The large gathering at the Winslow Masonic Centre witnessed a first class logic ritual ceremony second to none. Our Provincial guest WBro Norman  ProvGWarden presented the lodge with the Louis jewel (lewis) which he them invested WBro Peter with this historic jewel for accepting the roll of lodge Membership Officer. 

The celebrations continued at the Bell hotel for a traditional delicious carvery festive board thoroughly enjoyed by all …

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. 

Our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining approximately 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.

Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their race or religion. In total, we have more than 7,000 Lodges, with students able to join one of 87 University Scheme Lodges. Women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women. Our shared aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.

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

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.

Craft Freemasonry
Every Freemason begins by being Initiated into the 'Craft' which is the starting point in their Masonic journey. The Craft consists of Three Degrees including the 'Royal Arch'.

On being Initiated a Freemason enters the First Degree and is called an Entered Apprentice. On passing their Second Degree they then become a Fellowcraft. Finally, they are raised to the Third Degree and are known as a Master Mason.  Irrespective of their rank, they are treated equally and are called a brother (even in women's Freemasonry)

The three degrees are what most people will have seen pictures of, with members wearing the familiar light and dark blue collars and aprons. In the picture it start on the left with the plain white Entered Apprentice apron and goes through to Grand Rank dress apron on the right side of the picture.

Next week we will introduce you to Royal Arch 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/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Buckinghamshire Emergency Services Lodge 3077

Based at the Bletchley Masonic Centre, but with meetings held at Aylesbury, Stony Stratford, Winslow & Beaconsfield.  A travelling lodge.

Grenfell Lodge 3077 had fallen on hard times when a group of Buckinghamshire Freemasons stepped into lend a helping hand. Early 2017 this group joined the Lodge and the Buckinghamshire Emergency Services Lodge was born. 

You don’t have to be a serving or former member of the emergency services to be part of the fellowship. Since reforming they have had five initiates and thirteen joiners, and now stand at 23 members with more to come

They enjoy a fine fellowship and have recently started wearing their service headwear and miniature medals during the Festive Board.  Members of the Emergency Services have been awarded jubilee medals since 2002 as well as long service medals. 

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. 

The meeting was for our their new members, former Life Guard and Scots Guard and was attended by 63 members and visitors, also welcoming three more joining members.

The White Table Festive Board saw friends, partners, and future candidates for the Lodge totalling 87 dining. 

Those in attendance were treated to an excellent after dinner speech by Paul ‘Tug’ Hartley GM. Tug gave an excellent insight to his life through his “Hero to Zero” talk, one which resonated with so many present. His eye opening account of how his life changed when he was awarded the George Medal, and not all for the best, was said to be one of the best they had the privilege to listen to.

Throughout the course of the evening our charitable donations raised over £2000 that will see donations made to Pilgrim Bandits Charity and Hull4Heroes on behalf of Tug. As well as continued efforts to raise money for the Worshipful Master’s chosen charity, Royal Star & Garter.

If you would like to join us at fantastic meetings such as these, please join us by following this link: 
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After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 
 
 

 

 
Earlier this week, Mark and Chris visited Beaconsfield Lodge in Slough to support their meeting and to meet their newest initiate.

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://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

Peter  was installed by Phil  in style and a very buoyant festive board followed.  

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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Another great evening, well done everyone, including Jim for taking the chair of King Solomon.

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://buckspgl.org/info
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WM Simon, of Wineslai Lodge and 65 golfers raised nearly one thousand pounds for his chosen charity for the year; McMillan Nurses in Buckinghamshire. A cracking day out was had by all.

Perhaps the Province needs a golfing lodge! In the meantime, you could consider joining the Bucks Masonic Golf Society. 

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://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Lodge meetings are at the Marlow Masonic Centre on a Saturday - 4 times a year.

Outside of lodge meetings, the members like to undertake walks, occasionally linking in with charity fund raising.

The lodge is an all round sporting lodge with its main event being a monthly country walk in various locations, (walking technically a sport) so far they have walked in Turville (Vicar of Dibley), Hambleden and Marlow, with several more planned.  The walks are open to family & friends as well as Masons, so a great community spirited get together.

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://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

With a splendid ceremony, Seer Green Lodge welcomed Bro Scott in to Freemasonry last week at Beaconsfield 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://buckspgl.org/info
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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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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.

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

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: 
https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

 
 
 

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

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

 
 

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.

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.

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: 

https://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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