I also thank those stepping down after some years in Office and in particular:
• E Comp Bob Munro as Pr G Almoner
• E Comp David Dawson Deputy Pr DC

I also congratulate those who were appointed to Grand Rank on 1st May.
As First Appointments
• E Comp Chris Hodgson of Obedience Chapter No 1753
• E Comp Arthur Blamey of Bedford Chapter No 282
• E Comp David Dawson of St Johns Chapter No 328
They are very well deserved appointments who all have my blessing.

The Vision Companions
There is a vision and there is a strategy
To create a legacy so that others may derive the same enjoyment from the Royal Arch as we have.
“To build a better stronger and more enjoyable Royal Arch”
• To increase conversion rate of Craft members to RA to above 40%)
Increasing to above 50% in four years.
• To recapture lapsed RA Companions, currently unattached.
• To improve the Chapter experience, to retain existing members.
• To further Develop Building Together “One Journey – One Organisation” between the Craft and RA.

What I can say is that every decision I make will be in the best interests of the Royal Arch in Devonshire.
That I promise you.

The Challenges – Our Challenges Companions will not be a surprise
• Declining Numbers in Membership
• Struggling Chapters
• Reduced numbers attending meetings

The Initiatives
• One Journey one Organisation
• The relationship with the Craft
• Teamwork
• Merging Chapters
• Encouraging Change

a). – Firstly –
The “One Journey one Organisation” initiative is working.
We are one organisation,
We now have one tie for both the Craft and Royal Arch
I see some of you wearing it already!
All of the Craft “Executive” team are also here today without exception.

b). Secondly this leads me onto – The relationship with the Craft
i). We will continue to give very positive consideration to Companions when it comes to their promotion in the Craft.
All Freemasons should be members of this Order and we must appreciate fully all those who are.

ii). To this end I intend to write to all recently raised Master Masons and encourage them to complete their journey in Pure Ancient Masonry by becoming Companions.

iii). Make sure that at every Craft meeting there is a report on the Royal Arch.
If your Royal Arch representative doesn’t give a report make sure that you do.

iv). See that on your Craft summons a red “RA” is placed alongside your name indicating that YOU have completed your Masonic journey.

c). – Teamwork – Being a Team and NOT individuals
I am fortunate to have such an active top team that work very well together.

The Deputy Grand Superintendent is a great ambassador for the Royal Arch who supports me well.
He is making big strides in encouraging and supporting Red table evenings.

Our Second Provincial Principal Andy has brought huge charisma and experience from the Craft.
He is responsible for the success of so many unattached companions being retrieved and returning to Chapter.
Our 3rd Provincial Principal Gavin is bringing his own youthful energy and enthusiasm to all that he does.
He is intelligent, has great ideas and is not afraid to challenge.

The Past “Executive” team behind me have also been greatly supportive in everything that we are trying to achieve

d). – Merging Chapters
Whenever a Lodge or Chapter closes there are always casualties and we lose members
I am delighted therefore that instead of Chapters closing they are merging:
thus creating stronger and better Chapters – modifying their names and keeping the lower number.
We have had success with 2 Chapters in Newton Abbot merging and
another 2 in Plymouth are close to agreement. We wish them well

e). – My final point would be to encourage change
Don’t be afraid to try the “Savage ritual” – it’s not for everyone but it maybe for your Chapter. It’s certainly been well received and successful at Pleiades Chapter.

Change your dining; try 2 courses instead of 3.
If something doesn’t work you can always revert to what you did previously.

It must be enjoyable and fun
Serious upstairs but fun downstairs!

In Summary
All these things will help but nothing is more effective than approaching a Brother face to face; one to one and
encourage him to join the Royal Arch and welcome him into your Chapter.
In many ways recruiting for the Chapter is easier than in the Craft as we know our audience!
This is something we can all do.

We are seeing very positive signs in terms of Exaltations.
After years of decline we are now stable and showing small growth.
The conversion rate from Craft to Chapter members has increased to over 34%

We are also seeing a real turnaround in some Chapters who were struggling and are now thriving.

We have many talented and hard working Companions who really care including of course our Membership team.

Companions we can and will rise to these challenges – I have no doubts.
There is much to be encouraged about.
In terms of today’s event I’d like to thank the Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra and his Assistant for their organisation.

My thanks also to the Provincial GDC and his team of Deputies.

The support of both your teams has exceeded my expectations

I close by thanking you all for being here today.
I know by working together with commitment and enthusiasm, as a Province we will go from strength the strength.

I wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to your company throughout the year.

May the T&LGMH bless you all

E.Comp. N. A. Ball

Most Excellent Grand Superintendent