At the beginning of April I began my new post as editor of Freemasonry Today. Building upon the impressive work of my predecessors, Tobias Churton and John Jackson, I hope to further their aim of expanding our readership amongst all Freemasons. But I wish to move beyond this: my plan is to broaden the appeal of our magazine; to make it required reading, not only for all Freemasons, but also for non-masons who are interested in what Freemasonry is, and what it means. And along the way, I hope to introduce Freemasons to intriguing, curious or inspiring events and ideas from beyond the boundaries of the Craft, such as Robert Temple’s discovery of hundreds of ancient optical lenses reported in this issue or Tobias Churton’s visit to the Rosicrucian castle in East Germany and his report on its owner’s role in this mysterious fraternity. "
    Furthermore, since Freemasonry is a world-wide brotherhood, there is a clear need to introduce more international news coverage. Accordingly, I have appointed Matthew Scanlan as International Editor. His task is to make sure that all subscribers to Freemasonry Today are aware of masonic events beyond their own borders.
    As Freemasons, we need to remember that we are not members of a secret sect, but are contributors to a wider world which can benefit from our charity, compassion and self-knowledge. Freemasonry cannot thrive in isolation; neither can Freemasonry Today.
    Finally, with regret, I must announce that Lord Burnham has resigned from the Editorial Board. I should like to thank him for his support over the last four years.
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    In the last issue we reported that the Essex Police had refused the gift of four defibrillators because they were given by Freemasons. My predecessor as editor, John Jackson, quite rightly expressed his outrage at this. And, as a number of letters printed in this issue attest, this outrage is widespread among Freemasons, especially amongst those who have served as Police Officers. While not wishing to begin a confrontation, I did feel that some important points were at issue. Accordingly I wrote to the Chief Constable of Essex pointing out that many Freemasons would wonder whether, by this refusal of charity, the Essex Police were not acting more from political priorities than from humanitarian; especially if the absence of a defibrillator in an emergency should lead a member of the public to die. I also asked the Chief Constable if he might consent to an interview with Freemasonry Today in order that his side of the story might be told to Freemasons.
    The principal Press Officer for the Essex Police, Mr. Peter Laurie, replied to me, declining the interview on the grounds that there was little to add to the earlier report in Freemasonry Today. He did however address the question of the possible risk to life which I had raised: he commented, "It is important to bear in mind that provision of a defibrillation service is not a recognised police responsibility and at the scene of an emergency, officers are committed to other public safety duties. Wherever essential equipment is required for policing activities, its provision is not dependent upon a charitable donation."
    However, he added, "Although the offer of the defibrillators was declined on this occasion, it was seen as a sincere gesture and we are appreciative of your members’ support."
    Which comment, I feel bound to point out, is rather odd, given their rejection of that support.
    It was gratifying then, to receive word from the Provincial Grand Lodge of North Wales, that the Dyfed-Powys Police were very happy to receive a cheque from Montgomeryshire and Tywyn Freemasons to purchase two defibrillators for use in Police Patrol cars. In fact, the Chief Constable made a long journey in order to personally receive the cheque from the chairman of the masonic group which raised the funds: the Group Nine Lodges.
    Michael Baigent MA – Editor