Household Division on Tour

On Saturday The Household Division Lodge were hosted by the Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge who conducted a second degree on behalf of our Lodge. 

The Stewards Lodge, were pleased to have in attendance the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy along with the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master. As well as two Assistant and two Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters present.

The Stewards Lodge held a superb meeting using the excellent crop of current active Stewards to take significant roles in the ceremony and delivered it impeccably!

Attending from Household Division Lodge was our Senior Deacon, Almoner, a Steward and the candidate. As well as our Secretary who is the Junior Warden in the Stewards Lodge, Tyler who is also the Tyler and our Visiting Officer who is the Inner Guard.

A brilliant meeting and enjoyable festive board! 

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info

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

Fry-Yay Friday for Watling Street

On the 12th May 2023, Watling Street Chapter No. 1639 played host to the Provincial Grand Chapter Team for an Exaltation Convocation.

The Chapter meets at St Giles Parish Rooms in Stony Stratford which is a delightful converted church complete with a winding staircase into the Chapter room. 

Provincial DC Paul had his work cut out arranging the procession into the Chapter going from two rows formed up in the dining room, down to single file up the stairs them back into two rows once in the room. 

Under his expert guidance it all went perfectly though.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info

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

Lily Lodge of Richmond, the Bucks Cricket Lodge

This week Lily Lodge of Richmond, the Bucks Cricket Lodge went from six members to 23 with three more waiting to join, plus one home grown initiate in the nets. 

Which Lodge out there is willing to challenge this the fastest growing Lodge in the Province to a friendly cricket match & BBQ? Open to family and friends. 

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Another Great Evening

Great evening was had, we were very happy to have raised Brother Sam to the 3rd degree, it was also great to see Brother Alex with us as he was only initiated last month. 

We are now looking forward to our next meeting, an emergency meeting where we will do our first double raising.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info

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

Last Night saw the Launch of Orion Lodge 8756 as the new Premier WINE Lodge for Buckinghamshire …

Maybe the World 🌎!!

A fabulous evening that saw a Proclamation of our WM, followed by the initiation of our new Brother Michael in the Temple……then a full blown Wine 🍷 tasting at the festive board. 

Bro Lee  (our resident Somelier) took the brethren through wine tasting techniques and process whilst enjoying 4 wines (2 whites, 2 reds) pairing them with the 3 food courses! 

It was a triumph of an evening and was well received by all! 

Orion Lodge are looking to welcome any brother that is interested in Wine and fun and amazing Logic ritual!
Wine 🍷 and Freemasonry….what’s not to like?!

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Our newly installed master WBro Sozimo  announced it was an honour and a privilege to be placed into the chair

The large gathering at the Winslow Masonic Centre witnessed a first class logic ritual ceremony second to none. Our Provincial guest WBro Norman  ProvGWarden presented the lodge with the Louis jewel (lewis) which he them invested WBro Peter with this historic jewel for accepting the roll of lodge Membership Officer. 

The celebrations continued at the Bell hotel for a traditional delicious carvery festive board thoroughly enjoyed by all …

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Become a Freemason Today

Our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason.
Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining approximately 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.

Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their race or religion. In total, we have more than 7,000 Lodges, with students able to join one of 87 University Scheme Lodges. Women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women. Our shared aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Last Friday The Household Division Lodge held an exciting meeting at Slough Masonic Centre

The meeting was for our their new members, former Life Guard and Scots Guard and was attended by 63 members and visitors, also welcoming three more joining members.

The White Table Festive Board saw friends, partners, and future candidates for the Lodge totalling 87 dining. 

Those in attendance were treated to an excellent after dinner speech by Paul ‘Tug’ Hartley GM. Tug gave an excellent insight to his life through his “Hero to Zero” talk, one which resonated with so many present. His eye opening account of how his life changed when he was awarded the George Medal, and not all for the best, was said to be one of the best they had the privilege to listen to.

Throughout the course of the evening our charitable donations raised over £2000 that will see donations made to Pilgrim Bandits Charity and Hull4Heroes on behalf of Tug. As well as continued efforts to raise money for the Worshipful Master’s chosen charity, Royal Star & Garter.

If you would like to join us at fantastic meetings such as these, please join us by following this link: 
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After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 
 
 

Happy St George's Day! The legend of Saint George and the Dragon describes the saint taming and slaying a dragon that terrorised local communities

The story was known in Roman times but has its origins in Greek mythology. We celebrate St. George's Day on April 23 — the anniversary of his death in 303 AD. The patron saint of England has captivated British imaginations since the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War.
The story of St. George is featured in tesserae mosaic tiles on the ceiling of Freemasons' Hall at @UGLE_GrandLodge .

We would like to give one final nod to our very own St. George's Lodge. They meet at Wolverton Masonic centre, and were first consecrated on 22nd April 1936 at the Science and Arts Institute in Wolverton. The lodge has 24 members and meets six times each year.

Freemasonry has an amazing history that spans over 300 years and is looking forward to the next 300 years.
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.

 
 
 

APRONS OFF: The Real Freemason

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

A WATCHKEEPER
Name: Grae Laws
Age: 51
Location: Spilsby
Joined: April 2016
Lodges: Eric Deung 9695, Verney 8849, Marcellians 4450 and Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Stewards 9222

Grae is a volunteer Watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). 
Grae is based in Chapel Point, Lincolnshire, almost 60 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteers. They keep watch around the British Isles from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England, to Hornsea, in the East Riding of Yorkshire in the North East.
They are a self-funded, land based component of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, part of UK Search and Rescue, and report to His Majesty's Coastguards. Watchkeepers provide a vital link with all the emergency services and can provide an emergency contact point on land for both sea and shore users. When not on watch, volunteers spend their spare time raising funds to keep the stations operational.

Grae's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is its history, traditions and art. It's more than 300 years old and has produced some incredible pieces of art and literature.
"As an artist, I have really appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship of masonic banners that hang in every lodge throughout the world." Every Lodge has a banner that is different, they each tell a story, often with an interesting local context, and these banners are all hand painted, embroidered and occasionally embellished with gold foil. They take hundreds of hours to design and create, the end result can be displayed and appreciated for over a century.

Freemasonry has helped Grae both socially and professionally, Grae has expanded his circle of friends whilst gaining key skills useful in his profession- "I have made friends close to where I live, and professionally, it has given me confidence to give speeches, presentations, and lectures". As Freemasonry has such a ranged age demographic, there is fantastic opportunity to seek expertise and experience from other generations, whilst also developing social and professional communication skills, useful in both our personal and professional lives.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

Our Amazing Centres - Ripon Street in Aylesbury

History of its use.
The property had previously been used as a Fives Court, which is a sport that crosses squash with handball. In 1880 it was purchased by Buckingham Lodge for £200. The building work was completed in 1882, which date is still displayed on the front wall. The original building was set back from the road, having a small forecourt with a wall and iron railings in front. 
It was built in the Victorian Gothic style and combines red brickwork with stone dressings. The building is symmetrical with a central two-storey bay protruding slightly forward of two side wings. The windows are lancet in shape with stone surrounds and the central doorway is decorated with stone columns topped with ornately carved capitals. This is a local building of note within the Conservation Area of Aylesbury.

Venue for Consecration.
It was consecrated by Buckingham Lodge no.591, the first lodge to be consecrated and remain in this Province. It also provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on the 17th of July 1890.

The Great War.
In 1902 the fascia of the building was removed, the building extended to the pavement and the frontage rebuilt as it is today. This gave an enlarged entrance hall, ante room and kitchen. In 1914 the lower hall was requisitioned by the War Department, forcing the festive boards to be held elsewhere for the time being. The hall was being used by a number of different lodges at the time, however it was owned and run by Buckingham Lodge. In 1947 Aylesbury Masonic Hall Ltd was created and the hall ownership was transferred to the company.
It remains in use to this day with 10 Craft Lodges meeting there.

Objects of interest.
The interior includes stunning stained-glass windows at each end, ancient globes in the corers and many artistic objects of interest throughout. There are over 20 banners hanging on the walls.

Join today to experience the mystery and history that is Freemasonry.
We have many incredible things to see and experience in Freemasonry. They are waiting for you to discover.
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.

 
 
 

APRONS OFF: The Real Freemason

An insight into the life of a Freemason outside the masonic centre.

AN IRONMAN
Name: Kevin Shepherd
Age: 56
Location: Milton Keynes
Joined: Nov 2001
Lodges: Princes Risborough 5203

Kevin is undergoing a challenge to become an Ironman. Specifically to complete an Ironman race. Kevin in the past has finished in many marathons and triathlons, but this incredible event involves a 2.4 mile open water swim, 118 mile bike ride, and finishing by running an entire marathon. Finishing is a mighty feat.
To be able to achieve this, Kevin is training 16 hours per week either running, swimming, cycling or in the gym doing yoga, pilates or strength training. He trains everyday and is currently on a 6 month training plan building up to the event. Kevin is also a trained UKA Athletics coach, passing on his many hours of experience to others.

Kevin's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the sense of community. Freemasonry provides something different that no other order, group or system can give. It gives you friends to last a lifetime, and a sense of belonging- "If you commit to your masonry you will grow as a person, gain confidence and new friends. I have life long friends of 25 years now that I only know through masonry. Masonry brings something different that no other order, group or system can give."

Kevin likes how you can still enjoy Freemasonry while leading a very busy life. Kevin was once a Master of a lodge while completing a masters degree as well as juggling work, family life and his hobbies. Most lodges meet four times a year, meaning you can still enjoy a brilliant Masonic career but also enjoy life outside and centre and with Aprons Off. 

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 
 

33 things you didn't know about Freemasonry

Freemasonry has its own language and symbolism, which are used to convey moral and philosophical lessons.
Masonic symbols are drawn from a variety of sources, including biblical stories, architectural imagery, and the natural world. Some of the most common symbols used in Freemasonry include the square and compass, the level, and the plumb rule. The use of symbols, language, and rituals within Freemasonry is intended to help members explore and develop their own personal and spiritual growth, while also reinforcing the values of brotherhood, morality, and charity.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info.
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

Marcellians Lodge members, visitors and their partners welcomed a new WM into the lodge this week

Every meeting is an experience and the 6 course meals with perfect wine pairings never lets down members and visitors.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 

Exemplary Passing at Stephens Lodge On 1st April 2023, Stephens Lodge No

3089 Passed one of their newest members, Anton Pascaru.
The ceremony was a masterclass in how to perform a passing. David,  Jordan and Charlie from the Light Blues Brothers performed faultlessly.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 
 

Wendover Irish Passing On a cold, wet evening on 28th March 2023, Wendover Lodge had its 114th regular meeting with a very strong attendance of over 55 members and guests

The Lodge was honoured to be joined by Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John King for an evening of both sorrow and celebrations.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.  

 
 

A splendid evening at Sunnymeads Lodge with excellent ritual and W

Bro Kevin going into chair for the fourth time, but his first in Buckinghamshire.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info
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Wycombe Lodge latest meeting with the Worshipful Mater raising Bro Kulwinder followed by a very jovial festive board

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info .
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

It is not all aprons, there is a lot of getting on your Sunday best for socials that are second to none

As a Mason you are part of a fraternity that is a true leveller, whatever walk of life you are from you are equal as a brother, a cherished part of brotherhood spanning decades. 
Don't wait to be asked - 2B1ASK1 
 

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info .
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Phil B and Mark D were invited by Liflelites to the Keech Hospice in Luton

This was one of those duties which we were happy to complete on behalf of Buckinghamshire Freemasons
We were astounded by the amount of visual and audio information technology equipment that they use to invigorate the senses of the children that visit or are inpatients of the hospice.

A piece of equipment that Bucks Freemasons gave them the money to buy, is used to stimulate the senses of children that are very poorly.

If you would like to be part of a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info .
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.