Lord Northampton – an open
approach to communication
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Brethren, today it is exactly 40 years since
HRH the Duke of Kent KG was elected as
our Grand Master. On behalf of all our
members I have written to congratulate him
on such a remarkable achievement and
expressed our wish that he will enjoy good
health to enable him to continue as our
Grand Master for many years to come.
More good news … I have just
announced the remarkable sums raised by
four Provinces for our Masonic charities.
That makes a total of £14.6 million. I
attended the festival in Nottingham on
Sunday when a new record was set of over
£1,000 per member in the Province. These
are very large sums of money indeed and our
thanks go to all those who have been
responsible for such outstanding generosity.
Brethren, I am looking closely at our
marketing and public relations. I believe
that this is a very important area when it
comes to attracting and retaining quality
candidates. However, it needs a new
dynamic approach. There are many
initiatives taking place around the country,
including open days and stands at county
shows, all of which play a useful part in
spreading our message to a wider audience.
At the Centre we are particularly looking
at improving our website and MQ
magazine. This will all help to underpin
our open approach on communication.
Open communication is important
to the way we are perceived and therefore
crucial to the future health of the Craft.
I have said it before, but it is worth
repeating, that this is best achieved by
Masons talking openly about the Masonry
they enjoy to their families, friends and
anyone who shows an interest in knowing
more about us.
I have started my regional conferences
with Provincial Grand Masters,
accompanied by the Grand Secretary.
The first of these was held at Sindlesham at
the end of May, with three more to be held
in Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham.
I am also visiting our brethren overseas,
beginning with a trip to our Districts in
India in November accompanied by the
Grand Secretary.
In July, the Assistant Grand Master is
visiting the District Grand Lodge of Sri
Lanka for their centenary and the installation
of their new District Grand Master and
Grand Superintendent.
In early November we are hosting a
special meeting of European Grand Masters
to discuss the issue of regularity. The
Masonic world has expanded with the
creation of new Grand Lodges in Europe,
and as the mother Grand Lodge it is time
to restate our fundamental beliefs when
it comes to regular Freemasonry.
Finally, brethren, I wish you all a very
pleasant summer and look forward to our
next meeting in September when we shall
hopefully all have benefited from some rest
and relaxation.
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