March 2017

March – Spring appears to be “Springing” in this part of our glorious County.I felt exhausted last Sunday having beaten down the jungle that hid a lawn beneath!

West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd – Annual General Meeting at BarnsleyIt was a privilege to be in the company of such caring and generous Brethren. I do thank the Chairman, VWBro. Jack Pigott and his stalwart Team of Directors for their prudent and generous management of the Charity. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. is proving to be one of the most significant support programmes ever introduced in this Province providing speedy relief to our Brethren and dependents in urgent need of support. Well Done Team! We are all very proud of your efforts!

If you have not been able to attend an AGM – A visit to the 2018 AGM will confirm the enormous beneficial impact that our own Charity makes in our local communities.

Grand Lodge Tercentenary/Provincial Bicentenary CelebrationsActivities are starting to happen everywhere and I am most grateful to my Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro. Paul Clark, who has the responsibility of co-ordinating our Provincial response.
We have distributed nearly all of our Provincial allocation of tickets for the Royal Albert Hall event and there now is a waiting list for places at the celebration dinner in Battersea.

I would like to encourage the management of all Masonic Halls to open their doors to the general public on the 24th of June being the very date of the Tercentenary. We should be proud to show who we are and what we do. My thanks to the Masonic Halls who already have this matter in hand.
I note so much going on and my thanks to all organisers with my best wishes for memorable events.

RMBI 2017 Festival – Almost There!
The February figure has been released. I have asked not to be told anything more until the final
figure is actually revealed on the evening of the Festival Banquet at the Armouries, Leeds. I am sure that our Great Province of Yorkshire, West Riding will not be found wanting. My continued thanks to all the Brethren and their families for such tremendous support.
​
Provincial Honours
The first Saturday in March is the scheduled date for the delivery of certain letters.
My congratulations to all who are due to receive their first appointment or promotion. Let me also say that if such a letter did not arrive for you that you are still a beloved Brother and special to me.
The transparent and robust system of assessment in this Province is scrupulously fair and consistent.
I am always inclined to apply the human touch of generosity wherever possible. On this matter, I
thought that it would be useful to have an article published in White Rose again providing a candid explanation of how the system works and it does work!

Finally, I am looking forward to the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge at Harrogate.
Watch out for some changes in my address! With so much news so readily available, I intend to
dispense with matters already in circulation and concentrate on the celebratory nature of the event. I might even burst into song? Who knows? Trust me - It will be a splendid occasion!
It would be a delight to see Masters, Wardens and Master Masons in the body of the Hall.

My love and very best wishes to you and yours as always.
​
RWBro. David S. Pratt - Provincial Grand Master