Brethren and Companions,

Freemasonry is a force that evolves with the times, and so too must the ways we connect and share our stories. With this in mind, I am writing to share an important development: Arena, our much-loved magazine, will no longer be printed.

This decision was not made lightly. The costs of printing and distribution have risen significantly, and we must consider the environmental impact of producing tens of thousands of paper copies. However, I believe this change offers us an opportunity to improve how Arena serves you, our Brethren and Companions.

Arena will live on - digitally. This transition will enable us to bring you the same high-quality articles, stories, and updates with added speed and accessibility. Every edition will be emailed directly to you, with links to all the articles. These articles will also be shared across our social media platforms, ensuring you can stay connected no matter where you are.

We’re also introducing a touch of tradition to this modern approach. Posters featuring a QR code linking to the latest edition of Arena will be displayed extensively around Freemasons’ Hall and other London Masonic centres. This is a nod to our roots while embracing the technology that keeps us connected.

I am particularly excited to announce that, in early 2025, we will launch the Arena app. This app will make accessing Arena easier than ever before. You’ll be able to read new articles as soon as they are published, ensuring Arena becomes a more responsive and interactive resource for London Freemasonry.

To make this vision a success, we need your participation. Our members are at the heart of Freemasonry, and your stories deserve to be shared. Send news and pictures of your Lodges and Chapters to news@metgl.com. For longer articles on broader Masonic issues in London, please contribute to arena@metgl.com.

While we bid farewell to the printed magazine, this evolution marks an exciting new chapter for Arena. It will become more dynamic, accessible, and relevant to your needs as members of our fraternity.

Together, let us embrace this change, sharing the stories that connect us and celebrating the spirit of Freemasonry in London.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 56 Winter 2024 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 56 here.