The Masonic Hall at Southport was bubbling with excitement as light blues from the length and breadth of the Province completed their journey to the seaside to attend the Light Blues’ Forum. The forum is designed to keep ‘newer’ Freemasons up to date with current trends and to explore topics relevant to them, as well as creating a nice friendly environment where they can meet socially with the senior officers of the Province and fellow ‘new boys’ alike.
After coffee and biscuits, everyone was seated in the hall, which by the way, was full to capacity, and what turned out to be an interesting, entertaining and really useful event commenced. Neil Ward opened up proceedings and after various domestic matters, introduced ProvGM Mark Matthews who delivered his address in a relaxed yet informative manner. Before delivering his key messages, he welcomed and thanked everyone for attending, as it was great to see so many light blues in sunny Southport, and asked everyone to keep in mind that they are the future of the Province, that they are our future masters of lodges, group officials, Provincial roles and cabinet members.
Mark stressed the light blues importance in supporting the membership challenge, encouraging them to ask their family members, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to join our wonderful organisation. Not just younger men, but men who may be retired or semi-retired as we have a lot to offer them, and they have a lot to offer us! Mark had an important message to pass on regarding ritual. It was important that light blues shouldn’t be put off or stop attending lodge meetings for fear of standing up in lodge and delivering ritual. Some learn easily. Some find it more difficult. No one should be embarrassed to ask others to assist them and there are always willing volunteers eager to display their skills. Additionally, anyone can greatly assist their lodge by performing nonritual roles such as secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, almoner, charity or steward. The main thing is feeling supported and enjoying Freemasonry!
Being aware that Chris Butterfield was following him with a presentation on the Royal Arch, Mark was keen to remind light blues that both the Craft and Royal Arch Freemasonry are one organisation and joining the Royal Arch completes the journey of pure ancient Freemasonry. His earnest advice to all members was to join and complete the full Masonic journey before considering joining other orders. Another key message was that socialising is very important, and he encouraged the audience to visit other lodges and chapters, be involved in organising and attending lodge and chapter social events, group balls and any other events.
Continuing, Mark then spoke about attending ‘his own lodge’, the Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool on 8 May. He then explained that he had drawn the names of 50 Light Blue Club members to attend the meeting as guests of the Province, and the 50 winners’ names appeared on the screen behind him. Mark then added his warmest congratulations and added that he would see them all in Blackpool.
Throughout the nation, Freemasons are on a daily basis engaging within the community, offering a helping hand and providing support in all kinds of areas. Community engagement, it is one of the central tenets of our organisation. As newer members, a lot can be done to assist this, particularly in terms of increasing our reputation and in attracting potential new members.
In summary, Mark’s message was to keep attracting good men to join us in the Craft, and to join and encourage others to join Royal Arch. Above all, his clear and consistent message is to enjoy Freemasonry! Mark then turned magician and pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Well, it was a master Mason’s apron and a set of Royal Arch regalia from a plastic shopping bag, but the effect was the same. After demonstrating them to the assembled light blue brethren, he called for all those awaiting their third degree or waiting to join Royal Arch, to put their names forward so as to be involved in a draw for a gift of regalia. There was then a lengthy question and answer section, with a wide range of topics which were dealt with and generated some valuable lessons and explanations.
Next up was Chris Butterfield, the Deputy Grand Superintendent, who explained the organisation of the Royal Arch and various senior rulers, and its indissoluble link to Craft Freemasonry. With no shortage of humour, he went on to explain the origins of the Royal Arch, the history and further detail on the link to the Craft. It was with enthusiasm that he urged those not yet having considered joining to do so and explained how to go about it. A lively question and answer session followed again fed by mobile phone technology.
Paul Shirley, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, was the next speaker to update the assembly with everything to do with charity both within the Province and further afield. His presentation, entitled ‘All things charity’ did what it said on the tin, and he covered a wide variety of topics. From internal help, individual grants, to care homes and natural disasters worldwide are all part.
A lunch of hot pot and all the trimmings, with a choice of sweets, set everyone up for the afternoon session, with tea and coffee and the odd beer for liquid refreshment finishing off the break.
On resuming, the first task fell to Mark Matthews to announce the winners of the regalia draw. Wayne Banner, who is doing his third degree this season, was delighted to receive his master Mason’s apron, and Mathew Taylor, who is being exalted in October, was the proud recipient of a full set of Royal Arch regalia.
The program then continued with a film set type interview. Relatively new light blue Louis Spencer was interviewed by Nigel Monks who asked some deep and searching questions, which Louis answered with candour and not a little humour. To hear the experience and thoughts and feeling of a new Freemason was an enlightening experience.
Adam Dennett from the Chorley Group led an interactive session using the Slido mobile gateway and gathered not only a wide variety experiences but also some valuable statistics to take forward and learn from. Provincial Mentor Stuart Cranage assisted by explaining some of the issues raised in his own inimitable style.
Tony Harvey, former Prestonian Lecturer, was next, and final speaker to take the stage with his presentation entitled ‘Freemasonry, the next generation’ which was perfectly suited to an audience of light blue brethren and older members as well. The relationship between newer members, the Craft, and the older element was explored, with a message to put our trust in our new members and the more experienced brethren to fulfil the role of mentor and take every chance to assist the newer members in their development. When time is right, Tony recommended, pass on the baton and trust our next generation.
After closing remarks, Mark invited anyone who wished to join him in the bar, and he was happy to continue chatting, answering questions and reflecting on a very successful event. Roll on the next one!