John Brunner Lodge raises Bro Neil Wagstaff

John Brunner Lodge raised Bro Neil Wagstaff to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in fine style on the evening of Wednesday 17th May.

Worshipful Master, WBro Rick Bradfield, was ably assisted in the Ceremony by numerous Past Masters.

The past masters presented the Exhortation, Charge, Traditional History and Working Tools with professionalism and style.

It is also worth noting that the Senior Deacon, Bro. Jeff Burgess, performed admirably in leading the Candidate throughout the Ceremony.

Bro Wagstaff will soon be joined by two more Master Masons as John Brunner have planned 3rd Degree Ceremonies for September and October.

left to right: – Bro. Jeff Burgess (SD), Bro. Rob Dunseith (SW), W.Bro. Rick Bradfield (WM), Bro. Neil Wagstaff (Candidate), Bro. Tim Nelson (JW), W.Bro. Dave Palin (acting JD).

Passing at John Brunner

On Wednesday 19th April, John Brunner Lodge passed Bro James Greig to the Degree of a Fellowcraft in fine style.

As a Candidate, Bro James was second to none, answering his questions with aplomb and verve.

The Second Degree Tools were faultlessly presented in the long style by WBro David Palin and were applauded by the Brethren.

WBro Andew Richards, visiting from Thomas Lockitt Lodge, Macclesfield, presented the Logic Ritual version of the Second Degree Tracing Board. This further explains the seven Liberal Arts and Sciences over and above the usual Emulation version. Andrew received the thanks and applause of the Master and Brethren.

A typical John Brunner Lodge Festive Board followed with Bro Geoff Collantine of Four Cardinal Virtues Lodge, Willaston, responding on behalf of the Visitors. The Charity Plate and later the Raffle added a further £200 to the Lodge Charity account.

Left to right:- Bro Rob Dunseith (SW), WBro Andrew Richards (Tracing Board), WBro Rick Bradfield (WM), Bro James Greig (Candidate).

Matched Provincial Charity Funding for the Northwich Stroke and Crewe Parkinson’s Charities

At John Brunner Lodge on Wednesday 18th May, six Middlewich lodges and Chapters made cheque presentations totalling £1650, split equally between the Northwich Stroke Club and Crewe Parkinson’s Society.

The funds were contributed by the Lodges and Chapters who meet at Middlewich Masonic Hall and were enhanced by support from the Mid Cheshire Committee of Benevolence together with an Area 3 Community Grant from the Cheshire Freemasons’ Charity (CFC).

WBro Kevin Dickens PAGDC, the chairman of CFC says:-

This is a great example of Lodges and Chapters coming together to support the local community. I urge other Masonic Halls to consider joint projects and to involve the Area team”.

WBro Colin Ross the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, then presented the cheques to Dennis Fricker and Christine Cartwright, the representatives of the Crewe Parkinson’s Society and Northwich Stroke Club.

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Left to Right:- WBro Graham Scott PPrSGD, Secretary of John Brunner Lodge, WBro Colin Ross ProvGChStwd, WBro Thomas Browne, WM of John Brunner Lodge, Mr Dennis Fricker, Mrs Christine Cartwright, WBro Kevin Dickens PAGDC, Treasurer of Area 3, WBro Christopher Penter PPrJGD, WM of Mid Cheshire Lodge, WBro Andy Baily PrJGD, Asst Charity Stewart of Area 3.

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Mr Dennis Fricker, Mrs Christine Cartwright, WBro Kevin Dickens PAGDC

John Brunner Olde English Night

On Wednesday 20th January at Middlewich Masonic Hall we were treated to an excellent evening of multiple masonic rituals and a charity raising Old English Night.

After the normal initial lodge activities WBro John Stephen Brown was successfully balloted for as a joining member and was warmly greeted into the lodge.

The lodge continued the initiation of Bro Neil Robert Wagstaff to the 1st Degree. Sadly his previous ceremony having been interrupted by the death of his father.

Bro Neil later thanked the lodge for the support received during the time between the ceremonies. He really appreciated the brotherly love and support which confirmed his decision to join Masonry.

After a short break the lodge was reconvened and the raising of Bro Jeffrey Clive Burgess was eloquently performed by the same team demonstrating the exception ritual quality of the lodge.

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Left to Right :- WBro Paul Rose (PPrGStdBr), Bro Jeffrey Clive Burgess, WBro Andy M. Bailey (PPrJGD), WBro David Palin (Master), Bro Neil Robert Wagstaff, WBro Keith James Howbrigg (PPrJGD), Bro Tim Nelson, Bro Paul Neal, WBro David Kingston (PPrGStwd)

During the very enjoyable social board, the lodge engaged with their annual Old English Night to honour the charities and have some fun. WBro Andy Bailey successfully squeezed even more money for charities from the willing participants.

There was then a further numbers game to win the special prize of a signed Wilfried Bony (Man City) shirt.

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Right to left :- Martin Barlow (AGPM) presents the shirt to happy Bro Paul Neal

A Lewis Honours The Fallen at Middlewich Cenotaph

Bro Pat Steward age 21, of John Brunner Lodge, had the honour of presenting the wreath at Middlewich cenotaph on Sunday 8th November 2015.

Pat was supported by numerous Masons in the procession starting at the Middlewich Royal British Legion Hall on Lewin Street.

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Pat Steward (Holding the wreath)

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Clockwise from the left, Colin Ross (Provincial Grand Charity Stewart), Adrian Morgan (Area 3 Chairman), Kevin Dickens (Area 3 Treasurer)

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Local Masons and their partners

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Local Masons with their partners in the procession to honour our armed forces and their sacrifices

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The long procession winds its way to the Cenotaph outside Middlewich St Michaels and all Angels Church

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Initial respectful tributes

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Pat Stewart presenting the wreath on behalf of Masons of Middlewich

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Each wreath represents Institutions and people of Middlewich

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The final return procession to the British Legion Hall.

 

A new initiate for John Brunner Lodge 2799

Thursday, 21 May 2015, saw the Initiation of our latest candidate, Bro John (Jonny) Gooding. The WM conducted the Ceremony with suitable decorum, ably assisted by the other Officers of the Lodge. Bro Tom Browne, yet again, presented the long version of The Apron and also The Charge and deserves all plaudits given. Bro Rob Dunseith escorted the Candidate with military precision while Bro Tim Nelson presented the working Tools

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Master, Wardens and Deacons with our latest Initiate, Bro John Gooding

An exemplary Ceremony was followed by a suitably boisterous Festive Board, especially with the Brethren finding out that the Candidate’s first name was Frederick. The evening raised nearly £200 in total which will be utilised to provide raffle prizes for the Winsford Army Cadets who are raising money to provide emergency supply ‘Grab Bags‘ to wounded servicemen returning from various theatres of operation.