Freemasons fundraiser raises £1,000 towards East Lancashire Festival 2026

Members of the Oldham and Rochdale districts Freemasons group and their families and friends were treated to a wonderful evening and entertainment by the Greater Manchester Police band at Rochdale Masonic Hall on 17 June.

John Taylor opened the evening, speaking about the Masonic Charitable Foundation, before thanking everyone for supporting the event and helping raise funds for the East Lancashire Festival 2026.

The band played music from around the 18th century with the conductor giving a brief history of the band.

He explained that some people might have heard most of the music on the evening from Disney films.

 

 

During the first part of the evening, Russell Perks and Mr Taylor sold a huge amount of raffle tickets in aid of the EL2026 festival with prizes including wine and chocolate. 

The second part of the evening was back in full swing and the Greater Manchester Police band certainly had everyone in the room tapping their toes in enjoyment.  At the end of the band's performance, a huge applause was given by all.

 

 

Steven Graham closed the event; his first 'thank you' was to the outgoing chairmen of the social committee who he thanked for all his hard work over the years.

He also thanked all the staff of Rochdale Masonic Hall for the food and commitment on the evening before asking Mr Perks to announce the amount raised on the evening: a total of £1,000 with a small donation from the social committee.

Mr Graham then thanked the Greater Manchester Police band, for performing with no charge, and also everyone who had attended and made it such a wonderful evening.