Brethren and Companions
Let me start by thanking all of you who took time to wish me well, during my recent sojourns in hospital; your messages were very much appreciated. It was an immensely frustrating time for me, but I am grateful to the doctors, and I am now well on the way to recovery and looking forward to getting back into Freemasonry.
As I write this note, it is unclear what impact that the Indian variant will have on the timing of our eventual release from lockdown. I am encouraged to see the way that lodges, chapters and centres are responding to the easing of lockdown restrictions – mature and sensible discussions are clearly being held and the balance between rushing back and caution is being maintained.
I am also encouraged to hear and see that many lodges have healthy pipelines of potential initiates and this will be bolstered by a marketing campaign that UGLE will be running in the autumn. And whilst the province will support lodges and chapters, this does not mean that lodges and chapters can abrogate their own responsibilities to plan for the future and find their own candidates. Attracting candidates must be the key responsibility for each and everyone of us, and we must take advantage of the fact that the public perception of Freemasonry is currently very high. Let’s also ensure that we engage with our existing membership, especially where they do not feel able to join the early face to face meetings.
As we resume our masonic activities, it is already very clear that rules around installations are not easy to navigate. I would encourage Secretaries and Scribes to liaise with Bernie and Andy respectively to ensure that you do not fall foul of the rules, even if inadvertently!
Finally, brethren, let me remind you that we are about to enter the final year of our Festival on behalf of the MCF. I feel sure that I need say no more on this occasion.
Let’s look forward to some warmer weather over the summer, as well as the return our favourite hobby. But above all, continue to look after yourselves and your families, as well as those around you.
James Hilditch
Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent