Freemasonry In The Community

Magiovinivm Lodges Charity Steward, W.Bro Mark Dennaford, and their IPM W.Bro Brian Sweet, had great pleasure in presenting a cheque for £2,000 to the Milton Keynes branch of the Motoneuron disease support group.

This is a small charity with an annual budget of around £12,000, so they know this will make a positive impact on the fretwork they do.

Three charities were supported in one evening!

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

A very special night at Grenville Lodge No

1787 with the Assistant Grand Master of Freemasonry.

It was more than 200 years ago that the first university Lodge – Apollo University Lodge – was founded at Oxford in 1818.
Isaac Newton University Lodge soon followed at Cambridge in 1861 and since then many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges.

It was these very foundations that led to the United Grand Lodge of England establishing the Universities Scheme in 2005 and introducing Freemasonry’s important values to a new generation.

There are now 87 Lodges and seven Chapters pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course across England and Wales, where towns and cities have universities. Based at Yeomanry Hall in Buckingham, Grenville Lodge No. 1787 is partnered with Buckingham University as part of the scheme. 

At last night's meeting of Grenville Lodge No. 1787, they welcomed Yaneesh Jingree, a student at Buckingham University into Freemasonry.

During a wonderful ceremony, well executed by the WM, Secretary and the team at Grenville, Yaneesh was initiated in the presence of his father and over 50 other Brethren.

The meeting was supported by the Assistant Grand Master. RW.Bro David Medlock, the Provincial Grand Master RW.Bro. John Clark, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master V.W.Bro Neil Robertson and a number of Provincial Grand Officers.

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.  

 
 

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.

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.

Aprons Off: The Real Freemason

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

A COLD WEATHER EXPLORER
Name: James Redden
Age: 52
Location: Chinnor
Joined: 2021
Lodge: Haddenham

James is a cold weather explorer. He often participates in arctic expeditions in some of the harshest environments on the planet. He has skied to the North Pole, skied through Greenland and Norway (twice), and held the world record for sprinting 400 kilometres over the frozen surface of Lake Baikal in Russia for a brief period of time.

The part of Freemasonry that James enjoys the most is being able to help people who are less fortunate via charitable work. James explained that Freemasonry is like a "family of men who all hold similar and strong values." Charity is at the heart of our organisation; during all of our activities as Freemasons, we strive to raise money for charitable causes, albeit the specific causes on which we focus might vary from lodge to lodge.

James' participation in Freemasonry has provided him with insights into many aspects of life that he may not have been exposed to otherwise. This is owing to the large amount of experience and personalities that are a part of Freemasonry, as well as the diverse range of communities and charitable organisations that we are able to lend a hand to.

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.  
 
 

Special Interest Lodges in Bucks

Household Division - 9545

The Household Division Lodge is one of three Lodges associated to the Brigade of Guards. This includes Household Brigade Lodge 2614 for Commissioned Officers, Comrades Lodge 2740 for senior Sergeants and Warrant Officers and The Household Division Lodge 9545 which serves to provide a Masonic Lodge for all ranks.

In 1993, founding Secretary, W.Bro. Peter Hardwick (former Grenadier Guards) had made a comment that he would like to have a Lodge close to Windsor, which was an ancestral home of the Guards. His comment was met with another that founding Treasurer, W.Bro. Derek Stratford MBE (Former Life Guards) would also like a Lodge with the same foundations as members of Comrades Lodge had grown tired of travelling to London for meetings. With this, the seed was sewn and both met with W.Bro. Reg Clark (former Grenadier Guards) to discuss forming a Lodge to promote Masonry amongst both serving and ex-serving members of the Household Division.

These Brethren that had sought to bring the Lodge to it's present standing received a tremendous amount of help from the Provincial Grand Master at the time R.W.Bro. Lt.Col. The Hon. Lord Burnham, himself a former Scots Guards Officer, who was due to be the first Worshipful Master of the Household Division Lodge.

As the idea grew, commitments were agreed and on 24th April 1993 the first Founders Meeting was held at the Grenadier Club, Windsor. At the meeting it was decided that it would be the intention of the Founders to bring together brethren of all military ranks who have served, or are serving with any of the seven regiments of the Household Division, together with members of other regiments who have served with for not less than twelve months with a unit of the Household Division. Also that members of the Lodge be permitted to wear the Brigade of Guards tie at meetings in place of the usual black tie. This honour being granted dispensation from Grand Lodge following the request by Lord Burnham. As the Lodge moved closer to consecration Lord Burnham tragically died, and therefore the honour of Primus Master was passed to former National Service Grenadier Guards Drummer W.Bro. Reg Clark - in a move seen to demonstrate the true ethos of an all ranks rule for the Lodge.

On 27th Mary 1994 The Household Division Lodge was consecrated, sponsored by Comrades Lodge who later presented the Masters collar. The leather warrant holder which is still used in Lodge today was presented by R.W.Bro. The Hon. Viscount Gough (former Irish Guards) on behalf of Household Brigade Lodge.

On 17th May 2019 the Lodge celebrated their silver jubilee and at the meeting initiated current Senior Warden of the Lodge Bro. Dylan Swart (former Coldstream Guards) - the ceremony being presided over by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Clark who took the gavel.

On 26th November 2011, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro Hugh Douglas-Smith attend the Lodge with a large delegation of Provincial Officers to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Signed by The DPGM on behalf of Province and Major. Spencer Jones (Coldstream Guards) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the covenant is displayed at every Lodge meeting to signify the commitment to the Armed Forces and Veterans.

Approaching its thirtieth anniversary the Lodge is in a strong position with over forty one members, candidates in the pipe line and regular meetings in excess of ninety and one hundred. The Lodges purpose for existing is to maintain a link between Masonry, the Military and the heritage of the Brigade of Guards. Military visitors are encouraged to wear their military ties at meetings, an impressive display of military medals are worn at the festive board. Meetings at the Lodge are enhanced with performances at white tables with military bands, Burns nights with their own Scots Guards Pipers and military speakers.

The Lodge is well represented by the majority of the regiments from the Division. With members coming from both serving and former members of the Life Guards, Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Welsh Guards - at present their are no Blues and Royals or Irish Guards. Their have been Worshipful Masters from all regiments, save for the Irish Guards. The Lodge has had many honours bestowed on it's members, including the Military Cross, the Military Medal, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the British Empire Medal.

Today the Lodge maintains the high standards set by the Founders. With firm desire to enhance Freemasonry with the style and panache of the Guards. Whilst offering serving soldiers and veterans a mix of their military and masonic worlds.

Meeting at the Slough Masonic Centre

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://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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&E INJURY CONSULTANT
Name: Jim Weavill
Location: Aylesbury
Joined: 2016
Lodge: Grenville

Jim began his career in emergency medicine nearly twenty years ago with Warwickshire Ambulance Service. Beginning as a Trainee Technician, he qualified as a Paramedic and then as a Specialist Paramedic in Urgent Care.
During these two decades he served with Warwickshire, London and South Central Ambulance Services, and likely attended some 25,000 999 calls.
Incredibly, he was awarded the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal last year.
He then moved into the ED Minors Department as a Minor Illness and Injury Practitioner of a local Hospital, while now studying to progress to an ED Advanced Care Practitioner.

Jim's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the masonry. More specifically learning about the lore of the organisation and the history behind it. Jim enjoys learning the reasons behind having our various tools and symbols within the lodge room, which are key to Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is based on a set of principles on which we were founded. These are brotherly love, relief and truth. Jim mentions he has been able to apply these to his own life, which has helped him become a better person, by being more loving, upright and honest in both his personal and professional lives.
It has been difficult fort Jim with having such a busy role working in the ED department, however masonry and Grenville Lodge have been very supportive allowing him to progress in his career, as well as enjoy Freemasonry.

The great thing about Freemasonry is that you can take a break at anytime, be it for work, personal life or other, and then return to it. So why not give it a try today.

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.  
 
 

Aprons Off: The Real Freemason

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

A DRUMMER
Name: Rik Upjohn
Age: 37
Location: Staines
Joined: 2016
Lodge: Heatherden

Rik has been a drummer since 1998. He started while in secondary school, passing his Rockschool exam in 2001 with merit. 
Rik has been in a few bands over the years. In a previous band Rik was able to play for the Royal Household staff summer party at Windsor Castle playing 'Don't stop me now' by Queen for her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Rik is currently in a band playing hits from the 50s to the 90s and has played at many masonic functions. 

Rik's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the strong sense of community that Freemasonry fosters. He feels a sense of camaraderie and happiness as a result of his membership in Freemasonry. In some ways, it is very much like living in a family, which is a wonderful sensation. Because of this, it inspires Rik to keep going and try to improve themselves. 

It has allowed Rik's confidence to significantly develop. It has made Rik a more confident person when dealing with colleagues and stakeholders. This has helped Rik to realise what is important in their life. It has also helped him in his band as he also now sings with the band while drumming.

Freemasonry will help improve your confidence significantly, to be comfortable publicly speaking and allow you to be adept in conversation, giving you that voice you never knew you had.

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.  
 
 

Special Interest Lodges in Bucks

Lilly Lodge of Richmond 820 - The Cricket Lodge

Lily Lodge of Richmond, the Bucks Cricket Lodge has gone from six members to 23 with three more waiting to join, plus one home grown initiate in the nets in the short period of it becoming a specialist lodge. All members share a common love of the sport, with get togethers arranged outside of masonic meetings to watch the lovely game.  

When the lodge became a special interest lodge, a limited run of glasses were commissioned, these glasses are used after each meeting for a game of "Firing Glass Cricket", we will share more about this later in the year.

This lodge is one of the oldest in Buckinghamshire, Consecrated in May 1860, Meeting at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre.

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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://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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 YACHT RACER
Name: Marc Lonergan
Age: 49
Location: Eastbourne
Joined: 2013
Lodge: Planet

Marc is an Offshore and Inshore yacht racer. He started sailing in 2009 after reading about the hobby and buying his own 28ft boat. Marc over the years has significantly improved, and racing his boat "The Eclipse" he has won international and regional races and titles, claiming numerous awards. Dependent on sponsorship, Marc is looking to take on a massive challenge, completing a famous solo around the world race in 2026. 

Marc's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is the lodge. Like many others he believes the meeting of the lodge is the best part of Freemasonry, he puts his enjoyment down to the "learning and brotherhood" aspects. Like many others coming into something which you can share with new friends, practice, learn, teach and work with others to create something brilliant, and different. Both in and out of meetings.

Freemasonry has helped keep him more grounded and focused. Practicing pieces which we can deliver to each other is incredibly rewarding. Marc has not only improved his mental skill but also his communication skills around others. Being part of Freemasonry enhances your ability to communicate, enhances how you are around other people, but most importantly it enhances your confidence. 

It's definitely something that can only change you for the better.

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 40 walkers completed the 50 miles /110K steps, with the aid of our support crew and volunteers from the

Several hundred sandwiches and cakes later, avoiding torrential downpours on the one hand and nettles on the other, our intrepid explorers took in some incredible views and finished the walk several hours earlier than expected! Hear them tell you in their own words why they did it.
Our target is £15,000, any donation that you make will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/e0096a-provincial-grand-lodge-of-bucks-discretionary-fund/buckinghamshire-freemasons-pilgrim-50-mile-walk
 

Special Interest Lodges in Bucks

Eric Deung Lodge 9695 - The Masonic History & Research Lodge

This lodge is named after Rt.W. Bro Eric Deung, Past Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Buckinghamshire from 1993 to 1998 and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent of the Royal Arch in Buckinghamshire from 1991 to 1998. 

Throughout his life, Eric was an avid historian who promoted research into the origins of Freemasonry. As a result, it seemed appropriate to establish a lodge dedicated to history and research in his memory.

The lodge meets three times a year: in March for the Installation, in June for the Midsummer Solstice, and in September for the Harvest Remembrance. The meeting will include brief interludes of masonic research in addition to the usual masonic business. When collecting alms, the Deacons use hollowed-out books to collect donations.

The lodge will unveil a brand new research room named after its founder, Eric Deung, at the upcoming Harvest Remembrance Meeting. This will serve as the Buckinghamshire Freemasons' provincial archive for the written word.

If you would like to know more about the Founder of the Lodge, Eric Deung please use this link: https://tinyurl.com/EricDeung

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community, that has its roots 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. 

Aprons Off: The Real Freemason

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

A RUGBY COACH
Name: Tarek Qutteineh
Age: 47
Location: Bangor
Joined: 2010
Lodges: Heatherden, Provincial Grand Stewards, Addington

Tarek is a Rugby coach for a local schools U18 team. The team plays regional matches in August against another three provinces (Leinster, Munster and Connacht), as well as a match against the IQ or Irish Qualified (exiles living generally in GB but not exclusively). 
Tarek's first season in the interprovincial matches resulted in their team being runners up to Leinster, while in the previous year they came third, losing to Munster and Leinster.  Tarek prefers to use an inclusive coaching style with this age group. They have found that by incorporating the suggestions of their players, they are able to gain their buy-in more easily. 

Tarek's favourite aspect of Freemasonry is meeting people and making new friends. Freemasonry has opened up a new circle of friends that he would never have come across. He emphasises the diversity of members and range of experience you can be exposed to- "The differing age, professions and cultural demographics within each lodge make you far more appreciative of other people’s backgrounds."

Tarek emphasises how Freemasonry has made them more aware and conscious of the pillars of truth, honour and virtue as well as keeping integrity at the fore of their thoughts. 
Essentially, this encourages freemasons to act and behave as a better people. The charitable side is also a huge part of the work and the work we do in the local community is always rewarding on a personal level.

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.  

 
 

Special Interest Lodges in Bucks

Slough Daylight Lodge 9699 - The Shooting Lodge

On 11th March 2023, Slough Daylight Lodge No. 9699 marked their 100th meeting by relaunching as a Shooting Special Interest Lodge.

The lodge was consecrated on the 4th September 1999 and meets 4 times a year on the 2nd Saturday of March, October, and the first Saturday in December at Slough Masonic Centre.  Outside of the masonic meetings, shoots are arranged where members can bring guests. 
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://my.mtr.cool/kuacclaurv

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 COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER
Name: Steve Acton
Age: 64
Location: Winslow
Joined: 2010
Lodges: New Urban, Verney, Provincial Grand Stewards, Bucks Masters, Eric Deung

Steve has been a Community First Responder (CFR) since 2007. CFRs are all volunteers who live and work within their local communities. They are trained by South Central Ambulance Services to respond to life-threatening medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrests, breathing difficulties, chest pains, diabetic emergencies, trauma, and burns. "I had always been involved with the Fire or Ambulance services since I was 18 years old. Becoming a First Responder allowed me to get involved with and support my local community."
One of Steve's favourite aspects of Freemasonry is the connection that lodges have with their communities. "I feel that there is a need in society today for all of us to volunteer some time to help others. This is something that is encouraged in Freemasonry, and I am certain that without the time and effort that Freemasons give to others, the community would be disadvantaged as a result."
Steve emphasises how Freemasonry has made him much more confident in social settings. "I would never have dreamed of being able to stand up in a room filled with people and give a speech. I have had many opportunities to do so through Freemasonry, and the confidence it has given me has helped in my CFR role when speaking to the public at incidents that I attend."
Steve is very proud to be a Provincial Grand Steward in the Hall Stone Province of Buckinghamshire and considers this one of his favourite moments in Freemasonry to date.

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.