Lodge of Relief was consecrated in June 1733. The second oldest lodge in the Province, our Mother Lodge being Anchor & Hope No 37. In 2012 Bury Lodge No 5119 & Relief No 42 were Amalgamated. The ceremony was undertaken by RWBro, Sir David Tripper, PGM in September 2013. On 20th April, 2016 a newly created Banner was made and the Dedication ceremony was undertaken by WBro Norman Cope, PSGD, APGM. The Banner design depicts as well as the lodge name, Bury Lodge of Relief No 42, Masonic symbols the Coat of Arms of Bury Council, and the three significant dates of both lodges, 1733 – 1929 – 2012.

On the obverse of the Banner the lodge acknowledges , Bury MBC, the Ladies committee for its financing and the significance of the three dates in the furl at the bottom of the Banner. The Banner design and quality is acknowledged by many in the province including two past PGM. Is indeed a thing of beauty!!

A date for all the brethren in the province to remember June 2033 the Tercentenary of this very fine Old Lodge.

Freemasonry is a fraternity of like-minded men who enjoy each other’s company, and as a Mason for over 40 years I would personally recommend it without hesitation to anyone of any Religion, Political persuasion, discipline or profession.

But choose lodge that meets on a day and time of the week that suits your calendar. And request a visit to one of their social events and None Masonic Social Dinners – but please discuss it with your family before seeking membership.

The Lodge I represent as a history of going back nearly 300 years and has an esprit de corps amongst its members is second to none.

Any interested person can visit the lodges social events and none masonic dinners as personal guests of the lodge by contacting the lodge secretary.

The 1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesday January – April. September – December. The installation ceremony in January each year. Business and practice meetings are undertaken on the 1st & 2nd Wednesday and the Lodge meeting on the 3rd.

Throughout the Masonic year the following have been undertaken. A number of breakfasts club gatherings at the Ainsworth Arms, Bury. Quiz Nights at a local hostelry in Edenfield. Summer lunch at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel Preston in June. Evening Dinner gathering at the Carmelo’s Restaurant, Bury this August. And the highlight of social calendar must be The Christmas Dinner and Carol Concert in December with The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fuselier’s providing the music & entertainment, which is always oversubscribed and generates rather a large reserve list – and is indeed a night to remember.

The Charitable Community work has, provided Stewards for the Radcliffe & Tottington festival. A crepe pancake table at the Hewlett Court Christmas Fayre – the complete refurbishment of the metal external railings and gates at the Partly Sighted & Blind Society, Bury. Regular communications with the lodge widows, and generous donations to local and National Charitable Institutions, in particular the 2026 Masonic Festival

Note of interest: In June 2015 the late Bro Neville Foote at the French Embassy in London received Frances highest Military Medal, Legion d, Honour for his outstanding contribution in the Normandy landings in 1944. The only recipient in our District and perhaps in the province to receive such an award.

Ray Sullivan. raymond_sullivan@sky.com