In January 2019 Roger Waltham was Installed as our District Inspector General and at the dining table he announced that I would be the District Recorder. Little did I, or indeed anyone, know what was to follow!!
Within the first twelve months the world was stricken with an epidemic nearly as devastating as the Black Death which curtailed all masonic meetings and everything was put on “hold”. Once vaccines had been discovered and the world resumed some sort of normality the duties of District Recorder started to become clearer.
The District database had to be developed and has evolved with the continued assistance of Chapter Recorders. Yes, we are getting there! A District website was born with the kind assistance of Charles Pottle (Website Editor), Peter Floyd (Photographer) and Richard Carney (Website Design) – now a resident of Devon. Plus a variety of new and existing events, the Church Service, the new Perfectees Lunch & Seminar, the Higher Degrees Dinner and the District Breakfast get-together.
Five years on and what am I going to do now that I have handed over to Trevor Youens? I am ScE of Mid-Kent First Principals, I can manage 3 meetings a year without any problems. I have been invited to be Assistant Secretary of Pentalpha Lodge. I have been made an Honorary member of Chapters which hopefully I will manage to attend as regular as possible. But, being a Gillingham boy, my love of the “Mighty Gills” will now be a priority.
I went to my first football match at the Priestfield Stadium in 1950, yes I am that old. My Grandfather, who was a Mason in Lodge & Chapter no. 20 and a season ticket holder, pushed me under the turnstile and we sat in the Main Stand, such as it was in those days. From my bedroom window I could see the Rainham End Goal, (for those who know the area).
But what am I going to do apart from this? ….I will renew my support to my Mother Lodge, Middleton Manor, which I have not managed to attend as much as I would have liked. Also my Chapter, United Service, plus my Past Principals Chapters. Above all I will continue my love and support of our wonderful Order of “Rose Croix” and hopefully attend Supreme Council Higher Degree meetings when Brethren of East Kent receive their honours. I am happy to offer assistance or advice so long as it is not concerning the ritual!
Being your District Recorder has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling Office I have ever had the honour of undertaking.
God Bless you all,
Russ Wibrew 32°