Provincial Grand Secretary's
2009
Annual Report
My first annual report follows a year during which I found myself on a steep, at times almost vertical, learning curve as Provincial Grand Secretary. A role made so much easier by the understanding, encouragement and patience not only of my predecessor (on a learning curve of his own) but also by that of the other officers and brethren of the Province.
This time last year saw the Installation of RW Bro Chris Radmore as the Twelfth Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Hertfordshire. A year on shows the Province to be in good heart under his direction with no major changes in policy having been implemented.
Over the year the Province has been represented by members of the Executive at the Annual Meetings of some 20 other Districts and Provinces and today we have the opportunity to repay the hospitality extended to us on those occasions.
Highlights during the year, worthy of mention in this report, include:-
Anniversaries:
75th – William Hamilton Underhill Mark Lodge No. 926 (17th Nov 2008)
60th – Sprig of Acacia Mark Lodge No. 1114 (8th Nov 2008)
25th – Justice & Liberty Mark Lodge No. 1593 (27th Nov 2008)
Banner Dedications:
White Stone Mark Lodge No. 1832 (13th Nov 2008) J
ames Parsons Mark & R.A.M. Lodges No. 974 (13th May 2009)
The demonstration of the Ceremony of Advancement (Lea Valley Mark Lodge No. 909, 17th Mar 2009) and of the ceremony of Elevation (Berkhampstead R.A.M. Lodge No. 1172, 27th May 2009) all of which were well supported by members of the Executive and the active officers of the year.
The banner dedications were ‘white table’ events which appear to have been much appreciated by the ladies and non-masons attending. The Provincial General Purposes Committee met, as in previous years, on three occasions under the Chairmanship of the RW Provincial Grand Master.
The Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly was held once again under the banner of the Hertfordshire Installed Commanders Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 1121 but on this occasion later in the year (7th July) and at a different location (St. Albans) to that used previously.
Separate lunches for the Provincial Officers and for the Installed Masters and Commanders were held at The Masonic Hall, Radlett which proves to be a popular venue for such Sunday events.
A review of the Provincial By-laws indicates the need for a change to by-law 8 in order to bring it into line with the requirements of Rule 56 (Book of Constitutions and Regulations) regarding the precedence of officers. Additionally minor changes to the wording of by-law 17 would clarify its requirement and bring it into line with current practice.
Finally it would be inappropriate for me to end this report without thanking both the Provincial Deputy and Assistant Grand Secretaries for their contribution to the smooth running of the secretariat throughout the year. Their help, together with that of all the secretaries and scribes in the Province, is much appreciated.
Richard M. Walker PAGDC
Provincial Grand Secretary
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