The new tie for the Province “sold like hot cakes” when it went on sale for the first time at the meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter.

The “Provincial Office” in the Guildhall was kept busy as Royal Arch members took the first opportunity to buy and wear the tie. The tie has a black background, maroon and pale blue stripes (to represent Craft and Chapter colours) a red rose and the square and compasses in gold. It was designed by Les Ashcroft, a member of the True Light Lodge of Friendship No 2963.

The tie was on sale in two versions, a polyester costing £9 and a silk one at £15.

Purchasers were all given guidance on when the tie can be worn. It may be worn at any meeting of a Lodge or Chapter within the Province of West Lancashire and at the meetings of Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter of West Lancashire.

The tie may be worn in public but must not be worn at any Masonic meeting outside the Province of West Lancashire. The tie must not be worn at meetings of Grand Lodge or Supreme Grand Chapter.

The tie will be on sale again at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Blackpool on May 12. Arrangements are being made for Groups throughout the Province to order supplies of the tie for their members.
Profits from the sale of the tie will be in support of the 2010 Festival and afterwards, to the New Samaritan Fund.