What a sad story we publish this issue (page 6) about the Essex police. Local masons had offered to provide four defribillators – life-saving heart machines – at a cost of £10,000 for their emergency response vehicles.
    But the local Bill would have none of it. They said the gift could not be accepted "in the current public and parliamentary concern about freemasonry."
    There is constant talk about the "perception" of freemasonry. Here is a classic example of why that perception exists – wimpish, limp-wristed police chiefs making sure such "concern" continues to hang like a shadow over law abiding and community-conscious masons.
    What worried the Chelmsford brass was that Essex masons had asked for a photo call and a press release. The chief constable immediately rushed for protection behind his riot shield.
    What? Be seen in a photograph with masons? Essex coppers would fall on their truncheons first. Clearly, openness among Essex freemasons was too much for them to stomach.
    Police authorities are strapped for cash. Here was an offer to help the local community, given in as transparent a manner as possible. Yet Essex police are apparently prepared to put political correctness before saving lives.
    There are undoubtedly many Essex police officers who will be privately appalled by this decision, whether or not they are masons. Freemasons generally will feel wounded and affronted. It was a spiteful and spineless decision.
    What have we come to when senior police offers are too scared to seize the opportunity to accept a gift from their local community that would save lives? Of whom are they afraid? The Home Office? Parliament?
    It is not good enough for them to hide behind bland statements about "public and parliamentary perception."
    Whatever happened to good, old fashioned evidence?
    ooooooo
    The march of new technology gathers apace – and it is affecting freemasonry in a positive way. First, Grand Lodge has given permission for lodge secretaries to email summonses to members who request it (see page 6).
    Why not a form from the secretary via email on attendance and guests? They might even get an answer – and not the day before the meeting. Revolution indeed!
    Second, the Book of Constitutions and the Masonic Year Book are to be made available on a CD Rom. I can see tears in the eyes of lodge secretaries at this: what, not have to cut out and stick all those amendments any more? Takes the fun out of the job.
    I would suggest a third move: Grand Lodge might consider offering to send Grand Lodge News to secretaries who would like it electronically, so that they, in turn, can email it on to interested lodge members.
    Given the cost of postage to a lodge, this is a cost-effective way of getting information to members quickly, cheaply and direct. Remember, members may move – but their email address stays put.
    It is good to see developments taking hold within the Craft. Who said freemasonry did not move with the times?