Guiding principles of FreemasonryWe are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we
Dagmar Lodge, the specialist rugby lodge, started 2024 with a bang this week.
Bro Alan took his 2nd degree and, in doing so, became a Fellowcraft Freemason.
The XV team, under the leadership of skipper Bro. Martin, expertly completed the ceremony.
The lodge also welcomed two new members, Bro. Jake and Bro. Nick. Both of whom are battle-hardened rugby players and lifelong fans of the game.
Bro Alan took his 2nd degree and, in doing so, became a Fellowcraft Freemason.
The XV team, under the leadership of skipper Bro. Martin, expertly completed the ceremony.
The lodge also welcomed two new members, Bro. Jake and Bro. Nick. Both of whom are battle-hardened rugby players and lifelong fans of the game.
With more new visitors keen to join and a new head of the lodge taking over in April, the lodge looks forward to another successful year. Their forward plan also includes several extra meetings for initiations, which are in the pipeline too.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year!
If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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
St. Martin's Lodge No. 2812 welcomed three new Entered Apprentice Freemasons into their lodge at their meeting last night.
Throughout the evening, three separate experienced Freemasons took turns initiating a single candidate each. One observer noted how unusual it was to see each candidate initiated by a different master. "It was a wonderful experience for our three newest members of the province, and the ceremonies were delivered in impeccable fashion."
The brothers of St. Martin's thanked everyone who came to a stunning and vibrant four-course feast.
Throughout the evening, three separate experienced Freemasons took turns initiating a single candidate each. One observer noted how unusual it was to see each candidate initiated by a different master. "It was a wonderful experience for our three newest members of the province, and the ceremonies were delivered in impeccable fashion."
The brothers of St. Martin's thanked everyone who came to a stunning and vibrant four-course feast.
The lodge already has a plan for the year: another initiation in February with two new joining members, and a very special 60th certificate will be delivered to a well-respected Freemason who was initiated in March 1964 during the March meeting.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year!
If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this 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
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!
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
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.
LET THERE BE LIGHT THEY SAID....
The Provincial Comms team, along with Centre Manager, Gary Brodie have been working on a new lightbox installation for Slough centre.
It was unveiled at the Executive quarterly meeting and got its first official use by the members of Notarius Lodge.
The beautiful lit panel depicts the four cardinal virtues from the Grand Temple at Freemasons Hall in London. I was allowed entry to the Grand Temple in October 2023, to acquire high quality photographs that were used in the final design. The final piece of art was printed by Scott Buckle on flame-resistant material and stretched over an illuminated lightbox.
Slough Masonic Centre Manager Gary Brodie was overseer of the six hour installation process and afterwards said, "This is exactly what I had envisioned for our temple, colour, drama, and spectacle. Project Transform has advanced to the next level."
The unveiling of the lightbox coincided with the launch of the Buckinghamshire Freemasons 2024 Strategy. Which aims to further improve Project Transform by providing a technical support staff as well as properly documented training manuals, implementation plans, and access rights to licenced music.
This QR code will take you to a list of all of our channels. So, whatever social networking site you like, you'll find this a simple way to get there from here. Simply scan the QR code with your phone, or click here: https://t.ly/Rw8Wg
Are you looking for a new challenge in 2024?
Do you want to be a part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community?
Are you interested in a 300-year-old mystery that is steeped in history?
Do you want to be a part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community?
Are you interested in a 300-year-old mystery that is steeped in history?
We have an open evening where you can meet new and experienced Freemasons.
Book your place at this live event in Bletchley and enjoy an evening of conversation and discovery.
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. at Bletchley Masonic Centre, MK2 2BZ.
This is a ticket-only event, so please book your places here:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/new-year-new-you
2023 has been the busiest year ever in Buckinghamshire with so many new members joining us. In the 12 days of Christmas (12DX) event alone we have welcomed another 60 new members to enjoy the theatrical nature of our ceremonial, social activities, and of course the lifelong friendships that follow.
Now is the time to rest and spend time with your families.
This Christmas will be the second since the passing of my lovely mum. Christmas for our children has always been at Nan's house in Burnham and everything always stopped for the Queen's speech.
Things are very different now and we are learning to accept and embrace the change while still maintaining the wonderful spirit of Christmas as Mum would have wished.
Sarah and I are fortunate to be with our family during the festive period. We will be thinking of you all and although it’s natural for freemasons to look after others, I once again ask you to keep a watchful eye on those living alone or recently bereaved at this time. Please give them a call, invite them over, or just tap on the door, have a chat, or drop a card in the letterbox. Please make sure they are not lonely over this festive period and let the Provincial Almoner know via your lodge Almoner if anyone needs our help.
You and your families are the true spirit of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, and I am very proud of the great things you do.
Buckinghamshire's festive initiation project comes to an end, and what a journey!
60 people became Freemasons in Buckinghamshire during 12DX, with six more set to join in January 2024.
60 people became Freemasons in Buckinghamshire during 12DX, with six more set to join in January 2024.
Buckinghamshire, as a whole, had an incredible few weeks. "Well, that was probably the greatest experience in my time as a Freemason!" exclaimed John Clark, the head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, during the wrap party yesterday evening. "This evening, guys, it's a free bar, and the drinks are on me!"
Thank you especially to our organisers, Bros. Lloyd, Dan, and Mark. They worked tirelessly to ensure that our freshly minted brothers enjoyed an unforgettable evening with each of their individual lodges.
They are all now placing their cases in the cupboard for the remainder of 2023 and taking a well-earned winter break!
If you would like to talk to one of our team members about becoming a Freemason in 2024, just follow this link and fill out the short form: https://buckspgl.org/join
May this Christmas be filled with peace, and may the new year bring you happiness.Warm regards from the Freemasons in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire's festive initiative to welcome new members into Freemasonry continued in earnest this week.
At Hall Barn Lodge in Marlow, the head of the lodge delivered a first-class ceremony of initiation for Bro. Octavian.
Bro. Michael received a warm welcome at Chenies Lodge in the beautiful setting of the lodge room at Beaconsfield. It is a stunning location to see, with its vaulted ceiling, spiral staircase at the entrance, and second level, which is decorated with banners and houses the ancient standard for the Hallstone Province of Buckinghamshire.
On the same evening, in Aylesbury, Pegasus Lodge delivered the gift of Freemasonry to their newly made brother in style. Bro. Richard said afterwards how appreciative he was of everyone's efforts to make his day so special.
At Hall Barn Lodge in Marlow, the head of the lodge delivered a first-class ceremony of initiation for Bro. Octavian.
Bro. Michael received a warm welcome at Chenies Lodge in the beautiful setting of the lodge room at Beaconsfield. It is a stunning location to see, with its vaulted ceiling, spiral staircase at the entrance, and second level, which is decorated with banners and houses the ancient standard for the Hallstone Province of Buckinghamshire.
On the same evening, in Aylesbury, Pegasus Lodge delivered the gift of Freemasonry to their newly made brother in style. Bro. Richard said afterwards how appreciative he was of everyone's efforts to make his day so special.
Meanwhile, after performing a double-raising ceremony in the early hours, Slough Daylight Lodge initiated Bro. Malcolm. Bro. Gerrit, a fellow South African, finished the meeting by presenting Bro. Malcolm with his provincial welcome pack. Both ceremonies were so beautifully done that the whole meeting was able to be finished in under three hours without hurrying through the ceremonies. One observer remarked that it was some of the best ceremonial work he had ever seen and that it was amazing to see younger Masons carrying out parts of the ceremony that were previously reserved for more senior members.
The candidates and everyone in attendance enjoyed a memorable morning that they will remember for many years.
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
Today marks the 60th Anniversary of our Grand Master becoming a Freemason.
The Duke of Kent was born in 1935, and educated at Eton and Le Rosey, Switzerland.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Kent were first cousins through their fathers, King George VI, and Prince George, Duke of Kent. His father, who was Grand Master from 1939 until 1942, was the fourth son of King George V. His mother Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark was also a first cousin of the Queen's husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, making him both a second cousin and first cousin once removed to King Charles III. He is currently 40th in the line of succession to the throne.
The Duke of Kent was born in 1935, and educated at Eton and Le Rosey, Switzerland.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Kent were first cousins through their fathers, King George VI, and Prince George, Duke of Kent. His father, who was Grand Master from 1939 until 1942, was the fourth son of King George V. His mother Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark was also a first cousin of the Queen's husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, making him both a second cousin and first cousin once removed to King Charles III. He is currently 40th in the line of succession to the throne.
The Duke of Kent was initiated as a Freemason in Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 in London on 16 December 1963. He completed his Second Degree on 30 January 1964 and his Third Degree on 5 June that same year, and served as Master of the Lodge in 1965.
His Royal Highness was appointed Senior Grand Warden by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1966 and was promoted to Grand Master in 1967 during UGLE's 250th anniversary celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall. He has been re-elected every year since and is now UGLE's longest serving Grand Master.
As the Grand Master is a member of the Royal Family, he may appoint a Pro Grand Master to be his principal adviser and to act for him on occasions when, due to Royal engagements, he is unable to be present.
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!
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!
We do the right thing by changing people's lives.
Every year, we spend over 18 million hours helping our communities.
You can make a difference too.
Join us today.
https://buckspgl.org/join
Every year, we spend over 18 million hours helping our communities.
You can make a difference too.
Join us today.
https://buckspgl.org/join
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.
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.
Will 2024 be the year that you try something new?Buckinghamshire Freemasons offer you the chance to develop greater confidence, meet new people, and give bac
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://buckspgc.org/