Secretary’s Notes

September 2010

Well, the summer, as such, is over and a new season is upon us. I wonder when Lof Is restart how many of you will be a little rusty with the ritual. Mind you it soon gets sorted out after a week or so. Perhaps this could be a plug for the Summer Lodge of Instruction.

You may recall the Historical Record Survey that has taken place over the last year or so. The number of replies from lodges and chapters in this Province was above the national average but still was not satisfactory. Some lodges chose to be independent or ignore my request for a return. Since the closure of the survey, grants of up to £250 are available for the preservation and conservation of lodge and chapter records. This grant is only available to those units that took part in the survey. A full story was printed in the Summer 2010 edition of Freemasonry Today.

Since my absence from the Provincial Office, I understand arrangements for the October Provincial Grand Lodge meeting are well advanced. However, I am aware that several brethren who are due to receive appointments or promotions in Provincial Rank have not yet replied to their invitations to attend the meeting and buffet. You are all strongly reminded that attendance to the Grand Temple and the buffet is by Ticket Only. These must be applied for before the day and, because of numbers attending, there will be restricted places. This requirement also applies to all brethren attending – you will not gain admission without a ticket.

I am not sure that I should take advantage of this column, but I would like to convey my thanks to all those that enquired after my health which has caused my enforced absence from the Provincial Office. The telephone calls and cards from brethren were very much appreciated. I hope the worst is over now and my return to the office will be sooner than later. Perhaps Vic Dorman will be able to retire from the “hot seat” for the second time, my sincere thanks for keeping the office going.

Peter Dawson, Provincial Grand Secretary