Hats the way we like it!

Since starting the 12DX initiative, Buckinghamshire has now welcomed in 52 new Freemasons.
So far this week, eleven initiations have taken place at nine separate meetings in seven different meeting centres.
Bro. Martin joined Herschel Lodge in Slough. 
Bro. Carl joined Saint Peter and Saint Pauls' Lodge in Newport Pagnell.
Bros. Sohail and Nilesh joined Cliveden Lodge in Beaconsfield.
Bro. Paul joined Fairway Lodge in Aylesbury.
Bro. Edmund joined Marlow Lodge in Marlow old town.
Bro. Tony joined Observatory Lodge in Slough.
Bro. Ivan joined Burke Lodge and Bro. Javed joined Temple Manor Lodge. These were separate meetings at Marlow Centre, with a shared festive board afterwards.
Bro. Amro joined Claydon Lodge in Winslow and enjoyed a rendition of the Entered Apprentices song by a choir of Freemasons in Santa hats!
Plus, Bro Ken completed his North East Corner Club passport challenge to visit every meeting centre within one year, earning him the privilege of a gold lapel pin and promotion to Light Blue Ambassador. He had his final signature from the Tyler of Fairway Lodge, who, exactly 5 years ago to the day, was the very first person to complete the challenge!

12DX is Buckinghamshire's festive drive to welcome 60 new members to Freemasonry. We have raised our membership levels for the previous four years in a row, and we are running far above the national average. This year, we are on track to reach our highest growth in over ten years, thanks in large part to the committed people in the Buckinghamshire Freemasons who devote their time and effort to attracting more good people to join us.

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/joinWe would love you to join us!

Oh Brother, My Brother!

Freemasons travelled from all around the country last night to watch one of the highlights of 12DX, the Head of the Chalfont St. Peter Lodge initiating his younger brother. He delivered the ceremony flawlessly, and, like any elder brother, he left a large pair of boots for his younger sibling to fill later.
Bro. Sunny, the initiate, was treated to a meeting unlike any other; from start to end, it was dramatic and emotional, thanks to the Project Transform lighting, the incredible music, and the lodge room itself with a vaulted ceiling.
The ceremony included members of the Lodge, members of the Province, and the Head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire himself, as well as a lively and comedic festive board. It was a night that we'll remember for a long time.

With only 16 meetings left and 19 new Freemasons to be initiated, there will be plenty of chance for Bro. Sunny to see the initiation ceremony from a different perspective. What a great time to be a Freemason in the Hallstone Province of Buckinghamshire!

You could join the Freemasons in early 2024 by clicking on this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter you have filled out the short form, one of our team members will contact you about becoming a Freemason.

Teamwork makes the Masonic dream work!

The initiations in our highly successful 12DX Winter campaign continue in style.
On 'Super Saturday', at Wolverton Masonic Centre, we saw Wolverton Trinity Lodge play host to visitors from Milton Keynes Lodge, who helped perform the ceremony of initiation for their candidate. It is a tremendous way for lodges to not only visit one another but also to collaborate for the betterment of Freemasonry. The candidate, Bro. Adrian, enjoyed a first-class ceremony and a lively seasonal Festive Board afterwards.

Elsewhere in the Hallstone Province, we saw our great friends from    , and the Widows Sons from Oxon and Berkshire take a ride out to the Buckinghamshire Motorcycle Lodge. They enjoyed a first-class pair of initiation ceremonies for biker Bros. Antonio and Theo.

Wraysbury Lodge in Slough welcomed Bro. Larry in front of the magnificent square and compasses in the temple. 
Finally, Bro. Alex was initiated into Frederick Lawson Lodge in Beaconsfield to packed room.

With 16 meetings left and 40 new Freemasons initiated so far, there will be plenty of chance for our new brothers to see the initiation ceremony from a different perspective. What a glorious time to be a Buckinghamshire Freemason!

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

Buckinghamshire has now welcomed in 35 new Freemasons

In just one week, thirteen initiations took place at nine separate meetings at eight different centres.
Bro. Daniel joined Buckingham Lodge in Aylesbury. 
Bro. Shane joined Bourne End Lodge in Marlow. 
Bros. Robbie and Matthew both joined Denham Lodge in Denham. 
Bros. Lakhbir, Aran, and Ferdous joined Beaconsfield Lodge in Slough. 
Bro. Robert joined Great Ouse Valley Lodge in Newport Pagnell. 
Bro. Stephen joined Haddenham Lodge in Thame. 
Bro. Anwar joined Vale Lodge in Aylesbury. 
Bro. Mark joined the Lodge of St. Barnabas in Linslade.
Bro. Aled joined Watling Street Lodge in Stony Stratford.

Plus, Bros. Dan and Ken took their second step in Freemasonry. Members of their lodge, De Bohun No. 8175, presented the brothers with the gift of Fellowcraft Freemasonry and showered them with festive hats. What a night they had!

12DX is Buckinghamshire's festive drive to welcome 60 new members to Freemasonry. We have raised our membership levels for the previous four years in a row, and we are running far above the national average. This year, we are on track to reach our highest growth in over ten years, thanks in large part to the committed people in the Buckinghamshire Freemasons who devote their time and effort to attracting more good people to join us.
If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

There's just one way to go this winter!

21 Buckinghamshire people have already reached new heights in their personal development journeys thanks to our 12DX programme. Next year it could be you!

In Stony Stratford, Bros. Graham and Nevil were welcomed to Roman Way Lodge. Several new lodge members were thrilled to be a part of this ceremony since they had recently been initiated into Freemasonry. One said, "Seeing this ceremony for the first time since I was initiated was fascinating. I can still remember my day, and I hope that my new brothers carry that experience forward, as have I."

In more 12DX news, Bro. Sandeep joined Freemasonry with Seer Green Lodge at the Buckinghamshire Freemasonry headquarters in Beaconsfield.

With fourteen meetings scheduled, this will be a great week as we welcome eighteen more people into Freemasonry. This might be you next year.
Simply click this link and complete the brief form if you'd like to discuss becoming a Freemason with one of our staff members:
https://buckspgl.org/join

There's no let-up in the spirit of kindness throughout this season!

There have been a total of 18 new Freemasons created in Buckinghamshire through our 12DX initiative.
Brother Anton of Thames Mariner Lodge in Marlow, Brother Roberto of Brentham Lodge in Beaconsfield, Brother John of the Buckinghamshire Emergency Services Lodge in Winslow, Brothers Adam and Jonathan of Concordia Lodge in Aylesbury, and Brother Jack, of the Lilly Lodge of Richmond Lodge (the Bucks Cricket Lodge) in Beaconsfield were all recipients of the Gift of Freemasonry this week.

The new initiates began their incredible journey as Freemasons through their unique Initiation ceremonies and the masonic humour that was presented to them in the form of cricket stumps, firing glasses, hats, uniforms and masonic carrots... ☃️
They will undoubtedly be looking forward to the many ways in which they may learn about our history, our mysteries, and the numerous ways in which we help our community.
In the remaining 35 lodges, there are 44 more Freemasons to initiate before the season comes to a close. This means that there are many more magical moments waiting for us.

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

12DX has now seen 14 new Freemasons made in Buckinghamshire

This week, heads of lodges delivered the Gift of Freemasonry to Bro. Frankie at Chenies Lodge in Beaconsfield, Bro. Mark at Wycombe Lodge in Marlow, Bros. Umar and Naj at Secklow Hundred Lodge in Stony Stratford, and Bros. Des and Yogeswaran at Ferdinand De Rothschild Lodge in Aylesbury.

It was great to see Buckinghamshire see a third Lewis made in as many days when, in a moving ceremony, Bro. Jim at Thames Mariner Lodge initiated his son.
We have many more magic moments ahead of us, as there are 50 more Freemasons to initiate in 39 lodges before the season ends.

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

Our 12DX festive campaign to welcome 64 new members into Freemasonry continues!

Recently, at Wendover Lodge No. 9616, Bro. Jesse took the big chair to initiate his two sons. Bro's Albert and John are 2nd generation Freemasons and therefore referred to as Lewises. The head of the lodge, Bro. Jordan, was delighted to see them receive the Gift of Freemasonry and said, "This is a fitting end to the year for our lodge. We cannot wait to see what 2024 will bring."
We wholeheartedly agree with you, Jordan. Freemasonry is the gift that keeps on giving.

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

Buckinghamshire's festive initiative to welcome over 60 new members into Freemasonry continued recently at Cliveden Lodge and also at Heatherden Lodge!

Bro. Phil, the head of Cliveden Lodge, welcomed in two new candidates to Freemasonry. Bro Taras and Bro Javed are pictured with new lifelong friends at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre on their special evening. We think that they will travel far and wide together and enjoy their journey through Freemasonry enormously.

Bro. Neil, the head of Heatherden Lodge, presented the Gift of Freemasonry to Bro. Muhammad in a spectacular ceremony at Slough Masonic Centre. Members of the lodge are pictured in front of the lodge banner. Heatherden has introduced four new people into Freemasonry this year and will have two more prospective candidates join early next year! Onwards and upwards, Heatherden!

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

The gift of Freemasonry comes to 60 people in Buckinghamshire

This festive season, over 12 separate days, the Buckinghamshire Freemasons will initiate 60 people in 35 lodges across 10 different meeting centres.
The Twelve Days of Christmas (12DX) involves over 40% of the Freemasons in Buckinghamshire and is the most ambitious winter initiative ever undertaken.

12DX started at 11 a.m. today with Eric Deung No. 9695, the Daylight Lodge of History and Research. Grae, the head of the lodge, is pictured presenting the gift of Freemasonry to Lester in front of their lodge banner.

If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join

THAMES MARINER RAISING FEATURING THE LIGHT BLUES BROTHERS

On Thursday 26th October Thames Mariner lodge performed a raising for Bro Kamandeep Singh Brar, assisted by the Provincial Grand Master and the Light Blues Brothers.

The Light Blues Brothers are a demonstation team comprised of newer brethren before the chair with excellent working skill, all of which have only been members for less than three years.

After matters were conducted the lodge was adjusted, the Light Blues taking all the offices in Bro David Clark(SW), Jordan Parmenter(JW), Ashley Dunnicliffe(SD), Charlie Bitowt(JD) and Chris Richardson(IG). 
An exemplary demonstration of the third degree was conducted finishing with the Traditional History by Bro Clark and the third Tools by Bro Bitowt.

Congratulations Bro Brah on taking your Third step in Freemasonry and for being an excellent candidate.

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.  

 
 

BUCKS FREEMASONS HOSTS ITS FIRST SUCCESSFUL BRING A FRIEND EVENT!

On Wednesday 25th October, Buckinghamshire hosted a bring a friend event at Slough Masonic Centre. There were over 75 filling the centre to the brim with masons and families in attendance, 44 of which being interested candidates.

After a short reception we sat down for a presentation from a wealth of experienced speakers that are Freemasons. The first of which being an introduction by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Neil Robertson, who explained who he is and gave a great insight into what Freemasonry is. The Assistant Provincial Comms Officer Lee Buckingham, followed, explaining the details of who we are, our beliefs, rules and priorities that are so important to us. Provincial Membership Officer John Palman followed explaining the details of what goes on at lodge meetings, including the meeting agenda, ceremony and the all important festive board (dinner!).
PAPGM Phil Blacklaw followed explaining the vast amount of contribution Freemasonry in Bucks has made in recent years, also emphasising that your time is just as important as your donation when trying to make a difference. The evening was rounded up with a closing speech and Q&A with PGM John Clark.

The evening was then finished with an exciting tour of our temple, showcasing the recently installed Project Transform lights, which are now at most of our centres. Every single attendee signed up on the evening making this an outstanding success. 

Buckinghamshire will be holding a similar event in Bletchley soon, so stay tuned!

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.  

 
 

WYCOMBE'S 150 YEAR BANNER DEDICATION

On Wednesday 18th October, Wycombe Lodge celebrated 150 years with a rededication of their banner. 
With over 50 in attendance it was night to remember with a suitable cake to mark the occasion.

Wycombe Lodge Number 1501 was consecrated on 1st July 1874 at High Wycombe Town Hall, the daughter lodge of Windsor Castle Lodge 771.  When consecrated, it was a lodge withing the then combined province of Berkshire & Buckinghamshire.

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://mtr.cool/esnavfktjn

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

On Sunday 15th October, “The Stephens Walk” took place in Hambleden to mark the One Year Anniversary of Stephens Lodge - the Provincial Walking Lodge

An enjoyable Sunday morning of incredible views and landmarks such as Culham Court on the Thames path, followed by a lovely lunch in the Stag and Huntsman.

The lodge would like to take the time to thank every person who has come along to support the lodge and it’s special interest by laughing, eating and rambling with us for an entire year.
Here’s to another 🍻

The next walk will be on Sunday 19th November and will be another scenic tour around Frieth, with a *free* bacon roll and drinks at the end.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get involved!!

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://mtr.cool/netqlfupsu

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

The Hall Stone Province Celebrates in Style!

On Saturday 7th October 2023, the annual meeting of Buckinghamshire Freemasons was held in Freemasons’ Hall in London.

The meeting was attended by 650 members, their wives, partners and family along with the heads of many other Provinces for the highlight of the Masonic year. 

The head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire had the pleasure of appointing a new deputy and a new assistant to join the existing team of Executives.

Various other officers were also appointed to assist in the smooth running of the Province with awards presented for outstanding work throughout the Province and in the Community.

Buckinghamshire is at the forefront of innovative ideas including the new Project Transform light and sound system along with initiatives such as “Bring a Friend” to introduce new members and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” to enable more members to join.

Buckinghamshire lead the way in special interest Lodges including Rugby, Curry, Wine, Cricket, Classic Car, Motorbike, Caravan, Beer and Shooting meaning there are many reasons to join.

Buckinghamshire Freemasons also lead the way in raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity with bike rides, runs, walks and even fire-walks. As the head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire often says "Be an inspiration to younger people in your community, and lead by example. We are Freemasons who volunteer our time to help charitable organisations in need. We excel in helping others!"

If you are interested in becoming a Buckinghamshire Freemason then apply here:https://buckspgl.org/join
https://youtu.be/Zg5L6ALV1zo

JOIN FREEMASONS IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Have you ever been interested in Freemasonry?

Now is the time to GET INVOLVED

On Wednesday 25th October we are holding a free-to-attend Join the Freemasons event in Slough Masonic Centre on Ragstone Road on Wednesday 25th October starting at 7 pm.

The Join the Freemasons event will be evening of conversation and discovery. We've planned an insightful tour, engaging presentations, and interactive sessions where your questions about Freemasonry will be warmly addressed.

Plus, there will be a complimentary buffet to enjoy in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. If what you learn resonates with you, our membership team will be on hand to guide you through the next steps of your Freemasonry journey.

This is a great chance to ask any questions you may have. 

This event is free of charge but please register yourself by emailing the organisers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Over 28,000 Poppies boxed up today!

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.

Fun & Laughter at Hughenden Lodge (the craft beer special interest lodge), on Friday 13th October

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.

Provincial Grand Master's Address PGL 2023

Provincial Grand Master

Brethren,

Welcome to the 2023 AGM of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire which is taking place on a Saturday for the first time to eliminate the need for our working members taking annual leave to attend. I extend a very warm welcome to over 650 friends, brethren, and honoured guests for coming to London to share today with us.

“This is a fantastic turnout for us, beating even the BIG day by 30 attendees.”

My personal thanks go to our partners for their support and my own thanks particularly to my wife Sarah for the many things she has given up these past 6 years to help me.

A great event is always delivered by a great team, and I thank Tim Anders, Ian Bailey, Bill Smithson, Steve Pratt and those who always help to make this day special. I thank the Provincial Grand Stewards for the work they do both here and during the year and our very hard-working XO’s and Visiting Officers.

I congratulate those who have received their appointments and promotions today. Wear your new regalia with pride and be a leader in your Lodge. Remember, “We need entrepreneurial leaders, not caretaker managers.”

In June Graham Dearing, our Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch, launched “BIG RED” and they have Exalted 54 new members in September. This has again created an unmistakable energy in the province.

Hugh Douglas-Smith and Gary Brodie have now stepped down but will continue to work on our behalf, with Hugh as head of IT at UGLE and Gary continuing to work on Project Transform Phase 2, which he is pioneering at our Slough centre. I am sure that they will both be very proud of the difference their efforts have made in our province. In all their years of service Hugh and Gary travelled the country in support of Lodges and dedicated thousands of hours of their personal time and their own resources to support Brethren in every single one of our 117 lodges.

Today I welcome our new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Neil Robertson, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Matt Perkins.

I thank Bill Smithson who has stepped down due to illness. Bill has been a superb Director of Ceremonies and a driving force in the province in recent years, delivering magnificent events such as the 2022 Festival Ball with his wife Sue. After some time to recover, I am hopeful he will be back on the Executive team. Steve Pratt has stepped up to take Bill's place and I welcome him onto the team today.

Pro Grand Master, Jonathan Spence has made many changes and improvements since taking up his new role and we are inspired by his modern forward thinking. Taking the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge to Wales was a great success. Our strategy fully embraces his vision, and we will continue to work hard to deliver on our own strategic goals. In the last 18 months once again, we've had a record number of initiations.

Project Nurture has continued to reduce resignations in 2023 by being aware of members absence using dining records and making sure our elderly friends can always continue to attend and are looked after.

Project Transform will soon reach the completion of its first phase with new light and sound systems now installed at all our centres. This adds a wonderful sense of theatre.

“At this point the lights went out and the room was filled with spotlights and sound from the magnificent organ.”

The new lighting captivates new initiates as well as entertaining our members. I have personally delivered many double Third Degree Ceremonies this year with the new lighting and sound systems and on most occasions, all other parts of the ceremonies were carried out by the “Light Blues Brothers” who have all been in Freemasonry less than 3 years. This is an exceptional team put together by APGM Matt Eaton and is a great example to us all of what is possible.

I congratulate all the members of that team and others who received the Don Varney award today for excellence in ceremonial before going through the chair. I also thank the 350 plus members of our Northeast Corner Club for the work they have done in presenting new initiate packs under the guidance of John Palman.

Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Gary Brodie is undertaking a pilot for Project Transform Phase 2 at Slough to improve the environment and further enhance the membership experience. The transformation currently taking place in the dining room and main lodge room are magnificent.

Our Communications team led by Grae Laws consistently hit the targets laid down in our strategy of 100 joining enquiries every month. As a result of this success some lodges have stopped looking for perspective members closer to home.

To address this, today I am launching a new project called “Bring a Friend” headed up by James Blackhurst. The first event is scheduled for this month on the 25th of October at Slough. All are invited! There will be a complementary bar, barbecue and some sharp presentations from our Exec, Comms and Membership teams (When we last had an event like this at Bradmoor Farm in 2021, 14 people signed up for the BIG 100 Day). The event will run bi-annually at Bletchley and Slough.

To complement “Bring a Friend” we will also be repeating the “Twelve Days of Christmas”.

12DX23 will help to initiate some of those in the backlog of ceremonies and enable those wishing to join after the “Bring a Friend” event.

If your Lodge is not already signed up for 12DX23, then speak to Lloyd Harrison or Dan Cunningham. There are candidates available for lodges that wish to take part and embrace the opportunity.

Soon we will be consecrating a Football themed lodge to complement our already successful Rugby, Curry, Wine, Cricket, Classic Car, Motorbike, Caravan, Beer and shooting lodges. The details for becoming a founder can be found on the provincial website.

Our Provincial Charity Steward Mark Duncan has been relentless, since the end of the festival, in raising tens of thousands of pounds with bike rides, runs, walks and even fire-walks.

There are any number of innovative and interesting reasons to join Bucks Freemasonry!

For 6 years now it has been my privilege to be your Provincial Grand Master. In that time, we have exceeded all my expectations because we have so many exceptional, driven individuals who are making masonry in Buckinghamshire more captivating and fun than ever.

Let’s not take our foot off the gas now.

I’ll see you all at Bring a Friend and 12DX23.

Once again, I thank you all for attending today and hope that you will enjoy the entertainment and dinner that follows.

John Clark

Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire

Pilgrims' Walk collected £31K for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

FNHC Pilgrims Walk

Over 40 walkers completed the 50 mile/110K steps in July 2023. Hospice volunteers, Buckinghamshire Freemasons, and many friends and family members made up the team. Several hundred sandwiches and cakes later, our brave explorers took in some beautiful sights and concluded the trip several hours sooner than intended, despite severe downpours on one hand and nettles on the other!
The Pilgrims collected £31,254 in total, which will allow the hospice to purchase two specialist custom cuddle beds allowing people admitted to the hospice to be with their loved ones in their last days.