Friday evening 19th February saw 171 log ins to the 5th Provincial Chat Virtual Meeting. Given that many Ladies and Guests were also in attendance it is fair to say that over 200 people actually took part in what turned out to be a superb evening's entertainment.

We were delighted to welcome visitors to the Province especially the PGM's/ MEGS of Staffordshire & Warwickshire.

Following his usual warn welcome and introduction the MEGS welcomed and introduced our Guest Speaker, MW Bro, Christine Chapman, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Freemasons, now rebranding itself as Freemasonry for Women, gave a very interesting and comprehensive talk on "Women in Blue."

The Order was founded in 1913 from the Co-Masons, who had been in existence since 1902. It being decided that the Ladies needed to separate entirely from the men. Interestingly they outdate the Women's Institute, which founded in 1915.

Christine has been the MWGM for 7 years, in an organisation who have chosen to change their Grand Master every 8 years, it being felt that to continue their development, the Order need new views. An interesting philosophy.

In a similar vein to ourselves they follow the Charitable route focusing much of their donations on Hospitals and Hospices where they have a preference to buy equipment rather than just provide monetary gifts.

The HFAF also practice the Orders of Royal Arch, Mark & RAM, Knights Templar and Rose Croix and are currently exploring the establishment of the Order of the Secret Monitor. All headquartered at their Grand Lodge Offices at Acre House, Childs Hill, NW2. Christine indicated they were looking to relocate to larger premises.

Following her talk and some interesting Q & A's we inevitably moved on the the MEGS Quiz which once again he won comfortably.

Prior to concluding and following the customary Toast to Absent Companions the MEGS gave notice that our next meeting will be held on Friday 19th March where our Guest Speaker will be the: 

Most Excellent Third Grand Principal: E. Comp. Gareth Jones, OBE