Worthy Deputy Grand Master, Members Fraternal Council, Distinguished Guests, Members, Ladies and Gentlemen and Visitors.
During this past year we have had number of loyal members of Manchester Unity join the Great Lodge on high. In remembrance of these members I would ask for all to be upstanding for a minute of silence.
Unfortunately I have not been able to visit as many Lodges as I should have this year due to unforeseen circumstances. I did get to visit Loyal Mount Lindsay and Loyal Summerland Lodges. I wish to thank both Lodges for combining their meetings so I was able to attend. I would like to apologize to Loyal High Crows District Lodge and Loyal Wollumbin District Lodge for not being able to visit their Lodges. I have however visited both Loyal High Crows and Loyal Wollumbin District meetings. I would at this point congratulate the newly installed officers of these Districts. The Deputy Grand Master and I were able to attend the Christmas meeting at Wollumbin District along with Sister Margaret Connell and our granddaughter and junior member Sister Kacey Baker. A good time was had by all. Sister Kacey even asked if we would be going back this year. I made a number of visits to the Darling Downs for District events and some Manchester Unity Queensland events. I was in attendance at the A G M C and Installation of officers for Manchester Unity Queensland in Toowoomba.
Sister Ross and I both visited the fraternal camp at Stanthorpe. We had a really good time checking out the events happening in Stanthorpe. We also had an enjoyable time visiting the museum next to the camp site. On Sunday morning we were treated with a wonderful breakfast. I would like to congratulate all those involved with the organisation of this camp.
This year the Grand Masters Charity was the Royal Flying Doctors. There were a number of functions held in conjunction with this charity. Unfortunately due to other commitments and the weather neither I nor the Deputy Grand Master was unable to attend. For this I do sincerely apologize. We did raise an amount of money $ . For this I wish to thank everyone who gave of their valuable time for this worthy cause. Thank you.
The fraternal council met on its allotted times where possible. A couple of meeting dates were changed at the last moment and this was rather disappointing. I would like to express that for future fraternal council meetings that unless there is an emergency and at least 14 days notice be given that the scheduled meeting times be kept. At this stage I would like to thank Sister Belinda and Brother Steven Baker for allowing us to use their premise at such short notice. A lot of business was successfully completed at the fraternal council meetings this year and I would like to congratulate the members of the fraternal council for their good work.
It was my pleasure to be able to present Sister Margaret Connell with her Past District Grand Masters jewel, which was overdue. I was also privileged to form a Lodge to Present Sister Schelle Logan with her Past District Grand Masters Degree and Jewel.
During my term as Grand Master we were able to form the Loyal Trilogy Junior Lodge. Thanks to Sister and Brother Van Bael for their efforts in making this Lodge come to be. The first meeting of this lodge was held as a picnic in the park at Rathdowney. WE had five junior members in attendance and all seemed to have a good time. The junior members were asked to give suggestions for future meetings and a lot of interesting suggestions were submitted.
To members of Mount Lindsay District, Loyal Bonalbo Lodge and all members of Manchester Unity Northern Rivers Inc. I extend my heartfelt thanks for allowing me the pleasure of serving as your Grand Master. It has been a pleasure and an honour to do so. I hope I have been able fulfil this duty to all of your satisfaction. If not I am sorry but I did the very best I could. I would like to thank my Grand Lodge Officers, Grand Secretary Brother Keevers thank you for your guidance and help during the year, Immediate Past Grand Master Brother Kitchen thank you for your help, Brother Logan Grand Director of Ceremony thank you John and I wish you and Schelle all the best on you venture to Alice Springs. To Brother Phil and Brother Paul I wish to thank you for being my chauffeur team on many of my visits. I would also like to thank my family for their support. Belinda and Steven thank you for making your home available for meetings. Christine and Clinton Baker thank you for allowing us to stay at their home so we could attend functions. Sister Margaret Connell thank you for your assistance in scanning and e-mailing forms for me. Finally to Sister Ross my Deputy and Wife without your encouragement and assistance I would l not have been able to do as much as I have.
Finally I wish to thank all members of Manchester Unity Northern Rivers Inc. for allowing me the opportunity to be your Grand Master. To the incoming Grand Master I wish you all the best of wishes and pledge my full support. Once more to my wife Margaret I extend my wholehearted gratitude for your support.
With Friendship Love and Truth
Robert Ross
Grand Master