Month: December 2021

MBF awarded its own leaf

29th December 2021

When I visited Rossendale Hospice on behalf of the Province and the MBF, they had a Giving Tree on the wall in the entrance hall which consisted of a number of “leaves” detailing large donors to the hospice, pictured below. I was told that the MBF would be awarded its own leaf which it now has, and below is a picture of the said leaf for all to see.

Below is a list of the lodges who nominated Rossendale Hospice with their £1000 on behalf of the MBF, to whom we are very grateful.

8 Rectitude
32 Union
1272 East Lancashire Provincial Grand Stewards
1300 Turton
1405 The George Farnworth Nuttall

RAM annual investiture

17th December 2021

Twenty one Brethren from the Province of East Lancashire travelled to London to attend the annual investiture for the holders of Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank. Three of those investees included WBros Steven Boyle, Shaun Higson and Gerry Young.

Prior to the meeting, they all dined together at the Union Jack Club at a private dinner organised by WBro Malcolm McCarthy. A full Christmas dinner, along with a selection of more “RAM annual investiture” …

Grand Stewards Lodge – London

16th December 2021

On Monday, 6th December, a number of Brethren from the Province travelled to London to attend the Installation meeting of the Mark Grand Stewards Lodge which is held at the Masonic Hall at St James’s.

There were in excess of 250 Brethren in attendance at the meeting with 150 dining afterwards, which included ten from East Lancashire.

Extra meeting at Skelmersdale

15th December 2021

We are now in December with Christmas just around the corner. Tonight at Ashton-U-Lyne Masonic Hall, Skelmersdale Mark Lodge No 141 held an extra meeting to Advance Bro David Holt. Sixteen brethren were in attendance along with many visitors who were invited to help the lodge with the advancement ceremony.
With no other business, the lodge closed at 7:40. Onto the dining room and we all had a pleasant three-course meal with 15 brethren at the social board. Andy Higson conducted the Ashton fiddle raffle which raised £76 towards good causes.

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Brass Band at WRC Christmas Dinner

14th December 2021

On Friday, 10th December at Bury Masonic Hall, William Romaine Calendar Lodge No136 held their annual Xmas dinner and brass band event. 40 Brethren, including family and friends, were in attendance for a 7:30 start.

A big thanks to Tina and the staff at Finedine in serving a fine 4-course meal which everyone enjoyed.

After the meal, The more “Brass Band at WRC Christmas Dinner” …

Great Night at Fellowship Dinner

5th December 2021

Once again the East Lancashire Mark Fellowship Team did a great job of delivering a wonderful night of entertainment and dining. This event has become the premier social evening for the province, with over 120 members, partners and guests attending the Holiday Inn Hotel in Bolton. Many of the guests chose to stay over at the hotel to extend the celebration long into the night.

If you have not experienced this event then watch out more “Great Night at Fellowship Dinner” …

Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No 990

4th December 2021

Monday the 29th November, The East Lancashire Provincial Grand Officers Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No 990 meeting took place at Rochdale Masonic Hall and what a great turn out it was.

The new Provincial Grand Master, RWBro John H Smith, accompanied by the other members of the executive, along with a fine body of men of the officers of the year were also in attendance. It was indeed a heart-warming sight to see so many brethren in one place during these very difficult times once again.

On his arrival into the Lodge, the PGM took the chair and after he had introduced the team and highlighted the purpose of the meeting, he appointed and invested 6 brethren to the rank of Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Grand Rank.

The social board was a lively affair and the PGM made an impassioned speech thanking the brethren for their efforts during the recent festival but asking everyone to now turn their attention to recruitment and retention in an attempt to try and build up the membership of the RAM degree.

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