Christmas Message

Dear Companions,

It is that time of year when we look back and reflect on the last twelve months. What a

twelve months it has been!

Can I on behalf of the Executive thank you all for your support and enthusiasm for the

Order. The warmth of your hospitality at meetings and the general standard of the ritual at

your ceremonies has been outstanding. Our candidates have been delighted.

I think we are all of the same mind that your District Meeting in Bath in November was a

most enjoyable day and I take this opportunity to once again congratulate the new District

Officers on their appointments and promotions, and thank those District officers who were

part of the 2024/25 for their support. So many Companions of the District support me at

other District meetings around the Country over the year; travelling many miles to represent

the District of Somerset and Wiltshire, and I offer a sincere thank you for your efforts.

As we are now all aware, the outcome of the RSM150 appeal was outstanding, and our

Grand Master was truly humbled when he learned that the original target of £150,000 had

been blown out of the water. The appeal reached over £270,000. Within the District we

raised £7670 (far exceeding my expectations) and the District was able to secure donations

totalling £9500 to seven different local charities, (at least one charity in the locality where

each of our Councils meet). Thank you all for your generosity and support.

Finally, can I wish you and all your families a very peaceful festive season and I look

forward to meeting you all at our Council meetings in the forthcoming year.

Yours sincerely and fraternally

R. Ill. Comp. Keith R S Surry

District Grand Master

Somerset and Wiltshire