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The Discover More booklet, produced by Supreme Grand Chapter, is designed to introduce Master Masons and others to the Royal Arch. 

It has been created by a number of Royal Arch Companions and extensive work has gone into identifying the key messaging. It is also being shared with Provinces for distribution in order to maximise its use. So far, take up has been superb.

The new ‘Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond’ makes it clear that we are one organisation and reinforces the indissoluble link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. When the Antient and Modern Grand Lodges came together to form the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813, they declared that ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ consists of three degrees - the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Royal Arch.

On a sunny day in June, a group of Somerset Freemasons partnered with the Somerset Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) on their inaugural bike ride. Joined by DofE participants from Haygrove School and King’s College, they took on a 30-mile cycle ride along the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. 

Two members of On Your Bike also joined the group to ensure help was at hand for any mechanical issues. 

On Your Bike is a charity that has benefited previously from Masonic fundraising and they were more than happy to get involved. The group started at King’s College Taunton, then cycled along the canal to Bridgwater Masonic Lodge where the students met with participants from Haygrove School. All parties enjoyed refreshments and a tour of the Lodge, taking in the fascinating history and Temple Room with a brief overview from Richard Winter. 

This First Grand Principal’s Jewel was made for Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1874 by HT Lamb and Co, London. The 18ct gold jewel follows the official Royal Arch design – an Eastern Crown on a sunburst between compasses, under which are suspended three interlaced triangles. 

In addition, the jewel is surmounted by a Royal Crown of gold and red enamel. Both crowns are decorated with diamonds and pink sapphires, while a larger diamond decorates the hinge of the compasses. The jewel is part of a collection of the Prince of Wales’s regalia looked after by the Museum of Freemasonry. 

The future Edward VII was installed as First Grand Principal of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England on 5 May 1875 and ruled the Royal Arch until he became King in 1901. Curiously, the Prince was not a member of a Royal Arch Chapter in this country when he was installed as First Grand Principal, but qualified because he was initiated in Sweden in 1868, and was therefore a member of all the degrees of the Swedish Rite, including the Royal Arch. 

In July, East Lancashire Freemasons Doug Smith and Russell Perks attended St Paul’s Church Hall in Norden, Rochdale, to deliver a presentation about Freemasonry to 30 members of Norden’s Women’s Institute called ‘Do you want to know a secret?’ 

During the presentation, Doug highlighted the traits that both the Women’s Institute and Freemasonry have in common and dispelled the myths, misinformation and conspiracy theories that circulate about Freemasonry. He explained that Freemasonry is committed to universal brotherhood and self-improvement, enabling you to develop social skills. He also stressed that becoming a member inspires a desire to support and bring happiness and helps forge lifelong friendships. 

Doug described the charity work that Freemasons do for both Masonic and non-Masonic charities and how Freemasons have donated to local and national charities and international relief funds for natural disasters worldwide. He also explained that charity can mean donating money or giving your time for volunteering work. He broadly explained what happens in the Festive Board and the Lodge room. Both are an essential part of any Masonic meeting, allowing members to enjoy the social side of Freemasonry and the more formal ritual. The presentation was brought to an end with a Q&A session, refreshments and a display of Masonic regalia.