5th. Provincial Assembly of Wessex, hosted by Bricgstow Court No. 75, held in Freemasons Hall, Park Street, Bristol on Saturday 18th. May 2013

Province of Wessex Annual Assembly 2013 – Secretary’s Report Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Distinguished Brethren and Brethren …. This report will not be lengthy as I understand that, in addition to those Masonic attributes of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth we, within this Province of Wessex, now have a fourth that we seek to apply … Brevity! The year has been an enjoyable one. It has involved a steep learning curve as I have needed to get to know brethren and especially the secretaries from a large area. Within other Orders the numbers may be greater but there is a much more parochial mix as many members know each other enabling appreciation and understanding of brethren and their personalities. I had anticipated the necessity of dealing with the consecration of at least two Courts and possibly three but it appears that this will be part of the duties during the forthcoming year. All secretaries, at whatever level, cannot discharge their duties properly without the co- operation and assistance of those whom they serve. I am well aware that many – probably most - of my requests will have appeared to be pedantic and nit-picking but that is because Grand Court insist that I operate within … not only the Statutes of the Order … but the secretarial handbook! Frankly, that is a not only relief but pleases me. To be given parameters within which we must work will, in the end, be of benefit to all whether they are the givers, transmitters or receivers of instruction. I do, with sincerity, thank all those with whom I have worked this year. Particularly the Court secretaries to whom I would like to give assurance that I’m well appreciative that, like me, they are volunteers and that they serve their fellows out of generosity of spirit. Thanks are also due to other Provincial secretaries, the two Grand Secretaries and their Deputies and, of course, my colleagues within the Provincial Executive. I give particular thanks to the Grand Registrar who has saved me from many a potential disaster. In return brethren, I hope that any advice or practical help I have been able to extend has been both useful and productive. Finally Provincial Grand Master I must thank you Sir for the trust you place in me and the considerable latitude you permit me to discharge my duties within the Province and the Order. It would be greatly remiss of me not to express my thanks to you and your Deputy for your company during the numerous visits we have made to other parts of the country. In discharging the duties necessary to the office of Provincial Grand Secretary I trust that I have served to your satisfaction and not failed the Province, the Order, or any Brother with whom I have needed to work. Sincerely and fraternally, W.Bro.Mervyn S Western, KSM, DepGEmPrior Provincial Grand Secretary