East Lancashire Masonic Charity

Latest News | 2010

Community Fund News

Community Fund Grant to the Scouts

Some eighteen months ago, WBro David Thornton, PProvJGW, of Pilkington Lodge No 6522, as well as the Royal Arch APGP of Western Area, wrote to all the Scout County Commissioners whose areas fell within the Masonic Province of East Lancashire to inform them that there was money available from our Community Fund to support any application made. Subsequently one was made by Mervyn Reeves on behalf of Greater Manchester West who were sending a contingent of 36 young people and four leaders to Sweden for the World Jamboree with the scouts aged between 14 and 18yrs of age living with our Province.

This application was made through Pilkington Lodge No 6522 and subsequently a grant was made in the sum of £1,000.

Our picture shows WBro David Thornton on the left with District Chairman, WBro John Griffin, presenting the £1000 award to Paul Boardman. Paul is a Scout Network who lives in Radcliffe, and who was a member of the 40 strong jamboree contingent from the Scout County of Greater Manchester West which went to Sweden in August 2011. They are accompanied by Heather Baker, the County Commissioner of Greater Manchester West Scout County and Mervyn Reeves, Jamboree County Contingent Co-ordinator.

In the picture David is wearing his scout uniform as County Secretary of West Lancashire County Scout Council and the award he is wearing is the Silver Wolf , the highest award available within Scouting, which is at the personal behest of the Chief Scout.

David writes,
“I know from my 45 years as a scout leader how going on a World Scout Jamboree is a life changing once in a lifetime experience. Each young person had to raise in excess of £2000 and I know how much this grant has meant to each of them. Our Community Fund grant of £1000 has been really appreciated and cements the relationship between Scouting and Freemasonry which has so many similar objectives”.

Heather Baker, the County Commissioner Greater Manchester West Scout County said
“We are very pleased and honoured that the Freemasons have supported the young people at the World Jamboree in Sweden. It proved to be an experience of a life time. On behalf of all of them we thank you”.

Sinbad at the Thwaites Theatre 2011

Once again the ELMC sponsored annual Pantomime took place at The Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn. The Panto this year was Sinbad and the East Ribble District were treated to a sponsor’s performance which was attended by over 300 guests. We were especially pleased to see Dorothy Price in attendance as well as WBro Paul Aspinall and WBro David Lightbown, the East Ribble District Chairman and Deputy respectively.

The cast of the Pantomime included Anthony Batey of Pop Idol fame, Callum Arnott who has appeared in numerous TV and stage productions and Victoria Bell who has also appeared in many TV and stage shows. The show would not be complete without the willing support of three of the local junior dance schools.

Of Course for the fourth year running star billing must go to the two usual suspects WBro Derek Thornhill and VWBro Nigel Bramley-Haworth, who gave a splendid performance on stage to draw the raffle (The show would not be the same without them!).

The theatre was once again filled with People from various Charitable organisations including the ELMC and Hewlett Court, Young Carers, Macmillan Nurses and many more.

Many thanks must go to the theatre staff for their help on the night to make it such a success.

ELMC helps the Hospice

Following a successful Grant application to the ELMC community Fund from the Accrington District Charity Stewards, WBro Roger Flitcroft PProvJGW, Accrington District Chairman, took great pleasure in presenting a cheque for £1000. The grant application was made to sponsor the participants medals and Lanyards for the annual East Lancs Hospice Starlight Walk, to be held this year on Saturday June 18th. It is a late night ladies only walk, in aid of the Hospice, with up to 1000 lady walkers on the night. The Brethren of the District actively organise and participate as the stewards for the event, keeping the ladies safe on the entire route.

Each of the lanyards has "Accrington District Freemasons" and "www.pglel.co.uk" printed, showing our support to this local Charity and demonstrating our active participation in the event.

More volunteers for the event are needed, if you can assist please contact Dave McGurty: davemcgurty@gmail.com for more information.

Photo Caption:- From Left to right:- Denise Gee, Hospice Events Fundraiser with the medals, WBro Roger Flitcroft with the cheque, Jamie Lyons, community fundraiser with a medal.