A glance in the rear view mirror

I have just got home from attending the December Quarterly Communication of UGLE.  It featured an address from the Pro Grand Master which was one of the clearest and most inspiring statements on our purpose, values and direction of travel that I have ever heard.  It got me thinking about the last year.  While we move ever forward, a glance in the rear-view mirror reminds us where we came from.

At the Quarterly Communication a year ago, the Pro Grand Master launched UGLE’s Strategy for Freemasonry and asked us to adopt a “Yes, if …” attitude. 

Ever since I have felt a buzz within English Freemasonry, a new optimism, and a widespread willingness to evolve and change.  At the top, we are seeing the Craft and Royal Arch working together as one organisation, and there are signs that more Provinces will do so too.  The launch of Archway offers Chapters a similar toolkit to the Members’ Pathway.  Communications have improved, with new channels such as UGLE’s excellent podcast, Craftcast, and we are seeing exciting developments such the encouragement of multiple candidate ceremonies.

Provinces too have launched new initiatives, Lodges have taken stock and built plans, and more of our newer brethren have got more involved.  Everywhere I go I hear of Lodges turning their fortunes from decline into growth, I hear of new energy and enthusiasm, and I meet Freemasons who are engaged and committed.

True, Lodge attendance has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels.  And, of course, not all Lodges are so energised.  To those who do not recognise my comments above, I ask you to connect with the new developments that are taking place around you and to embrace the guidance, support and encouragement that is now available. 

Looking forward to 2024, I expect to see more Lodges changing and improving what they are doing, to suit the new members who are coming through.  I am also looking forward to a more member-centric and inclusive culture in our Lodges, which I firmly believe is key if we are to engage and retain more members.  I would love to see more and more experienced Freemasons hand over their active roles to newer members while supporting them “behind the scenes”.  Passing on knowledge and wisdom to apprentices or proteges is exactly what the operative Master Mason did and essential if we are to build sustainability into our Lodges.

A lot has changed with me personally during the last year.  I discovered I have Post Covid Syndrome, or Long Covid, which means I must pace myself differently to avoid and manage fatigue and all its consequences.  Thankfully, I have had a lot of support from the Derbyshire Long Covid Team and from family and friends.  I have rearranged my priorities, so I am in more control of my time and deadlines.  Writing and speaking are at the very top of my priority list, so expect to hear from me more.

In July my term as a trustee of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) came to an end after seven years but my involvement with Lifelites has increased as I became interim Chair of Trustees in the summer.  I stood down as Provincial Membership Officer in Nottinghamshire, having found an excellent successor in Andrew Farrar.  Sales of The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges have gone incredibly well – it is Lewis Masonic’s fastest selling new release.  I have already written a follow-up book, which will also be published by Lewis Masonic, and am working on another.

During 2023 I have delivered 34 face-to-face talks and 15 online.  I also travelled to Cyprus and Seychelles to speak, as well as to twenty-two different Provinces.  I already have more than twenty bookings for 2024 and am working on some new talks I hope to launch in the first part of the year.

I currently offer 31 original Masonic talks and accept invitations from Lodges, Provinces, Districts, Light Blues Clubs and Masonic associations in jurisdictions recognised by United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and Freemasonry for Women (HFAF).  Neither distance nor time zone is an issue.  If you invite me (and pay my expenses) I will come!

During 2023, my talks and sales of my books raised £7,350 for Scouting and Masonic charities.  I am incredibly grateful to all who have contributed towards this.  It has made a material difference to the work of both The Scout Association and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.  I am reviewing my nominated charities and will explain my thinking when I have completed this process.

So, I thank you for your support for my activities during 2023.  I wish you well for the festive season.  And I wish you a healthy, happy, and successful 2024.  Let’s make 2024 a success for ourselves, our Lodges and for Freemasonry as a whole.