Invitation to Walk and Talk

Brethren are being invited to walk and talk as a way of overcoming any post-Covid blues.

The suggestion comes from DPGM Bro. Chris Kerr as part of a Mental Health plan being set up within the Province.

It was announced at the PGL Tri Annual meeting held at Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No. 116 on Monday, 24 April that the first “walk” would take place at Pollok Park on Saturday 13 May.

Bro. Kerr said: “We are aware that Covid has had a long-term adverse effect on the mental health of some Brethren and as a Province we have a duty to help.

“The plan is for Brethren – along with family, friends and dogs if they have one – to get together for an informal walk and a chance to chat in a relaxed environment.

“The first walk will start from the Pollok House car park at 10am on Saturday 13 May. We hope to organise other regular walks in different parks in the future.”

Earlier RWPGM Bro. Ronald E. Fraser welcomed Brethren to the meeting, thanked Lodge Rutherglen Royal Arch No.116 for hosting the meeting and invited their RWM Bro. Steven Hastie to the East.

An obituary was given on behalf of Bro. David Radcliffe, a PM of Lodge Paisley St Mirrin’s No.129, and a Life Member of PGLRE with Brethren observing a minute’s silence.

In upbeat news it was announced that the sell-out Stars in Your Eyes Cabaret Night held in Lodge St John Busby No.458 on Saturday 22 April had been a great success raising £1445 to be dispersed among various charities. SPGM Bro. Brian Shields thanked Bro. Gordon “Elvis” Campbell and his team for providing excellent entertainment.

A coffee morning hosted by Lodge Prince of Wales No. 426 on 11 March had raised £1000 which is to be donated to Calums Cabin charity which provides holiday accommodation for young cancer victims and their families.

On the Masonic Education front SPGM Bro, Gavin Burt announced that a New Members’ Seminar – the first since the Covid disruption – would take place at the Masonic Centre in Maxwellton Road, Paisley, on Saturday 27 May at 10am.

Bro. Burt also advised that a new Intenders 2.0 course would take place on Saturday 3 June also in the Paisley Masonic Centre at 9.30am and he invited any Brethren interested in taking part to contact him.

On the subject of Friends of Marcus Humphrey House, Bro. Burt said that unfortunately a location for a BBQ this summer was still being sought. However, the eleven Provincial Grand Lodges involved with Friends of MHH were all organising money raising whisky raffles.

Before the meeting closed, PPGM Bro. John Miller reminded Brethren that Renfrewshire East was the only Province in Scotland with an extensive lending and on-line library facility based in the Paisley Masonic Centre and that a new Librarian was required!