Bolton & Bury Freemasons - Western Area of the Province of East Lancashire

03/05/2026

🎩 Western Area Charity Stewards Dinner - Friday 22nd May 2026 🎩
**OPEN TO MASONS AND NON-MASONS**

Join us at Bolton Masonic Hall for a fantastic evening of food, entertainment, and charity.

✨ What’s included:
• A four-course banquet
• Live entertainment from professional comedian Mr Billy Flywheel
• The Area Charity Stewards Annual Draw
• The Area 250 Club Annual Draw

🍽 Menu highlights:
Courgette & Parmesan Soup
Pan Roasted Chicken Supreme
Lemon & Blueberry Pavlova
Cheese & Biscuits
Tea/Coffee & Mints
(Alternative options available)

💷 £30 per person - excellent value for a full evening’s entertainment and dining.
👔 Dress code: Lounge suit
👥 Tables of 8 available for Lodge / Chapter bookings
⏳ Booking closes Sunday 17th May (no changes after this date)

📩 To book:
Contact WBro Vince Dover
📧 [email protected]
📞 07548 944994

🎩 Western Area Charity Stewards Dinner - Friday 22nd May 2026 🎩
**OPEN TO MASONS AND NON-MASONS**

Join us at Bolton Masonic Hall for a fantastic evening of food, entertainment, and charity.

✨ What’s included:
• A four-course banquet
• Live entertainment from professional comedian Mr Billy Flywheel
• The Area Charity Stewards Annual Draw
• The Area 250 Club Annual Draw

🍽 Menu highlights:
Courgette & Parmesan Soup
Pan Roasted Chicken Supreme
Lemon & Blueberry Pavlova
Cheese & Biscuits
Tea/Coffee & Mints
(Alternative options available)

💷 £30 per person - excellent value for a full evening’s entertainment and dining.

👔 Dress code: Lounge suit
👥 Tables of 8 available for Lodge / Chapter bookings
⏳ Booking closes Sunday 17th May (no changes after this date)

📩 To book:
Contact WBro Vince Dover
📧 [email protected]
📞 07548 944994

13/04/2026

Diamond Jubilee Celebration 🎉

Brethren gathered at Pythagoras Lodge of Installed Masters No.9248 at Radcliffe Masonic Hall to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of WBro Ken Laidlaw, marking 60 years in Freemasonry.

The evening was attended by senior representatives of the Province, who joined Brethren in recognising WBro Laidlaw’s long and dedicated service to the Craft. A personal tribute highlighted his journey, career, and decades of commitment across multiple Lodges.

The celebration concluded with a warm and enjoyable social board, where Brethren came together to honour a truly remarkable milestone.

We extend our warmest congratulations to WBro Ken Laidlaw on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his continued service to Freemasonry.

13/04/2026

Grand Rank Appointment 🔵

The Area is delighted to celebrate the appointment of WBro Martin Horan to the distinguished rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.

WBro Horan has given long and dedicated service to Freemasonry across the Province and continues to play a key leadership role as Area Chairman. His commitment and drive have been central to the continued strength, stability, and development of Lodges across the Western Area.

This latest honour is a fitting recognition of his ongoing contribution at both Area and Provincial level, and the respect he has earned throughout his Masonic journey.

We extend our warmest congratulations to WBro Horan on this well-deserved appointment and thank him for his continued service to Freemasonry.

13/04/2026

Grand Rank Appointment 🔴

The Area is pleased to recognise the appointment of EComp Stephen Holland to the rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter.

EComp Holland is a well-respected Companion whose continued service to both the Royal Arch and Craft Freemasonry has been widely acknowledged across the Province. His ongoing commitment and active involvement in Provincial work reflect a strong dedication to supporting others and strengthening the Order.

This appointment represents a fitting recognition of his contribution and continued engagement within the Royal Arch.

Warm congratulations to EComp Holland on this well-earned honour.

13/04/2026

Three Blood Bikes Presented

The North West Chapter of the Widows Sons recently hosted a deeply significant presentation at Brookfield Hall, Westhoughton, marking the handover of three fully equipped Blood Bikes.

The project, supported by Lodges, Orders, and individual Brethren across both East and West Lancashire, successfully raised the funds needed to bring the initiative to life.

Each bike will now serve NHS-linked Blood Bike organisations across the region, supporting the urgent and often time-critical transport of blood, plasma, and medical supplies — a service delivered entirely by volunteers.

What made the occasion particularly meaningful was the personal significance behind each motorcycle. Each one carries a name, serving as a lasting tribute to Brethren and loved ones, ensuring their memory continues through ongoing life-saving work.

Representatives from the Blood Bike groups expressed their sincere gratitude for both the practical support and the sentiment behind the donation.

This was a clear example of charitable effort combined with remembrance, purpose, and community impact.

A project with lasting significance — on and off the road.

13/04/2026

Installation at Lodge of Charity

Lodge of Charity recently held a well-attended Installation Meeting, where WBro Ben Jackson was installed into the Chair of King Solomon.

The ceremony was conducted with care and precision, with the outgoing Worshipful Master handing over the Chair in fitting style, marking a smooth transition in leadership.

The meeting also saw the introduction of several new joining members, reflecting continued growth and strong engagement within the Lodge.

It was an afternoon that combined tradition, continuity, and a clear focus on the future.

Congratulations to WBro Jackson on his installation — wishing him a successful year ahead.

13/04/2026

A Warm Welcome to the Craft 🤝

Bury Lodge of Relief recently welcomed Bro Conner Jackson Finn as its newest member during a well-supported Initiation ceremony.

The evening saw members and visitors come together to give Bro Finn a strong and positive introduction to Freemasonry, with the Lodge Officers delivering the ceremony in an excellent and assured manner.

It was a clear example of the Lodge working together to ensure a meaningful start to a Brother’s Masonic journey.

The evening concluded with a relaxed social board, rounding off a very enjoyable night for all present.

Congratulations to Bro Finn — wishing him well as he begins his journey in Freemasonry.

13/04/2026

A Strong Start to the Journey 🤝

Boltonian Lodge recently welcomed Chris McEwan into Freemasonry during a well-conducted Initiation ceremony.

The ceremony was delivered to a high standard by the Worshipful Master and Officers, with clear attention to detail throughout, ensuring a smooth and meaningful introduction to the Craft.

Several contributions stood out on the evening, including the guidance provided to the candidate throughout and the confident delivery of key parts of the ceremony, all of which helped create a positive experience for Bro McEwan.

The Lodge demonstrated real teamwork and harmony, reflecting well on everyone involved.

Congratulations to Bro McEwan — wishing him a long and fulfilling Masonic journey.

13/04/2026

A New Brother Welcomed 🤝

Earl of Lathom Lodge recently welcomed Callum Holland into Freemasonry during a well-conducted Initiation ceremony.

The evening marked an important step for both the candidate and the Lodge, with the ceremony delivered carefully by the Officers present, ensuring a clear and supportive introduction to the Craft.

It was a strong example of a Lodge coming together to create a meaningful experience for a new member at the start of his journey.

Initiations are always significant moments in Lodge life, and this one was no exception.

Congratulations to Bro Holland — wishing him a long, enjoyable, and rewarding Masonic journey.