February has proved to be a busy month starting with the Provincial honours for 2005 being announced. My congratulations go to all who are to receive honours during this year and trust that they enjoy their new ranks for many years to come.

Olympia Lodge held their final meeting on 10th February prior to their forthcoming amalgamation with Ingol Lodge of St Margaret, which will be confirmed at the March meeting of United Grand Lodge. On the same day I had the pleasure to accompany several members of Festival Lodge to the rehabilitation unit at Royal Preston Hospital, to hand over to the Ward Manager of the Barton Ward, a number of items and furniture that had been provided by Festival Lodge, with support from the Preston Group. Full details of the presentation are given on the Preston Group website.

During the month a cheque for £1000 from the Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons was presented by our Assistant Provincial Grand Master to Father John Francis, the Rector of Ribchester, towards the Faith and Heritage Appeal for St.Wilfrids Church and Stydd Chapel, both of which are located in Ribchester. It was amazing to learn that the church, through this appeal, raised a total of £270,000 in 24 week, with a further £100,000 being donated by English Heritage. We are constantly encouraging our members to seek out suitable projects in the community that would be suitable for applications to be made to the Community Fund.

Two Anniversary celebrations of Brethren and Companions have taken place in February. In Halcyon Lodge, W.Bro.Eric Blackwell celebrated his Golden Anniversary in the Craft and E.Comp.Richard Sunderland celebrated his Golden Anniversary in the Holy Royal Arch. Unfortunately Richard’s poor health prevented him attending his Chapter and I had the pleasure of presenting him with his certificate at his home.

The Group Dinner was held during the month when we welcomed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro.Tom Blackburn as our special guest. During the preceding discussion groups that were held prior to the dinner, a number of Brethren raised the issue of the problems that are being experienced by newer members, particularly those who are in full time employment, having sufficient time available to learn the whole parts of the individual ceremonies. The Group have taken notice of these concerns and have arranged for a special demonstration meeting to be held, when it will be demonstrated how it is possible for the ritual work to be shared among several members of the Lodge. Invitations are being sent to Lodges for Brethren to volunteer to taken part in this demonstration, which it is expected to take place in Aegis Lodge in February 2006.

We experienced a splendid Amalgamation Ceremony in Fraternity Lodge following their amalgamation with Broughton and Vanguard Lodges. The Provincial Grand Master carried out the Ceremony, and I am sure all who attended enjoyed this.
We are looking forward to a similar Ceremony in March in Royal Preston Lodge following their amalgamation with Preston Temple Lodge.

Continue to enjoy your Freemasonry.

 

Ian Greenwood
Chairman

 

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