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A book by W.Bro Alex Thomson-Bray:
Alex is a member of Amersham Lodge, in Buckinghamshire province. He wrote this book because fear tried its best to define his life—until he refused to let it. He grew up facing childhood violence, trauma, poverty, homelessness, and being told by society that he was not worthy of becoming anything of value, but he refused to accept this. When the opportunity to join the Royal Marines arose, he wasn’t the typical candidate, but he knew that stepping up and overcoming his fear, instead of running away from it, was his only path forward to fix what was broken and to build what was not yet built.
Alex’s time in the Corps taught him resilience, purpose, and how to turn fear into strength. And now, with his son having also recently passed out of Commando training with the Royal Marines, Alex’s bond to the Corps family has been renewed and further strengthened. As a Freemason, he feels this is a perfect opportunity to give back.
The L.A.S.E.R. Guided method is a structured guide built on those lessons. Alex’s mission is to help as many people as possible overcome their own obstacles and build a life they’re proud of. All profits from the first 1,000 copies of the book sold, will be donated to the Royal Marines Association (RMA) in gratitude for the role the Corps played in his (And now his son’s) life and in recognition of the amazing work the RMA does for currently serving and former members AND their families.
This is more than a book, It’s a legacy of service, resilience and giving back.
Here is the Amazon link to buy the book. https://amzn.eu/d/4GadIjU
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Last weekend as part of our continuous Freemasonry In The Community initiative and bedrock of what we do, several brethren from across the province attended 2 locations - Aylesbury & Bletchley to collect & recycle Christmas trees for a small fee. That small fee would then be donated in full to the two local hospices - &
Long days both Saturday & Sunday in the cold saw hundreds of trees collected, stacked then loaded for disposal.
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* New Provincial Grand Master
* 3 new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters
* New Lodge consecrated - Buckinghamshire Football Lodge
* 1 Provincial Garden Party
* Theatre Charity Presentation Day
* Sports Lodge Special Interest Day - Football, Rugby & Cricket
* The Big Local - 50 Initiations over a weekend
* 3,000 Members in the Province
* 11,000 Followers on Facebook
* 3.2 MILLION views of our Facebook Page
* 36 Feel Good Friday Posts
* 40 Educational Wednesday Posts
* 1,700 Followers on our newest platform with 180,000 views - TikTok
* 1 Provincial Christmas Party
* Thousands of Pounds donated to charity
* Hundreds of Man Hours given to charity
* Dozens of Charities represented
Plus lots lots more, the list goes on !
We are so happy that you have followed us along the way and welcome you to spread the word to your families, friends and colleagues to join us as our journey continues.
There is never a dull moment in the Buckinghamshire Province, plans and ideas always flowing, some exciting things planned for 2026 already !
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Each year, St. Mary's Church in Aylesbury hosts Christmas Day lunch for the homeless and lonely in the area. Working alongside Aylesbury Foodbank a bumper meal is provided, warmth and most importantly a sense of belonging. Bringing people, many of which are strangers, together.
It was a very humbling Christmas Day experience for Bro Vito Lannelli and Peter Marks to witness first hand while assisting in serving & helping so many dedicated volunteers providing a hot Christmas lunch - A big thank you to Aylesbury food bank and so many local businesses for the tremendous support for this annual luncheon
This year, the Fruit & vegetables were sponsored by one specific masonic lodge - New Urban, with a lovely charity discount applied by Tooty Fruity.
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Christmas gives us a welcome opportunity to pause and reflect on the year that is drawing to a close. As I look back on 2025, I do so with a great sense of pride in what we, as Buckinghamshire Freemasons, have achieved together. Across the Province, you continue to show the very best of Freemasonry, supporting our communities, giving your time freely, and being there for those who need help when it matters most. It is important that we are seen doing this amazing work, not for praise, but because it reflects and shows society who we are and what we stand for.
During the festive period, I would also ask you to keep in mind those who are less fortunate than ourselves. For some, Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time, whether they are spending it alone, facing hardship, or simply in need of a little extra support. A phone call, a message, or a brief visit can make a real difference and is very much in keeping with the care and kindness we aim to show.
I would like to thank you all for making 2025 such an enjoyable year. Your commitment and friendship makes this Province a pleasure to serve, and I hope the New Year ahead brings renewed enjoyment in your Freemasonry journey and happiness in your personal lives.
Steph and I send our very best wishes to you all. Enjoy the Christmas season, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
With warmest regards,
Tim and Steph
On Monday 8th December, Buckinghamshire Freemasons held a Christmas party to celebrate and thank all the officers of the year. A capacity attendance of 220, consisting of Freemasons from up and down the county, their families and friends, filled the college suite at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa to enjoy each others company and celebrate. Guests were entertained table side throughout the evening by close up magician and mentalist, a Buckinghamshire Freemason himself and of course a good 'ole raffle with amazing prizes and a special silent auction.
There was however an important guest in attendance, Mrs Elaine Ball, a lady invited to talk about a charity, the Foundation. Freemasonry has community support and charity at its heart, so we always welcome representatives where possible to tell their story and spread the knowledge of their charity. Little did Elaine know, but many lodge representatives in the room had been pledging donations. Each table in the room had at least one different lodge member and they in turn stood to confirm the financial pledge.
The Provincial Grand Master, Tim Anders, had the honour and pleasure of presenting Elaine with a cheque to the value of £15,575 which was received with shock and great gratitude.
Following the presentation, the guests were then treated to a set of music from stage and screen performed by a live 18 piece big band - directed by another Buckinghamshire Freemason, Lee Buckingham.
Thomas Ball - https://www.thomasball.org.uk/
The full text on the warrant reads as follows:
"To All and Singular to whom these Presents shale come
Sir Henry Farnham Burke Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Garter Principal King of Arms, Arthur William Stuart Cochrane Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Clarenceux King of Arms, and Gerald Woods Wollaston Esquire, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Norroy King of Arms Send Greetings:
Whereas Sir Edward Fitzmaurice Inglefield, Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy, Provincial Grand Master of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Province of Buckinghamshire hath represented unto the Most Noble Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire is the representative Body of Freemasons in the said Province under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons of England and that the said Provincial Grand Lodge is desirous of bearing Arms with lawful authority He therefore on behalf of the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire requested the favour of His Grace’s Warrant for Outgranting and assigning to him and his successors Provincial Grand Masters for the time being of the said Province such Armorial Ensigns as may be proper to be borne and used by the said Provincial Grand Lodges of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms. And Forasmuch as the said Earl Marshal did by Warrant under his hand and Seal bearing date the first date of June last authorise and direct Us to grant and assign such armorial Ensign accordingly. Know ye therefore that We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy in the pursuance of His Grace’s Warrant and by virtue of the Letters Patent of Our several Offices to each of U s respectively granted do by these Presents grant and assign unto the said Provincial Grand Master and his successors in Office the Arms following that is to say:
Per pale Gules and quarterly Azure and Or dexter on a Chevron between three Castles Argent a pair of Compasses extended of the third sinister a Cross quarterly of the fourth and Vert between in the first quarter a Lion rampant of the third, in the second and Ox passant Sable in the third of a Man with hands elevated proper vested of the fifth the robe crimson lined with Ermine, and in the fourth an Eagle displayed also of the third the whole within a Bordure per pale of the sixth and first charged with six Swans rising of the fourth each gorged with a Ducal Coronet Gold as the same are in the margin here of more plainly depicted to be borne and used forever hereafter for the said Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on Seals Shields Banners or otherwise accordingly to the Laws of Arms.
In witness whereof We the said Garter Clarenceaux and Norroy Kings of Arms have to these Presents subscribed Our names and affixed the Seals of Our several Offices this third day of June in the Twentieth year of the reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Fifth by the Grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King Defender of the Faith & and in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and twenty nine."
A delegation of Buckinghamshire Freemasons joined Bucks PGM Tim Anders, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Lady Elizabeth Howe, and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Pippa Kirkbride, on a visit to WheelPower Charity at Stoke Mandeville’s Guttman Stadium to support fundraising for a replacement Pool Pod.
This essential equipment enables wheelchair users to access the pool independently for exercise.
Following a brief introduction by CEO Martin McElhatton OBE and an equipment demonstration, the group
toured the facility during a sports day for 50 wheelchair-using children. Attendees also had the opportunity
to try activities such as archery, laser gun range, and table tennis, with varying skill levels.
The visit provided a valuable insight into the implementation of charity funding, and the role Freemasonry
plays within the community.
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The jewel was designed by Cyril Spackman, world-renowned architect, painter, printmaker, and sculptor, and awarded to those who donated to the Masonic Million Memorial Fund.
The official description of the Hall Stone design.
The jewel is in the form of a cross, symbolising Sacrifice, with a perfect square at the four ends, on the left and right, squares being the dates 1914-1918, the years in which the supreme sacrifice was made. Between these is a winged figure of Peace presenting the representation of a Temple with special Masonic allusion in the Pillars, Porch and Steps.
The medal is suspended by the Square and Compasses, attached to a riband, the whole thus symbolising the Craft's gift of a Temple in memory of those brethren who gave all for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood.
Ties worn by Buckinghamshire Freemasons feature the jewel as Buckinghamshire is the only Hall Stone Province left in the World and proud to show that. Tim Anders, Head of Freemasonry in Bucks, wears a rare and symbolic Hall Stone jewel at every meeting he attends.
The lodge Almoner of New Urban Lodge 6371, Peter, over the weekend had the pleasure of meeting many amazing caring people whilst distributing Christmas chocolate advent calendars.
Firstly senior nurse Hayley at Stoke Mandeville hospital children’s ward who was overwhelmed by the generosity of the lodge. Secondly he was invited to Buckinghamshire Council Aylesbury where he had the pleasure of meeting Andrea from Woman’s Aid who is responsible for refuge care centres throughout Buckinghamshire who was touched by the generosity of Buckinghamshire Freemasons !
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At the head of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) we have the overseers of the fraternity, known as the rulers. At the helm is Most Worshipful the Grand Master His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. Alongside him wearing the same regalia and mimicking the role is what is known as the Pro Grand Master. We then have the Deputy Grand Master and three Assistant Grand Masters.
They all wear Grand Officer sized aprons, with the same golden embroidery but with a different masonic emblem at the centre; Grand Master & Pro Grand Master - the blazing sun, a symbol of divine light and wisdom. Deputy Grand Master - the square and compasses with a five pointed star representing the five senses and the five noble orders of architecture, and the Assistant Grand Masters with a Square & Compasses.
The edging is adorned with gold embroidered pomegranates, lotus flowers, and seven-eared wheat, which hold specific symbolic meanings within Masonic tradition.
With each of these aprons, an associated chain is worn with the same emblem that is on the apron appended to each.
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Once again this year, Buckinghamshire Freemasons dug deep to help to donate toys and Gifts for necessitous children in Bucks.
WBro Tony Martin along with a loyal band of helpers collected a record number of New Toys and gifts for a charity that donates them to needy children in Buckinghamshire, both at Christmas and on their Birthdays.
Tony regularly reminded Brethren that no child should wake up on Christmas day to no presents, and 21 Lodges and Chapters, and many Individual Brethren and their families donated toys, gifts, vouchers and cash to help.
W.Bro Tom Davies (Tyler) very generously donated the sum of £2500.00 from the money he raises from sales of pre-loved regalia, medals etc.
This year toys and gifts were collected in multiple centres, and although this did not turn out to be the exact result we hoped for, multiple gifts were donated, and all cash received, (just over £5000.00), was turned into New Toys purchased from many different outlets in order to get the best value for the money.
The Chairman, Head of the Province. This is an appointment made following interview by Grand Lodge and a position held for up to 10 years.
There are 48 Provinces within England.
Focusing on Buckinghamshire, there are 118 Lodges with 3000 plus Members. All of which fall under the leadership of the Provincial Grand Master.
The Apron is the first of the very ornate worn, with the edging is adorned with gold embroidered pomegranates, lotus flowers, and seven-eared wheat, which hold specific symbolic meanings within Masonic tradition.
In the centre is the Square & Compass with a 5 pointed star, representing the 5 senses, & 5 noble orders of architecture. It is encompassed with a circular laurel of acacia leaves to one side and eared wheat to the other completed with the name of the Province (based on old county lines) above.
In place of the normal collar, a chain is worn with the jewel of their rank appended.
Once again, Buckinghamshire Freemasons carried out something special and a first in the province.
The evening was all about family, many brothers, uncles, fathers, grandfathers & sons in the room being part of this great evening.
Temple Manor Lodge hosted and performed an amazing Double Ceremony of Initiation at Marlow Masonic Centre.
The two candidates George and Ben were treated to a faultless demonstration of how to bring in a new Brother to the Craft.
When Worshipful Master Chris Anders hands over the ceremony to his Brother The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders to initiate two new candidates, you know it’s going to be a special evening.
But any initiation is not about who sits in what chair, it’s about the start of a new Masonic journey for the candidates and although George is the son of our RWPGM, it was made very clear that the night was equally about Ben.
The Provincial Executive is, as you might expect headed by the Provincial Grand Master, who is supported by a Deputy Provincial Grand Master and a team of Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.
In Buckinghamshire we currently have one Deputy Provincial Grand Master (DepProvGM) and four Assistant Provincial Grand Masters (AsstProvGM). These ranks are highly esteemed, and if the Brother appointed does not already hold Grand Rank, it is typically conferred soon afterwards.
While there may occasionally be a short period in which the officeholder wears a standard dark blue Provincial apron with the badge of their esteemed rank, they are more commonly identified by the full Grand Rank apron and, instead of the usual Provincial collar, they wear a chain of office bearing the jewel of their rank
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Following on from last years "Music from Stage & Screen", this year the music was that of Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie, another sell out evening ! Satin Doll, Sweet Georgia Brown, Get Happy & A-Tisket - A-Tasket, some of the numbers played that all the audience loved.
Each year the lodge invites the local Poppy representatives to attend to man their stall, this year they were honoured guests getting to enjoy the concert but more importantly, to be presented with a cheque from the lodge for £600 towards this years poppy appeal.
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This is the next rank following provincial honours. Allocation to active rolls is very rare as positions limited and you are representing the United Grand Lodge of England. Meritocracy at its finest for those promoted to active roles and as explained in the Provincial Rack post, a limited number each year to the Past rank.
The Blue border of the apron is a lot wider and the Apron itself is larger. The collar is embroidered in gold with a Sprig of Acacia on one side and an ear of corn on the other.
....
Regalia differs between what is known as Dress & Undress type.
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Standing proud as Buckinghamshire Freemasons.
Michael Power - Vale 6632
Lee Buckingham - Haddenham 8944
Mally Baxter - Industria 5214
Andrew Lofthouse - Industria 5214
Peter Stockdale - Industria 5214
Richard Vanryne - Temple Manor 8143
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