Being a Freemason means something different to everybody, and it's unique to those who join. Freemasonry provides a feeling of togetherness and belonging. There is more that brings members together than separates them. Freemasonry offers friendship, formality, ritual, curiosity, and the opportunity to learn more every day. Freemasonry teaches tolerance and acceptance of all others as brothers. Its members come from all walks of life and many different backgrounds.
Freemasonry is still incredibly relevant to people’s lives today, bringing people together in a fractured society. Freemasonry has evolved to meet the age in which it lives and continues to evolve today. Freemasonry is a great leveller, where everybody there is your brother. Join today!

If you live in Buckinghamshire and are a man of 18 years or older, you can express your interest here: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling out the short form, our membership team will be in touch.

There are two ways women can be freemasons.
The Order of Women Freemasons: https://www.owf.org.uk/join/
Freemasonry for Women (HFAF): https://hfaf.org/hfaf-official/how-to-join/

For anyone that does not live in Buckinghamshire, please follow this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/join-freemasonry/register-your-interest

Today, we celebrate women's incredible achievements and contributions worldwide. From science and the arts to leadership and charity, women continue to inspire and shape our society for the better 👏

Did you know that Women Freemasons have been meeting in the UK for over 100 years? UGLE and the women's Grand Lodges follow the same rules and regulations and promote Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service 🤝
Join us in honouring the remarkable women who make a difference every day!
💙

🔗https://f.mtr.cool/ltftwuukfu


The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons

Yesterday,   welcomed Provincial Grand Charity Steward Mark Duncan, Captain Bill Holland and Volunteer Coordinator Ewan Gordon.

They saw the new cuddle beds, which are used in the Hospice Inpatient Unit

In the Summer of 2023 Buckinghamshire Freemasons organised a 50-mile walk across Pilgrim’s Way to raise funds for the Hospice. Forty incredible walkers battled torrential rain and strong winds during the walk.

Initially, the team set out to fund one cuddle bed, but through generous donations and the commitment of the walkers to their fundraising, the walkers raised £31,000, enough to buy two beds !

Mark, Bill and Ewan were warmly welcomed by the Charity's CEO, Jo Turner and IPU Ward Sister Tracey Batt, who showed them how they worked and talked about their impact. The beds arrived in December, and the Hospice has already seen the wonderful difference they make to the patients, their families and pets, offering a place to cuddle up as a family in their precious final days together.

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

When a new Brother is Initiated into a Craft Lodge, he is invested with an apron during the ceremony. When a new Companion is Exalted into a Chapter, he is invested with a different apron and also has an additional jewel and sash to wear.

The ribbons and the background to the Royal Arch logo on the apron change from white to red then blue as the Companion progresses in the order.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons now have a TiKTok account, we are hoping to grow this channel along with our others. 

Please find our account here:

https://www.tiktok.com/@buckinghamshire.f?_t=ZN-8tt5XtGniKs&_r=1

Happy Valentines Day to our NHS

100 Doctors and Nurses at Stoke Mandeville Hospital received Chocolate Hearts or Chocolate Roses courtesy of Buckinghamshire Freemasons.

Bill Smithson, a member of   went on a shopping spree across Bucks from Milton Keynes to Aylesbury to buy the chocolates ready for Valentines Day.  Bill said “ In an overstretched NHS the staff don’t stop caring and neither should we”

The chocolates were donated to Elaine at the Hospital’s Acts of Kindness Team, for her to distribute, and later this morning she wrote “Thanks again Bill, I have shared them with A&E, the Medical Doctors team, the same day emergency assessment department, and wards 15,16,17 & 18….They were delighted !”

A further 20 gifts were left by Bill for The   staff to let them know they are always close to our hearts in Freemasonry.

 

The Officers in a Royal Arch Chapter have different names to those in a Craft Lodge but have equivalent roles.

A Chapter is conjointly ruled by the Most Excellent Zerubbabel, Haggai and Joshua and are called the Principals whereas a Lodge is ruled over by the Worshipful Master. They each carry a sceptre and wear colourful robes.

Scribe Ezra is the equivalent of a Secretary and Scribe Nehemiah is like the Inner Guard. The Janitor outside the door is the same as a Tyler.

A Chapter has 3 additional officers called Sojourners. They are an integral part of the joining ceremony which is known as an Exaltation.

The remaining officers have the same names as their Craft counterparts: Treasurer, Director of Ceremonies, Almoner, Charity Steward, Assistant Director of Ceremonies and Stewards.

All officers wear collars with the jewel of their office appended but are coloured red.

When Initiated into a Lodge, a Brother joins Craft Freemasonry. The Supreme Degree of the Royal Arch is a continuation of his Masonic Journey which has an indissoluble link to the Craft. The Joining Ceremony for the Royal Arch is called an Exaltation. The members are called Companions and they meet in Chapters.

Chapters, like Lodges, are grouped into Provinces, based on old County boundaries, with the Supreme Grand Chapter overseeing all of the Provinces.

Joining the Royal Arch is the natural progression from the Craft as the Ceremony addresses the missing knowledge from the events described in Third Degree Ceremony. Membership of the Royal Arch is also a gateway into joining many other Orders within Freemasonry.

The Members of Inglefield Lodge, with friends and family, all came together to celebrate Albert Joynson 'Kip' Griffiths' 50 year Long Service Award at the Slough Masonic Centre on the 29th January 2025.

Kip was initiated 50 years ago to the very day! Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Matthew Eaton, gave a brief history of Kip's life, as well as his extensive Masonic career.

Kip's partner, daughters and son-in-law were invited to attend and they surprised Kip when they, along with all the other guests, were invited into the Lodge room to witness this very special occasion.

A superb meal after the meeting, known as the Festive Board, finished off the evening with another presentation to Kip by way of a cake made by Bev Harfield.

Well done to everyone involved in organising this fantastic celebration event.

November 15th 1943 was the day seven Freemasons created a Masonic lodge while imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp and in recent times a sculpture commemorating them was unveiled.

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.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ 

Today 27th Jan, is Holocaust Memorial Day, the 80th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous of the Nazi’s death camps.
A chance for all to remember the millions that have lost their lives just because of their differences. 

—-

The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.

Deaths: Around 6 million Jews
Start date: 1941
End date: 8 May 1945

Olney Masonic Club - Making Dreams Come True!

What started as a simple conversation led W Bro Eugene Matthias, our 'Freemasonry in the Community' coordinator, to the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney and became something extraordinary.

The museum had long dreamed of a new kitchen and a beautifully redecorated shop to enhance the visitors' experience. Unfortunately, rising costs made those dreams seem unattainable.

But dreams do come true! The Olney Masonic Club stepped in, teaming up with Bathrooms by Harpers (Ed & Mario) to bring this dream to life. 

The museum needed £600 to reach its goal, and we were proud to cover the shortfall. Ed and Mario went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.

To celebrate this special occasion, the museum staff and OMC (Freemasons) marked the presentation in style, dressing up to commemorate the moment.

The Olney Masonic Club is proud to  support our local community.

Stay tuned for updates on the shop’s transformation!

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Royal Order of Scotland 
Authentic documentary proof in the archives of the Grand Lodge gives rise to the popular assertion that the Royal Order of Scotland is senior to every other Masonic system, except for the Craft. The Grand Lodge is recorded as having first met in 1769. 

From the earliest written recordings of meetings, the Order claimed that the King of Scots was the Hereditary Grand Master, and a seat is always kept vacant for him at every meeting of each Provincial Grand Lodge, and all meetings of Grand Lodge. The Order is administered from Edinburgh. 

Membership of this elite Order is highly prized, admission is by invitation only to Master Masons of 5 years and upwards, by two current members of this Order.

You can read more about them here: https://www.royalorderscotland.org/

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Pilgrim's Walk Benefits Florence Nightingale Hospice.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons, under the banner of Freemasonry in the Community, made a 50 mile Pilgrim's Walk in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

The Hospice wished to purchase new Cuddle beds, which are Hospital-style double beds, enabling partners to sleep in the same bed as their loved ones during their final days and hours, to create an endearing and loving memory.

Just before Christmas, Tracey Batt, IPU Ward Sister said;
Here at the Hospice we never underestimate the power of touch and a hug. We see all the time how being near loved ones, offers comfort when it is needed most and we are so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to purchase two Embrace Cuddle beds which were installed this week.

Being able to now offer patients and those they love, the opportunity to lie side by side, to snuggle children up with parents or grandparents is simply wonderful.

Within hours of installing these new adaptable beds, we were able to use them to their full advantage when a couple stayed overnight together in the bed. We witnessed the emotional impact and benefit of being able to spend precious time, when time is short, hugging closely together and it provided us with an insight into how valuable these beds will really be to the care we provide to our patient and families.

We are so grateful to all those who walked many miles on the Pilgrim's Walk, through awful rainy conditions, to raise funds to enable us to purchase these beds, without them, it simply would not have been possible. Thank you to Buckinghamshire Freemasons for making this possible.

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

 

PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Prince Philip started his life in Freemasonry in 1952, at the age of 31. He was initiated into Navy Lodge No. 2612, on 5 December.
On 6 March 1953, Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he has remained a member until his death.

The Duke of Edinburgh was born in Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. He therefore also held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark.
Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Prince Louis, who was Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord. He had a long and successful career in the Navy and rose to the rank of Commander.
Prince Philip was also a qualified pilot and was the first member of the Royal Family ever to fly out of Buckingham Palace in a helicopter.

He was known to drop into meetings at his Freemasons Lodge almost unannounced. Navy Lodge has a storied past and an amazing roster of luminaries appear upon its membership roll. The Lodge prides itself on being the premier Naval Lodge in the world, with an unparalleled history that includes four monarchs as past members – King Edward VII, King Edward VIII, King George VI and King George II of the Hellenes.

The former Duke of Edinburgh was patron or president of some 800 organisations, with special interests in scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and conservation and the environment.

Freemasons can also count other members of the Royal Family among their number, including HRH The Duke of Kent, who is the longest-serving Grand Master of the UGLE.

As well as members of the Royal Family, Navy Lodge can proudly name three winners of the Victoria Cross among its past and present members; numerous Admirals, Generals, Vice-Admirals and Senior Officers; as well as other notables such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, Robert Scott – known as ‘Scott of the Antarctic’ – and many more.

Elsewhere, there is also a Duke of Edinburgh Lodge, No. 1182, Liverpool, which was issued a warrant on 2 July 1867 and was consecrated on 1 August 1867. The Lodge was named after Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, who was then Duke of Edinburgh. He was born on 6 August 1844, the second son of Queen Victoria.

In addition, there is a Duke of Edinburgh Lodge in London, No. 1259, which was consecrated on 4 May 1869. The Lodge was also named after Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, who became Duke of Edinburgh in 1866.

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. 

Dagmar Rugby Lodge and MK Alliance Project.

The annual Buckinghamshire Provincial membership scheme, the 12 Days of Christmas (12DX) this year included Dagmar Lodge, which is a Special Interest Lodge with a rugby theme.

At their 12DX meeting, the members and visitors of Dagmar Lodge donated to support the MK Alliance Project, a school and community-based initiative to improve access to high quality rugby in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas for children of all backgrounds.

It currently involves over 16 Schools and around 70 players, giving both new and experienced players the opportunity to be given free coaching and play competitive rugby. All the coaches and first aiders generously give their time for free.

The donation from Dagmar Lodge enables the players to be provided with a warm meal after games. This also helps them build new bonds and friendships, allowing them to grow their social skills and improve their confidence.

The Alliance is also a 'Safe Place' which gives players the opportunity to share any issues or problems they might have outside of the game in confidence, knowing it is safe to do so.

This is an example of grass roots rugby at its finest and with the help of Dagmar Lodge and Buckinghamshire Freemasons, the Alliance will help to grow the love of the game in its basic format and make a huge difference within the local community.

If you would like to be part of 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. 

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

The Operatives
The full title of this Order is the Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Walkers, Slaters, Paviours, Plaisterers and Bricklayers, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Commonwealth, and Territories Overseas. It is often familiarly known as the ‘The Worshipful Society of Freemasons’. 

Operative or Guild Masons were organized in England with royal approval dating at least from as early as the Grand Assemblage of 926 in York, which is reputed to have been authorized and encouraged by King Athelstan. The constitutions of the Society state that the Order was founded in 1913. The ritual of The Operatives as they are familiarly called, is more archaic in form and much fuller than that of the ‘speculatives’, containing practical instruction of which only echoes are found in speculative ritual, thereby providing an interesting field of study for the serious Masonic student. 

Lodge meetings are held in Assemblages.

The degrees of the Society are seven in number. 

The regalia is minimal and consists of a blue cord or blue collarette from which is suspended the badge of the member’s grade.
Badges are simply exchanged as progression is made. All members wear the distinctive Society tie.
 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Master Mason, a Mark Master Mason, and a Royal Arch Mason.
Find out more here: https://www.theoperatives.org/

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to the Royal Order of Scotland

Calibre audio: Charity Number 286614 was founded in 1974 to provide audio
Books for people of all ages who are unable to read the printed word which can
be due to visual impairment, special educational needs or challenges in
dexterity with conditions such as dyslexia, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
Many are children with SEN and older members with age related visual
impairment which can lead to isolation, their service brings comfort and
companionship and a connection with the outside world. They also supply
streaming and download options and support 396 Members across
Buckinghamshire.

BMCF have Donated £1,000 to buy new memory sticks and were sent the
following Testimonial:

“Our current crop of memory sticks is starting to show their age, so we thank
Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund who very generously awarded us a grant of
£1,000 which will help us to continue our quick turnround of audiobooks. Many
thanks, we really appreciate your support and so will our beneficiaries in the
country.”

Carol Hart

As John Clark prepares to step down as the Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire on March 18, 2025, the Freemasons of the Province reflect on his impactful tenure. Over the past 7½ years, under his leadership, Buckinghamshire has not only become the fastest-growing and best-performing Province in the United Grand Lodge of England but has also left a lasting legacy on its members.

A Vision for Growth
John Clark's leadership was characterised by his vision for expansion. He tackled the membership challenge directly, stating, "Membership is the lifeblood of our organisation. Without a strong membership base, all other aspects of our work suffer." His strategy, developed with his team, focused on innovative marketing and engagement to attract and retain members. This approach led to four consecutive years of growth, underscoring the effectiveness of his initiatives.

Family and Freemasonry
John’s passion for Freemasonry extended into his personal life, witnessing the progression of his sons, Jack and David, within the Craft. "Seeing my sons take on progressive roles within Freemasonry has been one of the greatest joys of my tenure," he shared. Both sons have not only been initiated but have also served as Provincial Stewards, Masters, and then Secretaries of their respective lodges, demonstrating their commitment and leadership.

Innovative Initiatives
John's tenure wasn't just about numbers; it was about enhancing the Masonic experience. Inspired by him, "Project Transform" was launched to upgrade lodge room facilities and ceremonies. "We wanted to make Freemasonry not just a tradition but a theatrical experience," he explained. This project aimed to make ceremonies more engaging and meaningful.

A Digital Leap Forward
Recognising the need for a modern approach, John's team introduced a digital platform for managing membership enquiries, streamlining data, and improving executive reporting. This system, known as HeliPAD, was pivotal during the lockdown when traditional methods were impractical. Its success led the United Grand Lodge of England’s IT team under Past Bucks Deputy Hugh Douglas-Smyth to develop Portal, a comprehensive system amalgamating various administrative functions.

Community and Engagement
John fostered a vibrant community spirit through innovative engagement during the lockdown, hosting "Zoom Into Freemasonry" calls, family quiz nights, and virtual pub gatherings. "We had to adapt," John remarked, noting these events not only maintained interest but also boosted membership inquiries.

Hallstone Milestones
His leadership led to significant achievements:
• BIG 100: Initiating over 100 candidates in a day at Freemasons' Hall, London.
• Pretty BIG: Inspiring 17 lodges over seven days at seven meeting centres to initiate 30 new Freemasons. John attended all 17 meetings.
• BIG 1-2-3: Celebrating 150 first, second, and third degrees in one day at Grand Lodge. John personally raised 40 candidates on this day at Freemasons Hall.
• 12DX: Conducting 150 initiations over three consecutive Christmas seasons, known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Looking to the Future
As he retires in March, John leaves a Province revitalised with new standards of growth and engagement. His successor, W. Bro. Tim Anders, will be installed on March 19, 2025. "I am confident that Tim will have your support to keep the momentum going," John said, promising his continuous support to Tim and his wife, Steph. He also congratulated Bill Smithson, the incoming Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM) designate, previously held by Tim Anders.

A Grateful Farewell
In his final message, John expressed his gratitude: "It has been my great privilege to lead this outstanding Province. Together, we have transformed our organisation from 30 years of decline to become the fastest-growing and best-performing Province in the United Grand Lodge of England. I extend my deepest thanks to all who have contributed to our ongoing success."

John Clark's legacy is one of growth, innovation, and family, revitalising the Province and setting a tradition that will inspire future generations. As he steps down in March, the Freemasons of Buckinghamshire will bid him farewell, wishing him and his wife, Sarah, health and happiness in their future endeavours.

This week, eight lodges in Buckinghamshire have initiated 14 new members into Freemasonry.
Our centres in Aylesbury, Marlow, Slough, Beaconsfiled, Wolverton, Stony Stratford, and Bletchley all celebrated 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) in style, with a final total of sixty initiations being conducted in the season.

There were many amazing highlights, including triple initations at both Temple Manor Lodge and Dagmar Lodge. 
Newly made Bro Toby was initiated into Temple Manor Lodge by his father, in the company of his uncle and grandfather. 

In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons have presented the 'Gift of Freemasonry' to over 150 people during the last three seasons of 12DX. Over 80 lodges have participated in this annual event. 

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