DECEMBER DIARY OF MEETINGS

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

This is the diary for the coming month.

Our 12DX season is well under way!

In the last week, 8 lodges have held ten initiation ceremonies in Marlow, Stony Stratford, Beaconsfield, Slough, Bletchley, and Aylesbury. There were many great highlights, including the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion joining members of Chenies Lodge for the last post at their meeting in Beaconsfield.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

12DX Launch Evening at Hughenden Lodge for Craft Beer and Real Ale Appreciation!

Last night saw the first initiation of Bro Neill at a wonderful kick off meeting.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 
At last night's meeting, we enjoyed a superbly delivered ceremony in a beautiful lodge room. This was followed by an incredible dining experience which culminated in fine speeches and a dessert of Crème Brulé paired with a Bad Kitty dark porter by  
The star prize in the raffle was some of The Master's Brew, which dates back to 2019! Rare and exquisite beyond belief.
Hughenden Lodge meets in Marlow, Bucks, and is always looking for new people to join them..
If you live in the Buckinghamshire area and share the lodges' appreciation for craft beer and real ale, why not follow in Neill's footsteps and join the lodge? You can contact the lodge here: https://hughendenlodge.org.uk/

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Special Interest Lodge Bring A Friend Event

Twice a year we hold a Bring a Friend event, where current Buckinghamshire Masons can bring a friend / colleague / family member to find out more and ask questions.

Our most recent event was held at the Slough Masonic Centre and focused on some of the province's special interest lodges.

Dozens of brethren arrived at the centre to begin the setup as early as 7 am!  

The teams got to work setting up their promotional tables for the afternoons event, but at approximately 9 am work ceased and the brethren Moved upstairs to the temple for an early meeting of the Buckinghamshire classic car Lodge featuring the fantastic project transform in all its splendour.

Upon completion of the ceremony and Lodge closure, the brethren then retired downstairs to finalise any tables that required setting up but also tuck into a hearty hot buffet style lunch and were able to meet and greet the guests who had began arriving at noon. The guests had time to casually walk around each of the Lodge displays and engage in conversation with the brethren,  the Special interest lodges had set up their tables with promotional information, photographs and videos to provide a visual representation of what their lodges had to offer around the edges of the hall.

At 1 pm, everyone assembled in the main dining hall, which was laid out like a theatre, for the presentation to begin. John King, one of the provincial executives opened the day greeting the guests and brethren before handing over to Lee Buckingham & John Palman who look after the communications and membership side of the province.  Matthew Perkins then delivered a detailed explanation of the charity side of Freemasonry, covering International, National and Provincial aspects of what we do.

On completion of the presentation carried out band an open question & answers session the guests were then taken up into the temple for a insight into what happens inside a meeting with a further question and answer session. 

Once this was over they returned back downstairs and continued conversations with the numerous lodges that were on display with the event finally drawing to a close at around 3 pm.

A lot of work went into delivering this day, the reward being a lot of the guests signing up to take their enquiries further.

NOVEMBER DIARY OF MEETINGS

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

This is the diary for the coming month.

Tomorrow is our Provincial "Special Interest Lodge" Bring a Friend event

We will be showcasing some of our special interest lodges to prospective new masonic members, giving a chance for an open Q&A session in a relaxed environment and an opportunity to meet freemasons of Buckinghamshire.

Shooting, Camping, Real Ale, Fine Wine, Aviation, to name but a few.

PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER' ADDRESS 

Today we held the annual general meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street,  one of the finest Art Deco buildings in London. 

Over 500 Freemasons of Buckinghamshire, along with Friends and family attended for this great annual event.

The following link will take you to the Provincial Grand Masters address.

https://buckspgl.org/blog/provincial-grand-masters-annual-address-2024 

TODAY IS THE PROVINCIAL MEETING OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Over 500 Brethren, Family & Friends will shortly be arriving at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Buckinghamshire Annual Provincial Meeting.  A great day of celebration amongst friends and Brothers.

Find Your Purpose with the Buckinghamshire Freemasons

In today's fast-paced world, many of us are looking for a deeper sense of purpose and a way to make a meaningful impact. Freemasonry offers a unique path to achieving both.
As a Freemason, you'll join a centuries-old tradition of community service and personal growth. Our organisation provides opportunities to contribute to local causes, support those in need, and positively transform lives. Whether it's organising charity events, mentoring youth, or supporting local initiatives, Freemasons work together to create lasting change.

But Freemasonry is more than just charitable work. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Through our stories, teachings, and fellowship, you'll gain new perspectives on life, develop leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships. This combination of personal growth and community service often leads our members to discover a profound sense of purpose.
By joining Buckinghamshire Freemasons, you're embarking on a life-changing journey. You'll have the chance to make a real difference in your community while simultaneously growing as an individual.
Ready to find your purpose and have a lasting impact?
Join us today and start your Masonic journey. 
For people based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor the rest of the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/become-freemason/find-your-nearest-masonic-centre/lookup-area

Together, we can build a better world, one good deed at a time.

OCTOBER DIARY OF MEETINGS

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. 

Just one week to go until the Bucks PGL meeting

The countdown has begun for our annual meeting at Freemasons Hall, London. Approximately 500 brethren, family and friends will be in attendance to watch and support fellow Brothers receive appointments and promotions within the grand setting of this magnificent art deco building, Home of the United grand Lodge of England.

Discover Freemasonry and it's Special Interest Lodges

On Saturday 19th October, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will be hosting the next in a series of successful Bring a Friend events, however with a unique twist, to show off the Province's incredible range of Special Interest Lodges to those existing masons, as well as any initiates. 

Event Details:
Date: Saturday 19th October
Time: 12:30 - 3:00PM 
(arrive from 12:00 for registration, presentations begin at 1.00PM)
Location: Slough Masonic Centre, 76 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX

Prospective initiates and interested joiners can experience:

-The good reasons to join Freemasonry, including personal growth, leadership development, and community impact.
-Talk with members of special interest Lodges and hear why they are so brilliant.
-Meet special interest Lodges that cater to a wide range of hobbies and passions.
-Discover the exciting special interest themed events that take place regularly in the province.

Also come along for:

-A display of classic cars and motorcycles in the car park.
-Showcase exhibition of our special interests within Freemasonry.
-Open Bar and Refreshments as well as a light buffet are provided for all attendees.
-This event is your gateway to discovering the incredible variety that exists within Buckinghamshire Freemasonry. 

Feel free to bring friends and family, the more, the merrier!

Secure your free place now by going to the below link:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-freemasonry-special-interest-2024

Passing the Torch at Marcellians Lodge

A bittersweet moment occurred at the most recent Marcellians Lodge meeting when Grae Laws, the Provincial Grand Communications Officer for Buckinghamshire, handed over his apron to Lee Buckingham, his replacement. While Grae showed some reluctance to part with the role he had held for several years, there was also pride in seeing the communications team move forward under new leadership.

The formal transition will take place on Saturday, October 5th at Freemasons' Hall in London. Lee expressed excitement about taking the reins and guiding the team into the future, especially with many new initiates on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Grae isn't stepping away from provincial duties entirely. He'll be moving into the role of Provincial Senior Grand Warden, taking over from Lloyd Harrison, the incumbent Prov SGW. Grae, along with his fellow Warden Mark Harry, will play a key part in the upcoming "12 Days of Christmas" campaign. This ambitious initiative aims to initiate over 60 new members across various lodges between November 20th and December 19th.

As Grae reflected on his time as Communications Officer, it was clear that his efforts had yielded their own rewards in the form of a thriving, engaged Masonic community in Buckinghamshire. The torch may be passing, but the light of fellowship burns as brightly as ever.

BIG 1-2-3 memories - three generations at Fairway 8614

On Saturday June 29th, over 150 people took their next regular step in Freemasonry. 650 people attended this once in a lifetime moment.  It was a fantastic day for many Buckinghamshire Freemasons but even more so for the members of Fairway Lodge No. 8614 as they welcomed a very special initiate.
The lodge had one of the first slots available on the day and got to Temple 14 GQS shortly after 0900 to perform the ceremony of initiation of Oliver, in the presence of his Dad Mike who was the current head of the lodge. Oliver's grandfather, John, who is also a member of the lodge and was present for the ceremony. 
Bro Oliver joins a succession of new members to Fairway lodge who have welcomed seven initiates in the last few years, and will no doubt follow in both his fathers and grandfathers’ footsteps 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.

BIG 1-2-3 memories - I am a Master Mason!

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.

Emily’s Star Charity was established in 2012 in memory of Emily Elizabeth who had a life limiting disorder and after fighting hard lived for 26 days only

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. 

BIG 1-2-3 memories - Pleased to play my part

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.

PARIS 2024 PARALYMPICS FLAME LIGHTING CEREMONY

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. 

BIG 1-2-3 memories - I took my Second Degree!

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.

SEPTEMBER DIARY OF MEETINGS

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.