Thirty-eight Grand Officers attended their Annual Mess at Rainbow Hill on Thursday 3rd July. Also in attendance was the Provincial Senior Warden, W Bro Matt Rochelle, who, in accordance with tradition, was invited to attend and act as Wine Steward at table.
Those attending were greeted with a glass of fizz and simple canapes, after which the retiring President, W Bro Mel Broadhurst, invested W Bro Greg Boughton as the 2025 President (see photo). All then moved into the Dining Room where the President welcomed everyone, remembered those Grand Officers who had passed to the GLA, and invited W Bro John King to act as Chaplain. There followed an excellent five-course meal.
After the Chaplain had returned thanks, and the President had proposed the Loyal Toast, the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Rev Justin T Parker, gave an outline of his views on Mark Masonry, and in particular that our Degree, as one of the Companion Orders, through its inspiration and friendship enhanced Craft Masonry for us all. Mark Masonry is different, and it is that difference which adds lustre to our freemasonry.
Looking forward, he emphasised that the Offices of Worshipful Master, Master Overseer and Senior Deacon should receive special support and encouragement from the more senior members of Lodges, so that in their turn they could contribute to a meaningful and memorable meeting for Advancees who, hopefully, as a result would encourage new Candidates.
He stressed the need for succession planning of management roles such as Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Ceremonies, Almoner and Charity Steward. By assessing and identifying an individual’s strengths, abilities and interests they could be encouraged to take on responsibilities (with support if necessary), thereby relieving incumbents to take on other roles in order to develop their own experience, knowledge and contribution. Such forward planning is relevant at both Lodge and Provincial level, and he encouraged Lodges to bring to the attention of the Province those individuals, at whatever level, whose performance or service was worthy of note for future consideration.
He concluded by thanking his predecessors for the present vibrancy of the Province. Each had led in their own individual manner, and he would do likewise; in giving of his best, he would endeavour to maintain the vigour of the Province which he had inherited.
An open discussion then ensued, raising several issues for further consideration, ranging from the reinstatement of Provincial socials to the Provincial website and the relationship between the “stories” of the Craft, Mark and Royal Arch to the benefits of preparing for a Craft Chair through RAM and Mark.
At the conclusion of the evening, the President confirmed the date of the next Mess – Thursday 9th July 2026 – and the Provincial Grand Master confirmed that the 2026 President would be W Bro John Harmshaw.
