Manchester Unity

MANCHESTER UNITY INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS

NORTHERN RIVERS INCORPORATED

Grand Master’s Report 2018

Worthy Deputy Grand Master, colleagues in Grand Lodge, members of Fraternal Council, distinguished guests, members and visitors, it is with pride and pleasure that I present my report for my term of office.

Remembrance

It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of members, or family members of our order. Please stand, members, for a minute’s silence, in their memory.

Official Visits

I have tried to visit all lodges in our order, and support the members where possible. I would like to thank Mt Lindesay and Summerland lodges for combining their meetings, to make it easier for me to attend - the meals provided were a bonus for us. I was also able to attend a meeting of High Crows following the Queensland ANZAC service. I attended district meetings of Wollumbin and High Crows District Lodges. At the High Crows meeting I had the privilege of installing the new district officers, congratulations to those young members, who are our future in Manchester Unity. Deputy Grand Master, Sister Denise, thank you for assisting with the ceremony.

Outside our Order, I attended the District Meeting of the Darling Downs, the Queensland ANZAC service, which was done with tradition, and respect by a very professional team. Most recently I had the pleasure of attending the Grand United Order of Oddfellows’ Biennial Conference in Maclean. The conference was interesting, hospitality was second to none, and friendships renewed, new friendships to last for always, as Manchester Unity families are. I must comment on the installation, which was honestly one of the most spectacular events I have ever witnessed. The impressive regalia, the amazing ritual, mostly performed without reading the book, piping in the officers, the whole ceremony was something I will never forget, and encourage members to witness, for a memorable experience. At the conference our order was granted the ratification of the dispensation, by the Grand Executive Committee of Management, acknowledging our order, with reciprocal rights and membership.

The Loyal Hope of Enoggera lodge have invited me to their activities, and I have enjoyed them. The Christmas in July, held in Killarney was a fantastic event, with all the usual trimmings associated with Christmas. The atmosphere was special, and the members obviously worked hard to put the weekend together. The weather was mean, but everyone was enjoying the time together, not minding the outside air.

A picnic at Maroon dam was windy, but the day was for friends getting together, when we found the right place. Another Loyal Hope of Enoggera event I had pleasure in attending was the Queensland Grand Master’s official visit at Booval. On occasions when I have been present at functions of other orders, I have been welcomed, and included as a member of Manchester Unity, not part of another order.

At this point, I would like to emphasise the value of being part of Manchester Unity, because there have been occasions where some members of Northern Rivers Inc. have been subject to questioning, relating to their alliance to one or more orders, even suggesting conflict of interest.

I strongly believe, irrespective of where we meet, we are all members of Manchester Unity, upholding the principles of the order, for the good of society, which is why Manchester Unity was founded.

If members are committed to support one or more arms of the order, those members should be held in high regard, and complimented for their willingness to give their time and dedication, applaud and encourage their progress, and success.

Management

Fraternal Council

Meeting quarterly, the Fraternal Council continues to steer the order, dealing with the “machinery” working, to ensure we are within constitutional guidelines, while growing Manchester Unity. I would acknowledge the input of the Ritual and Rules Committee members, for their efforts to maintain comprehensive, constructive advice, when matters arise, regarding immediate or future changes, to our order. The Fraternal Weekend at Bribie Island was enjoyable, but maybe it needs to be considered in future, at a different time, due to the busy schedule, at this time of the year.

In March this year, I was asked to select a team, for a Purple Degree, and Past District Grand Master’s Degree, in conjunction with Loyal David Mills Lodge. The Loyal David Mills Lodge was specifically formed to promote ritual and degree meetings, as not every lodge has ritual in their meetings, here we have the chance to use ritual, and confer degrees. Thank you to the members, for making up the team, but there needs to be consideration of timing, and preparation, maybe practice prior to this degree.

During the year, we also had an ANZAC service, and once again, thank you to all the team members for your attendance, I am sure we did justice to this event.

Fund raising

The fund raising this year, was the Royal Flying Doctors Service. Mt Lindesay and Summerland members have been holding sausage sizzles, successfully, unfortunately I have not been there to help out. Wollumbin District have held a car rally and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, I couldn’t attend the car rally, but enjoyed the tea party. Money raised will be presented today, to a representative of that organization.

Acknowledgements

To Deputy Grand Master, Sis. Denise Van Bael, thank you for your support, and assistance. We go back a long way, and you have been influential in my desire strive to be the Grand Master. You are the reason I am here, because you helped build our order, when we were considered insignificant members, some years ago. Like myself, you have generations of history with Manchester Unity and I cannot think of a more capable person to guide our order, and commend you for elevation.

Grand Secretary, Bro. Keevers, what do you say to someone, who encourages you to fulfil a lifetime goal, reach the level of Grand Master. You have supported me, advised me, kept me focused, taught me about constitution, protocols, even if you don’t realize it. Travelling with you is always enjoyable, and you have encouraged me to widen my horizons, learn about the order, and other orders, all part of Manchester Unity. Thank God for e-mails!

Immediate Past grand Master, Bro Ross. Thank you for your love, and support, not just this year, but always. Driving us to and from every event, booking accommodation, checking e-mails when

I am working, has made it easier for me to do the Grand Master duties, I would not be able to attend as many occasions without your constant attention and guidance.

My lodge. Every member of my lodge has supported me, and I appreciate it so much. Bro and Sis Bennett, Sis. Weber, you have embraced my family, to a point where we are a family lodge, alternating meetings in our home and yours. We have a strong lodge, and will continue to grow, I acknowledge Sis Bennett, for her active dual roles in the Queensland order and ours.

To Sis Marg Connell and Bro Van Bael, thank you for organising the junior members, hope to hear your report later.

The ladies who sew our regalia, and table cloths, arrange special things for our meetings, including morning and afternoon teas also must be appreciated, thank you so much. Your perseverance reduces costs of regalia, and catering. Holding Fraternal Council meetings in private homes, also assists our order financially, thank you to those members who host our meetings.

Conclusion

This year, as Grand Master, I have experienced the most exciting time of my life. Where ever I have attended officially, or unofficially I have been welcome, treated with respect, and dignity. I have tried to fulfil my promise when installed, to support all members, encourage progress, and give members confidence to suggest new ideas, express their views.

To my family, I cannot express my thanks for all you have done to assist me, especially this year. We have had challenges, and I have taken my Grand Master role seriously, I hope I have not missed too much family time. Your patience and support has been constant, never questioning my achievements. When I asked Rebecca, my daughter, what she thought her granddad, my dad Bro Mills, would have said, she replied, “he would have approved mum, he always sat with you, so he would be proud”.  Anyone who knew my dad, I hope you also believe I did my best.

When today is over, I don’t intend to disappear, I am a dedicated Oddfellow, proud of it, and will contribute any way I can to promote our order. I wish incoming officers a successful year, and thank each and every member for support and guidance, not only in my Grand Master role, but as a lodge member, to be valuable member of Manchester Unity.

I remain sincerely, a grateful member, for the opportunity, the honour to reach my life-long dream, in friendship, love and truth,

Sis Margaret Ross

Grand Master.