It is becoming more and more evident that Freemasonry at ‘Provincial’ level is realising the benefits of the internet as a medium for keeping in touch with its members. It enables them to cascade, in a real time situation, information and news as it happens. The internet is clean, quick and once set up, a low cost method of communicating.
    Speaking personally, my own Province (Worcestershire) strongly believes in keeping in touch with our brethren. We produce a regular Newsletter entitled The Worcestershire Source which is superb, but - isn’t there always a but - the cost is high, the information is there until the next issue, whether accurate or not at the time of printing, and distribution is always a headache. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that newsletters should go. All I’m trying to point out is that real time information is easily achieved by use of the internet. I suggest that newsletters will be phased out over the coming years, just as more and more lodges are circulating and sending lodge minutes by email.
    Take a look at Worcestershire’s newly designed website at www.worcestershirepgl.org.uk I know that Bob Vaughan, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, has taken a personal interest in how the Province communicates with its members and feels that the new look website is a great move forward.
    The Province of Berkshire has taken their website seriously too. Visit www.berkspgl.org.ukwww.berkspgl.org.uk and prepared to be impressed!
    The Province of Cheshire has spent time and energy to create their website and reinforce their commitment with the following statement: This site aims to provide you with a brief introduction to Freemasonry. It will give you an overview of the principles, history, lodges and activity of the Freemasons in Cheshire. In particular our charitable work. I love it when people hang themselves by their tongue! Go to www.cheshiremasons.co.uk The Cornwall Provincial website looks very new indeed, a clean easy to navigate site with lots for its visitors to see. It is their intention to launch a Masonic forum, so obviously they feel communication is important. Visit www.pglcornwall.org.uk and decide for yourself.
    There are many more Provincial websites of varying standards. The noticeable thing is that if I had written this article a mere two years ago, I would have struggled to find a Provincial website worth mentioning. Well done to those who have moved with the times, I apologise if I have not mentioned you. To those who have yet to see the light - stop – think about it and ask your brethren what they want from you! If you know of any other fraternal sites we should take a look at email us at sites@thefreemason.com

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