Amity Crest

Amity Crest

The Lodge of Amity and Rossendale Forest No.283

Rossendale Forest Crest
Rossendale Forest Crest

 

~~ 2018 ~~
[ Click photos for more details ]

09 January 2018:

This being the first meeting of the year, and our Installation meeting. The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Gregory J Casson PProvDepGReg.

The WM requested that the Brethren stand to order with respect to departed merit of WBro. Jack Hollows PProvDepGSuptWks, who had passed away in a Hospice in the early hours of New Year's Day

The representative of the RWProvGM, WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD PAProvGM together with two Grand Officers, WBro Steven Barton PAGDC and WBro David Lightbown PAGDC were in attendance and salutations given accordingly. WBro David McGurty PProvGSwdB, East Ribble Chairman and other District Officers were also in attendance.

For the purpose of Installation, the WM requested that WBro Ian Haworth PProvJGD occupy the SW Chair, WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC occupy the JW Chair, WBro Andy Shaw PProvAGDC to act as IG and WBro SFBC to remain as Tyler, and WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB to act as Installing DC.

The main business of the meeting was to install WBro Michael H Rosney PProvAGDC DC WME in to the Chair of this old Lodge. The WM opened the Lodge in the Second Degree. He then invited WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB to occupy the Chair. WBro Donald Bright presented WBro Rosney for Installation and the Ceremony was then worked jointly by WBro S Rayton PProvGSwdB, WBro Derek H Smith PProvDepGDC (IPM), and WBro Greg Casson PProvDepGReg (WM) who invested WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC with the regalia of Worshipful Master and installed him in the Chair of the Lodge according to ancient custom. The various presentations were given by the newer members of the Lodge in an excellent manner.

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

WBro James Sutcliffe PSGD PAProvGM presented WBro Michael H Rosney PProvAGDC, WM with a commemorative certificate from the members of the Lodge. The WM then presented WBro Sutcliffe with a £1,000.00 cheque from the Lodge for him to pass on to ELMC on our behalf.

The Almoner and Charity Steward gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 24 members and 32 visitors were present from the Provinces of East Lancs, West Lancs and Galloway. We were all very pleased to see WBro Chris Harris (a past member of the Lodge) visiting again from Scotland, this time in his very smart Green Scottish Regalia.

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

Installation_2018
Worshipful Master
WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC
Installation_2018
Click photos
Group photo

 


30 January 2018:

† The WM requested that the Brethren Stand to Order in respect of Mrs Alice Kirby who had died since our last meeting. Mrs Alice Kirby was the Widow of WBro Arthur Kirby PProvGSwdB who was a Past Master of Rossendale Forest Lodge No.4138 and Master of the Lodge in 1978. †

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting JW.

The main business of the evening: WBro Harwood, PProvSGD (Sec) posed several Masonic questions and gave answers according to a publication by WBro Harry Mendoza, PGStB. After the presentation the WM and Brethren thanked WBro Harwood in the usual Masonic manner. WBro D Bury, PProvGSuptWks gave his understanding of the answers to three of the questions after which the WM informed WBro Bury that he preferred his versions rather than those given by WBro Harwood. WBro Harwood thanked the Brethren for their kind comments and in particular those from the WM. All light hearted and jovial and taken in good spirit. Picking up on the question relating to Lady Freemasons, WBro J Aspden, PProvDepGDC informed the Brethren that he had been given a lady Masons ritual book many years ago and that he still had it. The WM thanked WBro Aspden for his contribution and asked WBro G Casson, PProvDepGReg, IPM to return this book to WBro Aspden now that he'd finished his year in the chair. A "tongue in cheek" swipe at the IPM's ritual being that from several different Lodges workings. Again, taken in the spirit intended. WBro S Rayton, PProvGSwdB, acting JW, congratulated WBro Harwood on a very interesting and different presentation on Masonic matters, and went on to explain that he knew of at least two Lodges that had the tradition of EA's buttoning their apron flaps up as part of the traditional way they used to wear their regalia.

The Almoner and Charity Steward gave their reports. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 19 members and 1 visitor were present.

The Lodge was closed, and the Festive Board followed. The raffle, a bottle of Whiskey, was won by WBro Greg Casson who immediately donated it for next month's raffle.


February 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting JW in the absence of WBro Heskett PProvDepGDC JW.

The WM reappointed Bro M L as Steward of the Lodge, having been unable to attend the Installation meeting.

WBro Casson PProvDepGReg proposed and WBro Harwood PProvSGD seconded that £214.00 be donated to the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre attached to Hope Hospital. The proposition was carried on a show of hands. WBro Casson PProvDepGReg thanked the Brethren.

The Lodge By-Laws were read by the Secretary, WBro Harwood PProvSGD.

The main business of the evening was to hear a selection of 'Five-Minute' Nuggets presented by the Lodge Members.

  • Bro John Hutchison (Stwd) presented a nugget entitled "Free and Accepted Masons",
  • Bro Ken Lee (Stwd) presented a nugget entitled "The Point within a Circle",
  • Bro Paul Spann (Stwd) presented a nugget entitled "The Numbering of Lodges - UGLE",
  • Bro ML (Stwd) presented a nugget entitled "Masonic Symbolism - The Four Tassels".

Each was well delivered and enjoyed by the Brethren. The WM thanked WBro Harwood for collating the nuggets and the four Brethren for their presentations. The Brethren then showed their appreciation in the usual Masonic manner.

The Almoner gave his reports, however, there was no Charity Stewards report as the Charity Steward was away on Business and his stand-in WBro Ian Haworth PProvJGD was on Holiday. The minutes recorded apologies from members and regular visitors, however, 19 members and 2 visitors from Rhyddings Lodge No.5205 were present. This was a good attendance in view of the weather conditions - SNOW and ICE, (the Beast from the East, a blast from Siberia).

The Lodge was closed, and the Festive Board followed. The raffle, two bottles of Whiskey, one of the bottles donated by the Worshipful Master of Rhyddings Lodge, WBro J Audain, PProvAGDC, and the other donated by last month's winner. One bottle was won by WBro Graham Grishakow who immediately donated it for next month's raffle, and the other by Bro Steven Thompson who said he would be donating it to another Charitable cause at the weekend.


March 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting SW in the absence of Bro Godwin SW, and WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC JW was acting Secretary in the absence of WBro Russell Harwood PProvSGD.

This evening was the 'Family of Lodges' meeting. The Worshipful Masters of the Family of Lodges were admitted (six in total) and presented to our Worshipful Master, and then took their place in the Lodge. Out of the eight Lodges in the Family, the Lodges represented were:

  • Bank Terrace with King Oswald Lodge No.462
  • Albert Edward Lodge No.1519
  • Remembrance Lodge No.3787
  • Rhyddings Lodge No.5205
  • St Aidan Lodge No.6339
  • Hyndburn Lodge of Installed Masters No.8766

The Lodge Account and Charity Accounts were presented and approved.

The main item of business was to Initiate Mr. Vincent Stephen Frain in to Freemasonry and this Lodge. The Candidate was escorted on his progress around the Lodge by Bro Will Atkinson, JD in an excellent manner and with great empathy. The ceremony was worked by WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC in a most excellent manner ably assisted by the Officers of the Lodge. The WM gave the Address to the NE Corner and Bro John Hutchison, Stwd presented the explanation of the Working Tools in an excellent manner. Bro. Peter Moore, SD gave the Charge after Initiation in an exemplary manner and with great feeling. Indeed, all worked the ceremony to the highest standard and the best traditions of the Craft. Mr. Frain was well and truly initiated into Freemasonry and welcomed in to the Lodge by all the Brethren.

The Almoner gave his report but in the absence of the Charity Steward WBro Barry Thompson the Charity and District reports were deferred until next month. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 19 members including the Candidate and 17 visitors were present, including one visitor WBro R Yendell from Royal Larne Lodge No.615 Irish Constitution.

The Lodge was closed, and the Festive Board followed. The raffle, first prize a bottle of Whiskey, was won by Bro. Steven Thompson and second prize a bottle of Wine was won by WBro J Audain, PProvAGDC the WM of Rhyddings Lodge No.5205. The raffle raised £138 for Charity, which was thankfully received and will be faithfully applied.

We were very pleased to have WBro Stephen Watson of St Aidan Lodge No.6339 as guest Organist for the evening, his music greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the evening.


April 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. Bro. Ken Lee Stwd was acting JD.

† The WM requested that the Brethren stand to order with respect to departed merit of WBro Edward (Ted) Marshall PProvASuptWks (Honorary Lodge Member) who had died on the 12 April 2018 aged 103 years. WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB DC gave a short oration relating to WBro Marshall. †

The Secretary read the dispensation from Provincial Grand Lodge allowing us to meet this month on Wednesday 25 April instead of Tuesday 24th April 2018. This was due to a clash of meeting date at Mill House with a side degree Installation.

The main business of the evening was something different. The Lodge was opened in each of the Three Degrees with the Working Tools, Test Questions and Answers of that Degree being presented.

First Degree:

  • Working Tools presented by Bro John Hutchison, Stwd
  • Test Questions by WBro Paul Spann, Stwd
  • Answers by WBro Alan Fielder

Second Degree

  • Working Tools presented by Bro Ken Lee, Stwd
  • Test Questions by WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB
  • Answers by WBro Greg Casson PProvDepGReg

Third Degree

  • Working Tools presented by Bro Steven Thompson, IG
  • Test Questions by WBro Graham Grishakow PPovGStdB
  • Answers by WBro SFBC

The Lodge was then closed in each of the Three Degrees by Ritual involving the Worshipful Master and his Wardens.

Various notices of motion were put forward for consideration at the next Lodge meeting.

The Almoner gave his report. However, since the Charity Steward, WBro Barry Thompson is unable to fulfil his duties at the moment for various reasons, it was resolved that WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC would take over the duties as Charity Steward for the remainder of the Masonic Year. The District report was given by the Secretary. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 20 members and 3 visitors were present.

The Lodge was closed, and the Festive Board followed. The raffle was won by WBro Ian Haworth PProvJGD. The raffle raised £82 for Charity, which was thankfully received and will be faithfully applied.


May 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC was acting SW, WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB was acting JW and Bro ML was acting Tyler.

The Main business of the evening was the Raising of Bro Peter Chapman to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. We were also honoured by the presence of two Grand Lodge Officers, WBro Keith Beeston PJGD and WBro David Lightbown PAGDC (Past Chairman of the East Ribble District). Despite the uncomfortably high temperatures in the Lodge room, the Brethren present observed an outstanding ceremony by WBro Graham Grishakow PProvGStdB, assisted by WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC, Worshipful Master and officers of the Lodge. Brethren travelled from near and far, including West Lancs and Staffordshire, and all had nothing but praise for the ceremony, for the way in which Bro Chapman conducted himself and the impeccable way in which he answered the test questions leading to the Degree of a Master Mason. In recognition of his Raising, the WM presented Bro Chapman with a certificate celebrating this next step in Freemasonry, signed by the Worshipful Master, Secretary and Mentor. The working tools were presented by Bro Peter Moore, Charge by WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC, Traditional History by WBro Grishakow and Tracing Board by Bro Steve Thompson, all to a very high standard. Bro Chapman was conducted around the Lodge by his father-in-law WBro Greg Casson PProvDepGReg, who acted as Senior Deacon for the ceremony.

The Almoner gave his report. The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 20 members and 21 visitors were present. Again, we were very pleased to have WBro Stephen Watson of St Aidan Lodge No.6339 as guest Organist for the evening, his music greatly enhanced the enjoyment of the evening.

The Lodge was closed, and the festive board followed which was lively and most enjoyable, and a fitting way to lead in to the summer break.


June - July - August 2018:
The Lodge does not conduct any Masonic business during these months, and is in Summer recess.

Summer Recess

 


July 2018: During the closed session, WBro Alan Fielder took on the challenge to raise money for the ELMC and good causes by abseiling down Peel Tower overlooking Holcombe Village. Alan raised £600.00 in sponsorship for the event, a magnificent sum, and despite having had a knee replacement operation earlier in the year completed his task with honour, well-done Alan.   See how he got on.


September 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB DC also acted as Chaplain in the absence of WBro Ian Haworth PProvJGD.

WBro Donald Bright DC introduced WBro Dave McGurty PProvGSwdB, District Chairman to the Worshipful Master who welcomed him to the Lodge.

The main business of the evening was to receive a reading given by Bro John Hutchison (Stwd), taken from The Masonic Record magazine, November 1921, entitled "The Ideal Master". The Worshipful Master Thanked Bro Hutchison for his work and the Lodge showed their appreciation in the usual Masonic manner.

The Almoner gave his report and WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC gave the Charity Steward's report in the absence of WBro Barry Thompson. Bro Will Atkinson then gave a lengthy report as the Lodge Membership Officer, which drew comment from the District Chairman.

The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 21 members and 4 visitors were present.

The Lodge was then closed in due form and the Brethren retired to the Sparth House Hotel where 2 non-Masons joined us for the Festive Board.


October 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the Worshipful Master WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC.

The main business of the evening was to 'Pass' Bro Vincent Stephen Frain to the Degree of a Fellow-Craft. The ceremony was worked by the Worshipful Master. Bro Frain was escorted on his journey around the Lodge by Bro Peter Moore (SD) in a very efficient and calming manner. The SE Corner Address was given by Bro. Ken Lee (Stwd), the Working tools of the Degree were explained by Bro. Will Atkinson (JD), and the Charge after Passing was given by WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB (DC). All performed their work in a most excellent manner, with congratulations and praise from both the Provincial Officers and Visitors alike, for an excellent Candidate and a well worked ceremony.

The Almoner, WBro Derek H Smith PProvDepGDC gave his report and WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC gave the Charity Steward's report in the absence of WBro Barry Thompson. Bro Will Atkinson gave a report as the Lodge Membership Officer on recruitment and retention.

The minutes recorded apologies from members and some regular visitors, however, 17 members and 2 visitors were present to witness Bro Frain being Passed to the Degree of a Fellow-Craft.

The Lodge was then closed in due form, followed by the Festive Board.


November 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the IPM WBro Greg Casson PProvDepGReg in the absence of the Worshipful Master, WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC (Tyler) was acting IPM and WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting Tyler.

Two Brethren who had received promotion at the PGL meeting were acclaimed, they were WBro Russell Harwood promoted to PProvDepGDC and WBro Andy Shaw promoted to PProvSGD.

The main business of the evening was to receive an explanation of the Second-Degree Ceremony from the Education and Development Committee Demonstration Team, assisted by members of the Lodge. This was very enlightening with an active exchange of thoughts and ideas during the question and answer session. The WM thanked the E & D Team for their work and the Brethren showed their appreciation in the usual Masonic manner.

The Almoner, WBro Derek H Smith PProvDepGDC gave his report and WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC gave the Charity Steward's report in the absence of WBro Barry Thompson. In the absence of the District Representative, the Secretary report that there had been a meeting and the report would be circulated shortly. Bro Will Atkinson gave a brief report as the Lodge Membership Officer on recruitment and retention.

A letter of resignation had been received from Bro. Marcus Avci.

The minutes recorded apologies from members and some regular visitors, however, 17 members and 21 visitors were present, including the District Chairman WBro David McGurty PProvJGW, District Mentor WBro Bruce Pollard PProvSGD, District Treasurer WBro Ian Johnson PProvJGD, and the District Communications Officer WBro Steve Crowther PProvDepGDC, the E&D Team and a GLO from Bristol, guest of WBro Alan Fielder.

The Lodge was then closed in due form, followed by the Festive Board.


December 2018:

The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM, WBro Michael Rosney PProvAGDC. WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB was acting JW.

The main business of the evening was to elect the Worshipful Master and Treasurer for the ensuing year.

  • There being no other nominations Bro Ray Godwin was declared WME for 2019
  • There being no other nominations WBro Graham Grishakow PProvGStdB was declared Treasurer for 2019
  • As there were no other nominations the WM declared WBro D Bury, PProvGSuptWks and Bro W Atkinson to remain as the Accounts Examination Committee for 2019.
  • Bro Peter Moore (SD) proposed and Bro Will Atkinson (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.

The Almoner, WBro Derek H Smith PProvDepGDC gave his report. In the absence of the Charity Steward the CS report was deferred until the next meeting.

WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC, Almoner proposed and WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB seconded that the cost of the Widows Christmas Presents and their Christmas Meal be covered by the Lodge, the Brethren approved the proposition.

The Secretary, WBro Russell Harwood PProvDepGDC reported that he had received a letter of resignation from Bro John Hargreaves who had been finding it difficult to attend the Lodge for some time.

The minutes recorded apologies from members and some regular visitors, however, 21 members and 1 visitor were present.

The Lodge was then closed in due form. The WM wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Festive Board was held at the Sparth House Hotel where our Ladies and guest joined us for a Christmas Meal.

 


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