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Education & Training Officer- W.Bro Dr R H Fountain P.Prov.SGW
Lodge Secretaries Meeting Monday December 3rd 2007
EDUCATION AND TRAINING REPORT
I make no apologies in saying that my initial objective is to carry on from the platform established by W.Bro.David I James PAGDC. Since my appointment on October 29th I have made it my business to discuss with W.Bro David his ideas for the future and establish a transfer of all his files, documents and booklets. I have held informal talks with the Provincial Grand Master and he has agreed to the committee members as listed in the copies distributed. It has been agreed that W.Bro David Powell of Crystal Lodge No 4562 will be asked to chair the Education and Training Committee. Now this agreement has been reached an initial meeting will be convened as soon as practical.
Therefore with this in mind I see my objective still as being to enable the Lodges and members to make a daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge through Training courses and Workshops. I would normally have added Lectures designed to meet the needs of future administrators, to encourage participation and open discussion amongst members of the fraternity. However with the appointment of the Provincial Orator W.Bro.Brian Medhurst I will deal with that aspect later.
At this moment in time I have one definite programme “ Towards the Chair of King Solomon”, which I hope to promote approximately March 2008. However I have certain aims that I hope the Education and Training Committee will consider: -
- To extend and to offer Lodges a programme of workshops and Training programmes and other items of Masonic Interest viz:
- Charities towards 2013
- Training for Lodge director of Ceremonies.
- Continuing development of training for current and future Lodge Administrators and Officers.
- Continuing a programme of individual development to encourage further participation by younger masons in Craft and Royal Arch.
- Continuing the attempts by greater involvement, more participation and various other activities to increase the membership of Craft and Royal Arch.
How will this be done?
I will establish task teams to tackle specific subjects and to promote discussion.
Workshops will be established where we need to increase efficiency of the administration of Lodges, establish correct procedures, information and allay some of the misinformation of the duties and responsibilities of various lodge Offices.
As part of my role the PGM has delegated the responsibility of Care and Mentoring. With this in mind I am aware that we shall need a basis to work from. I am therefore asking you to consider a scheme whereby we monitor Lodge attendance on a monthly basis. By setting up an attendance register for each lodge whereby we can pick up significant non-attendance, establish reasons and endeavour to make significant attempts to reverse the situation. I realise this would involve a Lodge Secretary with some extra work initially but once established might only involve a tick or cross for attendance or otherwise. Hopefully this will be a further tool for Lodge Executive Officers to spot a missing brother and work with his proposer, seconder and the Lodge Almoner to establish reasons. To have a brother say he has lost interest as a reason for non-attendance \ resignation might be a symptom not a cause. I will therefore work with the Provincial Almoners in both Craft and Royal Arch to establish what support might be needed with regard to Training and Education.
Finally I come to the subject of lectures. As you are aware the PGM has appointed a Provincial Orator in the person of W.Bro.Brian Medhurst. This has been driven by Grand Lodge who have appointed a Grand Orator. It is a specific directive that if a Lodge requires a lecture then it must be one approved by Grand Lodge and delivered by the Provincial Orator or a brother so delegated. W.Bro Brian Medhurst has received from me a stock of lectures, which he will catalogue and obtain Grand Lodge approval. Grand Lodge also hold a stock of approved lectures. It is not intended to stifle innovation by any brother. If a brother wishes to present a lecture in a Lodge then it is expected that he seek Grand Lodge approval through W.Bro Brian before presenting it. I am afraid that at this moment in time we are still working on the mechanism for approval and that might mean that the PGM’s stamp of approval will be sufficient initially. Brethren non-compliance is not an option. All lecture enquiries must be directed through W.Bro Brian Medhurst or myself in his absence.
Brethren it is my aim to ensure the retention of brethren and to show that Masonry Cares. With this in mind I would like I would like to make one final request. I would ask all of you to make reference of the Provincial website – http://www.monmasons.org.uk/ on your Lodge summons each time and initially to emphasise that you have done so in lodge communications. The site has recently been updated and is well worth a visit. It can also be a means whereby absent brethren can pick up news and information. The PGM is extremely keen on good and useful communication and this is seen as a part of that process.
I thank you for the attention you have paid and would be pleased to deal with any queries and questions you may have.
Prepared and presented by :-
W.Bro. Dr R H Fountain P.Prov.SGW
Standards and Education
R.W.Bro. Tydeman, PJGW. O.S.M. Freemasonry is a large and fascinating subject, and can be studied from many different angles. For non-masons, the best place to start is at Freemasons' Hall, as indexed in the links page. For visitors, there are conducted tours, an extensive museum and a bookshop with many interesting publications. For Freemasons, there are several ways in which this Province stimulates curiosity and rewards interest.
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