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

SPITFIRE ENGINEER
Name: Wade France
Age: 55
Location: Iver Heath
Joined: March 2022
Lodges: Concorde

Wade is a volunteer with the Spitfire Academy at Goodwood Airfield, responsible for organising briefings and assisting customers in strapping into Spitfires for flights over the Solent. He also prepares the aircraft for flight and turn them around between customers, refuelling and doing basic safety checks, ensuring passengers are safe during these brilliant experiences.

Wade's favourite aspect is Freemasonry's sense of community. Wade mentions how he likes "The charity and comradeship between Brothers and the striving to make their communities better places." Community is at the heart of Freemasonry, both in our own community and in the communities we strive to support. Many Freemasons such as Wade really enjoy giving charitable support to those communities who really need it.

Freemasonry has allowed Wade to gain a greater focus. It also allowed him a greater understanding of careers that are both similar and vastly different to his own, as Freemasonry has a huge range of personalities, experience and individuals. 

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.

Royal and Select Masters
The full title of this Order is The Grand Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Council Overseas. It is more familiarly known as the ‘Cryptic 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 a triangular apron with a crimson edge and a triangular breast jewel.
 
The Order is based on the history of the first Temple at Jerusalem. The four degrees throw light on a sequence of events and demonstrate the essential link between the degrees of Master Mason, Mark Master Mason, and Royal Arch Mason. 
Next week we will introduce you to the Allied Masonic Degrees.

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. 

Eric Deung Lodge 9695 - The Masonic History & Research Lodge

This lodge is named after Rt.W. Bro Eric Deung, Past Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Buckinghamshire from 1993 to 1998 and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch in Buckinghamshire from 1991 to 1998. 

Throughout his life, Eric was an avid historian who promoted research into the origins of Freemasonry. As a result, it seemed appropriate to establish a lodge dedicated to history and research in his memory.

The lodge meets three times a year: in March for the Installation, in June for the Midsummer Solstice, and in September for the Harvest Remembrance. The meeting will include brief interludes of masonic research in addition to the usual masonic business. When collecting alms, the Deacons use hollowed-out books to collect donations.

The lodge will unveil a brand new research room named after its founder, Eric Deung, at the upcoming Harvest Remembrance Meeting. This will serve as the Buckinghamshire Freemasons' provincial archive for the written word.

If you would like to know more about the Founder of the Lodge, Eric Deung please use this link: https://tinyurl.com/EricDeung

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community, that has its roots 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 RUGBY COACH
Name: Tarek Qutteineh
Age: 47
Location: Bangor
Joined: 2010
Lodges: Heatherden, Provincial Grand Stewards, Addington

Tarek is a Rugby coach for a local schools U18 team. The team plays regional matches in August against another three provinces (Leinster, Munster and Connacht), as well as a match against the IQ or Irish Qualified (exiles living generally in GB but not exclusively). 
Tarek's first season in the interprovincial matches resulted in their team being runners up to Leinster, while in the previous year they came third, losing to Munster and Leinster.  Tarek prefers to use an inclusive coaching style with this age group. They have found that by incorporating the suggestions of their players, they are able to gain their buy-in more easily. 

Tarek's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is meeting people and making new friends. Freemasonry has opened up a new circle of friends that he would never have come across. He emphasises the diversity of members and range of experience you can be exposed to- "The differing age, professions and cultural demographics within each lodge make you far more appreciative of other people’s backgrounds."

Tarek emphasises how Freemasonry has made them more aware and conscious of the pillars of truth, honour and virtue as well as keeping integrity at the fore of their thoughts. 
Essentially, this encourages freemasons to act and behave as a better people. The charitable side is also a huge part of the work and the work we do in the local community is always rewarding on a personal level.

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.
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/

Next week we will introduce you to Royal and Select Masters.

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. 

Count Basie

Jazz icon Count Basie, the “King of Swing,” was a member of Wisdom Lodge No. 102 in Chicago, Illinois.  

The great jazz pianist and composer William James "Count" Basie helped establish swing music as one of jazz’s most popular styles. Brother Basie was known for his good humor, relaxed demeanor, and passion for his craft. He was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 1904 and began learning the piano at a young age. Always focused on his love for music, he began touring and playing professionally in his teens. He moved to New York City in 1924 and began rubbing elbows with other great musicians of the time, including fellow Freemason Fats Waller.

In 1935, Basie formed Count Basie Orchestra, the band he would lead for nearly 50 years. As his career advanced and he gained more renown, he became known for how his style compared to his contemporaries. Compositionally, Basie’s songs were often straightforward, built off simple melodies over which his band members could solo.

For his unique contributions to the world of music, he won nine Grammy awards during his life. He received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame in 2019, and also was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Slough Daylight Lodge 9699 - The Shooting Lodge

On 11th March 2023, Slough Daylight Lodge No. 9699 marked their 100th meeting by relaunching as a Shooting Special Interest Lodge.

The lodge was consecrated on the 4th September 1999 and meets 4 times a year on the 2nd Saturday of March, October, and the first Saturday in December at Slough Masonic Centre.  Outside of the masonic meetings, shoots are arranged where members can bring guests. 
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 COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER
Name: Steve Acton
Age: 64
Location: Winslow
Joined: 2010
Lodges: New Urban, Verney, Provincial Grand Stewards, Bucks Masters, Eric Deung

Steve has been a Community First Responder (CFR) since 2007. CFRs are all volunteers who live and work within their local communities. They are trained by South Central Ambulance Services to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrests, breathing difficulties, chest pains, diabetic emergencies, trauma, and burns. "I had always been involved with the Fire or Ambulance services since I was 18 years old. Becoming a First Responder allowed me to get involved with and support my local community."
One of Steve's favourite aspects of Freemasonry is the connection that lodges have with their communities. "I feel that there is a need in society today for all of us to volunteer some time to help others. This is something that is encouraged in Freemasonry, and I am certain that without the time and effort that Freemasons give to others, the community would be disadvantaged as a result."
Steve emphasises how Freemasonry has made him much more confident in social settings. "I would never have dreamed of being able to stand up in a room filled with people and give a speech. I have had many opportunities to do so through Freemasonry, and the confidence it has given me has helped in my CFR role when speaking to the public at incidents that I attend."
Steve is very proud to be a Provincial Grand Steward in the Hall Stone Province of Buckinghamshire and considers this one of his favourite moments in Freemasonry to date.

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.
Rois Croix
The full title of this Order is The Supreme Council 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘Rose Croix’.
Meetings are held in Rose Croix chapters.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must have been a Master Mason for a year and believe in the Trinitarian Faith with membership usually being by invitation. The joining ceremony is called ‘Perfection’.
The regalia consists of a pink collar with higher degrees having different coloured collars along with a sash and the highest degree also includes a cap.
There are 33 degrees within the Rite with the Chapter taking candidates up to the 18° Perfection.

Next week we will introduce you to The Royal Order of Scotland.

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. 

We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years.
Our roots lie in the traditions and ceremonies of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
We are multi-generational, multifaith, and multi-cultural. And although only men can join the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, we work closely with Freemasonry for Women, to ensure that whoever you are, there is a place in Freemasonry for you.  

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.
The Scarlet Cord
The full title of this Order is The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord is based on an earlier Order – The Royal Order of Knights of the Scarlet Cord and was developed in the British Isles in 1889. Derived from 18th Century documents from the Amsterdam Masonic archives. 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a  Master Mason and Prince of the Order of the Secret Monitor. The red cord is worn by all Companions of the Order to indicate membership. By the way it is worn it can indicate possession of any or all of the first four grades. Grand Officers wear a gold sash as well as the Scarlet Cord.
The Order's teachings are centered around the virtues of charity, loyalty, and fraternal love. It emphasizes the importance of assisting and supporting fellow members, as well as engaging in charitable endeavours. The Scarlet Cord takes its name from the red cord that Rahab used to help the Israelite spies escape from Jericho, symbolizing the assistance and support provided by the Order's members.
Next week we will introduce you to the Ancient and Accepted Rite.

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. 

George Washington

George Washington was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797.

Washington joined Freemasonry in the Lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia at 20 years old, November 4, 1752.

The lodge’s surviving minute book records Washington attending only 4 meetings after he joined: 3rd March 1753, 4th August 1753, 1st September 1753, and 4th January 1755.

Washington’s “Mother Lodge” was renamed and numbered as Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 after the creation of the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 1778. It continues to meet today.

In 1794, Alexandria Lodge No. 39, of which Washington was an honorary member, commissioned William Williams to paint Washington dressed in Masonic regalia. After Washington’s death the lodge changed its name to Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22.
Interesting fact:

Although President Washington oversaw the construction of the White House, he never lived in it. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first resident, President John Adams moved in.

Members of the Buckinghamshire Motorcycle Lodge and the Buckinghamshire Classic Car Lodge attended the Bucks PSLC Festival on 3rd June at Stowe School. They were there to represent Buckinghamshire Freemasons, and to attract new members, by showcasing some of the fantastic things our special interest lodges have been doing; we displayed both vintage motorbikes and cars at this fantastic venue.

The stand was maintained and cared for by Jack Clark, Paige Savoury, Matt Eaton, and John Francis, who manned it for the entire day and drew a lot of attention from visitors.

During the day, we were surprised by a special visit from Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence, who took time out of his day to come over and see what was going on in Bucks.

The Masonic Fishing Charity, led by Dave Hollis, was also present on the day, having hosted another fantastic coarse fishing event at Stowe Lake with local school kids who had thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The successful duo of Past Asst PGM Tony Robinson and his wife Jean handled the catering side of this event on the day, with the ever popular BBQ, which was enjoyed by all.

Thank you to all the Freemasons, and their friends and family for pitching to make it a truly memorable day.

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.  

 
 

Freemasons in Buckinghamshire are students at university, working people in every conceivable profession, and at every stage of their career from apprentice plumbers to retired rocket scientists. 
Becoming a Freemason helps you to build confidence in social settings and enhances your skills in public speaking, team working, and leadership. You will meet a diverse group of people that share your values, and with them, you will form new groups and build long-lasting friendship circles. 
We are multi-generational, multifaith, and multi-cultural. And although only men can join the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, we work closely with Freemasonry for Women, to ensure that whoever you are, there is a place in Freemasonry for you.  

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.
Order of the Secret Monitor
The full title of this Order is The Grand Conclave of the Order of the Secret Monitor or Brotherhood of David and Jonathan in the British Isles and its Districts and Conclaves Overseas.
Meetings are held in Conclaves.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Master Mason. The joining ceremony is called ‘Induction’.
The regalia consists of a breast jewel of the degree held with the higher two degrees also having a sash.
The Order is based on upon the principles of self-sacrifice, mutual trust, watchful Brotherly care, warning in time of danger, solace in time of sorrow and skilful and effective friendly advice in every circumstance of life
You can read more about this order in an article published in the June 2023 Issue of  Magazine. Link here: 
https://www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202306masonic-miscellanies-order-of-the-secret-monitor/

Next week we will introduce you to the Ancient Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.

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. 

Lodge of Concorde 8721

Lodge of Concorde was issued its Warrant on 29 April 1976 and was consecrated on 28 September 1976.

Initially a Middlesex Lodge, meeting at the Masonic Hall, New Windsor Street, Uxbridge until 1994 when the Lodge moved to the Province of Buckinghamshire - the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.

The Lodge was believed to have been formed by a number of people working locally who had connections to the Concorde project. The first Concorde flight from Heathrow departed for Bahrain in January 1976.

Lodge of Concorde is now the Buckinghamshire Aviation Special Interest Lodge, and new members are always welcome.  As is often the way with special interest lodges, meetings are tailored to the theme of the lodge, and the Lodge of Concorde was no exception. In the meeting itself, aviation memorabilia and references are sprinkled throughout the meeting, with good humour accompanying the exceptional ritual.

At the festive board, the master and wardens don their pilot caps and navigate through an excellent three-course meal which is often delivered by trolley.

And with the aviation theme, a day out at Duxford is planned on 1st July for anyone, including family and friends.

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.

AN ACTOR
Name: Ryan Pike
Age: 49
Location: Stone
Joined: May 2016
Lodges: Fairway 8614, Seer Green 9055, Bucks Masters

Ryan works as a supporting artist or film extra. He spends hours on set, working with directors and other big name actors, taking part in intense fighting scenes and countless other scenes. 
He has been in the background of some big box office hits, such as The Current War with Benedict Cumberbatch, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and his part as a German Field Marshal in the latest Kingsman movie, The King's Man.

Ryan's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is meeting new people. 
As an actor Ryan is confident in public spaces, he uses his skills to meet new people and expand his circle of friends. Attending just a few meetings in freemasonry you will meet many people and many of those will become good friends for life.

Freemasonry is based on a set of principles which are critical to our beliefs, love for each other, relief and truth. Ryan believes freemasonry has helped strengthen his own personal values. 
Ryan has reflected the key principles of freemasonry into his own life, being more friendly, being there for those who need help most, and being honest with others wherever he can.

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.  

 
 

Freemasons hold regular meetings in their lodges throughout the world. As one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
In out meeting we tell stories which use building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. We meet in some incredible places!

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds.
Our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.

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.
Royal Ark Mariner
The full title of this Order is The Ancient & Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. It is more familiarly known as ‘RAM’.
Meetings are held in Lodges and are ‘moored’ or attached to a Mark Master Mason’s Lodge of the same name.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Mark Master Mason. The joining ceremony is called ‘Elevation’.
The regalia consists of an apron and breast jewel. The apron has a colourful rainbow edge.

The Order is based on the story of Noah, his sons and their wives and commemorates the providence and mercy of God and relates to the legend of the Deluge, or Great Flood. The ceremony recalls God’s promise that never again will he undertake the destruction of mankind.

Next week we will introduce you to the Order of the Secret Monitor.
Special thanks to  for the photographs and explanations of each progressive order .

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. 

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.