On 31st May 2025, a group of 10 freemasons from Devonshire travelled up to London, including the head of Freemasonry in Devonshire, Nicholas Ball, to attend a groundbreaking meeting of 1,600 Masons at Lodge Sine Nominae (The Lodge with No Name) No 10,000. This wasn’t just an ordinary meeting, it was a special Light Blues version of the Quarterly Communications which happen in London 4 times a year. Light Blues are the term used for those newer in their Masonic journey, taking the name from the lighter shade of blue on the apron compared to those dark blue colours of the regional and national officers.
The Pro Grand Master, the national head of Freemasonry in England and Wales, opened the proceedings along with many of the Grand Officers who help run Freemasonry across the country. The spectacle of the procession into the Grand meeting room is a very special occasion and we were so lucky so many of our newer members were able to witness this.
The main focus of the meeting was on 3 themes around the future of Freemasonry, Thriving Membership, Coherent Organisation and Engagement in our Communities – these are the 3 pillars of our 2022 strategy.
The meeting also spoke about the Virtual Learning Environment, Solomon, and encouraged all members to complete their learning on there when they could. The Solomon Diploma will be presented to all members who complete it by our own team in Devonshire.
There was also the premiere of a new video detailing the important of the Royal Arch, ensuring all members continue their journey in Freemasonry once they join to include all 4 ceremonies offered.
Once the formalities of the day ended, members were treated to a special live recording of CraftCast, the Freemasons Podcast from UGLE.
Key to the event was that we all should engage, encourage and educate others, especially our newer members, to promote enjoyment of our special organisation. Our members really do embody the ethos of the organisation.
Pictured are 9 brethren including the Devonshire Membership Officer, Brendan Brookshaw, Devonshire Mentor Chris Bird and a number of other brethren from across Devon, within the Grand Meeting Room at 60 Great Queen Street, national headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England.