I would refer to the successful Group Carol Service that was held in December at Christ Church Fulwood. We received a warm welcome from the vicar, the Rev. Brian McConkey. The format was somewhat different from previous services with more participation by the congregation in the singing of the Carols. The collection raised £480 and was donated to the Tom Wade Appeal. My thanks must go to Ian Cuerden who arranged the order of service and convened the choir. It is hoped to hold the 2006 service once again at Christ Church.

February has been a busy month following the announcement of Provincial honours in Craft and Royal Arch. My congratulations go to all who have received a first appointment or promotion. It pleasing to know that practically all who have received an honour, have indicated that they intend to be present at the appropriate meeting to receive their collar.

Three Golden Jubilee celebrations have recently been held in the Group. In Preston Guild Lodge, W.Bro.Fred Westrope, P.P.J.G.W. celebrated his in early January. It is remarkable to record that for practically the whole of his masonic career, Fred has travelled to Preston from his home in Sheffield and hardly missed a meeting during that time. A real example of commitment. Stuart Owen and Norman Hodgson, both who are P.Pr.J.G.W.’s celebrated their anniversaries in Ingol Lodge of St.Margaret and Jubilee Lodge respectively. On all three occasions the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro.Bill Seddon officiated in his own inimitable style.

A meeting of Group Chairmen was held in January with the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master on the subject of mentoring. The Provincial Grand Master stated that United Grand Lodge was extremely concerned at the high number of resignations of relatively new members and that he had been tasked to address the problem. The proposal to introduce an officially appointed Group Mentor was discussed at the meeting and the general consensus was not in favour of such an appointment. Several Group Chairmen gave details of the systems they were using in their Groups. I as able to outline the system we employ in the Preston Group, whereby we have Liaison Officers who attend the Lodge on the occasion of a Brother’s Raising to present the “Introduction to Freemasonry “ booklet to the candidate. I have asked the respective Liaison Officers to continue to keep in contact with the particular Brother and top monitor his progress. However no matter how much outside support is available, the ultimate responsibility for looking after the new member and ensuring that he is fully aware of the commitments that is expected of him is clearly that of his Proposer and Seconder.

Aegis Lodge has recently hosted a demonstration of Sharing the Work of a First Degree Ceremony. The participants were drawn from practically every Lodge in the Group. A first class demonstration was given which clearly showed how the work could be shared without detracting from the solemnity and dignity of the ceremony. My thanks go to Melvyn Cross and David Winder for their work in organising the programme and the many practices that were held. I must also thank the several Brethren who took part in the demonstration.

The Group Dinner was held on 24th February with 101 Brethren and Companions attending the event. This was an excellent attendance and I am sure that everyone enjoyed the response that the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E.Comp.Steven Reid gave to the toast to his health, so ably proposed by our Group Secretary, Stan Rigby. Stan used as his theme the famous Rembrandt painting “ Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicholas Tulp” a subject that E.Comp.Reid gives lecture on. Stan had even used a copy of the painting as place cards. For the efforts that Stan put in organising the Dinner I must place on record my sincere thanks to him.

On 1st March the Provincial Grand Master graced the Group with his presence when he attended the Installation meeting of Jubilee Lodge. I know that he was pleased with the visit and was delighted to see that the Lodge is in good heart and that the members are enjoying their Freemasonry.

Continue to enjoy your Freemasonry.

Ian Greenwood
Chairman

 

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