Buffets and Teas

I spent this morning at Calne Masonic Hall, the newest masonic hall in the county, attending a 3Rs conference hosted by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Wiltshire, Sir Ron Stuart-Paul.  The 3Rs are Recruit, Retain and Refresh but early on it was announced that the emphasis would now be changing and that the 3Rs would now stand for Recruit, Refresh and Retain as it is felt that a refreshing approach to freemasonry will have the desired effect of retaining members.  I could see many parallels with the problems of growing and retaining our church membership.  In the case of freemasonry, the biggest factors causing members to leave early are men joining it for the wrong reason in the first place and having joined being subject to grumpiness from some of the older more established masons.  I sat on a table with some very senior masons indeed including the Provincial Grand Master himself.  An excellent buffet lunch was provided after the half day conference.  I travelled back down to Winterslow in time to attend Sara's Victorian Tea Party at Karryn's in aid of her Calendar/Breast Cancer charity (Stars Appeal).  A wonderful event which was very well attended by many from both inside and outside of the village including the leading breast cancer surgeon and nurse from Salisbury Hospital as well as a reporter/presenter from the Spire FM.    Masses of cake and sandwiches and a fantastic raffle.  The event raised a staggering £800 for the Calendar Fund - well done everyone!  We now have sufficient money in the bank to fund the printing and launch costs of the calendar meaning that every calendar sold will represent pure profit for the charity.