From the Provincial Grand Master

Brethren and Companions

Let me first offer hearty congratulations to those brethren and companions of this Province who are being honoured with appointment, promotion or re-appointment in Grand Lodge and Supreme Grand Chapter – all well deserved.  It is a shame, though, that we will not be able to see them invested later this month.  I also want to make a special mention of the three members of our province who received a Certificate of Commendation from MW The Grand Master for the service they have given to their communities during the pandemic, which is very deserving of recognition. More on them later in ‘The Second Rising’.

I also congratulate those companions promoted in Provincial Grand Chapter which should have been held a couple of weeks ago.  It is a real shame that for the second year running we have not been able to get together to celebrate as a Province, but we are still hopeful that we will be able to meet in September at Heythrop Park.

As Provincial Grand Lodge, we are looking at events to remember the lives of our friends who have passed to the Grand Lodge above  and to thank those who have given so much to their communities over the past year, as well as a family party.  Watch out for more details in due course.

Let me reiterate two key messages from the February Second Rising:

Firstly, the 2022 Festival for the MCF.  Our fund stands at around £750k currently.  How great would it be to push that into seven figures?  The MCF has shown how much it has supported us over the last year – now if the time for us to repay that support.  ‘The Second Rising’ has more information, but I ask you all to look into your hearts and support our Festival and the MCF as soon as you can.

Second, as we all look forward to restarting our Freemasonry in person, the Province is here to help as best we can: advice on what is possible; free (yes, free!) dispensations; as well as brethren or companions to help with ceremonies. 

I continue to be aware that many of our members want to return to their Freemasonry at a cautious pace, for good reason.  We must all support them in this.  And I hope that 100% of our members will take up the offer of vaccination as soon as they can, as a way of showing their support for their fellow members.

Continue to look after yourselves and your families, as well as those around you.

James Hilditch

Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent