Two Premier Teams in Blackpool?

Recently the football world watched with great interest as Blackpool Football Club forged a path into the Premier League.  This could only have been made possible by good management, hard work and a dedicated team, with a complete devotion to the cause. The results have spoken for themselves.

 A similar analogy can be drawn to W.Bro.Ron Weatherill, P.A.G.D.C. and his wife Philomena.  Ron goes by the title of Fylde Masonic Almoner, a position given to him by Ken Moxley as far back as 1990.  This position is unique, as no other Province in the country holds a similar position.

As the Fylde Masonic Almoner the area covered is wide ranging, starting at Knott End, on the River Wyre taking in Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Blackpool, Lytham St Anne’s and then  moving inland as far as Newton-with-Scales.  This adds up to a total of 18 miles of costal frontage.  If we take Knott End as the furthest point North, St Anne’s as the furthest South and Newton-with-Scales the furthest point inland, then as a rough estimate, this area covers over 140 square miles.  Also, with up to 40 widows, brethren and children under his care the immensity of the work load begins to unfold.

Christmas is a busy time for us all but even more so in Ron’s case, it takes him three weeks to get round, visit and distribute gifts to all the Fylde widows. He also makes regular visits four times a year to everyone in his care making sure that birthdays and anniversaries are not forgotten.  It could be said that Ron goes well beyond the call of duty, but luckily he is well assisted by his wife, Philomena.

Philomena is a qualified Health visitor, a S.R.N., a qualified District Nurse, plus a qualified Mid-Wife. The advantage of Philomena’s attendance is priceless especially if one of the widows is unwell and only wishes to discuss her problem with another woman. With Philomena’s medical knowledge the wheels of bureaucracy can be made to turn a little faster and help and a speedy relief brought about.

 In many cases loneliness is a major factor and the highlight will be a visit from this dedicated couple. Sometimes they are called out in the early hours if one of the people in their care is feeling unwell, and, they respond without hesitation.  They even organise funerals when no family is available, and have successfully represented Widows in the Magistrates Courts.

Part of the duties of the Fylde Almoner is to send a regular report on all the widows, brethren and children under his care.  These reports are sent to, the Provincial Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Almoner, Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and all the Group Chairman in the Fylde area.  In 2009 this report covered an in depth analysis of 24 widows, brethren and children, including their health, wellbeing, financial status and educational requirements.   For the benefit of the widows, brethren and children Ron deals with the Grand Charity, Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, R.M.B.I, Samaritan Fund and our own West Lancashire Masonic Charities.

 To keep up to date Ron attends seminars on D.S.S.Benefits and Welfare Rights.  As he points out, the law is changing all the time and these seminars keep him up to speed with what is going on, so that help and advice can be offered immediately.  He also attends the Samaritan Fund A.G.M, and the West Lancs Masonic Charities Fund A.G.M,  Each year he attends the A.G.M’s of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, plus the North and South Fylde Groups of Lodges.

 Ron also said that he is prepared to give talks in any Lodge on his work as the Fylde Masonic Almoner and the Masonic Charities, adding, that after these talks it is surprising how many Lodge Almoners and brethren contact me for advice at a later date.

 The list of Lodges and Provinces covered by Ron makes for interesting reading.  There are Lodges in our own Province of West Lancs.  Lodges in London, South Manchester, Durham, Scotland, Yorkshire, Shropshire, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Cheshire and even as far a field as Canada.

 Twenty years ago, when Ron was offered the job of Fylde Masonic Almoner he was given a list of seven duties, but we only need look at the first two to see that this wonderful, caring and dedicated couple are working beyond any call of duty required of them.

1. To relieve distressed Freemasons and / or distressed Widows of Freemasons in all cases of emergency.

2. To assist in the administration of grants and annuities from other Provinces and   Constitutions

To conclude.

Outside of Freemasonry Ron has been a Governor of Lytham St Anne’s Technology and Performing Arts College for the past eleven years, and he was also a Fylde Borough Councillor for eight years.

 The job of Fylde Masonic Almoner is in very good hands for some years to come.

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