Provincial Update - Thursday 2nd April 2020

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It’s nearly the end of week 2 in lockdown and I think we are all starting to get used to a new “normal.” The nice weather has been helping us all to stay positive and those of us who have a house full of large young adults, back from University, are getting used to strangely empty fridges and mysterious missing beer problems.

I would like to pay tribute to every member of the Province who has contributed to the effort to stay in touch with our membership. I am aware that the hard-working team of Lodge Almoners, ably led by John Watson the Provincial Grand Almoner have been in touch with everyone, either personally, or with the help of other members of their lodge. 
The news so far is very encouraging, with very few brethren or widows in need of assistance. I am aware that this may change over the coming weeks, so I urge you all to continue your efforts to keep in touch with your members. 
Please remember there are direct lines of contact to the Province by using the answerphone on
01267 243402 or the email address support@wwmason.com 
Please continue to monitor the Provincial Website for all the latest news from around the Province. There is a request for more content, both for additional newsletters and for the website which can be found here.
 


There is a very uplifting letter from W Bro Rev’d Aled Lewis, the Provincial Grand Chaplain which can be found here.




Congratulations to Irwin Skeete Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and MEZ of Ystwyth Chapter whose Coronavirus Song has gone viral you can listen to him here.
I would also like to praise the dedication of the Provincial Grand Secretary and his Communications Team, who are dealing with the additional information and guidance coming from the Centre and all the extra content on the website and in our excellent e-newsletter. Their efforts are contributing greatly to the wellbeing of the brethren in the Province.

The Provincial Executive coupled with representatives from The Mackworth Club have been holding weekly “COBRA” video conferences to discuss the current situation and arrangements for when things begin to return to normal. It’s far too early to share any of the provisional dates we have discussed for future events. Our focus is very much on the welfare of the membership and how we can assist those who need support now, or in the weeks to come. I thank the whole COBRA Committee for their support and their input at this challenging time.
Keep in touch and Stay Safe,







James Ross
Provincial Grand Master
Province of West Wales

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