Secretary's Report - March 2008

Both 2008 New Masons’ Dinners were a great success and many compliments have been forthcoming from those attending and their partners. One thing that is clear from these gatherings is that both the members and their partners want to be involved in more social activity, bet Ladies Festivals, White Tables, or just informal gatherings.

It is also obvious that not enough “new” Masons are being made aware of the North East Corner Club meetings which are being held at the main Centres in Buckinghamshire. Please take the time to read the NECC section on this site and pass the information on to your members.

In addition, there are Ladies’ Clubs at Beaconsfield, Marlow and Bletchley, with more to follow. These give an ideal opportunity for your partners to get together, explore common ground and get to know each other. If your lady is happy then, you don’t need me to tell you, that you will be happy too – the reverse also applies!

Speaking of new Masons, it has come to my notice that some Secretaries are not sending Registration Form P to me immediately after an initiation. This is generally because the initiate did not pay his dues on the night. To put it bluntly, that is the Lodge’s problem. He was initiated and should be registered and his Grand Lodge Registration Fee paid immediately afterwards, regardless of whether the Lodge has been paid or not. I would like to suggest that you collect his money before you initiate him in future.

The last two-month period from 1st December 2007 to 31st January 2008 saw forty two initiates in the Province, together with twenty one joining and rejoining members. Sadly, this was offset by eleven deaths and fifty one resignations & exclusions. This did, however, still result in a net gain of one! Total unduplicated membership in the Province now stands at 3775.