W.Bro. R. Michael Coombes was initiated into Penllergaer Lodge No. 5567 on the 8th of April, 1997 becoming Worshipful Master in February 2004. Appointed Lodge Secretary in 2007 an office he served until 2017.
In June 2010 he was appointed Provincial Grand Steward, which he refers to as “the best first Craft appointment for any Worshipful Brother”.
Following further promotion to PPrSGD and PPrJGW Michael was honoured to be appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in Grand Lodge April 2018.
He had the honour of being appointed ProvSGW in 2022, in 2024 he was promoted to PJGD, and in June 2024, appointed to AProvGM.
W.Bro. Michael in his executive capacity will oversee the Membership of the Province including organising and briefing the Provincial Strategy working group.
He is a joining member of Lord Swansea Lodge No.8364, a founder member of the Welsh Installed Masters Lodge No. 9857, a joining member of the South Wales Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.8900, serving as Secretary for 3 years. A joining member of Hendre Lodge No.3250, Lodge of Benevolence 7305, and Peter Drewitt Lodge No. 9426, in the Province of West Wales.
He was advanced in Talbot Mark Lodge No.179, in 2001, becoming Master in 2014. Appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2017 and promoted to PPrGSwdB 2020. Initiated in Abertawe Lodge Royal Arc Mariners No.179 in 2002, installed as Lodge Commander 2013 and appointed to Provincial Grand Rank 2019. A joining member of the South Wales Installed Mark Masters Lodge N0.1201, and the South Wales Installed Commanders Lodge No.1201.
He became a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees Gower Council No. 76 in 2008 and was Master 2013. Appointed District Grand Steward in 2014, District Inner Guard 2015 and promoted to Past District Grand Sword Bearer 2016.
He was perfected in the Ancient and Accepted Rite Rose Croix of H.R.D.M. Morganwg Chapter No.70 in 2008, becoming Most Wise Sovereign, in 2021.
In June 2014 he was appointed Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales 2021 RMBI Festival, where Michael along with others was key member in the overall success of the festival ensuring the Province achieved its target of raising over £5.5 Million.
On 9th March, 2024, at the Masonic Hall, Abergavenny, he was instructed into the Masonic Order of Athelstan at John Benjamin Lloyd Court No.85, Abergavenny.
Royal Arch Masonry.
E.Comp. Michael was exalted in Talbot Chapter No.1323 in 1998. In May 2009 he was appointed as First Principal, and was the Chapter’s Director of Ceremonies for several years.
In 1999 he became a joining member of Penllergaer Chapter no.5567, becoming First Principal in May 2008, serving as Scribe E for several years
He is a founder member of Lord Swansea Chapter No.8364 in 2010.
A joining member of Chapter of Progress No.7928 in 2011, serving as Director of Ceremonies for several years.
A joining member of Meridian Chapter No.9603 in 2014, he became a joining member of Hendre Chapter in 2017, and is a founder of West Wales Installed Past Principals Chapter No. 3667.
He was appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2011 and Deputy Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2013.
In 2017 (Tercentenary) he was appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter and in 2018 he was appointed Assistant to the Principals in Provincial Grand Chapter.
In June 2020 he should have been invested as Third Provincial Grand Principal unfortunately the Covid Pandemic thwarted his progression. However, relaxation in the Welsh Assembly rules allowed 15 Companions to meet at Hendre Chapter on Friday 27th of November, and he was invested as Third Provincial Grand Principal describing it as “a magnificent ceremony indeed!”
In February 2024 he was installed as Deputy Grand superintendent and office which E.Comp. Michael still occupies.