Winter Gardens, Margate on Thursday 28th November 2011

The well attended Mess was held in the Queens Hall at the Winter Gardens, which many believe offers a much ‘cosier’ and more relaxing and intimate atmosphere than the larger Main Hall.

David Kershaw, 3rd Provincial Grand Principal (Royal Arch) said Grace before and after lunch.

The President of the Mess, Geoffrey Dearing, proposed the Loyal Toast and the toast to the Grand Master. He was delighted to see so many in attendance and apologised that the Mess date had been re-scheduled from 20th October, but he had other important Masonic business to attend to on that day!

Apologies

52 apologies had been received which included RtWBro Michael Bailey PPrGM, VWBro Peter Brooshooft PDPrGM, WBros Reg Walter PAPrGM and Charles Boxer PAPrGM. The President of the Mess then took wine with all the Brethren and Companions present, and with Deputy President VWBro Roger Odd and Past President RtWBro John Bonomy.

Mess Accounts

When asked if he had any comments regarding the Mess Accounts, the Mess Treasurer, WBro John Cooper replied with a resounding “No!” There being no further discussion on the matter, the Accounts were duly adopted.

Elections

Roger Odd proposed and Trevor Climpson, Deputy Grand Superintendent (Royal Arch), seconded a proposition that John Cooper continue as Mess Treasurer and that Peter Hagger, Provincial Grand Secretary, be elected Mess Secretary. This was approved by the members.

The President of the Mess presented WBro Andy Notley with his Patent as Assistant Provincial Grand Master. This was greeted with applause.

The President's Address

The President of the Mess addressed the members upon “The Way Forward for The Province of East Kent”.

He gave an overview of his first thirty five days in office as Provincial Grand Master. He said he was “beginning to get his toes under the table” and receiving enormous support from the ‘great’ Executive Team and the Provincial Office Team. “There is nothing we can’t do!’ he added. He went on to highlight key areas:

• We have challenges for the future of Freemasonry and much to offer in these difficult times.
  
  
• We must evolve, but not lose our traditions.
  
  
• The four APrGMs were now in place in their various new roles and responsibilities.
  
  
• Key areas are Decline in Membership, New Recruitment, Retention and Mentoring, all of which must be addressed.
  
  
• Almoners have an important part to play.
  
  
• The importance of Support, Friendship and Happiness was strongly stressed.
  
  
• Communication is now much more important and progress has been made on our excellent Provincial Website.
  
  
• We need to cut down on the amount of paper generated and see the Second Risings shortened at our Regular Lodge meetings.
  
  
• The Provincial Office should be used to greater avail; that’s what it is there for.
  
  
• Great progress is being made at the Library and Museum. It’s an exciting project which it is hoped will attract greater use in the future, with new exhibitions being shown every 3 or 4 months. Canterbury City Council is very supportive. All members are urged to visit it when it re-opens. It is hoped that the general public will also visit the Museum as part of the City’s tourist attractions.
  
  
• The Association of Patrons of the Library and Museum was recently formed, with patronage open to Lodges, Chapters and Individuals.
  
  
• It is acknowledged that many Lodges support local charities and recognised that these are difficult times financially.
  
  
• It is the President’s desire to see an increase in the number of Brethren taking the important step and joining the Holy Royal Arch.
  
  
• A great deal of work has been done by the Provincial Choir in preparation for the Family Festival of Christmas Music to be held at St Barbara’s Garrison Church, Brompton on Friday 9th December.
  
  
• A Winter Warmer Cabaret will be held at The Mercure Hotel, Maidstone on Friday 10th February 2012 with the New Provincial Band (‘Cymbolick Penalties’!) playing for the first time.
  
  
• The President summed up by expressing the hope that we all continue to enjoy our Freemasonry.
  
  

In a Question and Answer Session a member’s enquiry was ‘Why can we not wear our Provincial tie and Charity Jewel when visiting in other Provinces?’ The President explained that this is a matter of protocol which is observed between Provinces. As another example of the same protocol, he pointed out that, as PGM, he has to seek permission to visit another Province as a private guest.

A vote of thanks was proposed to the President of the Mess by the Provincial Senior Grand Warden who concluded by extolling the Presidents ‘endearing charm and personality!’



The next Provincial Mess will be held on Thursday 15th March 2012.

8 December 2011

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