News

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.

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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. 

The countdown has begun for our annual meeting at Freemasons Hall, London. Approximately 500 brethren, family and friends will be in attendance to watch and support fellow Brothers receive appointments and promotions within the grand setting of this magnificent art deco building, Home of the United grand Lodge of England.

Don't miss out on this interactive session! Book your spot now and let's make happy progress together. 

Link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/accelerator-workshop-3-mastering-innovation-for-your-business-tickets-1436506984059

The sun shone on this, the final domestic competition of 2025 at Silverstone Golf Club, where they played for the Founders Trophy, won by Peter Smith from Observatory Lodge and the Scratch Trophy won by Nigel Gough from St Lawrence Lodge.

The Bucks Masonic Golf Society had a knockout competition running through the summer which this year was won by W Bro Mick Platt also of St Lawrence Lodge.  

The object of the society is to communicate with like minded brethren, to have a fun day whilst attempting to play their favourite sport, another very important object is to raise some money for charity, at the AGM it was agreed to donate £400 to each of the following 6 charities:-     Jerusalem Eye Hospital Alzheimers, Aylesbury   and  

The society has one golf day left on the 9th October, a match against Berkshire at Huntswood golf club, I’m sure they’ll all do their best to bring the trophy back home.

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Freemasons from Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, and Hertfordshire recently came together for a fantastic day of cycling, taking on routes from 15 to 60 miles. The ride set off from the historic Royal Masonic Girls’ School in Rickmansworth — a fitting location for the start of a memorable day.

One Simple Idea, Brilliantly Pulled Off

The event was organised by Middlesex Mason Peter Lawrence, with support from brethren across all three provinces. It provided a great opportunity for members to enjoy a steady ride through beautiful surroundings, connect with one another, and build momentum ahead of a larger cycling event planned for next year.

PGMs in the Peloton

Taking part were Tim Anders (Buckinghamshire), David Allen (Middlesex), and Neil Connolly (Hertfordshire) — our Provincial Grand Masters leading by example on two wheels! It was a great reminder of how much we can achieve when we come together, enjoying each other's company and support a shared cause.

The apron is the most recognisable symbol of a Freemason and is often the first thing non-Masons mention when discussing our fraternity.

Its origins date back to the time of operative masons, who required protective clothing while working with large blocks of stone. The constant risk from rough edges and flying chips of stone made such a garment essential. In those early days, the apron was much longer, covering not only the body, but also the lower legs. It was likely secured with laces around both the neck and the waist for better protection and stability.

Typically made from durable calf or sheepskin materials that were both strong and readily available during the Middle Ages, the operative mason’s apron was purely functional, with no decoration or ornamentation. However, it served to set masons apart from other tradesmen, each of whom wore their own distinct style of apron.

Over the next few weeks we will explain the different aprons you will see Freemasons wearing in the UK.

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WBro Buckingham of   suggested the charity in a company poll and was thrilled when they voted in favour.  Staff engaged in Teddy Bear Picnics, Sweet Treat Fridays, Name The Bear competition, Bring your Teddy To Work, Best Dressed Bear,  Guess the Jelly Bears in the Jar, a Bear Hunt, and many more activities to raise money for the charity.

TLC would like to thank everyone’s generosity in the office where £230 was raised.

  provide teddy bears to distressed children in Accident & Emergency Units, a small simple gesture that brings a large amount of comfort in difficult moments.

Thank you to the   Prudhoe team for your support.

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