Calderley Chapter of Union Discussion at Clevedon
This is not a conventional Chapter but one that encourages discussions between the Provincial Executive and the Companions within the Province in general. This is achieved by each Chapter appointing its own representative to the Chapter, to be known as the Calderley Liaison Officers.
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Ray Guthrie was invited to lead the discussion from questions sent in by members of the province. The following is a summary of the discussion that took place:
Ceremony of the Veils: The group discussed whether chapters should be encouraged to perform Ceremony of the Veils. It was concluded that a full version is impractical locally (local versions were traditionally cut down), and as Bristol is nearby and fully equipped to handle this as an integral part of their exaltation ceremony, companions should be encouraged to visit.
Savage Ritual: The adoption of the “Savage” ritual has successfully streamlined ceremonies, making them quicker, slicker, and easier for candidates to understand, which has contributed to higher engagement and multiple exaltations.
Provincial Ranks & Appointments: A comparison was raised regarding London’s rank system versus the provincial system. It was agreed that the current provincial system works well, and that a transition to the London system is unlikely to attract support in UGLE.
Membership Statistics & Challenges
Craft Membership Trends: Between 2008 and 2023, the province suffered a net loss of 1,000 members (roughly 67 per year). Following the introduction of the membership challenge starting in January 2024, the decline has slowed down to an average of roughly 40 members per year. Losses through resignations continue to make up a large part of the total.
Early Attrition: Roughly 20% of new members leave within their first three years of joining the craft, sometimes after completing only their initiation. Key drivers include poor interview techniques, failing to properly inform candidates of expectations/costs/time commitments, and personal disputes within lodges.
Demographics: A significant “demographic time bomb” exists, with 42% of Craft members aged 70 or older.
Royal Arch Membership Trends: Unlike the Craft, the Royal Arch has experienced positive growth during the challenge period, increasing its membership by roughly 10% (reaching 931 members by late September). The proportion of Masons who also belong to the Royal Arch has risen from a traditional 32% to 36%. However, the demographic challenge is even starker here, with 47% of Royal Arch members aged 70 or older.
Actionable Solutions & Recommendations
Improved Interview Processes: Lodges and Chapters are urged to transition away from cursory procedures and those led by large boards of past masters, and instead utilise in-depth, small-group interviews using resources from “Building Together” documents. The PDF ‘Building_Together_brief’ link is below.
https://www.somersetfreemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Building-Together.pdf
Managing Expectations: Clear communication regarding time commitments, financial costs, and the sequence of ceremonies must be given to prospective candidates beforehand to reduce early dropouts.
Generational Integration: Interview panels and lodges should incorporate younger members to make the organization more appealing and welcoming to prospective younger applicants, combating the perception of a “pensioners’ club”.
