In September when the grapes are purple........

NEWS FROM THE PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER

My thanks to all who have enquired after my health. Yes! I am losing weight - it's under Doctor's orders. I do need to lose a lot of weight. I'm not yet sure that there is a 73kg man inside me trying to get out; however, that's what it says I should be in the book!
The last time I was anywhere near this target was when I was a teenager!
Watch this space as I watch the scales. . .
Unconnected with this weight loss is a strange virus that has knocked me sideways. I feel just fine after a long wakeup phase and then good as the day progresses.  I do get tired as the evening advances but I am pleased to report that I am definitely getting better.  Viruses!
September has been a splendid Masonic month with everyone getting into the saddle for another wonderful year ahead.  This is our moment in history to savour as Freemasonry evolves to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.  We will be ready!


TEAM VISITS AND CENTENARIES, ETC.
A series of wonderful evenings at Fidelity Lodge No; 289, Leeds and also Alfred Lodge No: 306, Otley with the 2019/2020 Team of Acting Provincial Officers.  Then! A great cause for celebration at the Centenary Meeting of Victory Lodge No: 3922, Hipperholme.
The Installation Meeting of Harewood Lodge No: 5667, Otley was a superb occasion enjoyed by all!


THE PRESTONIAN LECTURE - An Official Presentation at Leeds
What an honour for the Leeds and District Lodge of Installed Masters No: 7918, Leeds to be one of the very, very few Lodges to be selected receive the Prestonian Lecture for 2019.  Yet another incredible and historic night for the Province. We were treated to a fascinating lecture on "Freemasonry and the Great War".


INCREASING MEMBERSHIP (1) - Focusing on Candidates - They are “Out There”! 
The Members' Pathway continues to reap rewards for Lodges that are implementing all or even only some of the recommended approaches and activities.
My thanks to Lodge Membership Officers and to the Area Teams for all their hard work.
Candidates are the lifeblood of any Lodge and they are out there in our Communities.


INCREASING MEMBERSHIP (2) – Retrieval - Lost but: Where Are They Now?
Why do we lose so many members so soon after joining our Lodges and soon after the Chair?  Not just our Province but everywhere!
The records show that there are hundreds of former members now designated "unattached" in our Province having resigned from their Lodges. Where are they?
I ask every Lodge Secretary to look at their own records to identify Brethren who have resigned and then to make every attempt to bring them back into the fold. We are a Fraternal Order and this is a golden opportunity to demonstrate those characteristics that we all profess to admire

GARFORTH LODGE - Approved!
A new Lodge in the Province. This is great news! There is always room for new Lodges if the business case is strong.  The Consecration is scheduled for February 2020.

RAISING OUR CIVIC PROFILE - Be There and Be Involved!
Charity matters - My continued thanks to my Brethren and families for such generosity.
The Provincial Grand Master's Fund through West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd. has again made a number of quarterly minor grants and this means that a number of worthy causes in our Communities will benefit.  Each satisfies the essential criterion of a grant award of “making a difference”
Yorkshire Air Ambulance will again be receiving an annual combined grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation and WRMCL.
Brethren, please continue to look wide for worthy causes to support and think about the 2020 “Major Grants” for Projects that will make a significant difference in our Communities.


ENHANCING MEMBER EXPERIENCES

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE MEETING - Harrogate - May 2020
This is coming together beautifully.  It will be a great "Member Experience"!
Please do spread the word.

EDUCATION “NUGGETS” –- Enjoyable Masonic Learning for Everyone
I am so pleased to  hear that some Lodges are using Nuggets at Meetings.
Nuggets are only one aspect of the Solomon Learning & Development System. There are also many other excellent in-depth Modules to be enjoyed. Watch out for the new Voice modules.

ALMONER'S & CHARITY STEWARD'S REPORTS
It is really pleasing to note an increasing number of Lodges circulating these important reports to all Members in advance.  Not only does this save time at the Lodge Meeting but it keeps all Members aware of Private Lodge business - especially those who cannot attend. 
I commend this approach to every Lodge for consideration.

OCTOBER BECKONS - The Year moves on apace!

• The Britannic Lodge of Madeira is calling me! The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Portugal is visiting the Lodges in Funchal in early October. In that Constitution the Grand Master himself installs the Master of each Lodge.  I'll be taking Rita away for a short break
• Our own Grand Lodge is also calling me - A number of meetings in London
• The Regional Communication Group for Northern Provinces that I Chair will be meeting at Wetherby
• The Mayor of  Kirklees will be attending lunch at the Lodge of Harmony, Huddersfield
• The usual number of provincial Meetings and associated activities that fill any Provincial Grand Master’s diary!
• 
  

Now Then! This could be a “Moment in Time” Meeting?
I also have a meeting with the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.  Nothing more can be said at the moment other than "Watch this Space"!

A THOUGHT TO FINISH......

"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great!" J. D. Rockefeller
My very best wishes to you and yours

David 
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master ​