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The PGM's Blog |
 Dear Brethren, The Spring is Sprung, the grass is riz! (Alas! Our main road was flooded and we were cut off for a while!) Major Announcement – Change of Rulers: This information has already been circulated widely throughout the Province. It was with great sadness that I accepted the resignation of my Deputy VW Bro. Stuart Grantham, PGSwdB. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart who is about to undergo a course of medical treatment which means he will be out of circulation for a number of months. I sing the praises of a remarkable and kind man and my Brother Freemason. My right hand counsellor and a voice of moderation. These attributes have been much appreciated, especially when my thoughts strayed into overly “blue sky” thinking or my wanting to make things happen at an even greater pace. The following words spring to mind as I reflect on, and praise Stuart’s outstanding contribution made to this Province during the past two and a half years: “Exemplary in conduct, courteous in manner, easy of address, steady and firm in principle”. Please keep VW Bro. Stuart and his family in your thoughts and prayers Brethren. Our World has to move on….....……………. We are taught as Freemasons to embrace change and to anticipate the impact. I have therefore appointed W Bro. John Boyington, SGD, Asst ProvGM , to become my Deputy in succession to VW Bro. Grantham. His Installation will take place at Tapton Hall, Sheffield on the morning of Monday, 15th of April 2019. W Bro. Boyington’s forthcoming promotion creates a vacancy for an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. I have been pleased to appoint our current Provincial Senior Grand Warden, W Bro. Brian Littlejohn, to become an APGM with leadership responsibility for Area 4 within our Province. The Installation will take place at Tapton Hall, Sheffield on the evening of Monday, 13th May 2019. Information regarding booking places at the respective Installations will be circulated soon. “Well Done! Thou Good and Faithful Servants!” Updates on Objectives: Increasing Membership The Membership Pathway – Implementation for Success! It is March and it is Springtime when growth is everywhere in Nature. Now is the time Brethren to nurture the growth of our Lodges. I note the number of Initiates joining our ranks are of all ages. Well done to Lodges who are implementing the Membership Pathway – It’s working! This is particularly pleasing and I encourage Lodges who are struggling for candidates to contact those who are getting this right. My discussions with such Lodges confirm that they would be delighted to assist. Candidates? Please remember that we look for quality and not just quantity! New Lodge at Garforth - To Meet at Garforth Golf Club. The news continues to be encouraging! I am being kept aware of the progress being made and I am delighted with what I am hearing. A new Lodge in a growing part of the Province? Now that could be a thought for others to consider? There are so many new housing developments being planned and being built all around us. A London “Yorkshire” Lodge We are keeping an eye on this development with interest and providing support. The Brethren involved are in final negotiations to take over the Warrant of another London Lodge that intended to close. This is the way they currently do such things in the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. A request to change the name of the Lodge will be made to The Most Worshipful The Grand Master in due time. I understand that there will be a special meeting to celebrate the transition and I hope that many of you will join me with my contingent of West Riding Brethren on that night in London. Raising our Civic Profile – Making a Difference! Civic Engagement Following a most enjoyable Dinner Dance arranged by Area 4 Lodges at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, a deputation of Brethren has been invited to take tea with the Mayor of Barnsley. Such occasions are pleasurable and important in advancing our increased Civic engagement. Please do keep looking for similar opportunities Brethren. Provincial Grand Master’s Fund (PGM’s Fund) & West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. (WRMCL) Major Grants – 2019 The PGM’s Fund Committee sat and deliberated the nominations from Lodges and Chapters. Recommendations have been passed to WRMCL and decisions will be published soon. The successful applicants will be delighted and the grants awarded will make a significant difference in our Communities Minor Grants – Q1/2019 A goodly number of awards have been recommended to WRMCL and again, details of the successful applicants will be published soon. It is a pleasure to support such a diversity of worthy local worth causes. These “Minor Grants” make a difference. We know because the recipients tell us. For both Major and Minor Grants, we do try to support every qualifying application. However, this is not always possible. I do wish to thank all Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters for their hard work in supporting the applicants in preparing their submissions. I would certainly encourage far more applications from all parts of the Province. Area 1 Reception Dinner for Q4/218 Minor Grant Recipients The event was hosted by the Lodge of Peace No: 3988 at Hoyle Court, Baildon. It was a pleasure to meet the recipients of the Area 1, Q4/2018 awards. Representatives from the organisations sang our praises as we were informed of the positive impact that donations had already made in local communities. Enhancing Member Experiences 2018/19 Acting Provincial Officers Visit to Castleford The floods abated and the road opened! Thank goodness! We were able to go to Castleford as planned. A packed Lodge Room witnessed a wonderful Initiation ceremony. The Team were well received by the Master, Officers and Members of Legiolium Lodge No: 1542 and treated to a magnificent ceremony and a splendid Festive Board. 2018 Initiates’ Evenings These events are being really well received by our new Brethren and their families. It is such a pleasure to meet and greet everyone and a successful buffet meal has provided an opportunity to circulate. Similar events are planned for 2019 Initiates and their Families early in 2020. I have already asked the 2018 intake to escort our 2019 Initiates and I would also like Lodge Mentors to attend with other supporting Lodge Brethren My thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and the delivery of these now Annual occasions. Prestonian Lecture 2019 – Thursday, 19th of September 2019 –- Castle Grove Leeds The Leeds and District Lodge of Installed Masters No: 7918 has been selected to host one of the few official presentations of the 2019 Prestonian Lecture. This is a rare and richly deserved honour. W Bro. Mike Karn, of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No: 2076 and Temple of Athene Lodge No: 9541, has been appointed by the United Grand Lodge of England as Prestonian Lecturer for 2019. His lecture is entitled “English Freemasonry during the Great War”. Please watch out for further information and book your place immediately as it is anticipated that demand for tickets will be very high. 2019/20 Area Visits by Acting Provincial Officers I have made my choices! Please watch this space! I confirm that there are no costs involved for any Lodge selected for such a visit. Acting Provincial Officers pay their own way and that includes me! Appointments to Grand Rank and Provincial Grand Rank “Those envelopes” arrived on doormats early in March. To Brethren who have been so honoured – please accept my hearty congratulations. The many, many hours spent by the Rulers Team ensure consistency and the use of an electronic system for the first time has proved an outstanding success. Regarding honours, may I remind Brethren of the published sage words of VW Bro. John Rushworth, PGSwdB, PDepProvGM – Appointment to any first rank, Acting or Past, should be considered as possibly the only one to be received. There should be no expectation of automatic future promotion. Breakfast Club for Young Masons and Friends A ground-breaking initiative! This time in Harrogate where 30 Brethren and their friends enjoyed a hearty breakfast at a restaurant. It was a tremendous get-together and I commend the idea to all throughout the Province. New Masons’ Clubs The numbers are growing and what an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other new Masons and potential candidates. The variety of venues being used is impressive where a drink and meal can be enjoyed in very good company. Provincial Company of Stewards The Meeting of the Leeds Lodge No: 9867 was a sea of crimson aprons and collars as the Present and Past Provincial Stewards held their inaugural “Red Apron Visit”. Well done and here’s to the next time! And Finally: My Plans for April Another busy month ahead includes the final Team visit of the 2018/19 Acting Provincial Officers to Mexborough Lodge No: 6117, a 50- year Jubilee Certificate presentation for VW Bro. Nevil Parkinson, PGSwdB , PDepProvGM; Grand Officers’ briefings, a visit by Brethren from the Great State of Ohio – USA; the Annual Lunch for both Craft and Royal Arch Acting Officers and their partners, the Installation of a new Deputy Provincial Grand Master; the Centenary Meeting of University Lodge, Sheffield No: 3911, the Annual Investiture Meeting at Grand Lodge in London - Then . On the Horizon The Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at the Royal Hall, Harrogate on Tuesday, 7th of May followed by Dinner at the Majestic Hotel. Great News! A team led by W Bro. Michael Dyson, our Provincial Grand Secretary, has negotiated contracts for us to continue to hold the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at the Royal Hall for at least the next five years AND a three-year dining commitment with the Majestic. Contracts will then be renegotiated at the appropriate times. This is brilliant news and contingency plans to avert a repeat of previous issues can now be filed away! I extend my grateful thanks to W. Bro Dyson and the negotiation team for securing the advance bookings at such wonderful and historic venues. My Fraternal best wishes to you and yours as always. “2018 Was Good – 2019 Will Be EVEN BETTER!” David RW Bro. David S. Pratt Provincial Grand Master 
 Dear Brethren, What incredible weather we have been enjoying – The sun has been shining, and the Spring flowers are already showing well in our garden. Light, warmth and lustre! It feels as if the sun has been shining on us all Brethren - February has been a wonderful Masonic Month! Updates on Objectives: Increasing Membership The Membership Pathway - From Planning to Implementation!
The fundamental requirement Brethren is the quality of Candidates and not just the numbers. Our Order can only be enriched by the admission new Members of integrity and of the right calibre who will add value to our Lodges. If there is any doubt about a potential Candidate? – Just say: “Thank-you but No!” Need More Ideas? Wonderful feedback has been received about a presentation delivered by our Provincial Information Officer, W Bro. David Simister, PProvSGW, on “Marketing your Lodge”. This is a subject that fits brilliantly into any plan to increase Lodge Membership. I am particularly looking forward to attending something new! - A Breakfast Meeting in Harrogate organised by W Bro. David for Brethren and also for potential candidates. This is just the sort of innovative activity to educate, entertain, enthuse and to attract! New Lodge at Garforth? Proposing to Meet at Garforth Golf Club. I was delighted to learn that there are now in excess of 40 Petitioners and this is very encouraging. There are a number of organisational hurdles to get across; however personally; I see no reason why this Lodge should not be brought into existence. No news yet about a Consecration date or venue however as it will indeed be a rare event in current times, a goodly number in attendance can be expected. Well done to the Organising Committee! Things are really shaping up well! As a general principle, I am always open to the suggestion for a new Lodge proving a strong business case supports the application. Areas in the Province where there are plans for new housing estates and growth would appear to be ripe for such new Lodges. It has also been whispered to me that a potential new “Past Masters’ Lodge” is being discussed in the South of the Province. Again, I look forward with great anticipation to reading the business case to explain the rationale for such a new Lodge that demonstrates ongoing viability. Raising our Civic Profile - Making a Difference! Civic Engagement My thanks to the Brethren who have let me have their thoughts on how to advance the achievement of this Objective. Please keep your ideas coming Brethren. Provincial Grand Master’s Fund (PGM’s Fund) & West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. (WRMCL) Major Grants - 2019 I have the date in my diary for the meeting to consider applications and to select the recipients. It will be a pleasure to meet and greet the representatives of the successful groups at the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Harrogate on the 7th May. My thanks to W Bro. Tony Brailsford, PSGD, PAsstProvGM, who has once again volunteered to act as our Compère for this part of the meeting when Provincial Grand Lodge is Called Off. We will also be welcoming our WRMCL Care & Support Officers on stage to applaud their invaluable contribution to the ongoing well-being of our Province. Their tireless efforts are much appreciated by all. Enough is Enough! No Longer Will We; “Turn the Other Cheek!” Last month, I referred to an article written by a provocative local Journalist containing an unpleasant and inaccurate comment about Freemasonry. As expected, there has been no response to my invitation to him to meet with me to discuss the reality of Freemasonry in the 21st Century. I did chuckle when he referred to me as the “Grand Pooh-Bah” in his online response to my letter. Area 4 Gala Dinner: The 2019 Dinner and Dance held at the Magna Centre at Rotherham was a memorable evening of pleasure in great company. The attendance of the Mayor of Barnsley accompanied by the Lady Mayoress added lustre to a splendid occasion. Once again, WRMCL made a generous donation of £2,500 to the Mayor’s Charities of his year for a local Hospice and a Dementia Charity. Really well done to the organisers! Enhancing Member Experiences 2018 Initiates’ Evenings All six events have been now arranged in March around the Province and bookings are being accepted. Idea! Why not support your new members by joining them and their families at the event to celebrate their admission into Freemasonry in 2018. The event on Friday, 15th March at Castle Grove, Leeds will also include the investiture of a number of Past Provincial Grand Stewards. SOLOMON – The Masonic Learning System Update: Please Sample the Delights! The numbers of registered users are growing and include Brethren of all ages and from all parts of the Globe including other Constitutions. It is particularly interesting to note that a number of Ladies have also registered and this is further evidence of our approach to openness and of sharing knowledge. I can only continue to encourage all to register and sample this truly excellent member benefit. 50th Jubilee Certificate Presentation - Welcome Lodge No: 3779, Sheffield It was my pleasure to present our own VW Bro. Jack Pigott, PGSwdB, PDepProvGM, with his Jubilee Certificate at a very well attended meeting. A really good time was had by all! Closure Meeting, Temple Lodge No: 4963, Howarth This happened as scheduled when the existence of the Lodge and contribution to Freemasonry was celebrated. I am so pleased that virtually all of the members of the former Lodge are now happy in other Lodges and that the arrangements to provide continuing support to Lodge widows and dependants are well in place. As I said at the meeting, there is almost as much work to be done when a Lodge closes as for a Consecration. My thanks to all the Brethren who laboured so well to achieve an efficient and dignified Lodge closure. 2019/20 Area Visits by Acting Provincial Officers I invite all the Brethren to assist in this matter. My Assistant Provincial Grand Masters will recommend to me where to visit with my Team of 2019/20 Acting Officers. If you would like your Lodge to be considered for a visit, please do make it known to your Liaison Officer. An important point is that there are no costs involved for any Lodge selected for such a visit. Centenaries on the Horizon! Following the end of “The Great War” in 1918, a significant number of new Lodges were formed throughout the Constitution to accommodate a rapid increase of membership by returning Servicemen. Those Lodges are now planning to celebrate their Centenaries. A wonderful milestone and cause for much celebration! We have a goodly number of Lodges scheduled to celebrate their Centenaries in our Province over the next few years. All the Rulers and other senior Provincial Officers are looking forward to participating in the celebrations to make the occasions very special.
Just in case you are passing .... Off to Madeira for a Ladies Night and to conduct a Third Degree Ceremony! (Yes! This Provincial Grand Master can still execute the work!) My love and very best wishes to you and yours as always. “2018 Was Good - 2019 Will Be EVEN BETTER!” David RW Bro. David S. Pratt Provincial Grand Master
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David S. PrattProvincial Grand Master for the Province of Yorkshire West Riding Archives
February 2020
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