Dear Brethren and Companions,
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of 2023, and are looking forward to celebrating the Christmas Festivities.
It has certainly been another busy year. I have thoroughly enjoyed your company, as I have travelled the Province attending Installation and Exaltation Meetings, Lodge and Chapter Centenary and Regular Meetings, Group Dinners and many other ceremonial and social occasions. I have also enjoyed being with several of you at UGLE Meetings in London and at other Provincial Grand Lodge Meetings around the country.
Debbie and I have also been delighted to join with you and your families and friends at Group Lunches, Church Services, Group Balls, The Provincial Ball and countless other Lodge and Chapter Social occasions.
If you are available to attend, Debbie and myself, would also be delighted to share your company at the next Provincial Grand Ball at the Bolton Football Club Stadium on Friday 8th March 2024.
I pay tribute to your continued commitment to the Membership Challenge which has been outstanding. I have been most impressed with the work that has been conducted in respect of bringing in new members to the Craft and Royal Arch. Please keep this momentum going in the future and endeavour to grow the membership of our marvellous Province.
The commitment of our Light Blue Clubs is to be much admired. I am looking forward to welcoming 50 of those newer masons, as guests of the Province to our Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting in Blackpool, 8th May 2024. Please keep encouraging new Prospects to join us. Men of all ages are most welcome. In particular, don’t forget those non-masons who are retired or who are semi-retired who could bring many skills to West Lancashire Freemasons. We have a lot to offer them and they certainly have a lot to offer us.
As many of us are looking forward to enjoying a joyous and peaceful Christmas time, we must also keep in mind those people in our local communities who find this time of year particularly difficult and challenging. The work that you are currently completing in respect of assisting Food Banks and Homeless Charities, is testament to the focus on just some of our service to others outside of our organisation.
I am also conscious that you might find yourself in personal financial distress. If you do, or if you know of other masons who are in that unfortunate situation please don’t suffer in silence or let others suffer in silence. Free confidential advice and assistance is available by simply contacting the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity (WLFC) at Huyton.
Brethren and Companions, keep enjoying your Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry, which is my top priority for the Province. Please talk about what we do, to people that you know or come into other contact with. Tell them all about our fantastic organisation and ask them to join us.
I am extremely proud and honoured to lead the Province of West Lancashire. I could not do that without your many hours of volunteer commitment, charitable support and service to our local communities. Thank you for all that you do!
Debbie and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
With all good wishes,
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
Mark Francis Matthews,
Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master & Most Excellent Grand Superintendent