RWBro Keith P Schofield GMRAC, Provincial Grand Master will retire at Midnight on Wednesday 23^rd September 2015. During his address at the Provincial Meeting on Wednesday 27^th May he said: “At my investiture in November 2003 in the course of my address I said I had inherited a happy and successful Province and I hoped that I would be able to continue and build on that foundation created by my predecessors”. Whether I have or not is for other people to judge, but being the Provincial Grand Master of the East Lancashire Mark Province has been a tremendous privilege. I have made many friends all around the country as well as in our own Province and I am very grateful to have been able to work with the leaders of all the other orders and promote the Mark degree and this Province as much as possible. However this will be my last Provincial meeting as I have decided to retire as Provincial Grand Master. This will take effect from the 23^rd September.  I will always appreciate and never forget all the Brethren who have worked with and supported me throughout the last 12 years, the previous two Deputies the APGM’s, the Secretariat, and the DC’s and all the acting officers over the years. There are too many to name in person and it would not be right to do so, but they all know how much they have meant to me over my term of office.  My successor will be VWBro Alex McLaren who will be invested by the Pro Grand Master the following day, 24^th September, here in Blackburn. I have no doubt that Alex will receive your support as much as I have and I am sure we all wish him every success for the future.”

After this announcement all assembled rose to their feet and gave him an overwhelming ovation for many minutes.