Amity Crest

Amity Crest

The Lodge of Amity and Rossendale Forest No.283

Rossendale Forest Crest
Rossendale Forest Crest

 

~~ 2016 ~~
[ Click photos for more details ]

 

January 2016: This being the first meeting of the year, it is also our Installation meeting. The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM. The WM requested that the Brethren stand to order with respect to departed merit of W.Bro. Ronald Morris PProvAGSuptWks, W.Bro. Herbert Edward (Ted) Boden PProvDepGSuptWks and W.Bro. Ralph Heap PProvGSwdB who had all died since our last meeting.

The Grand Lodge Certificate was presented to Bro. William Atkinson who signed it at the Secretaries table.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of East Lancashire W.Bro. Chad Antony Northcott PSGD was admitted, accompanied by Officers of the United Grand Lodge of England.

For the purpose of Installation the WM invited W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB to occupy the Chair. W.Bro. Rayton then installed W.Bro. Derek Henry Smith PProvSGD as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in an exemplary manner, ably assisted by the Past Masters and Brethren of the Lodge.

W.Bro. Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC having retired from the office of Secretary, was presented with a Gift and Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding service, not only to the amalgamated Lodge, but also to Rossendale Forest Lodge No.4138 and the Lodge of Amity No.283 before the amalgamation.

The Secretary reported that Bro. John Hutchison Stwd had resigned from the Lodge.

The Lodge Officers appointed and invested are recorded on the Officers Page of this website.

The Almoner, Charity Steward, District Rep. all gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 22 members and 38 visitors from 18 Lodges over 4 Provinces (East Lancashire, West Lancashire, Cumberland & Westmorland, Middlesex) were present.

The Lodge was closed and an excellent Installation Festive Board followed.

 

Worshipful Master
WBro Derek H Smith PProvSGD

 

 

 

February 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. W.Bro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting IPM.

Bro. John Hargreave being absent at the Installation meeting was invested as a Steward of the Lodge.

The main business of the evening was to receive an illustrated talk/presentation on Masonic Charities especially our own ELMC. The presentation was given in an exemplary manner by W. Bro Mike Stubbs PProvGStwd, District Charity Steward. The WM thanked W.Bro Stubbs for his most interesting talk and added that we must have all learnt something new, the Brethren responded in the usual Masonic manner.

The Almoner, Charity Steward, District Rep. all gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 19 members and 4 visitors were present.

W.Bro. Andy Shaw PProvAGDC having retired from the office of Treasurer, was presented with a Gift and Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his outstanding service, not only to the amalgamated Lodge, but also to the Lodge of Amity No.283 before the amalgamation.

The Lodge was closed and a new group photograph of the Lodge members was taken >>>>>>>>>>>

Due to a clash on this evening with Whalley Abbey (Red Cross of Constantine) extra dining facilities were not available at Mill House, so unfortunately there was no Festive Board. However, arrangements had been made at short notice to dine at Balti Stan, Indian Restaurant for those wishing to do so.

 

 

March 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. W.Bro Ian Haworth Chaplain was also acting IPM, W.Bro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting DC, Bro. Peter Moore acting SD, Bro. Will Atkinson acting JD and Bro. Ray Godwin acting Tyler.

W.Bro Andy Shaw PProvAGDC immediate past Treasurer presented and explained various items relating to the Lodge and Charity accounts which were accepted and approved by the Brethren.

The main business of the evening was to conduct a Second Degree Ceremony with commentary based on a book by W.Bro Neville Barker Cryer. The ceremony by the WM and assisted by the Officers of the Lodge, with commentary by W.Bro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC Treasurer.

A proposition was made for a candidate for Initiation which was duly seconded. The ballot for the candidate will be taken next month.

In AOB W.Bro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC gave to the WM the new Lodge Collaret with Past Master's Breast Jewels from both Lodges attached; this collaret is to be worn at the Festive Boards only instead of the Lodge Chain (photo right), he also presented the modified Master's Apron from Rossendale Forest Lodge which has been made into an IPM's Apron.

The Almoner, Charity Steward gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 17 members and 0 visitors were present.

The Lodge was closed in due form.

 

 

April 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. Certain offices were filled by member of the Lodge -- W.Bro. Chris Harris as acting SW, Bro. Peter Moore JD as acting SD, Bro. Will Atkinson Steward as acting JD.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. John Farrington PSGD together with W.Bro. David Lightbown PAGDC District Chairman were in attendance making a pastoral visit to the Lodge. W.Bro. Roger Flitcroft MBE PAGDC was also visiting and the Lodge gave the usual salutations befitting their rank.

The April meeting is traditionally the Family of Lodges meeting where the Masters of our Family of Lodges are invited to visit us. This year four Lodges were represented:

  • Hyndburn Lodge of Installed Masters No.8766 (Granddaughter)
  • Lodge of Confidence No.4295 (Great Granddaughter)
  • Rhyddings Lodge No.5205 (Great-Great Granddaughter)
  • St. Aidan Lodge No.6339 (Great-Great Granddaughter)

Pursuant to last month's proposition, a ballot was taken which proved in favour of a new candidate being initiated into Freemasonry.

However, the main business of the evening was to Raise Bro Steven David Thompson to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The Worshipful Master proved Bro Thompson's proficiency in the second degree and entrusted him with the essential requirements to gain entry in the third degree. The WM then opened the Lodge in the third degree and invited W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB to occupy the Master's Chair for the purposes of working the third degree ceremony.

The ceremony was worked by W.Bro Rayton PProvGSwdB with the WM giving the Charge after Raising, W.Bro. Barry Thompson explained the working tools of the degree. The Traditional History was explained by W.Bro. Steve Barton PProvSGW and the third degree Tracing Board was explained by W.Bro. SFBC IPM. The candidate was escorted by Bro. Peter Moore JD, acting SD. All performed their duties in an excellent manner and with the utmost fidelity and Bro. Steven Thompson was well and truly Raised.

The WM then reoccupied his Chair and continued with the remainder of the evenings programme.

The Almoner, Charity Steward and District Rep all gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 17 members and 10 visitors were in attendance.

The Lodge was closed in due form.

 

 

May 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. Certain offices were filled by member of the Lodge -- W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB as acting JW, Bro. Will Atkinson Steward as acting SD, Bro. Steve Thompson Steward as acting Tyler.

W.Bro. David Lightbown PAGDC District Chairman was in attendance and was given the usual salutations befitting his rank.

The main business of the evening was to Initiate Mr. Phillip Stephen Holden into Freemasonry. The WM invited W.Bro. Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC, Treasurer, to occupy the Master's Chair for the purposes of working the ceremony.

  • W.Bro. Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC worked the ceremony assisted by Officers of the Lodge.
  • The candidate was escorted by Bro. Peter Moore JD.
  • W.Bro. Michael Rosney PProvAGDC gave the NE Corner address to the Candidate.
  • Bro. Will Atkinson Steward, acting SD explained the working tools of the degree.
  • The Charge after initiation was given by Bro. Peter Moore JD.

All performed their duties in a most excellent manner and with the utmost fidelity and Bro. Phillip Stephen Holden was well and truly Initiated into Freemasonry.

The WM then reoccupied his Chair and continued with the evenings programme.

The Almoner and Charity Steward gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 14 members and 11 visitors from 7 Lodges and 3 Provinces were in attendance.

The Lodge was closed in due form.

 

 

June - July - August 2016:
The Lodge does not conduct any Masonic business during these months, and is in Summer recess.

 

Summer Recess

 

September 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. Certain offices were filled by member of the Lodge -- W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB as acting IPM, Bro. Will Atkinson Steward as acting IG.

The Worshipful Master requested that the Brethren stand to order in respect of departed merit for W.Bro. Kenneth Allsop, PProvAGSuptWks who had died during the Summer recess.

The ordinary business of the Lodge was concluded and VW.Bro. Derek Thornhill, JP, PGSwdB, Deputy Provincial Grand Master and a Provincial Deputation were admitted to the Lodge and VW.Bro. Thornhill was given the usual salutations befitting his rank.

The main business of the evening was to celebrate 225 years of history of the Lodge of Amity. The WM invited VW.Bro. Thornhill to occupy the Master's Chair which on this occasion he accepted with pleasure.

W.Bro. Donald Bright PProvGSuptWks was invited to give a short history of the Lodge since 1791, which he did in his usual excellent manner. VW.Bro. Thornhill then expanded on W.Bro. Bright's presentation by mentioning notable events during this time period. The WM then presented a cheque made out to the ELMC for £283.00 (corresponding to the Lodge number) to the DPGM, who thanked the WM for this donation.

The DPGM then announced that he had a very special duty to perform. That of presenting the Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro. Steven Thompson, which he did with an abridged version of the ritual.

Fifty Freemasons of all different ranks celebrated the 225th anniversary of the Lodge of Amity No.283 being founded.

 

 

October 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM WBro D Smith PProvSGD at 7:04pm. Certain offices were filled by member of the Lodge -- W.Bro. Ian Haworth PProvJGD as acting IPM, W.Bro. Baz Thompson as acting SW, Bro. Will Atkinson Steward as acting Tyler.

Before proceedings went any further WBro D Heskett PProvDepGDC bravely pointed out that the Worshipful Master was improperly dressed. When he was properly clothed and when all heckling died down the WM pushed on with the meeting. All done in a light hearted and jovial manner and no offence meant or taken; however it was inevitable that the WM would seek revenge at some point and he wouldn't have long to wait.

The Secretary read out the Dispensation, the meeting having been brought forward by one week. The Secretary then read the summons convening the meeting and the circulated minutes were approved and signed by the WM and his Wardens.

WBro D Heskett requested that he be excused to attend the District meeting as the District Mentor which was about to start upstairs. The WM replied to WBro Heskett's request with one word; NO! (Revenge is sweet). WBro Heskett took this response in the manner intended and resumed his seat! Following a short pause the WM relented and gave WBro Heskett authority to retire in order to attend the District meeting, all taken in a light hearted manner which reflects the harmony of the Lodge. WBro Heskett left the Lodge room and would re-join us again at the festive board later.

The Tyler was admitted and the first two lectures from a series of three were delivered by Bro S Thompson (Steward) and Bro W Atkinson (Steward). The lectures were entitled "Getting Your Bearings" by WBro John Acaster and debated the orientation of our Lodge rooms in detail. Both lectures were delivered in an outstanding manner and were well received by all Brethren present.

Following the lectures the WM thanked Bro's Thompson and Atkinson and the Brethren showed their appreciation with warm applause. Bro R Godwin added that he had recently visited Stonehenge in Wiltshire and The Ring of Brodgar in Orkney and had noticed that the east had significance in the laying of both. He saw parallels with the rationales being put forward during the lectures and suggested that the origins of the East - West orientation may go back some 6,000 years or even further.

The Almoner and Charity Steward gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 17 members and 1 visitor were in attendance.

 

Book

 

November 2016:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master W.Bro Derek H Smith PProvSGD. Certain offices were filled by member of the Lodge - W.Bro. Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC as acting SW and W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB as acting DC.

The Worshipful Master requested that the Brethren stand to order in respect of departed merit for W.Bro. Ian B Sanderson, PProvJGD who died on the 1st November 2016.

The main business of the evening was to open the Lodge in the three Degrees, receive the Working Tools and prove the Brethren in each of the Degrees, then to close the Lodge by Ritual. All performed their work in the usual high standard of the Lodge.

The Treasurer gave several notices of motion regarding:

  • The Lodge subscriptions, both full and country membership.
  • Honorary membership.
  • Accounts and Financial.

The Secretary gave notice of motion regarding country membership.

The Charity Steward gave notice of motion regarding certain sums of money from the Lodge to Charity.

W.Bro. Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB proposed and W.Bro. Derek Smith PProvSGD, WM seconded that W.Bro. Graham Denis Grishakow PPGStdB become a joining member of the Lodge. The ballot will be taken at the December meeting.

The Almoner, Charity Steward and District Rep all gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 18 members and 5 visitors were in attendance.

 

December 2016: Business Meeting

The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM WBro D Smith, PProvDepGDC at 7:05pm.
WBro Russell Harwood, ProvGStwd, Sec read the dispensation followed by the summons convening the meeting.

WBro D Heskett PProvDepGDC then pointed out that the 1st and 2nd Degree tracing boards had been swapped and the 2nd Degree tracing board was actually on display. As there were no EA's present it was agreed to swap them back and continue. The circulated minutes were approved and signed by the WM and his Wardens.

WBro M Rosney, PProvAGDC, DC advised that two Lodge members had received appointments or promotions at Provincial Grand Lodge. WBro Derek Smith, WM had been promoted to PProvDepGDC and WBro Russell Harwood had received acting rank as ProvGStwd. The Brethren acknowledged the accolades with warm applause after which WBro Harwood thanked the Brethren on his and WBro Smith's behalf.

There had been only one nomination for WM for 2017 WBro G Casson, PProvDepGReg. After checking that there were no other nominations the WM proclaimed WBro Casson as WME. WBro Casson responded and advised that he would do his best and give the office the respect it deserves.

There had been only one nomination for Treasurer for 2017 WBro D Heskett, PProvDepGDC. After checking that there were no other nominations the WM proclaimed WBro Heskett to remain as Treasurer for 2017. WBro Heskett thanked the Brethren for their confidence in him.
As there were no other nominations the WM proclaimed WBro D Bury, PProvGSuptWks and Bro W Atkinson to remain as the Accounts Examination Committee for 2017.

Bro P Moore (acting SD) proposed and Bro W Atkinson (acting JD) seconded that the WM be empowered to appoint a Tyler for the ensuing year from amongst the subscribing members of the Lodge, without emolument. The Brethren present approved the proposition.

It was resolved that the Lodge subscriptions for 2017 be increased to £160 for full membership and £100 for country membership.

WBro I Haworth, PProvJGD, CS, proposed and WBro D Bright, PProvGSuptWks, JW seconded that certain sums of money be given to Masonic and non-masonic Charities. The Brethren present approved the proposition.

A ballot was held for WBro Graham Denis Grishakow PProvGStdB, a Past Master of Rossendale Forest Lodge No.4138 and a past member of Huncoat Lodge No.8542 to become a joining member of the Lodge of Amity and Rossendale Forest No.283. The ballot proved in favour.

WBro D Heskett proposed and WBro D Bright, PProvGSuptWks seconded WBro's E Corbridge PProvDepGReg and K Sheasby PProvAGDC for honorary membership. The WM reminded the Brethren that white is for and black against and three black balls would exclude. The ballot proved in favour.

WBro R Harwood, Sec, advised that Bro P Spann had withdrawn his application for country membership as his circumstances had changed and he now believed that he would be able to attend most Lodge meetings.

WBro Cains, IPM retired from the Lodge room and was escorted to the Lodge entrance by WBro M Rosney, DC. WBro R Harwood, Sec proposed and WBro A Shaw, PProvAGDC seconded WBro SFB Cains for country membership. The WM reminded the Brethren that white is for and black against and the ballot would be taken on a simple majority. The ballot was unsuccessful. Up on his return in to the Lodge room the WM informed WBro Cains that his application for Country membership had been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Reports were received from the Almoner, CS, District Rep and Royal Arch Rep.

Greetings were given by WBro Noel Kearns the WM of St Aidan Lodge No6339. WBro Kearns commented that he had never seen so much business being conducted at a Masonic business meeting and went on to wish the WM and Brethren a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 19 members and 1 visitors were in attendance.

 


Copyright © 2012 - The Lodge of Amity and Rossendale Forest No.283 - All rights reserved.

Accredited Lodge website
Website design & maintenance by raytononline