News
A new look at the Exaltation ceremony
The companions of The St Swithun's Chapter No. 8550 will be demonstrating a different presentation of the Exaltation ceremony at their convocation on Thursday 17th November 2022 at the Cosener's House in Abingdon.
Why not pay them a visit?
The latest pandemic advice from Supreme Grand Chapter
New government restrictions have been imposed in England and in Wales in response to the Omicron variant. In accordance with the law and with government guidance, the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter have changed their guidance on face coverings and they now recommend that Freemasons wear face coverings at Masonic meetings, unless exempt. Members are still encouraged to undertake a lateral flow test, available free from NHS Test and Trace, prior to attending any Masonic meeting.UGLE and Supreme Grand Chapter recommend that members use hand sanitiser and, if available at the venue, temperature checks.
Our long-delayed Installation Convocation will take place on 4th November 2021 at the Cosenor’s House commencing at 6:00 pm.
Congratulations!
E Comp. Ed Glasby on your appointment to Past Provincial Grand Sojourner
Abbey Chapter virtual meeting Thursday 28th January 2021 via Zoom, agenda and meeting credentials are in the Companion's Area
Christmas Message from the ME Grand Superintendent
Royal Arch Masonry in the community
Brethren and Companions,
Meetings in Wales
A new set of national measures came into force in Wales yesterday, replacing the firebreak regime that has been in place since 23rd October 2020.
The law and the current guidance now permit Masonic meetings of up to 15 people to take place in Wales.
The relevant Provincial Offices will contact affected Lodges and Chapters directly in the coming days. Please note that Festive Boards are not yet permitted to take place.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
VW Bro/E Comp David Staples Grand Secretary/Grand Scribe E
10 November 2020
Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7831 9811 Email: info@ugle.org.uk www.ugle.org.uk @UGLE_GrandLodge UnitedGrandLodgeofEngland
Update from Supreme Grand Chapter, effective from Thursday 5th November 2020
The latest on the Covid-19 regulations from Supreme Grand Chapter
New temporary emergency measures for covid-19 from Supreme Grand Chapter. Click below for the full document or the guide to them
The summons for the Convocation due on 29th October 2020, has been issued, there is a copy in the Companion's Area of this website
Abbey Chapter Zoom Meeting
There will be an Abbey Chapter meeting on Zoom at 7:00 pm on Thursday 24th September 2020. The main topic will be to decide whether the Installation Convocation due in October should be postponed. Please see the email from Scribe E for the meeting credentials.
The latest from Abbey Chapter
In view of the instructions regarding the "Rule Of Six" from Supreme Grand Chapter, the decision whether to hold our Installation Convocation due on 29th October 2020 is currently under discussion. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.
The latest from Supreme Grand Chapter
Brethren and Companions,
Following a meeting of the Craft Rulers and the Standing Committee of the Board of General Purposes, and in consultation with the Royal Arch Rulers and the President of the Committee of General Purposes, it has been decided to restrict English Lodge and Chapter meetings to no more than six attendees. This is in response to the new laws which come into force today, Monday 14 September.
Larger meetings in Covid-19 Secure venues are permitted by the new laws, and this decision was not taken lightly, but it was felt that it would send entirely the wrong message to our members, and to the public if Lodge and Chapter meetings of over six people took place at this time. This position will be kept under review and further measures will be announced shortly. UGLE and SGC remain committed to following appropriate official guidance, and to be seen to do so, whilst allowing individuals, Lodges and Chapters to decide what is right for their own particular circumstances.
UGLE also now advises that face coverings are worn at all meetings, even though the law does not currently require this. For the avoidance of doubt, those who are exempt under the law from wearing face coverings in shops are not expected to wear them at meetings.
The, admittedly small, good news is that if they wish, the six or fewer who attend a meeting may now dine together.
This message applies only to Provinces in England. In Wales, the legislation still prevents any Masonic Meetings from taking place at this time.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
VW Bro/E Comp David Staples Grand Secretary/Grand Scribe E
Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7831 9811 Email: info@ugle.org.uk www.ugle.org.uk @UGLE_GrandLodge UnitedGrandLodgeofEngland
14 September 2020
The latest from Abbey Chapter
Installation Meeting 29th October 2020
Subject to the approval of the Risk Assessment by Provincial Grand Chapter, the Installation meeting will go ahead on its normal schedule. Due to the social distancing regulations which we must adhere to attendance will be limited to 12 Companions of the Chapter and the ME Grand Superintendent, in and over, the Province of Berkshire.
Further details will be announced in due course.