First Rising #33

MONDAY 25th APRIL  Welcome to First Rising – the official newsletter for members of United Grand Lodge of England.

FREEMASONS DONATE MORE THAN 20,000 EASTER EGGS TO CHILDREN ACROSS THE UK

Freemasons are donating 20,000 Easter eggs to thousands of children, care homes, hospitals and food banks across England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.Freemasons have been rolling up their sleeves and distributing Easter eggs across the country once again this year. The donations are helping children and families in most UK cities. In addition to donations, Freemasons are also delivering the Easter eggs and have travelled to various charities in their cars and on motorbikes.

DR DAVID STAPLES – AN IMPORTANT NOTICE I’m sorry to announce that David Staples (CEO) has decided to resign from his role as Chief Executive Officer for United Grand Lodge of England with effect from 14 April 2022 although he will remain as Grand Secretary until 14 September 2022 and will attend the investiture events.    David has commented as follows: “Being the Chief Executive Officer of the UGLE has been a singular privilege and honour, and I feel, with the completion and imminent launch of the new UGLE strategy for the next seven years, the time has come to hand on the mantle to someone new so that I can embark on new opportunities.    “The last four and a half years have seen an enormous rate of change within Freemasonry, and I am honoured to have been part of the journey. I have asked the President of the Board to allow me to step down as Chief Executive Officer and to begin the process for recruiting my successor to take the organisation forward into a new chapter of its history. Recognising my desire to move on to new and different challenges, he has kindly agreed. With leave of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, I will be continuing in my role as Grand Secretary until such time as a successor has been appointed in my stead, at which time, as is right and proper, I should expect to step down from office in his favour. I would like to thank you for your enormous hard work and support whilst in tenure and I wish you all, and the United Grand Lodge of England, the very best for the future.”   I would like to thank David for his hard work and commitment during his time in office, which has led to many positive improvements within Freemasonry. I wish him well in the future.    Geoffrey Dearing, President of the Board of General Purposes

UGLE WORLDWIDE – A VIEW FROM THE DISTRICTS ON SOLOMON LIVE Meet RW Bro Michael Hadjiconstantas, District Grand Master of Cyprus, who will share his insights into UGLE Districts and tell us about the customs and traditions of Freemasonry in Cyprus.   Solomon Live webinars cover popular masonic topics and offer the opportunity to ask questions and give us our #DailyAdvancement. These lively sessions are hosted by the inimitable W Bro Brody Swain, PCO of Worcestershire.   🎟️ Book here to register for an interview with RW Bro Michael Hadjiconstantas, at 19.30 on Tuesday 17th May  BOOK YOUR TICKET