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South Wales Freemasons donate £1,700 to Rhondda Cynon Taf house fire victims

January 3, 2023

members of south wales freemasons present cheque for £1,700 to house fire victims

Caron Roberts was at home in Tyla Garw, Rhondda Cynon Taf on the of 14th December while her 12 year old son Archie was at school. Her tumble dryer caught fire and very rapidly, spread throughout the house which was literally gutted. Caron and Archie were left with only the clothes they were wearing. Caron’s mother took them into her home where they remain as they had nothing!

Nick Rush, Past Master of Talygarn Lodge in Pontyclun lives close by and with the help of the Provincial Grand Almoner, Phil Bevan, galvanised all the lodges in Pontyclun – St Gwynno, Yr Efail, Miskin, Talygarn and Trisant Lodges who donated £1000, the proceeds of their recent Social Evening. Together South Wales Freemasons gave the family £1,700 to save Christmas and help the family recover. It was a magnificent and immediate response which demonstrates Freemasonry at its best in the Community!

Photo from left to right – Christian Walker Worshipful Master of Talygarn Lodge, Archie, Phil Bevan, Provincial Grand Almoner, Caron, Nick Rush, Past Master of Talygarn Lodge and Ian Slaughter, Worshipful Master of Trisant Lodge

New Provincial Grand Wardens named for Appointment for 2022 – 2023

April 27, 2022

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master today hosted a Luncheon in honour of those Brethren who have been Appointed, Re-appointed and Promoted in Grand Rank, at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, Southampton Row; prior to the Annual Investiture Meeting of Grand Lodge. Over 100 Brethren attended and at the Luncheon the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master was pleased to announce his Wardens for the ensuing year:

As Senior Warden, W.Bro. R. Michael Coombes, PAGDC of Penllergaer Lodge No. 5567 and as Junior Warden, W.Bro. Philip D. Rice, PPrGSwdB of Celtic Eagle Lodge No. 9132

Helping those affected by Storm Dennis

February 17, 2020

The devastating effects of winter Storm Dennis have impacted countless people, homes, businesses and communities in south Wales and beyond during recent days. The consequences and repercussions of such an appreciable and calamitous weather event will be felt for some time to come.

Brethren and Companions of the Province are encouraged to speak with their Lodge or Chapter Almoner where assistance may be required. Alternatively, advice may be sought from the Provincial Grand Almoner, W.Bro./E.Comp. Philip Bevan by telephoning the Provincial Office (029 2043 3688) and leaving a message, or emailing him direct via almoner@nullprovince.org.uk

Please stay safe and ask after those that may need extra assistance during this difficult time.

W.Bro. Roger F. Richmond to retire as Assistant Provincial Grand Master

December 5, 2019

At the last meeting of the joint Provincial Executive W.Bro. Roger F. Richmond, PSGD announced his intention to retire as Assistant Provincial Grand Master on 31st March 2020.

In thanking Roger for his excellent and tireless contributions to the Province over many years, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master said that he expected to announce a successor Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the new year. Herein follows a personal message from Roger.

Brethren and friends.

Nearly six years ago the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master afforded me the great honour of making me one of his Assistants. I am immensely grateful for the trust and confidence he placed in me, but all good things must come to an end. I have asked him to accept my resignation and he has graciously acceded. I have taken this decision to enable me to spend more time with my wife and family before age and failing health intervene.

It would also be wrong for me to stand in the way of the cohort of very capable Masons in this Province, and I do not envy the PGM in choosing my successor.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those Brethren who have made my time in office so wonderfully memorable and welcomed me into their Lodges with open arms and magnificent hospitality. The memories will stay with me for a very long time. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Provincial Executive both present and past for their companionship and guidance. Believe me, they are a very special group.

Although I am retiring as an Assistant on 31st March, I hope to see as many of you as I can in the years to come in my new role as a Past APGM.

Best wishes and thanks to you all.

Roger Richmond, Assistant Provincial Grand Master (Soon to be Past)

Catching the smile comes to South Wales

August 5, 2019

The South Wales Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity held its inaugural event at Dyffryn Springs Fishery in the Vale of Glamorgan recently. The Charity takes as its motto the phrase ‘Catching the Smile’ and all those who were privileged to be at this event were in no doubt how this catchphrase came about.

South Wales Freemasons supporting lift for Lifelites II – May 2019

July 30, 2019

On Friday 10th May, Simone Enefer-Doy (Chief Executive of Lifelites Charity) and her team left their office in London to embark on this year’s challenge. Volunteers across the Provinces have been providing transport to get her around every county in England and Wales on an epic road trip to raise funds and awareness for their vital work providing life-changing technology to every children’s hospice across the British Isles. This year will include the Isle of Man, taking the challenge to a total of 48 landmarks in 15 days.

Marc Lewis APGM and Robert Payne, Charity Steward were delighted to welcome Simone and her relay team into South Wales on Monday 20th May. Marc presented a cheque on behalf of the Province of South Wales in support of “Lift for Lifelites II” and we wished them all well as they were transported onto the Province of Monmouthshire in a 1958 MG A, owned and recently restored by Spiro Ginis, Junior Warden of City of Cardiff Lodge No.7528

Lifelites began in 1999 as a Masonic millennium project, and although it is now an independently registered charity and well established in its own right, they still receive the support of Masonic Provinces across the British Isles.

Lifelites have been able to provide thousands of pounds of life-changing assistive technology to many projects to support life-limited and disabled children thanks to the generosity of the Freemasons.

For more information please see: www.lifelites.org/get-involved/lift-for-lifelites-returns

Address by the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent ‘in and over’ South Wales, June 2019

June 15, 2019

Companions, I am delighted to have this opportunity to address you today, after 12 hugely enjoyable months, since we last met.

The Executive and Acting Provincial Officers are so very grateful for the courtesy extended to us all, during our „Sojourn‟ to our 21 Provincial meeting venues and indeed when visiting our Kindred Provinces; where we have greatly enjoyed the honour of representing South Wales and it is very pleasing to see so many friends here today, who make our Annual Convocation all the better for their much valued support and friendship and we thank them for taking the time to support us here today, in Cardiff.

Information Regarding Annual Convocation of Provincial Grand Chapter – 15th June 2019

June 8, 2019

Worthy Companion,

We look forward to your company at the Annual Convocation of South Wales Provincial Grand Chapter, to be held at Cardiff Masonic Hall on Saturday 15th June 2019. Please use this link for directions to Cardiff Masonic Hall, and this link for information on travelling to Cardiff.

There will be tea and coffee available from 9:30 a.m. Companions are asked to register, robe and be seated by 10:30 a.m.

Due to space restrictions, there will be one procession of Grand Superintendents and Past Grand Superintendents, which will form at 10:50 a.m. Provincial Grand Chapter will be opened at 11:00 a.m.

Following the Convocation there will be a Reception for Distinguished Guests, followed by Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. (where light jackets are most welcome). Carriages at or before 3:00 p.m.

On behalf of the Grand Superintendent and his Executive I wish you a safe and pleasant journey to South Wales, and I hope that you will enjoy the day.

Warm fraternal regards,
Ben Gait
Provincial Grand Scribe E.