Brethren:

The following are my personal observations of the AGM and should not be considered a REPORT. I leave such duties to the appropriate officers to give the official details of the AGM.

I have my good days, my bad days and on rare occasions I have a great day. Sunday the 25th was one truly great day for me and I suspect for everyone who was fortunate enough to be in attendance.

We gathered on the 10th floor of the Foothills Hospital at High 12 to meet with Bro. Nic Good. Nurses had rolled his wheel chair into one of the larger visitor areas.

With almost 30 Widows Sons the room seemed small and cramped but our spirits were large, our hearts soared. The conversation wasn't your typical hospital affair. There was good humour, light banter and a natural outpouring of love and compassion.

It was obvious that Nic had been really looking forward to our presence and I only hope it was as rewarding for him as it was for all of us.

I leave it too the brothers who know him best to report later on his state of progress. After about 20 minutes it became apparent Nic was tiring and it was time to leave.

Before we parted Bro. Brian of the High Twelve Chapter lead us in an inspirational prayer of healing, then we quietly took our leave.

We assembled for business in a medium sized conference room at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel on Bowridge Cres, in Calgary's N.W.

About thirty brothers had drifted in from all corners of the province along with two brothers form B.C. We were especially grateful to have our current Grand Master sitting with us.

Too say the event was a success is such an understatement. I only wish the boards of most of my major clients could conduct business with the same decorum and air of co-operation that was displayed in that room.

The current officers were well organized & prepared but true to our philosophy or equality among all brothers, they did not dominate the event but rather allowed all brothers to become actively engaged in discussion and thoughtful reflection.

I was impressed by how much was accomplished. Many very important motions were brought to the floor, discussed, voted on and passed. Perhaps the most historic was the passing of two new charters, thus creating the BADLANDS & CORNERSTONE riding chapters. Future plans include two more chapters to be established hopefully in Calgary and Northern Alberta within the ensuing year.

The event was so successful that it actually ended early instead of running late. Now, when do you remember that happening at an Annual General Meeting of any kind.

Many of the brothers took the time to attend a spontaneous make shift festive board held impromptu in the hotel's lounge. Here good spirits flowed freely and the day ended in harmony.

For pictures visit AGM Image Gallery

Fraternally yours

Brian Norwood