The Installation of Bro Kenneth Lee into the Chair of the Lodge.

Covid-19 restrictions were in place in respect that there would be no singing, no gloves to be worn, additional hand sanitiser available, minimal contact during the meeting, face masks/visors to be worn and a negative LFT result essential.

The IPM WBro Ray Godwin ProvGSwd opened the meeting in due form in the absence of the WM WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC who was taken ill about an hour before the start of the meeting (not Covid). Other apologies had also been received, so work had to be redistributed at very short notice. Congratulations and thank you to the Brethren who stood in at such short notice and to the DC for keeping calm and reorganising the work and ceremony wording accordingly.

A ballot was taken for Mr Ian Moore, a candidate for initiation, the ballot proved successful. Mr Moore will be initiated next month.

WBro John Anthony Griffin PSGD AProvGM was admitted accompanied with VWBro Derek Thornhill PSwdB PDepProvGM and other Grand Lodge Officers. Salutations were given and WBro Godwin offered the Gavel to the AProvGM who decline the invitation.

For the purpose of Installation, the WIM invited WBro Andy Shaw PProvSGD to occupy the SW's Chair, WBro D Smith PProvDepGDC to occupy the JW's chair, WBro Alan Fielder ProvAGStB to act as IG and WBro G Casson PProvGSwdB to remain as Tyler. The WIM then requested all Brethren below the rank of a FC to retire for a short time and the Lodge was opened in the 2nd Degree.

The main business of the meeting was to install Bro Kenneth Lee, SW, WME into the Chair of this old Lodge. WBro M Rosney ProvSGD, DC, presented Bro Lee, SW, WME to the WIM who explained the criteria of a Master and asked the necessary questions. Bro Lee affirmed his agreement to the Ancient Charges and Regulations before advanced to the pedestal to take his obligation. All Brethren below the rank of a MM retired for a short time and the Lodge was opened in the Third-Degree. Bro Lee was entrusted with the grip and password and then retired from the Lodge.

After all those below the rank of an Installed Master had retired from the Lodge, a Board of IM's was opened by ritual and the WME, Bro Lee was readmitted and was installed into the Chair of King Solomon by the WBro Godwin, who performed the Ceremony of Installation in an excellent manner. The WT of an IM were presented and explained in an excellent manner by WBro C Harris a past member of the Lodge, now the Secretary of Lodge St. Medans 1335 (SC). The Lodge was called off for a comfort break.

The Lodge was called on and WBro Rosney closed the B of IM by ritual. Work resumed in the various Degrees with:

• Bro Will Atkinson presented the WT's of a MM.
• Bro Will Atkinson presented the WT's of a FC.
• Bro Jason Fitzgerald presented the WT's of an EA.
• The Warrents, Book of Constitutions, By-Laws, Banners and Bible Fall were presented by WBro Ray Godwin

All performed their work in an excellent manner, to the usual high standard and with sincerity.

The WM was requested to appoint and invest his officers. Officers who were unable to attend the Installation will be invested at some future date.

The address to the WM as given by WBro Andy Shaw PProvSGD,(Stand-in), the address to the Wardens by WBro Dave McGurty JP PAGDC ProvJGW East Ribble District Chairman and the address to the Brethren by WBro John Anthony Griffin PSGD AProvGM.

Reports were received from the Almoner and CS

WBro John Anthony Griffin PSGD AProvGM presented WBro Lee WM with a commemorative certificate from the members of the Lodge. The WM then presented WBro Griffin with a £2,100 cheque from the Lodge for him to pass on to the Festival on our behalf and a cheque for £250 to the ELMC. WBro Griffin thanked the WM and Brethren for this most generous donation and congratulated the Lodge on the amount of donations they had made to Masonic and non-Masonic Charities.

The minutes recorded apologies from members, however, 29 visitors were present from Lodges in the Provinces of East Lancs, West Lancs and Galloway (Scotland). The North-West Chapter of the Widows Son's (Bikers) had come along to support Bro Lee who is also a member of the biking association. We are always very pleased to see WBro Chris Harris (a past member of the Lodge) visiting again from Scotland and participating in the Ritual of the Board of Installed Masters. WBro Harris had brought with him this year three Brethren from the Scottish Constitution one of whom was the ProvDC and ProvGM Elect for the Province of Galloway, WBro Andrew Mcllwraith.

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

† The Lodge stood to Order for one of our Lodge widows Mrs Jean Corbridge wife of the late WBro Eric Corbridge. Jean passed away in The Oaklands Care Home Burnley on Tuesday 11th January 2022. †

The Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer by the WM, Bro K Lee at 6:35pm.

WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB was acting SW and WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC was acting JW.

WBro R Harwood PProvGSwdB, Sec read the summons convening the meeting. The circulated minutes of the last regular meeting held on Tuesday 11th January 2022 were approved and signed by the WM and his Wardens.

The WM then invested WBro D Heskett PProvDepGDC with the collar and jewel of the IPM before presenting him with a Past Masters jewel from the Lodge and copies of the summonses from his two years as WM.

As the following officers were unable to attend the Installation meeting, they were then invested.

• WBro D Heskett as Charity Steward
• Bro P Moore as JD
• Bro P Chapman as Steward
• Bro P Farrow as Steward

WBro A Fielder ProvAGStB, Lodge Mentor and WBro G Grishakow PProvGStB, Treasurer retired to attend to the candidate.

The WM advised that the next business was to Initiate Mr Ian Moore. For the purpose of the ceremony, he invited WBro M Rosney PProvSGD, DC to occupy the Chair. There was a report, and the Mentor and Treasurer were readmitted. WBro Grishakow confirmed that the necessary paperwork had been signed and the required dues had been paid. Upon an alarm, the candidate, Mr Moore was admitted, and the ceremony conducted by WBro Rosney in an excellent manner, assisted by officers of the Lodge.

Bro P Moore JD conducted the candidate reassuringly, and Bro J Fitzgerald presented and explained the WTs with clarity. All concerned did an excellent job.

Bro P Moore delivered the Charge after Initiation from the S; the delivery was outstanding, given with clarity and sincerity. The test questions and answers were demonstrated by the WM and his Wardens. The WM welcomed Bro Moore into the Lodge before passing on his own personal congratulations. The WM then presented Bro Moore with his Lodge EA certificate before inviting him to take his seat in Lodge.

WBro Rosney gave notice of motion that at the next meeting he will propose Mr Jan Buchholc, a Design Engineer at JB Technical for membership of the Lodge.

Reports were received from the Almoner and Charity Stwd

WBro S Barton PAGDC gave greetings from UGLE commenting on the excellent way in which the ceremony was conducted and the way in which Bro Moore conducted himself.

WBro B Pollard ProvGTyler, gave greetings from Province, congratulating the WM and his team on an excellent ceremony and welcoming Bro Moore to a great Lodge.

Greetings from other Lodges were given by WBro A Taylor PProvJGW, WM of Limestone Rock No.369 and WBro P Spann of Internet Lodge No.9659. They were both complimentary of the way in which the ceremony had been conducted and welcomed Bro Moore into Freemasonry.

In AOB - WBro Smith asked the WM, WBro Rosney and Bro Moore to remain in the Lodge room after the meeting for the usual photos.

The Lodge was closed in due form and an excellent Festive Board followed.

Before the Lodge opened the Secretary read a notice concerning evacuation in case of the fire alarm sounding.

The Lodge was opened in due form by the WM, Bro K Lee.

WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB was acting SW and WBro G Grishakow PProvGStB, acted as Tyler for opening only.

WBro M Rosney PProvSGD, DC introduced the Worshipful Masters from Bank Terrace with King Oswald Lodge (462), Lodge of Remembrance (3787), and Prosperity Lodge (5206) as Masters of our Family of Lodges. All were welcomed by the WM before taking their seats in the SE corner of the Lodge.

WBro R Harwood PProvGSwdB, Sec read the summons convening the meeting. The circulated minutes of the last regular meeting held in February 2022 were approved and signed by the WM and his Wardens.

The WM then invested WBro Ray Godwin ProvGSwd with the collar and jewel of Tyler.

The main business of the evening was to Pass Bro Bogdan Manoliu to the degree of a Fellow Craft. Bro Manoliu answered the Test Questions of an EA in a most excellent manner and was entrusted with the credentials for re-entering the Lodge.

The Lodge was opened in the second-degree and for the purpose of the ceremony, he invited WBro Derek Smith PProvDepGDC, Almoner to occupy the Chair. Upon an alarm, Bro Manoliu was readmitted, and the ceremony was conducted by WBro Smith in an excellent manner, assisted by officers of the Lodge.

Bro P Moore JD conducted the candidate reassuringly for the Test queations and Answers in the first-degree, and WBro Alan Fielder ProvAGStdB conducted the candidate in the second-degree, all concerned did an excellent job.

WBro Fielder gave the address to the South-east corner in an excellent manner and the WM Ken Lee explained the extended version of the Working Tools of the degree also in an excellent manner.

Bro Manoliu retired from the Lodge to restore himself to his own personal comforts. WBro Smith invited the WM to reoccupy his Chair.

On the readmission of Bro Manoliu, WBro Donald Bright PProvGSwdB, acting SW, delivered the Charge after Passing from the W; the delivery was in Donald's usual exemplary manner. The test questions and answers of a Fellow Craft were demonstrated by the WM and his Wardens.

The WM offered his own personal congratulations and presented Bro Manoliu with his Lodge FC certificate before inviting him to take his seat in Lodge.

Other business of the evening was conducted.

Reports were received from the Almoner and Charity Stwd

WBro B Pollard ProvGTyler, gave greetings from Province, congratulating the WM and his team on an excellent ceremony, making reference to WBro Fielder and his Deaconning of his candidate. He congratulated Bro Manoliu on being Passed to the second degree and added that he is looking forward to his third.

Greetings were given on behalf of all the visitors by WBro D Holmes PProvSGD, WM of Remembrance Lodge No.3787. He commented on the many Lodges spawned from the Lodge of Amity over more than 230 years. He congratulated Bro Manoliu on his progress in Freemasonry.

The Lodge was closed in due form and an excellent Festive Board followed.

Celebrating 50 Years in Freemasonry
WBro Derek Henry Smith PProvDepGDC

The Lodge was opened in due form at 6:37pm by the Worshipful Master Bro Ken Lee.
WBro Andy Shaw PProvSGD was acting IG.

WBro R Harwood PProvGSwdB, Sec read the summons convening the meeting. The circulated minutes of the last regular meeting held in March 2022 were approved and signed by the WM and his Wardens.

Several items of business were conducted, including four propositions and one notice of motion, details of which are listed in the Minutes of the Meeting.

A ballot was taken for Mr Jan Buchholc to be initiated into Freemasonry and this Lodge; the ballot proved in favour of the candidate.

Reports were received from the Almoner and Charity Stwd.

Accounts and Finance was dealt with, and correspondence was received.

WBro A Kirwilliam PSGD AProvGM accompanied by Officers of United Grand Lodge and a District Delegation were admitted. WBro Kirwilliam was presented to the WM who offered him the Gavel which he accepted with pleasure, and he then took the Chair of the Lodge.

Salutations were given to WBro Kirwilliam PSGD AProvGM accompanied by VWBro Derek Thornhill PGSwdB PProvDepGM

The main business of the evening was then conducted, the celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry for WBro Derek Smith.

The AProvGM invited Derek to recall how he came to join Freemasonry and his memories of the night of his initiation. The AProvGM thanked Derek for his recollections and invited WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB to give a very personal and appropriate tribute to his best friend of Half a Century. This much appreciated testimonial set the happy and positive tone for the evening, continued by the APGM's recollection of what life was like in 1970. The AProvGM then presented WBro Smith with an illuminated certificate from the past RWProvGM Sir David Trippier and a letter from the new RWProvGM Robert Ian Frankl. The ProvDepGDC then escorted WBro Smith around the Lodge to the acclaim of the Brethren, before being seated to the right of the AProvGM.

WBro D McGurty ProvJGW PAGDC, District Chairman then re-presented the 50th lapel pin and gifted a fine Cognac in appreciation of a "special man" and his contribution to Freemasonry, evident from the tremendous support at his celebration.

Alms were collected and raised £237.50.
The WM presented the AProvGM with a cheque for the ELMC for £283, the number of the Lodge.

The WM reoccupied the Chair and the AProvGM and delegation retired from the Lodge to rapturous applause. On this occasion the AProvGM was accompanied by WBro Smith.

Other business remaining on the Summons was quickly conducted and the Lodge was closed at 8:02pm and the Brethren retired to the Festive Board after the usual photographs in the Lodge Room.

Fraternal visit to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Galloway

Further to the invitation extended to the Lodge at our Installation meeting in January.
Six members of the Lodge travelled to Scotland on 30 April 2022 to witness Installation of Brother Andrew McILWRAITH as the Provincial Grand Master of Galloway, Scotland.

From the reports and photos of the event it seems that our members had a very enjoyable and rewarding visit.

The hospitality of our Scottish Brethren was second to none with the Bar tab and meals being taken care of.

The Initiation of
Bro Gary Howell

Monday 13 June 2022 was an emergency meeting to Initiate Mr Gary Howell into Freemasonry and the Lodge.

Greetings were given to WBro Alan Kirwilliam PSGD AProvGM, who responded by wishing the WM and Brethren well. The WM offered WBro Kirwilliam the gavel, who accepted then politely return it to him, adding that he had his own presentation to make. WBro Kirwilliam then presented the WM and Brethren of the Lodge with a maul attached to which is a small brass plate engraved with the following, "Presented to the Lodge of Amity and Rossendale Forest No.283 Grand Patrons of the East Lancashire 2026 Festival". WBro Kirwilliam congratulated the Lodge on becoming a Grand Patron of the Festival by donating at least £4,500. He went on to say that he had recently checked the figures, and although it may be slightly out of date, the Lodge and members had donated £10,800 or possibly more, probably one of the highest contributions in the Province. The maul is one of only four awarded in Province so far with two of these now belonging to Lodges in the East Ribble District. The Brethren marked the presentation with warm applause.

WBro R Harwood PProvGSwdB, Sec then confirmed the dispensation to hold this emergency meeting.

The Sec read the summons convening the meeting.

The WM advised that the next business was to Initiate Mr Gary Lee Howell.

WBro A Fielder ProvAGStB, Lodge Mentor and WBro Harwood, Sec retired to attend to the candidate.

There was a report and the Mentor and Secretary were readmitted. WBro Harwood confirmed that the necessary paperwork had been signed and the required dues paid. Upon an alarm, the candidate, Mr Howell was admitted, and the ceremony conducted by the WM in an excellent manner, assisted by officers of the Lodge.

Bro P Moore, JD conducted the candidate, Bro J Fitzgerald, IG presented and explained the WTs and WBro Fielder the NE Corner. The WM advised Bro Howell of the authority by which we act and presented him with the Book of Constitutions, Lodge By-laws and Guidance for members of the Craft booklet, before asking him to retire to restore himself to his personal comfort. All carried out their parts in an outstanding manner.

There was a report and Bro Howell was readmitted and conducted to the centre of the Lodge. WBro S Rayton PProvGSwdB, JW delivered the Charge after Initiation from the South in an excellent manner. The test questions and answers were then demonstrated by the WM and his Wardens. The WM welcomed Bro Howell into the Lodge and presented his Lodge EA certificate, before inviting him to take his seat in Lodge.

WBro Dave McGurty ProvJGW PAGDC, District Chairman gave greetings from UGLE. He congratulated the WM and those involved in the work of the evening on the way in which it was conducted. He congratulated Bro Howell on joining an excellent Lodge where he is confident that he will receive the help and support required.

WBro Alan Kirwilliam PSGD AProvGM gave greetings from PGLEL. He thanked WBro Harwood personally for everything he had taken on so far for the District and added that he would offer his support (if still around) when he decided the time was right to take something on again. He welcomed Bro Howell to Freemasonry and congratulated the WM and officers on a terrific ceremony.

Greetings on behalf of all visiting Lodges were given by Bro Scott Miller, the WM of Bank Terrace with King Oswald Lodge. He congratulated the WM and officers on the excellent ceremony and welcomed Bro Howell into Freemasonry.

The Lodge was closed, and photographs taken. The Brethren then retired to the Bar and Festive Board.

The Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer by the WM, Bro K Lee at 6:35pm after which the Brethren sang the opening hymn.

† The WM requested the Brethren to stand to order in respect of departed merit for WBro Kenneth Rothwell PProvJGD who passed away on the 14th June 2022. †

† WBro R Godwin ProvGStwd, Tyler read a tribute to Bro Gabriel Bullock, a past member who gave his life in the great war. The Brethren then stood to order in respect of departed merit. †

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

WBro Grishakow PProvGStB, Treasurer, advised that there were no extraordinary expenses for approval; and that he would attend to the cost of the evening's meal shortly

There was a report and WBro Andrew David Taylor acting ProvDepGDC was admitted, he informed the WM that WBro Alan Kirwilliam AProvGM PSGD was in attendance without, accompanied by a District delegation and he demanded admission. The WM confirmed that we would be pleased to receive him. With the assistance of the Lodge Deacons and DC the AProvGM and delegation were admitted. The AProvGM was introduced to the WM, who offered him the gavel. On this occasion WBro Kirwilliam accepted the gavel and presided over the celebrations.

Salutations were given to WBro Kirwilliam PSGD AProvGM.

The main business of the evening was then conducted, the celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry for WBro Dennis Heskett.

The AProvGM requested that WBro Heskett be placed in the centre of the Lodge room before inviting the Lodge Secretary to read the minutes from the celebrants Initiation. The AProvGM then invited WBro Stuart Rayton PProvGSwdB to present a tribute, the tribute written by WBro Rayton, with the assistance of notes from WBro Heskett's brother was well received and prompted rapturous applause from those present. The APGM continued with recollections of what life was like in 1970, he then presented WBro Heskett with an illuminated certificate from the past RWProvGM Sir David Trippier and a letter from the new RWProvGM Robert Ian Frankl. The ProvDepGDC then escorted WBro Heskett around the Lodge to the acclaim of the Brethren, before being seated to the right of the AProvGM.

WBro D McGurty ProvJGW PAGDC, District Chairman then re-presented the 50th lapel pin and gifted a very fitting bottle of Hendrick's Lunar Gin in appreciation of his work on the District team and in the Northern Area, and his contribution to Freemasonry in general, evident from the tremendous support at his celebration.

Alms were collected and raised £256.50.

The WM presented the AProvGM with a cheque for the ELMC for £283, the number of the Lodge.WBro Kirwilliam thanked the brethren of the Lodge for their donation. WBro Casson was heard to comment "it's a good job we didn't keep Rossendale Forest's number 4138".

The WM reoccupied the Chair and the AProvGM and delegation retired from the Lodge to rapturous applause. On this occasion the AProvGM was accompanied by WBro Heskett.

Other business remaining on the Summons was quickly conducted and the Lodge was closed at 7:55pm and the Brethren retired to the Festive Board after the usual photographs in the Lodge Room.

The Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer by the WM, Bro K Lee.
WBro I Haworth PProvJGD acted as IPM and WBro G Grishakow PProvGStB acted as Tyler.

The Brethren stood to order in respect of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on the 8th September 2022.

The main business of the evening was to Pass Bro Ian Moore to the 2nd Degree. The WM asked all Brethren below the rank of a FC to retire for a short time and on this occasion WBro D Smith PProvDepGDC accompanied them.
The test questions were then put to Bro Moore and the WM entrusted Bro Moore with the passing grip and password before he retired for preparation by the Tyler.

The Lodge was opened in the 2nd Degree. Bro Moore was admitted on an Alarm and Passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft in an excellent manner by the WM. WBro A Fielder ProvAGStB, SD Deaconed Bro Moore with confidence and reassured him throughout. WBro Fielder also gave the address to the SE corner and WBro Harwood presented the long version of the WT's in a most excellent manner. Bro Moore was re-admitted and the WM delivered the Charge after Passing. The test questions and answers were demonstrated by the WM and his Wardens. The WM then congratulated Bro Moore, presented his Certificate of Passing and invited him to occupy his rightful place in the Lodge.

All officers who took part, worked the ceremony extremely well. The Lodge was closed in the 2nd Degree by virtue, work resumed in the 1st Degree and the EA's and WBro Smith were readmitted.

Two Notices of Motion were given; one for a re-joining member and the other for a joining member.

Other Lodge business was transacted and the Lodge was close in Peace and Harmony at 7:58pm. After the photographs the Brethren retired to the festive board.

The Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer by the WM, Bro K Lee.
WBro Ray Godwin ProvGStwd acted as SW, WBro Dennis Heskett PProvDepGDC acted as Chaplain, WBro I Haworth PProvJGD acted as IG and WBro G Casson PProvGSwdB acted as Tyler.

† The WM requested all to stand in respect of one of the Lodge widows, Mrs Irene Smith who passed away on Sunday the 30th of October. †

The main business of the evening was to Raise Bro Bogdan Manoliu to the 3rd Degree. The WM asked all Brethren below the rank of a FC to retire for a short time, the Lodge was opened in the 2nd degree. All below the rank of a MM were asked to retire for a short time with the exception of Bro Manoliu. The test questions were then put to Bro Manoliu and the WM entrusted him with the passing grip and password before he retired for preparation by the Tyler.

The Lodge was opened in the 3rd Degree. The WM then invited WBro G Grishakow to occupy the Master's Chair. Bro Manoliu was admitted on an Alarm and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in an excellent manner by WBro Grishakow. WBro A Fielder ProvAGStB, SD Deaconed Bro Manoliu with confidence and reassured him throughout. The WM gave the charge after raising and Bro Peter Moore presented the WT's in a most excellent manner.

Bro Manoliu retired to restore himself to his own personal comforts and on re-admission received the Traditional History and TB from WBro Grishakow. The test questions and answers of a Master Mason were demonstrated by the WM and his Wardens. The WM then congratulated Bro Manoliu and presented him with his Certificate of Raising, WBro Grishakow offered his own congratulations and invited him to occupy his rightful place in the Lodge. All officers who took part, worked the ceremony extremely well.

The WM re-occupied the Master's Chair and the Lodge was closed in the 3rd Degree by virtue and work resumed in the 2nd Degree, all FCs were readmitted. The Lodge was closed in the 2nd Degree by virtue and work resumed in the 1st Degree, all EAs were readmitted.

After all the other Lodge business had been transacted. WBro McGurty made a presentation of a glass decanter and a bottle of Gin to WBro Heskett for his past work as a District Officer and flowers for Mrs Heskett for allowing him to do it. 😄 😄

The Lodge was close in Peace and Harmony and after the photographs the Brethren retired to the festive board.