News

Buckinghamshire Freemasons Welcome 60 New Members in Historic Multi-Centre Initiation Event

In an unprecedented and powerful demonstration of unity and growth, Buckinghamshire Freemasonry held its largest coordinated initiation event to date this July, as 60 new Freemasons were initiated simultaneously across multiple centres throughout the county.

Known as the “Big Local”, this extraordinary event saw lodges across Buckinghamshire open their doors in harmony, each conducting initiation ceremonies at the same time, all aligned in purpose and spirit. While the ceremonies took place in different Masonic centres, from Newport Pagnell, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Bletchley, Slough to Marlow, the atmosphere was one of collective brotherhood and shared tradition.

Initiations started at 9am and carried on throughout the day, and like something out of an ’80s game show, (think Challenge Anneka), the Provincial Grand Master and his team of provincial officers were on a high-energy mission, travelling across the county to witness as many initiation ceremonies as possible. Their commitment and enthusiasm meant they could be seen appearing in photos from numerous centres, showing support, celebrating with new initiates, and strengthening the connection across the province.

This initiative was more than a logistical success, it was a powerful symbol of Freemasonry’s unity, heritage, and relevance in the modern age. As each initiate took their first step into Freemasonry, they did so not as isolated individuals, but as part of a much wider, connected experience. Brethren across the province were bonded in a common effort to welcome the next generation of Freemasons, reinforcing the strength of the fraternity across geographical boundaries.

Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders commented:
“This event was a celebration of brotherhood. To see such a significant number of men committing to the values of Freemasonry at the same time, across so many centres, speaks volumes about the health and future of the Craft in Buckinghamshire

Celebrating 60 Years of Dedication: A Visit to Wiveliscombe

Recently our Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the pleasure of travelling from Oxfordshire to Wiveliscombe in Devon with Frank Byrne to visit Brother Brian Tustian and present him with his certificate for 60-years in Freemasonry.  They shared a memorable afternoon with Brian, enjoying fish and chips from the local chippy and a walk around his beautifully kept garden. The visit was filled with good conversation and great memories of Brian’s remarkable Masonic life.

A Timely Reminder

This visit was more than a presentation—it was a reminder of the importance of maintaining contact with older Brethren. As the years go by, it becomes ever more vital that we look after and remain in regular contact with those who have given so much. Many now live alone, and a simple visit or a phone call can make an immeasurable difference. We must always ensure that support is never far away.

Brian Tustian

Brian, now 92, was born on 14th September 1932 and brought up in a farming family in Turweston, near Brackley. A bright young man, he passed the 10-plus and earned a place at the Royal Latin School in Buckingham. His hopes of going on to college were cut short when, at just fifteen, his father was seriously injured in a hunting accident. Brian left school to take responsibility for the family farm—a duty he fulfilled with typical determination. Brian went on to be one of the first Organic Farmers in the area.

Bro John King, PSGD and announcement of new Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro Mark Harry, ProvJGW

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.

The Fourth of July, or American Independence Day, is a date of profound historical importance. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776—a defining moment that established the birth of the United States. For Freemasons around the world, this day also holds special significance, as many of the ideals celebrated on Independence Day closely align with Masonic principles. The influence of Freemasonry on the founding of the United States is not just symbolic—it is woven into the very fabric of the nation’s origin story.

The Declaration of Independence was more than a political document; it was a bold philosophical statement inspired by Enlightenment ideals. Core beliefs such as liberty, equality, and the right to self-governance echoed strongly within Masonic teachings. Many of the men responsible for drafting and supporting the Declaration were themselves Freemasons or closely aligned with the fraternity.

Prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and possibly Thomas Jefferson played key roles in shaping the Declaration. Franklin, an active Freemason, was instrumental in guiding the moral and intellectual foundation of the Revolution. Hancock, another confirmed Mason, famously signed the document with bold flair. While Jefferson’s formal membership is debated, his philosophical leanings and associations suggest deep alignment with Masonic values.

Of the 56 signers of the Declaration, at least nine were confirmed Freemasons, and many others were likely influenced by the fraternity's principles. This significant Masonic presence reveals how deeply the ideals of the Craft permeated the early leadership of the United States.

The Masonic influence didn’t end with independence. It extended directly into the formation of the United States Constitution in 1787. Freemasons such as George Washington, who presided over the Constitutional Convention, helped shape the framework of American government. The Constitution, with its emphasis on checks and balances, individual liberties, and rule of law, reflects the organizational values and ethical philosophy upheld by Freemasonry.

Beyond government, Freemasonry has played a consistent role in shaping American society. Lodges across the country have supported education, civic responsibility, and charitable work since the nation’s founding. The fraternity promotes moral integrity, ethical conduct, and community service, encouraging its members to live as examples of virtue and leadership.

The Masonic Housing Association (MHA) celebrates a major milestone this year—its 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1975, the MHA was established as an exempt charity following the introduction of the Housing Act of 1974. Its mission has remained consistent for five decades: to provide affordable, sheltered housing for elderly individuals who are able to live independently but benefit from being part of a supportive community.

The Association opened its first scheme at Prebendal Close in 1980 and now manages 189 flats across five properties throughout the UK, with Prebendal Close remaining a flagship location.  Prebendal Close is a Sheltered Housing Scheme in Aylesbury that has accommodated many Masons and their families over the last 45 years, and is run behind Bev by a string of committed volunteer Bucks Masons, and long may it continue.

The golden anniversary celebration at Prebendal Close included a Meet & Greet followed by speeches from key figures including MHA Chairman Geoffrey Dearing, Timothy Anders, Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasonry and The Countess Howe, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This was followed by a celebratory buffet and entertainment for all the residents.

As MHA marks half a century of service, the occasion stands as a testament to the vital role housing associations play in supporting independent living and fostering community for older residents.

Local dignitaries included:

Tim Anders, the Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire Freemasons, visited the Florence Nightingale Hospice recently and shared his thoughts.

“During my visit to   I was immediately struck by the overwhelming sense of love, compassion, and dedication that radiated from every member of the team. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this is more than just a workplace—it is a community built on empathy and care for others.

“I was given a thorough insight into the wide-reaching and vital work the hospice undertakes, not only within its walls but also across the wider community. It quickly became apparent just how extensive the hospice’s services are, reaching far beyond the building itself and into countless homes across Buckinghamshire and beyond. The care and support provided touches the lives of many, often during their most difficult moments, and the need for this support continues to grow.

“What truly stood out to me was the role of the hospice’s incredible volunteer network. Their contribution goes well beyond patient care—they offer companionship, practical help, and bereavement support that continues long after a loved one has passed. This holistic approach to care, for both patients and their families, is deeply moving and reflects the values at the heart of the hospice.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every member of the Florence Nightingale Hospice team—staff and volunteers alike—for everything they do for our community. Their commitment, kindness, and tireless work make a considerable difference in the lives of so many. Visiting the hospice was a humbling and inspiring experience, and it reminded me just how important it is to support organisations like this that provide care with such dignity and humanity.”

The Buckinghamshire Freemasons play an important role in fundraising for this and other Hospices, not only with financial assistance, but volunteering for many of the events held by the organisations themselves.

This week at the , Head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, Tim Anders, and his team introduced Project Transform – a bold step forward in enhancing Masonic ceremonies.

“It is both a privilege and a pleasure to stand before you today,” Tim began, thanking RW John Clark and the Pro Grand Master for their support. He explained the project’s core principle: “Yes, we can honour tradition if we’re prepared to meet the needs of the modern Mason.”

Launched in 2023, Project Transform aims to make every meeting memorable by using lighting and sound to amplify the emotional impact of the experience. “We’ve sought not to change our ceremony but to enhance it – to draw out the emotional power already present,” Tim said. “This isn’t theatre for theatre’s sake. It’s about deepening the candidate’s journey and making Freemasonry feel vivid, relevant, and resonant.”

The technology is simple and user-friendly, but the effect is profound. “Even the most traditional Brethren have told us how surprised and moved they were by what they saw—and, more importantly, what they felt,” Tim noted.

Importantly, Tim extended an open invitation to all: “We are delighted to share our documents, resources, and lessons learnt with every province so that the Project Transform experience can be recreated wherever you are.”

A highlight has been the involvement of the Light Blues, who now play a key role in ceremonies, strengthening their connection to the Craft. “Every Brother raised in a lodge using Transform is still engaged, active, and enthusiastic about their Freemasonry.”

Today marks the anniversary of D’Day, a day along with many others that marks a very important time in history for us and Europe, one that mustn’t be forgotten. 
We hope you don’t mind this lengthy post, but we’d like to summarise things.  

D’Day: 
The Invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces of Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France. With a huge force of over 150,000 soldiers, the Allies attacked and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe.
D’day was the largest amphibious invasion in history, with more than 4,000 ships, 11,000 warplanes and 156,000 Allied troops. Sadly, more than 4,400 Allied troops died that day.

Why is it called D’day?
Decision Day? Doomsday? Dreadnought Day?
None of the above. The D simply stands for “day.”
The designation was traditionally used for the date of any important military operation or invasion, according to the National World War II Museum.
Thus, the day before June 6, 1944, was known as D-1 and the days after were D+1, D+2, D+ and so on.

Leading up to the Battle:
Germany had invaded France and was trying to take over all of Europe including Britain. However, Britain and the United States had managed to slow down the expanding German forces. They were now able to turn on the offensive. 
To prepare for the invasion, the Allies amassed troops and equipment in Britain. They also increased the number of air strikes and bombings in German territory. Right before the invasion, over 1000 bombers a day were hitting German targets. They bombed railroads, bridges, airfields, and other strategic places in order to slow down and hinder the German army. 

Deception:
The Germans knew that an invasion was coming. They could tell by all the forces that were gathering in Britain as well as by the additional air strikes. What they didn't know was where the Allies would strike. In order to confuse the Germans, the Allies tried to make it look like they were going to attack north of Normandy at Pas de Calais. 

The Weather:
Although the D-Day invasion had been planned for months, it was almost cancelled due to bad weather. General Eisenhower finally agreed to attack despite the overcast skies. Although the weather did have some affect and on the Allies ability to attack, it also caused the Germans to think that no attack was coming. They were less prepared as a result. 

Last night at Methuen Lodge No. 631 - (The Pro Grand Master’s Lodge), Buckinghamshire had a time line presence.

Current Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, stood alongside the three past provincial Grand Masters of Buckinghamshire - John Clark (2018~2025), Gordon Robertson (2011~2018) & Ray Reed (2005~2011).  

Although the meeting was just a normal scheduled event, the rare gathering of a historical timeline was something that needed to be captured.

The friendship and bond of the senior leadership within the province of Buckinghamshire is something to be very proud of.  Past leaders celebrating their successors appointment and on hand to share valuable experience and advise.

So, what is the history of Methuen Lodge?

The Lodge was consecrated at Swindon in the Province of Wiltshire, on 24th May 1854, by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Sir Daniel Gooch, Bt.
Lord Methuen, Provincial Grand Master (from 1853) was installed as the first Master.
From the outset, the Lodge existed for Wiltshire masons who wanted a lodge with a standard of comfort, dignity and good living, comparable to some of the best London Lodges.
The promoters had said that they did not want a lot of masonic work but that they would enjoy a first class, civilised dinner, with good wine to drink and, even, cigars to smoke.