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Masonic Aprons - Pt9

Grand Rank

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.
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Regalia differs between what is known as Dress & Undress type.

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The Last Post - Provincial Trumpeters

Again this year, several of our provincial trumpeters were out paying their respect while sounding the Last Post & Reveille at various Remembrance Day Parades up and down the county.

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

Community Engagement and Mutual Respect

Remembrance Day Sunday in Buckinghamshire drew communities together in solemn tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. At Beaconsfield, the heart of the county's remembrance commemorations, Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders led Buckinghamshire Freemasonry in a poignant wreath-laying ceremony.

In Marlow, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mark Harry led a sizeable group of Freemasons as they joined veterans, local dignitaries, families, and young people from the town. Their presence was a clear testament to the strength and diversity of the Province’s membership, which included those in regalia, military uniform, and civilian clothing.

At the Bletchley memorial, Assistant Provincial Grand Master James Blackhurst took on the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the Province. This year’s ceremony was especially significant because women Freemasons from the area were also present, visibly supporting the act of remembrance. Their participation reflected the inclusive nature of modern Freemasonry and the growing involvement of female Brethren in public ceremonies.

Elsewhere in the Province, Aylesbury’s Freemasons were represented at their local ceremony by W Bro Webster Springer, who joined local officials, veterans, and families to mark the day. In addition, numerous other Freemasons participated in services at Newport Pagnell, Buckingham, and Winslow, ensuring that the Province’s respect and remembrance were widely demonstrated throughout the county. Each local service bore its own character but shared a common purpose: to honour the fallen and express gratitude for sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace.
Winslow played host to an Armistice Day luncheon for veterans and their families at The Bell Hotel. Organised by W Bro Paul French, the lunch brought together former service personnel, Freemasons, and members of the public in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual appreciation. Guests enjoyed a meal and shared memories, building new friendships in the spirit of gratitude.

Coordinating these multiple commemorations and ensuring strong Freemason representation across Buckinghamshire was Jim Hunt, the Province’s Community Engagement Officer. His efforts kept members informed, encouraged participation, and ensured that each event ran smoothly and respectfully. Through his dedication, over 100 Freemasons were enabled to play an active part in acts of remembrance, reinforcing the shared bonds of service and fraternity that define Buckinghamshire Freemasonry’s enduring public service and community presence.

freemasonryinthecommunity lestweforget

LEST WE FORGET

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY !

Buckinghamshire's Provincial Grand Master, his lovely wife, the Provincial Charity Steward and Freemasonry in the Community Representative spent a fun day with the team from Action4Youth representing theMCF.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation is supporting Action4Youth's Boost programme, a new 5-day initiative especially designed to equip SEND young people aged 16-24 with vital life skills to promote independence and to address the transition from school to adulthood. A package of activities will combine outdoor learning activities that focus on teamwork, communication and leadership skills, with classroom sessions that aim to develop life skills and support independent living. Funding of £59,980 from the Foundation, will support four schools and up to 44 young people (12 per school) per year over three years.

All participants will have SEND and will present a diverse range of needs, including learning, sensory and physical disabilities. They will likely display very challenging behaviour, some will also have other medical conditions and all will require additional adult support. We know from our existing programmes, such as our crime intervention project, Breakout, that many of the young people participating in the project will be experiencing additional disadvantage such as child poverty, domestic violence and exposure to criminality, with a plethora of different issues across their school and home life.

Without intervention, the project beneficiaries are likely to face multiple challenges during the transition to adulthood, with a report from ADASS, a charity to support those working in adult social care, outlining the issues for SEND young people which include young people 'falling through the cracks' between children’s services and adult social care services, with opportunities to foster independence and plan for future challenges - such as securing employment & housing - frequently missed. A recent report by Ofsted and the CQC found that too many young people with SEND faced a ‘cliff edge’ in support as they reach 18 with very little planning for their transition to adult life. Boost will address these issues and will equip participants with vital new life skills to support the transition to adulthood.

Action4Youth will deliver the project throughout the South-East, with a focus on supporting participants from areas that have high levels of deprivation and significant child poverty numbers, such as parts of Slough, Luton and Bedford. Schools will be identified from our extensive network, or will directly approach us to request the programme, with participants selected by the schools as those pupils most in need of the initiative.
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Masonic Aprons - Pt8

Provincial Grand Rank

Once a brother has been a Master of the Lodge, he continues his work by a dedication to his own Lodge, Province and community and after 5 years is recognised by an appointment to a Provincial position. These are split between active rolls and non active, which are known as Past.

The apron of a Provincial Officer is similar to that of a Master Mason, but this time in Dark Blue and the centre badge upon showing the progressive rank they hold. The first rank being a Provincial Grand Pursuivant to the most senior being Provincial Grand Senior Warden.

There are 32 different Provincial ranks that can be awarded in total. Each Province differs in size and the number awarded alters in line with the number of masons. Buckinghamshire, with approximately 3,000 members can award 23 active ranks to a total of 30 members (this excludes the 6 Provincial Stewards).

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Buckinghamshire Freemasons Honour the Fallen

Members of the Province of Buckinghamshire attended the Freemasons National Service of Remembrance yesterday at the National Memorial Arboretum. The wreaths making their journey in advance last week.

Freemasons from Buckinghamshire joined Brethren from across England and Wales today for the National Freemasons’ Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Representatives from all Companion Orders and both Ladies Grand Lodges attended the moving ceremony, uniting in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to others.

Buckinghamshire was represented by RW Tim Anders, Provincial Grand Master, who laid the Craft wreath, escorted by W Bro John York carrying the Provincial Standard. E Comp Mel Shah, Second Provincial Grand Principal, laid the Royal Arch wreath, escorted by E Comp Steve Cleary with the Royal Arch Standard, alongside VW Bro Neil Robertson.

The service included the Exhortation, Last Post, two-minute silence, and the Rouse, followed by wreaths laid from Provinces and Orders nationwide.

RW Tim Anders said:
“It is a privilege for Buckinghamshire Freemasons to stand alongside our Brethren, Companions, and Sisters from across the country in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Next Week We Remember Them

A Special Duty of Honour and Remembrance

On Saturday 25th October, members of the Hallstone Chapter Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, were honoured to be tasked with a special duty on behalf of Buckinghamshire Province.

The brethren were entrusted to deliver two memorial wreaths — one representing the Holy Royal Arch and the other the Craft — to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

These wreaths will be laid by our Provincial Grand Master, RW Tim Anderson, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, RW Neil Robertson, and Provincial Scribe Ezra, Excellent Companion Mel Shah, as part of the Province’s tribute to the fallen on 1st November.

The Journey Begins
The day began early, with 14 members meeting at Beaconsfield Masonic Centre at 8:30 a.m.
Accompanied by our Provincial Grand Master — himself a biker and proud member of the Hallstone Chapter — we received the Holy Royal Arch wreath from Provincial Scribe Ezra, Excellent Companion Mel Shah.

After sharing coffee and a quick photo opportunity, the Hallstone Chapter riders set off north on the M40, heading for Tamworth Masonic Centre — just as the weather gods decided to inflict a few heavy showers upon us!

Freemasons vs

Illuminati - Clearing the Confusion.

Freemasonry’s roots stretch back to the stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages, when skilled craftsmen built Europe’s great cathedrals and met in “lodges” to share knowledge. By the early 1700s, these lodges had evolved into a fraternity focused on moral development, charity, and brotherhood, welcoming members from all walks of life. Over the years, mischievous claims have tried to link Freemasons with the Illuminati, weaving wild theories about secret world control. These ideas often arise because both groups valued knowledge, used symbols like the all seeing eye, and operated privately — but they are entirely different.

The real Illuminati were a short-lived Enlightenment-era society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria. Their aim was to promote reason and challenge superstition, but they were banned in 1785 by the Bavarian government. Whatever influence they had ended there — they no longer exist today.

Unfortunately, modern scammers and hoaxers exploit the Illuminati name, tricking people into believing the organisation is still active and that they can “join” it for money, fame, or power. These schemes are entirely fake — designed to deceive and take advantage of those who are curious or misinformed.

So, while legends live on, the truth is simpler:
Freemasonry is about self-improvement and community, not secret domination.

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://buckspgl.org/join

Masonic Aprons - Pt7

The Rosetted Pursuivant

The Rosetted Pursuivant is a unique honour within Freemasonry and for some, it represents their first Provincial recognition. It is often the first Provincial honour a Mason can receive without having served as Worshipful Master of a Lodge, and that makes it quite special.

This appointment recognises dedicated service to Freemasonry within the Lodge, Province and out in the wider world. It’s awarded on merit not seniority, given to those who consistently contribute, support others and uphold the true values of the Craft.

Some Brethren choose not to pursue progressive offices within their Lodges. Instead, they devote themselves to Freemasonry in other meaningful ways: mentoring, visiting, organising events, helping with ritual, or strengthening the social and charitable life of their Lodge. The Rosetted Pursuivant honour acknowledges that leadership and dedication take many forms.

The badge of a Provincial Grand Pursuivant is distinctive and symbolic. At its centre sits the Arms of Grand Lodge overlaid with a crossed sword and wand. The sword represents vigilance and protection, while the wand symbolises authority and duty. These crossed emblems are traditionally associated with heralds and messengers, which aligns perfectly with the Pursuivant’s role as a ceremonial guardian and aide.

It is, at its heart, an honour for quiet excellence. A recognition of a Brothers loyalty, steadfast service and strength of character and a celebration of those who give so much.

The Hall Stone Province Celebrates in Style!

On Saturday 11th October 2025, the annual meeting of Buckinghamshire Freemasons was held in Freemasons’ Hall in London.

The meeting was attended by over 500 members, their wives, partners and family along with the heads of many other Provinces for the highlight of the Masonic year.

On this occasion, the head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire had the pleasure of appointing two new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters to join the existing team of Executives; James Blackhurst & Mark Harry.

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.

Innovative ideas including the new Project Transform light and sound system along with initiatives such as “Bring a Friend” to introduce new members sees Buckinghamshire at the forefront of trying & implementing new things.

Buckinghamshire leads the way in special interest Lodges including Rugby, Curry, Wine, Cricket, Classic Car, Motorbike, Caravan, Beer, Shooting and most recently Football meaning there are many reasons to join.

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY !

Provincial Grand Lodge Awards, a proud moment of celebration.

Each year at the Provincial meeting, awards are made for merit - to the craft in general, the province, individual lodge and community.

* Don Varney Award
This is awarded to a Master Mason, It is reserved for newer brethren into freemasonry who have shown outstanding commitment and achievement before they become the Worshipful Master in their lodge. It is not presented lightly, but only to those who truly stand out as being exceptional. Someone who has not yet been a lodge master, nor holds provincial rank. It is in recognition of valuable services to the Province of Buckinghamshire.
This award was created in 2008 by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW Ray Reed as a memorial to the late VW Donald Varney, Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

- This year awarded to Brother Andrew Murray of Stephens Lodge 3089

* Freemasonry In The Community Award
Created in 2028 by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW Gordon Robertson. Freemasonry is not just about what we do inside our lodges, but about the impact we make beyond them. The Freemasonry in the Community Awards recognise those lodges and individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference to the lives of others.
It celebrates the spirit of service and the commitment to work closely with local organisations, charities, and individuals to bring about positive change and community engagement. Whether through fundraising, hands-on support, or imaginative projects, the Freemasonry in the Community Awards recognise those who truly put our values into practice. By celebrating their efforts, we not only thank them for what they’ve given, but also show the strength and kindness that Freemasonry brings to our communities.

- This years Lodge award was awarded to Haddenham Lodge 8944
- This years individual award was awarded to Rod Sheppard of Saxon Lodge 9735

Masonic Aprons - Pt6

The Stewards Apron

The Red Steward’s Apron is the first of the provincial honours, occupying a unique place within the symbolism and hierarchy of the province, (which is the term used based around county lines), representing both service and dedication.

Each year, a small select number of brethren are selected to become provincial stewards. In Buckinghamshire this is just 6~8 individuals. Promotion to this first Provincial Rank is based on merit, dedication to the craft through exceptional ritual, work, attendance and going that bit further.

Their red aprons came to symbolise zeal, energy, and the warmth of fraternal welcome, virtues essential to the role they fulfil. The colour red, long associated with devotion and service, reminds the wearer that his labour, though often performed quietly in the background, is central to the harmony and fellowship of the Lodge and Province.

The Red Steward’s Apron thus embodies both practical service and moral significance. It teaches that no office within Freemasonry is too humble to be honoured, for every task performed in the spirit of Brotherly Love contributes to the greater work of the Craft. In wearing it, the Steward represents the heart of hospitality and the dedication required to maintain the dignity, order, and fellowship of the fraternity.

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://buckspgl.org/join

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY !

Camino Trek for

Mark Duncan, our Provincial Grand Charity Steward, yesterday completed his Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage walk - the eighth and final section of the French Way . This was not the hardest physical thing he has ever done, but certainly the hardest test of endurance and stamina that he has managed to complete in his 60’s.

The team of 9 set off on on Sunday morning to cover the 115km trek, passing through green forests, farmlands, and historic villages, offering a rewarding experience before arriving at the city's historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site

The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe that leads to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Raising just over £5,000 for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity is why Mark endured until the end.

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://buckspgl.org/join

Masonic Aprons - Pt5

Worshipful Master Apron

The Worshipful Master’s Apron holds a position of singular distinction within the Lodge, denoting the highest office in Craft Freemasonry that a lodge can bestow upon a member. Worn only by the presiding Master along with the collar of the office during his term, it serves as a visible emblem of authority, leadership, and dedicated service. Its design, replaces the 3 rosettes of a Master Mason with 3 squares, reflects both the dignity of the office and the weight of responsibility it carries.

While the aprons of the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason symbolise personal progress through the degrees, the Worshipful Master’s Apron signifies the culmination of that journey in service to the Lodge. It represents not only knowledge and experience but also the trust and respect bestowed upon the Master by his Brethren. The wearer is reminded that leadership within Freemasonry is grounded in humility, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of the Craft.

The Worshipful Master’s Apron thus stands as both an honour and a charge. It calls upon the Master to preside with wisdom, to maintain harmony within the Lodge, and to guide its labours with integrity and impartiality

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://buckspgl.org/join

TODAY IS THE PROVINCIAL MEETING OF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Over 500 Brethren, Family & Friends will shortly be arriving at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, London for the Buckinghamshire Annual Provincial Meeting. A great day of celebration amongst friends and Brothers.

Today also marks our Provincial Grand Master's first official meeting as the head of Buckinghamshire Freemasons, which is also something fantastic to celebrate.

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://buckspgl.org/join

The Day Before !

Preparation fun for PGL.

All events take a team behind the scenes and on the ground in advance of them happening and on the day itself. Today is the day before our annual Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting, the biggest event in our calendar.

The busy beavers have been at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street since 9:30 this morning setting up and preparing all elements for the big day tomorrow, while at the same time having fun too. Lots involved an to ddo to ensure the 500 attendees have a fantastic and memorable day

Freemasonry really does bring people together, fun had, friendships formed and bonds created that last for life.

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://buckspgl.org/join

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

Lodge of Concorde Remember the Few

Eighty-five years have passed since the Battle of Britain, when “the Few” defended the skies of southern England against the Luftwaffe. To honour that courage, the Lodge of Concorde met in the historic Battle of Britain Bunker—once the nerve centre of RAF Uxbridge and the command hub of 11 Group. This remarkable venue provided a deeply atmospheric setting for a memorable Lodge meeting.

The evening began with welcome drinks in the Visitor Centre, surrounded by wartime displays. Among the distinguished guests were Provincial Grand Master Tim Anders and his wife, and Past Provincial Grand Master John Clark and his wife. Guests divided into two groups; brethren for the Lodge meeting and partners for a private tour, before descending the same seventy-six steps once taken by Churchill and King George VI, a symbolic journey into history.

The Lodge opened its meeting and swiftly completed its business, welcoming two new members in what must be one of the most historic Masonic settings imaginable. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a guided tour of the Bunker, culminating in the famous plotting room where Britain’s air defence strategy was shaped. Guide Daisy vividly explained the Dowding System and its vital role in victory. Once the meeting concluded, the brethren joined their guests, and the story of those desperate days came alive once more.

Afterwards, everyone ascended to the Visitor Centre, greeted by Prosecco, 1940s music, and a WAAF performer in period dress. Canapés and vol-au-vents added elegance to a lively celebration. Worshipful Master Graham Thorne gave thanks and made a touching presentation of cufflinks fashioned from metal of the Spitfire P7350 to a guest celebrating his eighty-fifth birthday—on Battle of Britain Day itself.

The evening closed with toasts to the King and to “the Few,” a spirited raffle, and a superb total of £1,000 raised for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The memory of the night—and the heroes it honoured—will long endure.

Happy Birthday Grand Master

We would like to wish the Grand Master of United Grand Lodge of England, HRH The Duke of Kent, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, has been the Grand Master of UGLE since his installation on 14 June 1967 holding held his significant leadership role for over 50 years. Initiated into Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 on 16 December 1963 making him the 10th Grand Master of the UGLE and the organisation's longest-serving leader.

As Grand Master, he presides over the UGLE, the governing body of Freemasonry in England and Wales.

Masonic Aprons - Pt4

The Master Mason

The apron of a Master Mason represents the highest honour within the symbolic degrees of Freemasonry, embodying the culmination of moral instruction, spiritual enlightenment, and fraternal responsibility. Distinguished by its more elaborate ornamentation, blue edging, 3 rosettes, the addition of blue edged triangular flap and two tassels with 7 chains attached to each. It signifies not only advancement in Masonic rank but also the deeper moral and philosophical lessons entrusted to those who have attained this degree.

Where the Entered Apprentice Apron symbolises innocence and the Fellowcraft Apron represents learning and progress, the Master Mason Apron stands as a badge of maturity, wisdom, and dedication. Its design reflects the Mason’s readiness to assume the full duties of membership, embracing the virtues of fidelity, integrity, and brotherly love. The Master Mason is called upon to embody these principles both within the Lodge and in the wider world, serving as an exemplar of the Craft’s teachings.

In its dignity and beauty, the Master Mason Apron reminds every Brother of the honour and responsibility conferred by the degree. It calls upon him to labour not only for personal growth but also for the betterment of humanity, ensuring that the principles of Freemasonry; truth, morality, and charity, shine forth through his words and deeds. As the highest symbol within the Craft degrees, it binds together the lessons of the past and the hopes for the future, resting upon the timeless foundations of Masonic tradition.

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://buckspgl.org/join

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