BIG thanks to Brickhill Lodge, Emergency Services and Longueville Lodge for Volunteering to help today.
Now we need a few volunteers to deliver them.

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://mtr.cool/wckxknugby
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.
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.  
 
 

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.  
 
 

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
 

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. 

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.