Provincial Grand Master’s diary
The centenary of a lodge is always a very special landmark, and therefore, I was pleased to attend the centenary of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511 on 30 January 2012 at Ormskirk Masonic Hall.
Pictured from left to right, are: Peter Hosker, Malcolm Sandywell (WM of Stanley of Bickerstaffe Lodge No 3511) and Howard Jones (Deputy Provincial Grand Master).
It was a happy and memorable occasion. In 1912, the lodge had a distinguished start to its life, with Sir Arthur Stanley, the then Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire, becoming a founder and its first Master. He was the younger brother of the Earl of Derby who was also a founder and the principal consecrating officer. The famous ‘Stanley’ family of Lancashire has been connected with Masonry for many generations, and indeed my mother lodge, Stanley of Preston Lodge No 2600, was privileged to have had the Earl of Derby as its first Master.
The Stanley motto is ‘Sans Changer’ which, when literally translated, means ‘without changing’. However, I have always thought of this motto as indicating the admirable virtues of being ‘constant and dependable’. In the same way, we Freemasons strive to be constant in our beliefs and be men who can always be relied upon.
On 16 January, I attended St George’s Lodge of Harmony No 32, Liverpool, for its installation, which was as always a unique event. This is a lodge which dates back to 1755 and still continues to practise many of its old and special traditions. It is good to see a lodge carrying on the established customs and practices of its predecessors, whilst, at the same time, trying to reflect the changing world and society in which we live. This was my first visit to 32 since being elected as an honorary member. I have been told that every Provincial Grand Master of West Lancashire appears on the lodge’s list of past and present members.
On 19 January, my Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Philip Gunning, and I held interviews for the important office of Provincial Membership Officer and, as announced, Michael Threlfall has been appointed to this important post. The retiring Provincial Membership Officer, John Wingfield, was appointed three years ago to establish from the beginning an effective and substantial structure of membership officers throughout the Province and to formulate the nature of their work as vital agents in promoting interest in the Craft among those outside of the Craft. He has successfully achieved those objectives. Indeed, John has made a good start to my marketing and membership strategy, with over 500 enquiries, 125 initiates, and 82 potential candidates in hand. This indicates a conversion rate of 24% with 15% unresolved. Furthermore, an impressive trailer, leaflets and banners are ready and available for use at events around the Province.
These interviews tied in nicely with my attendance at the Publicity Officers’ Dinner at Bryn on 19 January. Mark Holloway and his team have made conspicuous progress with publicity throughout the Province, and the Provincial website is truly exciting and dynamic with up-to-date news and events, information and contact details.
I am anxious that the publicity team and the membership team should become more effective, as a joint force, in promoting even more interest in the Craft among those inquiring into it from outside. At the dinner, I think we all agreed that this is the way forward and I can confirm that meetings will be taking place between my APrGM Ian Boswell and Mark Holloway on the one hand and my APrGM Philip Gunning and Michael Threlfall on the other.
Peter addressing the publicity team at their annual dinner.
I have also been meeting with my Masonic Halls Appeal Committee this month to discuss the future. Although the appeal is scheduled to end in November 2012, it has certainly been very successful as part of my aim to bring Masonic halls to the top of the Provincial agenda. I am very keen that the Province should continue to offer appropriate help and support to our Masonic halls and those hard working directors and trustees who run and manage them. My committee will be reporting fully on these matters in due course.
At the beginning of 2012, I am optimistic about the future of Freemasonry in this wonderful Province of ours. There is so much happening in the Province and there are so many of you playing your part in making our Province more efficient and effective and, most importantly, an organisation that we are all happy and proud to belong to. Thank you all.
Peter Hosker
Provincial Grand Master
