News - Blog

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt16

MYTH:
"Freemasonry Is Linked To The Illuminati"

THE FACTS:
FALSE – There is no factual evidence linking Freemasonry to the Illuminati. The historical Bavarian Illuminati was a short-lived political group founded in 1776 that was banned and dissolved within a decade, while Freemasonry existed long before and continued independently. Claims connecting the two come from conspiracy theories that conflate separate organisations based on symbolism and secrecy, not documented history or Masonic practice

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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 !

The Freemasons became Wombles

Last week a coordinated litter pick took place up and down the province of Buckinghamshire. Lodge Members, Family & Friends all mucked in with bin bags and litter picking rods to walk chosen areas collecting as much waste as possible.

To name just a few of the lodges and areas:

Cymberline Lodge - Great and Little Kimble
Longueville Lodge - Manor Fields in Fenny Stratford
Bletchley Park Lodge - Bletchley
Bowen & Windsor End Lodges - Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield Lodge - Jubilee River at Slough
Hughenden Lodge - Divided into three teams to tackle key areas: Bryant’s Bottom/Hughenden, the footpath behind The Harrow, and the parkland surrounding Hughenden Church.
Heatherden Lodge - Britwell Parish Field
Fairway Lodge - Fairford Leys sports fields

The Bowen lodge were joined by some notable local figures who really helped boost morale. The Deputy Town Mayor came along to lend a hand, alongside one of our former Town Mayors.

The organised pick in Aylesbury saw the famous area litter pickers join the team too.

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt15

MYTH:
"Freemasons Wear Silly Aprons."

THE FACTS:
FALSE - That statement is technically true, but misleading.

Freemasons wear ceremonial aprons during meetings, which come from ancient stonemasons’ work aprons and symbolise honest labour and moral integrity. They may look unusual to outsiders, but to Freemasons they’re a traditional and symbolic part of the ritual—not “funny,” just historical

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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/joinmythbusterspt15

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY !

BUCKS MASONS VISIT THE LINDENGATE CHARITY

On the beautiful sunny morning of Friday 24th April, the RW ProvGM Tim Anders, accompanied by his wife Steph and several Brethren from Lodges throughout the Buckinghamshire Province, visited a mental health charity located in Wendover.

Founded in 2013 by Charlie Powell and Sian Chattle, the charity utilises specialised social and therapeutic horticulture within a 6-acre garden (which was originally a small, underused waste-rich allotment site) to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. The charity uses nature-based, therapeutic horticulture and conservation programs aimed at assisting individuals facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem.

The Charity’s website explains the origin of its name: “The name Lindengate comes from mixing the Old English name for a Lime tree – ‘Linden’, known for its recuperative and stress-relieving properties and the ‘Gate’, symbolising passing through on the journey to recovery.” Lindengate is honoured to have as patrons His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, and Roger Jefcoate CBE DL, a notable philanthropist.

Following a very warm reception from CEO Andy Grant, and Senior Fundraising, Partnership, & Programme Manager Jacqui Greenham, Brethren were invited to take a seat for an informative presentation regarding the Charity’s commendable initiatives. Brethren learned that the Lindengate team, which possesses a wide range of skills, assists both the young and the elderly who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, memory loss, or dementia through various programs, volunteering opportunities, events, and open garden sessions. In 2025, the Charity supported 3,840 individuals!

After the presentation, Brethren were given an opportunity to ask questions, which they eagerly embraced. Our Provincial Grand Master was particularly impressed by the Charity’s structure and efforts. Thereafter, the Brethren were led on a tour of the wonderful grounds and were given additional information regarding the charity’s activities, including seed sowing, harvesting, cooking, mindful walking, woodwork, as well as arts and crafts. Additionally, it was noted that the Charity does not use pesticides, employs a no-dig approach, focuses on compost-based cultivation, and captures rainwater. Subsequently, delectable cakes were served alongside proper cups of tea and coffee before the visit neared its end.

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt14

MYTH:
"Freemasonry Is In Compatible With Modern Life"

THE FACTS:
FALSE – Far from being outdated, it encourages character, kindness, and self-improvement, providing a positive counterbalance to the pressures of modern living. It builds real friendships, supports personal development, and uses modern tools like digital communications and online learning to keep members engaged.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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 !

Spring Into Freemasonry - What a Growing Success

Throughout the months of February, March & April, spanning an active and highly engaging period of 10 weeks, Buckinghamshire has once again demonstrated its leadership and forward-thinking approach with a Province wide recruitment initiative that truly reached every corner of our community.

This coordinated effort brought together an impressive 60 lodges across the Province, with activity taking place in 13 different Masonic Centres. The scale of participation highlights not only the strength of our organisation but also the shared commitment to securing a vibrant and sustainable future for Freemasonry especially in Buckinghamshire.

During this period over 100 new brothers joined the Buckinghamshire family. Each initiation represents more than just a number, it reflects a personal journey begun, a connection formed, and the continuation of our values, traditions and fellowship for what we hope will be generations to come.

The initiative concluded with a special and symbolic finale day, with initiations taking place at both our most southern centre in Slough and our largest northern centre in Bletchley. This powerful moment showcased the unity and reach of the Province, bringing together members from across the region in a shared celebration of growth and achievement.

This success is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts of all involved, from organisers and lodge members to those who supported behind the scenes. It reflects what can be achieved when we work together with purpose, pride, and passion.

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt13

MYTH:
"Freemasonry Is Satanic"

THE FACTS:
FALSE – Freemasonry is not Satanic: it requires members to believe in a higher power and explicitly forbids discussion or promotion of Satan worship. It is not a religion and does not replace or oppose a member’s personal faith, instead encouraging adherence to one’s existing religious beliefs and moral conduct. Claims that Freemasonry is Satanic stem from historical misunderstandings and conspiracy theories, not from Masonic teachings or practices.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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

Spring Into Freemasonry - Week 11

As we close our current membership drive up and down the Province, before the BIG Finale, Spring really has sprung in Buckinghamshire, membership flourishing, North, South, East & west.

5 lodges took part seeing 5 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province.

Brickhill, St Peter & St Paul, Concordia, Wycombe & Princes Risborough

Followed by The BIG Finale - 1 Day, 2 Locations, 2 Lodges, 8 Initiations - write up to come �

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt12

MYTH:
"You Must Be 21 Years Old To Join"

THE FACTS:
FALSE – In 2020 the minimum age to join was lowered from 21 to 18 to reflect modern standards of adulthood making age-18 membership open to all applicants rather than only by special dispensation or in university lodges.

Historically the age of 21 was common because it matched the traditional legal age of adulthood, but as society’s age of majority became 18.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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

Spring Into Freemasonry - Week 10

As the Spring season continues to flourish, so does our fraternity. Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue.

4 lodges took part seeing 4 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province.

Verney, New Urban, Burnham Beeches & Fredrick Lawson

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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

Rickshaw Challenge

Members of St Giles 8555 Steve, Wayne Alex and Martin embarked on charity Challenge over Easter weekend cycling a rickshaw Coast to coast from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, right across the north of England, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall. We were joined by Steve’s son Tom and son in law Cliff as well as Martins son Alfie who is joining St Giles later this month at the last spring into freemasonry meeting at Bletchley,
The idea started a few months ago when Steve purchased a wreck of a an old rickshaw and thought would a great idea to restore and use for a charity event,

We did it in memory of Ava, Steve’s Granddaughter who sadly passed away, raising money for neonatal care.
During the most difficult times, the compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of the neonatal staff made a profound difference. Their care was not only for Ava, but for the entire family. They provide comfort, dignity, and specialist care to the most vulnerable infants and unwavering support to families when they need it most. Their work is truly inspiring.

The cause is very close to our hearts and also our masters charity this year.

What started as a bit of a wild idea turned into an unforgettable journey — and we’re proud to say we raised over £2,500 along the way.

The ride itself was no joke. We tackled relentless hills, unpredictable weather, and even got caught up in Storm Dave at one point, which made things… interesting, to say the least.

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt11

MYTH:
"You Must Join A Lodge Closest To Your Home"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Lodges are located all over the country, you join one that suits you - location, day & time of meetings and its members are discussed to ensure it works for YOU

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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?

Spring Into Freemasonry - Week 9

In the springtime, as the days are growing longer, the number of our Initiates is getting stronger. Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue.

3 lodges took part seeing 3 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province.

Bourne End, Taplow & St Barnabus

Two of the lodges above meet at the same centre in Linslade - The Gables Hall. It was originally a private residence, built in the late 19th century with the temple originally used as a billiards room. It was later bought by the Linslade Lodge of Freemasons in the early 20th century and has been a Masonic Hall ever since.

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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

Easter Collection

This Sunday the celebration of Easter is upon us and the mass consumption of chocolate eggs by many a child. Local charity, set itself a challenge to collect over 2,000 eggs to distribute to children and young people and Buckinghamshire Freemasons got on board fully to assist where we could with meeting this target.

On Sunday 29th March, there was a large ride out of Bucks Masons and the Widows Sons chapter collecting final donations for the appeal before meeting up at Waddesdon Cricket Club for a fun family day celebration and thank you.

The target was hit ... And some !

Approximately 2000 eggs were collected including allergy specific versions, over £2,500 raised and hundreds of gifts collected. Over 2000 children in the local area will receive something from Inspire this Easter !

Inspire is a Buckinghamshire based registered charity who provide disadvantaged children and young people with gifts throughout the year. The charity was formed in 2021 after several years of running a successful county-wide Christmas Gift campaign for disadvantaged children. In 2020 they identified a need within the county to extend support to vulnerable children and families beyond scope of the Christmas campaign and so Inspire Bucks was born!

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt10

MYTH:
"Freemasons Use Funny Handshakes to Gain Advantages in Life"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Masonic handshakes (or 'grips') are ritualistic tokens for recognition, allowing members to identify each other, historically for travel and now symbolically within ceremonies. They have no sway or advantage in life.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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?

Spring Into Freemasonry - Week 8

This Spring, our beautiful fraternity is growing like plentiful pomegranates! Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue.

7 lodges took part seeing 9 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province.

Golden Fleece, Inglefield, Secklow Hundred, Wycombe, Cesterham, Dagmar & Household Division.

2 of the lodges above are part of our list of special interest lodges - Dagmar, being the Rugby Lodge and Household Division one of our military lodges. The Household division meeting saw guest speaker Captain Tom O’Malley DFC deliver an inspiring and quite unimaginable account of his actions as well as that of those brave men he served with on a day.

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt9

MYTH:
"You’re Not Allowed To Tell Anyone You Are A Freemason"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Freemasons are allowed to tell people they’re Freemasons. There’s no rule against it. In fact, many do. The also wear rings or lapel pins, list it openly in biographies or obituaries, talk about it with friends and family.

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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?

Spring Into Freemasonry - Week 7

As the Spring season continues to flourish, so does our fraternity! Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue.

7 lodges took part seeing 9 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province.

Lilly Lodge of Richmond, Scientific, Fenny Stratford, St Giles, Hall Barn, Hampden and Heatherden.

Spring into Freemasonry celebrates the energy, activity, and community spirit across the Province this spring.
Throughout February March and April we’ll highlight lodge events, stories, and community impact.

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 !

Members of Cymbeline Lodge 9004 enjoyed a lively and successful evening on Saturday 7th March 2026, when the Lodge hosted a fun Quiz Night at Stewart Hall.

The event was organised in support of the Worshipful Master’s charities for the year and proved to be a tremendous success, with the hall filled to capacity with enthusiastic and competitive quiz teams eager to test their knowledge.

Ten teams took part in the evening’s contest, representing a wonderful cross-section of the local community. Among those competing were teams from the local school, members of the Stewart Hall Committee, representatives from Scouting groups in the area, and supporters of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. They were joined by teams made up of Brethren and their families from Cymbeline Lodge, as well as Brethren from neighbouring Lodges who came along to support the event.

The evening was made even more enjoyable with a traditional fish and chip supper, followed by a well-supported raffle which added to the friendly atmosphere and fundraising efforts of the night. Throughout the evening the hall was filled with laughter, lively debate and the occasional good-natured disagreement over the quiz answers

The evening, together with some donations from members unable to attend, resulted in £901 being raised for “Domestic Abuse Survivors” and “Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio”, the charities being supported by our current Master W.Bro. Chris Barton.

A particularly special moment during the evening came when the Lodge had the pleasure of presenting a cheque to the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. The sum of £1,500, raised during the year of the previous Worshipful Master was presented in support of the hospice’s invaluable work caring for patients and supporting families across Buckinghamshire.

MID WEEK MYTH BUSTERS Pt8

MYTH:
"Freemasonry is an Old Mans Club"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Our Province is getting younger every year. Alongside the experience and insight of our senior members, Buckinghamshire is witnessing a significant surge in men joining in their 20s and 30s. Why? In an age of constant digital distraction, young men are craving real connection, strong mentorship, and opportunities to make a tangible difference.

Whether you're 18 or 80, if you're a man of good character, there’s a seat for you at the table

If you’re interested, all you have to do is ask, find out how at buckspgl.org

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?