|
The
making of a Lewis
In a remarkable ceremony held by Hale Lodge of Fellowship No 3799, Neil Pedder
had the proud experience of initiating his son Mark into Freemasonry, thereby making him a Lewis. The term Lewis is used for
a device that helps in the lifting of large stones and in the first degree is used as a symbol of strength. By extending this
symbolic allusion still further, the son of a Mason in England is called a Lewis because, ‘it is his duty to support
the sinking powers of his parents that the rest of their lives may be peaceful and happy.’
After all the
opening business had been transacted, Robert Fleetwood, (Master of the lodge), invited Neil to occupy the Chair of King Solomon
for the next part of the proceedings. The treasurer of the lodge, Gary Turner, then entered the lodge and made an announcement
to Neil saying, “I confirm that the candidate has signed the Declaration Book and you have paid his fees.”
The candidate was then formally announced and Mark entered the lodge to begin his journey into Freemasonry. He was
ably conducted throughout the ceremony by John Prince, who Mark said later, “John put me at ease and gave me confidence
in what to do and say.”
Neil performed a flawless ceremony, assisted in part be Les McGuirk, Brian Horabin
who presented the tools of the degree and Mark Hale-Fergusson who delivered the charge. Les, Brian and Mark also performed
their roles in an excellent manner.
At the conclusion of his initiation, Mark said, “I found the ceremony
very interesting and it has given me a lot to think about. The first part was a bit disorientating, it was like being in a
maze, but with John at my side I felt reassured. I have been looking forward to this night for many years and now I want to
get more involved and look forward to the years ahead.”
During the festive board which followed the ceremony,
at which everybody enjoyed an excellent meal, David Redhead, (Widnes group chairman), welcomed Mark into the lodge and explained
that he is not only a member of Hale Lodge of Fellowship but also a member of a world wide fraternity. David then presented
Mark with a welcome pack containing information about the first degree, the Widnes Group and other useful information.
 Mark
being congratulated by Neil after the ceremony.
First
WM proclaimed in Widnes
The installation
meeting of Hale Lodge of Fellowship No 3799 became a little more of a special event due to a twist of fate as it became the
first outing to an installation for their honoured guest, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Ian Boswell. Ian was accompanied
by Widnes Group Chairman David Redhead.
It was
also the first time that Ian had witnessed a ceremony in which the WM is proclaimed and the first time the ceremony had been
performed in Widnes. Hale Lodge of Fellowship set the standards for installation meetings when the Master is to be proclaimed
as he is continuing for a second consecutive year.
Robert Fleetwood was well and truly proclaimed as WM for a second year by Neil Pedder, the Director of Ceremonies of the lodge,
who was word perfect. Robert, who was initiated in 2006, now has a very busy year ahead with the possibility of five first
degree and one second degree ceremonies. He said, “I am really looking forward to all the challenges of the coming year
and I know that if I should need help the members of the lodge will not let me down. Masonry is important to me and I am enjoying
it”.
Charitable donations distributed on the night by Robert
on behalf of the lodge amounted to the magnificent sum of £800. He presented a cheque for £250 to Ian for the
West Lancs Freemasons Charity; £100 went to Hale Lodge of Fellowship Centenary Fund, £250 went to Widnes Masonic
Hall and £250 went to The Alder Centre, an organisation that is close to Robert’s heart that gives counselling
and support to anyone affected by the death of a child.
 Pictured
left to right; Ian Boswell and Robert Fleetwood.
22nd
Lord of Kerry Initiated at Widnes.
Damien McGillicuddy, a 40 year old master photographer and the 22nd Lord of Kerry was initiated into Freemasonry during the
November meeting of Hale Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799 by the Master of the Lodge, Robert Fleetwood. Damien had been looking
forward to this night for some time and was not disappointed in any way, he enjoyed the ceremony and found it hugely
exciting. The initiation ceremony was excellently performed by Robert Fleetwood and his team and was thoroughly enjoyed by
the Lodge members and visitors alike, some of whom had travelled from Scotland to witness the occasion.
Originally
from Widnes and now living in Warrington, Damien is a renowned photographer who has picked up a great number of awards throughout
his 24 year career including five UK Master Photography of the Year Awards. He has been a keen boxer and now enjoys shooting
as a hobby. Damien inherited the title, Lord of Kerry, from his great great uncle in 1999.
The festive board was
another first time experience for Damien which he enjoyed immensely. Following a presentation by David Redhead, the Widnes
Group Chairman, to Damien, of an initiate’s information pack and a toast to his health Damien replied by saying, “I
was humbled by the effort which was put into the ceremony”. He gave a special thanks to Alan Carter for the manner in
which he looked after him during the ceremony. Damien is now looking forward to a steady and progressive Masonic career.
 Pictured on the left, Damien McGillicuddy with
Robert Fleetwood, Master of Hale Lodge of Fellowship.
Hale
Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799 Installation
The installation of Bro. Robert Fleetwood into the Masters Chair
took place at the September meeting of Hale Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799, the installing master was W.Bro. Mark Hale-Furgusson,
Robert’s uncle. To mark this nostalgic occasion, the Lodge was extremely honoured and privileged to have Jonathan Clipsham,
Assistant Provincial Grand Master, present on his first visit to the Widnes Group of Lodges since taking his new office.
Robert was installed into the Masters Chair in what can only by described as a spectacular ceremony carried out by his uncle
Mark. Congratulations must also go to all the other Officers who took part, they did a magnificent job. Robert also performed
well in installing the IPM, Alan Daniels, who has now been Master of a Lodge four times, and all his officers. This is the
first time Robert has been a Master of a Lodge and this makes him the first Master of Hale Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799 who
has not been a Master previously since the Lodge was formed in 2007 by the amalgamation of The Lodge of Fellowship No. 3799
and Hale Lodge No. 8813.
At the end of the proceedings the IPM, Alan Daniels had a very pleasant duty to perform in
presenting cheques to the Lodge’s nominated recipients. A cheque for £100 was presented to Jonathan Clipsham for
the West Lancs. Charities Fund. Gary Turner was presented with a £200 cheque for Widnes Masonic Hall Ltd and a cheque
for £100 is to go to Warrington and Widnes Blind Society, a charity which Alan and his Wife Beryl are heavily involved
with running the Widnes Branch.
The coming year is going to be busy for Robert and he said that he is looking forward
to the challenges it will bring. He has an initiation coming up in November to start him off, followed by the subsequent ceremonies
and a possible second initiation at some point as the Lodge has another new candidate.
 Pictured
left to right are; Jonathan Clipsham, and Robert Fleetwood.
######################################################
Alan Daniels Celebrates his Golden Jubilee
To
mark the occasion of Alan’s achievement of 50 years as a Freemason, Hale Lodge of Fellowship 3799 held a celebration
meeting and were honoured to have Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Dennis Rudd present to mark the Province’s official
recognition of Alan’s service.
Pictured are (L to R) David Redhead, Group Chairman;
Alan Daniels; Denis Rudd, Asst Provincial Grand Master
Alan
was born in 1934 and was educated at Farnworth C of E school before moving to Wade Deacon Grammar School, where he studied
from 1946 to 1951. Whilst at school he was a keen rugby union player, playing at scrum half. He continued his rugby playing
after leaving school and succeeded in playing for Widnes Rugby Club, I.C.I. Widnes and finally the Army. He entered the field of banking in 1951 with Barclays, where he continued
for the next 38 years, finally retiring as Manager at the Liverpool University branch in 1989. His career in banking was interrupted
for two years in 1952 when he completed his National Service with the Royal Artillery. In 1957 he married his wife, Beryl and this was to lead to a long and distinguished service
in Freemasonry. His father in law, William (Bill) Baynham,
was a member of Lodge of Fellowship 3799 and proposed Alan as a member. He was initiated on 2 June 1959. He was seconded by
William (Bill) Hill. In April 1963 he became the first joining member of the new Kingsway Lodge 7870. He would have been a
founding member of this Lodge but, as he did not become a Master Mason until later in the year, he was unable to do so. He progressed through every office in both Lodges becoming Master of Kingsway
Lodge in 1973 and Master of Lodge of Fellowship in 1975. Whilst in Kingsway Lodge he served as Social Secretary and Lodge
Secretary. In Lodge of Fellowship he was the Treasurer until 2005 when he became Master in its final year, before amalgamating
with Hale Lodge 8813 into the Hale Lodge of Fellowship 3799. Alan is the current master of this Lodge. Alan did not confine his Masonry to Lodges but was also an active member
in Widnes Chapter 2819, which he joined in September 1963. He has been the Chapter Treasurer for the past 46 years and continues
to hold this office. He was a founder member of Kingsway Chapter 7870 when it was consecrated in September 1969 becoming Master
in 1976. He is still a regular attendee of all his Lodges and Chapters and practises all the degrees of which he is a member. His service to Masonry was first recognised in 1983 when he received his
first Provincial Honour. He was appointed Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and in 1992 was promoted to Past Provincial
Junior Grand Warden. His service to Lodge Chapters was also recognised in 1992, when he was appointed Past Provincial Grand
Scribe Nehemiah. In 1995 Alan became Assistant General Manager of Widnes Masonic Hall, which he held for three years, becoming
General Manager on the death of Gordon Lockett. He held this position for a further 8 years. Alan has two children, David and Dinah, and four grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater
pleasure than in 2004 when his son, David, became a member of Fidelity Lodge 289 in Leeds. He enjoys visiting this Lodge and
hopes to continue to do so for many years. Alan has given so much to Freemasonry over the past 50 years and, as we all know,
this could not have been possible without the support of his wife, Beryl.
|
