WK News Summer 2023 - Magazine - Page 14
ISSUE NO.10 SUMMER 2023 | WEST KENT NEWS 14
THE DEPUTY PROVINCIAL GRAND
MASTER: IAN GALLEHAWK
As we now approach what, for many, is the summer
break, it is a good time to reflect upon our
performance as a Province over the first half of
2023.
As you will doubtless be aware, membership is now
the focus of virtually all our activity. So far this
year, our Province has significantly turned its
fortunes around and this has only come about
because of the tremendous collective effort made
by everyone to grow our numbers.
As I’m sure you are aware, the UGLE strategy
focuses on 1% per annum growth by year 3 (we are
approaching year 2) and 2% by year 7. While, at
first glance, these seem like small numbers, they
must be seen in the context of decades (literally)
of declining member numbers.
At the mid-point of 2023, there is a genuine and
realistic opportunity for West Kent to end the year
with more members than at the start. For the first
time in a long while, we have arrived at the midway
point having flatlined our numbers. Total losses
through resignations remain exactly the same as
last year. Total losses for all reasons show a slight
reduction. This is all very positive and shows that
we are moving in the right direction. Over the
summer, let’s make sure that we look after our
members, get ahead of events and do all that we
can to eliminate resignations. It is a reduction in
resignations that is critical to ensuring that we see
growth in West Kent and across the Order in
general.
Initiations have shown a significant reduction on this
period last year. One reason for this is that Lodges
are managing the backlog caused by the pandemic
as we pass and raise our newer members. As I type,
we have some 212 members waiting to be passed
with a further 58 waiting to be raised. While this is
an excellent challenge to face, we must also remain
focused on the ongoing need to ensure that we grow
our numbers. It is the only way that we will secure
the future of our Province. Please be innovative in
how you move forward. Work with other Lodges at
your centres to see if any assistance can be
provided as regards passings and raisings. Consider
double ceremonies or emergency meetings but
please retain the focus on growth. You have done so
well to get us to our current position, let’s keep the
momentum going and build on it. Every Lodge needs
to attract 2 new members per year and reduce
resignations. I know you are as passionate about our
Province as I am and really look forward to the
positive results of all the current activity.
As many now start a well-earned break, we are likely
to spend more of our time in the company of those,
who have yet to join our wonderful Order. Let us
take this opportunity to have those conversations
with, and make those approaches to, the right
people and only ever the right people. Never
compromise on our values or the integrity of our
Province and Order. The right people are out there.
Quality will always triumph over quantity. I look
forward to sharing in the spoils of your activity
towards the end of the year I send my best wishes
to and with you.