Attended the Masters and Wardens meeting at the Frank Whiddon Centre at Edgeworth on Friday 15th August. Have never been to a meeting as I am normally out visiting a Lodge elsewhere.

It was interesting to say the least. The Brethren you would expect to be there were there and the ones you didn’t expect to be there, were there. The meeting came to order and the minutes of the previous month was read and moved and seconded. Treasurers report and accounts were read accordingly and moved and seconded. General business was open and a motion was moved that we accept the motion from the executive committee regarding assistance. The motion was seconded and accepted.

It was handled with dignity and compassion and was a pleasure to witness. The R.G.C. then delivered a report on the roles and duty of a R.G.C. and how it has changed over the years. He spoke about the past D.G.I.W.’s and their valuable contribution to the various Districts over the course of their Term. He spoke briefly about how he is looking forward to working with the the new D.G.I.W’s and the amount of work required. It was made mention of the number of Members within the Region and of current Lodges, with the prospect of opening new Lodges.

The botttom line is that the future of Freemasonry is with it’s Members, purely and simply, nothing more, nothing less. I hear of Members complaining about Grand Lodge and this and that, but at the end of the day, it is the Lodges and more importantly the Members of those Lodges that must be held accountable for the success and or failure of those Lodges. For Freemasonry to thrive and succeed, we need to encourage new members who are committed to growth, development and leadership and the Lodges must change their currently outdated views to embrace this change.

The floor was then given to Past DGIW’s who responded in kind. District 42 DGIW, provided numbers of Members within his District and the percentage that attended. It was interesting to note that at the commencement of his Term, approximately 36% of Lodge Members regularly attended, however, at the end of his Term that figure had risen to 55%. Granted, numbers were down, however, their were more members attending, which in itself is a good thing.

Positions were then called for within the Association, Committee Members etc. Before throwing my hand up, I will speak with my Partner, however, I know what her response will be. If you want to do it, just do it. I will contact them accordingly and volunteer for the Committee Assistant Member position, no idea what that is or what they do, but if it helps in some way, So Mote It Be.

Meeting was closed and we then enjoyed coffee and a chat. Spoke with one of the Committee regarding continued advertising from my business for their Diary. Confirmed that I will be continuing the advertising for another 12 months and to keep the same Ad as last year.

Helped to clean up and headed home at about 2130hrs.