Secretary's Report - June 2008

Since my last update, we have seen a couple of happy events in the Province and very sad one.

On 9th April, Denham Green Lodge carried out the dedication of its new banner with ladies present. The Lodge was opened, the dispensation read, and then called off. Ladies were admitted to the Lodge room. There was a report and the Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, the Provincial Grand Secretary, two Provincial Deacons, two Stewards and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies entered in procession. The ceremony was ably carried out by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and followed by an excellent Festive Board.

Friday 27th April saw a celebration of 60 years in Freemasonry for George Douglas, Provincial Grand Tyler. The Provincial Grand Master accompanied by his Deputy and attended by David Spicer as Provincial Director of Ceremonies, the Provincial Grand Sword and Standard Bearers attended Bulwer Lodge of Cairo for this special event. The Provincial Grand Master took the Chair and gave a resume of George’s very eventful life. He then presented a certificate to mark the occasion. At the Festive Board, the Lodge presented him with an engraved ship’s bell.

Sadly, just four days before this happy event, Hundred of Stoke Lodge voted at its regular meeting to return its Warrant to the M.W. Grand Master. The ballot proved in favour as the Lodge has been unable to attract sufficient members to fill its offices. This is the first time in the history of the Province of Buckinghamshire that a Lodge has returned its Warrant.

Returning to a happier note, May 7th also saw a very special occasion for Ray Roberts of Haddenham Lodge. Initiated into Palmers Green Lodge on 1st April 1938, Ray joined the few to achieve 70 years in Freemasonry. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Nelson Hall, attended the meeting and presented Ray with a certificate to mark the occasion.

The last three-month period from 1st February to 30th April 2008 saw thirty three initiates in the Province, together with eleven joining and rejoining members. Sadly, this was offset by eleven deaths and thirty one resignations & exclusions. This did, however, still result in a net gain of two! Total unduplicated membership in the Province now stands at 3783.