A word from the Chairman
Dear Brethren
I am honoured to have been nominated and chosen to become the Chairman of the Five of Nine Club for the ensuing year. Having been a founding member of the club and been involved with the club from idea to inception, I am incredibly proud of what we as a club have managed to achieve. Whether it is assisting Brethren along their Masonic journey, providing meaningful shared experiences or supporting lodges across the Province of Warwickshire – the Five of Nine Club has created something fresh and dynamic that enhances the individual Masonic experience.
First, I would like to say a special thank you to W.Bro Daniel Thomas, our outgoing Chairman for his tireless commitment, drive and vision that has been instrumental in getting the club where we are today, one of the largest and fastest growing New and Young Masons Club in England.
Additionally, I would like to take the opportunity thank Bro. Carl Foster, Bro. Warwick Wakefield, W.Bro Sean Phillips, Bro. Dan Norman and all the brethren who work diligently without reward behind the scenes to make the Five of Nine Club the great club it is today. Finally, and perhaps most importantly I would like to thank you, our members, who have enabled us to grow in strength year on year, and enhance the fantastic experience we already gain from our fraternity.
Over the coming year, the Five of Nine will seek to build on our strengths and improve on weaknesses. We are currently developing our programme of events for the upcoming year and will continue delivering the extremely popular Masonic Educational events, Trips and Visits, Freemasonry in the community events and events that build and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
However, the committee and I would like the Brethren and individuals lodges to use our events to support their plans for recruitment and retention. Therefore, we intend to deliver more events that are open to partners, friends and family. On that note, this is your club, and you receive the best prices, deals and opportunities as opposed to non-members. However, not all of our events are members only, and we would like you to help us spread the word, so other lodge members don’t miss out on all the fun.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to deliver a full manifesto, but I wanted to give those that did not manage to attend our first AGM a flavour of what to expect. So to keep it short sweet and snappy, here is a list of a few things we intend to implement over the next 12 months:
- The introduction of discounts for University Scheme lodges in the Province of Warwickshire.
- The opportunity for members to send in their success stories which will be promoted via our website and social media.
- Closer working with general lodges and specialist lodges, such as the University, Motor, Shooting or Golf lodges for example.
- Greater collaboration with individual lodges and other NYMCS.
- Greater emphasis on friends and family.
- Closer integration with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire.
I believe that our programme of events and activities has something for everyone and that we can all get to know each other better while having fun and enhancing our personal Masonic experience. We will build on the excellent foundations, and with the support of our members, we will continue growing in strength.
It is important to remember that this is your club and that we are simply good stewards, if there is something that you think we should be doing then let us know! Likewise, we are always on the lookout for committee members or those that can support the committee on an ad hoc basis – so please do get in touch. While the committee and I are privileged and honoured to be taking the club forward and providing you with meaningful experiences, it is your engagement, participation and enthusiasm which defines the success of the Five of Nine Club.