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ANDREW GIVESHELPING HANDFOR LODGES . . .OPEN Evenings for Lodges can be fun –as well as being an excellent vehicle forrecruitment.So says Andrew Brown, of RokebyLodge No 6301, Provincial Co-Ordinatorfor gavel/open nights.These evenings are just one of severalways for Lodges to increase membership– but they are tried and tested andAndrew has so far successfully helpedover 35 Lodges with various eventstailored to suit individual requirements.“We aim to have some fun and makethem enjoyable for existing members, too.We encompass the ideals of FreemasonsCare for One Another by inviting existingmembers who do not attend very often tocome and take part or simply enjoy a gettogether as we try to regain some lostenthusiasm.“Of course, our evenings provide anexcellent opportunity to communicate withthe general public about the principles ofFreemasonry, the work that we do andgenerally what we are about, including ourcharitable giving” said Andrew, whoexplains the various types of events.“Open Evenings can be held after aLodge meeting where visitors are invitedinto the Lodge room, or on a practicenight ;invitations can be extended join aLodge’s festive board or just supper.“Some Lodges have held open days,sent out leaflets to neighbouring housesinviting people to call in and look aroundAndrew Brown - here to helpthe building, others have included chequepresentations on the same night toendorse our charitable giving.”Advice, assistance, displays, handoutinformation booklets, are all availablefrom Andrew.“I would be happy to attend a planningmeeting with any Lodge to give ideas andexplain past scenarios to assist ingetting things started, I have samplescripts that can be used / adapted to aparticular Lodge’s circumstances andobjectives.“My role is certainly not to interfere, takeover or organise, but to pass on theexperiences of others to enable a Lodgeto produce its own unique occasion, toassist wherever possible and then to passon their experiences to others.“I also keep Province updated becauseI know the Rulers care about the welfare ofindividual Lodges and that that they willdo anything possible to help,” he said.“We cannot stress too highly theimportance of inviting ladies to openevenings, the R W Provincial Grandnew car sales | used car sales | servicing | mot | finance | insurancecome and see us at Wakefield Road Lepton Huddersfield HD8 0DLwww.rngolden.co.uk telephone 01484 608060Master strongly believes that they shouldbe involved from the outset.“At the end of the day, each Lodge isseparate, but with a common interest, andeach open evening needs to reflect theindividuality of the Lodge, putting its ownstamp on it.”Andrew concludes by saying he feelsprivileged to be tasked with such animportant role and reiterates that he isavailable to offer advice and assistanceto Lodges with the aim of securing afuture for them.“We have already seen positive results,with numerous Initiations taking place,and long may this continue.”Contact Andrew on:07967 739538 orAndrew.Brown@wrprovince.co.ukANDREW BROWN is a Lewis, and wasInitiated into Rokeby Lodge in May 1995by his father, Ian and subsequentlyInstalled as Master, again by his father, in2002 and also in 2005.He is a past First Principal ofHeatherstone and Savile Chapter No1231 and was First Principal in 2008 whenthe two chapters amalgamated. Andrewhas been involved with open eveningssince 2006, initially in Area Two andreceived Acting Provincial Rank asPursuivant two years ago.J N Glenton, of Lodge of Halezfax No4135, said: “In 2007, with no newcandidates on the horizon, weapproached Andrew Brown andsought his help in planning an opennight at Southwood Masonic Centre.“The information he gave us,including leaflets/booklets and displaymaterial was invaluable and since thattime, we have held two moreopen/gavel nights.“Over a period of four years up toSeptember 2011, we have Initiated 10new Masons and have retained themall.”Colin T Symes, of Scientific LodgeNo 439, wrote to Andrew after an openevening at Bingley Masonic Hall.“Your willingness and availability toattend all our meetings was a greathelp and your input and suggestionswere of tremendous assistance. Theservice you provided is second tonone.“ I feel that the event as a whole wasa great success and the Lodges in theRooms have obtained at least sevenleads to follow up from people who areinterested in finding out more aboutFreemasonry. Thank you on, behalf ofScientific, Priory and Shirley Lodges forall that you did to help.”MOORLAND LODGE No. 6591 PROUD TO SUPPORT THIS PAGE OF THE WHITE ROSE MASONIC NEWS Meeting on the4th Wed in Jan, Feb, Mar, 1st Wed May (Inst) 4th Wed May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct, Nov 3rd Tue Dec. Hoyle Court, Baildon BD17 6JS14