Way back in March 2023, at the Officers Mess at the Maidstone Masonic Centre at Tovil, I happened to be sitting at the same table as our Inspector General. During the meal he said he would like to have a word with me after the Mess had finished. My first thought was “oops what have I done wrong?”.
The very last thing I expected was him to tell me that our District Recorder Russ would be retiring at the end of the year and he would like me to take on the role.
My first thought was can I handle this with everything else I am doing, I am Secretary of the Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge, Scribe E of Norman Chapter, DC of Norman Lodge as well as Recorder in two Rose Croix Chapters, Assistant Recorder in another and Almoner in another.
I asked for a bit of time to think it over and discuss it with my wife Carol, although I think I knew in the back of my mind that I couldn’t turn down what was such a fantastic opportunity to do such an important job in what I believe to be one of the very best Orders in Freemasonry. What an honour it was to be asked.
The following day I telephoned Roger accepting the role and thanking him for offering it to me and for his confidence in me.
The next seven months I have been mentored by Russ and I cannot thank him enough for all his help, support and patience (he needed plenty of that) He will be a very hard act to follow.
So, to the future. I will do my very best to assist the Inspector General and all the Chapter Recorders to continue the smooth running of our wonderful District. I will continue with the updating of the District database, on which Russ has worked so hard. All the events that we have had over the last few years will continue with maybe others to follow…watch this space!!
Finally Brethren, I very much look forward to visiting all the Chapters, catching up with old friends and making new ones and I wish Russ well in his retirement. I am sure we all do.
Best wishes to you all
Trevor