Dear Sir and Brother,
I am delighted to make the following announcements, which mark an important milestone in the history of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales.
The Provincial Office handles several hundred items of correspondence daily. Most are addressed promptly, while some matters understandably take longer to resolve. One subject has been under consideration for over a century, as ongoing correspondence with the United Grand Lodge of England shows. This pertains to our Provincial badge.
For many years, the Province has used a badge which, although familiar and well-intentioned, does not conform to heraldic convention. It was never formally granted to this Province by the College of Arms and, indeed, the arms belong to the historic counties rather than to the Province itself. As a result, they cannot be properly used by us. The Joint Executive therefore considered it timely to address this longstanding issue.
The forthcoming Tercentenary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales provides a rare and significant opportunity to mark our history in a lasting and dignified manner. Petitioning for a formal Grant of Arms was seen as a fitting way to commemorate three hundred years of organised Freemasonry in South Wales and to leave a permanent legacy for future generations. A petition was prepared with the assistance of the Windsor Herald at the College of Arms. I am pleased to confirm that armorial bearings have been officially granted through letters patent issued by the Kings of Arms, made under Crown authority.
The design of the arms has been developed in consultation with the United Grand Lodge of England and the College of Arms to reflect the identity and heritage of South Wales. Every element has a specific meaning, and the overall design adheres fully to heraldic tradition while remaining distinctive and recognisably South Welsh. By convention, Provincial and District arms are based on those of the United Grand Lodge of England, differing primarily in the border. In our case, the border reflects the coal industry, which has shaped South Wales profoundly and forms part of the history of almost every family in the Province. Coal, often referred to as “black gold”, is represented heraldically by lozenges or diamonds, and the number seven, with its particular Masonic significance, has been incorporated. The resulting border colours also echo those of the flag of St David. The outcome is a striking and meaningful design that will serve the Province well in perpetuity.
The new arms will begin to appear on official documentation and in other appropriate settings over the coming months. Brethren are respectfully reminded that the arms must not be used for any purpose without the prior permission of the Provincial Grand Master, obtained via the Provincial Office.
Alongside the formal armorial bearings, the Province has commissioned a bespoke square and compasses design for more general and informal use. While the coat of arms is a formal heraldic device and not always suitable for everyday application, this additional design provides a recognisable Provincial identity that can be used more flexibly while maintaining dignity and consistency. It incorporates a diamond motif to echo the armorial bearings and has been intentionally designed to be simple, balanced, and easily reproducible across a wide range of media. I am most grateful to W.Bro. Derryl Ll. Rees, ProvJGW, and W.Bro. Robert C. Fry, PPrSGD, for their exceptional effort in producing the digital artwork, and to Bro. Siôn Rees, for his valued design expertise and work on the square and compasses.
As a personal gift from the Provincial Grand Master designate, all those attending his Installation on the 11th of February will receive a limited edition lapel pin, together with a commemorative Order of Procedure. Brethren are asked to ensure that the Provincial Office is aware of their attendance, if they have not already done so, by completing the online form.
I am also pleased to announce that new Provincial merchandise featuring the new identity will be launched at Hendre Lodge on Thursday. A selection of items will be available to view and purchase, marking the first opportunity for Brethren to see the new designs in person. Brethren are encouraged to purchase their new ties and other items on arrival at Cardiff Masonic Hall, but are reminded not to wear them until after the Provincial Grand Master has been presented with his tie by the 2032 Festival Chairman. Ideally, ties should be changed between the conclusion of the meeting and the commencement of the Festive Board. W.Bro. Phillip E. Saunders, PGStB, will be available to answer any questions.
The new “One Tie” will become the Provincial Grand Lodge tie, with all profits from sales directed to the 2032 Festival. The Grand Superintendent has confirmed his support for the tie as a Royal Arch alternative, permitting it to be worn at all Chapter meetings within the Province. Provincial Grand Stewards, present and past, of both Provincial Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Chapter may wear the special crimson tie.
More information will be provided soon about how to purchase this merchandise in the coming weeks and months.
These developments represent an important step in how the Province presents itself. They honour our past, mark our Tercentenary, and establish a coherent and dignified identity for the future, while also raising essential funds for the 2032 Festival.
Fraternally yours,
W.Bro. Ben Gait, AGSec
Provincial Grand Secretary