Brethren
I want to start by thanking the Outgoing Provincial Team who gave such great support throughout the year.
Led by two first class Wardens you’ve set a high bar for this year’s Officers.
Thank you!
To those receiving Honours today, congratulations – you deserve it!
I look forward to your company on the circuit and your engagement and support for our initiatives.
I congratulate those being appointed to Grand Rank on 30th April.
As First Appointments – all to PAGDC
- W Bro Paul O’Connell of the Miles Coverdale Lodge No 5069
- W Bro Anthony Eldred of The Lodge of Felicity No 5336
and Promotions for
- W Bro Christopher Roach our P Grand Superintendent of Torbay Lodge No 1358 Past Grand Sword Bearer,
You will remember my Vision Brethren
“To create a legacy so that others may derive the same enjoyment from our wonderful order as we have and to build a better Masonic Future”
Our greatest challenge remains to grow the Order:
All of our initiatives and indeed every change is with a view to growing the Order and halting the decline that has been occurring for many years.
Whether it’s:
- Improving our Buildings
- Holding Provincial Social Events
- Engaging with the Community
- Consecrating new Lodges such as the Football Lodge on 4 June this year.
I can report that looking at last year in comparison to the previous year initiations were up, joining members were up, resignations were down by 50%; even deaths reduced (but I claim no credit for this)!
The number of Lodges that were stable or growing since 2016 has increased
The majority of Installation meetings were sold out. The only slight negative is that all Lodge closures over the past 4 years were applied (in one hit) to our figures by UGLE in December.
There is no doubt however that our member numbers have stabilised and now need to focus on growing.
In the first 3 months of this year we are up. We have enjoyed; 67 Initiated or balloted for and 33 Joiners/Rejoiners.
This is good news.
There is still much to do and we will continue to review our strategy and aim initiatives at increasing our numbers.
We do have momentum however and things are changing quality people are coming forward; we will not lower our Masonic standards or abandon the traditions of the founders of our Lodges.
It also remains crucial that we look after our newer members. We only get one chance to make a first impression.
Retention is equally important and I am pleased that our efforts have been rewarded on this.
We must involve our junior Masons at the earliest opportunity so they gain the experience that you here today, already have. Don’t forget that young brethren are the most likely to introduce candidates.
Buildings
You have heard me mention that we have too many buildings, some sadly are in a poor state, despite the tireless efforts of dedicated trustees and volunteers.
Now is the time for us to act.
We must continue to improve our buildings and invest in them.
For a long time, I have had concerns about what happens when a building is sold. The proceeds are not Provincial money nor is it charity money. It should be a legacy for our future and that is what I am seeking to protect.
In Plymouth:
The steering committee and the fund I set up with the aim of improving and securing a Masonic facility or facilities owned by Plymouth Freemasons.
Professionally run, fit for purpose, modern with parking and high-quality amenities for both masonic and non-masonic functions.
We have started with an initial 5-year fundraising campaign, and we have had fantastic ongoing support from Plymouth Lodges and brethren in supporting this worthy initiative.
You should all be very proud to wear the lighthouse.
I must remind you that this money is administered by the Provincial Treasurer and “ring fenced” It cannot be used for any other purpose.
It is my role to help protect our future and for that I need your support. The Freemasons of Plymouth have come together and already raised nearly £60,000 towards our goal, but there is a long way to go. The big steps will come if a building is sold.
In Torquay I have launched a Building scheme also in the past 6 months, we have raised nearly £10,000 already and we expect the Torbay Freemasons to come together and embrace this exciting plan for their future.
Exeter is taking positive steps to protect the future of its Hall.
I am pleased too that the Other Orders in Devonshire fully support this essential Initiative.
I want to briefly touch on Communication
Communication is really important if we are to grow the Order.
We have a new Website that is progressing in its development. Please; especially secretaries, engage with it and keep it up to date. We have a new Provincial Officer invested today progressing this development.
We have issued the first of a quarterly Newsletter – this will continue. We need each of you however to update the Province with your e mail addresses.
The Communications Officer appointed today (A Brother) has, in conjunction with the Membership and L&D Officer, outlined a plan for a further digital marketing campaign in the autumn.
Social events
Last year we have held numerous “Provincial” social events. I am keen we continue to do so and involve our families and friends. Again, this supports our strategy towards growth. The events have included;
- A Cabaret evening/Ball in Barnstaple in March
- We had the 4 Tops at the Rougemont Hotel in Exeter in June
- Family Fun Day again in August
- Sadly, the Carol Service at Exeter Cathedral was cancelled due to a severe Storm and high winds in December.
Not to be deterred we met with over 30 of our Widows less than 200 yards away from the Cathedral on the same day and enjoyed a lunch and an impromptu carol service.
Brethren these events have been great fun and brought us all closer together.
For this year
VE day Celebration on Thursday 8 May at Exeter Cathedral.
This will be supported by the PGM’s and Brethren from Somerset and Cornwall. Indeed 2 of our Rulers are also planning to attend. Regalia may be worn – we are fortunate to have great support from the Dean and it was his request to wear regalia.
The PGM’s Ball at Sandy Park on Saturday 28 June
This event is limited to 500 and I believe is sold out. Some fabulous acts to celebrate 250 years of the Province of Devonshire.
Family Fun Day at Denis Arden’s in Exeter on Sunday 24 August
Carol Service at Exeter Cathedral in December
I’d now like to highlight some of the Changes. We must welcome and embrace change to improve. You will have noticed that much has changed during the past 12 months:
The Executive
The Membership Officer
The Communications Officer
The L and D Officer.
The Registrar
I look to involve newer, younger and indeed some senior Brethren at all levels. Look no further than our Stewards – age is no barrier.
We have invested time in training our key Brethren who are in office such;
Secretaries,
DC’s and
Almoners.
More training is planned for other Officers including Treasurers and membership officers
What has worked so well in the past no longer brings the same results, so Change is necessary, it may not always work out, but that should never stop us trying. Remember, there’s only one way to find out.
Supporting and engaging with our communities is important and necessary
We are right to take part in Remembrance Day services across the county. In Church and Cathedral Services. Supporting local initiatives Using the WAKE fund to support them.
These 2 evenings are hugely successful where we distribute your money to worthy causes such as local charities and support groups.
We donate some £30K to approximately 20 charities on 2 occasions/year.
Additionally you all support your local communities in so many ways. Consider offering support of a practical nature to engage with our communities like we did during the pandemic.
Thank you – Please continue as it will encourage good men to want to join!.
We will continue to support other Orders
The Royal Arch in particular is and always has been, close to my heart; we are uniquely linked to the Royal Arch and are stronger together.
We will therefore
- Work ever more closely with the Royal Arch and
- Encourage all Craft Members to make Chapter their next step
As for Today’s meeting
I would like to thank the Provincial Secretary and his Asst for their organisation.
My thanks also to the Provincial GDC and his team of Deputies.
To Summarise
With your help we are rising to these challenges. There are many positive signs – we have Momentum. Some struggling lodges have been turned around. The efforts of our Membership team are helping greatly.
But we are only going to succeed because each and every one of you continue to;
- Support your lodges,
- Take on those difficult offices which are essential and
- Spread the word that we are a Great Order to join.
Brethren – We shouldn’t fear the future but be prepared to face it.
We can and will make a difference!
I thank you all for making today such a great success.
I wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to your company in the year.
May the GAOTU bless you all
R.W.Bro. N. A. Ball
Provincial Grand Master