Chairman's Address given at the Group Meeting held on Tuesday 28th October 2008.

I would again start by thanking you all for your assistance in promptly responding to the requests for information in connection with the 2009 Provincial Honours cycle, together with the quality of the information supplied. I can inform you however that it is possible that there may some first appointments for which I had not requested information. Quite late in our process the Province indicated that, with respect to Craft Honours, they were attempting as soon as practical, to arrive at a qualifying period of seven years after the Chair from the present eight years. For various reasons it is unlikely that this can be achieved in the course of a single Honours Cycle, but in order to ascertain how long it may take to reduce the time, additional names were nominated. Therefore some of these additional Brethren may in fact receive their first appointment in 2009. I must continue to remind you that the request for information should always be restricted to and confirmed by the Grand and Provincial Officers in the Lodge or Chapter.

There is an issue that I would request your assistance. For many sensible reasons, the starting time of Installations is now generally later than they were previously, with consequent later finishing times. This naturally has the effect of the Attendee/Representative being required to be present at a later time, often to be followed by a considerable distant to travel home. As a courtesy to these Brethren and Companions, I am asking for your assistance as senior members to ensure that both the Installation ceremony and the Festive Board are conducted as efficiently as possible. This matter was also raised at the Director and Assistant Director of Ceremonies Workshop in September. The Province will be issuing guidance to the Attendees/Representatives to limit the time of their responses.

Once again it is encouraging to record a steady intake of new candidates into the Craft and Holy Royal Arch. It is important that we all play our part in looking after these new members to ensure the future of our Lodges. The Lodge Liaison /Mentoring Officers continue to provide support for the new members and we have also introduced a system whereby they advise the respective proposer of when an Initiation Ceremony is to take place in another Lodge and to encourage them to visit that Lodge, together with their candidate, to witness the Ceremony. I would specifically draw your attention to the leaflet entitled “Freemasonry-Why you should join”, this leaflet is available from a number of dispensers located throughout the Hall. This was produced for the recent Southport Flower Show and is an example of a change of emphasis from previous leaflets in that it is a marketing tool rather than a PR leaflet. This is the beginning of the new strategy that is being developed by the Province in the coming months with respect of the marketing of Freemasonry in the Province.

The Holy Royal Arch in particular is experiencing an increase in new members and it is interesting to know that the system that was introduced in this Group whereby a Royal Arch contact has been appointed in each Lodge, with the objective of encouraging potential candidates in the Lodge to consider joining he Holy Royal Arch, is to be introduced throughout the Province. One area that can be improved however is the visiting of Principals to other Chapters. A letter was sent by our Vice Chairman to all Chapters last year that encouraged the Three Chapter Principals to share between them the opportunity of visiting other Chapters in the Group. By the end of the last Masonic season this appeared to be bearing fruit, but so far this season the practice appears to be failing. Some Chapters have taken initiatives and have made generous incentives by reducing considerably their dining fees should the visiting Principals wish to stay for the Festive Board. I hope that this initiative will be taken up by other Chapters and that Chapter Principals can again be encouraged to support each other and reflect upon the benefits to be gained within their own Chapter by inter–visitations.

I have at previous meetings requested that Chapters in the Group consider appointing a Chapter Almoner. This would have the advantage that two eyes are better than one when looking out for Companions who require assistance. I am pleased to note that some Chapters have responded to this request, but there are still four Chapters who have yet to appoint an Almoner. Can I specifically request that these Chapters give the matter serious consideration?

Resignations in the Craft however continue to be a cause for concern. We attempt to discover the reason for these wherever possible, often without success, maybe cost is a factor. I have stated many times at previous meetings that members should consider the true value of Freemasonry, and put the cost into a true perspective. I have heard many adverse comments about the increase in per capita charges recently imposed by Preston Masonic Hall Ltd, but putting this in context, it represented an increase of 50p per week, surely not an excessive amount even in these difficult times. I would remind you that we are only now covering the
costs of running the Hall, the capital involved in creating the Hall being paid for by our predecessors many years ago.

I encourage all Lodges and Chapters to make full use of the Hall. As you are aware
significant refurbishment of the Ballroom has taken place during the summer. The principal objective of this refurbishment was to make it attractive for outside lets such as weddings and conferences etc. Any assistance that you can give in recommending friends and colleagues to consider coming to use these facilities I am sure would be welcomed and would go a long way to ensure the viability of the Hall. Remember that Hall belongs to us all.

I once again direct my remarks to the three Lodges who currently meet at the Harris Park Conference Centre. The future of the Centre is uncertain following its sale by the University and I would request that the Lodges concerned seriously consider moving back to meeting at the Masonic Hall instead of seeking an alternative non Masonic venue.

You have been given an up date on the 2010 Festival by the Group Charity Steward and as the Festival is entering its fourth year it is important that the momentum is maintained. It is important that individual support is given in addition to that given by Lodges and Chapters. As part of the Group’s effort to raise funds for the Festival we are intending to hold a sponsored walk in spring of 2009. Details of this will be given in due course.

Earlier this year the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity was formed following the merger of the seven Provincial charities serving Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry. This charity now incorporates what was the The Community Fund of West Lancashire Freemasons. Can I ask you to ensure that your members continue to seek out suitable applications for a Community Grant? For your information a copy of the guidance notes for applicants will be included with the minutes of this meeting. Applications should in the first instance continue to be forwarded to W.Bro.Derek Thompson, who has agreed to continue to act as the Group Co-ordinator for these applications. His details are given in the Group diary.

With respect to activities within the Group I can inform you that this years Carol Service is being held again at Broughton Parish Church on Sunday 7th December. W.Bro.Ian Cuerden is arranging the order of service and is recruiting the choir members and any assistance you can give in this respect would be appreciated. This year the Group choir will be augmented by the Elizabethan Singers.

The Group Dinner is being held on Thursday 22nd January 2009. We are fortunate to have as our guest speaker on this occasion, E.Comp.Rev Harry E.Ross, PAGSoj, Third Provincial Grand Principal. E.Comp.Ross will present a talk entitled “Parsons Platter” which will in his own inimitable manner cover some of his Masonic experiences, and his involvement with Everton Football Club, where he is the Club Chaplain. As this will be an informal Group Dinner this year and following the success of last year’s dinner, when in addition to the Masters, Wardens, Chapter Principals and Group Representatives, newer members were encouraged to attend, we are suggesting that non Masonic male friends can also be invited. This would be good opportunity for potential new candidates to join us in what I am sure will be a very enjoyable occasion. Full details of the Dinner will be circulated shortly.

On 20th January 2009, under the auspices of Winckley Lodge No. 5438, a team comprising members of Preston Masonic Study Circle will carry out a demonstration of the First Degree Ceremony with Commentary. I am sure this demonstration will appeal to all members but should be of particular to interest newer members. Briefly the demonstration will be of a First Degree ceremony but at certain times in the ceremony there will be a pause and an explanation given of what has just taken place.

A few years ago the Preston Group held one of the first joint Convocations to be held in the Province. I can inform you that we intend to hold another, this time with a different format. On 26th February 2009, the Chapter of Unanimity No.113 has agreed to host the event. Volunteers to participate are currently being recruited. It is expected that the Grand Superintendent and the Deputy Grand Superintendent will be attending this Joint Convocation.

The Provincial Grand Master is determined to change the format of the Provincial Ball that is to be held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on 13th March 2009. The event will be targeted at all Brethren and Companions and not just Worshipful Masters and First Principals. On arrival there will only one drinks reception for all of us. There will be no top table and a concerted attempt will be made to ensure that all can join together and socialise as a Province. Details have been sent to Lodges and Chapters and once again I look forward to full support for the event.

At the October 2009 meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge that is to be held at the Guild Hall, Preston Group will be hosting the meeting. W.Bro.T.Ashcroft, of Jubilee Lodge No.5555 has been appointed as Captain of Stewards with W.Bro.E.J.Sarti of the Lodge of Concord No 343 as Vice- Captain. As is usual on these occasions the Group are required to provide Stewards to perform the many duties that are required to be carried out on the day. Will you kindly ask any of your members who are available and are willing to act as a Steward to pass their name to either W.Bro.Ashcroft or Bro.Sarti preferably via their respective pigeon holes?

The Provincial Grand Master is keen to encourage any new ideas that Brethren may have for the betterment of Freemasonry in the Province. Will you encourage any of your members who may have any to suggest to let me have them and I in turn will pass them to Province. The Provincial Grand Master has stated that any that are considered worthy of implementing he will do so.

Finally can I remind you to deliver the report of this meeting in open Lodge and Chapter to ensure that your members are kept up to-date with Group matters? Incidentally I would also ask that your Hall Directors, as a matter of routine, give a similar report of the Directors meetings to the members, again in open lodge. There is nothing more disturbing in these days of improved communications to hear comments such as “I wasn’t aware of that, no one informed me”

Ian Greenwood
Chairman