Christmas Day Lunch at St Mary's Church, Aylesbury

Each year, St. Mary's Church in Aylesbury hosts Christmas Day lunch for the homeless and lonely in the area.  Working alongside Aylesbury Foodbank a bumper meal is provided, warmth and most importantly a sense of belonging.  Bringing people, many of which are strangers, together.

It was a very humbling Christmas Day experience for Bro Vito Lannelli and Peter Marks to witness first hand while assisting in serving & helping so many dedicated volunteers providing a hot Christmas lunch - A big thank you to Aylesbury food bank and so many local businesses for the tremendous support for this annual luncheon

This year, the Fruit & vegetables were sponsored by one specific masonic lodge - New Urban, with a lovely charity discount applied by Tooty Fruity.

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At this special time of year, Steph and I would like to wish every one of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Christmas gives us a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that is drawing to a close. As I look back on 2025, I do so with a great sense of pride in what we, as Buckinghamshire Freemasons, have achieved together. Across the Province, you continue to show the very best of Freemasonry, supporting our communities, giving your time freely, and being there for those who need help when it matters most. It is important that we are seen doing this amazing work, not for praise, but because it reflects and shows society who we are and what we stand for.

During the festive period, I would also ask you to keep in mind those who are less fortunate than ourselves. For some, Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time, whether they are spending it alone, facing hardship, or simply in need of a little extra support. A phone call, a message, or a brief visit can make a real difference and is very much in keeping with the care and kindness we aim to show.

I would like to thank you all for making 2025 such an enjoyable year. Your commitment and friendship makes this Province a pleasure to serve, and I hope the New Year ahead brings renewed enjoyment in your Freemasonry journey and happiness in your personal lives.

Steph and I send our very best wishes to you all. Enjoy the Christmas season, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

With warmest regards,
Tim and Steph

Provincial Christmas Party

On Monday 8th December, Buckinghamshire Freemasons held a Christmas party to celebrate and thank all the officers of the year.  A capacity attendance of 220, consisting of Freemasons from up and down the county, their families and friends, filled the college suite at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa to enjoy each others company and celebrate.  Guests were entertained table side throughout the evening by close up magician and mentalist,   a Buckinghamshire Freemason himself and of course a good 'ole raffle with amazing prizes and a special silent auction.

There was however an important guest in attendance, Mrs Elaine Ball, a lady invited to talk about a charity, the   Foundation.  Freemasonry has community support and charity at its heart, so we always welcome representatives where possible to tell their story and spread the knowledge of their charity.  Little did Elaine know, but many lodge representatives in the room had been pledging donations.  Each table in the room had at least one different lodge member and they in turn stood to confirm the financial pledge.  

The Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the honour and pleasure of presenting Elaine with a cheque to the value of £15,575 which was received with shock and great gratitude.

Following the presentation, the guests were then treated to a set of music from stage and screen performed by a live 18 piece big band -   directed by another Buckinghamshire Freemason, Lee Buckingham.

Thomas Ball - https://www.thomasball.org.uk/

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This is the 1929 Grant of Arms, and Heraldic Shield for the Province of Buckinghamshire, issued by the College of Arms and painstakingly hand-painted, gilded, inscribed and wax sealed. The College maintains an ancient English tradition of manuscript writing and illumination which can be traced back to the monastic scriptoria of the dark ages.
Every Province has its own Grant of Arms and Heraldic Shield, and each one is as distinct and wonderfully decorated as ours

The full text on the warrant reads as follows:

"To All and Singular to whom these Presents shale come
Sir Henry Farnham Burke Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Garter Principal King of Arms, Arthur William Stuart Cochrane Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Clarenceux King of Arms, and Gerald Woods Wollaston Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Norroy King of Arms Send Greetings:

Whereas Sir Edward Fitzmaurice Inglefield, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy, Provincial Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Province of Buckinghamshire hath represented unto the Most Noble Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire is the representative Body of Freemasons in the said Province under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons of England and that the said Provincial Grand Lodge is desirous of bearing Arms with lawful authority He therefore on behalf of the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire requested the favour of His Grace’s Warrant for Outgranting and assigning to him and his successors Provincial Grand Masters for the time being of the said Province such Armorial Ensigns as may be proper to be borne and used by the said Provincial Grand Lodges of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms. And Forasmuch as the said Earl Marshal did by Warrant under his hand and Seal bearing date the first date of June last authorise and direct Us to grant and assign such armorial Ensign accordingly. Know ye therefore that We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy in the pursuance of His Grace’s Warrant and by virtue of the Letters Patent of Our several Offices to each of U s respectively granted do by these Presents grant and assign unto the said Provincial Grand Master and his successors in Office the Arms following that is to say:

Per pale Gules and quarterly Azure and Or dexter on a Chevron between three Castles Argent a pair of Compasses extended of the third sinister a Cross quarterly of the fourth and Vert between in the first quarter a Lion rampant of the third, in the second and Ox passant Sable in the third of a Man with hands elevated proper vested of the fifth the robe crimson lined with Ermine, and in the fourth an Eagle displayed also of the third the whole within a Bordure per pale of the sixth and first charged with six Swans rising of the fourth each gorged with a Ducal Coronet Gold as the same are in the margin here of more plainly depicted to be borne and used forever hereafter for the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise accordingly to the Laws of Arms.
In witness whereof We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy Kings of Arms have to these Presents subscribed Our names and affixed the Seals of Our several Offices this third day of June in the Twentieth year of the reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Fifth by the Grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith & and in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and twenty nine."

Wheel Power Visit

A delegation of Buckinghamshire Freemasons joined Bucks PGM Tim Anders, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Lady Elizabeth Howe, and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Pippa Kirkbride, on a visit to WheelPower Charity at Stoke Mandeville’s Guttman Stadium to support fundraising for a replacement Pool Pod.
This essential equipment enables wheelchair users to access the pool independently for exercise.

Following a brief introduction by CEO Martin McElhatton OBE and an equipment demonstration, the group
toured the facility during a sports day for 50 wheelchair-using children. Attendees also had the opportunity
to try activities such as archery, laser gun range, and table tennis, with varying skill levels.

The visit provided a valuable insight into the implementation of charity funding, and the role Freemasonry
plays within the community.

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This is a symbolic work of art created as a memorial to the many masons who lost their lives in the First World War. 

The jewel was designed by Cyril Spackman, world-renowned architect, painter, printmaker, and sculptor, and awarded to those who donated to the Masonic Million Memorial Fund.

The official description of the Hall Stone design.

The jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends, on the left and right, squares being the dates 1914-1918, the years in which the supreme sacrifice was made. Between these is a winged figure of Peace presenting the representation of a Temple with special Masonic allusion in the Pillars, Porch and Steps. 

The medal is suspended by the Square and Compasses, attached to a riband, the whole thus symbolising the Craft's gift of a Temple in memory of those brethren who gave all for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood.

Ties worn by Buckinghamshire Freemasons feature the jewel as Buckinghamshire is the only Hall Stone Province left in the World and proud to show that.  Tim Anders, Head of Freemasonry in Bucks, wears a rare and symbolic Hall Stone jewel at every meeting he attends.

You can find out more about the jewel here: https://museumfreemasonry.org.uk/stories/hall-stone-story 

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Advent Calendars 

The lodge Almoner of New Urban Lodge 6371, Peter, over the weekend had the pleasure of meeting many amazing caring people whilst distributing Christmas chocolate advent calendars. 

Firstly senior nurse Hayley at Stoke Mandeville hospital children’s ward who was overwhelmed by the generosity of the lodge.  Secondly he was invited to Buckinghamshire Council Aylesbury where he had the pleasure of meeting Andrea from Woman’s Aid who is responsible for refuge care centres throughout Buckinghamshire who was touched by the generosity of Buckinghamshire Freemasons !

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The Rulers

At the head of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) we have the overseers of the fraternity, known as the rulers.  At the helm is Most Worshipful the Grand Master His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.  Alongside him wearing the same regalia and mimicking the role is what is known as the Pro Grand Master.  We then have the Deputy Grand Master and three Assistant Grand Masters. 

They all wear Grand Officer sized aprons, with the same golden embroidery but with a different masonic emblem at the centre; Grand Master & Pro Grand Master - the blazing sun, a symbol of divine light and wisdom. Deputy Grand Master - the square and compasses with a five pointed star representing the five senses and the five noble orders of architecture, and the Assistant Grand Masters with a Square & Compasses.

The edging is adorned with gold embroidered pomegranates, lotus flowers, and seven-eared wheat, which hold specific symbolic meanings within Masonic tradition.

With each of these aprons, an associated chain is worn with the same emblem that is on the apron appended to each.

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A Man, A Plan and a Rusty Old Van

Once again this year, Buckinghamshire Freemasons dug deep to help to donate toys and Gifts for necessitous children in Bucks.

WBro Tony Martin along with a loyal band of helpers collected a record number of New Toys and gifts for    a charity that donates them to needy children in Buckinghamshire, both at Christmas and on their Birthdays.

Tony regularly reminded Brethren that no child should wake up on Christmas day to no presents, and 21 Lodges and Chapters, and many Individual Brethren and their families donated toys, gifts, vouchers and cash to help.

W.Bro Tom Davies (Tyler) very generously donated the sum of £2500.00 from the money he raises from sales of pre-loved regalia, medals etc.

This year toys and gifts were collected in multiple centres, and although this did not turn out to be the exact result we hoped for, multiple gifts were donated, and all cash received, (just over £5000.00), was turned into New Toys purchased from many different outlets in order to get the best value for the money.

Inspire Bucks held a grand opening for their new premises on the 19th November, and we delivered a very large van load of donations to the assembled charity volunteers, (as can be seen in the attached photographs). There will be further deliveries made to the charity as we still await more deliveries ourselves.

A big thank you to all the Brethren that helped with this years initiative, and we look forward to be able to help this Charity annually for the foreseeable future.

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Provincial Grand Master

The Chairman, Head of the Province.  This is an appointment made following interview by Grand Lodge and a position held for up to 10 years.  

There are 48 Provinces within England.  
Focusing on Buckinghamshire, there are 118 Lodges with 3000 plus Members.  All of which fall under the leadership of the Provincial Grand Master.

The Apron is the first of the very ornate worn, with the edging is adorned with gold embroidered pomegranates, lotus flowers, and seven-eared wheat, which hold specific symbolic meanings within Masonic tradition.

In the centre is the Square & Compass with a 5 pointed star, representing the 5 senses, & 5 noble orders of architecture.  It is encompassed with a circular laurel of acacia leaves to one side and eared wheat to the other completed with the name of the Province (based on old county lines) above. 

In place of the normal collar, a chain is worn with the jewel of their rank appended. 

The last image here shows current Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, stood alongside the three past provincial Grand Masters of Buckinghamshire - John Clark (2018~2025), Gordon Robertson (2011~2018) & Ray Reed (2005~2011),  in what is called 'Undress' regalia - plain dark blue

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Family First - A Night To Remember

Once again, Buckinghamshire Freemasons carried out something special and a first in the province.

The evening was all about family, many brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers & sons in the room being part of this great evening.

Temple Manor Lodge hosted and performed an amazing Double Ceremony of Initiation at Marlow Masonic Centre.
The two candidates George and Ben were treated to a faultless demonstration of how to bring in a new Brother to the Craft. 

When Worshipful Master Chris Anders hands over the ceremony to his Brother The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders to initiate two new candidates, you know it’s going to be a special evening.

But any initiation is not about who sits in what chair, it’s about the start of a new Masonic journey for the candidates and although George is the son of our RWPGM, it was made very clear that the night was equally about Ben.

What made this an even more impressive and special evening was that the previous two Provincial Grand Masters were there with their sons, who they too had initiated into Freemasonry.

RWPPGM John Clark (2018~2025) with Jack & David and RWPPGM Gordon Robertson (2011~2018) with Neil.

It really was a “Team Anders” evening bringing George into Temple Manor Lodge.
Uncle, Chris Anders opened the Lodge as WM
Father, Tim Anders took the chair to Initiate his son as RWPGM
Brother Toby guided George around the lodge as Junior Deacon
And Grandad Ron sat proudly amongst a packed Temple to witness an imaculate ceremony!

Our ProvGM has now initiated his bother, his father and his two sons into his mother lodge.

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Provincial Executive

The Provincial Executive is, as you might expect headed by the Provincial Grand Master, who is supported by a Deputy Provincial Grand Master and a team of Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.

In Buckinghamshire we currently have one Deputy Provincial Grand Master (DepProvGM) and four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters (AsstProvGM). These ranks are highly esteemed, and if the Brother appointed does not already hold Grand Rank, it is typically conferred soon afterwards.

While there may occasionally be a short period in which the officeholder wears a standard dark blue Provincial apron with the badge of their esteemed rank, they are more commonly identified by the full Grand Rank apron and, instead of the usual Provincial collar, they wear a chain of office bearing the jewel of their rank

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Last Friday saw   team up with 18 piece band  under the directorship of WBro Lee Buckingham to put on their annual Big Band music night, raising money for numerous local charities, societies and groups. 

Following on from last years "Music from Stage & Screen", this year the music was that of Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie, another sell out evening ! Satin Doll, Sweet Georgia Brown, Get Happy & A-Tisket - A-Tasket, some of the numbers played that all the audience loved.

Each year the lodge invites the local   Poppy representatives to attend to man their stall, this year they were honoured guests getting to enjoy the concert but more importantly, to be presented with a cheque from the lodge for £600 towards this years poppy appeal.

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Grand Rank

This is the next rank following provincial honours.  Allocation to active rolls is very rare as positions limited and you are representing the United Grand Lodge of England.  Meritocracy at its finest for those promoted to active roles and as explained in the Provincial Rack post, a limited number each year to the Past rank.

The Blue border of the apron is a lot wider and the Apron itself is larger.  The collar is embroidered in gold with a Sprig of Acacia on one side and an ear of corn on the other.
....

Regalia differs between what is known as Dress & Undress type.

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Again this year, several of our provincial trumpeters were out paying their respect while sounding the Last Post & Reveille at various Remembrance Day Parades up and down the county.

Standing proud as Buckinghamshire Freemasons.

Michael Power - Vale 6632
Lee Buckingham - Haddenham 8944
Mally Baxter - Industria 5214
Andrew Lofthouse - Industria 5214
Peter Stockdale - Industria 5214
Richard Vanryne - Temple Manor 8143 

Remembrance Day Sunday in Buckinghamshire drew communities together in solemn tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. At Beaconsfield, the heart of the county's remembrance commemorations, Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders led Buckinghamshire Freemasonry in a poignant wreath-laying ceremony. 

In Marlow, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mark Harry led a sizeable group of Freemasons as they joined veterans, local dignitaries, families, and young people from the town. Their presence was a clear testament to the strength and diversity of the Province’s membership, which included those in regalia, military uniform, and civilian clothing. 

At the Bletchley memorial, Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Blackhurst took on the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the Province. This year’s ceremony was especially significant because women Freemasons from the area were also present, visibly supporting the act of remembrance. Their participation reflected the inclusive nature of modern Freemasonry and the growing involvement of female Brethren in public ceremonies. 

Elsewhere in the Province, Aylesbury’s Freemasons were represented at their local ceremony by W Bro Webster Springer, who joined local officials, veterans, and families to mark the day. In addition, numerous other Freemasons participated in services at Newport Pagnell, Buckingham, and Winslow, ensuring that the Province’s respect and remembrance were widely demonstrated throughout the county. Each local service bore its own character but shared a common purpose: to honour the fallen and express gratitude for sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace.
Winslow played host to an Armistice Day luncheon for veterans and their families at The Bell Hotel. Organised by W Bro Paul French, the lunch brought together former service personnel, Freemasons, and members of the public in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual appreciation. Guests enjoyed a meal and shared memories, building new friendships in the spirit of gratitude.

Coordinating these multiple commemorations and ensuring strong Freemason representation across Buckinghamshire was Jim Hunt, the Province’s Community Engagement Officer. His efforts kept members informed, encouraged participation, and ensured that each event ran smoothly and respectfully. Through his dedication, over 100 Freemasons were enabled to play an active part in acts of remembrance, reinforcing the shared bonds of service and fraternity that define Buckinghamshire Freemasonry’s enduring public service and community presence.

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal 
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; 
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound, 
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, 
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, 
To the end, to the end, they remain.

For the Fallen
By Laurence Binyon

Buckinghamshire's Provincial Grand Master, his lovely wife, the Provincial Charity Steward and Freemasonry in the Community Representative spent a fun day with the team from Action4Youth representing the MCF.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation is supporting Action4Youth's Boost programme, a new 5-day initiative especially designed to equip SEND young people aged 16-24 with vital life skills to promote independence and to address the transition from school to adulthood. A package of activities will combine outdoor learning activities that focus on teamwork, communication and leadership skills, with classroom sessions that aim to develop life skills and support independent living. Funding of £59,980 from the Foundation, will support four schools and up to 44 young people (12 per school) per year over three years.

All participants will have SEND and will present a diverse range of needs, including learning, sensory and physical disabilities. They will likely display very challenging behaviour, some will also have other medical conditions and all will require additional adult support. We know from our existing programmes, such as our crime intervention project, Breakout, that many of the young people participating in the project will be experiencing additional disadvantage such as child poverty, domestic violence and exposure to criminality, with a plethora of different issues across their school and home life.

Without intervention, the project beneficiaries are likely to face multiple challenges during the transition to adulthood, with a report from ADASS, a charity to support those working in adult social care, outlining the issues for SEND young people which include young people 'falling through the cracks' between children’s services and adult social care services, with opportunities to foster independence and plan for future challenges - such as securing employment & housing - frequently missed. A recent report by Ofsted and the CQC found that too many young people with SEND faced a ‘cliff edge’ in support as they reach 18 with very little planning for their transition to adult life. Boost will address these issues and will equip participants with vital new life skills to support the transition to adulthood.  

 
Action4Youth will deliver the project throughout the South-East, with a focus on supporting participants from areas that have high levels of deprivation and significant child poverty numbers, such as parts of Slough, Luton and Bedford. Schools will be identified from our extensive network, or will directly approach us to request the programme, with participants selected by the schools as those pupils most in need of the initiative.
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Provincial Grand Rank

Once a brother has been a Master of the Lodge, he continues his work by a dedication to his own Lodge, Province and community and after 5 years is recognised by an appointment to a Provincial position.  These are split between active rolls and non active, which are known as Past.

The apron of a Provincial Officer is similar to that of a Master Mason, but this time in Dark Blue and the centre badge upon showing the progressive rank they hold. The first rank being a Provincial Grand Pursuivant to the most senior being Provincial Grand Senior Warden.

There are 32 different Provincial ranks that can be awarded in total.  Each Province differs in size and the number awarded alters in line with the number of masons.  Buckinghamshire, with approximately 3,000 members can award 23 active ranks to a total of 30 members (this excludes the 6 Provincial Stewards).

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Members of the Province of Buckinghamshire attended the Freemasons National Service of Remembrance yesterday at the National Memorial Arboretum.  The wreaths making their journey in advance last week.

Freemasons from Buckinghamshire joined Brethren from across England and Wales today for the National Freemasons’ Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Representatives from all Companion Orders and both Ladies Grand Lodges attended the moving ceremony, uniting in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to others.

Buckinghamshire was represented by RW Tim Anders, Provincial Grand Master, who laid the Craft wreath, escorted by W Bro John York carrying the Provincial Standard. E Comp Mel Shah, Second Provincial Grand Principal, laid the Royal Arch wreath, escorted by E Comp Steve Cleary with the Royal Arch Standard, alongside VW Bro Neil Robertson.

The service included the Exhortation, Last Post, two-minute silence, and the Rouse, followed by wreaths laid from Provinces and Orders nationwide.

RW Tim Anders said:
“It is a privilege for Buckinghamshire Freemasons to stand alongside our Brethren, Companions, and Sisters from across the country in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”