News - Blog - Page 20

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.

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 - 2023 AGM

Welcome to the 2023 AGM of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire which took place on a Saturday for the first time to eliminate the need for our work

Provincial Grand Master's Address PGL 2023

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.

ONE DAY TO GO!

It is 24 hours before the annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting of Buckinghamshire.
Provincial Grand Lodge is the highlight of the Masonic year, when members of the Province meet in London to hear the Provincial Grand Master's annual speech and select brothers are appointed and promoted for meritorious service. If you see members of your lodge receiving an award, be sure to cheer them on.
See you there friends.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire - annual meeting

ONE DAY TO GO!It is 24 hours before the annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting of Buckinghamshire.Provincial Grand Lodge is the highlight of the Masonic year,

Pilgrims' Walk collected £31K for Florence Nightin...

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

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.
The walkers explain why they did it in their own words in this video: https://youtu.be/hiTtqa0M2rc

Pilgrims' Walk for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity - extended

Over 40 walkers completed the 50 miles /110K steps, with the aid of our support crew and volunteers from the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Several hu

Pilgrims' Walk for Florence Nightingale Hospice Ch...

Pilgrims' Walk for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

Over 40 walkers completed the 50 miles /110K steps, with the aid of our support crew and volunteers from the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Several hu

MEN BEHIND THE MYSTERY

Bram Stoker

Stoker is shown in Grand Lodge records as having joined only one Lodge: the Buckingham and Chandos Lodge, No. 1150, which was formed by Officers and Sergeants of the 1st Middlesex Artillery Volunteers.

Stoker gave his occupation as author and, although his work Dracula had not yet achieved the renown it would gain in later years, he did write other novels whilst continuing with his daytime job. Initiated in February 1883, he remained a mason for only six years according to records available and appears not to have taken office.

The Legacy of Dracula:

Despite his close working relationship with his colleague and brother Freemason, Irving, the biographers intimate that Stoker held a secret and latent resentment against Irving which may have contributed to the development of the character Dracula, which was his Magnus Opum.

Undoubtedly Irving was a success story and Stoker may have seen himself very much a side act in the scheme of things.

The One and Only

Anthony George, AKA Charlie Faulkner, was a rugby legend who embodied the spirit of Wales and the British and Irish Lions. His passing earlier this year left a void in the hearts of rugby enthusiasts worldwide. He was a formidable force on the field and a proud Freemason who carried the principles of brotherhood and unity beyond the rugby pitch.

Born in Newport in 1941, Tony Faulkner's rugby journey began at a young age, and his talent quickly became evident. He earned his place in the national team, representing Wales with unwavering dedication and skill. Tony's contributions to the British Lions were equally remarkable, as he played a pivotal role in their successes on tours against formidable opponents from across the globe.

Off the field, Tony Faulkner was an active Freemason, a testament to his commitment to the values of fellowship, charity, and self-improvement. Tony was proposed by his cousin, Vince White and Initiated into Roderick Hill Lodge on the 13th of May 2013. Many Freemasons from the Pontypool lodges were present on his Initiation, particularly members from Trevethin Lodge —fellow member of the Pontypool Front Row and Freemason Graham Price was also in attendance. It was a splendid celebration and a wonderful evening for Roderick Hill Lodge.

Tony was Passed on the 9th of September 2013 and Raised on the 11th of November 2013. He remained an active member until illness prevented him from attending. His involvement in Freemasonry symbolised his belief in building strong bonds of friendship and mutual support, values that resonated with his rugby career and life.

Tony was writing his autobiography when he passed, which will now serve as a tribute to his achievements and a source of inspiration for future generations. The book delves into the highs and lows of his journey, capturing the essence of his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. It also sheds light on the profound influence his Freemasonry principles had on his life on and off the field, demonstrating how these values guided him to become a rugby icon and a beloved figure in his community.

Two Lodges, One Bond

This unique meeting was brought to fruition due to the Formula One Lodge’s hectic schedule and a shared connection: Terry Hall, who holds the esteemed position of Director of Ceremonies in both lodges.

Posted: 25 September 2023

Recently, a Second Degree ceremony marked a significant and memorable occasion as members of Formula One Lodge (f1lodge.com) gathered to attend Spirit of Rugby Lodge, which had graciously agreed to host the ceremony for Carlo Trevison. . Situated in the picturesque town of Sittingbourne, Kent, the meeting unfolded within the welcoming confines of Spirit of Rugby Lodge.

Spirit of Rugby Lodge, born in 2016, has experienced a remarkable journey, infusing various rugby-themed customs and traditions into its activities. The Lodge has established a distinct identity from adorning rugby hats during the festive board to substituting gavels with referee’s whistles. The departure of visitors and guests is likened to a rugby line-out, adding a touch of sporting flair to their gatherings. At the same time, a lively raffle contributed to the overall camaraderie.

One Step Beyond the Craft

You may not realise that Freemasonry is made of a number of different 'Progressive Orders'. This series will explain these various Orders and how they are linked.
Knights Templar and Knights of Malta
The full title of this Order is The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, in England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas. It is more familiarly known as ‘KT’.

Knights Templar meetings are held in Preceptories and under the authority of its warrant, Knights of Malta meetings in Priories are also held.
Qualification for joining is that a candidate must be a Royal Arch Mason and believe in the Trinitarian Faith. The joining ceremony is called ‘Installation’.
The regalia is based on that of a Templar Knight and consists of a cap, tunic, mantle, sash, belt and sword. The Malta regalia is similar but the tunic is red and mantle and cap are black.

The Order is based on the actions of a band of Knights who were granted a place of habitation within the sacred precincts of King Solomon’s Temple. The candidate is admitted as a pilgrim and undergoes a period of pilgrimage and warfare then penance and meditation before being made a Knight of the Temple.

You can find out more about this order here: https://www.markmasonshall.org/orders/knights-templar

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinAfter 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.

WANDSMAN OF ST PAULS CATHEDRAL
Name: Kevin Ogilvie
Age: 63
Location: Uxbridge
Joined: 2006
Lodge: Industria, Addington

Kevin is a Wandsman at St Paul's Cathedral. Kevin and the team welcome many tens of thousands of people to the cathedral from all over the world each year.
Kevin enjoys explaining certain aspects of the building, why only part of the ceiling is decorated, explaining the American chapel to our visitors from across the pond and at Christmas directing young Harry Potter fans to the concentric staircase which was used in some of the films. (it is normally closed to visitors). They also host large scale events such as the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and has been host to many famous ambassadors such as The Archbishop of Canterbury.

Kevin's favourite part of Freemasonry is helping and being there for others, in freemasonry we are constantly being encouraged to "be more conscious of the needs to others". It encourages you to be selfless, give to charitable causes (only what you can) and support others in their time of need.

Supporting each other is a large part of what Kevin enjoys in freemasonry. In Freemasonry, you are immediately made to feel welcome, there is a real sense of camaraderie and support that you won't find anywhere else.

Everyone is eager to support and help you on your journey. So why not join today.

Craftcast talks to Brian Deutsch | United Grand Lodge of England

The Brothers in Alms exhibition has taken up residence at Freemasons' Hall. It's an immersive journey that unveils a remarkable assortment of rarely witnessed wartime photographs. In order to delve deeper into the captivating narrative of this exhibition, Craftcast: the Freemasons Podcast extended a warm welcome to exhibition curator Brian Deutsch as a special guest in the studio.

During his appearance on Craftcast, Deutsch shared the fascinating story of how he came to possess this extraordinary collection of images. In the late 1980s, during his tenure in the cable television industry, Deutsch obtained the collection that ultimately gave rise to the exhibition.

He told Craftcast,

New Master for Neleus

Neleus Lodge No. 3062 was one of the first Lodges in Buckinghamshire to embrace the Members Pathway which helps Lodges to organise the recruitment of new members.

Congratulations to Bobby Uppal on becoming Worshipful Master of this historic Lodge with all the main roles within the Lodge being held by the new members they have gained via the Pathway.

"Big Red" Pegasus 13th September.

Pegasus. Emergency meeting on Wednesday 13th September. Exalted Bro. Mark Humphrey, a member and secretary of Misbourne Lodge. E Comp Phi

Original link

Hall Barn welcome Comp Christopher Richardson "Big Red"

Hall Barn. Emergency meeting on Monday 11th September. Exalted Bro. Christopher Richardson, a member of Hall Barn Lodge, a teacher at Ro

Original link

Men Behind The Mystery

Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as the author Mark Twain, was an American writer and humourist. Today he is readily associated with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among his many others works. Twain was born on November 30, 1835 in Florida, Missouri. He became an apprentice to a printer at age 12, and shortly thereafter became a Mississippi River pilot - the experience that sparked Twain’s interest in joining Freemasonry.

Mark Twain presented his petition to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 of Saint Louis on December 26, 1860. Polar Star Lodge No. 79 was primarily made up of River Pilots at this time, giving us a hint as to why Mark Twain might have been inspired to join the Craft in the first place.

In a twist of events shortly after Twain had been raised as a Master Mason, he left for the Nevada Territory to work as the private secretary to his brother Orion, who was secretary of the Nevada Territory and was subsequently suspended from his home lodge. Twain’s fraternal activity was put on hold for the most part, and there is not a lot of evidence of Lodge visits or conversations about his Masonic practices during this time. Once Twain returned to “the States” however, his Masonic interests expanded.

In April of 21, Mark Twain petitioned for readmission to his home Lodge and was reinstated.

The beloved novelist soon became a busy man; writing, tours, and the beginnings of fame kept him away from Saint Louis for long periods of time. On one of his first trips exploring Europe and the Near East, Twain is said to have been greatly impressed by Lebanon and its connection to Freemasonry. He ended up retrieving a piece of cedar and had it made into a gavel to send back to the Worshipful Master of his mother Lodge.