NYMCC 2017
Saturday 13th of October saw the New and Young Mason’s Club conference landing in Birmingham, in the beautiful Severn Street Masonic Lodge Rooms
Along with 100 attendees, from 35 Provinces, we were honoured to receive speeches from Provincial Grand Masters, RW Bro David Macey and RW Bro Gareth Jones and exceptionally privileged by the attendance of Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Jonathan Spence both attending and giving the keynote address.
"There was an obvious buzz and excitement from the presence of our esteemed guests".
The day was a fantastic opportunity to meet other young Freemasons, network and socialise, however, there was a serious theme to the event.
New and young Freemasons will constantly consider how to engage with new members, our families and communities while learning and growing as Freemasons. This is exceptionally pertinent in our Tercentenary year and as we look towards the future.
The theme of the day was “Building and maintaining the foundations” and was split into three presentations and focus group activities to take advantage of the experience and creative ability present.
Wbro Dan Thomas, Chairman of the Five of Nine Club, did an excellent job in hosting the day and introducing our first speaker.
RW Bro David Macey thanked the organising Five of Nine Club Committee and introduced the first topics of the day. The attendees split into groups to discuss and generate ideas on 4 key areas: Sustainability, Governance, Marketing and Events.
Following lunch each group feedback their key discussion points, providing learning for all. It was excellent to see a number of “ah-ha” moments of assistance to Clubs looking to generate ideas, get support and benefit their members.
Conference partners Toye Kenning and Square Events gave fantastic presentations on their businesses that support Masonry. Our gratitude to both Nick and Guy for their input and support.
RW Bro Gareth Jones then set a challenge in the second presentation – how we maintain the quality of engagement, community, expectations and introduction to the Craft.
This led to some passionate group discussion as to how to involve and improve membership and the key aspects of Freemasonry – family, community and charity. Again, this was feedback to the Conference to benefit all attendees and respond to the Provincial Grand Master’s challenge.
We were exceptionally privileged to have RW Bro Jonathan Spence, Deputy Grand Master give the keynote address. It was inspiring to have one of the most senior Freemasons in the World recognise the challenges to today’s New and Young Masons and provide a thoroughly entertaining and articulate synopsis of the day, seemingly delivered off the cuff!
"I have no doubt everyone present will agree it was a fun, vibrant and stimulating day".
Finally, we found out that the 2018 New and Young Masons Clubs Conference was to be hosted by the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales NYMC The Colonnade Club, we wish them well with their preparations and look forward to renewing friendships in a years’ time.
The Conference closed with a well-earned social event in Pennyblacks in Birmingham’s trendy Mailbox, with many of the visiting Brethren staying for a beer and to further discuss the opportunities discovered during the day.
By Dan Norman
