with his wife Maureen.

Pictured left: Director of ceremonies Gary Devlin. Pictured right: Raffle prizes.

Grace was given by Mike Cunliffe and the dinners tucked into chicken liver pate on toasted crostini followed by roast turkey, roast potatoes and Lincolnshire sausage which was followed by chocolate and vanilla profiteroles and a choice of tea and coffee. As an added touch, there were small jars of assorted sweets on each table. During the meal tickets were sold for the raffle and Irish bingo.

After the meal was finished Mike Cunliffe returned thanks and Andy Whittle provided the loyal toast and the toast to the Ladies. Sam Robinson provided, in a jocular manner, the toast to the Woolton Group.

It was now time for Kevin Poynton and associate Sam Robinson to conduct the auction. The group are extremely grateful to Jim Corcoran for donating some of the auction items which included two signed footballs of the current team members and managers for both Liverpool FC and Everton FC and a boxing glove which had been worn by Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua MBE, a British professional boxer who is the Unified World Heavyweight Champion, having held the IBF title since 2016 and the WBA and IBO titles since April 2017.

Pictured left: Andy Whittle and Amanda (right) toast Tony Harrison and Maureen. Pictured right: Andy Whittle toasts the ladies.

Ian Barton, WM of City Lodge No 2514, accompanied by his wife Elisabeth (left) receive the special gift from Andy as Gary oversees proceedings.

There were even phone bids for this one! One other special auction item was a 1933 Liverpool program donated by the father of a Woolton Mason. There was some very strong bidding for the auction items and all the proceeds would go towards the MCF 2021 Festival. Kevin and Sam entertained in their usual style to add hilarity to the task before them.

To bring some much-needed relief after the ferocious bidding, dancing started and music was provided by the Brothers Grim who played some excellent music which ensured the dance floor remained full to capacity. Whilst the band took a well earned break the group chairman took to the floor to make a few announcements and presentations.

Firstly, Andy Whittle thanked everyone for their support by attending the event and for providing all the raffle prizes, with special thanks to SGB Hairdressing who had donated a £100 voucher and a set of GHD straighteners; Slater’s Menswear had donated two £100 vouchers; Olympic Lodge No 4461 had provided a membership of the Freemasons Associated Membership of Woolton Golf Club. As this was somewhat of a special occasion each WM’s partner would receive a special gift as well as each lady receiving a personal gift. Andy informed everyone that the raffle had raised £1,020, this was met with rapturous applause. The game of Irish bingo had raised £200 and the auction £375 making a total of £1,595.

Pictured left: Maureen Harrison receives her gift from Gary Devlin. Pictured right: Tony Harrison receives a gift of a wee dram from Andy Whittle.

The Provincial Grand Master was asked to join Andy on the floor and Doug Lace was pleased to present a cheque, on behalf of Mariners’ Lodge No 249, which had recently had to surrender its warrant, for £1,200 for Tithebarn a charity which the Woolton Group had been supporting throughout the year. Tony Harrison gratefully accepted this together with a cheque from the Woolton Group for £1,250.

Entertainment by The Brothers Grim.

It was then with immense pride and pleasure that Andy Whittle, on behalf of the group, presented Tony Harrison with a cheque for £4,500 for the MCF 2021 Festival. For once our Provincial Grand Master was stuck for words!! Tony thanked the group for its magnificent support and said that since he launched the Festival at Provincial Grand Lodge, money had been pouring in and the total currently stood at £1,250,000 collected in just a week! Tony said that he hoped everyone would continue to support the Festival and that everyone would continue to enjoy their Freemasonry.

The Chairman of the Friends of Tithebarn John Stallard, was present and he gratefully received from Tony Harrison the cheques that had been presented. However, this was not quite the end of the presentations as Kevin Poynton had one further surprise in store. Kevin announced, and nobody knew of this, that the Woolton Group had just been awarded Patronage of the MCF 2021 Festival and asked Tony Harrison to present Andy with the certificate.

Sam Robinson displays the boxing glove.

Andy Whittle then invited each of the WMs and their partners to step forward to receive a special gift and as Tony Harrison was the master of Provincial Grand Lodge, there was also a gift for his wife Maureen and the group presented a bottle of liquid refreshment to Tony. Table stewards were then asked to collect a gift for each lady on their table.

To close, Andy once again thanked everyone for their support and special thanks extended to the group social committee who had worked so hard to put everything together to ensure an excellent evening. Dancing continued to the music from the Brothers Grim and the resident hotel disco.

Story and photographs by Colin Roberts

Pictured top left from left to right, are: Doug Lace, Andy Whittle and Tony Harrison. Pictured top right: John Stallard (left) receives the cheques on behalf of Friends of Tithebarn. Pictured bottom left: Andy Whittle presents Tony Harrison with a cheque for £4,500 for the MCF 2021 Festival. Pictured bottom right from left to right, are: Andy Whittle, Tony Harrison and Kevin Poynton announcing the news of the Group’s Patronage.

The two Provincial Grand Wardens for the next Masonic year, both hail from the centre of the Province and two adjoining groups. David John Asbridge Provincial Senior Grand Warden is from the Preston Group and Peter Allen Provincial Junior Grand Warden is from the Chorley Group.

David Asbridge and his ‘best friend’, Lizzie.

David Asbridge can trace his Masonic roots to some considerable depth in his family tree as his father, John has been a Freemason for over 54 years.  Likewise, his godfathers, uncle, cousin and father in law all have been members of the Craft.  David describes himself as a ‘late entrant’ to Masonry, as he was initiated at the age of 45 into Coronation Lodge No 3479 (East Lancashire). He says the initiation was truly a family affair as he was initiated by his ‘Uncle David’ and guided around the room by his cousin, Robert.

David’s journey across the border, into West Lancashire was the result of a chance conversation that he had with APrGM David Winder, which resulted in him being exalted in to Ribble Chapter No 4558 in 2007 and as a consequence, becoming a joining member of Ribble Lodge No 4558 the following year. He attained the first principals chair in 2013 and then just six months later was installed into the chair of the lodge, achieving a ‘first’ as both first principal and master of both Ribble Lodge and Ribble Chapter, concurrently!

He is also a member of Setantia Lodge of Installed Masters No 7755 and active in two other Masonic orders. He serves the office of almoner in both lodge and chapter, as well as being Pastoral Care Officer for the Preston Group. David has also served as lodge mentor.

On learning of his appointment, David says it was a very special moment for his father, as John’s health has not been too good recently, but the news of his appointment had at first left his Dad speechless and then made him extremely happy and proud. He further commented: “It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed to the rank of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, particularly so in this very special year as we celebrate the Tercentenary of Freemasonry and the launch of the West Lancashire 2021 Festival in support of the MCF. I am looking forward to visiting the different lodges and Masonic halls, making new friends and representing the Province to the very best of my ability”.

Peter Allen became a Freemason in 2001 and was initiated into St James Lodge No 8910. He became master in 2008.  He is also a member of Phoenix Lodge of Installed Masters No 9206, Quingenti Lodge No 8516 and Rivington Lodge No 8013.  He received Provincial honours in 2011 when he was appointed to the acting rank of PrGStwd, followed by a promotion to PPrGSuptWks in 2015.  Peter was exalted into Coronation Chapter No 7258 in 2009 and was installed as first principal in 2015.  He is also a member of Horwich Chapter No 2324.

Peter Allen, pictured on holiday.

Within the Chorley Group, he has been very active serving as group secretary from 2012 until his appointment as group vice chairman in 2016 and he admits that he very much enjoys being able to participate so actively in all facets of Masonry in this role.

Speaking shortly after the news of his appointment had been released, he said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the rank of Provincial Junior Grand Warden and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my proposer Robin Andrews Morris and my seconder Robert Malcolm Dewhurst, who have both mentored and supported me over the various stages of my Masonic career.  I would also like to mention the many friendships Masonry has given me the opportunity of making.  My sincere gratitude must also go to my wife Lesley, for her continued unequivocal support.  I eagerly anticipate the busy year ahead during this new and exciting chapter of my Masonic journey and I hope to continue the high standards set by my distinguished predecessors.”

David (left) and Peter at Provincial Grand Lodge.

Eric Hart was appointed and invested as the Provincial Grand Almoner at Provincial Grand Lodge. He succeeds Ernie Greenhalgh who has retired from the office in order to undertake other national responsibilities within the Masonic care system. Eric will also shortly assume the same role as PrGAlm within Provincial Grand Chapter.

Eric Hart – Provincial Grand Almoner.

Eric brings many skills to this important office as he has demonstrated a high level of commitment to his responsibilities throughout his life. He started his professional career in September 1965 as an apprentice radio and television engineer, before moving to British Nuclear Fuels in December 1966 to take employment as an instrument mechanic where he was responsible for the safe repair, maintenance and installation of various instruments in a chemical processing plant.

This appointment was quickly followed by him acting as an apprentice training instructor between 1969 and 1978, followed by his promotion to adult and apprentice training instructor soon after. In this role, Eric was involved in the design and implementation of courses, for both adults and apprentices in the field of industrial measurement and control; teaching safe practices and ‘sound instructional techniques’ in the measurement of flow, pressure, level and speed. In this capacity, he also worked as a part time lecturer in the field of measurement and control at the Bolton Institute of Technology.

In 1978 Eric became the company welfare officer, a post he held until until 2002, providing all employees, retired employees and their families with a comprehensive and confidential welfare, counselling and advisory services. He was also the representative to the BNFL Benevolent Fund and death benefit insurance scheme on behalf of all the employees. He also provided close liaison with the company superannuation office and the human resources department, the company medical department, all voluntary services and charities together with central and local government departments as well as local and national charities.

Following early retirement from British Nuclear Fuels in 2002, Eric became the manager of a medical practice at Preston Medical Consultants Limited until 2015. He still works part time for fifteen hours per week as general manager of Culcheth Sports Club, near Warrington.

Eric has many hobbies including gardening, ball room dancing and he still referees local football matches. He was, until September 2015 the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee at the Lancashire FA as well as being the Chairman of the Referees committee. He is also a past director of the Lancashire Football Association and a National Tutor for the Football Association. In January 1998 Eric was awarded the MBE for his services to the community and football in Lancashire.

Eric is currently a member of Leyland Hesketh Lodge No 986, the secretary of the Phoenix Lodge of Installed Masters No 9206 and a past almoner of Leyland Chapter No 4249. He is also almoner of other Masonic Orders and was until recently, the Local Care Office for the Leyland Group, as well as Group Care Officer and Administrator for both the Chorley and Leyland Groups.

Speaking after his investiture, Eric paid tribute to his predecessor Ernie Greenhalgh and was expansive in his praise of the wonderful, effective and efficient care system that was now in place in West Lancashire. He said that he looked forward to working alongside his colleagues in both the MCF and WLFC and ensuring that the Province continued to provide a class leading level of care for Masons, their partners and dependants.

From the office of the Provincial Grand Secretary:

The United Grand Lodge of England have appointed Doctor David Staples, FRCP, DepGDC, as their Chief Executive Officer.

David Staples.

He will commence his duties in this newly-created role in September, and it is expected that he will also be appointed Grand Secretary at the 2018 Annual Investiture.

You can read all about him at:

http://www.freemasonrytoday.com/ugle-sgc/appointment-of-chief-executive-officer

From the office of the Provincial Grand Secretary.

Following the dreadful news of the terrorist attack in Manchester, the RW Provincial Grand Master for East Lancashire, Sir David Trippier has set up a disaster fund as the focal point for any Masonic giving from which funds will be directed to where they are most needed.

Accordingly, the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity have donated £10,000 to this fund, which the Province of East Lancashire have matched.

If you wish to make a donation, please send it to the following address where this fund is being coordinated:

Hewlett Court Retirement Home

Newcombe Road,

Ramsbottom,

Bury,

BL0 9XJ

If you require any further information, please contact Julie Ward at julie.ward@eastlancsmasons.org.uk or telephone: 01204 887531

Cheques should be made payable to the ELMC with a note advising how you wish your donation to be used.

Alternatively, if you wish to pay by BACS, payment should be sent to the East Lancashire Masonic Charity, the details of which are:

Account Number 88503372, Sort Code 01-10-01

Please specify that the donation is for The Manchester Bomb Appeal with your communication or with your payment.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.

As you may be aware, to celebrate the tercentenary, the Masonic Charitable Foundation has allocated an additional £3,000,000 to be awarded to local community charities in 2017. Here in West Lancashire, eight local charities will share a total of £79,000.  The amount received by each charity will be determined by the number of votes they receive via an online poll and we would encourage you, your family and friends to vote for the charity which you feel you wish to support by clicking on mcf.org.uk/vote. Based upon the number of votes received, the charities will receive between £25,000 and £2,000 each. The voting will open on 12 June 2017 and run until 31 July 2017 and the amounts awarded to each charity will be announced in August 2017.

The information detailed below has been sent to local media and community press.

West Lancashire Freemasons urge the public to vote for local charities to share £3 million

An online public vote is being held to decide which local charities within West Lancashire will receive up to £25,000 each, as part of Freemasonry’s 300^th anniversary celebrations.

Freemasons have nominated eight good causes to receive West Lancashire’s share of a special £3 million Community Awards Tercentenary Fund.

The charities that West Lancashire has selected for the public vote are:

• Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, Leigh
• Wargrave House School and College, Newton le Willows
• Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid
• Salford Women’s Aid
• Headway (Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde)
• St Helens Carers Centre
• Sefton Children’s Trust
• League of Welldoers, Liverpool

Anyone who wishes to vote for one of the nominated charities should visit mcf.org.uk/vote, select the West Lancashire page and vote for the charity of their choice. All the nominated charities are guaranteed to receive a grant, but the public vote will determine the amount from £4,000 up to £25,000.

The £3,000,000 fund, which is being distributed to mark the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, is being administered by the Masonic Charitable Foundation and will be distributed to 300 charities across the country.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation receives all of its funding from Freemasons and their families.  It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of over £33,000,000 goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.

Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison from West Lancashire Freemasons said:

“We are delighted to be able to invite the whole community to join our 300^th anniversary celebrations by helping us to decide which of these excellent local charities should receive the highest award. Every vote counts, so I encourage everyone from West Lancashire to visit the website and take part.”

To make sure your vote counts so that your favourite charity in West Lancashire can win up to £25,000, visit mcf.org.uk/vote

The Emulation Lodge of Improvement Preceptors’ Festival 2017 is to be held on Friday 30th June at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London. This year they will be demonstrating the ceremonies of passing & installation.

Further information and a booking form can be accessed through this link.

The beneficiary of this years sponsored ‘Cross Bay Walk’ was, not surprisingly, the West Lancashire MCF 2021 Festival. What was surprising though, was that the event was blessed with one of those very rare gifts that is sometimes granted by the fickle British climate, a hot summers day!

Ready for the ‘off’, with Tony Harrison and Norman Thompson pictured together (centre right).

Freemasons, partners, family members, friends and an assortment of four legged, tail wagging companions assembled on the promenade at Arnside in preparation for the ‘crossing of the sands’. The Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison was there to ‘wave the walkers off on their way’, being unable to join them himself due to another charity event commitment later in the day.  However, the group were not destined to be without top level Masonic leadership, as the PrGM for the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland Norman Thompson was accompanying the group, along with many brethren from his own area.

Pictured from left to right, are: Bob Skelly, Cedric Robinson and Norman Thompson.

Providing the essential guidance on this perilous trek was the man who undoubtedly understands the quixotic nature of the sands of Morecambe Bay better than anyone. Cedric Robinson MBE is the official ‘Queen’s Guide to the Sands’, a post which he has held since 1963.  He is the 25th guide, the first was appointed in 1548 and the guide is paid a nominal salary but the holder of the post also has the use of the 700-year-old Guide’s Cottage at Kents Bank, which is owned by the Crown and managed by the Duchy of Lancaster.

In the period between late spring and early autumn, many groups, sometimes up to 500 in number are guided at weekends by Cedric and his assistants across this ancient thoroughfare which was used in medieval times by the monks of Furness Abbey. Almost all the groups undertaking these ‘passages’ are motivated by raising sponsorship for their efforts to benefit charitable causes.

It was in the company of walkers supporting other diverse charities that the Masonic contingent left the promenade at Arnside to complete the initial stage of their journey along the coastal footpath to a point just past New Barns Bay where they were met by Cedric and his team.

The ‘end of the line’ for John Wrennall (left) and Malcolm Sandywell.

From this point, many experienced ‘sand grown un’s’ will tell you that the objective, Kents Bank railway station on the far shore, looks deceptively close. However, wiser council will relate that you now have a steady two to three-hour trudge to endure as you ‘zigzag’ your way across the literally shifting sands and wade sometimes in waist high water through the estuary of the River Kent.

The vagaries of the quicksand pools, migrating channels and rapid and variable tide courses in Morecambe Bay are the very dangerous elements that make the guidance and knowledge of Cedric and his team such an essential ingredient for any group or individual venturing into this environment.

Having safely navigated this challenging ‘marine Sahara’ of the Lancashire – Cumbria border under the relentless glare of the burning noonday sun, it was with a mixture of relief and sense of achievement that the walkers crossed the last few yards over the muddy saltmarshes at Kents Bank before they were able to seek rest and refreshment at the Abbot Hall Hotel. It was here, in the shade and tranquillity of the hotel grounds that the weary but elated pilgrims were enabled to reflect on a memorable and safe passage of the sands and compare blisters!

Phil Preston, Provincial Grand Charity Steward paid tribute to all who had taken part in the fund-raising endeavour and expressed particular thanks to John Wrennall who had organised and coordinated the event. The total raised will be announced a little later, once all the sponsorship money has been collected.

The walkers cross the River Kent estuary.

It was one of those light bulb moments that Woolton Group Vice Chairman Mike Cunliffe had a thought. All around the country Freemasons have been celebrating the tercentenary with a multitude of events from church services, black tie dinners and social occasions and Mike thought it would be a good idea if we shared our pleasure with members of the local community.

Pictured from left to right, are: Mike Cunliffe, Ann Lloyd and Emily Bumatay.

Armed with this idea Mike, along with a fellow Mason from Old Lerpoolian Lodge No 9270 Kevin Birchall, approached the local care homes in close proximity of Woolton Golf Club, where the Woolton Group meet. After much discussion, it was decided that cup-cakes may be the answer, but Mike would need to clear this with the homes bearing in mind the dietary requirements of the residents.

Staff at the care homes told Mike that they would be pleased to accept the gift of cup-cakes so Mike and Kevin approached Tom Williams of the Cake Factory in Old Swan who agreed that he would make up to 300 cup-cakes at a preferential price, one for each year of the tercentenary.

The first batch of cup-cakes were safely delivered by Mike to Kingswood Manor Care Home in Woolton where deputy manager Emily Bumatay and RGN Ann Lloyd were on hand to receive them.

A bright summer morning welcomed bowlers and spectators to the 2017 West Lancashire Masonic Charity Bowling Tournament at The Tetley’s Club, Long Lane, Warrington. The weather this year was in total contrast to the wet, damp, rainy day of last year’s competition. This year saw an increase of 15% on numbers, from 52 to 60 entrants registered, who had traveled from around the Province, to eagerly take part. Many bowlers were accompanied by spectators several of which were wives or partners.

Pictured left: Trevor Barber collating scores in the shade. Pictured centre and right are: Players in action.

The event which was hosted by the Warrington Group was superbly organised on the day by tournament secretary Trevor Barber, treasurer Len Hart and assisted by Alan Jones.

The standard of bowling was yet again first class, with many games going to the wire. The mood was highly competitive but very friendly and good natured, with plenty of friendly banter. It was quite apparent that many competitors were meeting up again with several friends from other groups within the Province that they had met in previous years.

Whilst looking at the Cowper Trophy, it is noticeable that on an engraved plate is the name of O Cowper, Provincial Grand Warden and dated 1934. It is also worthy of note that this trophy has raised well over £407,000 for charity.

Pictured left: Andy Barton (left) presenting a cheque to Harry Cox. Pictured right: Tony Harrison receiving a cheque from Harry Cox.

The temperatures continued to rise to almost, if not higher, than those expected in Mediterranean areas. Meanwhile more than adequate refreshments with hot and cold food and cool drinks were readily available on site.

With two greens being occupied throughout the event, Trevor managed to keep cool in the office and kept everyone on track. The main tournament for the Cowper Trophy produced an excitingly close scoring final between Len Hart (Leigh) and Peter Schofield (Chorley). Len eventually won but both had an exceptional game with nip and tuck at every end. It was said that Len had worked very hard for the title for many years!

The players who were eliminated in the first round of the main competition were automatically entered into a secondary competition, playing for the Cyril McGibbon Trophy. The final was again gripping, with two very equally matched players, Steve Wallingham from North Fylde and Dennis Brewin from Wigan. Again, the game was very closely competed and Steve managed to gain 21 against Dennis’s 20 to win. The spectators and players alike were treated to a most excellent and enjoyable day of bowls.

The chairman of the tournament Assistant Provincial Grand Master Harry Cox, extended his gratitude to all those competing in the event. He hoped they had enjoyed it, having travelled long distances and thanked everyone for staying for the presentation. Harry welcomed Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison and his wife Maureen who had again added their support to this popular event.

Pictured left: Len Hart (left) winner of the Cowper Trophy being presented by John Lee. Pictured right: Jonathan Heaton (right) presenting the Crewdson Trophy to Peter Schofield, runner up.

Chairman of Warrington Group Andy Barton, on behalf of the lodges and chapters in Warrington, presented a cheque for £400 to Harry Cox, in aid of the West Lancashire Provincial Bowling Charity. Harry thanked Andy and the host group for this sum and the generosity of the brethren, their families and friends. He also thanked the Group Bowling Representative of the Warrington Group, David Anderson, the group secretary John McIntyre and all those from the host group who assisted in preparing for and running the event.

At this point Trevor invited the President of the Tournament this year, the senior warden of the Province John Lee and tournament vice president and junior warden Jonathan Heaton to start the presentation of trophies and prizes.

John Lee presented the Cowper Trophy and a Masonic watch to the winner Len Hart of the Leigh Group. Jonathan Heaton presented the Crewdson Trophy and a Masonic watch to the runner-up Peter Schofield of the Chorley group.

The remainder of the prizes were then presented: John presented the third prize of an extra-large bottle of Faustino to Dennis Eccles (Lancaster and District). Jonathan presented the fourth prize of Aberfeldy Malt to Colin Wood, (Liverpool). John presented the fifth prize of a blender to Peter Watson (Preston). Jonathan presented the sixth prize of Famous Grouse to David Thornton (North Fylde). John presented the seventh prize of an umbrella to Bernard Snape (Lancaster and District) and finally Jonathan presented eighth prize of a wall clock to Chris Eyres (Warrington). Chris was also the highest scoring local participant.
Trevor then invited Tony to present the Cyril McGibbon Trophy for the secondary competition. Tony presented the Cyril McGibbon Trophy for the secondary competition and a prize of Old Pulteney Malt to Steve Willingham (North Fylde) and runner-up prize of Bells whisky to Dennis Brewin (Wigan).

Pictured left: Tony Harrison (left) presenting the Cyril McGibbon Trophy to the winner Steve Willingham. Pictured right: Tony Harrison (left) presenting the runner-up prize to Dennis Brewin.

He also presented medals donated by Khine Lynn of the South Fylde Group to the winner and runner up of the Cowper Trophy, Len Hart and Peter Schofield.

Following on from the presentations Trevor thanked his main helpers on the day, especially Alan Jones the new assistant secretary and he then handed over to Harry for a final word.

Harry concluded by saying it would be remiss of him not to mention those hard-working brethren: president John Lee, vice president Jonathan Heaton, who also gave prizes, Len Hart, Trevor Barber, Alan Jones and all the bowling representatives across the Province. Without them this event would not be possible. He announced that the host group for next year would be North Fylde and the event is to be held at Fleetwood on Saturday 21 July 2018 and he wished all would have a safe journey and was looking forward to seeing everyone next year.

Tony concluded by thanking everyone for their help and support. He also thanked John Starkey, Warrington Group Publicity Officer for his attendance and work on the long day and wished everyone would have a safe journey home.

Story and pictures by John Starkey.

Once again, and for the third time, Vice Chairman of Woolton Group Mike Cunliffe visited a local care home with cupcakes to celebrate the tercentenary of Masonry. This trip was to Orchard Nursing Home in Huyton.

Orchard Nursing Home Huyton

On this occasion Mike was accompanied by Group Chairman Andy Whittle and we were met with great enthusiasm by the staff of the Orchard Nursing Home. The home is the former Huyton Girls College dormitories, which are a set of Victorian buildings that were built circa 1840 and received an overall good for their last CGQ inspection. The home has 31 residents.

Manager Alison Greenhall, on her last day as manager, was delighted to receive the two boxes of cupcakes which had been lovingly made by The Cake factory in Broadgreen by Tom Williams, Kevin Birchall and their staff. The Cake Factory had clearly identified the allergies on the boxes so that when the staff issued the cakes at tea time there shouldn’t be any nasty consequences.

The idea of celebrating the Masonic tercentenary was one that Mike had, along with fellow Old Lerpoolian Lodge No 9270 Mason, Kevin Birchall, who has greatly supported the cause. In fact, the two of them along with the Woolton Group of Masons and the Cake Factory will be hosting a local pensioners tea party in December at Woolton Golf Club to round off the donating of cupcakes to local care homes.

Pictured from left to right, are: Andy Whittle, Michael Scoullar, Alison Greenhall and Mike Cunliffe.

The new care home manager, Chris Housby, has sent a thank-you email to Andy Whittle, which reads:

To the Woolton Group of Freemasons,
It was with great pleasure today that we received 50 delicious cupcakes from yourselves as a gift for our residents.
They were enjoyed by everyone who had one and certainly brought a smile to their faces, which was lovely to see.
Without organisations like yourselves, thinking of the needs of the most vulnerable in society, the world would be a worse place.
Once again, thank you very much.
Chris Housbey, RMN, Manager
The Orchard Nursing Home

Woolton Group Vice Chairman Mike Cunliffe ventured out for the second time armed with cupcakes for residents of a local nursing home. This was another part of Mike’s quest to celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry with 300 cupcakes.

Mike with Harry and other residents.

This time he was heading for Maple Lodge Nursing Home, and on arriving at the nursing home, he was greeted by the manager Anhagard and by the receptionist Kelly, with whom he had made all the arrangements.

Mike was then taken through to the residents dining room which was full with residents awaiting the arrival of the cupcakes to have with their afternoon tea. A particular gent named Harry came over to Mike to help him distribute the cupcakes assisted by Kelly. Harry was a local resident, in fact the next-door neighbour to the Woolton Golf Club some years ago. Having been in the home many years he was delighted to hear news of the golf club and members.

Other residents came over to Harry to join in with the festivities of the afternoon and sample the delightful cupcakes. A great change to a normal afternoon with all having tea and cake. Mike and his colleague Kevin Birchall, ably assisted by Tom Williams Cakes, will be out again in the next few weeks celebrating the Tercentenary with other residents of local nursing homes.

Harry and some cakes with Mike, residents and staff.

Following the establishment of the Membership Marketing Team (MMT) under the leadership of Robert Wright, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master responsible for membership, the MMT held a meeting at Leyland Masonic Hall, Wellington Park, to discuss the efficacy of the Ambassador Scheme and to ask for volunteers from those Masons who wished to be considered as future Ambassadors.

Robert Wright, the APrGM responsible for membership, addressing the audience at the launch of the Ambassador Scheme.

The meeting, at which over 100 Masons were in attendance, was addressed by six authoritative spokespersons; Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Robert Wright, David Winder and Kevin Poynton, Provincial Mentoring Coordinator Giles Berkley, Provincial Membership Officer Michael Threlfall and Dr David Harrison academic and author. Their function was not to just discuss the role of an ambassador and how to apply, but also to impress on all present the importance of talking openly about the Craft and in so doing dispelling the myths surrounding Freemasonry.

The meeting was chaired by Martin Maynard, a member of the MMT and a member of Starkie Lodge No 1070. Martin’s introduction to the meeting set the scene for why it was felt the Ambassador Scheme was essential to the future of Freemasonry locally. The meeting was informed that the decline in Freemasonry in the Province of West Lancashire had been quite striking with the number of Freemasons within the Province falling by 15% between March 2013 and March 2017. That trend needs to be reversed and in order to do so it was essential for Masons to get out there and tell people what Freemasonry is all about and what we contribute to the local community and beyond. To that end, we need good communicators, in essence ‘Ambassadors to Freemasonry’. The ambassador programme will select people with good communication skills, people who can stand in front of an audience and promote our values of integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.

Following Martin’s introduction, the speakers making the presentations, expanded upon the strategy behind the Ambassador Scheme, highlighting some of the more salient points about Freemasonry which are worth shouting about, dispelling some of the myths surrounding Freemasonry and further highlighted some of the tools which are available to assist in promoting Masonry.

Robert Wright informed the meeting that the Ambassador Scheme was part of a strategy to increase membership by growing and encouraging enquiries, in other words we need ‘to blow our own trumpet a bit louder’. David Winder expanded upon charitable giving from within Freemasonry, noting that the Masonic Charitable Foundation has made donations to every single hospice in the country year on year, a remarkable achievement and one we all should be justifiably proud of.

Kevin Poynton emphasised the role of publicity in highlighting the beneficial effects of Masonry. Mike Threlfall discussed recruitment, observing in the process that if all current Masons could recruit just one family member we would double are membership overnight. Giles Barkley used a PowerPoint presentation to good effect to note, amongst many interesting facts, what is good about Freemasonry; including friendship, a sense of belonging, charity, caring for others and self-development – to name but a few. Finally, Dr David Harrison an academic from Liverpool University and a leading expert on the academic study of Freemasonry, brought to the audience’s attention a presentation titled ‘Ten of the top things you didn’t know about Freemasonry’.

At the end of this very worthwhile meeting those interested in applying to become an Ambassador were requested to fill in a form acknowledging their interest. All applicants will be interviewed and asked to make a short presentation of between five and 10 minutes duration. Anyone interested in applying who was not at the meeting can access the Ambassador Response Form through the Provincial website at:

https://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ambassador-response.pdf

Article and photographs by Paul Thompson.

Over 100 Masons attended the meeting.

Notice of a number of retirements and appointments has been recently issued by the Provincial office.  Details are as follows.

E Comp George Daniel Jones PGSwdB Deputy Grand Superintendent

has intimated to the Grand Superintendent of his desire to retire from office at the convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter on 12 October 2017.

The Province has benefited greatly from the substantial contribution made by Comp Jones during his many years in high office, both in the Craft and the Royal Arch, and the Grand Superintendent is deeply grateful for his dedication and commitment and wishes him well in his retirement.

Comp Jones will be succeeded on 12 October 2017 as Deputy Grand Superintendent by:

E Comp Dr Paul Andrew Renton PGStB

and the Grand Superintendent has expressed his deep sense of gratitude to Comp Renton for the significant impact he has had in his capacity as Second Provincial Grand Principal and looks forward to working with him in the future.

Comp Renton will be succeeded on 12 October 2017 as Second Provincial Grand Principal by:

E Comp  Barry Jameson PGStB

The Grand Superintendent has extended his appreciation to Comp Jameson for his sustained commitment as an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and looks forward to a successful working relationship in the future.

Comp Jameson will be succeeded as Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals on 12 October 2017 by:

E Comp Colin John Rowling PGStB

who will assume responsibility for the Eccles Group, South Eastern Group, St Helens and Prescot Group,

Warrington and District Group and Widnes Group.

Bro and Comp Rowling will be succeeded as Chairman of the St Helens and Prescot Group on 12 October 2017 by:

W Bro Graham Edward Williams PPrJGW

who will retire as Vice Chairman of the St Helens and Prescot Group on 12 October 2017 and will be succeeded on that day as vice chairman by:

W Bro Gratten Williams PPrJGW

The Masonic Charitable Foundation‏ team have announced the 300 charities that are being awarded grants totalling £3,000,000 to mark the forming of the Worlds first Grand Lodge at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul’s Churchyard.on 24 June 1717.

The winning charities in West Lancashire are:

St Helens Carers Centre £25, 000
Wargrave House Limited £15, 000
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide £15, 000
Sefton Childrens Trust £6, 000
SWACA Sefton Womens Childrens Aid £6, 000
Headway Blackpool Wyre Fylde £4, 000
Salford Womens Aid £4, 000
League of Welldoers £4, 000

The Charities will be presented with certificates at a presentation ceremony on the 22 September by Derek Parkinson, Mark Matthews and Kevin Poynton.

The annual Woolton Group golf competition was held at Woolton Golf Club and for a change the weather was kind, at the start anyway.

Pictured left, the first team to tee-off, from left to right, are: David Hilliard, George Fairclough and Graham Sinden. Pictured right, Team City Lodge from left to right, are: Geoff Johnston, Peter Johnston and Ken Smith.

This year saw a change to normal activities insomuch as there was some intergroup competition with teams from Garston, Warrington and a Tithebarn guest team, together with teams from the Woolton Group comprising Princes Park Lodge No 4769, City Lodge No 2514, Woolton Lodge of Unity No 1086 and Old Lerpoolian Lodge No 9270, taking part along with non-Masonic friends.

The teams were seen off at 1:30pm by Group Vice Chairman Mike Cunliffe and scrutiniser Albert Kirby of City Lodge who also kept a careful eye on the score cards at the end of the day. During the afternoon, the weather held and the first team arrived back in the clubhouse at 5pm, just before the rain started.

After a hot shower and change the teams handed their score cards to Albert and assembled for a quiet drink and reflection on the day’s events. Some golfers reported that the course had been tricky, greens were in good condition but there was a ‘swing’ of 18 inches on the 8th, or was it their imagination?

Once all 40 golfers and non-golfers had assembled they were asked to take their places in the dining room where acting director of ceremonies for the evening Sam Robinson called their attention to the Chairman of the Woolton Group Golf Society Graham Sinden to say a few words. Graham welcomed everyone to the prize giving and hoped that they had enjoyed their golf and thanked those who were attending to support the prize giving and enjoy the meal.

Pictured left: Ian White (left) receives his prize from Kevin Poynton. Pictured right: Geoff Johnston receives the Geoffrey Hirst Trophy from Kevin Poynton.

After grace had been given by Vic Albin the diners enjoyed an excellent meal of pate, roast beef with all the trimmings followed by Eton mess and coffee. Everyone was very pleased to have attending two past group chairmen of the Woolton Group, namely David Hawkes and David Hilliard.

Vic Albin returned thanks and Sam Robinson asked for attention whilst vice-president of the society Andrew Whittle proposed the loyal toast.

Graham Sinden then proposed the toast to the Woolton Golf Club, which was responded to by Geoffrey Johnston, a member of Woolton Golf Club and the Woolton Group. Geoffrey thanked all the golfers for a good competition saying he was pleased that so many had competed and that so many had come to join in the celebrations. The green staff had worked hard over the previous weeks to prepare the course, even though the ‘rough’ was still somewhat tall. He looked forward to another excellent event next year.

Sam Robinson accompanied by Eric Binks explained the rules of the ‘Chorley raffle’. There were no tickets so everyone who bought a number had to remember their own. Once the number 200 had been reached Eric used the randomiser on his phone to generate the winners. The raffle raised £200 which would go into the Woolton Group Golf Society account for disbursement to charity at a later date.

Pictured left: David Hawkes (right) presents the Noel Hawkes Trophy, (in memory of his son Noel), to Matt Wilson of Toxteth Lodge. Pictured right: Andy Whittle (right) presents the PEDs trophy to Kevin Poynton.

The eagerly anticipated announcement of prize winners drew near and Andy Whittle introduced the President of the Woolton Group Golf Society Kevin Poynton. Andy informed the assembled that there was an extra cup to be presented and he hoped it would travel from group to group and come back to Woolton, this was the Vic Albin Intergroup Cup, which this year was won by the Garston Group.

The first prize to be presented was the Nearest to the Pin and was won by Ian White from the Warrington Group. The final prize of the evening was traditionally named PEDs and was presented to the golfer who had walked more miles than anyone else and had taken more shots than anyone else. However, on this occasion the usual recipient had been unable to play so it had been decided by the committee that the PEDs cup (Persistence Endeavour Dedication and Sacrifice) was to be presented to Kevin Poynton who gracefully, with a roguish look in his eye, accepted the trophy from Andy Whittle with great applause from the diners.

Overall, everyone had an excellent day and it is hoped that many more will partake next year and the weather will be kind again.

The full list of winners for the Woolton Group Golf Competition 2017 are as follows;-

Happy diners after a wonderful meal.

The members of Red Triangle Chapter No 3874 held their annual installation ceremony at Woolton Golf Club, where they witness the installation of Harry White as first principal. They were honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Superintendent Danny Jones. Also in attendance were no less than six deputy directors of ceremony to keep an eye on proceedings.

Danny Jones (left) congratulates first principal Harry White.

The chapter was opened by first principal Ian McGovern, second principal Harry White and third principal Alan Rutledge. The principals then extended a warm and friendly welcome to the companions and guests. After the usual business was completed, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Thomas announced that the Deputy Grand Superintendent stood without and demanded admission.

Danny processed into the chapter accompanied by Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals Sam Robinson, grand officers Woolton Group Chairman Andrew Whittle, Arthur Cregeen and Alan Sale, acting Provincial officers Jim Miller, Vic Albin, Alan Jones and Doug Lace. Danny and his accompanying entourage were welcomed by the three principals, Ian then offered Danny the sceptre which he accepted. Danny said that there was plenty of work to do and as he had not been to any practices he quickly returned the sceptre to Ian.

The ceremony of installation commenced under the direction of the chapter DC Doug Lace. Stan Povall was honoured to take the third principal’s chair, Dave Wood that of the second principal Ian McGovern remained in the first principal’s chair.

Pictured from left to right, are: Alan Routledge, Danny Jones, Harry White and Michael Fox.

All in attendance witnessed an excellent ceremony with Ian McGovern installing Harry White as his successor. Alan Rutledge was elevated to second principal and Michael Fox was installed as the third principal. As none of the principals’ elect had held their impending offices before they were installed in full form, after which they invested their officers for the coming year.

The scripture readings for the principals were given by Joe Muscroft to the third principal, to the second principal Alan Malthouse and to the first principal Dave Douglas. The robe addresses were performed to a high standard by Ian McGovern the scarlet robe, Harry White the purple robe and Alan Rutledge the blue robe. Les Cutting gave the address to the three principals, Dave Dixon to the officers of the chapter and Danny Jones the companions of the chapter.

Pictured from left to right, are: Alan Routledge, Danny Jones, Harry White, Sam Robinson and Michael Fox.

On the conclusion of the ceremony, Danny expressed the best wishes of the Grand Superintendent Tony Harrison to the three principals he also congratulated all the companions that took part in the installation. Danny was then presented with a cheque for £150 on behalf of the chapter to the MCF 2021 Festival. The chapter also donated £150 to Zoë’s Place and £100 to R Charity.

The business of the chapter completed the chapter was then closed and all retired to the festive board. After the toast to is health, Danny responded by bringing his own congratulations to the three principals, the installing first principal Ian McGovern for an excellent ceremony and Les Cutting for the work he had put in making the installation a success. He also thanked Sam Robinson and the acting officers for their support. A raffle at the festive board raised £160 for charity.

The three principals with the grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers.

Do you want to watch the celebration at the Royal Albert Hall on 31 October ?

You can on your PC, laptop, phone or tablet device by pre-registering at www.RAH300.org on or before 31 October 2017.  The streaming solution is intelligent so it will send you the correct type of video for the size of device you are watching it on.

When you register you will be asked for your: First name, Last name, Lodge name, Province, Email address and Telephone number. You will also be asked to tick the cookies box.

When you have completed the form click register, you should then see a short video that confirms you will be able to watch the celebration.

Option 1 – Live Viewing www.RAH300.org

On the 31^st October from around 4pm you will be able to watch the live stream from the Royal Albert Hall live on your chosen device.

Option 2 – On Demand, after the event www.RAH300.org

After the event you will be able to view the event on-demand and when it suits you, this is will be available three hours after the event finishes at the Royal Albert Hall.

One week after the event an edited version will also be available to watch.

Screen shot of registration page.

Kevin Poynton is one of nine Assistant Provincial Grand Masters in the Province of West Lancashire, he is responsible for publicity and communication in the Province.

Kevin Poynton.

Kevin is determined to dispel the myths about Freemasonry and has said on many occasions since his appointment that all Freemasons should talk about the Craft to their family, friends and work colleagues.

To demonstrate his own commitment to talk about Freemasonry Kevin was delighted when Mike Swift asked if he would be interviewed live on www.coast1079.com to talk about the MCF Community Grants and Freemasonry in general.

Mike Swift is a well know presenter in the Southport area, where Coast 1079 is based.

To listen to the interview CLICK HERE