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.

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So the Burns festivities began in Buckinghamshire at Wendover Lodge, with a Passing the Bard of Scotland would have been proud of.

Excellent ritual from W.Bro. Jordan and the whole team followed by a Great festive board, including the talented Ian Knight of Oxford Caledonian Band on the Bagpipes.

The lodge also has meeting planned for March, St Patrick’s Festive Board and April, St George’s Festive Board

“Address to a Haggis” (1787)

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:

Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace
As lang’s my arm.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,

Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!
Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;

The auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
‘Bethankit’ hums.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither’d rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;

Thro bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,

He’ll make it whissle;
An legs an arms, an heads will sned,
Like taps o thrissle.
Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware

That jaups in luggies:
But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer,

Gie her a Haggis

 

Dagmar Lodge, the specialist rugby lodge, started 2024 with a bang this week.
Bro Alan took his 2nd degree and, in doing so, became a Fellowcraft Freemason.
The XV team, under the leadership of skipper Bro. Martin, expertly completed the ceremony.
The lodge also welcomed two new members, Bro. Jake and Bro. Nick. Both of whom are battle-hardened rugby players and lifelong fans of the game.

With more new visitors keen to join and a new head of the lodge taking over in April, the lodge looks forward to another successful year. Their forward plan also includes several extra meetings for initiations, which are in the pipeline too.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year! 

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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

St. Martin's Lodge No. 2812 welcomed three new Entered Apprentice Freemasons into their lodge at their meeting last night. 
Throughout the evening, three separate experienced Freemasons took turns initiating a single candidate each. One observer noted how unusual it was to see each candidate initiated by a different master. "It was a wonderful experience for our three newest members of the province, and the ceremonies were delivered in impeccable fashion."
The brothers of St. Martin's thanked everyone who came to a stunning and vibrant four-course feast.

The lodge already has a plan for the year: another initiation in February with two new joining members, and a very special 60th certificate will be delivered to a well-respected Freemason who was initiated in March 1964 during the March meeting.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year! 

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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

LET THERE BE LIGHT THEY SAID....

The Provincial Comms team, along with Centre Manager, Gary Brodie have been working on a new lightbox installation for Slough centre.
It was unveiled at the Executive quarterly meeting and got its first official use by the members of Notarius Lodge.

The beautiful lit panel depicts the four cardinal virtues from the Grand Temple at Freemasons Hall in London. I was allowed entry to the Grand Temple in October 2023, to acquire high quality photographs that were used in the final design. The final piece of art was printed by Scott Buckle on flame-resistant material and stretched over an illuminated lightbox.

Slough Masonic Centre Manager Gary Brodie was overseer of the six hour installation process and afterwards said, "This is exactly what I had envisioned for our temple, colour, drama, and spectacle. Project Transform has advanced to the next level."

The unveiling of the lightbox coincided with the launch of the Buckinghamshire Freemasons 2024 Strategy. Which aims to further improve Project Transform by providing a technical support staff as well as properly documented training manuals, implementation plans, and access rights to licenced music.

On Thursday 26th October Thames Mariner lodge performed a raising for Bro Kamandeep Singh Brar, assisted by the Provincial Grand Master and the Light Blues Brothers.

The Light Blues Brothers are a demonstation team comprised of newer brethren before the chair with excellent working skill, all of which have only been members for less than three years.

After matters were conducted the lodge was adjusted, the Light Blues taking all the offices in Bro David Clark(SW), Jordan Parmenter(JW), Ashley Dunnicliffe(SD), Charlie Bitowt(JD) and Chris Richardson(IG). 
An exemplary demonstration of the third degree was conducted finishing with the Traditional History by Bro Clark and the third Tools by Bro Bitowt.

Congratulations Bro Brah on taking your Third step in Freemasonry and for being an excellent candidate.

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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On Wednesday 25th October, Buckinghamshire hosted a bring a friend event at Slough Masonic Centre. There were over 75 filling the centre to the brim with masons and families in attendance, 44 of which being interested candidates.

After a short reception we sat down for a presentation from a wealth of experienced speakers that are Freemasons. The first of which being an introduction by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Neil Robertson, who explained who he is and gave a great insight into what Freemasonry is. The Assistant Provincial Comms Officer Lee Buckingham, followed, explaining the details of who we are, our beliefs, rules and priorities that are so important to us. Provincial Membership Officer John Palman followed explaining the details of what goes on at lodge meetings, including the meeting agenda, ceremony and the all important festive board (dinner!).
PAPGM Phil Blacklaw followed explaining the vast amount of contribution Freemasonry in Bucks has made in recent years, also emphasising that your time is just as important as your donation when trying to make a difference. The evening was rounded up with a closing speech and Q&A with PGM John Clark.

The evening was then finished with an exciting tour of our temple, showcasing the recently installed Project Transform lights, which are now at most of our centres. Every single attendee signed up on the evening making this an outstanding success. 

Buckinghamshire will be holding a similar event in Bletchley soon, so stay tuned!

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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On Wednesday 18th October, Wycombe Lodge celebrated 150 years with a rededication of their banner. 
With over 50 in attendance it was night to remember with a suitable cake to mark the occasion.

Wycombe Lodge Number 1501 was consecrated on 1st July 1874 at High Wycombe Town Hall, the daughter lodge of Windsor Castle Lodge 771.  When consecrated, it was a lodge withing the then combined province of Berkshire & Buckinghamshire.

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

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An enjoyable Sunday morning of incredible views and landmarks such as Culham Court on the Thames path, followed by a lovely lunch in the Stag and Huntsman.

The lodge would like to take the time to thank every person who has come along to support the lodge and it’s special interest by laughing, eating and rambling with us for an entire year.
Here’s to another 🍻

The next walk will be on Sunday 19th November and will be another scenic tour around Frieth, with a *free* bacon roll and drinks at the end.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get involved!!

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

Have you ever been interested in Freemasonry?

Now is the time to GET INVOLVED

On Wednesday 25th October we are holding a free-to-attend Join the Freemasons event in Slough Masonic Centre on Ragstone Road on Wednesday 25th October starting at 7 pm.

The Join the Freemasons event will be evening of conversation and discovery. We've planned an insightful tour, engaging presentations, and interactive sessions where your questions about Freemasonry will be warmly addressed.

Plus, there will be a complimentary buffet to enjoy in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. If what you learn resonates with you, our membership team will be on hand to guide you through the next steps of your Freemasonry journey.

This is a great chance to ask any questions you may have. 

This event is free of charge but please register yourself by emailing the organisers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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
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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
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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: 

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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
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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.  
 
 

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.

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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 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
 

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.