I strongly believe that in an increasingly materialistic world, Freemasonry has more relevance today than at any time in its existence. It inculcates those principles and tenets which make us fit members of society, principles which no longer seem to have pride of place in our education system or in many homes. Ask an outsider what Masonry does, and he or she may mention charity.

True, but what is unlikely to be appreciated, is our quality of tolerance. That all men regardless of age, colour, status, nationality, or religious or political persuasion are welcomed into the fraternity .All that is required is that a prospective Brother believes in a Supreme Being, wants to better himself, and be of service to his fellow creatures.

Freemasonry breaks down the barriers which may keep men apart. It is a system of morality in which every object has a deeper symbolic meaning, has no dogma or doctrines, and acknowledges the right of every Brother to practice his own religion.

In all, this should make us a natural haven for those members of new generations who wish to belong to a social grouping founded on the principles of brotherly love and service to others. We need to encourage men of high calibre to join the craft, and to enjoy long and active Masonic careers. Brethren, we are not succeeding. In 1975 there were 500,000 English Masons, now there are 270,000, a number which is reducing by 2-3% per annum, and Wiltshire reflects the national trend. It is of particular concern that 30% of new members resign within three years of being Raised, and a significant number of Past Masters drift away shortly after passing through the Chair.

We have a duty to ensure that our successors have the opportunity to enjoy the Brotherhood of Freemasonry by maintaining the Order in a vibrant and viable state. This prompted me to launch the "Three R’s Programme", Recruit, Retain, Refresh. We must introduce new blood by using all means at our disposal to recruit new members, and quickly put in place a process which greatly improves retention and assists in the development of those with real potential. If we can significantly reduce the number of new members who resign shortly after Raising, and of Past Masters who leave the scene shortly after passing through the Chair, we will have made a significant step towards stabilising the situation and reversing current trends.

It is of equal importance that we recognize that society has greatly changed since the times when many of us first became Masons. we need to be sympathetic to the pressures facing the modern generation, and ensure that our work and Lodges are attractive to potential candidates. In other words, let us refresh our ideas. Just because we have always done it this way, may no longer be appropriate.

For the past few months, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master has chaired a working party, tasked with identifying best practices, and having done so to assist Lodges to develop robust Three Rs Programmes. This process commenced with a cross section of our members being surveyed. This survey was very well supported, and provided an excellent insight into the views and aspirations of our Brethren and their wives or partners. The investigative phase is now complete, and a series of booklets produced. These will shortly be distributed to Lodges and will, I trust, greatly assist Lodge Mentoring officers to develop programmes tailored to each Lodge's individual needs.

Brethren, my prime aim now, and for the foreseeable future, is to have a robust Three Rs Programme in place across the Province. I have seen much evidence that the process is underway, and I am delighted at the manner in which several Lodges have grasped the concept and are driving it forward. However this is a very long term initiative, which will need constant nurturing. Accordingly, I have tasked W Bro Sir Ron Stuart-Paul and W Bro Peter Sharpe with monitoring progress;

Recruit, Retain and Refresh

                          Sir Ron in the South                                           and Peter in the North.

These are exciting times for Freemasonry in general, and this Province in particular. I consider myself greatly honoured to have been appointed your Provincial Grand Master. As such, I look forward to working with you in order to ensure that future generations of Wiltshire Masons will inherit a vibrant and progressive organisation from which they will derive the same pleasure and fulfilment that we ourselves have enjoyed.