Chairman’s Update
Dear Brethren,
Please excuse this fairly generic update, but I wanted to reach out to you all as the new Chairman of the Five of Nine.
For those who have registered or confirmed your interest in attending the Sine Nomine emergency meeting for new and young Freemasons on 31st May 2025 at Grand Lodge, London.
I thought it would be useful to coordinate travel arrangements. My suggestion is that we select one or two train routes and try to reserve a train cabin. Alternatively, we could arrange a coach. Please indicate your preference, as this will help with planning.
Upcoming Plans & How You Can Get Involved
We have an exciting year ahead in 2025, but we need your support to make it happen.
Initiation Attendance Initiative
One of our key goals is to ensure representation at all initiation ceremonies across the province. Last year, there were over 100 initiations—that's a lot!. We are seeking Masons willing to act as ambassadors for a specific Masonic centre, supported by three or four others. Ambassadors will attend initiation meetings (with no obligation to dine) and give a brief, scripted (or unscripted) talk about what the Five of Nine is and what we do. Full training will be provided.
Summer Fundraising Challenge
We are launching a Warwickshire vs Worcestershire vs Staffordshire fundraising competition during the off-season (May–August) to support the Tricentenary Charity – Fisher House. Official details will be announced soon, but your method of fundraising will be entirely up to you!
We will also be organising two large events:
The Zip Wire Challenge
A Summer Fête / Mini-Festival
Additionally, we encourage everyone to host smaller fundraising initiatives, such as bake sales, sponsored walks, bar crawls, ritual-based events, dinner dances, etc.. We will celebrate our collective efforts with a Gala Dinner at the end of summer.
Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting – 7th June 2025
On Saturday, 7th June, the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting will take place at Birmingham Motorcycle Museum. This open meeting is available to all Masons above the rank of Master Mason. I would love for the Five of Nine to have a strong presence to showcase our work. As new Freemasons, we will have reserved front-row seating for the event. Please mark this date in your diary!
Trip to Grand Lodge – 23rd August 2025
We will be hiring a coach for a trip to Grand Lodge, London. The itinerary includes:
A Masonic tour of the building
A light lunch
A walking tour of London’s history, focusing on how Freemasonry has shaped the city, as well as its connections to crimes, murders, and mysteries. This will be led by historian W. Bro. Mike Neville (look him up – he’s fantastic!).
Etiquette & Training Sessions
We will be organising several training and etiquette sessions with the Provincial Mentor and Provincial Learning & Development Officers. These sessions will cover essential Masonic knowledge that isn’t found in the books!
Monthly Social Meet-Ups
We are introducing monthly social gatherings at Masonic centres across the province to foster camaraderie and strengthen our network.
Next Steps & How to Get Involved
Please email me back with details of which initiatives and events interest you so we can start organising. I’m particularly excited about the summer fundraising challenge and would love to hear your ideas!
If you are not yet a full-fledged Five of Nine member, please visit our website (www.fiveofnineclub.org.uk) and register.
Join Me for My Next Meeting – 28th February
If you are available, I would love to see you at my next meeting on Friday, 28th February, at Severn Street, Birmingham. I will be stepping into the role of Junior Deacon and initiating two good friends in a double initiation. If you’re free, let me know, and I will send you a summons. The cost for visitors is £25.00, which includes a three-course meal with all drinks at the Festive Board.
I look forward to leading the Five of Nine and growing this club for the benefit of everyone.
Yours sincerely and fraternally,
W. Bro. Richard Freakley, PPJGD