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DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The 26th president of America, a Harvard-educated scholar, a North Dakota cattle rancher, a politician and civil servant on the state and national level, leader of the famed “Rough Riders” in the Spanish-American War, Governor of New York, noted conservationist who advocated the creation of the National Park System, Nobel Peace Prize winner, an adventurer who always sought new challenges and, of course, President of the United States.

He joined Freemasonry at the age of forty-two in 1901, the year he began his service as President of the United States. He was initiated into Matinecock Lodge No. 806 of Oyster Bay, New York, and spent many years as an active and proud Freemason. Notably, Brother Roosevelt visited lodges in Africa, Europe, and South America and assisted in laying the cornerstone of the Pilgrim Memorial Monument in Provincetown, MA. He broke ground for a Masonic Temple in Spokane, Washington in 1903 and attended the Masonic cornerstone laying of the House of Representatives building in 1906.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, 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.

DISCOVERING FREEMASONRY

Buckinghamshire Freemasons hold another highly successful membership event.

Freemasons from Buckinghamshire hosted yet another remarkable live event, inviting a large number of candidates who were interested in Freemasonry to attend an evening where they had the opportunity to learn about Freemasonry from masons who had a great deal of experience.

In addition, it was available to partners and visitors, as well as anybody who had a passing interest in the topic and was eager to learn more about it. In order to accommodate their visitors, the Slough Masonic Centre was filled with a large number of people, including already existing Freemasons to accompany their guests.

At the beginning of the evening, Neil Robertson provided a brief introduction to the concept of freemasonry and discussed the unique aspects that make it so remarkable.
Lee Buckingham, John Palman, and Matt Eaton were among the other individuals that spoke in more detail about who we are and what we do.

The conference came to a close with a presentation on the philanthropic contributions that Freemasonry has made, as well as a special presentation from Dawn Allen of the Henry Allen Trust, which is an organisation that we have recently supported.

The evening was a fantastic success, bringing in a number of candidates we will be welcoming into Freemasonry at our BIG1-2-3 event at the end of June.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON

Explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton once famously said; "If you're a leader, a fellow that other fellows look to, you've got to keep going." He was born on 15 February 1874 in County Kildare, Ireland, but his family moved to London where Shackleton was educated.

Rejecting his father's wish that he become a doctor, he joined the merchant navy when he was 16 and qualified as a master mariner in 1898. He travelled widely, but was keen to explore the North and South poles. Shackleton visited the poles on three occasions and on the second occasion, Shackleton led his own expedition on the ship Nimrod. His team climbed Mount Erebus, made many important scientific discoveries and set a record by reaching closer to the South Pole than achieved before. On his return to Britain, Shackleton was knighted.

Shackleton's fourth expedition aimed to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent, but on 5 January 1922, he died after suffering a heart attack just off the coast of South Georgia.

Shackleton was initiated into Navy Lodge No. 2612 in London on 9 July 1901.
He was elected an honorary member of the Lodge on 28 April 1914.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, 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

Helping to shape the future of Freemasonry

In partnership with the United Grand Lodge of England and building on their visionary future for Freemasonry, Buckinghamshire Province continues to make significant strides in membership growth, enthusiasm, and innovation.

As a Province, we are committed to leading the implementation of the Strategy for Freemasonry, presented by Pro Grand Master MW.Bro. Jonathan Spence and effectively executed by the Freemasons of Buckinghamshire. We are well on our way to achieving our goal of reaching 3,000 engaged and enthusiastic Freemasons by 2027. Currently, Buckinghamshire accounts for approximately 10% of membership growth across all of UGLE. In recognition of this outstanding achievement and to provide additional leadership support, the Pro Grand Master has granted Buckinghamshire the privilege of an additional Assistant Provincial Grand Master to supplement and strengthen our team.

I am pleased to announce that W.Bro Tim Anders, PAGDC, PPGW, has accepted my invitation to become our newest APGM. Please join me in welcoming him to the team. It is my intention to appoint and invest Tim at our upcoming BIG 1-2-3 event at Freemasons' Hall in London on June 29th. The existing Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters will remain in their current positions. This is the first time in our history that the province has had four APGM's.

W.Bro Tim was initiated into Temple Manor Lodge No. 8143 in Marlow in 1998 and was exalted into the Royal Arch in 2009. He is a member of seven Lodges and three Chapters in Buckinghamshire and an honorary member of the Buckinghamshire Motorcycle Lodge, having served on the consecration team.

Over his 25 years of service, Tim has held various positions, including Provincial Grand Steward and Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, before being appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2017. He has also served as a Visiting Officer in the Province and was appointed to Grand Rank in April 2023.

Tim's contributions to Buckinghamshire have been substantial. He has played key roles in consecrating Lodges and in transforming the Old Paludians Lodge No. 8171 into the highly successful Gourmet Curry Lodge. Currently, as the Secretary of the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund, he has facilitated significant charitable donations to worthy causes. His leadership in installing state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound systems throughout the last year has profoundly TRANSFORMED our Province. His new role is not only a reward for his tremendous efforts but also a testament to the vital work he will continue to perform.

Helping the community—one step at a time

Conrad Evans, a Buckinghamshire Freemasons, is about to embark on an epic adventure to raise funds for . Over the following eight days, he will trek 95 miles from Milngavi to Fort William. This path, known as the West Highland Way, is one of the most difficult cross-country walking trails in Britain.
This charity walk will be a strenuous endeavour, but the reward of raising funds for Buds is essential to Conrad because of his personal experiences. Conrad states in the film that his mobility challenges caused by cerebral palsy, right hemiplegia, and epilepsy will not prevent him from completing the gigantic trek.
@everyone, please wish Conrad luck on his walk; you may follow him on his channels; and if you do support him, know that every penny he receives will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/l5637-pegasus-lodge/conrad-is-walking-the-west-highland-way

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php
https://www.instagram.com/conradswesthilandway/

Helping the community—one step at a time

Conrad Evans, a Buckinghamshire Freemasons, is about to embark on an epic adventure to raise funds for . Over the following eight days, he will trek 95 miles from Milngavi to Fort William. This path, known as the West Highland Way, is one of the most difficult cross-country walking trails in Britain.
This charity walk will be a strenuous endeavour, but the reward of raising funds for Buds is essential to Conrad because of his personal experiences. Conard states in the film that his mobility challenges caused by cerebral palsy, right hemiplegia, and epilepsy will not prevent him from completing the gigantic trek.
Please wish Conrad luck on his walk; you may follow him on his channels; and if you do support him, know that every money he receives will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.
https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/l5637-pegasus-lodge/conrad-is-walking-the-west-highland-way

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php
https://www.instagram.com/conradswesthilandway/

Could you lend a hand to support a charity in Buckinghamshire?

This week, the head of charity for the Buckinghamshire Freemasons', Mark, and colleague Ameet paid a visit to a charity called Woodrow High House in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
When Mark and Ameet visited them, they had a full house, four separate schools, and an over-60’s football team who were using their Astro turf pitch.
Woodrow High House looks after children and the elderly using their outdoor pursuit facilities 365 days per year.
They have a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, archery, abseiling, cycling track, camp fires, yurts, etc.
They operate from a Grade II listed manor house with over 26 acres of land, which was gifted to them after the Second World War by the Worshipful Goldsmiths Guild and Freemen of the City of London.

Like many organisations, they would appreciate help to continue doing what they do best: improving lives.
Volunteering improves the experience of children and young people who visit Woodrow. They would welcome both individuals and company volunteers who wish to assist them in delivering more (and better) outdoor learning experiences; they never turn down any assistance!

You can find out more here:
https://woodrowhighhouse.org/support-us/volunteer/

Happy Star Wars Day!

May the 4th Be With You …

Congratulations to Provincial Scribe E

Andrew Ludlow on his first appointment of Past Grand Standard Bearer and John Power on being promotion to Past Assistant Grand Sojourner.

Dagmar 2262: From Russia to Rugby, with Love

The Dagmar Lodge No. 2262 was consecrated at the Anglers Rest Hotel, Wraysbury on Thursday, 5th July 1888 by the V.W. Bro. Rev. J.S. Brownrigg, ProvGChap, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Berkshire & Buckinghamshire (Berks & Bucks became separate Provinces in 1890). The Lodge was established due to the desire of members within London Lodges to continue their Masonic activities during the summer months. A group of Masons from Lodges in the East End of London approached a local Lodge, Brownrigg No. 1638, to sponsor the petition to Grand Lodge to form Dagmar Lodge. Meetings were held at the Anglers Rest until 1922, though installation meetings were often held in London under dispensation. During 1923, meetings were held at the Manor Hotel, Datchet, and in 1924, the Lodge settled in the Masonic Hall, Slough, until 2022, when it relocated to Bletchley.

The Lodge is named after Maria Feodorovna (26 November 1847 - 13 October 1928), born Princess Dagmar of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, who became Empress Consort of Russia as the spouse of Emperor Alexander III. She was the second daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark and sister of Queen Alexandra (wife of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII). The Danish princesses were popular in Victorian London and noted for their good works. During the Great War, she served as president of Russia’s Red Cross, and the cross on the banner reflects that fact. The hearts on the Dagmar Lodge crest come from the Danish Royal Coat of Arms.

In 2022, Dagmar Lodge 2262 embraced the spirit of rugby, becoming a special interest lodge that celebrates both the camaraderie of the sport and the brotherhood of Freemasonry. If you share a passion for rugby and are looking to engage in a friendly 'away match,' they welcome you to reach out. Contact the Secretary of Dagmar Lodge 2262 to arrange a visit and experience the unique blend of tradition and teamwork that defines them.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire that has a special interest in rugby, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

lodgebanners bucksmasons rugby

Supporting charities in our community

MK SNAP Registered Charity No: 1013148 began in 1992, offering work training to vulnerable adults. After moving to new premises in 2004 which include a kitchen, cafe, and garden, they expanded into education, learning, and life skills in 2012. They now offer 22 course subjects to a growing number of learners with a wide range of disabilities.
BMCFhave donated £3,883 to give support enabling the purchase of ten, 9th generation iPad’s with cases and chargers and have recently received the following testimonial:
“The lightweight, portable iPads have been used on-the-go indoors and outdoors to boost the learning and IT confidence of people with learning disabilities at MK SNAP. We have already seen an increase in our learners’ confidence, communication and IT skills.
We’ve also seen an increase in enjoyment of using this new technology, especially due to the accessibility of engaging quizzes, assignments and exercises – this enthusiasm has made it hard to get a look-in sometimes! Before the new iPads, MK SNAP only had one set for one group of learners to use at a time. This donation means double the number of learners have access to equipment that enables them to fully participate in sessions through features such a voice-over, screen reading, and speech selection, (text to speech).
The ability to customise settings, such as text size, font, and contrast, has also made content more accessible and easier to read, especially for those with reading and writing challenges and those with dyslexia or visual impairments. We’re finding the interactive and multimedia content has also made learning more engaging and effective for learners with ADHD or executive function disorders. The iPads will allow for integration of text, images, audio and video, providing a more holistic approach to learning.
“We can’t thank the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund enough for the generous donation which has made these new opportunities possible. See our learners in the photograph.”

More about the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund:
What is the BMCF?
The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund was first set up in 1991 with the objective of helping non-Masonic Charities, groups or individuals within Buckinghamshire.
The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are solely responsible for funding the donations, which go to deserving causes that receive little to no support from national charities. The BMCF is a great example of Freemasons caring for the local community.

Eligibility Criteria
All requests are fully considered by the Centenary Fund Committee, which consists of 8 members who are all Freemasons. This ensures donations are only made to genuine needs and where they can be most effectively used.

The qualifications of our awards are:
Non-Masonic charitable causes dealing with poverty and distress with strong Buckinghamshire connections.
Specific projects or facilities rather than general appeals or requests to fund routine activities.
Buckinghamshire charities that deal solely with causes in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire charities that also have connections in adjacent areas.
Individual causes within Bucks or individual cases outside Bucks only if there is a strong Buckinghamshire connection.

Apply now:
https://buckspgl.org/BMCF

Our Buckinghamshire Freemasons Live Event is THIS TUESDAY!

Discover Freemasonry and Discover Yourself.

You could be part of an organisation that brings people from all walks of life together to benefit the community. Come along and discover a 300-year-old mystery that’s steeped in history.

Book your place at our live event in Slough and enjoy an evening of conversation and discovery.

Tuesday 30th April 2024, from 7:00pm.
Slough Masonic Centre, SL1 2PX

Book here:
https://buckspgl.org/events/provincial-events/discover-slough-2024

Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year

This is the diary for the coming month.

If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to be part of freemasonry 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
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

DID YOU KNOW HE WAS A FREEMASON ?

SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING

Sir Alexander Fleming was born in East Ayrshire, Scotland, on 6 August 1881 and he is best known for having discovered penicillin, which is still used to treat bacterial infections today.

In 1909 at the age of 27, Fleming was initiated into Sancta Maria Lodge No. 2682, which met in London. He served as Senior Warden in 1922 and Master in 1924. He became a joining member of London Scottish Rifles Lodge No. 2310 in London in 1911 and Misericordia Lodge No. 3288 in London in 1925, where he served as Master in 1935.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has has hand and still has so many famous members, 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

Happy St George's Day!

The legend of Saint George and the Dragon describes the saint taming and slaying a dragon that terrorised local communities. The story was known in Roman times but has its origins in Greek mythology. We celebrate St. George's Day on April 23 — the anniversary of his death in 303 AD. The patron saint of England has captivated British imaginations since the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War.
The story of St. George is featured in tesserae mosaic tiles on the ceiling of Freemasons' Hall at @UGLE_GrandLodge

We would like to give one final nod to our very own St. George's Lodge. They meet at Wolverton Masonic centre, and were first consecrated on 22nd April 1936 at the Science and Arts Institute in Wolverton. The lodge meets six times each year.

Freemasonry has an amazing history that spans over 300 years and is looking forward to the next 300 years.

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://i.mtr.cool/eujessugmc
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

First Principals Demonstration and Explanation

BucksPGC

On 19th April 2024, Buckinghamshire First Principals Chapter No. 3305 demonstrated the ceremony of joining the Royal Arch with a narration explaining what was happening to a packed Chapter room of almost 80 Companions at Bletchley Masonic Centre.

The head of the Chapter John Stribling, assisted by Andrew Hunter, performed an excellent demonstration of the Exaltation ceremony, which is what happens when a new Companion continues their Masonic journey and joins the Supreme Degree of the Royal Arch.

To further enhance the meeting, the Project Transform Lighting and Music systems were utilised to dramatic effect by Tim Anders.

At various points throughout the meeting, the head of Royal Arch Masonry in Buckinghamshire, Graham Dearing, imparted many interesting facts and gave the origins of the various parts of the ceremony. Everyone left with an advancement in their Masonic knowledge.

Also at the meeting, Manor of Swanburn Chapter No. 8647 returned the travelling Altar of Companionship back to its starting place, having left 7 years earlier. It has been passed on between every Chapter in the Province and it will now start another voyage for a second visit to each Chapter in Buckinghamshire.

Teddies for Loving Care

The head of charity In the Buckinghamshire Freemasons, Mark Duncan, visited a local children's accident and emergency unit in Bucks. He took Leo, his grandson, with him to help carry some of the fantastic teddies provided by .
During his visit, Mark met Arthur, who had fallen off his bike and received a nasty bump for his troubles. Upon receiving his teddy, he soon brightened up. The nurse on duty explained to both Arthur and Leo that when a patient is treated, the teddy gets exactly the same bandaging.
In research about the importance of play during the hospitalisation of children, researchers discovered the following:
The bandaged teddy bear provides psychological and emotional support to the child patient, helping them cope better with the medical treatment and have a more positive overall experience. This can lead to better clinical outcomes as well as improved patient well-being.
When a child is injured or ill, they can feel scared, anxious, and distressed. The teddy bear acts as a transitional object, providing a sense of security and familiarity during the medical treatment.
Bandaging the teddy in the same way as the patient helps the child feel understood and cared for. It shows the medical staff are attuned to the child's emotional needs, not just their physical needs.
This practice can help reduce a child's distress and fear during procedures. The teddy bear becomes a source of comfort and companionship, making the experience less traumatic.
Research has shown that the use of therapeutic toys like bandaged teddy bears can have positive psychological benefits for paediatric patients, including reduced anxiety, improved cooperation with treatment, and faster recovery times.

You can find out more about this charity here:
https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/

50 years of brotherhood in St Giles!

St Giles Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary by raising Bro. Brian on behalf of Hartebeestpoort No. 8545 based in South Africa.
The lodge was formed due to the extended waiting lists for membership of established lodges and the insufficient capacity to meet the increasing demand for membership. The first meeting to discuss the formation of a daughter Lodge by Watling Street Lodge No. 1639 was held on the 11th of April 1973. It was agreed that the new lodge would meet six times a year, probably on the 3rd Wednesday of the chosen months. The officers of the new Lodge were decided for the first year, and it was agreed that the officers of the Lodge would provide their own collars and jewels and present them to the Lodge. By-law No. 6 was an Initiation fee of £20, which was after a vote changed to £30. The annual subscription to the lodge would be £7.50, exclusive of the dining fee. It was also decided to have a non-dining fee and a country member fee of £3.
The name of the new lodge was decided at the next meeting on the 11th April 1973, and it was proposed, Seconded, and carried at the meeting that the first Master of St Giles would be W. Bro. R Selick. Over 8 subsequent meetings, it was decided, amongst many other items, that the start time of meetings would be 6.15 p.m. (now 6 p.m.), except for the installation meeting, which would be 5 p.m.
The Consecration meeting for St Giles no. 8555 was held on Saturday, April 1974. 50 Years later, St Giles is still going strong and is a happy and friendly lodge of brothers
It is worth noting that St Giles is a common name for churches and lodges, and it is derived from the name of the Parish church of Stony Stratford. Many churches were dedicated to St Giles around this period, and the church was built in stages, with the priest’s door and the double square piscina and aumbry in the Early English style, which generally corresponds to the period c.1200 to c.1280

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge in Buckinghamshire, please use this link to express your interest: https://buckspgl.org/join

Cowper and Newton Lodge No 2244 is the millers and...

Cowper and Newton Lodge No 2244 is the millers and brewers lodge

The lodge was named after William Cowper and John Newton, who together penned 348 hymns, including Amazing Grace. Together, Cowper and Newton left a lasting legacy through their hymns and their respective contributions to literature and social reform. Their lives were intertwined through their work and friendship, each influencing the other in significant ways.

Local brewers and millers formed the lodge; their Masonic meetings often reflected this 'appreciation' of final ales. Local sign writers connected to the nearby breweries created the original lodge banner. It was replaced in 1995 with a near exact replica. R.W.Bro., the Reverend Canon Richard Tydeman, who was known for his masonic literary skills and had experience in crafting masonic regalia, agreed to create the banner at commercial rates but only charged for the materials, donating any surplus to the Grand Charity.
The banner was completed by Canon Tydeman and he was invited to consecrate it at a regular meeting of the Cowper & Newton Lodge in Olney in 1997. The Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire, R.W.Bro. Eric J. Deung, was present at the ceremony. During the dedication, Canon Tydeman pointed out a fault in the original banner design where the colour on the rear of a scroll was inaccurately depicted. Although he attempted to correct this, he ultimately followed the original design as it appeared visually better.
This banner holds special significance as it is the only one that Canon Tydeman had the pleasure of both making and consecrating himself. The Lodge regards the banner as a masonic treasure, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of one of the most prominent masons
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 the link in the bio.

Freemasonry History Breweries AmazingGrace

Supporting charities in our community

The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are proud to work with some incredible charities and support organisations across the county. This past Sunday, the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund had the pleasure of hosting an event where 100 guests highlighted the transformational impact of Buckinghamshire Freemasons grants on their charity work. The event included incredible stories and meaningful conversations with community volunteers committed to making a difference.

Being in the company of such selfless people was extremely humbling, and we wish them all the best in their charitable endeavours. Our responsibility as Freemasons in the community is clear: to encourage and enable these extraordinary people to do even more amazing things.

To everyone who participated, our message is simple: keep excelling at what you do, and know that we will be there for you every step of the way.

More about the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund:
What is the BMCF?
The Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund was first set up in 1991 with the objective of helping non-Masonic Charities, groups or individuals within Buckinghamshire.
The Buckinghamshire Freemasons are solely responsible for funding the donations, which go to deserving causes that receive little to no support from national charities. The BMCF is a great example of Freemasons caring for the local community.

Eligibility Criteria
All requests are fully considered by the Centenary Fund Committee, which consists of 8 members who are all Freemasons. This ensures donations are only made to genuine needs and where they can be most effectively used.

The qualifications of our awards are:
Non-Masonic charitable causes dealing with poverty and distress with strong Buckinghamshire connections.
Specific projects or facilities rather than general appeals or requests to fund routine activities.
Buckinghamshire charities that deal solely with causes in Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire charities that also have connections in adjacent areas.
Individual causes within Bucks or individual cases outside Bucks only if there is a strong Buckinghamshire connection.

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