The members of the Lodge of Sincerity No 292 were the proud hosts for the celebration of 50 years in Freemasonry of Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Keith McCormick which was held in the Corinthian Temple at the Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street.

The Provincial Grand Master Peter Hosker accepted the gavel from Sincerity Lodge Master, Glyn Pine and after short introduction proceeded to his tribute to David. Peter drew the analogy of the patchwork coat of many colours to illustrate David’s lifetime of achievements and many diverse interests personally, professionally and Masonically, a life full of richness, service, caring and sharing.

David was born in 1936 in Walton and began his education under the shadow of the ‘School of Science’, Goodison Park, at Gwladys Street primary school. As well as this being the start of his education he also became a life-long fan of Everton football club. Surviving the blitz of 1941, David obtained a scholarship to the Liverpool Institute Boys Grammar School. An obvious scholar, David considered a career in medicine but on being advised to study Classics decided to pursue a career in the law.

Leaving school at 17, David trained with a firm of solicitors in Liverpool city centre and qualified as a solicitor in 1959. Soon thereafter he was obliged to report for National Service but fortunately he was accepted for service with a small unit with the Army Legal Services which dealt with any legal problems experienced by soldiers outside the military law. This resulted in regular hours and no uniform. London-based, he also saw some service overseas, namely four months in Kenya, seconded to a unit there. David developed an interest in court work generally, and on leaving the army found the right opening in Eccles, where he remained ever since engaged in court work, civil and criminal, and prosecuting for the RSPCA. A rewarding life and career in the law, spanning a period of over 50 years. There are very few Solicitors who can claim such a magnificent period of legal service, and with the same firm.

In his personal life, David met his wife Marjorie at a dance at Teacher Training College in Scarisbrick in 1957. They married in 1962 which means they will have a golden wedding to celebrate next year. They were blessed with two daughters both of whom have achieved great success in the world of the law. One is a barrister married to a solicitor and the other is an Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary married to a senior police officer. David and Marjorie also very much enjoy seeing their grandchildren.

Both David and Marjorie are very involved in the local Methodist church. She is the musical director, training the choir and being the deputy organist. David is a steward and chairman of the property and finance committees. Both have given splendid service over many years to Rotary and to Inner Wheel. David is the Founder President of the Worsley Rotary Club and Marjorie is the Founder Chairperson of the Inner Wheel Club. Rotary has the motto of ‘Service above Self’, and that sums up so much of what David has undertaken and achieved. As a couple, David and Marjorie take part and played in the local tennis league, although David’s role is now an administrative one.

David has had an unparalleled Masonic career. He was initiated into his father’s lodge, Lodge of Sincerity No 292 on 16 October 1961, when his uncle was the Junior Deacon and as Senior Deacon escorted David during his passing and raising. During his progression through lodge offices David is particularly proud that he held the officer of Junior Warden whilst his father held the office of Senior Warden in Lodge of Sincerity. His only regret is that his father passed away four months before David was invested as Master in 1972. David is the Immediate Past Master of Egerton Lodge No 2216 in the Eccles Group, founder and Past Master of Border Lodge of Installed Masters No 9274, also in the Eccles Group, and an honorary member and Past Master of Arthur Sullivan Lodge No 2156 in the Province of East Lancashire.

In May 1982, 10 years after taking the chair in Sincerity, he was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Registrar. In May 1986 he was invested as Provincial Junior Grand Warden and enjoyed a very busy year with the Senior Warden, Stan Holker with whom he remained a close friend.

One of David’s significant achievements related to the Bootle Group and the Bootle Masonic Hall. In the late 1980?s, he was appointed Bootle Group vice-chairman for two years and thereafter as group chairman. He worked with Assistant Provincial Grand Master Jim Irvine and the hall chairman Mike Kinsella to sort out the financial and other problems of the Bootle Masonic Hall. David’s actions were very successful and he had seven outstanding years in the Bootle Group from 1988 to 1995, a Group that he described as second to none.

In 1995 he was appointed an Assistant Provincial Grand Master with responsibility for the Bootle Group and the 4th and 5th Liverpool Groups. Following a reorganisation in the late 1990s by the then Provincial Grand Master Colin Penty Wright, he retained the Bootle group for the next 10 years and had the pleasure of taking responsibility for the Garston group. He served as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for a total of 13 years.

David was appointed Past Assistant Grand Registrar in 1990 and promoted to Past Senior Grand Deacon in 1996.

In 1998, he was appointed Chairman of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity Fund and later became a member of the steering committee which brought together all the charities in the Province. Upon the inauguration of the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity in 2008, he was appointed to be a trustee of the charity and became the elected chairman. He retired as chairman earlier this year having completed the regulation three years. He is also involved with the national charities and he represents the West Lancashire, East Lancashire and Isle of Man Provinces on the Freemasons’ Grand Charity. He is currently the chairman of the Non-Masonic Grants Committee.

David was exalted into Bootle Chapter No 1473 in 1970, and became its First Principal in 1981. He was a founder of Silver Jubilee Chapter of First Principals No 8818 in 1994.  In the Royal Arch he was appointed to Past Grand Standard Bearer in 1990 and promoted to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner in 2000.

He is also a member of several side degrees in which he holds senior rank.

Glyn Pine congratulates David McCormick. 

The Provincial Grand Master concluded by saying: “David Keith McCormick is a very special person. I have said on many occasions that Freemasonry will be judged by the kind of life we lead. As we have heard, David has led an exemplary life of caring and sharing and of giving service both at work and in his community. He is a devoted family man, being much loved and loving. And in Freemasonry his contribution has been exceptional. David, I salute you as a man and a Mason.” The brethren assembled burst into spontaneous applause.

Peter then commanded the Liverpool Group Chairman, David Hawkes to read out the 50 years Certificate which he had issued and then presented it to the celebrant. In response David thanked the Provincial Grand Master and said that it felt odd to be on the receiving end of a celebration when he had conducted at least 120 such celebrations himself over the years! He thanked everyone present and stated that he had been made to feel very special.

Peter returned the gavel to the Glyn, who then presented two cheques to Peter totalling £500 to be donated to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity in honour of David. Peter replied with thanks and said that the donation was gratefully received and would be faithfully applied.

The assembly then stood as David, accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master at the head of the magnificent procession of Grand and acting Provincial Grand Officers, processed from the lodge at the conclusion of a stirring tribute and celebration.

A sumptuous festive board held in the main dining room at Hope Street completed a wonderful evening. Glyn presented David with the gift of an adventure weekend featuring his choice of any of 65 different activities, on behalf of the brethren of Lodge of Sincerity.

Some of the many Grand Officers present at the celebration with David McCormick. 

After the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting Peter Hosker congratulated Fred (Freddy) Wright on his appointment to PrJGW in the Province of the Isle of Man.

Peter Hosker congratulates Freddy Wright on his recent promotion in in the Isle of Man to Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

Little did Freddy know that in his speech at the festive board Peter would highlight the work Freddy does for the brethren on the Isle on Man.

Peter addressed more than 400 brethren after the meal at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool. He said: “In 2008, when I became PrGM, I expressed my three important aims for the future: first to share more widely our mission of being good citizens by practising the highest moral and social standards of friendship, charity and integrity; secondly to extend our ever growing support for those less fortunate than ourselves and thirdly to give even greater service in and for our communities.

Those who are involved with our care structure, our charity structure, and the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, have achieved so much for charity and for those less fortunate than ourselves and I pay tribute to their considerable endeavours. Today, we have launched ‘Freemasonry Cares’, adding an extra dimension to our work. With the launch of Freemasonry Cares, there is now a centralised point of contact covering both the WLFC and the four national charities, representing an important step in raising awareness of the help available to Freemasons and their dependants and making it easier to access that help.

There is one very recent story which epitomises how Freemasonry Cares. I am sure that many of you will have read the report on our website in respect of our own Freddy Wright, but it is worth repeating. For many years, Fred has helped to look after the brethren of the Isle of Man when they need to come across here for cancer treatment to Clatterbridge Hospital and heart treatment at Broadgreen Hospital.

The Almoner of the IOM Alex Downey regularly contacts Freddy when one of the Brethren on the island is due over for treatment. Freddy is the welcoming smile that is always there to greet them and attend to the needs of the patient and his or her spouse, particularly in making sure that they are transported to and from hospital and if necessary in finding accommodation for their respective spouse.

I should add that Freddy is supported in this work by George Skarratts and Arend van Duyvenbode. Freddy is now a member of an IOM lodge and at the IOM PrGL meeting held at the end of September, the 125th  anniversary meeting, Keith Dalrymple (Provincial Grand Master for the Province of the Isle of Man) appointed and invested Freddy to the rank of PPrJGW, whereupon the whole of PrGL rose and gave him an immediate and unique standing ovation. What an honour for Freddy and for the Province of West Lancashire.

I am proud to be the PrGM of West Lancashire. a Province that is justly proud of its charity and care and long may that continue.”

Following his speech there was loud acclamation by the brethren in response to Peter’s speech.

The following day Freddy said: “After the standing ovation I received at PrGL in the Isle of Man I never thought I would be so overwhelmed by the very mind words of Peter Hosker and the many brethren who came to me offering help and support in the work for the brethren and their families on the IOM.”

In an emotional evening, at the Bootle group, Bro Stanley Herbert Edwards, Worshipful Master (WM) of “The Old Grammarian lodge of Waterloo No 6776” celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry. After placing Stan in front of him in the lodge room, Bro. Howard Jones Assistant Provincial Grand Master proceeded to give a brief history of Stan’s life and Masonic career.

July 1934 was a significant month for arrivals in Liverpool. On the 18^th King George V and Queen Mary arrived to open the Queensway Tunnel, marking the completion of a construction project that had begun in December 1925. It had provided employment for 1700 men during a period of depression. It is estimated that over 200,000 people were in the area for the ceremony. Just five days later on 23^rd July the 200,000 were down to just two, May Edwards and the Midwife, when Stanley Herbert Edwards was born at home in Kirkdale.

Stan’s sister Beryl arrived five years later and it is worth mentioning that she is now a Grand Officer in her organisation.

On leaving school in 1950 Stan joined Harland and Wolff as a coppersmith but quickly transferred to Automatic Telephone and Electric Company in Edge Lane as an apprentice Instrument Maker. During the next five years he attended night school obtaining first his Ordinary National Certificate and then the Higher National Certificate which enabled him to become a Graduate of Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

National service beckoned and Stan wanted to go into the Royal Navy so after taking a test he became an Electrical Artificer 4^th class at HMS Heron in Yeovil. He soon worked out that it was easier to play sport for the Navy than be on duty As for seeing the world he had one day out on a frigate and another in a submarine but he did travel back to Merseyside at weekends with Les Botham, father of Ian.

In January 1958 as he left the Navy. After the Navy he returned to A T & E as a telecoms design engineer and they merged with Plessey in 1961.

In 1967 he went into partnership servicing and selling electronic equipment, but after two years it was apparent that it would not work so he returned to Plessey in Towcester as Chief Planning engineer. Two years later they sent him to Malta as Production Manager for a new factory manufacturing Computer memory. Making the memory components required excellent eyesight steady and dextrous hands. It was therefore necessary for Stan to employ 800 young ladies between the ages of 18 and 25. Nice work if you can get it. When it was dry tennis was the game but if wet squash was played and this resulted in Stan continuing to play squash competitively until he reached fifty.

For the next few years he was sent around various Plessey sites troubleshooting until in 1992 he became Director of Manufacturing at Edge Lane with responsibilities in both Coventry and Ballynahinch. Stan retired in 1996.

He may have retired but that did not slow him down as along with a group of friends he and Elaine (his wife) went walking every week in the Lake District or North Wales and it was during one of these days that it was decided they would all climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Stan and Elaine had been to Kenya previously and seen the snow capped mountain which has to be climbed from Tanzania. On January 20^th 2002 a group of thirteen flew to Tanzania. The following day they started the climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro which is 19341 feet above sea level. On January 25^th twelve of the party reached the summit. So in five days Stan and Elaine walked 60 miles and climbed a 19000 foot mountain. A tremendous achievement and all for the benefit of the Hall. Over a £1000 was raised from sponsorship. Sadly Elaine died from cancer in April 2007.

A host of grand lodge officers congratulate Stan on achieving 50 years in Freemasonry

In 2008 Stan became a churchwarden at St. Mary’s in Knowsley Village’ His position as churchwarden is particularly onerous at the moment as the church has an interregnum and anyone who has been in a similar position will sympathise.

Stanley became Brother Stanley on 26^th October 1961 when he was initiated into Old Hall Lodge No 4601 where his father was a member. However in 1969, as we have heard, business took him to Malta and temporarily halted his progress in his mother lodge. Nevertheless, whilst in Malta, Bro. Stanley joined United Brethren Lodge No. 1923 and became their Worshipful Master in 1973. He must have impressed the brethren as he was rewarded for his efforts by becoming Acting Deputy Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies in both Craft and Royal Arch whilst in the chair. The District Grand Master was Brigadier Charles Edmund de Wolff who ran the district in strict military fashion. He carried out Inspections of each lodge every year, examining their books and regalia. He also attended the installation ceremony and an ordinary meeting. Stan remained a member until it closed when the forces left following Malta obtaining independence.

50 years and still smiling, Stan with Howard after the ceremony.

On his return home he resumed his attendance at Old Hall Lodge and eventually became their WM on 2^nd November 1984, and continued for a second year. His rank at the time was Past Deputy Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies (Malta). However this changed to PPrSGD in October 1987. For the next nine years he was D.C until he agreed to become SW before going back in the chair in 1998. In October 1995 Stan received a promotion to his present rank and he continued in office within the lodge until its closure in 2007. The brethren from Old Hall Lodge joined Old Grammarians and as you will all know Stan is their present WM, his 5^th time in the chair.

His Masonic activities have not been confined to his lodge as he has given great service to the Bootle Group first as the hall lettings secretary for three years and then as hall vice chairman for a further six years. The closure of Old Hall Lodge coincided with the closure of Balliol Road and the loss of his wife. As he was vice chairman he channelled his energy into the move to Sefton Road and his expertise and management skills were invaluable. Not one to be left out he is now helping with the group carol service.

Howard concluded by wishing Stan”many more years of health and happiness to enjoy your freemasonry and for us to have the pleasure of your company”.

Smithy

BGPO

The Lodge was honored by the prescience of Peter Papworth PAGDC, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master. He was accompanied by Peter Levick and Ian Gee the chairman and vice-chairman of the Bootle Group of lodges.

left to right Stephen Dean ,Peter Levick, Alan Carver, Peter Papworth, Ian Gee and Ian Gore

The installation and proclamation was carried out by the installing master Malcolm Battersby and some excellent work was carried out by those brethren presenting the working tools including Ian Gore who presented the working tools of the 3^rd Degree, Richard Holland presented the working tools of the 2nd Degree and Bill O’Farrell presented the working tools of the 1st Degree.

Peter Papworth passed on the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master adding his own congratulations to the W.M. on taking the Chair of King Solomon for the 3^rd Time and praised the director of ceremonies, Dave or Derek to his friends Greenaway and Installing Master, Malcolm Battersby for the excellence of the ceremony and singled out Richard Holland for the manner in which he presented the 2^nd Degree tools.

The WM then presented 2 cheques, £150 for West Lancashire Masonic Charities and £100 for Litherland Masonic Hall. Both donations were received with thanks by the representative.

During the ceremony David Murphy was presented to the Brethren of the lodge for the 1^st time following promotion to PPrGSuptWks. The presentation was received with acclamation from the Brethren.

the WM with members of Litherland lodge

At the festive board Peter also said “how delighted he was to be invited by the Bootle group chairman” and “this was his first outing representing in seven years”. He also congratulated the hall management committee on “a warm and welcoming Masonic hall”

The WM, on behalf of Litherland lodge, thanked Peter for the pleasure of his company and presented Peter with a bottle of his favorite tipple.

Bill O’Farrell, the secretary, stated “, the lodge has seen a positive turnaround of events recently and we are optimistically looking forward to the future, particularly with our centenary in 2013”.

The festive board continued in a harmonious manner and concluded with several dubious verses and versions of “Auld Lang Syne”

Smithy

BGPO

On Monday 19 September, Bootle’s our own, Fred (Freddy) Wright was invited across to the Isle of Man by the Provincial Grand Master Keith Dalrymple. The reason for his invitation was so that Fred could be initiated into the Lodge of Installed Masters No 9598 as a joining member.

Provincial Grand Master Keith Dalrymple presents Freddy with his framed patent

This was as a thank you to Freddy for all the work he has done for the brethren of the island when they need to come across for cancer treatment to Clatterbridge hospital and heart treatment at Broadgreen hospital. For several years Alex Downey (The Almoner of the Isle of Man) regularly contacts Freddy when one of the brethren on the island is due over for treatment. Freddy is the welcoming smile that is always there to greet them and attend to the needs of the patient and his or her spouse in making sure that they are transported to and from hospital and if necessary to find accommodation for their respective spouses.

At that time Fred did not realise the implications of that act but there was more to come…..

On Thursday 29 September Fred Wright, George Skarratts, and Arend van Duyvenbode, were invited to the Isle of Man as personal guests of the Provincial Grand Master. Flying from Liverpool John Lennon airport they were greeted by their driver for the day Ernie Richmond (another scouser who moved to the Island with his family). As always Ernie looked after their needs for the day; driving them to the hotel, then to Provincial Grand Lodge and later to the Empress hotel where they were invited for drinks with the PrGM and all his guests. It was almost 2.00 am when Ernie dropped them off at their hotel. George said: “We are really grateful for the way we were looked after throughout our visit, this is so typical of our friends on the Isle of Man.

Pictured from left to right, are: Mark Dimelow, Arend van Duyvenbode, Keith Dalrymple, George Skarratts, Freddy Wright, Colin Penty Wright and Steven Reid.

The day of Provincial Grand Lodge started with a visit to Provincial Grand Chapter for the appointments of the various officers, and we met up once again with Bill Ashton (Provincial Director of Ceremonies in the Royal Arch), a Scotsman who retired from his job as a detective inspector and settled on the Island with his dear wife, unfortunately now deceased. Bill was a member of the Kirkdale Chapter No 1756 from which he resigned on leaving Liverpool, but he is still a member of Liverpool Charter Lodge No 7650 meeting in Prescot, which he visits regularly, in fact, he has the provincial rank of PPrSGD In West Lancashire.

After the meeting, we attended the festive board which was a luncheon, thank goodness for after a hearty breakfast I don’t think I could have managed a banquet!

The Provincial Grand Lodge was tyled at 5.30 pm and the parade consisted of a number of Provincial Grand Masters and their deputy’s from surrounding districts on the adjacent isle (not the main land as any Manx man will tell you!) it was a delight to see several Past Provincial Grand Masters present, George Gelling, also George Peake Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master and our own Colin Penty Wright, all looking fit and well obviously retirement is agreeing with them.

On opening the Lodge the PrGM thanked all for supporting the 125^th anniversary of the Province of the Isle of Man. After the investure of his officers for the year he went on to appoint and promote the brethren, and it was a delight to see Alan Fielding a member of Bootle Pilgrim No 1473 and Bootle Chapter No 1473, receive the rank of PPrSGD.  Alan is now a permanent resident of the Island and is also the treasurer of the Lodge of Installed Masters No 9598.

At the end of the appointments the PrGM invited Freddy to come forward and appointed him to the rank of PPrJGW of the Isle of Man, to which the whole of Provincial Grand Lodge rose and gave a standing ovation outlining the fact that it was very worthy, something I have never witnessed and I am sure that all were of the same frame of mind. Colin Wright said: “What an honour for Freddy and the Province of West Lancashire.” Freddy spent the rest of the evening carrying his framed patent, inviting anybody he met to have their photo taken with him.

Do't stop smiling Freddy

For those of you who have ever visited the Empress Hotel will know that there is a life-sized statue of Louis Armstrong on the music stage, he even had his photo taken with him!

The next day we were invited by Alan Fielding to join him for lunch at the Casino. We were also joined by Martin Blackburn the Provincial Grand Secretary, who presented Freddy with his IOM collar jewel.

During lunch Geoff Corkhill turned up with his wife and friends celebrating the fact that he had once more been returned to Parliament at the house of keys as the minister for tourism (the elections had been on the day of Provincial Grand Lodge). For those of you who do not know Geoff he is the leader of the Provincial choir, he has a delightful voice and has often sang the Ladies song in West Lancashire.

Pictured from left to right, are: Keith Dalrymple, George Skarratts, Freddy Wright and Colin Penty Wright.

After lunch Alan took us on a tour of the island, which culminated with us sitting on the pier at his hometown of Peel eating ice creams and having a jolly good laugh.

We arrived back at our hotel in Douglas at approximately 5.00 pm to be met by Bill Ashton who drove us to the airport for our return flight. What a wonderful bunch of friends we have on the Isle of Man.

Freddy said: “It was a shame that Jack Price (Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire) who is a very special friend was not able to attend PrGL on the Isle of Man due a hospital appointment.”

On the flight home, we all agreed that in the ten years we have been visiting the Island this was the best trip ever.”

Congratulations  Freddy

“A Mason doesn’t seek reward or recognition but if  it comes knocking at you door, humbly, welcome them in”.

Smithy

Bootle group publicity officer

Bro Roy Domville congratulates Bro Paul Domville on becoming the fourth generation Domville in Linacre Lodge

Bro. Paul Domville became the fourth generation of the same family to become a member of Linacre Lodge No 4823. What made the occasion even more memorable was that he was initiated into freemasonry his by father Roy Domville, worshipful master.

This Masonic family started with Paul’s Great Grandfather, Herbert Plummer, a former member of Fermor Hesketh Lodge No 1350, and in 1926 a Founder of Linacre lodge. He became Master of Linacre in January 1930, and his first candidate in February was Paul’s Grandfather Stanley Domville who was Master in 1951. Stanley Domville initiated his son, the present Master, Roy Domville, in December 1957, and now Roy has initiated his son Paul into the same Lodge hence four generations.

This family has for many years lived in Litherland at Sefton Road, a short distance from the new, Litherland Masonic hall. Herbert Plummer lived there with his wife Eleanor when he worked as the electrical engineer at Bryant and Mays match factory on Linacre Road before he died in 1935. Unfortunately this factory was destroyed by fire during the May blitz in 1941.

After his death Stanley Domville and wife Irene moved into Sefton Road to live with Irene’s mother Eleanor. Stanley and Irene had the family grocer’s shop next to the Lift Bridge until they retired to Bournemouth in 1960.

Roy was born at Sefton Road in 1932, and after attending Waterloo Grammar School became an apprentice engineer with GPO telephones and when fully trained, maintained Waterloo and Great Crosby automatic telephone exchanges. In 1956 he married Audrey and moved to Aintree Lane, Old Roan.

In 1962 Roy moved to London, living at St. Albans where he joined Cheiron Lodge No. 7775 and became Master there in 1975. In 1977, he was moved to Carlisle where he joined St. Michaels Lodge No. 4823 and was Master in 2004. He is still the organist in that Lodge.

Before his retirement in 1985, Roy moved to Lancaster, and joined Fortitude (now City of Lancaster) No. 281 and was Master in 2004 and 2005 and has been their organist since joining.

He has been Master of Linacre Lodge for the last two years and although Master, still manages to provide the music for ceremonies and festive board.

The Worshipful Master’s collar is the same collar worn by both his Grandfather and his Father when they were in the chair of Linacre Lodge.

Herbert being congratulated by the Worshipful Master of Bootle Pilgrim lodge Neville Hosler

In an emotional evening, at the Bootle group, Bro Herbert Elliot, of “Bootle Pilgrim lodge No 1473” celebrated 60 years in Freemasonry. After placing Herbert in front of him in the lodge room, Bro. Howard Jones P.S.G.D. A.Pr.G.M proceeded to give a brief history of Herbert’s life and Masonic career.

Herbert Gordon Elliott was born in Coonoor in the Nilgiri hills, where his father was learning the business of tea planting prior to Managing a privately owned tea estate in Kotagiri.

His early schooling was in a small local school but at the age of eight he was sent to a boarding school in Bangalore. At twelve he joined his brother at Petersfield in Hampshire and there he completed his education. He was then fortunate to find a semi-apprenticeship with TyresoleS who were operating a retreading plant within the Henry Simon factory at Cheadle. Henry Simon had obtained the licence to this American process and had arranged to sell a TyresoleS plant to Stanes Motor in Southern India. Someone was required to go and train the Indian workers. Herbert was in the right place at the right time with the right background. So in 1942 he was authorised by the government to go out to India provided he joined the army in India at age eighteen.

Being wartime things did not go as smoothly as planned and so it was not until April 1943 when Herbert joined the army and although being nominally attached to a British regiment he was sent to Officers Training School in Belgaum. He was subsequently commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenant into 5^th Mahrattas, an old and very famous Indian regiment. In 1944 Herbert was promoted Captain and Officer Commanding Training Company and this continued until 1946. He was then posted to 17^th Battalion of the regiment which was sent to Fort Sandeman in Baluchistan, then the North West Frontier, and now part of Pakistan. Whilst there he was able to ride in the open rugged countryside and that is one of his happy memories. In 1947 he was de-mobbed but deferred his passage home to enable him to spend time with his family in the Nilgiri Hills and also to enjoy the celebrations of Indian Independence on15th August 1947.

On his return to England he took a refresher course with TyresoleS (Overseas) Ltd and in March 1948 went to Holland as a service engineer and assisted with the installation of a new plant. In November 1948 he began a market survey for a private group interested in a TyresoleS franchise for Southern Rhodesia. Travelling by Flying Boat from Southampton, which did not fly at night, it required stops at Naples, Luxor, Kampala and the Zambesi close to Victoria Falls and the last leg of the journey by train to Bulawayo. As the project did not come to fruition he joined Hoover (S.A.) Ltd as a sales representative moving in 1950 to Lever Bros in Salisbury, now called Harare.

This did not last long as he received an offer he couldn’t refuse from Stanes Motors in South India and so he returned to Coimbatore. There were now two TyresoleS plants in India and this expanded by a further twelve during Herbert’s time with them. Management was conducted in a slightly unconventional manner. The directors would visit each morning and take up residence under the tamarind tree in the yard. Reports were given verbally, policy planned and action decided. All without the need for any paperwork.

Stanes was one of the conglomerates of its time having many interests, amongst which were tea plantations, Coffee curing, tyres and rubber products. One of the managers in Stanes’ coffee curing operation had a daughter, Margaret, who, following education in England, came for a short visit to her parents in February 1956 and met Herbert. They were married in that September. So a short visit became a long one. Nine years.

Both their children, Caroline and John, were born at home in Coimbatore in September 1957 and April 1960. Both were born on a Sunday, so Herbert didn’t even have to take a day off work. It was in 1960 that the Stanes family retired and sold out to an Indian engineering group and the conduct of business changed to a more conventional system. Herbert also began acting, unofficially, for the British High Commission in the district. The only time he had to act was when an English Lady died on a train. Fortunately the local authorities completed the necessary paperwork and he was able to send the body back to her husband in Madras by car.

In 1965 they made the decision to return to England because they wished for their children to be educated at home. Herbert managed to obtain a position as factory manager with a tyre company in Aberdeen and they spent four enjoyable years in Scotland. Herbert joined Panther Tyres in Aintree and the family moved to Formby in 1972, but by 1979 the children had become independent so Herbert and Margaret started their own sales business working from home. They called it Pioneer Promotions and they operated this business until they finally retired in 1994.

They now have 4 grandchildren and in recent years have enjoyed a number of cruises and have been able to explore parts of this country.

In September 2006 they had a special family celebration for their Golden Wedding and now they are up to 55 years and counting.

Herbert Elliot became Bro. Herbert on 9^th July 1951 when he was initiated into Faith Hope and Charity Lodge No. 1285 in Ootacamund in the Nilgiri Hills. He was initiated by his Father and followed a family tradition as his Grandfather had also been a member of the lodge. Referred to as ‘Ooty’ it is just over 50 miles from Coimbatore and the roads were not very good. So in September Bro. Herbert, now a Master Mason joined Ampthill Lodge No.3682. He became Master of the lodge in 1962 but unfortunately he was not able to install his successor as he was in England at the time. He remained a member for over a year after returning home.

A joining member of this lodge in 1994 he has been Assistant Secretary and Senior Warden and was rewarded for his commitment with his Provincial rank in October 2001.

Brother Jones concluded by wishing Brother Elliot” many more years of health and happiness to enjoy your freemasonry and for us to have the pleasure of your company”.

Worshipful Brother Leslie Siddell

PPrJGW

50 years in Freemasonry.

In an emotional evening, at the Bootle group, Leslie (Les) Siddell, Worshipful Master (WM) of “The Kings” Lodge No 3101 recently celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry. What made this event even more poignant was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Howard Jones, had the honour to preside at the celebration of his proposer into freemasonry. After placing Les in front of him in the lodge room, Howard stated “the office of Assistant Provincial Grand Master carries a number of responsibilities and duties, but it also has a number of privileges the prospect of being able to officiate at Jubilee celebrations is, without doubt the best” He further stated “I don’t suppose that many Assistants get the opportunity to preside at the celebration of their proposer into freemasonry?”

Howard has known Les for about 60 years, “since they were in short trousers”, and although Les was wondering what Howard was about to say during the celebration, Howard said “he dreaded to think what he could say about me”

In 1927, Christmas came early for John and Elizabeth Siddell when Leslie, the youngest of one girl and five boys, was born on 8^th December. His sister, Mary, was the eldest and she became the Matron of the Women’s Hospital in Catherine Street. His four brothers were Tom, Jack, Herbert and Ron. Tom became the Chairman of the Liverpool 6^th Group and Ron was a regular visitor to The Kings Lodge.

On the 22^nd July 1950 Les married Nancy Fox at St. Cleopas Church in Toxteth. Before qualifying as a teacher Nancy was secretary to a local Headmaster who is remembered with a great deal of affection within this lodge

Although his brothers, Tom and Ron had joined Alliance Lodge, it was Billy Ashton who proposed Les into freemasonry and into the King’s Lodge. It is fitting that Billy’s Master Mason’s apron is still in use today being worn by lodge member Steve Wright.

Les was initiated on 28^th March 1961 and progressed to become Worshipful Master on 27^th April 1971. Since then he has constantly held one of the principal offices in the lodge, and was rewarded by the Province in May 1984 with the acting rank of Junior Deacon. Promotion to his present rank of Past Provincial Junior Warden followed in October 1990.

left Bro Howard Jones congratulates Bro Les Siddell on his 50 years in freemasonry

Les was exalted into King’s Chapter in October 1983 and became First Principal in April 1995. He received his present Provincial rank of Past Grand Sojourner in May 2002.

Howard concluded the ceremony in the lodge by saying “I’m sure that, like me, you have all been looking forward to this evening as we have the opportunity to join Les as he achieves 50 years in Masonry and may you have many more years of health and happiness to enjoy your freemasonry and for us to have the pleasure of your company”.

Howard invited Les to join him where he had the honour to retire with the other Grand Lodge officers

The evening continued to the Festive board when Haldane Eccles, secretary of The Kings lodge, proposed the health of the WM. On his reply the WM received a standing ovation.

As the evening continued, Les received a numerous messages of congratulations which included a poem by Tom Ryan, director of ceremonies for the lodge. Les also received several gifts including a bottle of something appropriate from the Kings Chapter and a special commemorative 50 year Masonic medal.

‘From Floorcloths to Tracing Boards, Six Hundred Years of Masonic Symbolism’.

Bro Lomas is currently Organist and Associate Membership Secretary of the Lodge of Living Stones No 4857. Bro Lomas or Doctor Lomas is also a lecturer at Bradford University. He has worked on the cruise missile system, early computer developments and Fire service control systems.
He is an expert on symbology and symbolism and the character ‘Robert Langdon’ in the Da Vinci Code (played by Tom Hanks in the film version) was based on Robert Lomas. Bro Lomas is an international author who has written many books on Freemasonry and other related topics, he is the highest ever selling Masonic author and has published nine books related to Freemasonry: The Invisible College, Freemasonry and the Birth of Modern Science, The Man Who Invented the Twentieth Century, The Hiram Key, The Second Messiah, Uriel’s Machine, The Book of Hiram, Mysteries of the Ancient World and The Holy Grail.
Bro Lomas talks are quite controversial and this made for a very interesting afternoon in both the Lodge room and at the Festive Board. The meeting was very well attended by over 50 masons from afar as York to Cheshire and the discussions carried on well into the evening.
As Bro Lomas request no payment for his services, the worshipful master requested that, to show our appreciation for his efforts, a collection be made and donated to a charity of his choice. The collection raised £200.00 which was then donated to the New Brighton life boat station on Merseyside.

The eternal optimistic Anglers

The day started at 08:00hrs when members and guest arrived at the Bootle Arms, Melling. Unfortunately for some the bar remained closed. After an hour or so of bacon sandwiches, tea and coffee, tales of previous conquests, hints tips and with an air of anticipation, the “breakfast party” set off for Stocks Reservoir to rendezvous with the remainder of the group.

After an hours’ drive through some of England’s finest countryside, fourteen intrepid and hardy souls set up camp in the well stocked fishery shop. Anticipating the cold day ahead the party was warmly welcomed by Mathew and Ben, the Fishery manager, with free cups of hot coffee and tea. Ben and Mathew, undaunted by the myriad of questions (from what could only pass as, a bunch of excited schoolboys), spent the next twenty minutes or so, explaining, what to fish with, how to fish and where to fish.

Ben, possibly anticipating the hard day ahead, gave a very generous “special discount”, were appropriate, to members of the party. We all queued eagerly but patiently to part with our hard earned pennies and the discount received was eagerly reinvested on buying the absolutely must have flies for the time of year and conditions,

While conditions were not ideal (50 mph gusts), we gathered in the car park were best laid plans of mice and men were put in to action, each angler making their way to their chosen spot. Some in small groups, some seeking solitude and even two brave souls took a boat out.

Bro McHale's catch-allegedly fowl hooked in the lip!

Most of the group had some success even surprising the fishery staff with our catches of blue, brown and rainbow trout, Unfortunately Les McHale’s effort regained its freedom two feet away from his net. Les was later heard in the bar lamenting “I believe it would have been a fishery record for a rainbow trout?”

The Ormskirk group chairman (designate) Frank Umbers, a complete novice, even managed to catch a fish. Although later, a not to be named, eye witness, Greg Pinnigton cried “foul” or was that “foul hooked” against him?

Owing to time constraints, commitments and dehydration, 7 anglers made it to the local hostelry to dry off and get wet. A further 6 made it back to the Bootle Arms, for a fish pie supper, fortunately, not made with any of our catches. The evening wore on with even larger tales and stories of “the one that got away”

Even in the face of extreme weather, all of the party commented on “a very enjoyable day spent in bad weather in good company”. Everyone is eagerly anticipating their next adventure.

For some the only rainbow seen all day!

As someone once said “A bad days fishing is better than a good days work”

The event organiser and his helpers would like to thank everyone for supporting this event. In particular Mark Toft and the Bootle Arms for taking care of us before and after the event and Ben and Matthew at Stocks fishery for the welcome, help, guidance and generosity they extended to us, a venue well worth a visit.

Keep an eye in the Bootle group and Provincial web sites for the next foray.

Tightlines

Les McHale

Smithy

Bootle GPO