An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

WANDSMAN OF ST PAULS CATHEDRAL
Name: Kevin Ogilvie
Age: 63
Location: Uxbridge
Joined: 2006
Lodge: Industria, Addington

Kevin is a Wandsman at St Paul's Cathedral. Kevin and the team welcome many tens of thousands of people to the cathedral from all over the world each year. 
Kevin enjoys explaining certain aspects of the building, why only part of the ceiling is decorated, explaining the American chapel to our visitors from across the pond and at Christmas directing young Harry Potter fans to the concentric staircase which was used in some of the films. (it is normally closed to visitors). They also host large scale events such as the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and has been host to many famous ambassadors such as The Archbishop of Canterbury.

Kevin's favourite part of Freemasonry is helping and being there for others, in freemasonry we are constantly being encouraged to "be more conscious of the needs to others". It encourages you to be selfless, give to charitable causes (only what you can) and support others in their time of need.

Supporting each other is a large part of what Kevin enjoys in freemasonry. In Freemasonry, you are immediately made to feel welcome, there is a real sense of camaraderie and support that you won't find anywhere else. 

Everyone is eager to support and help you on your journey. So why not join today.

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

Neleus Lodge No. 3062 was one of the first Lodges in Buckinghamshire to embrace the Members Pathway which helps Lodges to organise the recruitment of new members.

Congratulations to Bobby Uppal on becoming Worshipful Master of this historic Lodge with all the main roles within the Lodge being held by the new members they have gained via the Pathway.

Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as the author Mark Twain, was an American writer and humourist. Today he is readily associated with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among his many others works. Twain was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri. He became an apprentice to a printer at age 12, and shortly thereafter became a Mississippi River pilot - the experience that sparked Twain’s interest in joining Freemasonry.

Mark Twain presented his petition to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 of Saint Louis on December 26, 1860.  Polar Star Lodge No. 79 was primarily made up of River Pilots at this time, giving us a hint as to why Mark Twain might have been inspired to join the Craft in the first place.

In a twist of events shortly after Twain had been raised as a Master Mason, he left for the Nevada Territory to work as the private secretary to his brother Orion, who was secretary of the Nevada Territory and was subsequently suspended from his home lodge. Twain’s fraternal activity was put on hold for the most part, and there is not a lot of evidence of Lodge visits or conversations about his Masonic practices during this time. Once Twain returned to “the States” however, his Masonic interests expanded.

In April of 21, Mark Twain petitioned for readmission to his home Lodge and was reinstated.

The beloved novelist soon became a busy man; writing, tours, and the beginnings of fame kept him away from Saint Louis for long periods of time. On one of his first trips exploring Europe and the Near East, Twain is said to have been greatly impressed by Lebanon and its connection to Freemasonry. He ended up retrieving a piece of cedar and had it made into a gavel to send back to the Worshipful Master of his mother Lodge.

According to The Masonic Dictionary, “The Cedars of Lebanon are frequently referred to in the legends of Freemasonry, especially in the advanced Degrees; not, however, on account of any symbolical signification, but rather because of the use made of them by Solomon and Zerubbabel in the construction of their respective Temples.”

Phoenixmasonry.org reports that Twain “sent his lodge a gavel with this note: ‘This mallet is a cedar, cut in the forest of Lebanon, whence Solomon obtained the timbers for the Temple.’

Clemens cut the handle himself from a cedar just outside the walls of Jerusalem. He had it made in Alexandria, Egypt…”

---

Taken from: “Mark Twain and Freemasonry”, by Alexander E. Jones. Source: American Literature, Vol. 26, No. 3 (Nov., 1954), pp. 363-373. Published by: Duke University Press.

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

The Last Master Parchment Maker in the World
Name: Lee Mapley
Age: 43
Location: Newport Pagnell
Joined: 2014
Lodge: Manor of Swanburn

Lee works at William Cowley in Newport Pagnell as a traditional parchment and vellum maker. He creates products that may be found in libraries, municipal buildings, and museums all across the globe, including the United Grand Lodge of England and the Palace of Westminster.
"I use organic materials to create beautiful products that are perfect for writing on. We do not use toxic chemicals, but instead depend on hard labour, like others in my profession have for over 1000 years. When I'm making parchment or vellum. I am following in the footsteps of mediaeval artisans, and I am proud to be carrying on the legacy." 

Lee has grown confidence in public speaking throughout his 9 years as a Freemason, which has helped him in social situations. Lee first joined to discover more about the mysteries and history of Freemasonry because "it was intriguing, and I wanted to learn more." Lee said. He has remained for the companionship and the chance of raising funds for local charity.

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

Rick Wakeman

Rick is a member of the London Chelsea Lodge, contrary to what you might first imagine, the Lodge derives it name not from any links to that part of West London but from a group of entertainers who, in 1905, were appearing at the old Chelsea Theatre in London’s West End and sought dispensation to form a new Lodge.

Rick became a Freemason in 2007 and the support that his mother had received from the Lodge when his father passed away became a catalyst for him to join Chelsea Lodge, No. 3098, known as the world-renowned “Entertainers’ Lodge”

He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to Music and Broadcasting.

He had a prolific career in the music industry playing keyboards, and he is still playing today. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s.

One of his famous albums of the early 1970’s was The Six Wives of Henry VIII, which was a seminal work of its time and was highly acclaimed.

An instrumental progressive rock album, its concept was based on his interpretations of the musical characteristics of the wives of Henry VIII.

The album The Six Wives of Henry VIII received mostly positive reviews from critics and reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 30 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

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.
Red Cross of Constantine
The full title of this Order is The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist.
Meetings are held in conclaves.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’. 
The regalia consists of a purple sash and a red cross breast jewel.
 
The Order is based on the conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity after seeing a sign from heaven in the form of a special cross. He directed that this cross should be worn on the armour of Christians in his army. A conclave of the knights of the order was formed whose members were the bodyguard of the sovereign. The candidate is admitted and obligated then made a Knight Companion where the history of the Order is detailed. There are two appendant ceremonies where the aims of Freemasonry are revealed.

You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/red-cross-of-constantine

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

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

A COLD WEATHER EXPLORER
Name: James Redden
Age: 52
Location: Chinnor
Joined: 2021
Lodge: Haddenham

James is a cold weather explorer. He often participates in arctic expeditions in some of the harshest environments on the planet. He has skied to the North Pole, skied through Greenland and Norway (twice), and held the world record for sprinting 400 kilometres over the frozen surface of Lake Baikal in Russia for a brief period of time.

The part of Freemasonry that James enjoys the most is being able to help people who are less fortunate via charitable work. James explained that Freemasonry is like a "family of men who all hold similar and strong values." Charity is at the heart of our organisation; during all of our activities as Freemasons, we strive to raise money for charitable causes, albeit the specific causes on which we focus might vary from lodge to lodge.

James' participation in Freemasonry has provided him with insights into many aspects of life that he may not have been exposed to otherwise. This is owing to the large amount of experience and personalities that are a part of Freemasonry, as well as the diverse range of communities and charitable organisations that we are able to lend a hand to.

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

Over the last 6 months, we have given you a brief insight into our current special interest lodges, we hope you have enjoyed reading about them. 

To summarise:

Shooting - Slough Daylight Lodge 9699
Rugby - Dagmar Lodge 2262
Fine Wine - Orion Lodge 8756
Aviation - Lodge of Concorde 8721
Walking - Stephens Lodge 3089
Craft Beer - Hughenden Lodge 6308
Motorbikes - Buckinghamshire Motorcycle Lodge 9926
Emergency Services - Bucks Emergency Services Lodge 3077
Curry - Old Paludians Lodge 7181
Masonic History & Research - Eric Deung Lodge 9695
Classic Cars - Buckinghamshire Classic Car Lodge 9945
Camping & Caravanning - Nomadic Lodge 9978
Cricket - Lilly Lodge of Richmond 820
Military - Pegasus Lodge 5637
Military - Household Division 9545

Coming Soon:

Country Pursuits - Golden Fleece 4739
Football Lodge - NEW LODGE

If you would like to be part of any of these specific lodges, or a lodge that suits your location & availability that form part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: 

https://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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

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.

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, Plaisterer’s 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/
Next week we will introduce you to The Red Cross of Constantine.

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

Household Division - 9545

The Household Division Lodge is one of three Lodges associated to the Brigade of Guards. This includes Household Brigade Lodge 2614 for Commissioned Officers, Comrades Lodge 2740 for senior Sergeants and Warrant Officers and The Household Division Lodge 9545 which serves to provide a Masonic Lodge for all ranks.

In 1993, founding Secretary, W.Bro. Peter Hardwick (former Grenadier Guards) had made a comment that he would like to have a Lodge close to Windsor, which was an ancestral home of the Guards. His comment was met with another that founding Treasurer, W.Bro. Derek Stratford MBE (Former Life Guards) would also like a Lodge with the same foundations as members of Comrades Lodge had grown tired of travelling to London for meetings. With this, the seed was sewn and both met with W.Bro. Reg Clark (former Grenadier Guards) to discuss forming a Lodge to promote Masonry amongst both serving and ex-serving members of the Household Division.

These Brethren that had sought to bring the Lodge to it's present standing received a tremendous amount of help from the Provincial Grand Master at the time R.W.Bro. Lt.Col. The Hon. Lord Burnham, himself a former Scots Guards Officer, who was due to be the first Worshipful Master of the Household Division Lodge.

As the idea grew, commitments were agreed and on 24th April 1993 the first Founders Meeting was held at the Grenadier Club, Windsor. At the meeting it was decided that it would be the intention of the Founders to bring together brethren of all military ranks who have served, or are serving with any of the seven regiments of the Household Division, together with members of other regiments who have served with for not less than twelve months with a unit of the Household Division. Also that members of the Lodge be permitted to wear the Brigade of Guards tie at meetings in place of the usual black tie. This honour being granted dispensation from Grand Lodge following the request by Lord Burnham. As the Lodge moved closer to consecration Lord Burnham tragically died, and therefore the honour of Primus Master was passed to former National Service Grenadier Guards Drummer W.Bro. Reg Clark - in a move seen to demonstrate the true ethos of an all ranks rule for the Lodge.

On 27th Mary 1994 The Household Division Lodge was consecrated, sponsored by Comrades Lodge who later presented the Masters collar. The leather warrant holder which is still used in Lodge today was presented by R.W.Bro. The Hon. Viscount Gough (former Irish Guards) on behalf of Household Brigade Lodge.

On 17th May 2019 the Lodge celebrated their silver jubilee and at the meeting initiated current Senior Warden of the Lodge Bro. Dylan Swart (former Coldstream Guards) - the ceremony being presided over by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Clark who took the gavel.

On 26th November 2011, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro Hugh Douglas-Smith attend the Lodge with a large delegation of Provincial Officers to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Signed by The DPGM on behalf of Province and Major. Spencer Jones (Coldstream Guards) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the covenant is displayed at every Lodge meeting to signify the commitment to the Armed Forces and Veterans.

Approaching its thirtieth anniversary the Lodge is in a strong position with over forty one members, candidates in the pipe line and regular meetings in excess of ninety and one hundred. The Lodges purpose for existing is to maintain a link between Masonry, the Military and the heritage of the Brigade of Guards. Military visitors are encouraged to wear their military ties at meetings, an impressive display of military medals are worn at the festive board. Meetings at the Lodge are enhanced with performances at white tables with military bands, Burns nights with their own Scots Guards Pipers and military speakers.

The Lodge is well represented by the majority of the regiments from the Division. With members coming from both serving and former members of the Life Guards, Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Welsh Guards - at present their are no Blues and Royals or Irish Guards. Their have been Worshipful Masters from all regiments, save for the Irish Guards. The Lodge has had many honours bestowed on it's members, including the Military Cross, the Military Medal, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the British Empire Medal.

Today the Lodge maintains the high standards set by the Founders. With firm desire to enhance Freemasonry with the style and panache of the Guards. Whilst offering serving soldiers and veterans a mix of their military and masonic worlds.

Meeting at the Slough Masonic Centre

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: 

https://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

A&E INJURY CONSULTANT
Name: Jim Weavill
Location: Aylesbury
Joined: 2016
Lodge: Grenville

Jim began his career in emergency medicine nearly twenty years ago with Warwickshire Ambulance Service. Beginning as a Trainee Technician, he qualified as a Paramedic and then as a Specialist Paramedic in Urgent Care.
During these two decades he served with Warwickshire, London and South Central Ambulance Services, and likely attended some 25,000 999 calls.
Incredibly, he was awarded the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal last year.
He then moved into the ED Minors Department as a Minor Illness and Injury Practitioner of a local Hospital, while now studying to progress to an ED Advanced Care Practitioner.

Jim's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the masonry. More specifically learning about the lore of the organisation and the history behind it. Jim enjoys learning the reasons behind having our various tools and symbols within the lodge room, which are key to Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is based on a set of principles on which we were founded. These are brotherly love, relief and truth. Jim mentions he has been able to apply these to his own life, which has helped him become a better person, by being more loving, upright and honest in both his personal and professional lives.
It has been difficult fort Jim with having such a busy role working in the ED department, however masonry and Grenville Lodge have been very supportive allowing him to progress in his career, as well as enjoy Freemasonry.

The great thing about Freemasonry is that you can take a break at anytime, be it for work, personal life or other, and then return to it. So why not give it a try today.

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

Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini, the Hungarian-born illusionist, is most commonly known for illusions such as his suspended straitjacket escape, buried alive trick, and the “Houdini Upside Down.” However, many people do not know the man behind the magician: Freemason Erich Weisz.

At age 17, he had become very interested in magic, following the work of magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin.  It was not overnight success for the young magician who named himself Houdini, adding an “i” to his beloved role model Houdin’s last name

Harry Houdini was initiated into St. Cecile Lodge in New York in 1923. He was proud to be a Freemason and even held a performance for the Scottish Rite Valley of New York. The event was attended by 4,000 people in the Scottish Rite Cathedral and raised money for Freemasons in need. Houdini is among a cohort of Masonic magicians like Harry Keller, Howard Thurston, and Harry Blackstone. Today, there is even an “Invisible Lodge” for Freemasons who wish to become magicians or learn about the artform.

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

A DRUMMER
Name: Rik Upjohn
Age: 37
Location: Staines
Joined: 2016
Lodge: Heatherden

Rik has been a drummer since 1998. He started while in secondary school, passing his Rockschool exam in 2001 with merit. 
Rik has been in a few bands over the years. In a previous band Rik was able to play for the Royal Household staff summer party at Windsor Castle playing 'Don't stop me now' by Queen for her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Rik is currently in a band playing hits from the 50s to the 90s and has played at many masonic functions. 

Rik's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the strong sense of community that Freemasonry fosters. He feels a sense of camaraderie and happiness as a result of his membership in Freemasonry. In some ways, it is very much like living in a family, which is a wonderful sensation. Because of this, it inspires Rik to keep going and try to improve themselves. 

It has allowed Rik's confidence to significantly develop. It has made Rik a more confident person when dealing with colleagues and stakeholders. This has helped Rik to realise what is important in their life. It has also helped him in his band as he also now sings with the band while drumming.

Freemasonry will help improve your confidence significantly, to be comfortable publicly speaking and allow you to be adept in conversation, giving you that voice you never knew you had.

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/info
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.
Allied Masonic Degree
The full title of this Order is The Grand Council of the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas. It is more familiarly know as the ‘Allied Degrees’.
Meetings are held in Councils.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Mark Master Mason and Royal Arch Mason.
The regalia consists of five breast jewels, one for each degree.
The Order is based on a collection of orders that had no central authority. The five degrees give various moral lessons including integrity and fortitude, humility, the danger of hasty judgement and the importance of truth.

Next week we will introduce you to The Operatives.

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

Lilly Lodge of Richmond 820 - The Cricket Lodge

Lily Lodge of Richmond, the Bucks Cricket Lodge has gone from six members to 23 with three more waiting to join, plus one home grown initiate in the nets in the short period of it becoming a specialist lodge. All members share a common love of the sport, with get togethers arranged outside of masonic meetings to watch the lovely game.  

When the lodge became a special interest lodge, a limited run of glasses were commissioned, these glasses are used after each meeting for a game of "Firing Glass Cricket", we will share more about this later in the year.

This lodge is one of the oldest in Buckinghamshire, Consecrated in May 1860, Meeting at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.

xxxxxxxxx

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: 

https://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

A YACHT RACER
Name: Marc Lonergan
Age: 49
Location: Eastbourne
Joined: 2013
Lodge: Planet

Marc is an Offshore and Inshore yacht racer. He started sailing in 2009 after reading about the hobby and buying his own 28ft boat. Marc over the years has significantly improved, and racing his boat "The Eclipse" he has won international and regional races and titles, claiming numerous awards. Dependent on sponsorship, Marc is looking to take on a massive challenge, completing a famous solo around the world race in 2026. 

Marc's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the lodge. Like many others he believes the meeting of the lodge is the best part of Freemasonry, he puts his enjoyment down to the "learning and brotherhood" aspects. Like many others coming into something which you can share with new friends, practice, learn, teach and work with others to create something brilliant, and different. Both in and out of meetings.

Freemasonry has helped keep him more grounded and focused. Practicing pieces which we can deliver to each other is incredibly rewarding. Marc has not only improved his mental skill but also his communication skills around others. Being part of Freemasonry enhances your ability to communicate, enhances how you are around other people, but most importantly it enhances your confidence. 

It's definitely something that can only change you for the better.

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

Several hundred sandwiches and cakes later, avoiding torrential downpours on the one hand and nettles on the other, our intrepid explorers took in some incredible views and finished the walk several hours earlier than expected! Hear them tell you in their own words why they did it.
Our target is £15,000, any donation that you make will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/e0096a-provincial-grand-lodge-of-bucks-discretionary-fund/buckinghamshire-freemasons-pilgrim-50-mile-walk
 

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is a renown athlete, Olympian, sports commentator, and Freemason who helped redefine the sport of Basketball.

Shaquille O’Neal was born in 1972 in New Jersey, known commonly as "Shaq". 
Despite his Father's absence, Shaquille grew up with structure and security. His Step-Father was a career soldier, and O'Neal spent his youth living on military bases in Germany and Texas, as well as at the Boys and Girls Club of America. His talent for basketball, along with his 7’ 1” height, became evident while he was in High School and would go on to define his career.

Brother O'Neal is now a member of Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston.

His legendary status in basketball is well known. Since 1992, he has played for six NBA teams: the Orlando Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics.

Brother O'Neal graduated from Louisiana State University, and he holds an MBA from Phoenix University. He's currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Education at Barry University. Influenced by his step-father's military background and devotion to service, Shaq has made public service a priority in his life, making untold donations to charities and organizations across the country, and even working as a reserve police officer in Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix. He has recently formed a business venture in Orlando to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

On 11th July 2023, the Provincial Grand Officers’ Club was revived by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Gary Brodie, assisted by Paul Williams.

The main event of the evening was a talk by guest speaker Tug Hartley, who was awarded the George Medal for gallantry whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment of the British Army.
Tug described the Kajaki Dam Incident on 6th September 2006 where several anti-personnel mines left over from the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan were detonated costing the life of one soldier and seven others sustaining serious injuries.

It was a very frank and moving account of what it was like to be in the situation and the subsequent consequences for Tug personally. Everyone present found it to be a fascinating insight into the realities of a war.

The PGO Club is open to all past and present Provincial Grand Officers, of and in Buckinghamshire. It meets in July at Slough and January in Bletchley. There will be a subject of interest at each meeting that you won’t normally get to see.