COMPANIONS Item 21 means that it is time for me to address you. I would start by thanking you all for your support today. We have a record attendance at this meeting and also at the lunch after the meeting. It is a sign that our Order is prospering, more of that later. I have already introduced our guests and visitors earlier in the meeting. Included in our number are 31 visitors from other Districts, from as far away as Northumberland and Durham in the North East, Cheshire & North Wales in the North West, Kent in the South East. I never fail to repeat myself as to the camaraderie and friendships in a small but growing order like our own. In the Acting District Recorders report he referred to 13 candidates during last year. These were spread over the 5 Council's and again is the largest number in any one year during my seven years in this office. Word is gathering publicity. The fact that the craft Province of Bristol will not accept some orders into Park Street has had a beneficial effect on Nailsea and North Bristol as members come out of the city to join us.
Last year I warned there may be an adverse effect on membership because of the recession. This has partly become true as seen by a number of duplicate resignations, but overall, it has been a year of steady progress.
Last year I reported on the trend of using too many ritual books. Council DC's need to address this problem, we have to accept that someone standing in at short notice needs to refer to a book or prompt sheets as does the official prompter. I am also aware that not all members are good ritualists and we should not put off assisting someone to achieve the chair by others assisting with the ceremonial. After all, we are all here to enjoy ourselves. At the Grand Council meeting last April, we were able to support some members receiving appointments in Grand Council.
Our retiring District Recorder, Sidney Honniball was promoted to Pact Grand Lecturer, thereby becoming a Very Illustrious. My Deputy, Mike Burridge was promoted to Past Grand Conductor of the Council. My PCW, Andrew Beaumont received a First Appointment as PAGDC. Sidney Brailey received a First Appointment as Past Grand Standard Bearer. We congratulate each one of them. They know that they cannot sit back on their laurels but are expected to continue working for the good of the order, and this District in particular.
All members of the District will know of Sidney Honniball's illness over the last 12 months or so. He was unable to attend the District meeting last year. During 2009 he has spent more than half the year in hospital with leg ulcers. He came out in August, but 12 weeks later was again admitted. I am pleased to say he is now home, getting around slowly but not able to attend today. We owe a great debt of gratitude to him for the work he has done over the last 7 years.
This last year saw the introduction of the Order of the Silver Trowel. This is a degree for Past TIM's. Admission is only with the approval of the Grand Master himself. During the year, 11 members of the District were admitted, Some at King's Heath others at Winchester. This was on the basis of 2 for each council in the District. Next year it is restricted to 1½ per Council, giving us 7½ candidates. Volunteers are required for the ½.
Those who have been admitted have all expressed their appreciation and I am sure that other past TIM's will equally appreciate the ceremony and symbolism.
This last year saw the continuation of my policy that the District Team perform a ceremony during their year. The ceremony conducted was the Royal Master in St. Edmund Council in March. This was well received and I would thank all those taking part.
Next year, I have accepted an invitation from Taunton Council for the District Team to undertake the ceremony of Most Excellent Master at the September meeting of that council, District Officers please note.
Last year I reported on the setting up of our web-site. Our new District Recorder, George Paskins, has continued to update the various pages and we have reciprocal links with other Districts. Last week I attended the Durham District Meeting and they appointed an unofficial web master. It strikes me we could add Durham to our links. George, please note.
Also turning to the future, I referred, at the beginning of this address to an increasing membership. Those who attend this meeting regularly will know of my concern over the craft province of Wiltshire where we only have St. Edmund Council meeting at Devizes. Swindon, with its size and members of Royal Arch and Mark Masons should have a Cryptic degree. Well, something is happening. (The DGM then referred to Founders Meeting.)
It is not too late for other Founders to join in the Petition. Should anyone require further details contact my District PCW or myself.
At lunch after this meeting we also have 2 other guests, namely RW Bro. David Jenkins, PGM. for Somerset, and RW Bro Francis Wakem, PGM for Wiltshire. This will be another opportunity to foster and expand our relationships with that Province.
For the last 7 years we have held this District Meeting in Taunton. It is at one end of the District but we have had very favourable financial terms. Unfortunately, Taunton Masonic Hall committee have changed the basic for charging which no longer makes Taunton beneficial to us. We will still be meeting on the 3rd Saturday in November, but at Nailsea which is more central for most members and visitors.
I extend my thanks to all those who have made today possible. To my new District Recorder, George, and DC Peter in attending late last evening to get this Temple ready, to the 2 Bar Stewards for volunteering to look after our liquid needs and to you all for making this day a happy and memorable one.
Finally, I extend to you all, and your families, a very Happy Christmas and, above all, a peaceful and healthy New Year.
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District of Somerset and Wiltshire
of the Order of Royal and Select Masters 2009