May 2017

My Beloved Brethren,

“The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom”.
Le Morte D’Arthur - Thomas Malory c: 1469

“The sun’s up above, it’s a glorious day to inspire my Brothers and to celebrate May”.
Personal Musings – ProvGM 2017

Provincial Grand Lodge –Harrogate 2nd May

Indeed! A Grand Day Out in magnificent surroundings at Harrogate with perfect weather.It was so pleasing to see the smiling faces and so many Brethren in attendance.
The presence of Masters and Master Masons who shared the experience was a delight for us all as these Brethren are the future of Freemasonry!

Congratulations to all who received rank preferment in Provincial Grand Lodge.
My thanks to the 2016/17 Team of Acting Officers and a big “Hello” to the 2017/18 Team.
As I presented the cheques to the worthy recipients of the major grants from the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund I was struck by the gratitude expressed by the recipients. Let there be no misunderstanding Brethren we make a huge difference in local communities. The lusty singing of “Jerusalem” made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!

Provincial Grand Master’s Fund

Be it a small or major grant – They all make such a difference! This year there is £300,000 available so I would ask every Lodge (and Chapter) to pro-actively seek out local needs.
No absolute guarantees regarding support can be given, however we will always do our very best to respond positively to a qualifying request.

True Story from a recent visit to a Lodge:

PM to ProvGM: “We get nothing from the PGM’s Fund!”
ProvGM to PM: “Really? What have your recommended?”
PM to ProvGM: “We’ve never applied”

And the moral of this? I’ll leave this to you Brethren.

Support for Victims of the Manchester Bombing and their relatives

West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd has generously donated £10,000 to the Emergency Fund
set up by the Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire. Thank-you Brethren – This is where we have acted quickly in response to a request from our nearby Brethren.
You will also remember that the Masonic Charitable Foundation has provided an additional
£3 million this year for local causes to celebrate the Tercentenary. Please look at this link
and make sure that your vote counts: https://mcf.org.uk/community-awards-vote/

May Diary Notes:

10th - A 60th Certificate presentation at Lightcliffe Lodge No: 3332. It is always such a
delight to celebrate long and faithful service. 60 Glorious Years worthy of great celebration!

20th - The Lodge of Charity No: 4105, Bradford hosted the Annual meeting of Lodges with
“Charity” in their names. A splendid occasion enriched by the attendance of Brethren from
all over England and also a deputation from a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Ireland.

Right Worshipful Brother David