News - Blog - Page 13

Now That's What I Call

A Big Breakfast.

Upton Manor Lodge hosted a meeting of the 'North East Corner Club' which is a group for newer Freemasons to get together and learn more about Freemasonry. Tony Henley gave an interesting talk on 'The Silver Matchbox'.

The next meeting of the NECC will be held at Marlow Valley Lodge on 21st March with another fascinating talk.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' Lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

Let there be light

and sound.

The Head of Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire, John Clark, presided over the first Third Degree Ceremony to be held at the Denham Masonic Centre to utilise 'Project Transform'.

Project Transform is an innovative lighting and sound system designed to enhance the enjoyment of and make ceremonies a dramatic and memorable event.

The visitors and members of Denham Lodge had a thoroughly enjoyable time and the evening was a great success.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' Lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

NEW YEAR NEW YOU!

On Tuesday 30th January, Bucks Freemasons held a New Year New You event. It's a second event designed for Freemasons to 'Bring a Friend along' to learn about Freemasonry. It was also open to anyone with a passing interest and keen to learn more.

Bletchley Masonic Centre hosted 70 attendees around half of which were interested visitors from around the province.

The evening began with Matt Eaton giving a quick introduction into what freemasonry is and what is so special about it.

Other speakers included Lee Buckingham talking about what we look for in masons, John Palman on what actually happens at lodge meetings and Phil Blacklaw who explained out charitable initiatives and why they are so important to us.

After the talk, we held a tour of the temple, where we explained our lodge room and the tools we use.

The evening was a fantastic success, bringing in many candidates who we will be initiating throughout this year.

Methuen Lodge No

631 - the Pro Grand Master Lodge.
The Lodge was consecrated at Swindon in the Province of Wiltshire, on 24th May 1854, by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Sir Daniel Gooch, Bt.
Lord Methuen, Provincial Grand Master (from 1853) was installed as the first Master.
From the outset, the Lodge existed for Wiltshire masons who wanted a lodge with a standard of comfort, dignity and good living, comparable to some of the best London Lodges.
The promoters had said that they did not want a lot of masonic work but that they would enjoy a first class, civilised dinner, with good wine to drink and, even, cigars to smoke.
It became a Buckinghamshire Lodge when the combined provinces were separated in 1890.
The Lodge has never owned a Banner and the only record of any badge is on the Summons of May 1938, the minutes of which stated that a discussion about the badge ensued and it was agreed that it should not be used in the future.
The Lodge includes the MW Pro Grand Master, the RW Deputy Grand Master, the President of the Board of General Purposes, and the Grand Treasurer. Additionally, it has become customary to invite the Provincial Grand Masters of Berks, Bucks, and Oxon to become joining members.
The Lodge still meets three times per year, twice in Marlow (dining at The Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames) and once in London, at 10 Duke Street, with dinner at a nearby gentleman’s club.
The Leander Club was founded in 1818 and boasts an unsurpassed record of rowing achievements. It is home to heroes such as Sir Steve Redgrave CBE and Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, triple gold medalist Peter Reed OBE, and double gold medalists James Cracknell OBE, Steve Williams OBE, and Alex Gregory MBE, as well as the champions of tomorrow.

On Friday, the historical Bulwers Lodge of Cairo changed its chairman, (the Worshipful Master) a ritual we call an "Installation" that takes place at the same time each year

This lodge is different from many, in that the brethren wear Fez's at the festive board and was founded overseas.

Bulwer Lodge of Cairo No 1068 was granted its Warrant on 7th June 1865. According to Grand Lodge records, their first meeting was Monday, 8th February 1865 - some four months earlier, for which no reason is recorded.

On 16th October 1895, a major fire broke out in the Lodge premises, destroying all the records and the Warrant of the Lodge. Most of the nearly-new furniture was also destroyed. It appears to be at this time, with the issue of the Warrant of Confirmation, that the "of Cairo" was inadvertently dropped from the name by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Further records were lost in 1956 when the Brethren were forced to leave Egypt during the Suez crisis. Many members had to flee for their lives. All of the Lodge furniture and most of its records, which were kept at the Temple, were sequestered by the Egyptian government and have, to this day, not been recovered.

Sir Henry Bulwer, later William Henry Lytton Earle Bulwer, Baron Dalling & Bulwer, was born in London on 13th February 1801. Following his education at Harrow and Downing College, Oxford, he joined the British Diplomatic Service. In 1824, he was sent to Morea, the southern most part of the Greek mainland, by the Greek community in London to finance their War of Independence.

In 1849, Bulwer was chosen as Ambassador to Washington, where he concluded the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. This Treaty, also signed by John Clayton, Secretary of State of the U.S.A., provided a basis for what is now known as the Panama Canal to be built. It set out that neither power should have exclusive control over the canal, nor colonise any part of Central America but both would guarantee the protection and neutrality of the canal.

On Friday, the historical Bulwers Lodge of Cairo changed its chairman, (the Worshipful Master) a ritual we call an "Installation" that takes place at the same time each year

This lodge is different from many, in that the brethren wear Fez's at the festive board and was founded overseas.

Bulwer Lodge of Cairo No 1068 was granted its Warrant on 7th June 1865. According to Grand Lodge records, their first meeting was Monday, 8th February 1865 - some four months earlier, for which no reason is recorded.

On 16th October 1895, a major fire broke out in the Lodge premises, destroying all the records and the Warrant of the Lodge. Most of the nearly-new furniture was also destroyed. It appears to be at this time, with the issue of the Warrant of Confirmation, that the "of Cairo" was inadvertently dropped from the name by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Further records were lost in 1956 when the Brethren were forced to leave Egypt during the Suez crisis. Many members had to flee for their lives. All of the Lodge furniture and most of its records, which were kept at the Temple, were sequestered by the Egyptian government and have, to this day, not been recovered.

Sir Henry Bulwer, later William Henry Lytton Earle Bulwer, Baron Dalling & Bulwer, was born in London on 13th February 1801. Following his education at Harrow and Downing College, Oxford, he joined the British Diplomatic Service. In 1824, he was sent to Morea, the southern most part of the Greek mainland, by the Greek community in London to finance their War of Independence.

In 1849, Bulwer was chosen as Ambassador to Washington, where he concluded the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty. This Treaty, also signed by John Clayton, Secretary of State of the U.S.A., provided a basis for what is now known as the Panama Canal to be built. It set out that neither power should have exclusive control over the canal, nor colonise any part of Central America but both would guarantee the protection and neutrality of the canal.

Freemasonry In The Community

Magiovinivm Lodges Charity Steward, W.Bro Mark Dennaford, and their IPM W.Bro Brian Sweet, had great pleasure in presenting a cheque for £2,000 to the Milton Keynes branch of the Motoneuron disease support group.

This is a small charity with an annual budget of around £12,000, so they know this will make a positive impact on the fretwork they do.

Buckingham Lodge No

591.
Our first and oldest lodge in the Hallstone Province is based in Aylesbury, at Ripon Street Masonic Centre. This centre provided the venue for the first meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Buckinghamshire on 17 July 1890.
It has met in Aylesbury for the past 172 years!

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this and 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 history of the lodge:
The Buckingham Lodge Warrant was dated 25th April 1851 under the number 861 and the Lodge was Consecrated on 3rd May 1852 at the White Hart Hotel, at the bottom of the Market Square, Aylesbury. In 1863, the Grand Lodge register of Lodges was updated and the lodge became No 591. After a happy period in the White Hart Hotel, the Lodge moved to the George Hotel at the top of the Market Square and finally into their own building in 1882; the Masonic Hall in Ripon Street. Notable in the Temple today are the Oak Stalls acquired by the Lodge in 1884. These were purchased from the Duke of Newcastle’s private Chapel. These along with the handsome Secretary’s desk and triple seat give the Lodge room a special atmosphere.

The original silk Lodge Banner was presented by Bro. E.T. Mackrill W.M. 1895. Bro Mackrill, a joining member in 1886, became an active and energetic member of the lodge until he died in 1907. He not only presented the banner, but also the Clock in the Temple; Officer’s Collars and some of the Lodge Emblems.
The Present Lodge Banner was presented in memory of W. Bro G.W. Morris PPSGW by his Widow. W.Bro George was initiated into Buckingham Lodge in 1950, W.M. in 1963 and was Chaplain from 1980 until he died in 1990. W.Bro George was an enthusiastic mason with strong views. He became the Founding Master of the Haddenham Lodge in 1981. In 1994 the new Banner was hand painted by a former member of the Lodge, to a design produced for W. Bro Morris and agreed by Committee.
It features the crest of Buckingham. Per pale Sable and Gules a Swan rousant wings inverted and expanded Argent ducally gorged Or. The swan was a badge of the ancient family of De Bohn, and of the Giffards who were Earls of Buckingham, and then of the Staffords, the first Dukes of Buckingham. The background shows the Stafford livery colours of red and black. The coronet is sometimes depicted with a chain attached. The banner also features the chequered floor, porchway pillars and square and compasses. The banner is edged with gold braid.

Find out more about the lodge here:
https://www.buckingham591.org/

bucksmasons NewYearNewYou

Discover Women's Freemasonry

Women Freemasons have been meeting across the country for more than 100 years.

There are two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF – Freemasonry for Women.
They both follow exactly the same ceremonies and wear the same regalia as male Freemasons, and they often work closely with community and charity projects.

The Order of Women Freemasons is the oldest and largest Masonic organisation for women in this country. It was constituted as the Grand Lodge of the Honourable Order of Ancient Masonry in 1908 and adopted the title 'The Order of Women Freemasons' in 1958. The Order originally included men and women, but in the early 1920s a decision was made to restrict admission to women only, and by 1935 it was an exclusively female organisation.
https://www.owf.org.uk/

Freemasonry for Women, founded in 1913 as The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, is a Masonic fraternity for women. It has lodges in the UK and overseas, and about 800 members. HFAF is a small but vibrant community of individuals, with members of all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs.
https://hfaf.org/

ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ

Today 27th Jan, is Holocaust Memorial Day and marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous of the Nazi’s death camps.

A chance for all to remember the millions that have lost their lives just because of their differences.
—-

The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.
Deaths: Around 6 million Jews
Start date: 1941
End date: 8 May 1945

https://i.mtr.cool/sovcbvpvok

HolocaustMemorialDay HolocaustRemembranceDay neverforget

Happy Australia Day!

Heatherden Lodge sure knows how to have fun at their meetings!
With probably the first raising of an Aussie brother by an Aussie Lodge master this year!
Members and visitors enjoyed an excellent evening. Amongst the high jinx at the festive Board dinner, rather appropriately, an Aussie won the much-contested inaugural running of the “Roo Stakes."
As a Freemason, if you want to join the fun, save the date of March 16th for their much revered St. Patrick’s Day, Irish Night.

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

Did your lodge hold a Burns Supper?

There is a fascinating connection between Freemasons, poetry, dinner and Robert Burns.
Robert Burns is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature and Freemasonry in particular.

Robert Burns was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Lodge St. David, Tarbolton on 4 July 1781, at the age of 23. His initiation fee was 12s 6d, and paid on the same date.

On 27 July 1784, he was elected "Depute Master" of the lodge of St. David at the ripe young age of 25.
Burns was a revolutionary of sorts and the poem A Man’s A Man For All That is an plea for international brotherhood and asserts the principles of the French Revolution in this ode to equality and honesty.

Burns was exalted a companion in the Holy Royal Arch Degree in May 1787 at St. Ebbe's Lodge, Eyemouth. The companions unanimously agreed to admit Burns without paying the necessary fees, as they were greatly honoured to have such a great poet and man like Burns as part of their chapter.

Freemasonry's spirit of Brotherhood had a special place in Burns's heart. "For Burns, Freemasonry was a compound of mysticism and conviviality. We can think of no better environment to hear the words of the Masonic Poet laureate than in our Festive Board dinners. Which is why, across the world, millions of Freemasons will be reciting his poetry with their best Mel Gibdon-esque accents.

Robert Burns born 5th January 1759 and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 21st July 1796.

Looking after our brothers in their time of need

New Urban Lodge 6371 and Emergency Services Lodge 3077 partnered together in order to raise vital funds for the @PTSDResolutionUK. This mental health charity supports our veterans and emergency services personnel.
Lannelli's genuine Italian restaurant in Aylesbury was the venue, and the staff could not have been more helpful.
What could go wrong when a bunch of friends are entertained by Signor Paulo Frenchini? Suddenly, a gate crasher emerges dressed as a mafia mobster; thankfully, this individual was well known to us all, and after being plied with Chianti, order was once again restored.��
After supper, Bro Ewan spoke about the charity's activities, followed by Bro. Dan who provided a short overview of the therapy offered to those suffering from the psychological symptoms of this form of trauma, many of whom suffer silently. Donations were graciously accepted. If you would like to help this charity, please follow this link:https://ptsdresolution.org/donate.php

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge that helps local charities in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

Buckinghamshire has 117 lodges that meet at 16 Centres across the county throughout the year

This is the diary for the coming month.

If there is a location & day that suits your home and work life and you are interested in finding out more, please reach out to our membership team who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to be part of freemasonry and a global community, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

1:13 Now playing, Discover Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire

Haggis, Neeps & Tatties !

So the Burns festivities began in Buckinghamshire at Wendover Lodge, with a Passing the Bard of Scotland would have been proud of.

Excellent ritual from W.Bro. Jordan and the whole team followed by a Great festive board, including the talented Ian Knight of Oxford Caledonian Band on the Bagpipes.

The lodge also has meeting planned for March, St Patrick’s Festive Board and April, St George’s Festive Board

“Address to a Haggis” (1787)

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:

Weel are ye worthy o’ a grace
As lang’s my arm.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o need,
While thro your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An cut you up wi ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,

Discover Freemasonry in Buckinghamshire

Guiding principles of FreemasonryWe are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we

News from the provincial touchline

Dagmar Lodge, the specialist rugby lodge, started 2024 with a bang this week.
Bro Alan took his 2nd degree and, in doing so, became a Fellowcraft Freemason.
The XV team, under the leadership of skipper Bro. Martin, expertly completed the ceremony.
The lodge also welcomed two new members, Bro. Jake and Bro. Nick. Both of whom are battle-hardened rugby players and lifelong fans of the game.

With more new visitors keen to join and a new head of the lodge taking over in April, the lodge looks forward to another successful year. Their forward plan also includes several extra meetings for initiations, which are in the pipeline too.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year!

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

Three initiations by three masters!

St. Martin's Lodge No. 2812 welcomed three new Entered Apprentice Freemasons into their lodge at their meeting last night.
Throughout the evening, three separate experienced Freemasons took turns initiating a single candidate each. One observer noted how unusual it was to see each candidate initiated by a different master. "It was a wonderful experience for our three newest members of the province, and the ceremonies were delivered in impeccable fashion."
The brothers of St. Martin's thanked everyone who came to a stunning and vibrant four-course feast.

The lodge already has a plan for the year: another initiation in February with two new joining members, and a very special 60th certificate will be delivered to a well-respected Freemason who was initiated in March 1964 during the March meeting.
This lodge is going to make 2024 their year!

If you would like to be part of a Freemasons' lodge like this and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join

Three charities were supported in one evening!

In the first meeting in 2024, it was a double celebration at the Lodge of St Barnabas No. 948 on Thursday evening. Not only did the lodge raise Bro Catalin to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, but they also presented £500 cheques to three very worthwhile organisations. Seen here receiving them are Bro Terry representing the Prebendal Close Masonic Housing Association, Bro Bob, a member of St Barnabas Lodge who accepted the cheque on behalf of ,where he volunteers; and W.Bro Paul Halfhide, the Buckinghamshire co-ordinator for .
Also pictured were St Barnabas's newly-raised Bro Catalin, on the right by St Barnabas Charity Steward W.Bro Andy, and at the back by W.Bro Chris Soper, who acted as Master for part of the evening's ceremony. An excellent meeting all round, completed by a Festive Board of roast lamb with all the trimmings!

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link:
https://buckspgl.org/join