In the last week, 8 lodges have held ten initiation ceremonies in Marlow, Stony Stratford, Beaconsfield, Slough, Bletchley, and Aylesbury. There were many great highlights, including the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion joining members of Chenies Lodge for the last post at their meeting in Beaconsfield.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Liberté chérie (French for "Cherished Liberty") was a Masonic Lodge founded in 1943 by Belgian Resistance fighters and other political prisoners at Esterwegen concentration camp. It was one of the few lodges of Freemasons founded within a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War.

The lodge was created on November 15th, 1943 inside Hut 6 of Emslandlager VII and located in Esterwegen, Lower Saxony, Germany.

Paul Hanson was elected master. The brethren met for lodge work in Hut 6 around a table, which was otherwise used for cartridge sorting. A Catholic priest stood watch, so that the brethren could hold their meetings, and protected their secrecy.

The seven Freemasons who created the lodge were:

Paul Hanson, Luc Somerhausen, Jean Sugg, Franz Rochat, Guy Hannecart, Amédée Miclotte, and Degueldre.

Last night saw the first initiation of Bro Neill at a wonderful kick off meeting.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 
At last night's meeting, we enjoyed a superbly delivered ceremony in a beautiful lodge room. This was followed by an incredible dining experience which culminated in fine speeches and a dessert of Crème Brulé paired with a Bad Kitty dark porter by  
The star prize in the raffle was some of The Master's Brew, which dates back to 2019! Rare and exquisite beyond belief.
Hughenden Lodge meets in Marlow, Bucks, and is always looking for new people to join them..
If you live in the Buckinghamshire area and share the lodges' appreciation for craft beer and real ale, why not follow in Neill's footsteps and join the lodge? You can contact the lodge here: https://hughendenlodge.org.uk/

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Prominent scientist, inventor, and civic activist, the United States founding father Benjamin Franklin is perhaps one of the most famous Freemasons. Alongside his duties as Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin formulated theories of positive and negative electrical charges and invented the lightning rod and bifocal glasses.
Franklin lived to be eighty-five years old. Sixty of those years as a Freemason; he lived and wrote and practiced the principles of the Order.

Franklin was initiated into Masonry in 1731; probably at the February meeting of St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia. The esteem in which he was held is evidenced by the fact that he was elected Grand Master just a few short years later in 1735.

According to Old Masonic and family traditions, the cornerstone of the Statehouse in Philadelphia
(Independence Hall), built while Franklin was Grand Master, was laid by him and the Brethren of St. John’s Lodge.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Our annual 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) membership event returns this winter. Our lodges will be welcoming over 60 new Brothers into Freemasonry across November and December! There are still plenty of Lodges in Buckinghamshire ready to welcome you in as part of 12DX.
Why Join Now?
• Be part of a centuries-old tradition
• Join a global brotherhood of like-minded people
• Discover personal growth and development
• Make lifelong friendships
• Support charitable causes

Who Can Join?
Men aged 18+ who are interested in:
• Personal development
• Making a positive impact
• Building meaningful connections

With 116 lodges across Buckinghamshire, you'll find the perfect fit for your journey into Freemasonry.
✨ Take the first step in your Masonic journey this winter ✨

Interested in learning more?
Contact our Membership team today to discover how Freemasonry can enrich your life.
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Twice a year we hold a Bring a Friend event, where current Buckinghamshire Masons can bring a friend / colleague / family member to find out more and ask questions.

Our most recent event was held at the Slough Masonic Centre and focused on some of the province's special interest lodges.

Dozens of brethren arrived at the centre to begin the setup as early as 7 am!  

The teams got to work setting up their promotional tables for the afternoons event, but at approximately 9 am work ceased and the brethren Moved upstairs to the temple for an early meeting of the Buckinghamshire classic car Lodge featuring the fantastic project transform in all its splendour.

Upon completion of the ceremony and Lodge closure, the brethren then retired downstairs to finalise any tables that required setting up but also tuck into a hearty hot buffet style lunch and were able to meet and greet the guests who had began arriving at noon. The guests had time to casually walk around each of the Lodge displays and engage in conversation with the brethren,  the Special interest lodges had set up their tables with promotional information, photographs and videos to provide a visual representation of what their lodges had to offer around the edges of the hall.

At 1 pm, everyone assembled in the main dining hall, which was laid out like a theatre, for the presentation to begin. John King, one of the provincial executives opened the day greeting the guests and brethren before handing over to Lee Buckingham & John Palman who look after the communications and membership side of the province.  Matthew Perkins then delivered a detailed explanation of the charity side of Freemasonry, covering International, National and Provincial aspects of what we do.

On completion of the presentation carried out band an open question & answers session the guests were then taken up into the temple for a insight into what happens inside a meeting with a further question and answer session. 

Once this was over they returned back downstairs and continued conversations with the numerous lodges that were on display with the event finally drawing to a close at around 3 pm.

A lot of work went into delivering this day, the reward being a lot of the guests signing up to take their enquiries further.


On June 29, Buckinghamshire Freemasons held their BIG 1-2-3 event at Freemasons' Hall 👏

Over 650 attendees witnessed 75 Initiations, 36 Second Degrees, and 39 Master Masons being Raised in one (very organised) day 🤯

Fourteen months of meticulous planning went into this one day to ensure every detail was perfect. Despite the scale of the event, there was no compromise on quality or impact. Each ritual was performed with the same care, precision, and dedication, ensuring every Candidate experienced the full significance of Freemasonry's timeless traditions 🤝

Read all about it on our blog⏬
🔗https://i.mtr.cool/dzckkmnnnr

BRAM STOKER

Abraham "Bram" Stoker (8 November 1847 – 20 April 1912) was an Irish novelist and short story writer, best known for his 1897 Gothic novel Dracula.

Stoker is shown in Grand Lodge records as having joined only one Lodge: the Buckingham and Chandos Lodge, No. 1150, which was formed by Officers and Sergeants of the 1st Middlesex Artillery Volunteers. 

Stoker gave his occupation as author and, although his work Dracula had not yet achieved the renown it would gain in later years, he did write other novels whilst continuing with his daytime job. Initiated in February 1883, he remained a mason for only six years according to records available and appears not to have taken office. 

The Legacy of Dracula:

Despite his close working relationship with his colleague and brother Freemason, Irving, the biographers intimate that Stoker held a secret and latent resentment against Irving which may have contributed to the development of the character Dracula, which was his Magnus Opum.

Undoubtedly Irving was a success story and Stoker may have seen himself very much a side act in the scheme of things.

In this way the possible harboured resentment had conjured an image of Irving as someone who “drained the creative life out of all those around him”, a suitable caricature of a blood feeding creature.

Not only was Irving a friend of Princes and Prime Ministers, he may have had his amours especially as he was estranged from his wife.  In some respects Stoker may have seemed unequal to Irving given his popularity.

As a possible result of this enmity, Stoker has left a remarkable legacy as the creator of Dracula, although there had been other “vampire” creations before him.

The Dracula name may have had its origins in the Gaelic phrase “dhroch fhola”, pronounced “druck ulla” meaning of bad blood. Equally, it may have its stem in the historical name from South Eastern Europe of Vlad Dracul.

Adding the letter “a” to Dracul gives it the meaning “son of”, thus Dracula.

The novel, which is in the public domain, has been adapted for film over 30 times, and its characters have made numerous appearances in virtually all media.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join?

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year.

This is the diary for the coming month.

We will be showcasing some of our special interest lodges to prospective new masonic members, giving a chance for an open Q&A session in a relaxed environment and an opportunity to meet freemasons of Buckinghamshire.

Shooting, Camping, Real Ale, Fine Wine, Aviation, to name but a few.

OSCAR WILDE

Brother Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 18, 1854. A literary prodigy at a young age, Wilde won the highest honour awarded by receiving the Royal School Scholarship at Trinity College. Soon after enrolling in Trinity College, he was admitted to the Magdalen College in Oxford and moved his life and career to England.

At Oxford, Wilde was a popular student admired by his peers. It was one of his most privileged friends at the time, Prince Leopold, the sixth son of Queen Victoria, that would incite his interest in Freemasonry. Brother Leopold was already an active Freemason at the time and encouraged Wilde to join the university’s prestigious lodge, Apollo University Lodge No. 357. The Apollo Lodge holds the same esteem to this day.

Brother Wilde’s interest in Freemasonry was also likely a result of his father, Sir Wiliam Robert Wills Wilde, who had been an active Mason in Ireland.

Wilde was proposed to the Apollo University Lodge on February 16, 1875 and was initiated soon after on February 23.  Being under age Oscar was initiated by special dispensation, this is because the Oxford and Cambridge University Lodges, Apollo University and Isaac Newton respectively, enjoy blanket dispensation to initiate candidates under the age of 21.

In 1876, Wilde joined a second lodge, the Churchill Lodge No. 478 and became a Junior Deacon in 1877. Unfortunately, his Masonic journey ended following his four years in school where he separated himself from Roman Catholicism and active participation in Freemasonry. He was dropped from Apollo University Lodge in 1878 for “non-payment of dues” (NPD) and was similarly removed from the Churchill Lodge in 1883.
While his participation in Freemasonry may have been short lived, much of his life’s work and philosophies share similarities with the values and interests of Freemasons.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

not to be missed Royal Arch Event

Today we held the annual general meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street,  one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London. 

Over 500 Freemasons of Buckinghamshire, along with Friends and family attended for this great annual event.

The following link will take you to the Provincial Grand Masters address.

https://buckspgl.org/blog/provincial-grand-masters-annual-address-2024 

Over 500 Brethren, Family & Friends will shortly be arriving at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Buckinghamshire Annual Provincial Meeting.  A great day of celebration amongst friends and Brothers.

In today's fast-paced world, many of us are looking for a deeper sense of purpose and a way to make a meaningful impact. Freemasonry offers a unique path to achieving both.
As a Freemason, you'll join a centuries-old tradition of community service and personal growth. Our organisation provides opportunities to contribute to local causes, support those in need, and positively transform lives. Whether it's organising charity events, mentoring youth, or supporting local initiatives, Freemasons work together to create lasting change.

But Freemasonry is more than just charitable work. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Through our stories, teachings, and fellowship, you'll gain new perspectives on life, develop leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships. This combination of personal growth and community service often leads our members to discover a profound sense of purpose.
By joining Buckinghamshire Freemasons, you're embarking on a life-changing journey. You'll have the chance to make a real difference in your community while simultaneously growing as an individual.
Ready to find your purpose and have a lasting impact?
Join us today and start your Masonic journey. 
For people based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor the rest of the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/find-your-nearest-masonic-centre/lookup-area

Together, we can build a better world, one good deed at a time.

Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year.

This is the diary for the coming month.

If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to be part of freemasonry and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

The countdown has begun for our annual meeting at Freemasons Hall, London. Approximately 500 brethren, family and friends will be in attendance to watch and support fellow Brothers receive appointments and promotions within the grand setting of this magnificent art deco building, Home of the United grand Lodge of England.

GEORGE VI 

(Albert Frederick Arthur George, Duke of York) was born on 14 December 1895 in Sandringham, Norfolk, and was King of the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952.

George VI was initiated in Navy Lodge No. 2612 on 2 December 1919 and was installed as its Master in 1921. An enthusiastic Freemason, he joined several Lodges and different masonic orders. He was the Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1923 and Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex from 1924 until 1937.

He was elected Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1936 and was appointed a Past Grand Master of England in 1937. Although he formally withdrew from Freemasonry after he was crowned King of England in 1937, he personally installed his brother, George, Duke of Kent, as Grand Master in 1939, the Earl of Harewood in 1943 and the Duke of Devonshire in 1948.

The several items of regalia that belonged to King George VI including aprons, jewels and sashes. An oil painting of George VI is also housed in Freemasons' Hall by S

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Ray Lewis former singer of the Drifters, was initiated into Freemasonry at Great Queen Street as part of the big 100 back in 2021,

The evening was not just a raising for Ray but it was also the launch of Project Transform at Thame Masonic Hall, which is also an Oxfordshire Centre,  the last of the Buckinghamshire centres to have this fantastic system installed and rolled out, which both Leaders of Masonry John Clark and Stephen Tucker united in the completion of.

The lights and music that accompany the ceremony make it even more special adding a more dramatic effect to the evening, greatly enhancing the experience for Ray, who was overjoyed by his ceremony.

The evening was incredibly well attended, with executive representation from Oxfordshire wanting to see Project transform in action and delivered as a 3rd degree ceremony.

Ray Lewis was initiated into Freemasonry at Great Queen Street as part of the big 100 back in 2021, what made this evening and ceremony more special was it was conducted at the Thame temple which is in Oxfordshire but used as a temple for several Buckinghamshire lodges. 

One of his fellow band members also volunteered to come along and perform for him. The Drifter was able to sit back and enjoy a brilliant performance from his friend and fellow band member at the festive board. A fantastic end to a wonderful evening.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link:
https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

On Saturday 19th October, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will be hosting the next in a series of successful Bring a Friend events, however with a unique twist, to show off the Province's incredible range of Special Interest Lodges to those existing masons, as well as any initiates. 

Event Details:
Date: Saturday 19th October
Time: 12:30 - 3:00PM 
(arrive from 12:00 for registration, presentations begin at 1.00PM)
Location: Slough Masonic Centre, 76 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX

Prospective initiates and interested joiners can experience:

-The good reasons to join Freemasonry, including personal growth, leadership development, and community impact.
-Talk with members of special interest Lodges and hear why they are so brilliant.
-Meet special interest Lodges that cater to a wide range of hobbies and passions.
-Discover the exciting special interest themed events that take place regularly in the province.

Also come along for:

-A display of classic cars and motorcycles in the car park.
-Showcase exhibition of our special interests within Freemasonry.
-Open Bar and Refreshments as well as a light buffet are provided for all attendees.
-This event is your gateway to discovering the incredible variety that exists within Buckinghamshire Freemasonry. 

Feel free to bring friends and family, the more, the merrier!

Secure your free place now by going to the below link:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-freemasonry-special-interest-2024