This is what the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Colin Harris said in his remarks at the annual meeting in September.
“I congratulate those who have received my Certificate of Service or been invested today – as always it is the contribution you have made to Masonry in Hertfordshire which has earned you this recognition, which carries with it also expectations for the future. For the last few years the numbers of First Appointments and Promotions in each Province have been more restricted than was the case in earlier times. We have worked within these constraints without encountering any great problems but many other Provinces, with slightly different traditions or different average Lodge sizes perhaps, have been unhappy with the changed system and Grand Lodge have reacted to these concerns. As many of you know from the agenda for Quarterly Communications two weeks ago, arrangements from the start of 2008 will be more similar to the original pattern. In other words, we shall have much more freedom to appoint and promote than we now have. What, of course, will not change is that Provincial appointments generally will continue to be based on merit, ability and commitment.
“One change we had reluctantly to make was the removal of early promotion (after 2 or 3 years) of those who had held active office of ADC and below. I wrote to every brother affected and am grateful for the truely Masonic spirit in which they graciously accepted that change. With the constraints removed, we shall in future consider such Brethren for promotion after 4 years. To put things right in one go next year would unbalance the workload in the office and make the Annual Meeting much longer – something none of us nor our guests would be very keen on I think. So next year, we shall consider for promotion those who held these active offices from 2001 to 2003; and the following year those from 2004 and 2005; thereafter the 4 year rule will apply.
“Economies were hoped for once the new HQ was up and running and they are being delivered. I am pleased that there will be no increase in Provincial Dues this year, nor I expect next year either. So we can spare perhaps a little more for the 2009 Festival. The Festival puts considerable pressure on the Provincial Charity Steward, Graham King, a man still working full time. I have asked Richard Knifton, an experienced Lodge Charity Steward who has been invested as an active Deacon today, to act as Graham’s Deputy for the next two years. He may well contact a Lodge to ask to attend a meeting; he will also be a source of advice and information. Our new Senior Warden, Peter Trowell, keeps the Festival accounts – a not inconsiderable task – and he too will of course be visiting. Both he and the Junior Warden, Peter Thompson, the experienced Secretary of two Lodges which meet at Cheshunt, will be encouraging you to keep up the momentum of the Festival. I know you will join me in wishing them well for their year in office.
“Throughout the country, the failure to retain members has been a source of sadness. Various strategies have been followed under the umbrella word Mentoring. I have written a piece for the next Provincial News on this subject. It is, I hope, clear and I do not intend to rehearse here what it contains. What I do want to emphasise is my expectation that every Brother and Lodge will consider what it says and use their best efforts to keep the interest and commitment of members burning brightly.
“And finally, thanks to you all and to our honoured guests for attending in such numbers today. I hope you all enjoy the remainder of the evening.