The recent AGM of the Provincial and Grand Officers (PGO) Club marked both a celebration of the past and a bold step into the future, as the Club formally adopted a new identity — The 1870 Club.
Held in a packed dining room filled with familiar faces and longstanding supporters, the meeting was presided over by RW BroDavid Allan, Pro Provincial Grand Master, in his capacity as President of the PGO Club. Brethren gathered to reflect on recent achievements, elect new officers, and hear first-hand the exciting developments shaping Freemasonry in Middlesex.
Celebrating Service, Welcoming Change
One of the key items on the agenda was the election of a new Treasurer. W Bro Brian Fisher — a Past Treasurer of the Province and a distinguished accountant — was unanimously elected for a three-year term. He presented a detailed financial report, which was approved by the meeting thanks to the diligent examination by W Bros Warren Gell and Nigel Codron.
Outgoing Secretary W Bro Bill Ryan was warmly thanked for his three years of exemplary service to the Club. His attention to detail and dedication in organising events, meetings, and communications were praised by the President. While stepping down from this role, W Bro Ryan will continue his service to the Province as the inaugural Secretary of the newly formed Visiting Officers (VO) Club.
Introducing The 1870 Club
The most significant announcement of the evening was the transformation of the PGO Club into The 1870 Club, named after the founding year of the Province of Middlesex.
“The world, and Freemasonry with it, has changed since the PGO Club was founded in 1988,” said RW Bro David Allan. “There is now a clear need for a broader and more inclusive organisation that fosters fellowship and communication across a wider audience.”
Membership of The 1870 Club will now be extended to all Installed Masters in the Province, with a focus on a diverse calendar of social events and meaningful engagement with the Provincial leadership.
W Bro Nigel Codron was appointed the first Chairman of The 1870 Club and will lead a newly assembled team to deliver on the Club’s ambitious objectives.
Strengthening Provincial Communication and Membership
The President spoke with optimism about the stabilising membership levels across Middlesex, announcing that W Bro Justin Purcell has been invested as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master with a specific remit to lead on membership. He will work closely with W Bro Warren Gell, who now oversees community engagement and centre liaison — a promising partnership designed to stimulate further growth.
Special recognition was given to W Bro Daniel Graham, who will receive Grand Rank in acknowledgment of his work leading Discovering Freemasonry presentations and digital recruitment initiatives.
“The Province continues to lead the way in launching initiatives that are now being echoed by UGLE,” said W Bro Allan.
New Clubs and Tools to Support Lodges
The newly formed VO Club will provide Visiting Officers with opportunities to meet twice a year in an informal setting, share insights, and receive updates on new Provincial initiatives. Chaired by W Bro Andy Wright, supported by W Bro Steve May and W Bro Bill Ryan, the VO Club is expected to enhance communication between the Executive and individual lodges.
The Province will also hold its first Unit Management Workshop for Secretaries and Treasurers on 13 June in Uxbridge, focusing on practical skills and navigating new systems like Pathway and Archway.
Brethren were encouraged to sign up for UGLE’s Member Portal, which helps track meetings and personal contributions while enabling the Province to better match skills to roles.
Middlesex Cares: A Beacon of Support
A major highlight was the impressive progress of Middlesex Cares, which launched at the same meeting last year. W Bro Ian Ferguson and his team were praised for building a robust, responsive care system supporting members and their families.
A dedicated Middlesex Cares website is now live, alongside new innovations such as WhatsApp channels and a dedicated helpline — the first of its kind in Freemasonry. Fridge magnets with this information were distributed at the event, reinforcing the message that support is only a phone call away.
Members of the Middlesex Cares team stood to be recognised and received heartfelt applause for their commitment to compassionate service.
Leadership Changes Announced
Several key changes to the Provincial Executive were also announced in advance of the AGM at Freemasons’ Hall on 29 May:
- E Comp John Eynon will step down after five years of service, with heartfelt thanks for his guidance during challenging personal times. He will be succeeded by E Comp Howard Hughes, who in turn will be succeeded by E Comp Rob King.
- W Bro Andy Wright will retire as Provincial Secretary and Scribe E, to be succeeded by W Bro Michael Lavender.
- W Bro Bob Rough, stepping down as APGM after six years, will continue to support new member retention and lead the successful Provincial Executive Initiation Demonstration Team.
Grand Rank Honours
The Province was honoured with six Grand Rank appointments this year — double the usual number — a clear sign of confidence and recognition:
- To PJGD: W Bros Warren Gell, Justin Purcell, Roy Philp
- To PAGDC: W Bros Peter Hyde (promotion), Peter de Wolfe
- To PAGStB: W Bro Daniel Graham
- Royal Arch: E Comps Ragu Sharma (AGDC), Ruel Lawrence (PAGDC)
All were warmly congratulated and invited to rise and take wine in their honour.
United in Purpose
To close the meeting, each member received a new lapel pin featuring the updated Provincial badge — now the official insignia for both the Craft and Royal Arch. “Wear it proudly,” said RW Bro Allan, “as a symbol of belonging to the Middlesex family.”
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