May I first start with a series of heartfelt thank you’s – Apologies if it reminiscent of one of those awful Oscar speeches that we have to endure but so many brethren have contributed to make this day special, that it would feel rude and disrespectful, not to do so.
Where better to start than with our Distinguished Guests as a whole, but particularly those who have stayed the course and are hanging in there this afternoon. Thank you so much for the tremendous and inspiring support you have shown to our Province today. You have all travelled long distances to be here to share the day with us and your presence has shown the depth of fraternal friendship that our wonderful Mark Masonic degree engenders and long may it continue. We always receive such wonderful hospitality when we visit you and I trust that this has in some way been reciprocated today. We certainly wish you all a safe and easy journey back to your loved ones.
Brethren, these events do not just happen – there are a multitude of tasks, which contribute to any successful day – some are large but there are many small undertakings which have contributed in their own special way, to the happy and enjoyable time that we have all experienced today – They all count. I could probably be here until midnight if I named everybody so please bear with me – as I go round the Province, I will hopefully catch up with everybody individually. Thanks to all those who assisted in the setting up of the Lodge itself, thanks to our Provincial Grand Secretary and his team for all the preparation which has been ongoing for quite a while and to our Provincial Grand DC and his team who have guided and kept us in order throughout the proceedings. I am certain that they will all go home tonight and reflect.
May I give special thanks to RW Bro. Gordon Smith for his contribution, ably assisted by V.W. Bro. Keith Robinson as the acting DPGM – Gordon. It was a real delight and pleasure to ask you to undertake that duty – I couldn’t have chosen a better and nicer person to do that job – thank you especially for the support, guidance and friendship that you have shown to me personally over the years that I have known you.
Brethren , on your behalf, may I take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to RW Bro. Steve Hallberg who has stepped down after 7 wonderful and successful years. Having served as his Provincial Secretary and his Deputy PGM, I know only too well how hard working he has been during his tenure of Office. He has led from the front throughout and leaves his own legacy, as have those who have gone before and to which I hope I can contribute and build upon. We are not perfect and are certainly not detached from the adverse circumstances that we will encounter – we will always face many problems associated with any large organisation but together I believe we can meet these challenges together and continue to move forward.
I can assure you Brethren, that it won’t be for want of trying on my part or that of any of your Executive. There will obviously be some changes but I believe in evolution, not revolution and any such changes made will only be made for our betterment. To quote an old engineering cliché – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just improve it.
To all the Lincolnshire Mark Brethren, thank you for all your support but also for the honour of becoming your PGM and I pledge myself to serve the Mark Province of Lincolnshire and all it’s members to the best of my ability, ably assisted of course by each and every one of you, who continue to serve and contribute to your own Mark Lodges. Lincolnshire is a vibrant and strong Masonic Province with strong leadership across all our Orders so please don’t forget to support and contribute to your Craft Lodges – look after, guide and nurture your initiates, they are our lifeblood and our future advancees and the reason we are here to continue to enjoy (and I do stress that word – enjoy) this wonderful and fulfilling Mark Masonic degree – we are, after all, just continuing the Journey, which each and every one of us started in the Craft.
Brethren, may I leave you with thought on this special day – Somewhere there is a stranger who still remembers you because you were kind to them when no one else was.
Brethren, have a safe journey home and I hope to see you all soon.
