The Antient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of England
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE and
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF DURHAM 8 The Esplanade, Sunderland, SR2 7BH, Tel. 0191 567 5365 Email: enquiries@durhamfreemasons.org Website: www.durhamfreemasons.org
13th March 2020 Dear Member Provincial attendance at Anniversary Meetings / Masonic Full Team / Mini Team Area Group Visits / Long Service Certificates / Festival 2021 Presentations In view of the ever-changing developments and great uncertainty in relation to Coronavirus situation it has become clear that we cannot proceed as normal. After careful consideration in the interests of Health and Safety and to prevent possible further spreading of infection, the Provincial Grand Master and his Executive Team have decided the following. Any current planned attendance or visits due to be made by members of the Provincial Teams in relation to the events mentioned above will be postponed until the situation improves. Such visits usually involve a significant number of the Acting Officers travelling from all areas of the Province. This presents a Health and Safety risk to those attending and to local members who may be in attendance, usually in large numbers. If your Lodge or Chapter is scheduled to have such a visit, the Provincial Grand Master and his team offer sincere apologies for any inconvenience and disappointment caused. Please be reassured that arrangements will be made in due course to reschedule the visits later in the year once we are certain that recent conditions have subsided to a point where the safety of all can be achieved. This decision has not been taken lightly and is a highly precautionary measure to ensure all are kept as safe as possible. Individual Lodges or Chapters may wish to proceed with their installations and other special events on the planned date without a Provincial Representative and this is perfectly acceptable as long as they take note of the needs of those attending and avoid crowded situations in the Lodge or Chapter room and at the Festive Board. I also need to advise that at scheduled Lodge / Chapter Annual installations no Provincial Representative or DC will be present with immediate effect. It is important for administration purposes that Provincial Office is informed as soon as possible of any changes made locally to avoid confusion of the status of meetings. Please be advised that all the advice received from UGLE needs to be circulated to all members taking care that those not digitally aware may need hard copies printed and circulated. Further advice will be issued when it is received. Please note that other Provincial Events are also under consideration and you will be updated if any changes are to be made.
Continued……………….
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