Retirement of W.Bro Matthew Perkins, PSGD and Appointment of W.Bro James Blackhurst, PAGStB

Brethren,
A BIG Thank You to W.Bro Matthew Perkins, PSGD

W.Bro Matthew Perkins is stepping down as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.
Matthew’s reputation as a hardworking, committed, and forward-thinking Mason is known across the Province. He has consistently delivered, whether supporting individual Lodges, contributing to new initiatives, or working side by side with Brethren to ensure success. His commitment to Buckinghamshire Freemasonry has been faultless.

Matthew joined the Provincial team in 2017 as a Provincial Grand Steward. He went on to serve as Provincial Grand Pursuivant for two years before being appointed Editor of Concord magazine. From there, he became Provincial Communications Officer, where he was instrumental in reshaping the Province’s digital marketing strategy. His vision and determination transformed the way Buckinghamshire Freemasonry engaged with prospective candidates and left a legacy that continues to benefit the Province today.

He later served as Provincial Junior Grand Warden before being appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master. In this role, he headed up the Justice Group, guiding its growth and development year after year. He also played a central role in major Provincial initiatives, assisting in the organisation of BIG100 and BIG123, and devising the hugely successful 12 Days of Christmas campaign with W.Bro Neil Robertson.

I would personally like to thank Matthew for his unwavering support, creativity, and friendship. His contribution to Buckinghamshire Freemasonry has been outstanding, and the Province owes him a great debt of gratitude.

Appointment of W.Bro James Blackhurst, PAGStB

I am also delighted to announce that W.Bro James Blackhurst will be appointed as Assistant Provincial Grand Master in succession to Matthew.

James was initiated into Manor of Swanburn Lodge No. 8647 in 2002 and became Master in 2010. He was made a Provincial Grand Steward in 2012 and went on to serve as Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Stewards Lodge for the past nine years. His progression through ceremonial roles includes serving as Steward Escort in 2013 and later as Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies (2018–2020).

Appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2020, James has continued to serve the Province across many areas and Lodges. He was further recognised in April 2024 with his first Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer.
His recent contributions include the revitalisation of Dagmar Lodge into the Buckinghamshire Rugby Lodge, serving on the Board of Bletchley Masonic Hall, and helping to launch the highly successful Bring a Friend initiative, which has welcomed many new candidates into our Lodges. He has also been a strong supporter of Provincial initiatives such as 12DX and BIG123.

Brethren, please join me in offering heartfelt thanks to Matthew for his years of exceptional service, and in extending a warm welcome and our best wishes to James as he joins the Provincial Executive as Assistant Provincial Grand Master.

Fraternal regards,
RW.Bro Tim Anders
Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro John King will be stepping down as Assistant Provincial Grand Master over the several years. John has done an exceptional job for Buckingham share Freemasons his reputation as a hard-working and committed Mason is known across the province.

As APGM, John has worked tirelessly to support Lodges and Brethren. His commitment to the success of the province has been faultless. Whether creating or supporting new initiatives, or working closely with individual members and lodges, he has always gone above and beyond the call of duty to help shape the success of the province.
 
Although John is stepping down from the role of APGM, he remains a valued and active part of the Provincial team and will continue to contribute at a high level. His experience, energy, and wisdom remain as important as ever, and we are delighted that he will still be working closely with us as we move forward.
 
I would personally like to thank John for his unwavering support, input and hard work, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him over the coming years.

I am also pleased to announce that W Bro Mark Harry, ProvJGW, will be appointed as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Buckinghamshire at the Provincial meeting on Saturday, 11th October 2025.

Mark was initiated into Burke Lodge No. 6154 in 2012. Since then, his involvement in Freemasonry has grown steadily. He is now a member of nine Craft Lodges and has taken on a number of offices across them. He’s also played a key role in helping to re-establish Lodges such as Slough Daylight Lodge, with its shooting theme, and more recently Royal Thames Lodge, which focuses on the Combined Services.

Mark is also active in other Masonic Orders, including the Royal Arch, where he is a member of Bevan Chapter No. 2458, and the Knights Templar, where he currently serves as Provincial Bodyguard Commander for Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.
 
Before his Masonic journey began, Mark served in the British Army for 24 years, finishing his career as a Warrant Officer First Class, Regimental Sergeant Major. His service included operational tours and training roles around the world, and he also spent time as an instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

In recent years, Mark has taken the lead on the Province’s continued support for the Armed Forces Covenant. Thanks to his work, we now have a direct line of communication with the Ministry of Defence, and three Lodges have already signed the Covenant, with three more expected by the end of the year.

Within the Province, Mark has held several senior roles, including Standard Bearer, Membership Officer, Sword Bearer, and Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Earlier this year, he organised both the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting and the Provincial Grand Master’s Installation, while also supporting a number of other important Provincial projects, including BIG, BIG123, and 12DX.
 
Outside Freemasonry, Mark is supported by his wife Debbie, who is very proud of his Masonic work. When he’s not at Lodge or working on Provincial matters, he enjoys shooting, cars, and socialising.
 
We wish Mark all the very best in his new role as Assistant Provincial Grand Master and look forward to working with him as part of the Provincial Executive.

Fraternal regards 

RW.Bro Tim Anders
Provincial Grand Master.