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
Brethren,
18th September 2020 To all Lodges and Chapters meeting in the areas of Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and the County Durham Council area
You will be aware that as of today, Her Majesty’s Government has imposed local restrictions on activities within the above areas, and new rules now apply. As a result of this and after taking advice from UGLE I have taken the decision to suspend all meetings of Lodges and Chapters that would normally take place in these areas until such time as these restrictions are relaxed and I will notify you when this is the case. I do not take this decision lightly, but after due consideration of Government guidance, the need to protect the safety of our members and the need to guard the reputation of Freemasonry. For the avoidance of doubt, any summons issued for a meeting over the next few weeks should now be formally withdrawn and a note made in your minute book to this effect and the reasons for this. No further summonses should be issued until I advise you otherwise. I shall be advising Masonic meeting places within the affected areas of this decision. General details relating to the restrictions can be viewed from Durham County Council via their website: www.durham.gov.uk/localrestrictions and your attention is particularly drawn to the bullet point within the document which states: ‘Residents should not socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues.’ In addition I have attached a link to a map of parishes within Durham County Council area which are affected should there be any doubt as to the location of your meeting place. https://maps.durham.gov.uk/OLBasic/Index.aspx?appid=24 Other meeting places located in other City and geographical areas affected are more straightforward to locate. Please ensure that this directive is complied with immediately and communicated to all your members. I will keep the situation under constant review and communicate any changes with you, as necessary. Sincerely and fraternally
John Arthur Provincial Grand Master / Grand Superintendent