Ahh - I knew Jim would be chiming in on this one because he has faced exactly the same thing. Indeed we all do.

I think one important way to think of your lodge is as a social group of friends. Who would have their friends over to hear you read the minutes of your last meeting. The bane of Lodges. The best and only solution is to print and circulate them with the lodge summons and simply "The minutes of our last regular meeting having been circulate and taken as read , is there any discussion?(wait 2.35 seconds), then I propose we adopt them as a true and accurate record -all thought in favour ? BANG ! Turns 10 minutes of boredom into a 30 second admin item opening space for more interesting stuff. Indeed it makes it better for discussion because people have had time to consider the minutes . We deal with minutes this way at Lodge, one committees and in business. What board meeting would have the last minutes read in toto ? None ! So don't you !

Getting back at the "Lodge as a social group" I think a great way of planning lodge activities is asking what you did with your family and friends which was fun ? We go to the pub, watch movies, go to wineries, play games, EAT and enjoy a glass of wine. Actually I just thought of a good idea we never have done "Show and Tell". Last meeting our WM (retired army officer) spoke about rations (brought a can of spam) and such. He spoke of over proof rum and which we all sampled. I often take stuff into show and next meeting have some great stuff - some early twentieth century Masonic medals - one for Service in WW1 with dates, S&Q. "Show and Tell" might sound a bit primary school - but people would bring some interesting stuff in with some great stories and tell them with passion and confidence - might also be a good way to involve wives and partners.. Mmm I like the idea..