On Saturday 17th January 2026, the Province of South Wales was delighted to formally launch the Building Together Strategy at Bridgend Masonic Hall, with almost 100 Brethren in attendance.
The event featured a series of engaging and informative presentations delivered by key speakers, each outlining an essential element of the strategy. Shape was presented by W.Bro. Paul Haley, Attract by W.Bro. Karl Frowen, and Continue by W.Bro. Ian Jones. The Engage element was jointly delivered by W.Bro’s. Sam Williams, Amir Baig, and James Forbes Kier, while Respond was presented by W.Bro. Arwyn Reynolds.
The overall presentation was jointly led by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. R. Michael Coombes, and the Provincial Grand Membership Officer, W.Bro. Duncan Kennedy, who guided Brethren through the aims and practical application of the strategy within the Province.
Reflecting the importance of this launch, the meeting was honoured by the presence of the Provincial Grand Master Designate, W.Bro. Robert. G Payne, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in Charge, V.W.Bro. D. Huw. E. Mosford, along with many other senior members of the Province. Their attendance highlighted the significance of Building Together as a key initiative to support the future strength, engagement, and growth of Freemasonry in South Wales.
The Building Together strategy is the United Grand Lodge of England’s new member focused blueprint for strengthening Freemasonry by bringing together the existing Members’ Pathway (Craft) and Archway (Royal Arch) into a single, coherent framework that supports the full membership journey, from initial enquiry through to active engagement and beyond.
Rather than imposing a rigid programme, Building Together provides practical guidance, tools, and language that Lodges and Chapters can use to:
- Review and plan effective membership engagement and growth efforts.
- Attract and onboard new members.
- Support and engage existing members with meaningful experiences.
- Respond proactively to concerns to improve retention.
Download a pdf of the 
Provincial Strategy Team – Building Together presentation