Reflecting on Growth, Community Engagement and Plans for the Future
On October 24th, 2024, the Provincial Grand Officers’ Club held its latest meeting, gathering members in the welcoming ambience of the Harrow District Masonic Centre. Attendees began arriving at 5 pm, where they mingled over a pre-meeting drink before the evening’s formal proceedings commenced.
The gathering moved into the dining room at 6 p.m., with members warmly applauding the President, RW. Bro David Allan, upon his entrance. Secretary W. Bro Bill Ryan then addressed several agenda items, noting that apologies had been received from various distinguished members and 45 additional members unable to attend.
The Minutes from the Annual General Meeting on 26th March 2023 at The Lensbury in Teddington were approved with positive feedback reported for the venue. A March 2025 meeting is anticipated to be held at The Lensbury once again.
During the AOB segment, W. Bro Bill Ryan informed attendees that the Annual Accounts are still being prepared and will be circulated prior to the March AGM. He also introduced a Notice of Motion proposing an increase in the Annual Membership Fee from £5 to £10, effective January 2025—a suggestion made following a survey of all members earlier this year.
Following the formal proceedings the Members enjoyed a convivial dinner. In his post-dinner address, President RW. Bro David Allan highlighted several key achievements since his Investiture as Pro Provincial Grand Master on October 2, 2023. These included:
- Hosting a barbecue for the Active Officers of the Year and the Executive team.
- Organising the Family Fun Day at Great Cockcrow Railway in July, which raised £3,000 for Shooting Stars and which is planned for a return in 2025.
- A joint sponsored walk from Twickenham to Freemasons’ Hall alongside Met and PMK members, raising an impressive £107,000 for the London Air Ambulance Appeal.
- Enhanced attendance at Past Masters and Past First Principals meetings, reflecting greater engagement and community spirit.
- The establishment of a Provincial Board comprising senior leadership, including the Pro Provincial Grand Master, MEGS, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and Deputy Provincial Grand Superintendent
W. Bro Allan emphasized the importance of “Middlesex Cares,” an initiative underscoring the value of community involvement and promoting the positive impact of Freemasonry. He noted a slight growth in Craft membership within the Province and encouraged Members to reflect Freemasonry’s community-oriented values in their local areas.
Key recommendations included adjusting meeting start times to 5:30 p.m. to enhance accessibility, exploring more informal dining options to foster camaraderie, and ensuring that Royal Arch Representatives for Lodges are chosen by respective Chapters. Additionally, the Exaltation Ceremony will be reviewed to streamline the experience, with only one Lecture to be given per meeting where feasible.
The President reminded all attendees of upcoming opportunities for community engagement, including the Remembrance Services across the Province on Sunday November 10th and the Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday, October 27th.
Concluding with thanks to the evening’s organisers and attendees, RW. Bro David Allan invited any final questions. With none raised, the meeting adjourned at 8 p.m., marking the end of a successful and forward-looking gathering.