Provincial meetings: What Dave Wheeler had to say at the 2026 Chapter meeting

As always, it’s great to see so many people here, particularly our distinguished guests, many of whom have had a long journey and an early start to be with us. You are most welcome.

Last year I spoke to you about a new initiative, Building Together. I am delighted to say that our team, lead by Excellent Companion Mike Rix have made great progress and are, as expected, well on course to integrate Building Together in to the everyday business of the Province. I have attended several of the presentations to date and have found the response of Brethren and Companions to be very encouraging, as I expected it would be. Combine this with the work of our Strategy Working Group around the Membership Challenge and I am very confident about the future progress of our Province. We have already had so many exaltations this year that we are only 25 short of the entire total for 2025 and with resignations showing a significant decrease you will understand why I am so pleased about the ongoing work. It is a continuous journey though, Companions, and we must never be complacent in our efforts to achieve the UGLE/SGC Strategy.

At the heart of everything we do, and to achieve a thriving membership, we must enjoy our Royal Arch masonry and encourage those who have not completed their journey to do so, when the time is right for them.

I now congratulate those companions who were recognised at SGC investiture in April in terms of appointment to Grand Rank.

Paul Doughty and Les Darby both received an appointment to Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and it was a wonderful day for both them and the Province. I invite them both to stand and receive your acclamation.

Whilst I also congratulate those who have been appointed and promoted today, I take a moment to acknowledge the outgoing active team who, as you are aware, did two years in office as a legacy of the pandemic. Thank you for your outstanding support. Our new team have a hard act to follow.

I also thank Excellent Companion John Grimwood, Provincial Almoner since 2017, who stands down today. John, your support to me and to our Province has been first class.

I also thank our outgoing Scribe Ezra, Excellent Companion Adrian Joyce, for his magnificent service in that role over the past eight years. Adrian, you have been a great support to everyone in the Province and I look forward very much to working closely together in your new role as APGM in the Craft, to which you will be appointed this afternoon.

Whilst I will say more about our successful 2025 MCF Festival this afternoon, I want to put on record my thanks to the Royal Arch Chapters in Lincolnshire who, together with Provincial Grand Chapter, raised over £75,000 for the Festival, an outstanding effort from Companions who had no doubt already given through their Craft Lodges too. Thank you for your support.

Finally, I thank everyone who has been involved in ensuring this meeting has been such a success. From those in the Provincial office, who have worked so hard making the arrangements, to all those involved in setting up the rooms and tidying up after we all leave. It really has been a superb team effort and without your contribution it simply could not happen.

In closing, Companions, this is the eighth time I have addressed Provincial Grand Chapter. My enthusiasm for our Province and the enjoyment I receive from my role is as strong as ever. I am always humbled by the support I receive and the welcome I experience whenever I visit a Chapter in this Province.  The Royal Arch in Lincolnshire is thriving.

I look forward to spending time with you before lunch. For those not staying for the Craft meeting this afternoon, have a safe journey home.

Thank you, Companions.

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