As Buckinghamshire's Fine Wine Lodge it was fantastic to see the progress this small but perfectly formed Lodge is making, did we mention its also one of our special interest "Wine" themed lodge?

The evening began with the Installation of W.Bro Philip Witney as WM by W.Bro Roger Chandler. The lodge practices "Logic" workings which were developed in the 1880s by members of the theatrical and performing arts in London. Ceremonies are "performed" and delivered to a high standard in Logic lodges. 

The lodge displayed an array of excellent newer masons doing work, in Fellowcrafts Nii Okyne and Michael Lee. 

What followed was an Italian themed festive board which paired excellent wines with each course of olives, bread, antipasti, spaghetti and cheese. Each wine was shared and explained by Lodge Sommelier Bro Lee Lee Keeper. 

This was a truly excellent evening and a unique experience in Buckinghamshire Freemasonry.

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. 

Join us for this incredible once in a lifetime experience where we take over Freemasons Hall for an entire day.

We will be holding 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree ceremonies in every temple at Great Queen Street to bring even more interested candidates into masonry and progressing our many newer members along their masonic careers.

There is only one month to go until BIG 1-2-3 if you have not booked in please do so through this below:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/big123

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. 

Conrad Evans an Aylesbury Freemason from Pegasus Lodge No 5637, walked the West Highland way in Scotland, a distance of 96 miles in 10 days, which is especially hard as Conrad is Disabled meaning that walking is far harder, making this an incredible feat.

Conrad did this in aid of a Charity called BUDS The Buckinghamshire Disability Service, who are focused on supporting disabled people by fixing the biggest issues facing them, click here to find our more about them: https://buds.org.uk/ 

At the finish line Conrad had raised a massive £3735 and we would like to assist him in reaching his target of £4000 for this brilliant cause.

Well done Conrad you have done us all very proud and made a big difference in supporting BUDS.

Please click the below link to support him:
https://shorturl.at/FmSBW

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. 

 

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

This is the diary for the coming month.

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

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

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The 26th president of America, a Harvard-educated scholar, a North Dakota cattle rancher, a politician and civil servant on the state and national level, leader of the famed “Rough Riders” in the Spanish-American War, Governor of New York, noted conservationist who advocated the creation of the National Park System, Nobel Peace Prize winner, an adventurer who always sought new challenges and, of course, President of the United States.

He joined Freemasonry at the age of forty-two in 1901, the year he began his service as President of the United States. He was initiated into Matinecock Lodge No. 806 of Oyster Bay, New York, and spent many years as an active and proud Freemason. Notably, Brother Roosevelt visited lodges in Africa, Europe, and South America and assisted in laying the cornerstone of the Pilgrim Memorial Monument in Provincetown, MA.  He broke ground for a Masonic Temple in Spokane, Washington in 1903 and attended the Masonic cornerstone laying of the House of Representatives building in 1906.

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

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

Buckinghamshire Freemasons hold another highly successful membership event.

Freemasons from Buckinghamshire hosted yet another remarkable live event, inviting a large number of candidates who were interested in Freemasonry to attend an evening where they had the opportunity to learn about Freemasonry from masons who had a great deal of experience.

In addition, it was available to partners and visitors, as well as anybody who had a passing interest in the topic and was eager to learn more about it. In order to accommodate their visitors, the Slough Masonic Centre was filled with a large number of people, including already existing Freemasons to accompany their guests.

At the beginning of the evening, Neil Robertson provided a brief introduction to the concept of freemasonry and discussed the unique aspects that make it so remarkable. 
Lee Buckingham, John Palman, and Matt Eaton were among the other individuals that spoke in more detail about who we are and what we do. 

The conference came to a close with a presentation on the philanthropic contributions that Freemasonry has made, as well as a special presentation from Dawn Allen of the Henry Allen Trust, which is an organisation that we have recently supported.  

The evening was a fantastic success, bringing in a number of candidates we will be welcoming into Freemasonry at our BIG1-2-3 event at the end of June.

Thank you to everyone who assisted on the evening and those who supported with your attendance.

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

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON

Explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton once famously said; "If you're a leader, a fellow that other fellows look to, you've got to keep going." He was born on 15 February 1874 in County Kildare, Ireland, but his family moved to London where Shackleton was educated.

Rejecting his father's wish that he become a doctor, he joined the merchant navy when he was 16 and qualified as a master mariner in 1898. He travelled widely, but was keen to explore the North and South poles. Shackleton visited the poles on three occasions and on the second occasion, Shackleton led his own expedition on the ship Nimrod. His team climbed Mount Erebus, made many important scientific discoveries and set a record by reaching closer to the South Pole than achieved before. On his return to Britain, Shackleton was knighted.

Shackleton's fourth expedition aimed to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent, but on 5 January 1922, he died after suffering a heart attack just off the coast of South Georgia.

Shackleton was initiated into Navy Lodge No. 2612 in London on 9 July 1901. 
He was elected an honorary member of the Lodge on 28 April 1914.

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

In partnership with the United Grand Lodge of England and building on their visionary future for Freemasonry, Buckinghamshire Province continues to make significant strides in membership growth, enthusiasm, and innovation.

As a Province, we are committed to leading the implementation of the Strategy for Freemasonry, presented by Pro Grand Master MW.Bro. Jonathan Spence and effectively executed by the Freemasons of Buckinghamshire. We are well on our way to achieving our goal of reaching 3,000 engaged and enthusiastic Freemasons by 2027. Currently, Buckinghamshire accounts for approximately 10% of membership growth across all of UGLE. In recognition of this outstanding achievement and to provide additional leadership support, the Pro Grand Master has granted Buckinghamshire the privilege of an additional Assistant Provincial Grand Master to supplement and strengthen our team.

I am pleased to announce that W.Bro Tim Anders, PAGDC, PPGW, has accepted my invitation to become our newest APGM. Please join me in welcoming him to the team. It is my intention to appoint and invest Tim at our upcoming BIG 1-2-3 event at Freemasons' Hall in London on June 29th. The existing Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters will remain in their current positions. This is the first time in our history that the province has had four APGM's.

W.Bro Tim was initiated into Temple Manor Lodge No. 8143 in Marlow in 1998 and was exalted into the Royal Arch in 2009. He is a member of seven Lodges and three Chapters in Buckinghamshire and an honorary member of the Buckinghamshire Motorcycle Lodge, having served on the consecration team.

Over his 25 years of service, Tim has held various positions, including Provincial Grand Steward and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, before being appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2017. He has also served as a Visiting Officer in the Province and was appointed to Grand Rank in April 2023.

Tim's contributions to Buckinghamshire have been substantial. He has played key roles in consecrating Lodges and in transforming the Old Paludians Lodge No. 8171 into the highly successful Gourmet Curry Lodge. Currently, as the Secretary of the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund, he has facilitated significant charitable donations to worthy causes. His leadership in installing state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound systems throughout the last year has profoundly TRANSFORMED our Province. His new role is not only a reward for his tremendous efforts but also a testament to the vital work he will continue to perform.

On behalf of myself and the entire Provincial Executive, I extend heartfelt congratulations to W.Bro Tim and look forward to his continued success in his new role.

Regards

R. W. Bro John Clark
Provincial Grand Master

CREDIT: Christopher Pledger/Telegraph (Leather-clad biker Freemasons accelerate membership drive: article published 4 March 2023)

 

This week, the head of charity for the Buckinghamshire Freemasons', Mark, and colleague Ameet paid a visit to a charity called Woodrow High House in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
When Mark and Ameet visited them, they had a full house, four separate schools, and an over-60’s football team who were using their Astro turf pitch.
Woodrow High House looks after children and the elderly using their outdoor pursuit facilities 365 days per year.
They have a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, archery, abseiling, cycling track, camp fires, yurts, etc.
They operate from a Grade II listed manor house with over 26 acres of land, which was gifted to them after the Second World War by the Worshipful Goldsmiths Guild and Freemen of the City of London.

Like many organisations, they would appreciate help to continue doing what they do best: improving lives.
Volunteering improves the experience of children and young people who visit Woodrow. They would welcome both individuals and company volunteers who wish to assist them in delivering more (and better) outdoor learning experiences; they never turn down any assistance!

You can find out more here:
https://woodrowhighhouse.org/support-us/volunteer/

May the 4th Be With You …

MK SNAP Registered Charity No: 1013148 began in 1992, offering work training to vulnerable adults. After moving to new premises in 2004 which include a kitchen, cafe, and garden, they expanded into education, learning, and life skills in 2012. They now offer 22 course subjects to a growing number of learners with a wide range of disabilities.
BMCF have donated £3,883 to give support enabling the purchase of ten, 9th generation iPad’s with cases and chargers and have recently received the following testimonial: 
“The lightweight, portable iPads have been used on-the-go indoors and outdoors to boost the learning and IT confidence of people with learning disabilities at MK SNAP. We have already seen an increase in our learners’ confidence, communication and IT skills.
We’ve also seen an increase in enjoyment of using this new technology, especially due to the accessibility of engaging quizzes, assignments and exercises – this enthusiasm has made it hard to get a look-in sometimes! Before the new iPads, MK SNAP only had one set for one group of learners to use at a time. This donation means double the number of learners have access to equipment that enables them to fully participate in sessions through features such a voice-over, screen reading, and speech selection, (text to speech).
The ability to customise settings, such as text size, font, and contrast, has also made content more accessible and easier to read, especially for those with reading and writing challenges and those with dyslexia or visual impairments. We’re finding the interactive and multimedia content has also made learning more engaging and effective for learners with ADHD or executive function disorders. The iPads will allow for integration of text, images, audio and video, providing a more holistic approach to learning.
“We can’t thank the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund enough for the generous donation which has made these new opportunities possible. See our learners in the photograph.” 

More about the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund:
What is the BMCF?
The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund was first set up in 1991 with the objective of helping non-Masonic Charities, groups or individuals within Buckinghamshire.
The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are solely responsible for funding the donations, which go to deserving causes that receive little to no support from national charities. The BMCF is a great example of Freemasons caring for the local community.

Eligibility Criteria
All requests are fully considered by the Centenary Fund Committee, which consists of 8 members who are all Freemasons. This ensures donations are only made to genuine needs and where they can be most effectively used.

The qualifications of our awards are:
Non-Masonic charitable causes dealing with poverty and distress with strong Buckinghamshire connections.
Specific projects or facilities rather than general appeals or requests to fund routine activities.
Buckinghamshire charities that deal solely with causes in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire charities that also have connections in adjacent areas.
Individual causes within Bucks or individual cases outside Bucks only if there is a strong Buckinghamshire connection.

Apply now:
https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Discover Freemasonry and Discover Yourself.

You could be part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community. Come along and discover a 300-year-old mystery that’s steeped in history. 

Book your place at our live event in Slough and enjoy an evening of conversation and discovery. 

Tuesday 30th April 2024, from 7:00pm.
Slough Masonic Centre, SL1 2PX

Book here: 
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-slough-2024

This is the diary for the coming month.

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

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

SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING

Sir Alexander Fleming was born in East Ayrshire, Scotland, on 6 August 1881 and he is best known for having discovered penicillin, which is still used to treat bacterial infections today.

In 1909 at the age of 27, Fleming was initiated into Sancta Maria Lodge No. 2682, which met in London. He served as Senior Warden in 1922 and Master in 1924. He became a joining member of London Scottish Rifles Lodge No. 2310 in London in 1911 and Misericordia Lodge No. 3288 in London in 1925, where he served as Master in 1935.

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

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 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://i.mtr.cool/eujessugmc
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

The head of charity In the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, Mark Duncan, visited a local children's accident and emergency unit in Bucks. He took Leo, his grandson, with him to help carry some of the fantastic teddies provided by  . 
During his visit, Mark met Arthur, who had fallen off his bike and received a nasty bump for his troubles. Upon receiving his teddy, he soon brightened up. The nurse on duty explained to both Arthur and Leo that when a patient is treated, the teddy gets exactly the same bandaging. 
In research about the importance of play during the hospitalisation of children, researchers discovered the following:
The bandaged teddy bear provides psychological and emotional support to the child patient, helping them cope better with the medical treatment and have a more positive overall experience. This can lead to better clinical outcomes as well as improved patient well-being.
When a child is injured or ill, they can feel scared, anxious, and distressed. The teddy bear acts as a transitional object, providing a sense of security and familiarity during the medical treatment.
Bandaging the teddy in the same way as the patient helps the child feel understood and cared for. It shows the medical staff are attuned to the child's emotional needs, not just their physical needs.
This practice can help reduce a child's distress and fear during procedures. The teddy bear becomes a source of comfort and companionship, making the experience less traumatic.
Research has shown that the use of therapeutic toys like bandaged teddy bears can have positive psychological benefits for paediatric patients, including reduced anxiety, improved cooperation with treatment, and faster recovery times.

You can find out more about this charity here:
https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/

St Giles Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary by raising Bro. Brian on behalf of Hartebeestpoort No. 8545 based in South Africa.
The lodge was formed due to the extended waiting lists for membership of established lodges and the insufficient capacity to meet the increasing demand for membership. The first meeting to discuss the formation of a daughter Lodge by Watling Street Lodge No. 1639 was held on the 11th of April 1973. It was agreed that the new lodge would meet six times a year, probably on the 3rd Wednesday of the chosen months. The officers of the new Lodge were decided for the first year, and it was agreed that the officers of the Lodge would provide their own collars and jewels and present them to the Lodge. By-law No. 6 was an Initiation fee of £20, which was after a vote changed to £30. The annual subscription to the lodge would be £7.50, exclusive of the dining fee. It was also decided to have a non-dining fee and a country member fee of £3.
The name of the new lodge was decided at the next meeting on the 11th April 1973, and it was proposed, Seconded, and carried at the meeting that the first Master of St Giles would be W. Bro. R Selick. Over 8 subsequent meetings, it was decided, amongst many other items, that the start time of meetings would be 6.15 p.m. (now 6 p.m.), except for the installation meeting, which would be 5 p.m.
The Consecration meeting for St Giles no. 8555 was held on Saturday, April 1974. 50 Years later, St Giles is still going strong and is a happy and friendly lodge of brothers
It is worth noting that St Giles is a common name for churches and lodges, and it is derived from the name of the Parish church of Stony Stratford. Many churches were dedicated to St Giles around this period, and the church was built in stages, with the priest’s door and the double square piscina and aumbry in the Early English style, which generally corresponds to the period c.1200 to c.1280

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

PETER SELLERS

Born in 1925, Peter Sellers was an English film actor, comedian, and singer. He performed in the BBC Radio comedy series The Goon Show and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, including Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series of films.

Sellers was initiated as a Freemason in the same Lodge as his father, Chelsea Lodge No. 3098 in London on 16 July 1948.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has had, 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/info=sellers

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

In Freemasonry, the leader of most regions (AKA county, province, district, or overseas territory) is called the Provincial Grand Master (PGM). In Bucks, we know that person as simply John. He is a grafter and leads by example, acting as an inspiration to us all.
For example, in a recent seven day period, John did the following:
Friday: Meeting with Exec in the morning, setting up the lodge room for Marcellians Lodge meeting in the evening.
Saturday: Rehearsal for Saxon Lodge in the morning, Lunchtime planning meeting with Provincial Team and then Bourne End Ladies Night in the evening.
Sunday: Temple Manor Ladies Lunch and then kitchen table rehearsal with Sarah, his wife. Project planning meeting for BIG 1-2-3 in the evening.
Monday: Call with the Exec team in the morning. Delivered an entire double 1st degree initiation ceremony in the evening at Magiovinivm Lodge. LOI in the car journey home for the next day's ceremony.
Tuesday: Delivered an entire double third degree ceremony, with a surprise in-field promotion for Saxon Daylight Lodge. LOI in the car journey home for the next day's ceremony.
Wednesday: UGLE steering group meetings in the morning. Delivered the inner workings for the Eric Deung Daylight Lodge installation. Plus, surprise in-field promotion.
Thursday: Call with Communications team. Provincial admin. Project planning meeting for BIG 1-2-3.

John has promised Sarah, his wife, that after many years of learning, rehearsing, and delivering ceremonies, he will stop doing them this year. This is fair enough, as last year alone he performed nearly 90 entire ceremonies, including 3rd degrees to launch Project Transform and over thirty complete 1st degrees in one week alone for the Pretty Big initiative!

He is not ready to park his blue book quite yet, though, a few days after his epic week, he flawlessly delivered an entire 3rd degree ceremony for Bro. Ant at St. George's Lodge in Wolverton. This meeting also acted as the launch of Project Transform in that meeting centre and was quite a sight to see.
Well done John, for all your hard work. We look forward to seeing you deliver your final pièce de résistance at the BIG 1-2-3 event in London on June 29th.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Founded in 1963, the Mursley Sports Association is a registered charity with the number 300307 that offers a variety of sports and activities to people of all ages in Mursley and surrounding areas. This includes children, adults, and those with special needs.
The goal is to foster a sense of community among the villages after COVID-19 and to stimulate physical and mental activity in the new region, which will be particularly helpful for the elderly and more isolated residents who will have easier access to exercise facilities.
A multi-user activities area, two youth football fields, and a full-size, award-winning football pitch are all part of the amenities. A communal space, a Village Coronation Sports Day and Dinner, a yearly fireworks show, and Christmas carols are all provided by the facilities, which also serve three nearby schools.

The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund has made a generous donation of £1,225 to cover the necessary operating costs for the upkeep of all areas and equipment.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF