It would appear that word has escaped.

A Lodge from a land far, far away (mid Wales), and judging by some of the administrative timelines involved perhaps a long time ago as well, recently contacted the Province of North Wales with a rather intriguing request. Their question was simple enough:

“Do you happen to know a chap called Wayne Owens, and could he possibly save the day by delivering a Welsh Masonic talk for St David’s Day?” I am paraphrasing here, the actual email is below.

So, somewhere out there, amongst the winding paths of Freemasonry, people I have never met have stumbled across my work, my talks, my articles, my ramblings, or perhaps my occasional bouts of enthusiastic Welsh Masonic evangelism, and thought, “Yes, he’ll do.“

I must confess, that is rather a lovely feeling.

After all, most of us spend years quietly contributing to our little corners of the Craft without ever imagining that our reputation may travel further than we do. Then one day a message arrives from strangers, asking if we might lend a hand, share a story, or bring a little bit of Wales to their celebration. It is both humbling and deeply flattering.

Of course, not all heroes wear capes.

Some wear aprons.

Others wear robes, cloaks, bardic regalia, or enough ceremonial attire to outfit a small druidic uprising. Should the emergency require it, I possess several suitable garments and am fully prepared to answer the call.

For now, however, I think I shall take a moment to appreciate the compliment. My ego, which has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years, deserves a little recognition. At the very least, it has earned a polish.

Possibly two polishes.

And if we are being completely honest, it has probably earned a rather good coffee as well.

After all, fame is a heavy burden to carry, especially before caffeine.