Family First - A Night To Remember

Once again, Buckinghamshire Freemasons carried out something special and a first in the province.

The evening was all about family, many brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers & sons in the room being part of this great evening.

Temple Manor Lodge hosted and performed an amazing Double Ceremony of Initiation at Marlow Masonic Centre.
The two candidates George and Ben were treated to a faultless demonstration of how to bring in a new Brother to the Craft. 

When Worshipful Master Chris Anders hands over the ceremony to his Brother The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders to initiate two new candidates, you know it’s going to be a special evening.

But any initiation is not about who sits in what chair, it’s about the start of a new Masonic journey for the candidates and although George is the son of our RWPGM, it was made very clear that the night was equally about Ben.

What made this an even more impressive and special evening was that the previous two Provincial Grand Masters were there with their sons, who they too had initiated into Freemasonry.

RWPPGM John Clark (2018~2025) with Jack & David and RWPPGM Gordon Robertson (2011~2018) with Neil.

It really was a “Team Anders” evening bringing George into Temple Manor Lodge.
Uncle, Chris Anders opened the Lodge as WM
Father, Tim Anders took the chair to Initiate his son as RWPGM
Brother Toby guided George around the lodge as Junior Deacon
And Grandad Ron sat proudly amongst a packed Temple to witness an imaculate ceremony!

Our ProvGM has now initiated his bother, his father and his two sons into his mother lodge.

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Last Friday saw   team up with 18 piece band  under the directorship of WBro Lee Buckingham to put on their annual Big Band music night, raising money for numerous local charities, societies and groups. 

Following on from last years "Music from Stage & Screen", this year the music was that of Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie, another sell out evening ! Satin Doll, Sweet Georgia Brown, Get Happy & A-Tisket - A-Tasket, some of the numbers played that all the audience loved.

Each year the lodge invites the local   Poppy representatives to attend to man their stall, this year they were honoured guests getting to enjoy the concert but more importantly, to be presented with a cheque from the lodge for £600 towards this years poppy appeal.

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Buckinghamshire's Provincial Grand Master, his lovely wife, the Provincial Charity Steward and Freemasonry in the Community Representative spent a fun day with the team from Action4Youth representing the MCF.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation is supporting Action4Youth's Boost programme, a new 5-day initiative especially designed to equip SEND young people aged 16-24 with vital life skills to promote independence and to address the transition from school to adulthood. A package of activities will combine outdoor learning activities that focus on teamwork, communication and leadership skills, with classroom sessions that aim to develop life skills and support independent living. Funding of £59,980 from the Foundation, will support four schools and up to 44 young people (12 per school) per year over three years.

All participants will have SEND and will present a diverse range of needs, including learning, sensory and physical disabilities. They will likely display very challenging behaviour, some will also have other medical conditions and all will require additional adult support. We know from our existing programmes, such as our crime intervention project, Breakout, that many of the young people participating in the project will be experiencing additional disadvantage such as child poverty, domestic violence and exposure to criminality, with a plethora of different issues across their school and home life.

Without intervention, the project beneficiaries are likely to face multiple challenges during the transition to adulthood, with a report from ADASS, a charity to support those working in adult social care, outlining the issues for SEND young people which include young people 'falling through the cracks' between children’s services and adult social care services, with opportunities to foster independence and plan for future challenges - such as securing employment & housing - frequently missed. A recent report by Ofsted and the CQC found that too many young people with SEND faced a ‘cliff edge’ in support as they reach 18 with very little planning for their transition to adult life. Boost will address these issues and will equip participants with vital new life skills to support the transition to adulthood.  

 
Action4Youth will deliver the project throughout the South-East, with a focus on supporting participants from areas that have high levels of deprivation and significant child poverty numbers, such as parts of Slough, Luton and Bedford. Schools will be identified from our extensive network, or will directly approach us to request the programme, with participants selected by the schools as those pupils most in need of the initiative.
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Provincial Grand Lodge Awards, a proud moment of celebration.

Each year at the Provincial meeting, awards are made for merit - to the craft in general, the province, individual lodge and community.  

* Don Varney Award
This is awarded to a Master Mason, It is reserved for newer brethren into freemasonry who have shown outstanding commitment and achievement before they become the Worshipful Master in their lodge. It is not presented lightly, but only to those who truly stand out as being exceptional.  Someone who has not yet been a lodge master, nor holds provincial rank.  It is in recognition of valuable services to the Province of Buckinghamshire.
This award was created in 2008 by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW Ray Reed as a memorial to the late VW Donald Varney, Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

 - This year awarded to Brother Andrew Murray of Stephens Lodge 3089

* Freemasonry In The Community Award
Created in 2028 by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW Gordon Robertson.  Freemasonry is not just about what we do inside our lodges, but about the impact we make beyond them. The Freemasonry in the Community Awards recognise those lodges and individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference to the lives of others.
It celebrates the spirit of service and the commitment to work closely with local organisations, charities, and individuals to bring about positive change and community engagement. Whether through fundraising, hands-on support, or imaginative projects, the Freemasonry in the Community Awards recognise those who truly put our values into practice. By celebrating their efforts, we not only thank them for what they’ve given, but also show the strength and kindness that Freemasonry brings to our communities. 

 - This years Lodge award was awarded to Haddenham Lodge 8944
 - This years individual award was awarded to Rod Sheppard of Saxon Lodge 9735

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* John Clark Awards - Hallstone Awards for Excellence
This year was the first time these awards were made, named after our last Provincial Grand Master, RW John Clark and the fact that Buckinghamshire is the ONLY hallstone Province remaining.

* Hallstone Silver 
Awarded for steadfast commitment and exceptinal service to the Province.  The award recognises and acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to Freemasonry and the Provinces broader aims, showing consistant dedication & willingness to work to achieve a combined goal.

- This year awarded to Brother John Woodside of Aylesbury Lodge 4534

* Hallstone Gold
This prestigious honour recognises the recipient for their unwavering commitment, outstanding service and remarkable contributions to Buckinghamshire Freemasonry.  It acknowledges individuals who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary efforts in their rolls exceeding expectations.  It celebrates their invaluable contributions not only to Freemasonry but also the achievement of the Provincial strategic goals.

 - This year awarded to Worshipful Brother David Harfield of Beaconsfield Lodge 2849

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Camino Trek for  

Mark Duncan, our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, yesterday completed his Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage walk - the eighth and final section of the French Way .  This was not the hardest physical thing he has ever done, but certainly the hardest test of endurance and stamina that he has managed to complete in his 60’s.

The team of 9 set off on on Sunday morning to cover the 115km trek, passing through green forests, farmlands, and historic villages, offering a rewarding experience before arriving at the city's historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe that leads to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Raising just over £5,000 for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is why Mark endured until the end.

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Lodge of Concorde Remember the Few

Eighty-five years have passed since the Battle of Britain, when “the Few” defended the skies of southern England against the Luftwaffe. To honour that courage, the Lodge of Concorde met in the historic Battle of Britain Bunker—once the nerve centre of RAF Uxbridge and the command hub of 11 Group. This remarkable venue provided a deeply atmospheric setting for a memorable Lodge meeting.

The evening began with welcome drinks in the Visitor Centre, surrounded by wartime displays. Among the distinguished guests were Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders and his wife, and Past Provincial Grand Master John Clark and his wife. Guests divided into two groups; brethren for the Lodge meeting and partners for a private tour, before descending the same seventy-six steps once taken by Churchill and King George VI, a symbolic journey into history.

The Lodge opened its meeting and swiftly completed its business, welcoming two new members in what must be one of the most historic Masonic settings imaginable. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a guided tour of the Bunker, culminating in the famous plotting room where Britain’s air defence strategy was shaped. Guide Daisy vividly explained the Dowding System and its vital role in victory. Once the meeting concluded, the brethren joined their guests, and the story of those desperate days came alive once more.

Afterwards, everyone ascended to the Visitor Centre, greeted by Prosecco, 1940s music, and a WAAF performer in period dress. Canapés and vol-au-vents added elegance to a lively celebration. Worshipful Master Graham Thorne gave thanks and made a touching presentation of cufflinks fashioned from metal of the Spitfire P7350 to a guest celebrating his eighty-fifth birthday—on Battle of Britain Day itself.

The evening closed with toasts to the King and to “the Few,” a spirited raffle, and a superb total of £1,000 raised for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The memory of the night—and the heroes it honoured—will long endure.

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Throughout August, the Daisy Communications Prudhoe office was busy running games, activities, and treat stalls, all in aid of TLC Teddies.

WBro Buckingham of Haddenham Lodge 8944  suggested the charity in a company poll and was thrilled when they voted in favour.  Staff engaged in Teddy Bear Picnics, Sweet Treat Fridays, Name The Bear competition, Bring your Teddy To Work, Best Dressed Bear,  Guess the Jelly Bears in the Jar, a Bear Hunt, and many more activities to raise money for the charity.

TLC would like to thank everyone’s generosity in the office where £230 was raised.

Teddies for Loving Care  provide teddy bears to distressed children in Accident & Emergency Units, a small simple gesture that brings a large amount of comfort in difficult moments.

Thank you to the Daisy Group  Prudhoe team for your support.

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The Big Summer Social Hits the Target

Last week saw 40 Freemasons, friends, and family gather at Common Leys Shooting Ground for "The Big Summer Social” a great day out designed to keep the spirit of Freemasonry alive and thriving during the summer break.

With visitors from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire, the morning kicked off with the essentials, tea, coffee, bacon rolls, and plenty of good-natured chatter. The group then split in two: some tried their hand at the Try-a-Shoot session, 25 clays, full tuition, and lots of laughs, while the more experienced shooters headed out for the 100-clay challenge.

There was a real buzz throughout the day, helped along by the presence of both PGM Tim Anders (Buckinghamshire) and PGM Stephen Tucker (Oxfordshire), who came along to lend their support and enjoy the fun. Also taking part were members of Oxon Bangers (Oxfordshire’s Masonic shooting group) and Slough Daylight Lodge No. 9699, Buckinghamshire’s very own shooting lodge.

After all the action, everyone gathered for a cracking BBQ and an awards ceremony in the beautiful surroundings of Common Leys Farm, that was full of laughs and light-hearted banter. The spoils were evenly spread:

Try-a-Shoot Winner – Bro Jag Sandu (Bucks)
Dark Blues Winner – WBro Phil McDonald (Oxfordshire)
Light Blues Winner – Bro Leon Gill (Bucks)
“Couldn’t Hit a Cow’s A**e With a Cricket Bat" trophy – WBro Dougie Leacy (Berks), taken in great humour!

And yes, it wouldn’t be a Masonic event without a raffle! In total we raised a fantastic £335 for the Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Fund, and the total was topped up to £385 thanks to a generous £50 donation from the Light Blues Club of 
West Kent Freemasons, who couldn’t join us on the day but still wanted to show their support.

All in all, it was a brilliant day full of laughter and good company, proving once again that Freemasonry isn’t just about meetings and ritual, but also about friendship, fun, and doing a bit of good along the way.

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24 young carers from Buckinghamshire enjoyed a day of Outdoor Adventures at Longridge Activity Centre in Marlow on 5th August 2025, facilitated by   and funded by our Freemasonry In The Community "Standup Comedy Night" held at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre, supported by over 60 guests, including freemasons from 5 different lodges that make up Freemasonry in the Community (Beaconsfield), our friends and families.

"Just wanted to drop a thank you message to you and all of those involved for funding the day at Longridge. Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity to the young carers we support." - Carers Bucks

We received many messages of thanks, and in particular, the parents of these young superstars also sent messages of thanks.

"It took him away for the whole day full of activities. Enjoyed time with other children and the adults. Great respite"

"Thank you so much for organising this day out – “L”really enjoyed it, and it’s something we can’t do with his sibling. He especially loved the SUP at the end. What a fantastic opportunity to try some exciting activities, and all very well organised."

“H” was reluctant to go along, concerned because she didn’t know if she’d know anyone there. But she said it was a brilliant day, she loved the laser tag in particular! Thank you."

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Freemasonry in the Community in action.
 
Two weeks ago, 3 brothers met to go and have a Breakfast at Grove Hill Community Centre ( Hemel Hempstead ) on entering the Centre they walked into a flooded area.

The Manager ( Julie ) was in corridor mopping up, she told them that some vandals had ripped out the plastic piping from the drainage under the sink in the Disabled Toilet and turned on the tap.

After mopping up excess water they looked at damage and decided to try and repair.

After going home to get tools and new fittings the repair was finally completed and restored to working order much to the elation of Julie.

They told her that they were Bucks Masons but lived in Herts and although Masons were perceived to be a secret society they were not a bad lot of chaps and would help in any way they could.
 
So that originally planned early Breakfast resulted in a late Lunch but they all thought that the day had not been wasted and they had given back something to the community which would not be forgotten.

Thanks to Bros Dickie Batchelor, Bro Cameron Woolhead-Smith and W.Bro Reg East. Members of Dagmar Lodge 2262 & St Giles Lodge 8555

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The Masonic Housing Association (MHA) celebrates a major milestone this year—its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1975, the MHA was established as an exempt charity following the introduction of the Housing Act of 1974. Its mission has remained consistent for five decades: to provide affordable, sheltered housing for elderly individuals who are able to live independently but benefit from being part of a supportive community.

The Association opened its first scheme at Prebendal Close in 1980 and now manages 189 flats across five properties throughout the UK, with Prebendal Close remaining a flagship location.  Prebendal Close is a Sheltered Housing Scheme in Aylesbury that has accommodated many Masons and their families over the last 45 years, and is run behind Bev by a string of committed volunteer Bucks Masons, and long may it continue.

The golden anniversary celebration at Prebendal Close included a Meet & Greet followed by speeches from key figures including MHA Chairman Geoffrey Dearing, Timothy Anders, Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasonry and The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This was followed by a celebratory buffet and entertainment for all the residents.

As MHA marks half a century of service, the occasion stands as a testament to the vital role housing associations play in supporting independent living and fostering community for older residents.

Local dignitaries included:

The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
Roger Jefcoate CBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire   
Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
Cllr Nidhi Mehta, Mayor of Aylesbury
Cllr Sherrilyn Bateman, Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury

The event provided an excellent opportunity to introduce our honoured guests to Prebendal Close and the wider mission of MHA. There was a notable level of interest and enthusiasm from newly appointed officials, including the Mayor of Aylesbury.

Guest Feedback:

"It was such a pleasure to visit the gem that Prebendal Close is on Wednesday afternoon and to be welcomed so generously by you, the Masons, and the residents. The Lord-Lieutenant and I were so delighted to be part of your 50th anniversary celebrations which were joyful, relaxed, and fun. I enjoyed talking to several of the residents, and it is clear that you have achieved the perfect formula for enabling independent living in a safe and supported environment."

"What a lovely day it was at the MHA 50th Anniversary. The whole occasion was so well organised and the welcome so fulsome that Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. To have persuaded the Lord-Lieutenant and her Deputies, as well as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury, to attend was something of a coup. It demonstrates the strong ties you have cultivated with the wider, non-masonic community."

Photo's taken by   

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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.

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A lot of people from the Aylesbury Women’s Refuge (14 Women and 14 Children) will be getting a Chocolate treat this Easter thanks to the WM Ameet Doshi and the Brethren of Ferdinand De Rothschild Lodge 2420
Also a HUGE shout out to W Bro Tom Murtagh who supplied the mini chocolate eggs in the orange, green and pink bags from his company Walkers Chocolate.

From Mark Duncan, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward; "I attended an International Women’s Day celebration put on by the Women’s Aid Charity, some of the Ladies came up to me and said, “Are you the Pie Man” they didn’t know my name and were referring to the Covid period when Buckinghamshire Freemasons delivered pies to Bucks Young Carers, the elderly, the Women’s refuge and many more."

"They said the Women and staff were really grateful to local Freemasons when we took them fresh pies every week, they looked forward to our home cooked pies made by Shirley Cannings from Aylesbury Masonic Centre."

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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.

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Today (Fri 4 Apr),   presented a £500 cheque to Young  

Working with young people aged 5-16 who live in Buckinghamshire and have a caring role for someone in their own home who has a physical or learning disability, has an illness or a drug or alcohol dependency, Young Carers Bucks offers support tailored to the needs of every carer, this can include club nights, group activities, outings, one-to-one support, school support and anything else that might help or offer respite.

All of their services are free to those who access them and are made possible by a small but dedicated team of charity fundraisers.

Having seen first-hand the benefits they offer, it was an easy decision for Chris, the Master of Haddenham Lodge to recommend them as his choice for the annual Master’s donation, constituting part of the sum which Haddenham Lodge donated this year and the donations which Freemasons from across Bucks have given to local charities regularly.

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Yesterday,   welcomed Provincial Grand Charity Steward Mark Duncan, Captain Bill Holland and Volunteer Coordinator Ewan Gordon.

They saw the new cuddle beds, which are used in the Hospice Inpatient Unit

In the Summer of 2023 Buckinghamshire Freemasons organised a 50-mile walk across Pilgrim’s Way to raise funds for the Hospice. Forty incredible walkers battled torrential rain and strong winds during the walk.

Initially, the team set out to fund one cuddle bed, but through generous donations and the commitment of the walkers to their fundraising, the walkers raised £31,000, enough to buy two beds !

Mark, Bill and Ewan were warmly welcomed by the Charity's CEO, Jo Turner and IPU Ward Sister Tracey Batt, who showed them how they worked and talked about their impact. The beds arrived in December, and the Hospice has already seen the wonderful difference they make to the patients, their families and pets, offering a place to cuddle up as a family in their precious final days together.

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Happy Valentines Day to our NHS

100 Doctors and Nurses at Stoke Mandeville Hospital received Chocolate Hearts or Chocolate Roses courtesy of Buckinghamshire Freemasons.

Bill Smithson, a member of   went on a shopping spree across Bucks from Milton Keynes to Aylesbury to buy the chocolates ready for Valentines Day.  Bill said “ In an overstretched NHS the staff don’t stop caring and neither should we”

The chocolates were donated to Elaine at the Hospital’s Acts of Kindness Team, for her to distribute, and later this morning she wrote “Thanks again Bill, I have shared them with A&E, the Medical Doctors team, the same day emergency assessment department, and wards 15,16,17 & 18….They were delighted !”

A further 20 gifts were left by Bill for The   staff to let them know they are always close to our hearts in Freemasonry.

 

Olney Masonic Club - Making Dreams Come True!

What started as a simple conversation led W Bro Eugene Matthias, our 'Freemasonry in the Community' coordinator, to the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney and became something extraordinary.

The museum had long dreamed of a new kitchen and a beautifully redecorated shop to enhance the visitors' experience. Unfortunately, rising costs made those dreams seem unattainable.

But dreams do come true! The Olney Masonic Club stepped in, teaming up with Bathrooms by Harpers (Ed & Mario) to bring this dream to life. 

The museum needed £600 to reach its goal, and we were proud to cover the shortfall. Ed and Mario went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.

To celebrate this special occasion, the museum staff and OMC (Freemasons) marked the presentation in style, dressing up to commemorate the moment.

The Olney Masonic Club is proud to  support our local community.

Stay tuned for updates on the shop’s transformation!

Pilgrim's Walk Benefits Florence Nightingale Hospice.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons, under the banner of Freemasonry in the Community, made a 50 mile Pilgrim's Walk in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.

The Hospice wished to purchase new Cuddle beds, which are Hospital-style double beds, enabling partners to sleep in the same bed as their loved ones during their final days and hours, to create an endearing and loving memory.

Just before Christmas, Tracey Batt, IPU Ward Sister said;
Here at the Hospice we never underestimate the power of touch and a hug. We see all the time how being near loved ones, offers comfort when it is needed most and we are so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to purchase two Embrace Cuddle beds which were installed this week.

Being able to now offer patients and those they love, the opportunity to lie side by side, to snuggle children up with parents or grandparents is simply wonderful.

Within hours of installing these new adaptable beds, we were able to use them to their full advantage when a couple stayed overnight together in the bed. We witnessed the emotional impact and benefit of being able to spend precious time, when time is short, hugging closely together and it provided us with an insight into how valuable these beds will really be to the care we provide to our patient and families.

We are so grateful to all those who walked many miles on the Pilgrim's Walk, through awful rainy conditions, to raise funds to enable us to purchase these beds, without them, it simply would not have been possible. Thank you to Buckinghamshire Freemasons for making this possible.

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Dagmar Rugby Lodge and MK Alliance Project.

The annual Buckinghamshire Provincial membership scheme, the 12 Days of Christmas (12DX) this year included Dagmar Lodge, which is a Special Interest Lodge with a rugby theme.

At their 12DX meeting, the members and visitors of Dagmar Lodge donated to support the MK Alliance Project, a school and community-based initiative to improve access to high quality rugby in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas for children of all backgrounds.

It currently involves over 16 Schools and around 70 players, giving both new and experienced players the opportunity to be given free coaching and play competitive rugby. All the coaches and first aiders generously give their time for free.

The donation from Dagmar Lodge enables the players to be provided with a warm meal after games. This also helps them build new bonds and friendships, allowing them to grow their social skills and improve their confidence.

The Alliance is also a 'Safe Place' which gives players the opportunity to share any issues or problems they might have outside of the game in confidence, knowing it is safe to do so.

This is an example of grass roots rugby at its finest and with the help of Dagmar Lodge and Buckinghamshire Freemasons, the Alliance will help to grow the love of the game in its basic format and make a huge difference within the local community.

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