On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 was four months in planning and 14 hours in the delivery with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Dan, who took his third regular step in Freemasonry, it was an emotional experience.
"As one of the brethren raised at BIG 1-2-3, I stepped into the Grand Temple with nervous excitement. The emotion and tension were palpable, especially under the portentous red lights that bathed the massive temple in an otherworldly glow. The nerves turned to calm serenity and awe as we walked onto the chequered floor and fell under the watch of the silent onlookers, and the spell of the sound of violins echoing around us. The love and dedication of those who organised and orchestrated the ceremonies on that day was evident throughout, and I cannot sufficiently praise them for their work and dedication."
Dan is second from the left in the picture, surrounded by fellow members of the Provincial Communications team and several chains.
If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter 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 Ark Mariners
The full title of this Order is The Ancient & Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. It is more familiarly known as ‘RAM’.
 
Meetings are held in Lodges and are ‘moored’ or attached to a Mark Master Mason’s Lodge of the same name.
 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Mark Master Mason. The joining ceremony is called ‘Elevation’.
 
The regalia consists of an apron and breast jewel. The apron has a colourful rainbow edge.
 
The Order is based on the story of Noah, his sons and their wives and commemorates the providence and mercy of God and relates to the legend of the Deluge, or Great Flood. The ceremony recalls God’s promise that never again will he undertake the destruction of mankind.

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to Knights Templar.

They support Milton Keynes University Hospital especially with babies born prematurely or underweight also children and young adults with complex needs.
BMCF have donated £3,058 to cover the costs of taking 30 registered families to the zoo for a memory making trip and have received the following feedback from Katie Mainwaring:

We took 125 people in all including children in wheelchairs and also included a picnic lunch and ice cream.
The following letters of thanks were received from the families:

"Thank you for an amazing time at the zoo, it’s difficult to find things to do with Rayyan but he absolutely loved it, the fresh air & seeing the animals made him content & he enjoyed himself. Thank you as always xx" Nadia, Rayyan's Mum

"What can I say bam bams has been stuck in hospital for almost 3 months due to a failing care package, everyday he comes home for home leave it’s been a rough journey for us as a family and my boy being away from us when he should be home, the trip to the zoo was an amazing day we made some beautiful memories with bams (Brandon) and will forever be grateful, quality family time is so important for all but more so for life limited children so a massive thank you for helping create memories " Katie

"It was such an awesome day! It wasn’t too manic and the weather was perfect! I just want to personally thank Katie for the day out plus ice creams plus the train! Esmé was over the moon they had her dairy free ice cream so that made her day! I think Jacobs favorite bit was the giraffes playing thank you again!" Steph

"Thank you for an amazing day at the zoo. Even today the children are talking about it. From how many monkeys they seen in the trees, to enjoying a yummy ice cream at lunch time. It’s certainly a big highlight for our summer holidays and we made some amazing happy memories." Kelly, Mum to Ruby & Jenson

"What an amazing day. So lovely to go out and be surrounded by so many families who just ‘get it’!!! As always, Katie organised it so well and it was lovely to all come together for lunch - a real community vibe. It can be hard to take day trips on your own, but with Emily’s Star around, you’re never alone!!! Thank you xx" Sam, Mum to Ashlynn

"Thank you for a brilliant day! the weather was just right, the animals were amazing and mine enjoyed the penguins the best! was very well planned. Thank you so much, making memories " Letitia, Mum to Loraya 

Honestly, I cannot thank you enough the day was so incredible. 

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 was four months in planning and 14 hours in the delivery with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Neil, assistant to the head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, it was a rewarding experience.
"After hundreds of hours of meetings, rehearsals, and revisions I can honestly say that it was one of the best days of Freemasonry that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. A once in a lifetime experience for candidates and provincial stewards alike! It was a real privilege to assist so many brethren on their Masonic journey. The Egyptian temple is simply stunning, and I enjoyed every moment of delivering the second-degree ceremony to so many happy people. I hope that others can adopt our approach to delivering an experience for Freemasons wherever in the world they are."

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

On a wet Saturday morning, the luminaries of the Paralympics and the world's media descended on humble Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympics, for a far-from-humble event: the lighting of the Paralympic Flame.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons were asked to volunteer to aid in the organisation and running of the event; taking up positions as marshals, traffic wardens, stewards and even diplomats.

We're very proud to have been in attendance of this ceremony of global significance and of the praise received from those in attendance, with one member of the press remarking "I've completely changed my mind about what you are!" In a world of scepticism and cynicism, this is among the finest of compliments a Freemason can receive from their community.

But the day was not one for sceptics nor cynics; even as the rain lashed and the winds howled, the spirit of hope, togetherness, and strength extolled by the Paralympics could not be extinguished. The flame was lit to rapturous applause, the torch carried with due reverence, beginning its journey to Paris and drawing onlookers and excitement from every quarter.

The Paralympic flames will make their final appearance during the Opening Ceremony, where they will be used to light the cauldron to symbolise the start of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games tomorrow, 28th August.

Aylesbury played its part well, and the Buckinghamshire Freemasons will forever be proud to have helped it in doing so.

Why Stoke Mandeville?

The small village on the edge of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. It is where Dr Ludwig Guttmann first dreamt of a sporting event for World War II veterans with disabilities to aid in their physical and mental rehabilitation in a fun, but competitive way. A mindset & idea to push the recovery process.

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. 

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 was four months in planning and 14 hours in the delivery with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Daniel, it was a a magical experience to take his second degree in the company of his husband Abdul.
"The Egyptian temple where my Second Degree took place was stunning, with purple and turquoise creating a unique atmosphere. Our lodge members supported us along with so many brothers from across the county and overseas. We had memorised our parts, feeling nervous and excited about presenting them to the DPGM. The ceremony went smoothly. Provincial Grand Stewards gave us tips on how to stand and present ourselves. The tracing board was interesting, with symbols teaching us about morality and masonry. As a new Freemason, I learned a lot. Seeing multiple ceremonies deepened my understanding of masonry. I met great new brothers and made connections. It was a long but rewarding day."

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter 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. 

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.

Mark Master Masons
The full title of this Order is Mark Master Masons of England and Wales, and its District and Lodges Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘Mark’.
 
Meetings of Mark Master Masons are held in Lodges and are laid out in a similar way to a Craft Lodge room.
 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Master Mason. The joining ceremony is called ‘Advancement’.
 
The regalia consists of an apron and breast jewel. The edges of the apron are light blue and crimson.
 
The Order is based on the building of the first Temple at Jerusalem. The candidate is first acknowledged as a Mark Man then advanced to a Mark Master Mason where a ‘Mark’ is chosen to identify the stonework they have produced. The Advancement Ceremony teaches the lesson that education is the reward of labour and the dramatic message that dishonesty can never succeed.

If you are interested in joining this order within Buckinghamshire, please message us.

Next time we will introduce you to Royal Ark Mariners.

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 was four months in planning and 14 hours in the delivery with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Lawrence, it was a whirlwind chain of events.
"As a 4-week-old head of Verney Lodge, I had the privilege of initiating a new brother at Freemasons' Hall in a beautiful temple. It was a remarkable experience for both of us. Cosmin is from Romania and I am from South Africa, which shows the universality of our fraternity. Freemasonry transcends borders, cultures, and languages, and unites us with a common bond of brotherhood and values. Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you can find a home in Freemasonry."

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

St. Martin's Lodge, No. 2812, located in Fenny Stratford, has a rich history intertwined with the local community and broader Masonic traditions. The lodge was established with ten petitioners, and its consecration took place on July 21, 1900, at the High Street Schools in Fenny Stratford. The ceremony was led by The Rt. Hon. Lord Addington, the Provincial Grand Master, with W.Bro. Col. Alexander Finlay serving as the Primus Master and Rev. Henry Oliver as the first Chaplain.
According to the Bucks Standard, which highlighted a moving speech by Rev. Bro. V. P. Wyatt, the consecration event was significant.

Following the formalities, the members gathered for a banquet at the Town Hall, where a musical "Glee Party" was performed under the direction of Bro. Herbert Schartau.
Herbert Schartau was a composer and musician known for his contributions to music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was of Swedish descent but was born and raised in Kent, England. Schartau was a professional singer and also a society entertainer at the piano, composing several songs throughout his career.
His works include songs like "Fairy Song" and "Daisy Dell," and he was active in the musical scene, contributing to events where pianoforte solos and part-singing were featured. Schartau's music was part of the Victorian and Edwardian sporting song tradition, as seen in collections like "Play the Game: Victorian & Edwardian Sporting Song".
In addition to his musical career, Schartau was involved in Masonic activities, having attained a prominent position within the organisation by the late 19th century.

Throughout its history, St. Martin's Lodge has maintained strong ties with the community. In 1909, the Earl of Orkney was appointed Provincial Grand Master shortly after leaving the Chair in St. Martin's, further cementing the lodge's significance. 

The lodge moved into the Queensway Masonic Hall in 1982, a facility secured by the Bletchley Masonic Hall Company Ltd., with St. Martin's Lodge as a major shareholder. This move marked a new chapter in the lodge's history, providing a dedicated space for its meetings and activities. The lodge's banners, depicting Saint Martin, reflect its historical and cultural heritage, celebrating the legacy of its namesake, a Roman soldier who became a Christian saint known for his compassion and charity.

If you find the idea of becoming a Freemason in Buckinghamshire intriguing, you can express your interest by contacting the local membership team. To apply, you must reside in or near Buckinghamshire. Please use this link to make contact: https://buckspgl.org/join

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 was four months in planning and 14 hours in the delivery with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Cosmin, it was a life changing event.
"The day I joined Freemasonry at Freemasons' Hall in London was unforgettable. Entering that historic building, I felt awe and respect for the fraternity I was going to join. The initiation was thought-provoking and very beautiful. It stressed values like honesty and kindness, which resonated with me. I reflected on how to apply these principles in my life. What stood out was the community; I was surrounded by fellow Freemasons who shared this experience and supported each other. It was amazing."

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

The playground is set back from the road and enclosed with traditional children’s play equipment, adult fitness equipment and picnic benches.  

After the BMCF Contribution, the Roundabout which had been condemned, is now working again with new parts, seats and fibrefall resin bound recycled rubber mulch surfacing also new surface under the swings and new steel feet added to the chain traverse, the wooden activity trail and climbing post.

BMCF have donated £400 towards the renovation and resurfacing and the following letter of thanks was received from Helen Holman: "We found the funding application process very straightforward and after completing a grant application form online I was kept updated by emails of the application’s progress and EPC received the funding within a couple of months to use towards our playground repairs."

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 Arch
The continuation of the Third Degree is the 'Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch'. It is more familiarly known as ‘Chapter’.
 
Meetings of a Royal Arch Chapter are known as Convocations and have three Principals who rule the Chapter as opposed to the single Master in a Craft Lodge.
 
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Master Mason. The joining ceremony is called 'Exaltation' and the members are called Companions.
 
The regalia consists of an apron, sash and breast jewel. The colours of the apron and jewel are crimson and dark blue which vary depending on a member’s rank.

The Order is based on the return of the Jewish tribes from their captivity in Babylon to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem having been destroyed at the end of King Solomon's reign. During the preparation for the building of the Second Temple, a momentous discovery is made and it is this discovery that is the basis of the Exaltation Ceremony.

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.

Next time we will introduce you to Mark Master Masons.

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  
For Tim Anders initiating his 85-year-old father into Freemasonry in the Grand Temple was something he will never forget. 650 Freemasons were there to witness Tims brother Chris function as Junior Deacon, guiding their father through the ceremony. All other offices were filled by our Light Blues demonstration team - all of which had been in Masonry less that 4 years.
It was an emotional moment, watching them together and feeling the solemnity of the occasion mixed with their family pride.
To cap it all off, The PGM invested Tim as his fourth Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Tims newly initiated father and brother functioned as cushion bearers in that ceremony. It was the perfect end to an incredible day.
Tim said "As Freemasons in Buckinghamshire, we are known for our innovation and creativity. BIG 1-2-3 was a remarkable example of this. We pulled off a series of firsts in one day, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved. It took months of planning and preparation, but the result was well worth it."

If you live in or near Buckinghamshire, and would like to join the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling out the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

On Friday 26th July Stephens "The Walking" Lodge set off on a stroll that would span the length of the province in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Brain Cancer Trust.

Setting off from Bletchley Masonic Centre at 9:05am and progressing all the way to the finish line at Slough Masonic centre on Sunday at 2:45pm.
Steve Pratt, David Clark and Andrew Murray assisted by Jim Hunt, Ian Young, Chris Barton and followed by an array of Ramblers on different days managed to successfully walk the long 68 miles.

The Ramblers successfully trudged across canals, roads, fields, hills, rivers and to the finish line where Slough Masonic Centre was opened up.
They shared memories, laughs, and much needed pints of beer.

Well done to all the helpers, especially Jim Hunt, who organised the whole event and supported them every step of the way with the “Tuc Shop” in the back of his car.

Thank you also to those who took part in the walk and kept us company for over 26 hours.

But we don’t stop here. 

So far we have raised £9000 including donations from other lodges.

We are looking to reach to £10,000 by the end of September so please consider donating using the link below.

https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/l3089-stephens-lodge/a-wee-stroll-through-the-provinceUxEczggI_pFlcQVOWw_aem_Fp-FKB-1a13zs8aVvuD6cA

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. 

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once-in-a lifetime moment.  BIG 1-2-3 took four months to plan and 14 hours to deliver with a core team of 25 people, supported by over 50 lodges in the province.  
For Nii, who took his third regular step in Freemasonry, it has opened up a massive friendship network.
"Words fail me in describing my raising at BIG 1-2-3. It was an incredible experience. Just as I exited the Covent Garden station, I saw loads of the brethren. There were men dressed in black, all masons, and all headed to the Big 1-2-3.  The raising ceremony that made me a Master Mason was humbling, and steeped in the old traditions of operative masons. It took place in the main temple, with its high ceilings, beautiful architecture, and golden thrones across the altar. The scale, the music, and the lights completely blew me away! I have no idea how they managed to choreograph this, but I am truly thankful and humbled to be in the company of so many other masons on such a memorable day; I am proud to call you my brothers."

If you would like to join the Freemasons, follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling out the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

A "Wee Stroll" Through the Province of Buckinghamshire in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Brain Cancer Trust

David Clark, Steve Pratt and Andrew Murray have undertaken this challenging task and have committed to walking the full length of 68 miles and they need your help.

They are looking for enthusiastic ramblers to join them, just for part, or even the whole length, this will be a gruelling 22 miles each day totalling 68 miles, which is two and a half marathons! There will be many stops along the way for refreshments and break stops detailed in a schedule below. 

Day 1 - Bletchley to Aylesbury Masonic Centre - (22.8 Miles)
Stops include- The Three Locks pub, Toot Toot canal parking, Gables Masonic Hall, Cook's Wharf car park, The Red Lion, finishing at Aylesbury Centre.

The all-Important Link is as below.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/.../a-wee-stroll-through-the... 

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
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'.
 
The three degrees are what most people will have seen pictures of with members wearing the familiar light and dark blue collars and aprons.
 
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. The members are called Brothers 

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.

Next time we will introduce you to the Royal Arch.

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment. 
A number of remarkable events took place, one of which was Brentham Lodge conducting an initiation ceremony for a father and his two sons concurrently. Marcel and his sons, Tavi, and Gabriel were overjoyed to participate in the initiation, all having attended a Discover Freemasonry recruitment event just a few months earlier.

If you would like to join the Freemasons follow this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

Newton Longville Primary School - Charity No 310535 is based near Milton Keynes and their motto is as above.

The children thrive, blossom and leave this school ready for their next stage in life. This is supported by values of Compassion, Respect, Aspiration, Friendship and Thankfulness. The varied and active curriculum is based on sticky knowledge, so that the children know more and remember more, ready to help them be successful and make a meaningful contribution to the community.  

The school is set on large grounds in the heart of the village with a fantastic playing field, playgrounds, gardens and outdoor learning areas for reception and year one children. We are currently raising money for an outdoor classroom in order to enable even more outdoor learning. 

BMCF have Donated £4,000 to help the school achieve this and the following letter of thanks was received from Ben Dimmock:

  “On behalf of the students, and staff at Newton Longville Primary School, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the BMCF for their generous financial donation to build the new ‘Forest Shelter’ outdoor classroom.
The BMCF support has made a significant impact On, providing the school with a unique space that will enhance their educational programs and bring learning to life in a natural setting. The new outdoor classroom will serve as an inspiring environment for hands-on learning, environmental education, and creative exploration”.