The summer period has again been busy, primarily dealing with the nominations for appointments and promotions in Provincial Grand Lodge and Chapter in 2007.

At the time of writing we are now in the second month of the current masonic season. The period has been relatively quiet as several Lodges in the recent past have reduced the number of meetings they hold by cancelling their September meetings. During September, W.Bro Richard Arton celebrated his Golden Jubilee in The Lodge of Good Fellowship. Richard possess a tremendous artistic talent and on display in the dining room were the original table plans that he has produced over many years for Lodge Installations and Ladies evenings. W.Bro.Bill Seddon, our Assistant Provincial Grand Master chaired the celebration.

In October an almost unique celebration took place in Royal Preston Chapter, when E.Comp.Ron Challen celebrated 60 years as a Royal Arch Mason. On this special occasion, E.Comp.Steven Reid, the Deputy Grand Superintendent occupied the First Principals chair and delivered a comprehensive tribute to Ron. Most members in the Preston Group are aware of Ron’s wartime service, including details of when at a dinner given in his honour by the Americans, he was seated next to Marlene Dietrich and when the lights failed she allegedly grabbed hold of his knee. It is possible that Ron has never forgotten that experience and it was quite appropriate at the Festive Board when at the end of his reply to the toast to his health, “Marlene” should appear and to congratulate Ron on his 60 years in the Holy Royal Arch!

I would advise that we have recently had a number of applicants to join Freemasonry referred to the Group by the Province. Most of these were as a result of the men carrying out their own research into the principles of Freemasonry and then pursuing their interest via the Provincial website. I have been able to meet with these potential candidates and following discussions with them have been able to introduce them to appropriate Lodges for them to process the applications. These are examples of how the Craft’s attitude to openness is beginning to have an effect. I will be monitoring the progress of these new candidates with particular interest.

Continue to enjoy your Freemasonry.

Ian Greenwood
Chairman