Tim Anders, the Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasons, visited the Florence Nightingale Hospice recently and shared his thoughts.

“During my visit to   I was immediately struck by the overwhelming sense of love, compassion, and dedication that radiated from every member of the team. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this is more than just a workplace—it is a community built on empathy and care for others.

“I was given a thorough insight into the wide-reaching and vital work the hospice undertakes, not only within its walls but also across the wider community. It quickly became apparent just how extensive the hospice’s services are, reaching far beyond the building itself and into countless homes across Buckinghamshire and beyond. The care and support provided touches the lives of many, often during their most difficult moments, and the need for this support continues to grow.

“What truly stood out to me was the role of the hospice’s incredible volunteer network. Their contribution goes well beyond patient care—they offer companionship, practical help, and bereavement support that continues long after a loved one has passed. This holistic approach to care, for both patients and their families, is deeply moving and reflects the values at the heart of the hospice.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every member of the Florence Nightingale Hospice team—staff and volunteers alike—for everything they do for our community. Their commitment, kindness, and tireless work make a considerable difference in the lives of so many. Visiting the hospice was a humbling and inspiring experience, and it reminded me just how important it is to support organisations like this that provide care with such dignity and humanity.”

The Buckinghamshire Freemasons play an important role in fundraising for this and other Hospices, not only with financial assistance, but volunteering for many of the events held by the organisations themselves.

Tim pictured here alongside Lead Clinical Nurse Liz Monaghan and Charity CEO Jo Turner.

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?

    

When heart-breaking can be heart-warming.

On a glorious sunny Sunday morning in Buckinghamshire, 105 representatives of 57 Charities arrived at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury by Invitation of Buckinghamshire Freemasons. They were joined by the Mayors of Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, High Wycombe and Slough, who were accompanying The Chair of Bucks County Council Mimi Barker OBE, The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Pippa Kirkbride and both The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Lady Elizabeth Howe CBE and her Deputy Roger Jefcoate CBE.

After 6 months of planning by our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, the day arrived. It was an opportunity for all the Charities to network with each other, sharing stories and comparing notes but also listening to the Impact statements of 16 impassioned speakers, who spoke bravely and informatively about their respective causes, as well as recognising the support of Buckinghamshire Freemasons on a local level in Bucks but also the importance of grants distributed by the Masonic Charitable Foundation on a Regional and National stage.
Relief, or what is generally known as Charity is one of the three keystones of Freemasonry , just as Humility is a characteristic synonymous with everything we do.

Both were in abundance, as Charity speakers talked and humble listeners heard about the importance of community in our lives and the involvement of Freemasons not just in the financial support of so many worthy causes, but also in the volunteering of time to help so many less fortunate than ourselves.

The four Worshipful Mayors and Chair of the County Council all spoke of the ever important role organisations like Freemasonry have to play in modern society, where government funding is stretched and so many Charities rely on local assistance to survive.

Lady Howe reiterated this as she spoke of the long history of giving by Masons to bolster the resilience of those needing help. It was indeed a day to feel humble yet proud of the community and our volunteers and fundraisers in Freemasonry
In summing up the event in his closing comments, The host and Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Tim Anders thanked the Charities for their tireless efforts and determination to give the unheard a voice and hope to the most fragile, with the assurance of the continued support of Buckinghamshire Masons for years to come.

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
      

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. 

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."

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. 

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... 

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”.

The next big Buckinghamshire Craft and Royal Arch joint charitable event is here.

On Friday 26th July, through to Sunday 28th July, a group of intrepid walkers will be joining the Worshipful Master of Stephens Lodge, on a journey through the province, starting at Bletchley Masonic Centre and finishing at Slough over three days.

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. We would appreciate any support on the day, whether you are rambling or could assist our support team along the way.

A member of the lodge suffered a heart attack in April, inspiring the team to take positive action by supporting the British Heart Foundation, as well as supporting the Brain Cancer Trust. We are hoping to raise £5000 in aid of these great causes.

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.

Day 2 - Aylesbury to Beaconsfield Masonic Centre - (22.8 Miles)
Stops include- The Five Bells Pub, Boug's Meadow Great Missenden, The Old Oak Holmer Green, Penn Street Village Hall, Winchmore Hill Village Hall, Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.

Day 3 - Beaconsfield to Slough Masonic Centre - (22.1 Miles)
Stops include- The Royal Standard, Marlow Masonic Centre, Jenners Riverside Cafe, Slough Masonic Centre (The Finish Line).

The all-Important Link is as below.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/l3089-stephens-lodge/a-wee-stroll-through-the-province 

Saturday night through to the early hours of Sunday morning saw Buckinghamshire Freemasons step forward to marshal the local Florence Nightingale Charity Hospice  Midnight Walk.

Over 400 walkers took to the streets of Aylesbury to either complete a 5 or 10 mile route while raising money for the charity.  To guide the routes through the night, over 40 Freemasons from 20 different lodges of Buckinghamshire stood at points to cheer the walkers on and ensure their safety.

The Midnight walk was first established with the Hospice in 2010, with the exception of the CoViD lock down years, and has raised over £1million pounds from its start, it is the largest fundraising event that they carry out each year.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons have proudly put themselves forward to be involved since its inception, a true Freemasonry In The Community event.

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. 

MK SNAP Registered Charity No: 1013148 began in 1992, offering work training to vulnerable adults. After moving to new premises in 2004 which include a kitchen, cafe, and garden, they expanded into education, learning, and life skills in 2012. They now offer 22 course subjects to a growing number of learners with a wide range of disabilities.
BMCF have donated £3,883 to give support enabling the purchase of ten, 9th generation iPad’s with cases and chargers and have recently received the following testimonial: 
“The lightweight, portable iPads have been used on-the-go indoors and outdoors to boost the learning and IT confidence of people with learning disabilities at MK SNAP. We have already seen an increase in our learners’ confidence, communication and IT skills.
We’ve also seen an increase in enjoyment of using this new technology, especially due to the accessibility of engaging quizzes, assignments and exercises – this enthusiasm has made it hard to get a look-in sometimes! Before the new iPads, MK SNAP only had one set for one group of learners to use at a time. This donation means double the number of learners have access to equipment that enables them to fully participate in sessions through features such a voice-over, screen reading, and speech selection, (text to speech).
The ability to customise settings, such as text size, font, and contrast, has also made content more accessible and easier to read, especially for those with reading and writing challenges and those with dyslexia or visual impairments. We’re finding the interactive and multimedia content has also made learning more engaging and effective for learners with ADHD or executive function disorders. The iPads will allow for integration of text, images, audio and video, providing a more holistic approach to learning.
“We can’t thank the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund enough for the generous donation which has made these new opportunities possible. See our learners in the photograph.” 

More about the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund:
What is the BMCF?
The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund was first set up in 1991 with the objective of helping non-Masonic Charities, groups or individuals within Buckinghamshire.
The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are solely responsible for funding the donations, which go to deserving causes that receive little to no support from national charities. The BMCF is a great example of Freemasons caring for the local community.

Eligibility Criteria
All requests are fully considered by the Centenary Fund Committee, which consists of 8 members who are all Freemasons. This ensures donations are only made to genuine needs and where they can be most effectively used.

The qualifications of our awards are:
Non-Masonic charitable causes dealing with poverty and distress with strong Buckinghamshire connections.
Specific projects or facilities rather than general appeals or requests to fund routine activities.
Buckinghamshire charities that deal solely with causes in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire charities that also have connections in adjacent areas.
Individual causes within Bucks or individual cases outside Bucks only if there is a strong Buckinghamshire connection.

Apply now:
https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

The head of charity In the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, Mark Duncan, visited a local children's accident and emergency unit in Bucks. He took Leo, his grandson, with him to help carry some of the fantastic teddies provided by  . 
During his visit, Mark met Arthur, who had fallen off his bike and received a nasty bump for his troubles. Upon receiving his teddy, he soon brightened up. The nurse on duty explained to both Arthur and Leo that when a patient is treated, the teddy gets exactly the same bandaging. 
In research about the importance of play during the hospitalisation of children, researchers discovered the following:
The bandaged teddy bear provides psychological and emotional support to the child patient, helping them cope better with the medical treatment and have a more positive overall experience. This can lead to better clinical outcomes as well as improved patient well-being.
When a child is injured or ill, they can feel scared, anxious, and distressed. The teddy bear acts as a transitional object, providing a sense of security and familiarity during the medical treatment.
Bandaging the teddy in the same way as the patient helps the child feel understood and cared for. It shows the medical staff are attuned to the child's emotional needs, not just their physical needs.
This practice can help reduce a child's distress and fear during procedures. The teddy bear becomes a source of comfort and companionship, making the experience less traumatic.
Research has shown that the use of therapeutic toys like bandaged teddy bears can have positive psychological benefits for paediatric patients, including reduced anxiety, improved cooperation with treatment, and faster recovery times.

You can find out more about this charity here:
https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/

Founded in 1963, the Mursley Sports Association is a registered charity with the number 300307 that offers a variety of sports and activities to people of all ages in Mursley and surrounding areas. This includes children, adults, and those with special needs.
The goal is to foster a sense of community among the villages after COVID-19 and to stimulate physical and mental activity in the new region, which will be particularly helpful for the elderly and more isolated residents who will have easier access to exercise facilities.
A multi-user activities area, two youth football fields, and a full-size, award-winning football pitch are all part of the amenities. A communal space, a Village Coronation Sports Day and Dinner, a yearly fireworks show, and Christmas carols are all provided by the facilities, which also serve three nearby schools.

The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund has made a generous donation of £1,225 to cover the necessary operating costs for the upkeep of all areas and equipment.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Youth Concern, a Registered Charity Number 1175680, has been supporting young people for over 44 years and now has a drop-in centre at the Uptown Coffee Bar on Whitehill Lane in Aylesbury to help vulnerable young people from 13 to 25 years old, specialising in those with additional challenges, who are financially vulnerable to receiving support from health, mental health, or social care services, or who are affected by domestic or sexual violence or abuse. 
The drop-in centre provides a warm welcome to over 700 people a year with a range of services, including table tennis and pool tables, a music studio, free Wi-Fi and access to laptops, and advice on sexual health and substance misuse, education, training, employment, and counselling. The charity provides counselling for 55 young people at a time, has been praised for it’s “gold standard” of service, and also runs two homelessness prevention projects.
The Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund has donated £4864.00 to purchase art & craft materials, fitness equipment, games, and a music studio.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Wendover Dementia Support (charity No: 1182184) was set up in 2019 and appears as the Monday Café with a range of activities and live music and provides a space where those, including Dementia, can attend and be supported. The volunteers provide a support service and companionship to those diagnosed with dementia and their carers and families. They are a team of volunteers that bring together different knowledge, skills, and experiences. This team includes two retired GPs, a palliative care nurse and bereavement specialist, a frailty care coordinator, and a dementia champion who is experienced in dementia care. 
A donation of £2,738, from the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund, has been used to purchase speakers, projectors and a screen for training and family sessions, plus music boxes preloaded with their own choice of music, which are offered to all.

Look out each week for informative community service and charity news from the Hall Stone of Buckinghamshire.
You can find out more about the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund here: https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Steve Perry of the Manor of Swanbourne lodge took 2 weeks off work and set himself a challenge, a challenge to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise funds for @willenhospice with a group of like minded individuals. The trek took place from 27th Jan to 2nd Feb.

After months of training, this challenging trek would push him to his limits, testing his endurance, resilience, and strength in the face of high altitude and physical obstacles.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 m !

Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes provides compassionate care to those with life-limiting illnesses. They provide comfort, alleviate pain, and lessen anxiety in patients and their loved ones. Every pound donated counts because it allows them to aid more people in Milton Keynes when and when they need it. They receive less than a quarter of their financial support from the NHS, thus the remainder is contributed or raised by great people.

Steve's climb might have ended, but the journey for Willen Hospice goes on. Every donation helps ensure that they can continue offering care, comfort, and support to those in need.  We can provide the link to the fundraising platform should you wish to donate to his challenge & this charity.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has had, 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/info=kilimanjaro

In the first meeting in 2024, it was a double celebration at the Lodge of St Barnabas No. 948 on Thursday evening. Not only did the lodge raise Bro Catalin to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, but they also presented £500 cheques to three very worthwhile organisations. Seen here receiving them are Bro Terry representing the Prebendal Close Masonic Housing Association, Bro Bob, a member of St Barnabas Lodge who accepted the cheque on behalf of ,where he volunteers; and W.Bro Paul Halfhide, the Buckinghamshire co-ordinator for .
Also pictured were St Barnabas's newly-raised Bro Catalin, on the right by St Barnabas Charity Steward W.Bro Andy, and at the back by W.Bro Chris Soper, who acted as Master for part of the evening's ceremony. An excellent meeting all round, completed by a Festive Board of roast lamb with all the trimmings!

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/join

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

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://mtr.cool/wckxknugby
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

Following the ceremony the Brethren had an Oktoberfest themed Festive Board with tomatencremesuppe, German Goulash and a dessert of apple strudel.

Home brewed Pils was drunk with the meal and a guest Paulaner beer at the bar.

The new master announced his main charities for the year would be Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Florence Nightingale House Hospice in Aylesbury.

£250 was raised in the raffle.