The Friendship Lodge was formed under the Grand Lodge of England Ltd on 1st September 2001 and was allocted Lodge Number 2488.
We have always been a small Lodge finding, like many other Lodges, difficulty in recruiting new members.
We were always aware that we wanted to be part of the community and conducted our business accordingly. During our 10+ years under GLE Ltd three separate Lodge members have been Town Mayor of our home town of Horwich. During one particular year, one of our members was the volunteer chauffeur of the Horwich Town Mayor.
One of our members has been Chairman of Horwich Carnival Committee for many years and other Lodge members have also served on that committee in different positions. The Lodge always has a charity stall on site duing the Carnival weekend.
Another Lodge member is a leading light in the Horwich Heritage Centre. The centre which gives displays and lectures on the history of Horwich and surrounding areas.
The Horwich branch of the Royal British Legion sadly closed down a few years ago. But with the help of a few Lodge members it was reformed and is now steadily growing again.
During our time under GLE Ltd we have provided two Grand Lodge Officers and it was a proud moment for all Lodge members when they were elected.
On top of all this we think that our finest achievement, by far, is our fundraising.Since September 2001 we have raised over £40,000, the majority of which has gone to local charities and good causes. We think this is a fantastic effort considering how small we are in number and we most certainly intend to continue our fundraising efforts as long as we possibly can.
The Lodge always takes part in the annual Remembrance Day Parade and is always joined by other Buffs from many different parts of the country.On behalf of the Order of Buffalos we always lay wreaths at the War Memorial and some of our guest Buffs are invited to do the laying honour.
Members of the Lodge and visitors on Armistice Sunday 13/11/11
Bro A Cox KOM, Bro H Garland CP ,Bro R Priestley CP, B Cuthbert, Bro D Huntingdon ROH, Bro S Cuthbert, Bro N Pendlebury KOM