February 2010
Many of you will be aware that I was diagnosed with an early stage bladder tumour last year. I underwent treatment during the summer and autumn (chemotherapy and then radiotherapy) all of which went according to plan. It left me tired but well and after a progressive recovery I am now feeling quite fit again. Earlier this month I returned to the hospital for a routine examination and progress assessment in accordance with their usual protocols. So far the reports have been very positive and I return to see my specialist at the end of this month for a review. Dorothy, as ever, continues to provide me with superb and unstinting support. I am in regular, daily contact with my Deputies and the Provincial Grand Secretary / Scribe E., and am so grateful for the support given by these brethren. After the Craft Executive meeting on the 3rd of February I am looking forward to a somewhat busier Provincial Calendar with a number of events that I am looking forward to presiding over. You will all get the opportunity to read about these on this website in due course. I am also looking forward to traversing the Province and spending a little more quality time in each District with the brethren therein. The RMBI 2015 Festival was launched in great 'East Lancashire' style in November, with an excellent celebratory Banquet at the end of the month where we also entertained our guests from the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution. I am grateful to our Festival Chairman, WBro David Thompson, for the excellent work he and his team have and continue to perform to get the Festival arrangments in such a state of readiness at the launch. I understand that financial circumstances are still constrained for many and that there are many demands for our support; as well as this Festival we are called upon to help the ELMC, our Halls, our local Communities and so on. I am quite certain that we will give freely when and where we can to the best of our ability and without disadvantage to our families and other connections. Both Dorothy and I are most grateful for the immense encouragement and goodwill we have received during and after my recent treatment, including all the correspondence, numerous cards and phone messages. We both look forward, with confidence, to the remainder of this masonic season. We have all accomplished a great deal in recent months but there is much yet still to be done brethren. Please continue to enjoy your Freemasonry but also think regularly about your colleagues and their enjoyment too - mentoring is all about the care and love we give to each other, and this is a doing process. We have talked about this and other matters, now we must concentrate on the 'doing'. If we get that right eveything else will fall into place but in the meantime everyone has a part to play to protect and ensure the future of our great Province. Thank you all for your concern, With every good wish, Jack
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Report on the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting -
Report on the Provincial Grand Chapter Meeting -
Report on the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting -
Address Of The RW Provincial Grand Master To Provincial Grand Lodge - |
