With three EA’s and three FC’s, I think we can safely say we are supporting our MWGM’s worthy strategic focus on building membership.

One of our wise old hands, so important to lodges, recently asked me what advice I would give on creating a good lodge - above all, realise that harmony is critical and to keep in mind a great lodge can be shaken by a single meeting where friction rules. Disharmony has crippled and destroyed many lodges in a single meeting. Also realise that the engine of a good lodge (and Freemasonry) is friendship and all the ingredients which go with it – respect, enjoyment, mutual support and loyalty, understanding, generosity and especially communication.

By far the most important working tool I have used over my last two years in the Chair is one which never gets a mention in our ritual– the telephone. Keeping in contact is critical. You can’t expect good friendships to be built on a single meeting for a few hours each month. I strongly encourage Devotion members to seek opportunities to get together or even just call each other between meetings.