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.

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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...

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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. 

Discover More about the Royal Arch

Posted: 22 September 2023

The Discover More booklet, produced by Supreme Grand Chapter, is designed to introduce Master Masons and others to the Royal Arch. 

It has been created by a number of Royal Arch Companions and extensive work has gone into identifying the key messaging. It is also being shared with Provinces for distribution in order to maximise its use. So far, take up has been superb.

The new ‘Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond’ makes it clear that we are one organisation and reinforces the indissoluble link between the Craft and the Royal Arch. When the Antient and Modern Grand Lodges came together to form the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813, they declared that ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ consists of three degrees - the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Royal Arch.

 

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Discover More about the Royal Arch

The Discover More booklet, produced by Supreme Grand Chapter, is designed to introduce Master Masons and others

High hopes

Posted: 21 September 2023


Eastor Lodge members decided to set themselves the challenge of hiking up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over three days in June to raise money for local charities. 

The group is hoping to raise funds through both their JustGiving page and the Herefordshire Masonic Charity Association for two charities: the Ledbury Food Bank, which helps families in hardship, and for We are Farming Minds who help to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community. 

As Freemasons, caring and supporting the local community is central to our purpose and as many in the current climate are in need of support, Herefordshire Freemasons would like to do their part!

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Latest

Posted: 14 September 2023

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Guiding the way | United Grand Lodge of England

Posted: 21 September 2023

St Cyngar Lodge No. 5323 has donated £3,250 to Guide Dogs Cymru and has had the honour of naming a puppy Mason. 

Members hosted a fundraiser in support of the charity, raising more than £1,300. The evening was attended by over 50 guests. WM Royston Slater-Mason presented a cheque to Guide Dogs Cymru on behalf of members, supported by the North Wales Freemasons Charity (NWFC). 

Rob Armstrong, group coordinator and treasurer for Guide Dogs Gwynedd said, 

‘We’d like to thank St Cyngar Lodge for their generous donation to Guide Dogs Cymru. Donations like this have supported some amazing guide dog partnerships in Gwynedd, and this support will help the charity to train even more life-changing dogs.

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Joining forces

Posted: 21 September 2023

On a sunny day in June, a group of Somerset Freemasons partnered with the Somerset Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) on their inaugural bike ride. Joined by DofE participants from Haygrove School and King’s College, they took on a 30-mile cycle ride along the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. 

 

Two members of On Your Bike also joined the group to ensure help was at hand for any mechanical issues. 

On Your Bike is a charity that has benefited previously from Masonic fundraising and they were more than happy to get involved. The group started at King’s College Taunton, then cycled along the canal to Bridgwater Masonic Lodge where the students met with participants from Haygrove School. All parties enjoyed refreshments and a tour of the Lodge, taking in the fascinating history and Temple Room with a brief overview from Richard Winter. 

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High hopes

Eastor Lodge members decided to set themselves the challenge of hiking up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon ov

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