Freemasonry is steeped in traditions and local customs, all of which make it so difficult to accept change. Change happens, and the rate of transition from ‘the way we’ve done it for centuries’ to the way the world dictates we must do it in the future is critical.
    Worcestershire Province has a very forward thinking executive and Colin Young, Assistant Provincial Grand Master has the responsibility for training and education within the Province. One of the areas for which Colin is responsible is the matter of e-communication between lodges and their members and between Province and the lodges. Lodges do want the changes – they want to save the hours of stuffing envelopes and folding minutes every month, not to mention the money they spend on postage. The real issue is getting people to buy into the fact that there is a better way to communicate.
    Provincial Adelphi is on its way! This software purports to be the future for communicating from UGLE down through to the Provinces and eventually to the lodges themselves and of course all the way back up from the lodges through the Provinces and back to UGLE. What are the aims of Provincial Adelphi? It’s simply to ensure speedy, accurate and worthwhile reporting. Returns will be electronic, as will year book detail and much more.
    Having read the positive feedback from the Provincial Grand Secretaries who are piloting the new system, Hertfordshire, Dorset, Surrey and Somerset, it will be interesting to see it rolled out to all lodges.
    Lodges who are obviously forward thinking are those who decided that their lodge deserves a website - none more than Internet Lodge No 9659. You can even apply to become a member online, pay your joining fee, and Grand Lodge fees if required, all by clicking a few buttons.
    Visit www.internet.lodge.org.uk and take time to explore.
    Other recommended sites this issue are:
    X-Oriente, The New Voice of Brother podcast site at www.xoriente.com/my_weblog - The Province of Dorset website at www.dorsetfreemasonry.info - The Grand Lodge of the Philippines at www.glphils.org/index1.htm - Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland at www.freimaurerei.ch
    Finally, I suggest a visit to the Lancashire and District Group of Lodges and Chapters at www.lancastergroup.org.uk.

If you know of any other fraternal sites we should take a look at email us at online@thefreemason.com (note new email address for recommendations).