RWBro Jack Price escorted by WBro Norman Cope, ProvGDC

The Lodge was opened by RWBro Jack Price, who was, as ever, in ebullient mood. A very healthy attendance of members and guests enjoyed a splendid half yearly meeting of the Provincial Grand Officers' Lodge followed by a vibrant Festive Board - both full of smiling faces, pleased to see our Provincial Grand Master looking happy and healthy as he leads us into another Masonic Year.

After opening Jack greeted the brethren stating that it was good to see so many and that he hoped the meeting and dinner afterwards would meet wiith everyones expectations. Quite correctly, the initial business of the evening was to remember our recent losses and Jack spoke warmly and fondly of Bro Robert Brown who, born in 1916, had lived a full life and hopefully took many happy memories with him - he was a gentleman deserving of our love and remembrance. Jack then talked about another much loved and well known brother, Arthur Renshaw, on whom the Queen had bestowed the Queen's Police Medal, "Arthur had served the Province and society well - a friend and brother who was both respected and admired. He and his family were brave and Arthur went with the dignity we all would crave". As Provincial Grand Master Jack had recently visited Arthur during which he promoted him to the well deserved rank of PProvJGW (Click HERE to read more).

The Highlight of the evening was a short paper given by the Provincial Grand Mentor, Bro Martin Roche, entitled, 'the Role of the Mentor'. His presentation was both humourful and entertaining yet, with a strong focus on some of the fine characteristics that should distinguish masons and the importance of our relationships with our brethren Martin summed up the major thrust of mentoring very neatly and it was clear to all why Martin has been selected for this most important position.

The full text of Martin's paper can be downloaded or read by clicking HERE.

The paper was very well and warmly received and everyone must have received their daily knowledge advancement!

Following this the Master announced the nomination for the successor to the Master's Chair of the Lodge - non other than WBro Arnold Ray, JP, PProvGSwdB, who everyone has known for the last 5 years as the Lodge Almoner. Ray joined 3747 Lodge in 1997 and is also a member of Ben Brierley Lodge, No. 3317, Temple Lodge, No. 3990, and Derby Chapter, No. 1055.

On announcing his election Jack Price said that Arnold was in the hearts and minds of the brethren of the Lodge. Many respected brethren have had the privilege of sitting in the Chair of 3747 Lodge, some are easily identifiable, Arnold on the other hand is a gentleman who does his work quietly and assiduously, never asking for reward. This year, in making a nomination, we are thinking of those who operate the 'engine room' of the Province.

In response Arnold said he was deeply honoured, would do his utmost to emulate his predecessors and pass on the warrant to his successor, pure and unsullied.

   WBro Martin Roche, Provincial Grand Mentor

 

WBro Arnold Ray, PProvGSwdB, Master Elect

A well prepared Festive Board table plan ensured all brethren enjoyed their evening amongst friends. Leaders and Past Leaders of the Province has turned out in goodly numbers to support the Lodge and were well spread amongst the assembled brethren where they talked about current developments, aspirations and general matters. They included the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters - Derek Thornhill, Philip Mountford, Jim Sutcliffe and Stephen Blank, the Past Provincial Grand Master, Paul Rink, OBE, the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Nolan Morrison and the Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Harry Hesmondhalgh.

The Festive Board
Jack Price with Nolan Morrison	Philip Mountford
Derek Thornhill (centre) - smiling as usual	Stephen Blank
Paul JE Rink, OBE

 

CONTINUES CLICK HERE