Bro Jack Thornborough, the Chairman of the Connaught Club, updates what's going on with the young masons in London.

As you can imagine, taking over as Chairman during the midst of a global pandemic was slightly challenging to say the least.

However, at long last and after a painful separation from the club, we are looking forward to announcing our long-planned return to club life, particularly meeting in person again. With the welcomed news that UGLE has released guidance confirming a resumption of Masonic activities, the long wait is very nearly over. We kick off our summer with a meeting of our Craft Lodge, Burgoyne No 902, with our first meeting back on Saturday, the 10th of July.

Perhaps equally welcome news is that we are planning to return to our monthly scheduled pub drinks which happen on the first Friday of every month. We are kicking off in style on Friday the 2nd of July. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible very soon, and we are eager to make these evenings a night to remember. With the anticipated easing of restrictions, the club has a lot planned, so be sure to watch this space and our website.

The last 12 months have been the most challenging in the club's history, but we have come through relatively unscathed. I would like to thank the committee and the members for their tremendous support during this time.

If you are not already a member of the Connaught Club, under 35 and are either a London mason or perhaps live or work in London, why not consider joining? Membership is only £40 per year and enables you to attend all the signature events that we put on throughout the year. Our aim is to get young masons across London together for seminars, Lodge meetings and of course, excellent social events! You can sign up for the club on our website at connaughtclub.org or drop our membership secretary, Maceo, an email at membership@connaughtclub.org. We have a great many events planned for this year and would love for you to be able to join us.

Now that we're heading out of lockdown, the committee are raring to go and are looking forward to offering members a warm welcome when their schedules allow. There is plenty to look forward to as London stirs from its languor. Here's to a happy summer in each other's company.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 45 July 2021 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 45.