The below letter from the Provincial Grand Secretary / Scribe E
was sent on 10 November 2020
Dear Brother Secretaries and Companion Scribes E.,
I greet you well and write subsequent to the communication sent by United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and Supreme Grand Chapter (SGC) today regarding Masonic meetings in Wales.
You will recall previous advice which made clear that meetings could recommence 14 days after Government guidance becomes effective. If your Lodge or Chapter is due to meet any time from 24 November onwards, please contact all your membership, and the meeting venue, so that you can advise Province of your intentions. In addition, if your next regular meeting falls in the period between now and 23 November, and your members wish to apply for dispensation to delay it, please contact the Provincial Office as soon as possible.
You now have several options available to you. To assist in your deliberations, please refer to the blueprint exit strategy from UGLE, as well as the subsequent Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions, found here:
https://www.ugle.org.uk/a-provisional-blueprint-for-an-exit-strategy
https://www.ugle.org.uk/new-coronavirus-craft-faqs
I would like to draw your attention to the Temporary Emergency Measures issued by UGLE which will provide help and guidance during these difficult and unprecedent times for Freemasonry.
https://www.ugle.org.uk/temporary-emergency-measures-for-covid-19
You may also wish to consider the previously issued adaptations to ceremonies, whilst noting that it is not currently possible for Raisings and Exaltations to take place.
The law and current guidance now permit Masonic meetings of up to 15 people to take place in Wales. The limit of 15 should be regarded as an absolute maximum for the number of people who can attend the Masonic meeting. Outside the meeting, the Tyler/Janitor would not count towards the number.
All those attending a meeting must wear face coverings when indoors at the meeting venue, unless exempt. Masons resident in England (or elsewhere) cannot travel to Wales, or remain in Wales, for a Masonic meeting.
It is vitally important that Brethren and Companions feel comfortable and safe when attending meetings, and Masonic premises should continue to undertake all necessary risk assessments and consultations with local authorities to ensure readiness and preparedness for the resumption of Masonic activity.
Brethren and Companions, the Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent understand that this is a worrying time for many, and they hope that the opportunity to attend Masonic meetings once again will offer much-needed light at the end of what has thus far been a long and dark tunnel. They realise that some members would rather not attend Masonic Halls for the time being, and respect that this is a personal decision. Nobody should feel pressured to attend, regardless of their rank or office.
Having read the guidance, please direct any questions that you may have to office@nullprovince.org.uk (Craft) or royal.arch@nullprovince.org.uk (Royal Arch), and we will reply to you at the first opportunity. Answers will not be provided by telephone.
Thank you for all that you have done, and your continued hard work and support.
With sincere and fraternal regards,
Ben Gait
Provincial Grand Secretary/Scribe E.