Whilst the members of Cribden Lodge No 7285, based at Ashday Lea Rawtenstall, were glad to return to a Lodge meeting after some 18 months absence due to covid regulations, the meeting was tinged with sadness at the passing of two of its distinguished members to the Grand Lodge Above, they being WBro Derek Pilling and WBro Alan Lomas. A heartfelt tribute to the former, both for the service that he has given to Freemasonry in general and also his devotion to Ashday Lea Masonic Hall, was given by long-time friend WBro Duncan Ferguson and an equally moving eulogy was given by Junior Warden WBro John Lomas – a Lewis – for his father WBro Alan Lomas, who would have celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry in April this year. Not to be forgotten, WBro John Griffin PSGD APGM, to whom the necessary salutations were given at the beginning of proceedings, decided that the certificate should still be presented but to WBro Lomas’ widow Patricia. Thus, at the appropriate point in the summons, the Lodge was ‘called off’ and WBro John Lomas retired to collect his mother and escort her into the Lodge room. WBro Griffin then proceeded to describe what would normally happen on these occasions and in a most sympathetic manner duly presented the certificate to Mrs Lomas, which was thankfully received. WBro Griffin then escorted Mrs Lomas out of the Lodge room, the Lodge was ‘called on’ and business resumed.   

Report from Edwin Hardman