The East Lancashire, Isle of Man and Grand Lodge of Ireland Brethren

From L to R: WBro Ivan Eastwood, PAGSuptWks; WBro Bill Ashton, PAGDC (DepGSupt, Isle of Man); WBro Brian Horne, PAGDC; WBro David Greenhalgh, PProvGSwdB; RWBro Roger Matthews, PGM (Province of Down); MWBro Douglas Grey, (Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Ireland); RWBro Rodney McCurley, (DepGM, Grand Lodge of Ireland); RWBro Leslie Nixon (AsstGM, Grand Lodge of Ireland); RWBro Philip Daley (GSec, Grand Lodge of Ireland); WBro Shaun Higson, PProvGSwdB; WBro Kevin Horne, PAGDC; WBro Chris Hajikakou; WBro Bernard Forbes.

At the invitation of the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Roger Matthews, a party of East Lancashire brethren (and many of their ladies) flew over the water to the La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Belfast. The sumptuous setting for the ‘Stated Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down’ (Grand Lodge of Ireland). They were joined by WBro Bill Ashton – a good friend from the Isle of Man (the Deputy Grand Superintendent). Also in attendance were a number of Senior Officers from the Grand Lodge of Ireland – including the Grand Master himself!
This was a RWBro Matthews’ final meeting as Provincial Grand Master and during his five year tenure of office he had been raising money in support of “Brainwaves N.I.” a Northern Ireland-based support group for brain tumour sufferers, their families and their carers. He was delighted to announce, during the Provincial meeting, that a sum in excess of £70,000 had been achieved (which included £1000 from the East Lancs. and IoM brethren).
While the brethren were enjoying the Northern Irish hospitality, the ladies were undertaking some retail therapy in Belfast Shopping Centre, so a thoroughly enjoyable weekend was had by all!