On 22nd April 2023, Five Points Lodge No

8197 balloted for a joining member and 2 initiates.
Dave joined his brother-in-law Matt  in the Lodge both having come from Five Points Chapter. This goes to show that the indissoluble link between Craft and Royal Arch isn’t all one way.

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Introducing Bulwer Lodge of Cairo to the world of social media! 158 years after their consecration in Egypt the Lodge still remains

Scores of history are contained within the fibre of this Lodge. Lord Kitchener, four VC recipients, Royalty and a host of other honourable Brethren have called this Lodge their own.

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Happy St George's Day! The legend of Saint George and the Dragon describes the saint taming and slaying a dragon that terrorised local communities

The story was known in Roman times but has its origins in Greek mythology. We celebrate St. George's Day on April 23 — the anniversary of his death in 303 AD. The patron saint of England has captivated British imaginations since the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War.
The story of St. George is featured in tesserae mosaic tiles on the ceiling of Freemasons' Hall at @UGLE_GrandLodge .

We would like to give one final nod to our very own St. George's Lodge. They meet at Wolverton Masonic centre, and were first consecrated on 22nd April 1936 at the Science and Arts Institute in Wolverton. The lodge has 24 members and meets six times each year.

Freemasonry has an amazing history that spans over 300 years and is looking forward to the next 300 years.
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
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APRONS OFF: The Real Freemason

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

A WATCHKEEPER
Name: Grae Laws
Age: 51
Location: Spilsby
Joined: April 2016
Lodges: Eric Deung 9695, Verney 8849, Marcellians 4450 and Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Stewards 9222

Grae is a volunteer Watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). 
Grae is based in Chapel Point, Lincolnshire, almost 60 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteers. They keep watch around the British Isles from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England, to Hornsea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire in the North East.
They are a self-funded, land based component of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, part of UK Search and Rescue, and report to His Majesty's Coastguards. Watchkeepers provide a vital link with all the emergency services and can provide an emergency contact point on land for both sea and shore users. When not on watch, volunteers spend their spare time raising funds to keep the stations operational.

Grae's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is its history, traditions and art. It's more than 300 years old and has produced some incredible pieces of art and literature.
"As an artist, I have really appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship of masonic banners that hang in every lodge throughout the world." Every Lodge has a banner that is different, they each tell a story, often with an interesting local context, and these banners are all hand painted, embroidered and occasionally embellished with gold foil. They take hundreds of hours to design and create, the end result can be displayed and appreciated for over a century.

Freemasonry has helped Grae both socially and professionally, Grae has expanded his circle of friends whilst gaining key skills useful in his profession- "I have made friends close to where I live, and professionally, it has given me confidence to give speeches, presentations, and lectures". As Freemasonry has such a ranged age demographic, there is fantastic opportunity to seek expertise and experience from other generations, whilst also developing social and professional communication skills, useful in both our personal and professional lives.

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
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Our Amazing Centres - Ripon Street in Aylesbury

History of its use.
The property had previously been used as a Fives Court, which is a sport that crosses squash with handball. In 1880 it was purchased by Buckingham Lodge for £200. The building work was completed in 1882, which date is still displayed on the front wall. The original building was set back from the road, having a small forecourt with a wall and iron railings in front. 
It was built in the Victorian Gothic style and combines red brickwork with stone dressings. The building is symmetrical with a central two-storey bay protruding slightly forward of two side wings. The windows are lancet in shape with stone surrounds and the central doorway is decorated with stone columns topped with ornately carved capitals. This is a local building of note within the Conservation Area of Aylesbury.

Venue for Consecration.
It was consecrated by Buckingham Lodge no.591, the first lodge to be consecrated and remain in this Province. It also provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on the 17th of July 1890.

The Great War.
In 1902 the fascia of the building was removed, the building extended to the pavement and the frontage rebuilt as it is today. This gave an enlarged entrance hall, ante room and kitchen. In 1914 the lower hall was requisitioned by the War Department, forcing the festive boards to be held elsewhere for the time being. The hall was being used by a number of different lodges at the time, however it was owned and run by Buckingham Lodge. In 1947 Aylesbury Masonic Hall Ltd was created and the hall ownership was transferred to the company.
It remains in use to this day with 10 Craft Lodges meeting there.

Objects of interest.
The interior includes stunning stained-glass windows at each end, ancient globes in the corers and many artistic objects of interest throughout. There are over 20 banners hanging on the walls.

Join today to experience the mystery and history that is Freemasonry.
We have many incredible things to see and experience in Freemasonry. They are waiting for you to discover.
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: 
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After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

 
 
 

Widows Sons Go North of the Border! Some of the members of Shires the Bucks local Widows Sons Chapter, had a cold weekend up in Scotland for the annual branding ceremony

If you are a biker this is one not to miss. Welcome fellow Branded bothers.
Remember every Widows Son is a Freemason first, just a little more handsome than the rest. ;)

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: 
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APRONS OFF: The Real Freemason

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

AN IRONMAN
Name: Kevin Shepherd
Age: 56
Location: Milton Keynes
Joined: Nov 2001
Lodges: Princes Risborough 5203

Kevin is undergoing a challenge to become an Ironman. Specifically to complete an Ironman race. Kevin in the past has finished in many marathons and triathlons, but this incredible event involves a 2.4 mile open water swim, 118 mile bike ride, and finishing by running an entire marathon. Finishing is a mighty feat.
To be able to achieve this, Kevin is training 16 hours per week either running, swimming, cycling or in the gym doing yoga, pilates or strength training. He trains everyday and is currently on a 6 month training plan building up to the event. Kevin is also a trained UKA Athletics coach, passing on his many hours of experience to others.

Kevin's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the sense of community. Freemasonry provides something different that no other order, group or system can give. It gives you friends to last a lifetime, and a sense of belonging- "If you commit to your masonry you will grow as a person, gain confidence and new friends. I have life long friends of 25 years now that I only know through masonry. Masonry brings something different that no other order, group or system can give."

Kevin likes how you can still enjoy Freemasonry while leading a very busy life. Kevin was once a Master of a lodge while completing a masters degree as well as juggling work, family life and his hobbies. Most lodges meet four times a year, meaning you can still enjoy a brilliant Masonic career but also enjoy life outside and centre and with Aprons Off. 

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
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Freemasonry is supportive

At a recent meeting of the de Bohun Lodge No.8175 Bro Andre was Passed to the Second Degree having been Initiated last May by our ProvGM Rt W Bro John Mark Clark. Andre is a prime example of one of the positives of Freemasonry, Andre was a nervous candidate as at his initiation. But to see him answering his questions makes all the members so proud to see Andre now. 

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Practice makes perfect - “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn

”  
Masters Elect, Secretaries , Scribe Es and DCs all Involved in the recent training workshops.

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: 

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Princes Risborough completed a double raising, have a rejoining member and two Initiates ready to join

Way to go Princes Risborough.

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Please come along and say hello our very own Tony Harvey's book signing on 26th & 27th April at the Shop at Freemasons Hall

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: 

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An excellent night was had by all on the last meeting of the season for Roman Way Lodge L9533, who gave a fantastic display of the 1st Degree Ceremony

 

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Another fantastic Initiation ceremony at St Peter & St Paul Lodge 1410 for Bro Jonathon, their newest Initiate

  

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33 things you didn't know about Freemasonry

Freemasonry has its own language and symbolism, which are used to convey moral and philosophical lessons.
Masonic symbols are drawn from a variety of sources, including biblical stories, architectural imagery, and the natural world. Some of the most common symbols used in Freemasonry include the square and compass, the level, and the plumb rule. The use of symbols, language, and rituals within Freemasonry is intended to help members explore and develop their own personal and spiritual growth, while also reinforcing the values of brotherhood, morality, and charity.

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Cheers - A fantastic meeting at Grenville this evening saw the lodge welcome Bro John, our newest Bucks Freemason

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On 12th April 2023, Cliveden Lodge No 7944 Passed 2 new Fellowcrafts, Ryan and John

A few Lodge members were absent so everyone helped out to fill the offices to make the meeting special for Ryan and John.

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Special Interest Lodges in Bucks Nomadic Lodge 9978 This is the newest lodge in Buckinghamshire, consecrated in June 2019 in a marquee

Being Nomadic, the lodge isn't tied to a Masonic Centre, but instead visits them all ensuring that the meeting date aligns with a location to "camp". Be it in a tent, caravan or camper. 

The lodge prides itself on having regular white table evenings and weekend get togethers, making it a family friendly lodge.

The idea to establish a Nomadic Lodge came from a number of members of Buckinghamshire Lodges who are, or who have been Camping, Caravanning or Motorhome enthusiasts for social, domestic and pleasure reasons. Such clubs have successfully been formed within the leisure industry and in this and other Masonic Provinces. Such a Lodge would have various positive aims
and benefits such as;

Reinforcing an historic link between camping and caravanning with Freemasonry and strengthening, improving and modernising that link particularly with regard to our charitable and fraternal ideals.

Introducing and promoting Freemasonry amongst Camping Enthusiasts within the leisure industry, a group with a long history that continues to grow and will certainly remain strong into the future.

Promoting Freemasonry amongst those who are, or have already been interested in camping and caravanning.

Demonstrating that Freemasonry is relevant within the realities of modern day life in regard to the leisure industry particularly regarding camping and caravanning.

Modern day life in the past five years has brought about a noticeable increase in campers, caravan and motorhome owners with the demand for “staycations”.

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: 

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Marcellians Lodge members, visitors and their partners welcomed a new WM into the lodge this week

Every meeting is an experience and the 6 course meals with perfect wine pairings never lets down members and visitors.

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
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Exemplary Passing at Stephens Lodge On 1st April 2023, Stephens Lodge No

3089 Passed one of their newest members, Anton Pascaru.
The ceremony was a masterclass in how to perform a passing. David,  Jordan and Charlie from the Light Blues Brothers performed faultlessly.

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
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Wendover Irish Passing On a cold, wet evening on 28th March 2023, Wendover Lodge had its 114th regular meeting with a very strong attendance of over 55 members and guests

The Lodge was honoured to be joined by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John King for an evening of both sorrow and celebrations.

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
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