West Kent News - Issue 12 - Flipbook - Page 15
ISSUE NO.12 SPRING 2024 | WEST KENT NEWS 15
THE
DEPUTY
PROVINCIAL
GRAND MASTER:
IAN GALLEHAWK
And suddenly the first quarter of
2024 is behind us and we have an
opportunity to reflect on how the
future of the Province is looking.
This is the year, when UGLE is
expecting the Order and, therefore,
by extension, every Province, to
show 1% growth on the 2023 year
end subscribing member numbers.
As I compile this report, West Kent
shows a 0.35% increase on 2023
year end figure. Coincidentally, this
is exactly the same as the UGLE
figure, so we are on course to grow
for the first time in very many years
and demonstrate our ability to
support the UGLE 7 year strategy.
We must not, however, look at the
first quarter’s figures and assure
ourselves that all is well. Many
years of hard work by many
individuals and Lodges are now set
to generate reward. This isn’t just
about statistics, it’s about growing a
thriving Province into the future.
Every one of us now has the
opportunity to be part of the
generation of Freemasons that
restored the fortunes of UGLE and
West Kent. We could leave no
better masonic legacy.
Over the last 12 months to date, 52
of our Lodges show an increase in
member numbers while 79 show a
reduction. This points to a very
promising future but shows that we
still have a lot of work to do moving
forward. Of the Lodges showing an
increase, it is no coincidence that
virtually all of them have embraced
the
Members’
Pathway.
The
message is clear and remains the
same; the Members’ Pathway is an
amalgam of good practice, drawn
together over a number of years,
make use of it and embrace it fully.
While never losing sight of the
challenge that lies before us, we
must also celebrate the good work
that is going on right across the
Province. Every week sees reports
of initiations, passings and raisings.
The enthusiasm in the Province is
almost tangible. I have made a
number of official visits in the
recent past and have been struck
by the enthusiasm and fraternal
spirit that seems to be present in so
many Lodges.
By the time I sit down to write to
you again, the weather will have
changed, the evenings will be
lighter
and
we
will
all
be
anticipating the summer break. I
ask every Lodge to make a
resolution before the summer
comes. That resolution is to care
for every one of our members. We
must not lose one member because
we haven’t made him feel welcome.
A simple phone call can be the
beginning of an absent member
returning. The brand new initiate is
of the same worth to the Lodge as
an old man (like me). Let us resolve
to be the member, who makes all
the other members feel welcome
and included. It’s segment 3 of the
Members’ Pathway, it’s really easy
and you could be the brother, who
makes all the difference to that
other member, who might be
struggling.
I always feel optimistic because I
have such faith in our members and
their commitment to their Lodges
and the Province. So many of you
have reinforced that faith as I have
travelled around West Kent and
enjoyed meeting so many of you.
Brethren, we have something really
special here in West Kent, let’s look
after it, nurture our Lodges and
grow our Province. I wish you well
as we now move into that part of
the year where we can really make
a difference and set the Province on
an upward trajectory that will last
for many years to come.
Regular monthly meeting of the Royal Arch
Executive - 3rd March 2024. As the Craft
and Royal Arch operate as one aligned
organisation in West Kent, our Deputy
Provincial Grand Master is a permanent
invitee.