Blackpool Masons Rule the Waves.

Normally the waves associated with Blackpool are the ones that come crashing over the sea wall at the North end of the Promenade, and who can deny that Blackpool Football Cub are riding a crest of a wave.  In this instance it is neither of these, bur rather the Radio Waves of the B.B.C.  Radio Lancashire took up the invitation by the Group Vice-Chairman, Peter Bentham, to host John Gilmore’s, afternoon show from the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street here in Blackpool.

 This invitation was to tie in with the Heritage Days 2010 weekend of celebrations which started on Thursday, 9^th, and ran through to Sunday the 12^th of September, taking in venues from Fleetwood, Thornton Cleveleys, Blackpool and Lytham St Annes. A total of 44 different buildings to visit. More importantly for the Masons of Blackpool and the Province of West Lancashire the jewel of the Fylde Coast was the Blackpool Masonic Hall.

Being the centre of attraction for the B.B.C’s Radio Lancashire programme, and making for a very busy day, as other Event Managers came to the hall to be interviewed and promote their venues.

 B.B.C’s John Gilmore, or Gilly as he is known, carried out numerous interviews as he toured the Hall, giving detailed descriptions of what he saw.  Starting off in the main bar area and snooker room he moved up into the magnificent main lodge room and completed his tour in the Masonic Museum on the top floor. It was here that he was met by the name of one of Blackpool’s famous sons  Stanley  Mathews,(footballer) who was a member of a Blackpool lodge.

Peter Bentham explains.	Ian Robertson in the main lodge room.
Leon Tax interviewed.	BBC’s, “Gilly”, in the Chair.
Ian explains Museum items.	Terry Hudson explains the Masonic Charities.
Last interview of the day.

 Very precise and in depth interviews were carried out regarding Freemasonry’s Symbolism, and its aims and objects  The Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian Robertson was at hand to answer any questions put to him, as was the Vice Chairman, Peter Bentham.  There were also two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters in attendance.  Leon Tax explained the relationship between Freemasonry and religion, and Terry Hudson gave a very detailed and precise explanation on Freemasonry and its links with both Masonic and Non-Masonic Charities.

 Closing his show on the steps of the Masonic Hall, Gilly said what an interesting and wonderful success the afternoon had been.

 As an added bonus, the Group Membership Officer, Ian Smith had taken some guests on the guided tour of the hall and they had indicated an interest in joining Freemasonry.

 Peter Bentham, Vice- Chairman said that the Heritage Weekend had surpassed all expectations with over 250 members of the public having been taken on a personal tour of the Masonic Hall.

Also we have had reports back that this item was heard as far away as Conwy on the North Wales Coast

All in all, another success from the Blackpool Group of Lodges.