Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master and Brethren, it is well beyond words to describe how I feel to be joined by so many Brethren and Distinguished Brethren.  I am deeply grateful to you all for making such an effort on what is not the best of days. 

The Assistant Grand Master and I were speaking earlier and we mentioned that the fates do conspire - don’t they?  We are in the middle of the holiday season, the weather has been foul, we’ve had a petrol strike and, of course, you have had to find the necessary parking places. But you are all here in goodly numbers and that warms my heart immensely.

I said in my brief Address this morning in Provincial Grand Chapter, that I did not believe such occasions as today are for making pronouncements about policy or strategy.  You will doubtless be pleased to learn that I have not changed my mind.

The vision of my predecessor has my continued support, though necessarily, some things will change in time.

My theme is one of consolidation and one of tender loving care for our personal families and our extended Masonic family.  The interaction with the community and the magnificent contributions to local charities have gone a long way to establishing meaningful and, I hope, lasting involvement with our townsfolk, thus providing a worthwhile “shop window” on our Fraternity.

I am truly blessed to have at my side my Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Dr Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth, who is a dear friend and with whom I have shared much in both the Craft and the Royal Arch; he enjoys my complete trust.  Equally, the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters have proven themselves to be successful in their professional lives, in their friendship and in their commitment to Freemasonry.  All share in a common cause to serve this Province to the best of their ability.

A lesson learned very early in my life, Brethren, is that there is no i in team.
For me to have the privilege to lead such a gifted Provincial team is a very exciting prospect.  We are most grateful to them for taking Office.

There are increasing signs that Freemasonry is, once again, beginning to attract members in slightly improving numbers and my request to all of you is very simply: encourage potential candidates.  We are all members of this wonderful family of Freemasons and whilst we are temporary custodians, it is our duty, simply as individuals, to sustain its future.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what position you hold, you are all vitally important to Freemasonry as a whole.

I am very proud to be a Freemason. 
I hope that the work that we all do exemplifies that pride. 
Proclaim your belief in our way of life with confidence and seek worthy men to share in it with us.

Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master, I do thank you for your presence here today and for that of your hard working colleagues: the Grand Director of Ceremonies and his Deputies; the Grand Secretary, who is not only here today, but has, with his Assistant Secretary, assisted and advised us immeasurably during the frenetic and very short time leading up to this Installation Meeting.  Not forgetting, of course, the Grand Tyler for putting his stamp and his style on the proceedings.  You have all contributed so much to our united pleasure.  Equally, I am grateful to our many Distinguished Guests for their presence at what must be acknowledged is not the easiest time of the year. Particular mention must be made to Worshipful Brothers John Hale and Timothy Richards for acting as the Installing Wardens and, of course, the indomitable Bruce Harry for acting as the Grand Chaplain.  You have added much to our joy and we do thank you.

I have received hundreds of letters, cards, countless emails and telephone calls and, without stretching the imagination at all, Brethren, can state that they are from all around the world.
The messages of support and goodwill have been wonderful and my hopes for the future have been unified in their expression.

My wife Dorothy joins with me in thanking you all for the pleasure of receiving your messages of affection and support.

Finally to East Lancashire, WBro Alan Garnett, the Provincial Grand Secretary and Mrs Susan O’Neill, the members of the Secretariat and the numerous volunteers, all of whom have tirelessly beavered away for the success of today. 
To WBro Norman Cope, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, his Deputies and Assistants for the continuing high standard of their work. 
So many people, including the Provincial Grand Tyler, the sound engineers the security stewards the Blackburn and Rossendale stewards, together with those who have worked from early and Brethren I mean early, until late to set up and furnish Provincial Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Chapter for our enjoyment.

I am greatly indebted to each and every one of you. 
Please accept my heartfelt and humble thanks.

God Bless You All