Around 120 of the Principal officers in Warwickshire descended on the Manor Hotel in Meriden for the annual Masters’ and Wardens’ Dinner.  Joined by all of the Provincial executive, it was an opportunity for some serious networking, to enjoy some scrummy grub, to make new friendships and re-new older ones and to enjoy the coming together of part of our Masonic family.  Yes, there were plenty of PMs who were being recycled but it was a delight to also see a number of brethren making that amazing journey to the Chair.

As always when any number of Freemasons gather, there will always be some toasts.  This was limited to but two – the Loyal Toast, ably proposed by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, and a little later, that to the Provincial Grand Master himself.  Phil Hall first addressed the assembled throng in his usual sincere and relatable manner.  Such was the message that it is worthy of a wider audience, not just for the Masters and Wardens who were unable to attend but to all Warwickshire brethren.  Click here to read it in full.

With an unprecedented 190 potential candidates in the pipeline, the Provincial Grand Master’s message centred on the importance of mentoring.  Yes, he also offered sage advice individually tailored for the Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden but his emphasis was in encouraging all present to make their own lodges welcoming and to create a Masonic environment that those 190 initiates will enjoy, in which they will thrive and to which they will want to return each and every time the lodge meets.  He clearly spoke both from the heart and also from experience.

The other very important toast, that to the Provincial Grand Master himself, was proposed most ably and generously by David Shakeshaft.  He thanked Philip for his excellent address and for his great ability to always find the right words.  Our Provincial Grand Master is an exemplar of a Warwickshire Freemason and we are truly lucky to have him at the helm.  Having heard the inspirational words of our inspirational leader, glasses were drained, brethren departed to whence they had come, keen to put Phil’s words into action.