On Saturday 15 November, the Middlesex Centre Mentoring Team met at the Harrow Centre for the second Centre Mentors Workshop—an event designed to strengthen collaboration and reinforce the Middlesex approach to mentoring. The morning was guided by W Bro Warren Gell, APGM with responsibility for Mentoring, and W Bro Raj Desai, Provincial Grand Mentor, who was warmly welcomed despite still being “wanted” for his enthusiastic sponge-throwing at the Provincial Fun Day earlier this year.
Following the essential tea-and-coffee warm-up, delegates assembled in the Northwick Room. W Bro Warren opened proceedings before passing the baton to W Bro Raj, who began with brief introductions from the team. He emphasised a core truth: mentoring is a collective effort. Success comes through communication, shared responsibility, and consistent support—not through one Brother attempting to shoulder the entire task.
Raj outlined the agenda and introduced Building Together, the unified initiative that brings the Craft Members’ Pathway and the Royal Arch Archway into one continuous “One Journey” experience. He highlighted the Membership Challenge and focused on the area most relevant to mentors: Engage.
W Bro Keith Dear then presented Middlesex’s approach to Targeted Mentoring—a structured method for understanding and addressing issues that may affect a lodge or individual member. Under this framework, an Assistant Provincial Grand Master oversees the process, while the Provincial Grand Mentor directs day-to-day engagement with candidates. Centre Mentors, equipped with reliable data, clear procedures, and guidance from UGLE, Solomon, and Provincial resources, provide hands-on support.
The full mentoring journey was explored across five key stages: a candidate’s introduction to the Craft; planning realistic goals towards the Master’s chair; matching training and involvement to ability; supporting the Master to feel confident and in control; and enabling Past Masters to remain active and valued contributors. Independent feedback, often via the Visiting Officer, helps confirm progress along the way.
Delegates then examined the respective roles of Personal, Lodge, Centre, and Provincial Mentors before tackling real-world lodge scenarios—prompting lively discussion and more than a few knowing smiles.
After a welcome break, Keith presented a data-based case study of a lodge facing potential closure, illustrating how issues can be identified and mapped through structured flowcharts. A second workshop linked common lodge challenges to specific Building Together Level 3 documents, which will soon be accessible via hyperlinks for ease of use.
The team also unveiled a refreshed system for matching candidates with suitable lodges based on centre, ritual preference, meeting patterns, and LOI schedules, supported by assisted visiting to ensure a smooth introduction.
W Bro Raj closed the morning with a few thoughtful words before delegates enjoyed an excellent buffet courtesy of the Harrow Centre. A productive and engaging session was enjoyed by all in attendance.
