An Autumn Flood

The COVID suspension was a setback for Freemasonry, which depends so much on meetings, and during the sixteen months of very limited ceremonial activity, around 50 Brethren passed away (very few I am pleased to say with COVID) without being replaced. In October we remembered every one by name in our Memorial and Thanksgiving Service, as well as worshipping alongside thirty representatives from the local charities we supported.

I am pleased to be able to report that the Autumn has seen a veritable flood of new blood into the Province, with Initiations, Double Initiations and Emergency Meetings to allow us to make up for lost time. Many of the new arrivals have had their interest fired by the charitable activities of Freemasonry during the pandemic. It is an interesting but undeniable fact that many of the new Brethren seem keen and young too!

Some Lodges (such as Round Table lodge) have no less than four potential Candidates waiting to join. At least 24 Internet candidates have been notified to the Province following UGLE’s Autumn social media campaign. Times they are a-changing!

Once in, many have engaged quickly with our new education and induction programmes as the refreshed Members’ Pathway is rolled out. The last picture shows some of our newer members learning the ins and outs of Masonic Aprons with a “hands on” approach from WBro Tony Clayton. Now to keep up the momentum!!