M.U.I.O.O.F NORTHERN RIVERS INC
GRAND MASTERS ADDRESS 2019-2022
Worthy Deputy Grand Master, Officers, Fraternal Council, members and visitors, it is my pleasure to give the Grand Master’s address to the 2021/2 AMC of MUIOOF NR Inc.
When I was installed as Grand Master in November 2019, I had very little idea of the roller coaster the next couple of years would prove. Being Grand Master during this time has been an interesting experience; we spent a lot of hours saying “we will plan for that date… as long as the border is open”
We made the best of the situation and continued to grow as an organisation and stay in touch with everyone, whether they be next door or in another state.
As the member’s know, last year proved extra difficult, following my injury in April. I thank all the members for the good wishes and support, in what was a very frustrating time for someone as independent as me.
In April we were granted a dispensation for our organisation for the fraternal Order in the United Kingdom, this was a very proud moment and I was pleased I was still Grand Master when this was received.
Functions
The ongoing pandemic has meant that we have been limited to the functions we have been able to hold. I April 2021 we held an ANZAC & Remembrance service at the showground in Woodenbong, this was well attended, and our guest speaker gave a very informative address. I was also able to attend the Queensland order ANZAC & Remembrance service.
In July we held a Purple Degree and were able to confer the degree on Bro. & Sis Smith. My thanks go to the team who were able to confer the degree with such polish & enthusiasm.
We also conducted an initiation using the newest ritual available from the Order in the UK, and I think that we were all impressed with how it worked, and I believe, an improvement.
Many of the conferences and Annual Meetings of our fellow organisations were cancelled due to the pandemic and we were unable to attend any of their functions.
In December we were able to hold some Christmas get togethers. The festive spirit was still alive & well and members were happy to be able to meet face to face.
In January the members of Loyal Summerland, Mt Lindesay & Bonalbo lodges were also able to get together in Evans Head for a fish & chip dinner.
Some of the members were also able to attend the Pumpkin Festival in Kyogle in January. It was a hot day that saw the Grand Treasurer & IPGM counting pumpkin seeds.
Remembrance
The last year touched many families with loss, my own lodge was saddened by the passing of Sis Lilian Weber, who was a Sis & Bro Bennet’s mum and a friend to myself and many of our younger members. We pause to remember those members who have passed and offer our support to their families. Will everyone please stand for a moment of silence.
Fraternal Council
The Fraternal Council has continued to meet during my term, both face to face and online. Transitioning to the online format has proved interesting, as our usually chatty members tend to get on with business.
The Fraternal Council has met 7 times, with the exception of the last meeting, which was called urgently to discuss this AMC, these meetings have been almost quarterly.
Lodges
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lodges in our organisation, even though in many cases we were not able to meet regularly, the members took as many chances as they could to meet. Bonalbo, Summerland and Mt Lindesay continued to meet regularly.
The members of those lodges that couldn’t meet did stay in touch with each other and therefore maintained the bond of fellowship.
Charity Fund Raising
I did choose ‘Mates for Mates’, and Australian Servicemen’s Charity as my charity for my term. Again Covid did get in the way of having any substantial events to raise funds. We did have some success, and in doing so, we were able to ‘Fly the Banner’ of our order. Arrangements will be made to present the proceeds in the near future.
Members
The members of our organisation never cease to amaze me. The resilience you have shown to continue to move our organisation forward is encouraging. I also acknowledge our remote members, who have joined our organisation. We have endeavoured to keep in contact with you. I look forward to working with you in the future and drawing on your experience and friendship and welcoming many more new members in the future.
Acknowledgments
As I come to the end of my extended term as Grand Master, I want to thank the members for their continued faith in me. I know that your dedication and commitment will continue to grow our order. As we enter into our next decade, I also want to thank the members whose original idea brought us out of the darkness that was our beginning to an organisation we can be proud of.
Bro Ashley, thank you for taking the position as my deputy, we were saddened by your resignation, but understood the reason for it.
Phil & Paul, thank you for your support. You were always at the end of a message if I had questions or willing to assist if it was needed. Paul thank you for taking the role of Deputy following Ash’s resignation and I look forward to your next term as Grand Master. Phil your dedication to our organisation continues to inspire us and we thank you for your commitment.
Denise & Theo, I also want to thank you for your support during my extended term. Your knowledge and friendship is something that I will cherish, but I can guarantee I will never make another deal with Denise… EVER
I want to thank my extended family who has supported me in all my craziness especially Mum who has travelled with me when I have needed to and driven me around when I was injured last year and Robert who has also supported me.
I want to thank my sisters who have encouraged me every step of the way. Bec you inadvertently came on this ride with me and have listened, travelled and supported me in every crazy minute.
I could not be prouder of my time as your Grand Master, I hope that as a leader I have been supportive, friendly and consistent.
In Friendship, love & Truth
Sis. Margaret Connell, Grand Master