K B Chalkley, MBE ,DepGCofGds ‘Halali’ Highlanes St Issey Wadebridge PL27 7RY 01841 540328 bang_halali@sky.co Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, It has been a very short and busy 5 months since my appointment as the Provincial Secretary, adapting my experience in other Orders to the nuances and practices of this Order in general and Wessex in particular. I would like to think that, while there is still “work in progress” I am “getting there”. To my knowledge you have attended every meeting but one within the Province since your appointment, and have travelled widely, representing us in other Provinces and Orders. I have accompanied you when available and we have witnessed some excellent renditions of the new ceremonies, both Instruction and Installation. Unfortunately, the standards are not uniform across the Province and we can but hope that those still relying on using the books will break the habit as they become more familiar with the workings. There is nothing like a real live candidate to encourage the learning and improvement of ritual, so all Courts are encouraged to keep the post-consecration momentum going by encouraging suitable (and qualified) candidates to apply. I trust that the pace of life will now slow down somewhat, and the steep learning curve becomes more like a plateau, but in the meantime I would like to thank the members of the Executive and, in particular, the Court Secretaries, for their support, patience and assistance during my apprenticeship in this busy but enjoyable post. Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, that concludes my first, short, report as your Provincial Secretary. Thank you for appointing me, no doubt I will have more to say next year.