The meeting of the Joint Provincial Executive on Friday 27 March 2020 was to discuss plans for the year ahead. But it was a meeting with a difference.
For the first time in the history of the Province of South Wales, the meeting was not a face-to-face event, but a virtual one using the popular Zoom video conferencing platform. This meant that each member of the executive could fully participate in the meeting from the comfort of his home.
This Joint Provincial Executive meeting was also the last for W. Bro. Roger F. Richmond, PSGD, who last December announced his retirement as Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of South Wales. The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master thanked him for his many years of faithful service to the Province. The Joint Executive congratulated Brother Roger on his successful term of office and wished him well in retirement.
These are currently challenging times, and the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the general suspension of all Lodge and Chapter meetings for four months. The Joint Provincial Executive discussed the ramifications of the suspension and considered the revised formats of the various Provincial events that will take place in 2020.
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent are very much aware that this is a highly disconcerting and worrying time for Brethren and Companions everywhere. They also feel that it is important, during this time of social distancing, that members of Lodges and Chapters remain in contact with each other and to look forward to the resumption of Masonic activity later this year.
Brethren and Companions are encouraged to visit the Provincial website regularly to keep up with the latest news and developments in the Province.