Provincial Support Team

• The Provincial Support Team was formed by the Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, the late R. W. Bro. George Usher in 1999.
• Its current leader is the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V. W. Bro. John James Craigs.
• Its function is to help Lodges which are struggling with falling membership.
• Its original members, many of whom are still active, were selected by the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters at the time. They included the brethren considered to be good ritualists, awaiting their first Provincial appointments or promotions in Provincial Grand Lodge, or who had just come out of the chairs of their Lodges.
• The Team has been very successful with some of its early interventions. Wallsend Lodge was a classical example.
• There are several ways in which the Team can help Lodges in difficulty. E.g. By providing visitors, by providing Officers for the one off events, or by providing Officers who would join a Lodge and eventually go through the Lodge chair. Incidentally the Team has recently provided a permanent Lodge Tyler from its volunteers at 24 hour notice!
• The Team can perform strict Northumbrian and Emulation workings.
• Its most recent venture was the production of the 1803 Ritual Demonstration in traditional costume. It has been proved to be extremely successful and popular. For a full programme of demonstrations planned for 2009/2010, please click here.
• The Team can supply lectures on demand and even an organist for a Lodge in the Newcastle area.
• Recently the Team has managed to take on Chapter work also.
• Lodges which require the service and support from the Team, please contact the Provincial Office in the first instance.
• New members are especially required in the Tyneside area. All enquiries of joining should again be made to the Provincial Office.