Freemasonry Today - Summer 2023 - Issue 62

The official journal of the United Grand Lodge of England Issue 62 – Summer 2023

Editor Donna Hardie

Editorial Panel Shaun Butler, Marta Zandri, Guy Roberts, Martin Cherry, Julian Perry (Culture editor)

Published by Sunday, 207 Union Street, London SE1 0LN, www.wearesunday.com for the United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ

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Out and About

56 Solomon Learning and Development on supporting the Strategy

59 Members’ Pathway Introducing the Lodge Progress Record

The Royal Arch

62 Supreme Grand Chapter stories Companions share their experience

Culture

68 Books, reviewed by you

In the community

71 MCF and Freemasons Supporting members and their families

Fraternal world

77 Home and abroad UGLE Lodges around the world

81 Your tweets

82 Thēsauros

The fascinating and unusual

Cover image: Jooney Woodward

FROM THE GRAND SECRETARY & GRAND SCRIBE E

Grand Secretary Adrian Marsh reveals how efforts to implement UGLE’s new seven-year Strategy and align the organisation are gathering pace

Dear Brethren and Companions

We are approaching the Masonic quiet season as many of us will be swapping the trowel for a bucket and spade. I realise this is also the time when many Secretaries and Scribes E will be catching up on Lodge and Chapter admin and dealing with all those tasks we put off during the busy season. It is no different here at UGLE and we now have a lot to do before the Masonic calendar starts again in earnest in September – on Wednesday 13 September, the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge will be held outside London for the first time since before the Second World War. The venue selected is the International Convention Centre Wales in Caerleon, which is a short distance from Newport and easily accessible by rail and the M4 motorway. If you haven’t already advised your Province, District or Metropolitan Grand Lodge of your desire to attend, then please do so very quickly as this promises to be a well-attended event. In addition to Grand Officers, it is open to Masters, Past Masters and Wardens of Lodges, and also Master Masons.

The Pro Grand Master recently held a business meeting dedicated to the seven-year Strategy. I was delighted to see not only all our Provincial Grand Masters and Grand Superintendents, but also Zuzanka Penn from The Order of Women Freemasons, Christine Chapman from The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient

Freemasons, John Prizeman from Mark Grand Lodge, John Boyington from the Antient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix) and Paul Clement from the Knights Templar. It genuinely felt like a fully joined up discussion, with everyone who attended absolutely committed to making the Strategy work. There were two elements which fell under myself to cover: how we are aligning the organisation at UGLE to support the Strategy, and also to set out our IT strategy, which our Chief Information Officer, Hugh Douglas-Smith, has developed.

In terms of aligning our organisation at UGLE to the Strategy, we have now conducted a thorough review and have designed a structure that supports London, the Districts and Provinces to deliver on their commitments. The chart right sets out how we are now organised, recognising the staff functions of Finance, Legal and HR and the Members’ Experience departments of Membership and Communications, Secretariat and IT, and the roles that manage either the running and maintenance (Building Services) or the income generation (Commercial) of the unique asset of Freemasons’ Hall.

In arriving at this more aligned and streamlined structure, we have sadly had to say goodbye to a number of the previous leadership team and recruit for the new roles. Richard Jewitt and Claire Bastin have been respectively appointed as Heads of Building Services and Commercial. We are in the final stages of appointing the Head of Secretariat and Head of Membership and Communications, and we’ve been impressed by the number of high-quality candidates who have applied. The current organisation structure can always be found on the UGLE website.

The Head of Secretariat will be the focal point for all Masonic administration and ceremonial activities, while the Head of Membership and Communications will work with Steven Varley, Assistant Grand Master, and the Membership and Communications Working Party at the forefront of the strategic challenge of declining membership.

In terms of the IT strategy, UGLE’s membership system, ADelphi, was originally developed a quarter of a century ago on software that will very soon cease to be supported and carries high maintenance costs. Work on Hermes as an ‘online portal’ into ADelphi2 started in 2018. The aim was to speed up the flow of information from Lodges and Chapters through the Provincial, Metropolitan and District Offices to UGLE, and to eliminate paper. Hermes would enable potential candidates to complete online registration information, replacing various paper forms and eliminating the need for Lodge Secretaries and Chapter Scribes E to submit returns, enter membership data (for example changes of address) and generate Lodge/Chapter agendas and report on Lodge/Chapter meetings (for example attendance information, ceremonies completed).

Hermes has now been rolled out to 20 Provinces and three Districts. The rollout was put on hold in September 2022 to enable the IT team to take stock, ‘stabilise’ the system and consolidate the lessons

learned before releasing the system to more Provinces, some of which had yet to complete the user training.

A small IT and user team has now completed an initial review of both ADelphi2 and Hermes and concluded that further investment in the current Oracle-based systems will not be cost-effective or in the best interests of UGLE.

While the Provinces that were early adopters of Hermes have experienced some significant issues –which have now been largely resolved – it is also very clear that there are a great many positives in using Hermes. These have included online updating by Lodge Secretaries and Chapter Scribes E of ceremonies carried out and annual and installation returns, as well as the candidate application process. To this extent, we will shortly be resuming Hermes rollouts, initially to smaller Provinces.

A team has been put together by Hugh DouglasSmith made up of IT professionals from our membership. This team will be assessing the technology options on which to build the future membership database and information systems. The design principle will be to allow access to individual members (via a website or an app) to update their own contact and personal data. It will also be to provide reliable, accurate and up-to-date data for Provincial teams to support their membership challenge.

Over time, the new systems will replace all the functionality of ADelphi and Hermes and we will decommission them by transferring all membership data to the new application. This will considerably reduce the end-of-life risk of the current systems and also significantly reduce ongoing and anticipated future costs.

The lessons from previous IT projects at UGLE have been fully recognised and taken into account in the new Strategy. To this extent, the small team of IT professionals from within our membership will be preparing a business requirements document for sign–off by the Board of General Purposes. There will be a phased development of the functionality and progress will be validated at all stages by an independent quality management function reporting to the Board. All functional requirements will be signed off by a user group representing Provincial Rulers and membership teams.

The positive outcome from the new IT strategy will be a cost-effective and fit-for-purpose solution for all members and Provinces. It will, however, take time to develop. The upside is that a lot of the design and specification work has already been carried out for Hermes and modern databases are much faster to build. Much of the required data currently exists in ADelphi and will be relatively straightforward to transfer to the new system to minimise the impact on existing users. It was encouraging to receive the wholehearted support of those present at the Pro Grand Master’s business meeting and I look forward to updating on progress in the next edition of FMT. The 2022/23 annual report was also provided to those at the meeting and is available at: www.ugle.org.uk/about-us/annual-reports. Those who have read the report will, I am sure, agree that it is a very informative document and our thanks especially go to Brothers James Long, Tom Milner, Paul Grier and Shaun Butler for producing it. This was the final report under the leadership of Geoffrey Dearing as the President of the Board. It was sad for me to bid him farewell the next day at the Annual Investiture, but at the same time I was really excited to welcome Michael Ward as the new President and Jon Whitaker as Deputy President. I have no doubt they will provide a formidable duo and we are fortunate to have them in position. It was particularly moving to hear the kind words with which The Grand Master thanked Geoffrey.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch offering their services. I was staggered by the number of emails I have received and it has proved my theory that we have a rich seam of talent within our own membership willing to help support our Strategy. I have also received several very constructive emails from members with thoughts and suggestions regarding the Strategy and these, too, are very welcome. I would also like to give my thanks to the whole team at UGLE who have given me their wholehearted support since I took over as Grand Secretary, and especially to Harry Gregory, who stepped up and took control of the arrangements for the recent Grand Investiture and Supreme Grand Chapter and helped make it such a memorable event for all those who participated.

I wish everyone a relaxing summer break and look forward to meeting you at the September Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge in Wales.

UGLE’s strategy in action

As UGLE launches its Strategy, Freemason Matthew Wainwright describes how his fellow members welcomed him into the Province – an example for all to follow

Iam Matthew Wainwright, a Master Mason from the St Werburga Lodge No. 4147 and Royal Arch Companion from the Chapter of Justice No.253, both in the Province of Derbyshire.

I had always been intrigued by the history and origins of Freemasonry, as well as its links with the medieval stonemasons. Being a tradesman myself and having a spiritual nature, I knew I wanted to become a Freemason.

I was initiated into Freemasonry on 22 February 2019 – coincidentally my 36th birthday. Although I had been interested in Freemasonry for a considerable length of time, I thought I did not know any Freemasons who I could talk to about joining. Little did I know that I had been associated with many for most of my life.

During my time as an Entered Apprentice, I visited various Lodges in Derbyshire and Staffordshire. One Derbyshire Lodge that particularly attracted my attention was the Cornucopia Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards of Derbyshire No. 9925. It was their striking red aprons that first caught my eye – although I soon realised it was so much more than just a different coloured apron.

This process of discovering the various aspects of the Craft, from the different regalia to the different

Lodges and the whole backstory, is why I wanted to continue my membership and strive to learn more. I wholeheartedly enjoy the history and my personal development journey within Freemasonry. I find the different regalia and the ritual fascinating; a rabbit hole of learning that just keeps on giving. I like meeting new people who I may not have had the opportunity of getting to know if I was not a member. Indeed, many of my best friends are Freemasons. Why? Because, like me, they are men of integrity, strict morals and sound judgement. I try to surround myself with positive vibes and have a desire to help others. For those few hours a month, you can shut out the problems of modern, fastpaced life and relax with friends on an equal standing. When I was made an Entered Apprentice, my white apron showed I was newly admitted. However, I was treated like I had been in the Craft for years. I was so touched that I wanted to document my journey. I wrote an article that was really for my own recollection. A few Freemasons that read it said that I should send this in to the Provincial Communications Team. I took their advice and submitted my article. I was then contacted by Provincial Communications Officer Stuart Riley and my work was published on the Provincial website.

A few months later, I was invited to attend a UGLE Communications presentation at Derby Freemasons’ Hall. This was led by Shaun Butler and Dean Simmons. A very informative presentation was delivered to a packed room of Derbyshire Freemasons, teaching us about the importance of good, positive communications and social media.

At the end, Stuart asked for volunteers to set up and run a new Derbyshire Freemasons Instagram account. Without even thinking, my hand went up. It was the only hand that was raised. To my surprise, Stuart kindly allowed me to take on this challenge under his guidance. Being an Entered Apprentice, I knew his would be a big challenge and I had to advance my Masonic knowledge quickly to better fulfil this task. It is down to the faith Stuart put into my abilities that allowed me the freedom to experiment and develop the platform in my own style.

Freemason Matthew has been warmly welcomed into the Craft

Your Lodge, your future

Freemasonry is at a crossroads. In one direction is the welltrodden path that leads to a spiral of decline. The other direction, less used, leads to broad, sunlit uplands. That is the view of Jon Whitaker, Provincial Grand Master (PGM) for the Province of Hampshire & Isle of Wight.

It is one of the largest of UGLE’s Provinces with 250 Lodges containing 8,000 members who meet in 38 centres across six geographical areas. Jon felt there was only one way to take on the challenge of a declining membership and that was to literally get out onto a Membership Pathway himself, and lead the initiative from the front. With such a large Province the usual strategy would be for the PGM to cascade his message through his six Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, each of whom heads an area. But on this occasion Jon decided it was so important he went to meet and chat to the brethren directly.

He took his ‘Membership Roadshow’ to all six areas where he addressed more than 750 members – about a tenth of the Province’s Freemasons.

‘As the Provincial Grand Master I made the decision to lead on this initiative because it’s my job to ensure that Freemasonry in this Province thrives, and not just survives,’ he said. ‘The roadshows were introduced by the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and those attending were key Lodge members as well as Visiting Officers. We appoint a Visiting Officer to every Lodge; they attend meetings, act as a liaison with Province and offer advice and practical assistance – and it is an office that will be vital in this challenge. In effect these Visiting Officers are my representatives and need to be on board.

‘My roadshow message was clear –continue to attract quality candidates, retain existing members, embrace change, make Freemasonry enjoyable and look after the brethren. Those are things that only Lodges can do – so the initiative must be from the bottom up, as well as from the top down.

‘One simple thing for Lodges to consider

is improved planning, which will lead to more efficient ceremonies and a saving of time. Brethren always appreciate this. Enjoyment is key and that means fun Festive Boards with reasonably priced food and no long, rambling speeches. As a Province we are looking at ways of improving the quality of the centres, which will make a big difference.

‘Lodges might consider changing the day or time they meet, or involving their families in social events in order to help foster a new spirit. A struggling Lodge can buddy-up with a stronger Lodge to learn from and to lean on. And in retaining members, Lodges have to avoid the RAF syndrome – raised and forgotten.’

Without arresting the decline in numbers, many Lodges, and the centres in which they meet, face a bleak future. And the numbers are stark, as Jon revealed on his roadshows with his customary transparency.

‘In the past 15 years, the Province has lost 3,000 members and is down to 8,000. Its 38 centres were adopted when there was a membership of 20,000. If nothing is done over the next 30 years, membership could drop by a further 6,000 – not a good legacy to leave to the next generation.

‘We rely on volunteers,’ explained Jon, ‘but we wouldn’t have anywhere near

enough with such a reduced membership. The Province couldn’t be run. In my roadshows I explained exactly what the problem is and just how big it is.

‘A Lodge might be delighted to have initiated two candidates in a year, but if they have lost four it is a declining Lodge. At each roadshow, there were brethren with lots of questions; and they were often challenging, but I found that refreshing. There is no lack of enthusiasm and emotion.

‘Feedback has been extremely positive with brethren genuinely pleased that the PGM held these meetings face-to-face. Some have told me about declining Lodges which have turned the corner and are now growing. One Lodge in my Province that I visited recently was down to a critically low 14, but they had a meeting and decided to carry on and take a last shot and follow the Membership Pathway. They created a Lodge profile to enable them to show who they were, and what they were and did. They then set about actively recruiting in the local community both through word-of-mouth and using social media, in effect they made a plan for the first time… and the Lodge is now on the up.

‘That feeling of turning a Lodge around is wonderful and you can often get a sense of the excitement that Lodge’s founders felt when it was consecrated. It’s a type of reset and rebirth. As I say to the brethren, it’s your Lodge, your future.

‘I have been a Freemason for 35 years and by nature am quite traditional, but we have to do things differently to successfully recruit and retain. There is an apt quote from Churchill who said: “Winning the affection and trust of young men... is a very different proposition to persuading old men that the way they have done things is obsolete.”

‘We have to carefully balance the broad range of our members and potential members. Every Lodge, area and the Province needs to engage and identify its future leaders. Succession planning is key.’

Jon is determined to make a difference in his tenure, to ensure Freemasonry thrives in his Province.

How Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Jon Whitaker ‘led the initiative from the front’ and took the Membership Challenge out on the road

‘I have been a Freemason for 35 years. We have to do things differently to successfully recruit and retain’

1723: Inventing the Future: Cambridge Conference

A world-class line-up of speakers features at a weekend-long conference in September to mark the Tercentenary of The 1723 Constitutions

Hosted by Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence and Dr Ric Berman, Conference Chair, UGLE is co-sponsoring a unique event to mark the Tercentenary of The 1723 Constitutions and the impact that they have made across the globe. Delegates will have access to a long weekend of discussion, debate and informal conversations that feature an impressive line-up of speakers at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, from 22 to 24 September 2023.

Speakers include Akram Elias, a past GM of the Grand Lodge of Washington DC, who made an indelible impression at the recent Especial Meeting of Grand Lodge; Professors Susan Sommers and Andrew Prescott, who will be showcasing their latest research on The 1723 Constitutions ’ author James Anderson; Professors Pierre-Yves Beaurepaire and Olivier Badot, who are presenting papers on the influence of The 1723 Constitutions on European Freemasonry; and from University of Bordeaux and UCLA respectively, Professors Cécile Révauger and Margaret C Jacob, the doyenne of Masonic research, speaking on Women’s Freemasonry and Freemasonry and the Enlightenment.

Other speakers include Leif Endre Grutle, Andreas Önnerfors, Niels Arne Dam and Haukur Óskarsson, who will present a panel discussion on Nordic Freemasonry and the Swedish Rite; Dr Andrew Thompson on ‘Hanoverian Britain: Culture and Society’ and Dr Patricia Fara on ‘Desaguliers, the Royal Society and the Scientific Enlightenment’. American speakers include Dr Bridget Orr, who is

speaking about Freemasonry, Theatre and the Arts, and Professor John Kyle Day and Dr Oscar Alleyne on Black Freemasonry in America. And from Italy, Lucio Artini will reflect on his latest work under the title ‘Freemasonry’s Tenets: a threat to Absolutism’. Delegates will enjoy a drinks reception on Friday, 22 September; and lunch and a reception and formal dinner on the Saturday. The Conference will conclude after midday on Sunday 24 September. This is a marvellous opportunity to embrace Masonic education, as well as an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the leading national and international researchers in the field.

Tickets can be booked online at quatuorcoronati. com/2023-cambridge-conference, and the full programme and other information is available at quatuorcoronati.com/programme and on the Quatuor Coronati website.

The event to mark the Tercentenary of The 1723 Constitutions will take place at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge

Consequences of The 1723 Constitutions part 2: France

In this 300th anniversary year of The 1723 Constitutions, Dr Ric Berman looks at how Freemasonry became an effective diplomatic tool in France

With a population of around 20 million in 1700 and 28 million in 1790, France was one of the more dominant countries in Europe, dwarfing England, which had a mere five million people in 1700 and around eight million by 1790.

France also led Europe in the arts, culture and fashion, but it began to falter elsewhere as the writings of John Locke, Isaac Newton and others moved to the cutting edge of intellectual thought. Enlightenment thinking and scientific ideas became fashionable and were absorbed by Europe’s elites, with a consequential impact on religious and political thought.

Newton’s theories demonstrated that apparently impenetrable scientific problems could be solved by reason, and the thoughts of those promoting religious tolerance struck a chord with those Europeans opposed to religious diktat and an absolutist Catholic Church. Moreover, Britain’s example of a constitutional monarchy answerable to an elected parliament was balm to those living under autocratic and absolutist regimes.

Over time, Enlightenment ideas gained impetus across Europe, not least through Freemasonry, which was embraced by the elites in many of Europe’s capital cities, from Paris to Vienna.

Although there is limited documentary evidence, it is generally accepted that two Masonic lodges were established in Paris in 1726 and that these were followed by many others, including four in 1729 alone. Freemasonry became popular across France with Lodges found in Valenciennes, Lyons, Rouen, Le Havre, Pau, Nantes, Caen, Bordeaux, Aubigny, Avignon, Montpelier, Marseilles and Bayonne.

A Scots Master degree had been worked in London in 1733, perhaps earlier. This and other higher and/or knightly degrees took off in France and were developed further, particularly during the following three decades. France embellished England’s three degree system, creating a step-ladder in which candidates could

be raised to ‘knights’ and ‘chevaliers’, rather than be linked allegorically to stonemasons. The approach aligned with the medieval chivalric orders with which the French and other European aristocrats were familiar.

It is hard to know precisely what influence Freemasonry exerted on social and political developments in France and in Europe more widely. However, the speed at which Freemasonry was adopted and the extent to which it spread suggest that its philosophical tenets and allegorical ritual had considerable appeal.

A Grand Lodge of France was probably not established formally until June 1738, albeit that a decade earlier French Freemasons recognised Philip, Duke of

Wharton as their Grand Master. Wharton lived as an exile in France from 1728-29 and had, of course, served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England in 1722-23.

He was succeeded by two other Jacobites: Sir Hector MacLean, raised to Lord MacLean in the Jacobite peerage; and Charles Radcliffe, the titular Earl of Derwentwater, who in 1716 had fled England after being sentenced to death for high treason. The sentence was carried out in December 1746 at Tower Hill following Derwentwater’s capture during the second Jacobite Rising of 1745.

But it was not only the French who established Lodges in France. Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond, another former Grand Master, convened an

English Lodge in France in 1734, the year he succeeded as Duc d’Aubigny. Lodge meetings were held at his grandmother Louise de Kérouaille’s house in Paris and in a private room at the Hôtel Bussy. Richmond also established a Lodge at his estate at Aubigny-sur-Nère, 25 miles south-east of Orléans.

Louise de Kéroualle had been sent to the English court by Louis XIV with the expectation that she would become one of Charles II’s royal mistresses and lobby in favour of French interests. She succeeded and was rewarded by Louis XIV with the Duchy of Aubigny, while Charles II made her Duchess of Portsmouth and granted their son the title of Duke of Richmond.

The run-up to the Lodge meeting at Aubigny is recorded in a letter to Richmond dated 23 August 1734 from Thomas Hill, a member of his household. Among other things, it emphasises how Jean Theophilus Desaguliers intended to alter the ritual to create a ‘greater air of antiquity and consequently make it more venerable’ and thus more appealing to its aristocratic audience:

I have communicated to the new, if I am not mistaken, right worshipful … Dr J Theophilus Desaguliers, your Grace’s command relating to the brotherhood of Aubigny sur Nère. I need not tell you how pleased he is with this further propagation of masonry… he immediately asked me if I had not Amadis de Gaula or some of the old Romances. I was something surprised at his question and begun to think as the house was tiled our brother had a mind to crack a joke. But it turned out quite otherwise. He only wanted to get a little of the vieux Gaulois in order to give his style the greater air of antiquity and consequently make it more venerable to the new lodge.

It became customary for Richmond to travel to France annually, and in September the following year he convened a Lodge in Paris once again:

They write from Paris that His Grace the Duke of Richmond and the Rev Dr Desaguliers (formerly Grand Masters of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons and now authorised by the present Grand Master under his Hand and Seal, and the Seal of the Order) having called a lodge at the Hotel Bussy, His Excellency the Earl of Waldegrave, his Majesty’s Ambassador to the French King;

the Right Hon the President Montesquieu; the Marquis de Lomaria; Lord Dursley, son of the Earl of Berkeley; the Hon. Mr Fitz-Williams; Messrs. Knight, father and son; Dr Hickman, and several other persons, both French and English, were present; and the following noblemen and gentlemen were admitted to the Order, viz., His Grace the Duke of Kingston; the Rt. Hon. the Count de St. Florentin, Secretary of State to his most Christian Majesty; the Right Hon. The Lord Chewton, son to the Earl of Waldegrave…

The standing of those attending underlines Freemasonry’s status as an effective diplomatic tool. The central figure was the Comte de Saint-Florentin, a senior advisor to Louis XV and the minister responsible for the Huguenots in France. He would have been an appropriate person to cultivate, and the concurrent initiation of the Duke of Kingston, and Earl Waldegrave’s eldest son, Lord Chewton, would have flattered him much as the Duke of Newcastle’s raising at Houghton Hall, Sir Robert

Walpole’s country house, honoured the Duke of Lorraine a few years earlier.

A second key figure was Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu. A jurist and judge, he was a writer and political philosopher who developed the principle of the separation of constitutional powers, a radical concept in a Europe dominated by autocratic monarchies. Montesquieu was also a member of the French Academy of Sciences.

Montesquieu’s association with Freemasonry began with an introduction to Earl Waldegrave, a prominent English Freemason, later Britain’s ambassador to France. Waldegrave introduced Montesquieu to Lord Chesterfield, Britain’s ambassador to the Low Countries, who invited him to London where Montesquieu was presented at court, elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and in 1730 initiated at the Horn Tavern Lodge.

Montesquieu’s progressive views on the separation of powers within government marked him out as a potential political ally for Britain in its quest to influence the French aristocracy and Louis XV’s Court.

Left: Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond, by circle of Jean Marc Nattier. Right: Louise de Kérouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, by Sir Peter Lely

Images: Alamy

Talking your language

North Wales Freemasons made history in January as Provincial Grand Master RW Bro John Charles Hoult consecrated Cyfrinfa Cynan No. 10013 at Bangor Masonic Hall – the first Welsh-speaking Lodge in the Province.

It was a well-attended event, with more than 100 Provincial members and guests. Deputy Provincial Grand Master Wynford Owen Davies was inducted as the Founding Worshipful Master by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Phil James, while Assistant Provincial Grand Master Dyfan Clwyd Vaughan Jones was appointed Founding Secretary.

On behalf of the members, a donation of £1,000 was presented to the 2028 Festival. Launched in April 2022 with the Provincial Grand Master flying the zipline Velocity at ZipWorld, the Festival has already reached the milestone of £500,000.

As with all such landmark occasions, there is a story to tell behind the scenes.

It begins in 2019 when Grand Lodge granted permission for Lodges under its constitution to work the ritual through the medium of Welsh. Following this news, the Provincial Grand Master invited the Deputy Provincial Grand Master to form a committee to progress the foundation of such a Lodge in North Wales.

A small committee was established during the summer of 2019. The committee and founders continued to meet in anticipation of the petition being granted, learning the ritual, arranging finances, procuring Lodge furniture and nominating officers.

The founders invited the Deputy Provincial Grand Master to become the first Master of the Lodge, with the consecration held at Bangor Masonic Hall.

The next step was taken when a petition signed by 33 founders was sent to Grand Lodge in February 2020 requesting that the Lodge be named Cyfrinfa Cynan (Cynan’s Lodge or the Lodge of Cynan).

The founders wanted a name that would be relevant to North Wales, but also have a link to Freemasonry, and

settled on the name Cynan. This was the bardic name of the poet and dramatist Sir Albert Evans-Jones (1895-1970). He served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and as an army chaplain in France and Salonika during the First World War, before returning to his studies. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1920 at Penmaenmawr.

Three years later, Cynan was initiated into Penmaenmawr Lodge No. 4417. During his distinguished career, he was also a university lecturer, the Archdruid of the Gorsedd of Bards and was heavily involved in Welsh language radio and television. He was knighted in 1969. Cynan also served two terms as Provincial Grand Chaplain for the Province of North Wales in 1945 and again from 1950 to 1953.

Within a few weeks of the petition arriving at Grand Lodge, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing inevitable delays as staff at Great Queen Street were unable to return to work. It took a further 18 months before the petition could be considered, but in September 2021 the notification was received that the petition had been granted. The Lodge number would be 10013.

The rest is history – a wonderful occasion for the brethren of North Wales.

In a momentous occasion, a Welsh-speaking Lodge has been founded in North Wales

The members gather for the consecration of Cyfrinfa Cynan No. 10013

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Chapter and verse

The Bedfordshire Chapter of Provincial Grand Stewards No. 9577, consecrated just last year, presented a demonstration of the three Royal Arch lectures at their first ‘working’ Convocation on 31 January. More than 60 members attended the lectures, with additional commentary by First Principal Nicholas Edwards.

Each of the three lectures was shared between five or six Companions, interspersed with a commentary explaining their origins, meanings and significance. Many attendees commented that they had learned more in one evening than they had over several years of membership – a great start to the Chapter's ambition of showing how the Royal Arch ritual can be inclusive, informative, enlightening, entertaining and, above all, fun.

The Chapter was conceived with the purpose of providing ritual support for occasions when Bedfordshire Chapters find themselves short of officers, to afford practical assistance at the annual Convocation and other events and, overall, to demonstrate good practice – and hopefully excellence – in ritual. The ceremonies performed by the Chapter, and the Festive Board, are also delivered in a concise format, keeping the duration of the formalities and business of the Chapter to a minimum so Companions can spend more time enjoying each other’s company. The splitting of ritual traditionally performed by one individual into smaller parts makes meetings far more inclusive and enjoyable.

The timing of the arrival of the Stewards Chapter is very opportune for Bedfordshire as we begin the implementation the Pro Grand Master’s seven-year plan, which sets the Royal Arch as a central element in ensuring every Freemason gets the most out of their membership.

Duty and honour

Back in February, Iain Marnock from Thatcham, Berkshire – who spent 47 years in the police force – was invested with an OBE by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. He received the recognition for his professional services to the National Surveillance Community.

The Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire Freemasonry, Anthony Howlett-Bolton OBE, said, ‘We’re delighted for Iain to receive this recognition of his services to the safety of our communities. Also for Jennifer, his wife of 45 years, who is rightly very proud of him. We enjoy his company greatly in the worthwhile role that he plays in Berkshire Freemasonry and the benefit that it brings to local communities and charities.’

Iain and Jennifer have one daughter and two grandchildren. His approaching retirement will allow him to commit more time to his family and to his many hobbies and pastimes. In September 2022, he was appointed to the role of Assistant Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire. He is a member of Aldworth and Wilder Lodges.

Support in strife

Ormiston Families Stars received support when it was presented with a donation of £600 from Freemasons in Cambridge. The Stars Children’s Bereavement Support

Members of The Cantabrigia Lodge in Cambridge made the donation in conjunction with fund-matching from the City and University of Cambridge Masonic Charitable Trust. This followed an appeal made by one of the members who, as a teacher, witnessed first hand the impact that childhood bereavement can have on their education and the transformative work that the charity provides.

Senior Philanthropy Manager Gavin Lamb said, ‘Bereavement at a young age can lead to negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, anger, lower self-esteem and external loss of control. This can lead to disengagement from school, alcohol or substance misuse, and can ultimately have a long-term detrimental impact on a young person’s future. It can be beneficial for young people experiencing bereavement to have support from someone outside their family. By improving communication about their feelings, young people are able to reduce the sense of isolation and create the possibility of hope for the future while cherishing memories of a lost loved one.’

While presenting the cheque to Ormiston Families, Zedric Grosvenor from Cambridgeshire Freemasons said, ‘The work Ormiston Families does with children and young adults is very important. Situations entirely beyond a child’s control can withdraw a child from continuing education, and no tragedy is as great as the loss of opportunity, access and engagement with education for a child. Something that my mother persisted on before passing, was that I never missed a day of school. This value of education has stuck with me into adulthood. If children can be supported through difficult losses and see the value in their life and own education once more, then that is truly a blessing in my opinion.’

Emma Baguley-Lockwood from Ormiston Families said, ‘Last year, we were able to help more than 3,000 children, young people and families in the East of England. Support for the Stars Children’s Bereavement Support Service is hugely important, with the service’s work needed now more than ever.’

1. BEDFORDSHIRE

2. BERKSHIRE

3. CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Here’s to health

As well as being a member of Vernon Lodge No. 5117 and a proud Cheshire Freemason, Ollie Coburn is the founder of one of healthcare’s most unique social enterprise businesses. Freehab is breaking the mould of a typical rehabilitation and physiotherapy service by removing the financial barriers to access. Easy to see why it was once described by journalist Mariella Frostrup as the ‘foodbank of healthcare’.

Freehab provides online consultations with specialist clinicians who give advice, support and rehab for injuries and conditions of muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, nerves and spine – lower back pain and arthritis are common examples. Freehab is delivered through one-to-one video consultations and app-based, personalised rehab plans. The service is offered free of charge for everyone, and is funded through optional voluntary contributions. Everybody involved in running and supporting Freehab does so on a voluntary basis, including Ollie. Any contributions received can be reinvested to helping others.

Since the country emerged from COVID-19 restrictions, healthcare has been under enormous pressure. In focus for Freehab are the near 23 million people in the UK with a musculoskeletal condition, which comes at a cost of about £10 billion each year to the NHS. For most, prices in the private sector are unaffordable and NHS waiting times leave many struggling. Freehab is on a mission to change that.

Ollie says, ‘I founded Freehab because I want to enable everybody to invest in their health so they can lead an active and healthy life. Healthcare is for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances or geography. Through thoughtful and well designed social enterprise businesses, we can deliver that in the independent sector. Visit www.freehab.co.uk or contact Ollie via info@freehab.co.uk

Grant to ease grief

Provincial Grand Master for Cornwall David Maskell presented Penhaligon’s Friends in Redruth with a certificate following their successful application for a grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity). Accompanying David was his Deputy David Leaity as well as Assistant Graham Bennett and Acting Grand Charity Steward Alan Powell. There to receive the cheque for £15,000 on behalf of Penhaligon’s Friends were CEO Julie Parker, treasurer Ben Phillips and business administrator Jo Woollard. James Daniel, who has a long association with the charity, was also in attendance.

Penhaligon’s Friends is the only service in Cornwall offering focused support for bereaved children up to the age of 18. Last year, the charity supported 994 children and young people from 681 families across the Duchy. The money will go towards providing the care required during a child’s period of grief, which can often require ongoing support.

The charity provides telephone support, care packages, resources, monthly groups, family visits, one-to-one support, Memory Days and school support, given to each family according to their individual needs. The charity also provides training for both care professionals and volunteers.

Despite the charity having 55 trained volunteers and only nine members of staff, it still has annual costs of approximately £250,000 a year to enable them to meet the level of care required, making the Freemasons grant a much-needed and welcome boost to the charity’s finances.

Following the presentation, David Maskell said, ‘I’m delighted that the Masonic Charitable Foundation can provide support funding to Penhaligon’s Friends. The charity looks after children at the most vulnerable times and provides a marvellous service throughout Cornwall.’

A night to remember

A double celebration took place at Sandy Park in Exeter – home to the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club – as 500 Freemasons, their partners and friends heralded the end of the five-year MCF Devonshire Masonic Festival, as well as the retirement of well-respected Provincial Grand Master Ian Kingsbury after 10 years in the role.

Enjoying a meal at the top table were Ian Kingsbury, his daughter Natalie and her partner Russell, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Devonshire the Countess of Arron, the Dean of Exeter Cathedral Jonathan Greener and his wife Pamela, Assistant Grand Master David Medlock, Grand Secretary Adrian Marsh, The Past Grand Director of Ceremonies Pail Grier, CEO of the MCF Les Hutchinson and musician Rick Wakeman.

Toasts were given, before Deputy Provincial Grand Master Nicky Ball presented the Provincial Grand Master with a framed rugby shirt, signed by the Exeter Chiefs. Guests were then entertained by Rick Wakeman, who regaled them with many amusing anecdotes and his own interpretations of well-known tunes.

Pillars of strength

The Three Pillars Club – a club for Dorset’s newer Freemasons – held a meeting under the direction of Andrew Ward, a Past

4. CHESHIRE

5. CORNWALL

6. DEVONSHIRE

7. DORSET

Master of The Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 and Chairman of the Three Pillars Club.

Aiming to engage with new members of the Province of Dorset, the club also intends to complement the mentoring and support provided by their Lodges. It encourages them with their journey through Freemasonry and gives them the chance to meet people in a similar position. Over the next 12 months, the club will arrange regular visits and social events throughout the Province, with opportunities to undertake roles above their own offices in order to gain experience and confidence.

The club conducted a demonstration of the first degree by the Dorset Sportsmen’s Lodge No. 9942. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Mike Parkes, volunteered to be the candidate for the evening, some 15 years after becoming a Freemason. A group of 31 members of the Three Pillars club made the journey to Wimborne Freemasons Hall, with 14 stepping into offices or giving sections of the ceremony.

This was a chance for club members to practice taking part in ceremonies which they might not have the chance to conduct in their own Lodges. Every office was taken by a Three Pillars Club member. They all did themselves and their Lodges proud, a truly magnificent opportunity embraced wholeheartedly by everyone.

Andrew Ward said, ‘This has been a wonderful opportunity for our members this evening, not just for those taking part, but for the many who came just to watch this truly unique experience. To have relatively junior members deliver parts of the ceremony, and to such a high standard, is an excellent thing to be a part of and I couldn’t be any more proud of them all.’

Mike said, ‘The Three Pillars is part of our plan to make sure the Province is providing the support and opportunities for all our members. There are some exciting things happening over the next year and I am looking forward to seeing the benefits they bring to the Freemasons in Dorset. As a Province we have taken the decision, in consultation with the Three Pillars, to automatically enrol all new members into the club, as a statement of our commitment to providing the best levels of support possible.’

With the help and guidance of the more experienced members in the Province, the Three Pillars Club will go from strength to strength, a place for questions, understanding and growth.

Saving lives

East Kent’s Armed Forces Covenant Coordinator has urged other Lodges to encourage members to undertake Help for Heroes’ online suicide awareness training after he persuaded 20 of his brothers from Chillington Manor No. 4649 to do so.

Kemsley Whittlesea, a 36-year-old tattoo artist from Maidstone, served with the Royal Signals for 15 years until he was medically discharged in 2018 because of a shoulder injury. He explained, ‘East Kent Freemasons signed the Armed Forces Covenant in November. I spoke with some of the guys in my Lodge and asked them to consider taking the training. We had around 20 complete it over one weekend. I’d like to get the other Lodges in the Province to follow our example. Hopefully, they will see the benefit and if we can get just 10 people from all the other Lodges in East Kent it will be amazing. And then after we’ve shown what East Kent has done, hopefully it can spread nationwide.’

The free, 30-minute training course, which anyone can access, was set up by the armed forces charity and the Zero Suicide Alliance. By taking the training, individuals will gain the confidence to open up the conversation, read between the lines of what people are really thinking, and signpost them to help in the hope of preventing another life lost. The course provides the skills to have a potentially life-saving conversation with a with a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger in the street.

It’s also a personal crusade for Kemsley who has felt the effects of loss caused by suicide. He said, ‘Just in the past year, I’ve had six friends take their own lives. Four of those were military, one was just 26 years old. People from all walks of life have suicidal thoughts. The training gives you the awareness to spot the signs and enables you to signpost people to the right agencies and support.’

50 years a Freemason

The meeting of Dormer St Margaret’s Lodge No. 5688 on 17 March 2023 was an extra special celebration, as it was to mark the 50th anniversary of WBro Allan Cooke. The evening was originally planned for last year, but sadly, Allan became ill the week of the meeting and passed away.

After consideration and the support of Allan’s family, the Province and Lodge planned a posthumous celebration. This meant family and friends could look back at his fantastic achievement of 50 years in Freemasonry. The evening saw many visitors and family travelling up from the southwest to join the Lodge in remembering Allan’s achievement. Peter Hegarty, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the City West Area, gave a personal message:

‘This tribute is for Allan Cooke, who should have celebrated his 50 years in Freemasonry in 2022. The planning was at an advanced stage when COVID struck and stopped Allan’s Masonic activity. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated, but even while in the hospital, Allan was concerned about how he could attend this celebration.

‘Allan was born in Longsight in 1938. He was the second son of Laurence and Gertrude. The family were living in Timperley where he attended Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. He joined the Scouts with his older brother Lawrence and loved playing cricket and football. His football passion has always been Manchester City, and he supported them through thick and thin – mainly thin.

‘At 18, he was called up to national service in Germany, where he entered the medical corps. Having been promoted to Corporal, he went on to arrange air transfers to bring injured soldiers home to the UK. It was here that he met Marjorie, who was also stationed in Germany, completing her nursing training.

8. EAST KENT

9. EAST LANCASHIRE

‘After leaving Germany, Allan and Marjorie moved to Altrincham. He took a job with Heinz in Stretford in 1964, Allan and Marjorie married and settled into life in Lymm. Over the next seven years, they were blessed with four daughters Melanie, Amanda, Cheryl and Heidi.

‘Allan was certain after the first three girls, he would get the son he wanted to take to the football. This was not to be and he happily accepted he was to be taking his girls to Maine Road, to cheer on the Blues.

‘He started work for Shell and BP at Carrington and was an enthusiastic five-a-side player; unfortunately, he broke his ankle, and that put an end to that.

‘Allan was a man of integrity. He was intelligent, honest, hard-working, selfless, caring and loyal. It was these attributes that led him to Freemasonry. His father Laurence and friend Harry Ridgeway introduced him to Dormer Lodge, where he was initiated on 18 February 1972.

‘Freemasonry was a large part of Allan’s life here. Marjorie enjoyed the social activities and made many lifelong friends. In the early 1980s, Allan was promoted in BP and travelled to different oil terminals around the UK. Eventually, he was offered a permanent promotion at the BP terminal in Falmouth.

‘Allan continued to travel once a month to visit his lodge in Salford and became the Worshipful Master in December 1988. At 55, Allan retired and devoted his time to local charities, including his local health centre.

‘He was on the committee that set up the Special Olympics for Cornwall and was also an active member of the Friends of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority. Allan’s support and friendship were highly valued by all who knew him.

‘I said earlier that Allan had spoken constantly while in hospital about how he and Marjorie would attend the celebration with their family. He would have been delighted to see you all here where he spent so many happy hours.

‘Allan’s wife Marjorie and four daughters Melanie, Amanda, Cheryl and Heidi, with their husbands, and Allan’s nephew Harry – also a Freemason – are here to celebrate on behalf of Allan. It is an evening mixed with pleasure, pride and tinged with sadness.’

W Bro Peter Tonge then read the letter from the RW Provincial Grand Master to the family before W Bro Hegarty presented Marjorie with the certificate celebrating Allan’s 50 years in Freemasonry.

Family and fraternity

For Freemasons throughout the world, the friendship they find at meetings often engenders a feeling that they regard their Lodge as a family. For the Essex Freemasons of Laindon Lodge No. 5230, which meets at Orsett Masonic Hall in Orsett, the recent Installation of their new Worshipful Master Daniel Moore was certainly a family affair.

Daniel was installed as Master by his older brother Christopher, who is now the Immediate Past Master. Younger brother Charlie assisted in the ceremony by presenting an explanation of the working tools of an entered apprentice.

Charlie is a member of Tothill Field Lodge, where grandfather Terry Moore Sr has been a member since 1976. Father Terry Moore Jr, a member of Laindon Lodge, assisted as one of the officers at his son’s Installation.

In recent months, Laindon Lodge has been busy helping local charities and good causes, including making a donation of £100 to St Luke’s Hospice. And £360 was raised for charity at Laindon Lodge’s Ladies Night last November – this was donated to Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Benfleet, which provides palliative nursing and supportive care to babies, children and teenagers living with complex or incurable conditions.

The members also substantially increased donations to the Lodge’s Widows’ Fund to help out in the cost-ofliving crisis. Laindon Lodge has built up a good reputation for being charitable and was awarded Grand Patron status by Paul Tarrant, the Provincial Grand Master of Essex Freemasons, for contributing £18,401 towards the Essex 2022 Festival. This raised a total of £5.4 million for the Masonic Charitable Foundation which, in turn, has pledged £7 million to support charities and good causes in Essex over the next few years.

Falling in love again

Much is made of recruitment and retention in the Craft, but there is another ‘r’ that needs to be addressed –that of ‘returning’.

In 1990, Mike Barnett was initiated into Foundation Lodge No. 82, which meets in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and he progressed to the Chair in 1999. This was a busy year for Mike, with nine meetings and more than 40 fraternal visits within the Masters’ circle. A few years later, he was invited to join a group of brethren as a founding member of a new Lodge in the north of the Province – Hands of Friendship No. 9758 – which was formed to welcome brethren from the three counties area: Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire.

Mike was a keen and committed brother in the Craft, but when he retired in 2011 and moved out of the area, his journey in Freemasonry came to a halt.

Fast forward to a Saturday morning in 2021 when he was on a train. Sitting opposite him were two men with black Masonic cases on the floor beside them. He leaned forward and whispered, ‘I greet you well brothers.’ He had met Roy Davy and Dave Faulkner on their way to Freemasons’ Hall for a meeting. They exchanged phone numbers with a promise from them to invite him to the next meeting of Deo Confidimus Lodge No. 6253, which meets at Harlow Masonic Hall, where Roy was the Lodge Secretary.

Then came the COVID-19 lockdown, but Roy did not forget. As soon as meetings started up again, the invitation came for Mike to be a visitor at their next meeting. He attended as a guest over the next year, discovering a small but dynamic Lodge. Last year, he became a member of Deo Confidimus Lodge. His only request was that he wanted to become an active member and so was recently – and appropriately – appointed the first Lodge Membership Officer.

10. ESSEX

Air rescue

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) recently celebrated its 15 years of operation with an Evening of Celebration. The event marked the success and achievements of the air ambulance service over the past decade and a half, and highlighted the incredible work that the team has been doing to save lives and provide vital emergency medical services to people in the region.

Since entering service in 2007, the HIOWAA has received tens of thousands of pounds in donations from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight members and their Lodges. This has enabled the air ambulance to provide its life-saving services to people across the region, and to expand its operations to reach even more people in need.

During the evening, attendees were treated to a range of demonstrations and presentations showcasing the work of the air ambulance team. One such demonstration showed how the response team deals with a typical emergency, highlighting the incredible skills and expertise required to provide life-saving medical care in high-pressure situations.

Commenting on the event, a spokesperson for the HIOWAA said:

‘Thanks for coming along to our Evening of Celebration last night. We are so grateful for all your incredible support. Thank you for helping us to keep flying and saving lives.’

At June’s Royal Arch Provincial Convocation, representatives from the air ambulance will formally receive a donation of more than £40,000, which was raised in support of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Grand Superintendent's charity. This sum is testament to the generosity and support of the local community, and will go a long way in helping the air ambulance continue its important work.

Fathers and sons

Two fathers and two sons made Ashlar Lodge’s Installation memorable in Lincoln – and one of them wasn’t even in the building. The fathers were new Worshipful Master Dale Atkins and his Director of Ceremonies Ian Taylor; the sons Tommy Atkins and Andrew Taylor.

Ian gave Andrew his gavel and column as he placed him in the Senior Warden’s chair. Meanwhile, Tommy would have been Junior Deacon had he not been ill in bed at home. He wanted to be present, as his illness spoiled a surprise presentation he’d set up. He had arranged to spring on his dad the gift of a gavel and block. In a letter read to Lodge members, and given to Dale, Tommy said he regretted not being there, because they had both been looking forward to what would have been a landmark family event. The inscription on the turned oak family heirloom in waiting reads: ‘Dad. Thank you for absolutely everything.’

Elsewhere in the Province, there was further evidence that Freemasonry continues to run in families.

At the Lodge of Harmony in Boston, incoming Master Tom Kemp was presented for Installation by his father Chris, who was Master in 1997. Tom’s grandfather Alan had been Worshipful Master in 1976.

The Lodge of Harmony has a tradition of reading an extract from past Lodge minutes at its meetings. Assistant Secretary Bryan Skinner read an extract from 1976, the year the new Worshipful Master’s grandfather was installed, to add to the rich history of the Lodge.

In Grimsby, Peter Hart installed his son Stuart in the Chair at Wellow Abbey Lodge, while over in Scunthorpe, new Pharos Lodge initiate Jack Bruce was placed in the care of a mentor who’s been looking out for him for his whole life so far – his father Michael.

Handling with care

Jordi Sirera, National Clinical Governance

Lead at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) Care Co., has achieved the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI)–a registered charity dedicated to improving the nursing care of people in their own homes and communities.

The title demonstrates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

Jordi said, ‘Those who know me well would say that I am very passionate about upholding the reputation of nursing in social care. To become a Queen’s Nurse, I had to complete an in-depth application form with various references from registered nurses that I support, plus line managers and residents. The Queen’s Nurse Institute then reviewed the application and, following a strict selection process, they awarded me the title. These initiatives help me to provide better leadership to the nurses as well as to progress in my career.’

Jordi became a registered nurse in 2014 and has experience in social care. At RMBI Care Co., he has worked as senior nurse, deputy manager and clinical lead before becoming the National Clinical Governance Lead. He has a degree in forensic anatomy and pathology.

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, said, ‘On behalf of the QNI, I would like to congratulate Jordi Sirera and welcome him as a Queen’s Nurse. Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high-quality health care across the country. The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with Jordi and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.’

11. HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WIGHT

12. LINCOLNSHIRE

13. METROPOLITAN

On top of the world

Husband and wife duo Martin and Sevinc Burt have achieved a remarkable feat in reaching Everest Base Camp – standing at a staggering 17,598 feet above sea level –in aid of the Shooting Star Children's Hospices. Martin, a member of Osterley Lodge No. 6430 in the Province of Middlesex, is a seasoned adventurer, having previously climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Fuji and Machu Picchu, among other challenges. This time, he and Sevinc set their sights on reaching the base camp of Mount Everest in March 2023, naming their project ‘Bottoms Up’, after the toast.

They prepared themselves for the rigours of walking at high altitudes as altitude sickness can be a severe problem for even the fittest individuals, and the key to success is to maintain a steady pace and avoid going too fast. They outlined their training programme, which included gym sessions, uphill walking on the treadmill and stair steppers. As the event drew nearer, they increased the difficulty of their training, including carrying loaded-up kit bags and practicing in the Surrey Hills and other areas.

In addition to their training, the couple have been raising funds for the Shooting Star Children's Hospices through various charitable events, including sponsored swims and skydiving. They are also organising the Osterley Lodge Ladies Festival, with all proceeds going towards the charity. To date they have raised in excess of £13,500.

Martin is currently serving his second term as Worshipful Master of Osterley Lodge and his chosen charity is also the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. Both Martin and Sevinc have been able to visit the hospice at Hampton to see the work that is being done to support the children. They were given a brief tour and met some of the team.

Light Blues Club

The Mon Light Blues, a club for New and Young Freemasons in Monmouthshire, was recently relaunched at a well-attended event at Newport Masonic Centre.

The club was established in 2017, but during COVID-19 the Light Blues saw a hiatus in its activities. Despite using social media to stay in touch, nothing can replicate the joy of getting together socially.

As most members know, joining Freemasonry can offer a world of opportunity and enlightenment, but can be daunting. The concept of the Light Blues is to promote active participation by its members in the full scope of Freemasonry by organising events that encourage all new and young Freemasons of Monmouthshire to socialise and explore the meaning of the Craft.

At the relaunch, the attending brethren were joined by members of the Provincial Team, who were keen to lend their support to the event. The Provincial Grand Master and Deputy Provincial Grand Master were in attendance, which illustrates the importance of the club to the Province.

In his remarks on the evening, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master explained how important the club is to Freemasonry in Monmouthshire. Most Provinces now have a New and Young Masons Club. The key to their success is that members can connect with the broader fraternity, sharing experiences with those typically at a similar stage of their Masonic journey.

Freemasonry is about building lifelong friendships; the Mon Light Blues club hopes to increase that number of friends for new Freemasons and help build a strong network of companions for everyone in the Province. The club has established many ways to keep in touch, including new social media channels and its website monmasons.club

Help for the homeless

The 3 Pillars – Feeding the Homeless and Supporting the Community charity has carried out its work in the Peterborough, St Neots, Huntingdon and Rushden areas for several years, distributing hot food, bedding and clothing to the homeless and the most vulnerable from its mobile catering vehicles.

Charity co-founder W Bro Ged Dempsey confirmed it has also now commenced operations in St James, Northampton, with plans underway for Corby, followed then by Kettering and Wellingborough, all within the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire.

The work of this Freemason-based charity has also broadened after recognising that feeding and clothing those in need was only part of the help it could offer. Working with the support of many agencies, including YMCA housing and more than 80 volunteers, it has facilitated the housing of more than 180 people, of which 77 are now in employment.

In Northampton, the new outlet is led by Provincial Grand Chaplain, Aaron Day. Aaron explained, ‘In these difficult times, the demand here for food, clean clothes and a kind word has grown rapidly in just a few months. It is fantastic to see Freemasonry working on the frontline in the Northampton community and just how many people are benefiting from what we are doing. When we consider just how privileged so many of us are, it is certainly a humbling experience. There is not a shortage of food or money in the world, it’s just not in the right places. What 3 Pillars does is to encourage us all to share.’

15. MONMOUTHSHIRE

16. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & HUNTINGDONSHIRE

Game on

Founded in 1947, Morpeth Rugby Football Club, whose first team play in the Rugby Football Union North Premier League, fields four senior men’s sides and a senior ladies’ team, regularly playing each weekend. In addition, it has a thriving colts set up, three girls’ rugby squads and a strong and popular minis/junior rugby section, trained and coached by qualified volunteers.

Northumberland Freemasons –through the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund – donated £3,000 to the club for the purchase of a public address system.

Ken Fraser, Honorary Secretary for Morpeth Rugby Club, explained, ‘The club is really grateful for the donation received from the Freemasons of Northumberland towards equipment for its redeveloped clubhouse. Members of the development group, with Chairman Simon Harries, were delighted to meet the Provincial Grand Master of the Northumberland Freemasons, Ian Craigs, at the clubhouse recently to record their thanks. The money received was used to upgrade the communications system, which will help considerably in the larger premises.’

Ian said, ‘I was delighted to present a cheque of £3,000 to Morpeth RFC to help with the new sound system in its wonderful newly developed clubhouse. This money comes from the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund, which provides grants from the Freemasons in Northumberland to local worthy causes. We hope this donation will give a boost to this very successful rugby club.’

Skating into action

Formed in 1964, Whitley Warriors Ice Hockey Team plays its home games at Whitley Bay Ice Rink in the National Ice Hockey League Division 1.

It provides help and support for more than 80 junior members between the ages of five and 18 years, all from various backgrounds and walks of life, including five young children from Ukraine who have been relocated into the area. In addition, the team supports three adopted and fostered youngsters and six children with special needs who really enjoy ice hockey and being involved with the team spirit of the club.

The children train on the ice for a minimum of two to four hours a week and play at least one game per week, often doubling up games by playing for an older age group, at various locations around the country. Recently, the team needed new playing shirts to meet minimum League

Heart and home

A North Wales charity that provides support and information to survivors of domestic abuse across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy has been awarded a generous contribution to fund an additional Children and Young People Specialist Domestic Abuse Worker to cover Flintshire. This is an area where the charity has identified a lack of suitable services as well as an increase in demand. The worker will help to meet the additional needs, with a waiting list of 55 children.

The project has caught the imagination of North Wales Freemasons, which has awarded a grant of £60,000 through the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

requirements. Northumberland Freemasons, through the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund, gave their support with a donation of £2,600 for the purchase of shirts that displayed the players’ individual name and number.

Head coach Gary Wood said, ‘We have been raising funds over the past year to help and support those families who are struggling at the moment due to the current financial situation. We also need to help those young children continue with their love of this sport in any way we can by being a caring organisation.

‘The help and support that has been given by the Freemasons of Northumberland has made a huge difference to these young people’s lives and we were delighted when the Freemasons could help with this purchase.’

Domestic Abuse Safety Unit’s (DASU) Children and Young People’s service gives tailored support for children aged three to 18 years. This can be one-to-one sessions, group peer support, signposting to specific support services and providing positive help for non-abusive parents to better interact with their children.

For younger children, the specialist will develop a programme of safe, age-appropriate play to help improve their emotional and physical wellbeing, reduce distress levels and help children and young people to better manage emotions and behaviours that have been impacted by the experience of abuse.

Carolyn Hodrien, Head of Services for DASU, said, ‘We are so thankful for the generous grant from North Wales Freemasons. It is extremely important that children and young people receive support when they have experienced domestic abuse in their families. Home should be the place children feel safest, and our programmes work tirelessly to help young people move towards this while also working on themes around healthy relationships. Without this grant, many children would not receive any support at all.’

17. NORTHUMBERLAND

18. NORTH WALES

Social network

On Saturday 28 January, the Installation meeting of Faith and Friendship Lodge No. 7326 took place at Great Queen Street. This Installation marks a new beginning, as the brethren of the Lodge rename it The Social Media Lodge.

The new master, W Bro Andrew Bond (a Devonshire and Metropolitan Mason) is keen to bring a diverse group of brothers together from all over the country through the power of social media groups.

His Installation saw brethren arrive at Great Queen Street from across many Provinces, both in England and Scotland. Apart from being Freemasons, they all had one thing in common – their shared interest in connecting with other Freemasons through Masonic social media groups, particularly Facebook, that were launched during the enforced lockdown due to COVID-19 in 2020.

W Bro Andrew said, ‘I got involved in a lot of online Freemasonry during COVID. I feel privileged that many have decided it was worth their while to take a trip to London; it was the first time that I met many in person.’

The Installation meeting had visitors from the Masonic Craft Beer Society, Marvellous Meals for Masons, Football 4 Freemasons, Masonic Cigar Club UK and the ever-popular WhatsApp group Craftwork. The Lodge’s October meeting will be held in the Master’s province of Devon at Exeter Masonic Hall.

A special celebration

Back in February, Cadogan Court, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institute Care Home in Exeter, Devon, played host to a special meeting of the Admiral Blake Lodge No. 4692. The Lodge had met there on several occasions, pre-COVID, so that those residents who are Freemasons could enjoy a short Masonic meeting without having to travel away from the home.

More than 30 brethren were present to watch the Worshipful Master, Daniel Harding, open the Lodge, assisted by his officers.

The working tools of each Degree were explained by Ian Billington, Sam Brown and Hedley Price. Then it was on to the main business of the meeting, which was the presentation of a certificate to John Lendon in recognition and celebration of his 60 years in Freemasonry.

John moved to Cadogan Court two years ago when his health started to fail and he

60 years of loyalty

The South Wales Provincial Team was out in force recently, joining the brethren of Islwyn Lodge No. 4725 to celebrate W Bro Byron Thomas’ 60 years in Freemasonry. Attending the Lodge meeting were Provincial Grand Master Richard G Davies, Deputy Provincial Grand Master Chris Evans and a Past Provincial Grand Master MJ Hughes, as well as many other Grand and Provincial Officers in the Craft and Royal Arch.

Byron was born on 8 April 1938 and was a prolific student at Pontllanfraith Grammar School, receiving many academic and sporting accolades. He saw National Service with the Royal Air Force, where he became the Secretary of the Dambuster Squadron.

could no longer cope with living on his own. He was initiated into Freemasonry by Exmoor Lodge, No. 2390, in Minehead, Somerset on 21 February 1963 and he remains a member to this day. The Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, Ray Guthrie, lauded John’s considerable contribution to Freemasonry and to Exmoor Lodge in particular, having been Master there twice, Secretary for more than 20 years and having served in almost every other office in that Lodge over the years.

Another Cadogan Court resident present at the meeting was Malcolm Elder, who was the Master of the Forest of Selwood Lodge in Frome in 2019. Malcolm underwent surgery for cancer soon after relinquishing that position, becoming unable to live on his own without help. Wearing his newly-appointed Provincial regalia for the first time, he was delighted to be at the meeting.

After National Service, Byron attended Loughborough University, where he obtained a degree in history and won colours in rugby. He had a distinguished sporting career representing Wales in athletics and several rugby clubs, including Newport RFC, Cardiff RFC, and Ynysddu RFC. He had three trials for Wales and was Welsh Reserve, only being denied a cap through serious injury.

As his sporting career drew to a close, Byron focused on teaching and embarked on an impressive Masonic journey. He was initiated into Islwyn Lodge No. 4725 in 1963 at the age of 25. He was initiated by his father, Trevor Thomas. Byron’s achievements in Freemasonry are many, and his contribution was recognised in 2007 when he became Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies at Grand Lodge.

There was agreement from those who spoke in the Temple and the after proceedings that Byron demonstrates everything good about Freemasonry. He is a friend to many, a figurehead to new Freemasons and well-respected throughout the Province and far beyond.

19. SOMERSET

20. SOUTH WALES

Therapy through play

Suffolk Freemasons have made a £12,000 grant to Maggie, the Ipswich Community Playbus – a not-for-profit, equal opportunities charity for families with children under five years old in Ipswich. Maggie, which is celebrating 20 years of being a playbus this year, is a mobile double decker bus converted into a pre-school/parents-toddler-baby group offering quality early years education and bringing families together.

The playbus travels to six locations each week during term time, visiting areas where there is the greatest concentration of social housing, many families are from low socio-economic backgrounds and there are no similar facilities available nearby.

The playbus has on board two baby areas, together with a sand pit, craft and paint areas, in-built slide, home corner, small world sets, book corner with a library, puzzles and jigsaws, a themed area and imaginative play. All play sessions are free of charge and accessible to everyone.

The staff on board follow the Early Years Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum in planning different themes each term to engage young children and develop their learning skills, increasing communication and vocabulary range, interaction and social awareness and behavioural issues.

Put to the test

The Province of Surrey has launched its own PSA testing programme, supported by the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust.

The PSA Test is a blood test that can detect the early signs of prostate cancer. It can be done at a GP surgery and measures the level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in blood. PSA is made by the prostate gland. Some of it will leak into blood

and the amount depends on age and prostate health.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect adult males, but it is also one of the most curable if it is detected and treated early. It is also one of the cancers that can also go undiagnosed, as it often does not trigger any severe symptoms.

The Surrey Welfare team recognised that Surrey’s membership age profile means many will fall into the category where they could be as risk of developing prostate cancer. Testing will be rolled out at three Surrey Masonic Centres, with further ones being considered, based on take-up and demand.

They are to be offered to all Surrey Masons, as well as to their male family members and friends, who will pay a small fee for the test, which covers the costs of the GFCT nursing staff and the analysis of the tests.

Rescue remedy

When Pat Palmer took over the leadership of Handyside Lodge No. 1618 in Saltburn, Cleveland, he wanted to find a local charity that could benefit from Lodge fundraising efforts. He noticed an article in a local newspaper in which the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) was asking for donations towards all-weather gear to help with its searchand-rescue operations and training. The CMRT relies on up to 50 search-andrescue volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

CMRT is dependent on donations to cover the £42,000 it costs to run its vital service every year, responding to an average of more than 60 call-outs.

WEST LANCASHIRE

Emergency aid

West Lancashire Freemasons played their part in assisting the Masonic Charitable Foundation to send £60,000 in aid to support emergency medical aid after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity donated £10,000 to UK-Med, a charity based within Manchester University. On 11 February, UK-Med dispatched a field hospital from its Manchester warehouse to get medical aid to the thousands of people in need of help.

It set up a field hospital near the city of Gaziantep in Turkey: a 67-square-metre tented polyclinic that has its own infrastructure, staff, housing, medication, supplies and water sanitation.

Staffed by an expert team that includes doctors, nurses, logisticians, paramedics, community workers and water, sanitation and hygiene engineers, the field hospital treats up to 100 patients a day.

In addition to the search and rescue members, CMRT has approximately 10 support members who help with fundraising activities, acting as injured or missing people for training purposes, maintaining the vehicles and equipment and a multitude of other jobs.

Handyside Lodge initially set themselves a target of £1,350 to provide three sets of specialist clothing, which was achieved. The Lodge then approached the Masonic regional charity, the Freemasons Charity of Yorkshire North and East Ridings (FCYNER) to ask it to consider additional support. FCYNER generously contributed another £450. FYCNER then contacted the national Freemasons charity, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) to request further assistance. The MCF added its weight to the funding to the tune of another £900.

A total of £2,700 was presented to representatives of CMRT, which will enable them to purchase six new allweather outfits for the benefit of its volunteer members. A team from the Province and Handyside Lodge visited CMRT to formally make the donation.

21. SUFFOLK

24. YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST RIDINGS

22. SURREY

23.

Pedal to the metal

Thanks to Freemasons, children in the Rainbow Ward at Scarborough Hospital got the chance to drive a Bentley and a Lexus – albeit child-sized versions

It came about when Provincial Grand Master David Chambers found out they needed Nintendo games consoles, games, TV monitors and wheeled trollies.

Leopold Lodge No. 1760 and St John of Bridlington Lodge No. 4434 agreed to buy the items and applied for assistance from the Freemasons Charity for Yorkshire North and East Ridings (FCYNER).

In discussions with the charity’s fundraiser Maya Liversidge, an exciting idea then came to light.

Bear necessities

An initiative to help calm children attending A&E has reached a milestone. Around 15 years ago, West Riding began providing cuddly teddy bears to hospitals via its Teddies for Loving Care scheme, and this week the 200,000th soft toy was given to a young patient at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. A total of 17 hospitals in North, South and West Yorkshire participate in the scheme.

On your bike

The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the biggest timed bike race in the world, when some 35,000 cyclists line up to ride the 109km route through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, including the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop.

It can be daunting for children to leave the ward for a procedure. So further funds were raised for a child-sized Bentley and a Lexus. The children can now drive themselves there and feel less stressed. Not only did the FCYNER approve the application, but the Masonic Charitable Foundation contributed a further £504 for an outside car racing circuit.

James H Newman OBE, Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire West Riding, said, ‘TLC is a wonderful initiative and one that is greatly appreciated by the 17 participating hospitals and the children, who receive them. With the exception of the Covid period, for the past 15 years these hospitals have received a box of teddies each and every month and these are then given to young children attending A&E. The teddies help distract the young patients from their ailments and have a calming influence as the doctors and nurses examine them.’

The Freemasons of the District Grand Lodge of South Africa Western Division were fortunate to be invited to assist at the start of the 45th race in March, for which they received a payment that they then allocate to various charities.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour presents a wonderful opportunity each year to provide community service and participation, and injects in excess of R500 million into the Western Cape economy every year. But even more noteworthy is the millions it raises for charitable undertakings and cycling development, which has a significant impact to those in need, both regionally and beyond.

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38 Talking Craftcast

People, places, history and more Stories

40 Couples and the Craft

Steven Varley and David Medlock on sharing the AGM role

The members bonded by marriage and Freemasonry

HFAF Grand Master Christine Chapman on women’s Freemasonry

Master Gary Pickering (right) has installed his husband Stephen Darby as his successor

DOUBLE TAKE

As incoming Assistant Grand Masters David Medlock and Steven Varley join the team guiding UGLE governance, they talk about their determination to help Freemasonry thrive

WORDS PETER WATTS PORTRAITS JOONEY WOODWARD

Steven Varley and David Medlock sit next to each other in a wood-panelled office at Great Queen Street. The two incoming Assistant Grand Masters – the first men to share the role for almost 100 years – aren’t quite a study in contrasts, but when sitting together their differences are noticeable. Where David sits back in his chair and is voluble and discursive in his answers, Steven leans forward, speaking quietly and with precision. These stylistic differences make it all the more compelling when the two speak with one voice about their determination to make Freemasonry enjoyable as part of the UGLE’s new seven-year strategy, which focuses on the importance of building a thriving membership.

‘It isn’t a difficult message we are putting out,’ says David. ‘Freemasonry is supposed to be enjoyable. How you do it is very much up to the individual Lodge,’ Steven concurs.

‘There’s a debate as to whether it’s fun, or happiness, or enjoyment, but all parts of it can be fun,’ Steven continues. ‘You can enjoy and have fun in meetings while doing it properly. The modern Freemason has too many other things to do – if he’s not enjoying himself, he’s not going to stick around.’ David and Steven have other things in common. Both were initiated into Freemasonry by their fathers as young men, thereby following a family tradition. While David pursued a career in engineering in the southwest, Steven went into law in the East Midlands. Both advanced through the offices in their Provinces and come to Great Queen Street as outgoing Provincial Grand Masters –Steven in Derbyshire, where he served just short of eight years, and David in Somerset, where he had been in the post since 2019.

This experience in the Provinces led to them both receiving a call from incoming Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence in Spring 2022, inviting them to take the AGM role. Jonathan has already talked about the importance of communication with the Provinces, and David and Steven both arrive with recent knowledge of these challenges and opportunities.

‘In Provincial Freemasonry, you either engage with your community or die,’ says David. ‘It’s

important. I feel we have both been appointed as we speak the same language as the Provinces, having recently been Provincial GMs. When I got the role, there was a sense of relief from other Provincial Grand Masters that a voice was being heard that understood their day-to-day problems. It can be quite a lonely job; they often think similarly, they just need some reassurance and encouragement.’

‘When I started the job of Provincial Grand Master it changed almost straight away,’ says Steven. ‘Instead of being head of a fiefdom, there was a move to a more corporate way of doing things, rather like being an area director of a large company. We went out to talk to people. And that works. When you talk to people, they get to know

As well as looking at ways to bring in new members, David Medlock (above) and Steven Varley (right) are determined to keep the current membership thriving by making Freemasonry an enjoyable experience

you, they are more willing to do things for you and the Province starts to buzz.’

As AGMs, Steven and David will be part of the senior team guiding UGLE governance and attending Quarterly Communications four times a year. Each has responsibility for two Regional Communication Groups, where they can speak to the Provinces directly and feed any concerns or insights directly back to the Rulers.

Additionally, Steven will be chairing the new Membership and Communications Working Party. ‘This consolidates the Membership Working Party and the Communications and Marketing Working Party into one body,’ he says. ‘This was about looking for ways to improve how we brought people in and then kept them in. We looked at all sorts of different things in Freemasonry and it has been brought together with communications to create a more seamless operation. It will be an interesting voyage. Jonathan is the driving force and he wants to see it succeed. Ultimately, success or failure will be seen both by continually increasing numbers and people enjoying their Freemasonry. If you enjoy Freemasonry, you will bring people into it with you.’ Both make it clear this isn’t solely a numbers game – it’s also about increasing the profile of Freemasonry in the community and ensuring that existing Freemasons are enjoying their experience. They talk with pride of the role their Provinces played during the pandemic, finding ways to support friends and neighbours – an example of what Freemasonry can bring to the community and an important part of what makes it enjoyable and attractive to new members. ‘It’s that sense of pride, the good feeling that comes from putting something back into your community and doing that in the company of people you call friends,’ says Steven. ‘You can have a terrible day at work, go to a meeting and forget about your troubles.’ terrible day at work, ‘That is why we need to be careful about messaging because it’s not about pure numbers,’

‘We aren’t here to tell you how to run your Lodges. We are here to support you where we can’

says David. ‘I’d rather have fewer Lodges if they are all happy and buoyant. There’s no point in having too many candidates if there’s nothing for them to get involved with. Sometimes, we need to manage the enthusiasm and that can only be done on a Provincial level.’

David and Steven aren’t concerned about how they will work together to achieve their aims, as both believe in adopting a management style that encourages people to make their own decisions. Even if these turn out to be mistakes – as David experienced at the beginning of his Freemason career when, as a young Senior Steward, he made the momentous decision to change the dining plan.

‘It was a complete disaster,’ he says. ‘So, we just changed it back. We are giving people permission to fail. Jonathan is saying don’t say you are struggling if you haven’t tried anything.’

Steven continues: ‘In the old days it was, “no you can’t do that because”. But Jonathan is being more positive. Now it’s “yes, if”, not “no because”,’ he says.

‘With us, he’s talking to the converted. But there are many people out there who say you can’t do that,’ says David. ‘People need to lose their fear of change. Like with that dining plan, you can aways go back to the old layout if people don’t like it. We are unchaining our Freemasons. That is our message. We aren’t here to tell you how to run your Lodges, we are here to support you where we can.’

WOMEN’S RITES

To celebrate International Women’s Day, UGLE’s Craftcast podcast discussed women’s Freemasonry with Christine Chapman, Grand Master of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF)

Christine Chapman has had a fulfilling time as Grand Master of the HFAF

PORTRAIT CRISTIAN BARNETT

How did you get into Freemasonry?

Christine Chapman: My father was a Freemason and so was my late husband, so I was surrounded by people who were Freemasons – and I decided to join. I thought if my husband enjoyed it, my father enjoyed it and my mother enjoyed it then there can’t be too much wrong with it. I fell in love with it straight away – it made a lot of sense to me and I could see a pattern.

Most memorable moment in Freemasonry?

The memory that gave me the most pleasure was the one when I was installed into the Chair for the first time. There is nothing to compare to that. I was walking on air for days afterwards and absolutely thrilled.

Are women Freemasons unhappy at being excluded from male Freemasonry?

We are actually happy doing our own thing. In the early days, the co-Masonry movement that came from France was very much about equal rights and universal suffrage. That is what appealed to these suffragettes. We continue to spread the message of empowerment and equal rights.

What are the challenges of being a female Freemason?

It’s history – how can women be doing Freemasonry themselves because it is the way men have looked upon women. I think all women who have taken up roles in professions that were mainly for men or are considered masculine have had to fight against all these barriers of preconceived misogyny of ‘women can’t do this job’ or ‘women can’t possibly do that’. That’s what we have fought against all these years.

You recently joined a special event at UGLE to celebrate the Tercentenary of The 1723 Constitutions. How was it?

It was wonderful. We were allowed to attend and were asked to come in our regalia, which was a first and a good sign we were considered as proper Freemasons – which we haven’t always felt.’

Your inspiration is former HFAF Grand Master Eileen Gray?

She inspired me because she achieved an awful lot in her life and not just for women’s Freemasonry.

She broke boundaries in international cycling in order to get women accepted into the sport, to compete and then get it recognised as an Olympic sport. She was a local politician and was Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Thames in the early 1990s. She found all that time to do these things and Freemasonry as well.

Can you tell us about setting up an HFAF Lodge in India?

Everyone told me it was a big mistake and would never work, but it is now very, very big and has a lot of members. They are hoping for us to go out there again next year and consecrate another two Lodges at least. It really fulfilled a need as a lot of the women were married to Freemasons and they saw the joy their husbands had in belonging to a Lodge. They wanted something similar for themselves.

Why do you think women should think about joining Freemasonry?

We say if you join women’s Freemasonry, we feel that you get empowered. People get all sorts of things out of it depending on what they’re looking for. Some join for the social side, others for friendship.

What makes HFAF such a unique and special organisation to be part of?

We are not a large organisation, so we tend to have a very personal relationship with a lot of our members because we know them all. We are always striving and thinking about the future and what we can do in years to come. That’s what makes it so special for me. We can change things and have a positive influence.

You’re due to retire as Grand Master in 2024. Can you sum up your experience of Freemasonry in three words?

Brotherhood, friendship and self-improvement.

What’s your most important advice for women? Not to give up when things are difficult – keep going!

For more information visit www.hfaf.org

The Craftcast episode with the two Grand Masters of Women’s Freemasonry in the UK: www.ugle.org. uk/discover-freemasonry/resources/podcast

THE ORIGINS OF WOMEN’S FREEMASONRY

Women’s Freemasonry can be traced to 18th century prerevolutionary France and Lodges of Adoption – society Lodges that allowed women to join. In 1882, French social reformer Maria Deraismes was invited to join a men’s Lodge. Once she joined, more women followed and a group soon broke away to form a mixed Lodge. This new formation of a mixed Lodge for men and women (coMasonry) came to the UK in 1902, thanks to Victorian social reformer Annie Besant. In 1908, Britain’s co-Masons broke away from French control and developed into what is now known as the Order of Women Freemasons. In 1913, a group of its members wished to include the Royal Arch in the system but failed to obtain authority, causing them to form the first Lodge of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons

Role of honour

Sharing a bond of brothers as well as one of marriage, the outgoing Master of Great Yarmouth’s St Mary’s Lodge has had the honour of installing his husband as successor

WORDS PETER WATTS PORTRAITS JOONEY WOODWARD

It could be a first in Freemasonry, as well as a sign of how far Freemasonry and the wider society has come in recent years. In January 2023, Gary Pickering, outgoing Master of St Mary’s Lodge No. 3828 in Great Yarmouth, installed his successor, Steven Darby – who just so happens to be his husband.

Gary and Steven met in 1999 and married in 2015, the year Steven followed his husband into Freemasonry. Now, the couple run a shop in Great Yarmouth selling Masonic regalia, while Steven fulfils his duties as Master. And while Gary might no longer be in the Chair, his own responsibilities haven’t quite ended.

‘Steven doesn’t drive, so this year I am the Master’s chauffeur,’ says Gary during a break at their shop, Upon the Level. ‘When he goes on a visit, I go along as well. Freemasonry has been very welcoming. As Master, I visited a lot of Lodges, and they were all friendly and welcoming. You are always made to feel part of the community and I’ve never been to a Lodge where I’ve not been looked after.’

Steven agrees. ‘We’ve never had any prejudice as a same-sex couple in Freemasonry,’ he says. ‘In fact, we’ve been widely supported. One gentleman whose partner was in Freemasonry said he hoped one day he could also put his husband into the Chair.’

Steven and Gary say the Installation was a special occasion, almost as memorable as their wedding –and not just because it took place on Burns Night, complete with pipers and haggis for the Festive Board. St Mary’s Lodge No. 3828 in Great Yarmouth is, through a quirk of history, part of Suffolk Province, even though the Lodge is physically located in Norfolk. Representing Suffolk at the Installation was the Provincial Junior Grand Warden. After the ceremony, he told the couple it

was one of the best Installations he’d ever attended because it was personal and happy. Gary continues, ‘There was the right amount of solemnity, but a lot of happiness and joy.’

‘It was a special evening,’ agrees Steven. ‘Because Gary was doing the ceremony, I didn’t have any nerves. I knew that whatever was going to happen, I could trust him.’

That wasn’t quite the case for Gary, who says he was more nervous installing Steven than he was when put into the Chair himself. ‘I wanted to get it right so that it was a special night for Steven,’ he says. ‘It was special and one I am so glad I did. You go to some Lodges and the ceremony is divided between different people, but I wanted to do all of it, so when I pushed Steven into the Chair it came as quite a shock for him.’

Gary was introduced to Freemasonry by colleagues at the secondary school where he used to work. His proposer carried out his initiation, first, second and third degrees, exalted him into the Royal Arch and carried out the inner workings at his own Installation as Master – something Gary thinks could be unique.

At first, Steven would accompany Gary at Lodge social events, but as he saw how much Gary was getting from Freemasonry, he took the plunge and joined the Lodge himself. Both love the sense of community as well as the chance to support charities, while the previously reserved Steven has experienced a late blossoming thanks to the responsibilities of office and the support of his fellow Freemasons.

‘I was very shy and timid before,’ Steven says. ‘I could never imagine myself standing in front of a room full of people. Freemasonry has given me that confidence and enabled me to do things

Outgoing Master Gary (left) installed husband Steven as Master in a memorable ceremony on Burns Night

I didn’t think were possible, such as learning all the ritual.’

Freemasonry has also provided an opportunity for Steven and Gary to explore second careers as shopkeepers. Upon the Level sells Masonic regalia as well as carpentry made by Gary, who has always enjoyed woodwork and was a design and technology teacher for years. On retirement, he bought all the equipment he required to continue his hobby.

Opening a shop has allowed him to turn that into a business and he makes a range of Masonic and non-Masonic items, including gavels, toolboxes, jewellery boxes and furniture. Some of the Masonic pieces have been purchased by customers as far afield as the United States and Japan, while others are used closer to home.

‘Every year our new Master gets his own gavel, a knocking block and a box inscribed with their

name and the year they were Master,’ says Gary. ‘I instigated that about six or seven years ago and it is now a Lodge tradition. They get a choice of wood, so Steven chose beech, a nice light one. I had to make my own as there was nobody to make it for me and I chose a wood that everybody said was too dark, but I love it.’

As well as their mother Lodge of St Mary’s No. 3828, Gary and Steven are both members of the Royal Arch St Andrews Chapter 1631. They are considering taking further side degrees – but only when Steven’s year as Master has ended.

‘Steven did nine Lodge visits in his first month, so it’s busy,’ says Gary. ‘Taking on more wouldn’t be right as we couldn’t give it the attention required. Becoming a Freemason is one of the most enjoyable things I have done. The friends and colleagues I’ve made through Freemasonry far outstrips anything I did before.

‘As a teacher, I was used to standing in front of a class and talking. Joining Freemasonry, learning the ritual and meeting new people filled the void. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I didn’t have Freemasonry.’

Turn the page for a very special initiation...

The couple sell Masonic regalia and hand-turned wooden items in their shop Upon the Level

‘Freemasonry has given me confidence and enabled me to do things I didn’t think were possible, such as learning the ritual’

Milestones and masonry

Master of the Kennel Club Lodge, Tony Allcock has just had the honour of installing fellow dog lover and civil partner Tony Byron-Allcock in its landmark 150th year

PORTRAITS MEGAN WILLIAMS / THE KENNEL CLUB, HEIDI HUDSON

This year, Freemason Tony Allcock has the great honour of presiding as Worshipful Master of Connaught Lodge No. 3270 – the canine special interest Lodge that has a large membership of Kennel Club members. It’s a particularly special year in which to take the reins. The Kennel Club celebrates its 150th anniversary, having enjoyed royal patronage since 1873, with HRH Prince Michael of Kent KCVO being an active President since 1983. In April, the club was granted the ‘Royal’ prefix by King Charles III and is now The Royal Kennel Club, an organisation Tony is extremely proud to serve as Chairman.

But there’s another reason why this year is so special. Tony has just initiated his partner, ‘Tony2’, as he’s called, into Connaught Lodge at Duke St, London, which was followed by a dinner at The Kennel Club in Clarges Street. ‘The date had long been noted by many who looked forward to celebrating the significance of the occasion when a man initiates his husband,’ says Tony. ‘You can imagine my delight and surprise when my civil partner Tony2, of his own free will and accord and despite enduring 18 years of me attending various Masonic meetings each week, announced he now felt confident enough to join our fraternity. This marks a noteworthy milestone, giving clear indication that attitudes have significantly changed, so those that might have felt inhibited now feel able to join.’

Tony was initiated into Freemasonry at an early age when he was successfully competing in bowls at world-class level. As well as amassing 15 world titles, he also owned a large commercial boarding kennels and an animal welfare centre in Gloucestershire, supported by a registered charity. Before retiring from the sport in 2002, he was awarded the MBE for services to sport, and the OBE for services to sport administration and charity (for his work

After 18 years of seeing his civil partner Tony Allcock (right) attend Lodge meetings, Tony Byron-Allcock (‘Tony2’) has finally joined Freemasonry

as Chief Executive of Bowls England and for fundraising for Visually Impaired Bowls England) by Queen Elizabeth II.

‘There was gendered expectation to embody all those characteristics expected of men,’ he remembers. ‘Being a gay man presented a huge challenge, and unacceptance and isolation in both sport and Freemasonry were hard to cope with. I came so very close to leaving the Craft. Fortunately I didn’t, as today there is significant evidence to affirm a dramatic change in attitude and culture, particularly towards gay Freemasons.’

The couple met when Tony2 worked in the House of Commons with the Serjeant-at-Arms. ‘At this time he had no idea who I was or what I did,’ says Tony. ‘It was only after our initial meeting he mentioned my name to his brother, who instantly revealed he knew of me as he was an ardent viewer of bowls on TV. Initially, I withheld from Tony2 the fact that I had dogs – not just a few but around 23 at the time we met. This he would find out later!’

A friend of the couple, Rob O’Donoghue, is a Past Master of a Lodge in Stow-on-the-Wold near their home. He was instrumental in Tony2 thinking about joining Freemasonry. But instead of joining a local Lodge, Tony2 instead opted for Connaught Lodge No. 3270 as his mother Lodge.

‘Opinions about couples such as Tony and I have shifted substantially over the past decade,’ says Tony2. ‘Our numerous Masonic friends feel that people should be free to chose (within due bounds) that which makes them happy. This has been supported by the Church of England. I feel confident about joining the Craft and look forward to meeting new Masonic friends who accept me just as I am.’

And Tony has no hesitation in recommending the Craft to others. ‘My message for anyone joining Freemasonry is simple: you will find friendship. Whatever you can contribute (not necessarily financial) will reap rewards. Freemasonry has changed considerably. It might be an organisation with heritage – and long may this continue – but not to the detriment of discouraging new members. It can rightfully and openly proclaim its work in support for charity through its magnificent funding campaigns and community support.

‘As a gay couple, we both felt very relaxed about this special initiation. In many ways, it spells out a very poignant message that the principle is recognised and accepted. We have already received such great support from far and wide.’

‘My message for anyone joining Freemasonry is simple: you will find friendship. Whatever you can contribute will reap rewards’

Above: The couple live in the Cotswolds. Left: Tony2 decided to make the canine special interest Connaught Lodge No. 3270 in London his mother Lodge

A daily advancement

Extending knowledge of Freemasonry

50 Museum of Freemasonry

How it has retained its coveted Arts Council accreditation

The striking Art Deco interiors of the Museum of Freemasonry

Back in October 2022, the Museum of Freemasonry was extremely proud to announce that it had retained its accredited status for a further five years. The accreditation scheme is administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership and is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries. It sets nationally agreed principles and enables museums to assess their current performance, as well as supporting them to plan and develop their services.

The scheme covers three broad areas: organisational health, collections, and users and their experiences. In particular, museums applying for the scheme must comply with the UK collection management standard, Spectrum, which is set out by the Collections Trust. There are nine primary procedures that are essential for gaining accredited status.

This accomplishment therefore demonstrates that the Museum of Freemasonry is properly managed and governed to industry standards and shows that we take proper care of our collections, sharing them with visitors and successfully keeping them safe for future generations.

Accreditation is first and foremost for museums. However, as the Museum of

DISPLAY OF EXCELLENCE

The Museum of Freemasonry has retained its accredited status. Collections Manager and Registrar Emma Roberts describes the process of achieving this coveted certificate

Left to right: Emma Roberts makes an entry in the accession register; the North Gallery; the accreditation from Arts Council England

Freemasonry is a tri-domain collection, meaning it is comprised of three individual speciality areas (library, archives and the museum), they are all encompassed in the award.

The library currently retains 50-60,000 items, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, sheet music, audio-visual material and electronic media relating to Freemasonry, other fraternal societies and mystical and esoteric traditions from around the world, in English and other languages. The archive collection comprises more than two linear miles and includes documents, prints, drawings, fi lms, private papers, audio-visual material and digital assets.

Finally, the museum collection comprises approximately 30,000 objects related to Freemasonry and other fraternal societies from the UK and around the world. This might seem like a lot of items, but with our exemplary record keeping, the team here knows exactly where every item is held at Freemasons’ Hall.

Accreditation also opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and provides access to professional museum advice and support. Additionally, it gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish

to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

Museums of all types and sizes are covered by the scheme – from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 are currently taking part across the UK.

We fi rst achieved accreditation status in 2009 and some other Masonic museums around the UK have likewise achieved this accolade. These are the Kent Museum of Freemasonry, Warrington Museum of Freemasonry and Worcester Masonic Library and Museum.

Retaining the award has not been easy, though. We were invited to submit our updated paperwork to Arts Council England in February 2020, which happily we achieved. However, disaster struck in the form of COVID-19 and lockdowns. Thankfully, Arts Council England extended the full status of all UK accredited museums throughout the pandemic so we did not lose our award.

As the Collections Manager and Registrar, I am responsible for ensuring that our collections management policies, procedures and plans are up to date and being adhered to. During this process, I have updated five plans and four policies, and carried out an in-house security

review. It has meant working closely with the whole museum team, staff of the United Grand Lodge of England and the trustees of the museum as well.

The most important documents we submitted and that required a complete overhaul were for our emergency plan, which I worked on with Simon Tansley, Visitor Service Manager for UGLE. We started from scratch and now have a detailed 124-page document. Should a disaster strike, the museum team will be prepared.

Accreditation is a continuous process, so the work we have set out in all of our current plans is ongoing. In five years, we will be invited to resubmit updates about our achievements and hopefully we will be able to celebrate this success again for this world-leading Masonic collection of both national and international importance.

If you would like to know more about the accreditation scheme, feel free to contact Emma at: contact@museumfreemasonry. org.uk or you can visit the Arts Council England website to fi nd out more: www.artscouncil.org.uk/supportingarts-museums-and-libraries/ukmuseum-accreditation-scheme

Strength in numbers

From his Quarterly Communication address to Grand Lodge in March, Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence talks about reinforcing the ranks of members

Brethren, it is so good to see so many of you here today and I very much hope you have enjoyed this Quarterly Communication, especially the Installation of a new Assistant Grand Master. I also expect the superbly delivered Proclamation of The Grand Master by his several styles and titles by the Grand Director of Ceremonies is something you will long remember. It is always one of the highlights of this meeting. I was particularly pleased to be able to install, on behalf of The Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Steven Varley as Assistant Grand Master. The decision to appoint a second Assistant Grand Master was taken after careful consideration, taking account of the need for the Rulers, both Craft and Royal Arch, to engage regularly and effectively with Provincial and District Rulers, both in their Regional Communication Groups and individually, as the Strategy for Freemasonry is rolled out.

Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence on the steps UGLE is taking to help Freemasonry thrive

This engagement is essential to ensure consistency in implementation; to support the Provincial Rulers and their Executives in addressing the challenges they and their Provinces face, and to receive active feedback on what has worked well and what requires further work to get it right. In this way, the Strategy will continue to evolve and remain responsive to the needs of our members, Lodges and Provinces. Strengthening the team of Rulers with Brother Varley’s skills and expertise, having been a very successful Provincial Grand Master and successfully led the revised Members’ Pathway Working Party, will give us a better chance of delivering the Strategy over the next few years. My fellow Rulers and I are very much looking forward to working with him.

As you will be aware, the Strategy for Freemasonry was launched at the December Quarterly Communication and you all saw the Membership Challenge for the United Grand Lodge of England, which we must all play our part in addressing. Individual Provincial Rulers have now received the membership challenge for their Province and I encourage them to share the challenge widely within their Province so our members are aware of the tasks and opportunities ahead. The Provincial Membership Challenge needs to be translated into something that is more meaningful for each Lodge and member and that is a local challenge and responsibility.

To address this challenge will require teamwork at all levels. This means Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter working as a team with Provinces and Districts, and Provinces and Districts working as a team with Lodges, Chapters and members. We have an extraordinary array of skills and experience throughout the organisation and by working together we can and will address the challenge and, brethren, it must be addressed at all levels.

I am pleased to say some of the Provinces are growing, but others are experiencing a decline in members although at a reducing rate. There are good practices emerging even from Provinces where numbers are declining… we just need to be more nimble in sharing them with, dare I say it, a little less ‘Not Invented Here’. Each Province has its own character and dynamic and it is for this reason

that each Province has been asked to ensure it improves its membership challenge each year from year two of the Strategy. While we must measure the Strategy to ensure we are making progress, it is a serious misunderstanding if it were to be thought that this is just about numbers. It is not.

This is about ensuring the United Grand Lodge of England is a thriving organisation, but it can only thrive if each Province and Lodge is thriving. This will only be achieved if our members are engaged and proud to be Freemasons and we are an organisation that others will aspire to and then join. The key to this is local leadership encouraging everyone to be involved at all levels and to enjoy themselves in doing so.

I would urge every Lodge and Chapter and their members to consider what can and should be done to address the specific local challenge each of them faces. There will be Lodges and Chapters that feel they are thriving with whatever number of members they have, and indeed in one sense they are, but 20 years ago they were thriving but with rather more members.

It is essential, as Provinces roll out the Strategy, the Lodges and Chapters in a Province engage with their Provinces to see what needs to be done. The provision of clear leadership by Provincial Rulers and their teams is pivotal and as important as that provided within a Lodge and Chapter. I hope that Lodges and Chapters will consider what small changes should be made to enhance the enjoyment of those who attend and to encourage those members who may not attend to do so regularly.

Progress will be made through many small steps. Small innovations often work the best and incremental change is easier to manage than a jettisoning of all that has gone before. In Freemasonry, we naturally tend to prefer to evolve, and evolve we must if we wish to thrive for the longer term. Please remember, if you do not try doing something differently then you will not know if it works. If it does not work then there will be lessons that can be learned to make improvements so initiatives can and do work. This is the approach the Rulers will be championing and I hope you will all support it.

Brethren, the Strategy is very deliverable across the country – it is not an impossible challenge. We all want Freemasonry to thrive and prosper and it can and will if you, the members, act accordingly, and the Rulers will do our very best to support you in those endeavours. Remember, to quote the Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire & Isle of Wight as he rolls the strategy out in his Province, ‘It is your Lodge, your future.’

Thank you, brethren.

‘Brethren, the Strategy is very deliverable across the country – it is not an impossible challenge. We all want Freemasonry to thrive’

KNOWLEDGE BASE

As Grand Lodge looks to building a thriving future through its seven-year plan, we look at how Learning and Development supports the Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond

The Learning and Development Working Party was set up in 2015 in response to comments made in a survey in FMT. Members expressed a desire for more information and resources to help them understand the underlying symbolism and moral lessons that could help them become better men.

Initially, the focus of the working party’s activities was to set up Solomon as a virtual learning environment accessible to all Freemasons. Solomon is now well established and resourced, with around 41,000 subscribers. Importantly, the ambition of the working party is also to spread and increase curiosity and understanding of the ritual within the normal activities of Masonic meetings.

Significantly, in 2022, Grand Lodge established the new role of Provincial/District/Metropolitan Grand Learning and Development Officer.

The Learning and Development Working Party conducted a survey of all the Districts, Provinces and Metropolitan areas to discover their views about the role and personal qualities required. From this, a role description and person specification was produced. This was ratified by the Members’ Working Party and by the President of the Committee of General Purposes.

The fundamental purposes of that role are defined as:

• To communicate the UGLE Learning and Development (L&D) vision of providing our membership with a deeper understanding of Freemasonry, especially the value of the Royal Arch, and enthuse others, thus obtaining their personal commitment to delivering objectives.

• To provide leadership based on their insights into people and to promote L&D through innovation.

These statements were included as a direct response and in active support of the Pro Grand Master’s Strategy.

The Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond, which was launched in December, builds on the strong foundations of integrity, friendship, respect and charity, and identifies three main pillars. These are Thriving Membership, Coherent Organisation, and Engaging in our Communities, with the view ‘to cementing our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large, and as

Grand Lodge Solomon

WORDS WBRO. JOHN ROSCOE, MEMBER OF THE L&D PROJECT TEAM

a thriving organisation that people aspire to join’. Its aims include:

• Enhancing our members’ understanding of Freemasonry’s history and values

• Promoting understanding of Freemasonry among members

• Empowering and enthusing our members, supporting them with the tools and knowledge to act as ambassadors and become our future leaders

• Providing the membership with a deeper understanding of Freemasonry

• Articulating the importance of the Royal Arch as part of one organisation, one journey

How L&D is supporting the Strategy

Enhancing our members understanding of Freemasonry’s history and values

Solomon has a module that contains nuggets and papers that describe the real history and development of Freemasonry. A fundamental part of this is founded in the Enlightenment and, in particular, in The 1723 Constitutions that contained key philosophical principles to which Freemasons were, and still are, expected to adhere – namely religious tolerance, constitutional government, civic responsibility, meritocracy, education, courtesy and benevolence.

Empowering and enthusing our members, supporting them with the tools and knowledge to act as ambassadors and become our future leaders

L&D initiatives at Lodge/Chapter level supported by Solomon resources will help members obtain a fuller appreciation of the underlying meaning of the ritual and thus acquire the skills, knowledge and the personal confidence necessary to act as ambassadors and become our future leaders.

The leadership, communication and networking skills that members acquire through active participation in their Freemasonry help members build stronger relationships with their communities and improve the organisation’s reputation.

Member engagement

L&D initiatives also help to engage and retain members by increasing their sense of belonging and commitment. By investing in their development, members are more likely to feel valued and supported. This improves retention and encourages participation, emphasising that sense of belonging and fraternity.

Innovation

L&D initiatives foster a culture of innovation and creativity within Freemasonry. By encouraging members’ curiosity and assisting greater exploration and understanding of the ritual and of the underlying allegories and symbolism, members are encouraged to think more critically about what underpins our Craft. This, in turn, fosters new ideas and approaches that support the Strategy’s goals.

Articulating the importance of the Royal Arch as part of one organisation, one journey

Solomon has a dedicated module for the Royal Arch and has recently launched a ‘Welcome Companion’ module for new Royal Arch Freemasons. It also has a dedicated module for more experienced Royal Arch Freemasons. Both modules address the link between the Craft and Royal Arch as completing the journey in Pure Antient Freemasonry. They also contain much material to help Royal Arch Freemasons explore and appreciate different interpretations and perspectives of the Order, for example its spiritual and metaphorical symbolism.

In summary

L&D is an essential and fundamental component in support of the Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond and to which the L&D Programme is totally committed. By investing in members’ development, the organisation will build a stronger, more engaged, and more effective community of leaders who are able to drive the organisation forward. Indeed, continued L&D is one of the elements of the Members’ Pathway, in the ‘Engage Hub’, which is highlighted by the Pro Grand Master as a key UGLE initiative.

In all organisations, including the United Grand Lodge of England, a culture of learning is essential for long-term success. L&D will foster and maintain such a culture by providing the resources and, through the Grand L&D Officers, the practical support and encouragement to promote and sustain this culture.

This will lead to a thriving and relevant organisation where members feel a real sense of belonging. As we are taught, we are expected to study much of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of our attainment and make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

For more information visit https://solomon.ugle.org.uk

Members’ Pathway Lodge Progress Record

The Members’ Pathway Lodge Progress Record helps Lodges to efficiently monitor and check their progress

What is it for?

One of the attractions of the updated Members’ Pathway is that you can access the documentation at any point and adopt its recommendations in any sequence according to the needs and circumstances of your Lodge. The circular layout emphasises that there is no starting point and no end point.

That said, it will be important for Lodges to keep track of which topics have been completed and those they may still want to explore. The Lodge Progress Record offers a simple way of checking and recording development over time.

Layout

The Lodge Progress Record is a trifold leaflet and has four sections that correspond with the four main sections of the Members’ Pathway Hub: Plan, Attract, Engage and Retrieve. Each has an introductory message, then a table with a number of key stages where progress can be recorded in terms of dates and the names of the lead Bro(s) responsible.

Who is it for?

This record of progress in establishing the recommendations of the Members’ Pathway is solely for the use and benefit of the Lodge, particularly

the Lodge Membership Team and the Lodge Committee.

It is recommended that the Lodge Membership Officer would be the custodian and that the Lodge should have only one copy of the Progress Record in use, but with data input by the Lodge Mentor and Almoner in addition to himself.

Extra copies of the Progress Record should be kept safely for use when the current copy needs refreshing.

Using the Progress Record

As data is entered, the Progress Record will provide a quick visual reminder of tasks completed and practices adopted. This will help with planning future activities and provide a simple summary of progress to display and discuss with the Lodge Committee or perhaps with a visiting Officer.

It should also prompt the individual Officer to check the details in the relevant part of the Members’ Pathway documentation – what is a Lodge Health Check, what is FULL screening, what is ACTIVE mentoring, and how to RE-ENGAGE ‘missing’ members.

Copies of the Lodge Progress Record will be available from Provincial and Metropolitan Membership Teams.

UPDATE ON THE MEMBERS’ PATHWAY WORKING PARTY

Ian Copestake Chairman

Shaun Butler Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing

Steven Varley (By invitation) Assistant Grand Master and Chair of the Membership and Communications Working Party

Michael Ward (By invitation) Deputy President of the Board of General Purposes

Chris Maudsley RCG 1 Rep

Ken Williams RCG 2 Rep

Chris Jones RCG 3 Rep

Stephen Fearn RCG 4 Rep

David Robinson RCG 5 Rep

Richard Minshal RCG 6 Rep

Colin Felton RCG 7 Rep

Mark Costelloe RCG 8 Rep and Deputy Chairman

Peter Higgins RCG 9 Rep

Chris Hirst RCG Rep for MetGL and Project Manager

Nick Thomas Universities Scheme Rep

Colin Gale Members’ Pathway Rep on L&D Development Group

Graham Chisnell Lead Training and Development

Charlie Griffi n Training and Development

Gavin Jones Committee Member, Communications

Andy Glaves Committee Member, Communications

The trifold Progress Record provides a quick visual reminder of the tasks completed and practices adopted

Members’ Pathway Grand Lodge

The Royal Arch

Thoughts from the Supreme Grand Chapter

62

Expanded and enriched Royal Arch Companions on how Freemasonry has made a difference

The Royal Arch Experience

1. BEN FITZPATRICK, BEDFORDSHIRE

I was initially pulled to Freemasonry by the mystery and history of the Craft, the ancient ceremonies conducted to hone you to become a better man. This has stuck with me. The ritual and the meaning behind each piece, when you fully understand, is nothing short of awe inspiring. It has led me to become a better person and to consider things that I would not have before.

Becoming Master of my Lodge has brought a different level of understanding to my Freemasonry, as has the Royal Arch, whose story adds a huge depth and wealth of knowledge to my Masonic journey. I live a very busy life, but during a meeting I feel like I am in an oasis where the outside world and the pressures of life are left at the door and a level of tranquility and unadulterated enjoyment can ensue.

2.

I enjoy the history and traditions of Freemasonry. The formality and dignity of ceremonies and the Festive Board of any Lodge or Chapter meeting are balanced by friendships, new and old, as well as the feeling of working as a team. My Lodge was consecrated in 1754, so I am very aware that I am following in the footsteps of so many other members.

I particularly enjoy the ritual – I have always enjoyed the words and use of language, the intricate phrasing and the rhythm of a well-delivered ceremony. There is a lot to learn from the stories told

in our ceremonies, especially the Installation, which encourages us to improve ourselves and to think about others.

Freemasonry has taught me about teamwork, presentation skills, time management and tolerance. I am fortunate to have made so many new friends and companions and I try to maintain the standards I have been taught by them.

3.ROBERT J STEER, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

I like the companionship, making new friends for life, the confidence it has given me to be able to stand up and recite ritual and, after dining, speaking at the Festive Board, which I could never do before joining Freemasonry. I also enjoy the language we use, especially in the Royal Arch, and learning the ritual.

4. JON WEST, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

I joined the Craft for the mystery and to share something new with my proposer, my father.

As my interests and perspectives change, I can always find another aspect of Freemasonry to enjoy and another piece of ritual to unfold and see how it relates to my daily life. The Royal Arch has not only widened the circle of my Masonic friends, but has also allowed me a glimpse of the final destination of my Masonic journey, the resolution of the story that started at my Initiation.

5. MORGAN TYE, HAMPSHIRE & IOW

Freemasonry has become an important part of my life, enabling me to meet some inspirational people from all walks of life. Since joining the Royal Arch, I have had the opportunity to further extend the friendship, guidance and support I receive from members and Companions.

I had heard about Freemasonry, of course, but when I looked more closely, I discovered an organisation whose aim was to make the world a better place – a unique concept and something I wanted to be a part of.

Since becoming a member, I have found Freemasonry has far more to offer than I could ever have imagined. The Royal Arch has only cemented that opinion and taught me additional invaluable lessons.

I would recommend the Royal Arch to any Master Mason as it has enriched my Masonic journey and enhanced my enjoyment.

Companions of different backgrounds, ages and levels of experience provide insights into how membership of the Craft and the Royal Arch enriches their lives

MICHAEL HINTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

6. CHARLTON KRENTZ, ISLE OF MAN

For me, Freemasonry is a peculiar mix of rewarding challenges and opportunities, social interactions and personal fulfilment. Although I find these benefits elsewhere in life, they seldom come together in the same way as they do in my Lodge or Chapter.

As a small business owner, I find much of my time consumed by work. Too much frivolous socialising and enjoyment is therefore often met with a gentle whisper from my inner voice: ‘There is work to be done.’ With Freemasonry, however, this voice is not only silenced, it is replaced with a genuine sense of productivity, all while enjoying the company of friends both old and new.

Indeed, Freemasonry is often seen as a social club, and while the social aspect is hugely important – it certainly is to me –  it is only one component of a far bigger picture.

I well remember the daunting prospect of being given my first bits of ritual to learn and how I could physically feel myself shake as I stumbled through an arrangement of words of which I could make little sense at the time. As I looked around at all those in their impressive regalia, reciting huge pieces of complex English arrangements, I could scarcely imagine how I would ever be able to learn, let alone understand, even a fraction of these texts.

Fast forward multiple years and these seemingly impossible pieces of ritual, which had once filled me with dread and trepidation, had now been accomplished – although certainly not mastered. Their meaning had slowly become clearer to me with each recital.

The beauty of Freemasonry is that we all realise how much work it can take. In turn, we reward each other in friendship and fraternity when we see that the effort has been made. It is the dedication, the perseverance and the ability to get over one’s inner barriers that ultimately lead to reward. For me, this practical lesson has been a genuine gift.

7.

I have been a Freemason for 13 years and enjoy the camaraderie. Every single day, I enjoy giving and I genuinely never expect anything back. I appreciate the greater family ties between my brother and my two sons since they became Freemasons.

Being both a Craft Mason and a Royal Arch Companion, I enjoy meeting the diverse range of members and Companions with a common goal. Selfishly, I enjoy the better person Freemasonry

has made me, along with everyone being accepted for what they are without the need for pretence or status. As a teacher, I enjoy bringing that to Freemasonry and helping others to achieve.

8.

Initially, I was attracted to Freemasonry by an interest in the history of such ideas as the Holy Grail and King Solomon’s Temple, and believed that Freemasonry would be a way to learn more. After joining, I quickly developed a love for learning and performing the ritual and got a real buzz from taking office in Lodge.

Soon after, I took an interest in the Royal Arch, looking for the next stage in my journey. My Exaltation was a wonderful occasion, literally a wow moment when being restored to light. The colour and drama in the Exaltation Ceremony continues to excite me and I feel honoured to have completed the journey through the three Principals’ chairs.

Additionally, as Chapters source their members from various Craft Lodges, this has increased my circle of friends. My enthusiasm for the order has never waned over the past 20 years.

9. CONNOR GOSLING,

BEDFORDSHIRE

The thing I love most about Freemasonry is the brotherhood we share. No matter which Lodge I visit, there is never a struggle to strike up a conversation with another member. Taking the next step in my Masonic career into the Royal Arch has opened a whole new world to me. I’ve met new Companions and visited their Lodges and Chapters. Joining the Royal Arch has not only expanded my Masonic career but has also allowed me to make new friends, not only within my own Province, but in the surrounding Provinces, too.

10. STEVE BYRNE, GUERNSEY & ALDERNEY

I joined Mariners Chapter No. 168 in May 2019 in the Province of Guernsey and Alderney. It was made extra special as my stepfather, Excellent Companion Bryan Waddell, visited from the Province of South Wales to see my Exaltation.

We all have our own journey in Freemasonry and many will say that the Royal Arch is the next step. No matter how long you have been in Freemasonry, it is without doubt a wonderful progression and inspiration in many ways – but until you join you

ALAN SPARHAM, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & HUNTINGDONSHIRE

KEVIN FOREMAN, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & HUNTINGDONSHIRE

will not know. It is important to seriously consider which Chapter to join and, when you take this step, your Masonic connections will grow, which results in many new friends overnight.

The ceremony is wonderful and as I progress through the offices, each meeting is followed by an excellent evening at the Festive Board with good friends, great company and fabulous food.

11. ANDREW JENNINGS, YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST RIDINGS

The principles of decency, integrity, honesty, and friendship have been shared both in my role as a family co-ordinator and as a Freemason. We have a responsibility to care for and support others in times of need, and to share positive relationships with our peers and anyone else we may come into contact with.

I joined the Freemasons to be a part of this ethos – to share some of my spare time with like-minded people in an environment where I was surrounded by friends who I could trust – and with whom I could enjoy socialising.

My membership of Constitutional Lodge No. 294 and, ultimately, Constitutional Chapter, has enabled me to discover that I can be a part of a significant history.

My Royal Arch Freemasonry has given me an additional and invaluable insight into the true meaning of Freemasonry and an opportunity to learn from my Companions in the knowledge that I may one day pass on my knowledge to others.

12. CARL BASSO, CUMBERLAND & WESTMORLAND

Being an armed forces veteran, I enjoy Freemasonry because it has given me a sense of purpose and belonging. Since joining in March 2018, I have embarked on a journey that has consisted of four elements – from being initiated, passed, raised and ultimately exalted into the Royal Arch. In a short space of time, I have progressed from Steward to Principal Sojourner, Scribe N and now occupy the office of Joshua. I’m very much looking forward to 2025 when I will be installed into the Chair of Zerubbabel.

I enjoy the camaraderie that Freemasonry offers. I’ve met some fantastic people across the Province of Cumberland & Westmorland whom I now call friends. I enjoy learning new skills, such as rituals, taking part in the ceremonies we perform, public speaking at our Festive Boards and, most importantly, charity. It’s amazing that we can help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

13. WILL LAMBARTH, SUFFOLK

Initially, I enjoyed Freemasonry as a connection to my late grandfather. However, as I progressed through the Craft, I realised that my enjoyment also came from the ritual and story of Freemasonry, from the shared experiences with other people and from the friends I had made. The Royal Arch enhanced all of these. The ritual adds additional depth and meaning to my experience in Freemasonry, the story of the Royal Arch completes both the allegorical and historical story began in the Craft. And because of the smaller meeting sizes, you develop even closer friendships with other members. The Royal Arch, like Craft Freemasonry, is rooted in shared experiences that bring members together. On a practical level, the Craft and the Royal Arch offers a space for me to turn off from work – you really can’t think of anything else when you’re taking part in the ritual.

14. DAVID TURTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

I love the challenge offered by long pieces of ritual – and the afterglow if all goes well. I love being a fourth generation Freemason, and I am proud to have two great grandfathers who were Freemasons.

I love the history that underlies Masonic Ritual. Such inquisitiveness has led me to write essays and lectures about things I have researched.

I love the ‘shelter from the storm’ that a Masonic meeting can give. Even when at work in the Master’s chair, or as the Director of Ceremonies, I have experienced an innermost calm that only the warmth and affection of a group of Freemasons can create.

And, fi nally, to my latest love. I am loving being a member of the Prince of Wales Royal Arch Chapter No. 951. The Royal Arch was the love of my father’s life and I am now following in his footsteps, albeit much later and in not such grand style.

Shortly before his investiture as Most Excellent Grand Superintendent (MEGS), he assisted in my Exaltation into the Chapter of St Mary, Torquay. As I was still making my way in life in Gloucestershire, he said to me, ‘I don’t expect that you will be able to do much in Chapter for some time, but I am sure you will enjoy it when you do.’

I don’t think he envisaged that ‘some time’ would amount to more than 40 years, but I’m sure he would have been thrilled by my Installation as Third Principal of Prince of Wales Chapter this year. I’ve joined a happy band of Companions that are great fun to be with while taking their ritual seriously. My next three years will be a challenge.

Famous Freemasons who Changed the World

FAMOUS FREEMASONS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

BY KENT HENDERSON

Very readable stuff

Short biographies of notable Freemasons

What do Harry Houdini, Clark Gable, George VI and Rick Wakeman have in common?

The answer will likely be obvious: Freemasonry.

Aside from these, there are 106 other biographical sketches in this excellent book. Here, you will fi nd Churchill, Washington, Wellington, Mozart and more. Most entries are handily on a double-page spread with a portrait of the subject.

This splendid publication is the work of distinguished Australian Freemason Kent Henderson, a teacher by profession. Among many other accolades, his skill and assiduity as a Freemason have been recognised by his election as the fi rst Australian to gain full membership of Quatuor Coronati Lodge.

This is the sort of book that provokes the question: why has no one written it before? It is such an obviously good idea, but no one seems to have had it previously. Thank heavens for Henderson’s good thinking.

His ability to condense a great life into a couple of pages

is a considerable achievement. Clearly knowing the main features of his subjects well, he has a canny style of keeping enough detail in to make a worthwhile read, while never labouring matters. His writing is fresh, well-structured, informative and engaging.

Henderson is (I note from the blurb and the foreword by Past Junior Grand Warden Lord Dunmore) a renowned Masonic lecturer and an experienced Masonic author. Based on this book, I would like to hear one of his talks. Surely, he could be a candidate for the Prestonian Lecturership?

A handsome addition to any bookcase, this would make an excellent gift, regardless of whether the recipient was a Freemason or not.

Review by Stanhope

Famous Freemasons who Changed the World, by Kent Henderson, Lewis Masonic, 267pp, £27.99

INVENTING THE FUTURE: THE 1723 CONSTITUTIONS

BY RIC BERMAN

A Masonic watershed

The far-reaching effects of 1723

This is a landmark year in English Freemasonry, being the 300th anniversary of the writing of the new Constitutions of the Premier Grand Lodge, which had been founded a few years earlier.

The Constitutions embraced Enlightenment principles and opened up Freemasonry to men of any religion.

This anniversary was marked by a special meeting of Grand Lodge in January, at which the history and significance of The 1723 Constitutions were explained.

In fewer than 150 pages, Berman covers a lot of ground, from the societal context the authors of The Constitutions were working in, including the recent formation of Grand Lodge, biographies of key individuals, such as Desaguliers, Payne and Anderson and the fi rst noble Grand Master, the Duke of Montagu, as well as a host of other key individuals.

Berman also covers the contents of The Constitutions themselves, how they were different to what had been

before and the impact they had across the world.

The book gives especial prominence to the impact in America, including linking many of the Enlightenment principles in The Constitutions with those found in the US Declaration of Independence.

If you are at all interested in the history of Freemasonry, then this is a must-read book, especially if you have wondered where phrases such as ‘brotherly love, relief and truth’ come from.

If you went to that special meeting of Grand Lodge, then this would be an excellent souvenir to remind you of an amazing meeting. If you didn’t, it would be a chance to catch up on what you missed.

Review by Oughtred

Inventing the Future: the 1723 Constitutions, by Ric Berman, The Old Stables Press, 159pp, £10

Books wanted for review FMT welcomes book submissions for review. We will consider all genres and the only requirement is that the book has a connection to Freemasonry. To submit a book for review, go to the link below and complete the form. We will let you know if we need a physical copy of the book. The book must have an ISBN and be available for purchase by the general public (printed book, e-book, audiobook). www.freemasonrytoday.com/booksubmission

A strange yet curious read A recipe for real success

The Collins English Dictionary defi nes the word arcanum as ‘a profound secret or mystery known only to initiates’. It’s an appropriate description for this compendium of three books because you have to make a conscious decision just how far you want to disappear down this rabbit hole.

The fi rst book, Occultism in Masonry, explores several ancient themes in Masonic ritual. An alternative approach to the number seven, for example, is that it not only represents the seven liberal arts, but also the seven stages of the alchemical process, namely calcination, dissolution, separation, conjunction, fermentation, distillation and coagulation.

Alchemical, astrological, Egyptian and hermetical interpretations are also considered. Book two, The Path of King Sol-Om-On, describes a ‘magickal’ interpretation of King Solomon as having the ability to conjure both demons and angels. It also draws parallels between Masonic ceremonies and stories of Egyptian gods such as Ra, Thoth and Osiris.

The fi nal book, The Primordial Light, looks at eastern philosophies and how they relate to Freemasonry, suggesting that eastern

philosophy has been removed from Masonic teaching in favour of that of the west.

Although an intriguing alternative perspective written by someone of great knowledge and interpretative skills, the books sadly lack references. In many cases, there is no way of seeking the original source of the historical, mythological or philosophical content.

This has the unfortunate effect of making the text seem to be more like stories (and sometimes emotive opinions) from one individual, rather than the academic Masonic history and exploration the author clearly means it to be.

I should also make clear that this book is not part of any reading list associated with the United Grand Lodge of England. These considerations apart, it may very well appeal to anyone interested in a decidedly alternative perspective of global Freemasonry.

Review by Andrew Pippen

The Masonic Arcanum: the Three Revised Occult Works of Mario A Moreno, by Mario A Moreno, independently published, 333pp, £27.89

The core idea behind this very useful book is that successful Lodges tend to have similar characteristics. Based on both extensive recent research by UGLE and his own experience of having visited Lodges in every Province (and many in overseas districts), the author identifies seven key habits that are the hallmarks of healthy Lodges. By implication, the lack of them are tell-tale signs of Lodges heading for trouble.

Lodges can therefore use these habits as a kind of health check, with all the tools for sorting things out then being provided by UGLE’s Members’ Pathway. Harvey also points out that the ideas are not just for Craft Lodges – they apply just as effectively to units in other Masonic orders.

Very briefly, the seven good habits are: great ritual and ceremony, good management, active support for new members, engaging all members, distinctive features that evolve, harmony and, fi nally, leadership, energy and enthusiasm.

Harvey gets all of these across clearly, with vivid illustrations most of us can relate to. A couple of examples will show what I mean. One is making sure that Past Masters stay engaged and involved. Another is preserving

harmony, which (as some of us know) can be ruined if factions develop, or directors of ceremonies become too bossy.

These are just two good ideas – the book is packed with hundreds of others. Harvey tackles head-on the issues that make Lodges either founder or succeed – and shows exactly what can be done to turn ailing ones around.

‘I believe that the future of our Lodges will be secured if we create great experiences for new and existing members,’ he says. Also included is probably the most extensive study and analysis of UGLE membership in recent years. Highly recommended.

Review by Lionel Brough

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges, by Tony Harvey, Lewis Masonic, 206pp, £19.99

THE MASONIC ARCANUM: THE THREE REVISED OCCULT WORKS OF MARIO A MORENO BY MARIO A MORENO

Freemasons drive research

Pioneering breakthroughs to help treat and diagnose diabetes could be on the way protein called TGF-b1. This can cause damage and inflammation throughout the body, including the kidneys. Early evidence suggests two treatment options could help to stop this protein.

There is hope for new treatments and better care for people with or at risk of diabetes, thanks to a research grant of £315,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity). The grant awarded to Diabetes UK is providing vital funding for PhD students at Imperial College London and Swansea University to make significant progress in improving treatment and care for those with diabetes.

‘Without their generous support, I would have been unable to complete important research testing to understand how we can prevent type 2 diabetes and potentially help many people around the world,’ says researcher Liliane El Eid from Imperial College London. She is exploring genetic variants to see how these might help protect against type 2 diabetes. Cells in our pancreas have a molecule on their surface, called GLP-1R, which tells them to release insulin. Some people have genetic variations that impact GLP-1R, allowing it to do its job better. El Eid discovered that the signals from GLP-1R are stronger when they are located inside the cell rather than on the cell’s surface, and she will be investigating this further. This could lead to the development of drugs that could help to ‘switch on’ insulin production and prevent type 2 diabetes.

At Swansea University, Oliver Richards’ research has been on improving the screening process for gestational diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. The current screening process is timeconsuming and expensive, requiring mothers to fast overnight and spend several hours in the hospital.

Richards worked with Professor Thornton to develop a quicker, cheaper and more informative test. This could reduce the time and cost of diagnosis, allowing the NHS to screen more pregnant women who are more likely to be at risk of gestational diabetes.

This research found that the new test works effectively with a non-invasive finger-prick blood test, which is easier to administer and more time and cost effective. The new method could also provide health information that helps decrease the risk of pregnant women developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

Another PhD student, Beth Williams, was in the process of understanding how communication between kidney cells changes in diabetes. According to her research, high sugar levels can cause kidney cells to stop communicating with each other, which triggers a harmful

Anna Morris, Assistant Director of Research Strategy and Partnerships at Diabetes UK, says, ‘We’re grateful that the MCF has joined Diabetes UK on our mission to create a world where diabetes can do no harm. This partnership has allowed us to support exceptional scientists starting out in their career, helping to nurture the diabetes research of these rising stars of the future. The projects the MCF has funded will help to make strides across a wide range of research, from diabetes-related kidney problems, to preventing type 2 diabetes and screening for gestational diabetes.’

DIABETES: THE SILENT THREAT

Over 4.9 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to health complications, such as eye, foot or heart problems. Among those diagnosed with diabetes, around 90 per cent have type 2. However, an estimated 850,000 more people are living with type 2 diabetes but are unaware of it.

Scientists are making great strides in finding a treatment for diabetes

Easing the crisis

Freemasonry’s support for Ukraine: one year on

It has been more than a year since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which has taken more than 8,000 civilian lives and led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing their country. The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity) responded quickly and has since kept up the support for those affected through ongoing programmes, thanks to the generosity of Freemasons, their families and friends.

In March last year, after monitoring the growing crisis with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the fi rst donation of £50,000 was awarded to the British Red Cross to support the increasing number of Ukrainian refugees forced out of their country or internally displaced from their homes. This followed the establishment of a dedicated fundraising appeal for the Ukraine Crisis that received huge support, eventually exceeding

£1 million in donations. Less than a month later, with donations continuing to flood into the appeal, a further £500,000 was awarded to five charities to support the work on the ground in Ukraine. Donations of £100,000 each went to the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Plan International UK, The Refugee Council, British Red Cross and the UK for UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency. Freemasonry’s support for Ukraine through the MCF hit the £1 million mark in July 2022. To aid in the provision of immediate support for the 150,000-plus refugees arriving from Ukraine and to assist in the longer-term integration of Ukrainians already in the UK, the remaining £500,000 was awarded to UK Community Foundations. This funding is being directed towards local charities and community organisations actively engaged in these efforts.

The MCF received an update from UK Community Foundations about the progress made in the 10 participating community foundations across England and Wales. By January 2023, £350,000 had been distributed to fund projects that are supporting Ukrainians in the UK with their mental health, employment skills, integration and wellbeing. For example, Sussex Community Foundation has distributed £58,500 in grants to 13 organisations – funding English lessons, delivering IT equipment in connection with employment, SIM cards, and providing accommodation.

The Community Foundations for Lancashire and for Merseyside have distributed £31,500 in grants to four organisations, funding the provision of mental health support and creating a safe place for young Ukrainian people to build on their digital skills.

The MCF kicked off 2023 with a further donation of £106,000 to the British Red Cross’ Families Reunification Programme. This initiative helps individuals who have

sought safety in the UK and have lost contact with their loved ones back in their home country. The British Red Cross International Family Tracing team helps to fi nd missing relatives, with experienced caseworkers, supported by interpreters, fi nding out how people were separated and where they could be. Those looking for loved ones can also upload a photo on the Trace the Face website in the hope that their missing family will recognise them. If found, they will be able to speak to each other by phone.

The British Red Cross can also support families with visa applications and arrange face-to-face reunions with relatives in the UK. Throughout this lengthy process, dedicated caseworkers provide refugees with practical and emotional support. They assist them in coping with the trauma of separation and offer guidance on securing

Responding to need

In February, earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 7.8 struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria, bringing widespread devastation to the region.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity) started planning its response within days of the news, as the death toll rapidly increased. Freemasonry’s generosity enabled the MCF to award a £60,000 grant to the British Red Cross, UK for UNHCR and UNICEF to support their efforts on the ground.

The support allowed relief teams to provide emergency medical treatment, shelter, food, warm blankets and winter kits to survivors who had no choice but to sleep outside in sub-zero temperatures. The extreme weather conditions meant that emergency aid was even more crucial.

accommodation and managing fi nancial matters to promote their overall wellbeing. The Red Cross teams can also help pay for fl ights to the UK for those who cannot afford it.

Most recently, the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding donated £40,000 to the national Ukraine appeal to extend this crucial work. Additionally, the Province has granted an extra £40,000 to aid local charities that are assisting Ukrainians residing in Yorkshire.

Although more than a year has passed since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the impact will undoubtedly be longlasting. Freemasonry and the MCF’s outstanding support for Ukrainians both on the ground and in the UK reached in excess of £1.2 million in just under a year, which is continuing to fund many vital projects that are making a meaningful difference.

‘We’re very grateful for this generous grant, which allowed us to provide immediate emergency relief to people in desperate need,’ says Luke Tredget, Head of Emergencies for the British Red Cross. ‘This disaster has devastated vast areas of both countries and left millions in urgent need of help.’

‘I’m pleased we’ve been able to help the British Red Cross, UNICEF and the UK for UNHCR with their relief effort following this terrible earthquake,’ says Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the MCF. ‘Many thousands of people are in urgent need of assistance and I’m proud that Freemasons are providing essential support to charities on the ground working with survivors.’

Find more about the MCF’s response to disasters around the world at www.mcf.org. uk/FMT62/DisasterRelief or scan the code.

Canterbury for Ukraine Community Foundation event

Life skills through sport

Freemasons help empower disabled young people across the country with county cricket

Super 1s is a cricket programme that provides a fun and inclusive environment for young people with disabilities between the ages of 12 and 25, and is delivered by the Lord’s Taverners charity in partnership with local county cricket boards. The format encourages participants to play cricket with friends, engage in sport with their peers and reduce the likelihood of loneliness and isolation.

Through this initiative, participants can gain more than just cricket skills, as it also focuses on developing important life skills that can boost confidence and self-esteem. The programme has already had a hugely positive impact on the lives of disabled young people, with 92 per cent feeling more active and 89 per cent feeling more able to make friends after taking part in the activities.

Thanks to London Freemasons and the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF, the Freemasons’ charity) a £60,000 grant will fund the improvement of the charity’s resources to deliver the programme, as it aims to take Super 1s to 39 counties across the UK and reach more young people with disabilities through cricket.

The Lord’s Taverners exists to have a positive impact on the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality, working across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive cricket programmes.

‘The impact the programme has on young people living with a disability is life-changing and thanks to your funding we’ll be able to continue improving the Super 1s offer and positively impact the lives of many more young people who need our support,’ says Mark Curtin, CEO of the Lord’s Taverners. ‘A huge thank you on their behalf for your generosity.’

Paul King, from London Freemasons, says he was pleased to support the Lord’s Taverners and the work they do to help young people with disabilities through cricket. ‘Making the game accessible to all is a major challenge, and Super 1s allows young people to make friends, gain confidence, and reach their potential.’

Find out about the MCF is supporting charities, Freemasons and their families in your area by visiting www.mcf.org.uk/FMT62/ impact or scan the QR code.

London Freemasons visit a Super 1s programme in Beckenham

The UGLE globe at a glance

Across the globe

The Districts and Groups of UGLE

District

Bridgetown

District

The

1. CANADA Montreal/Halifax The Group of Lodges in Montreal & Halifax (3 Lodges)

4. SOUTH AMERICA São Paulo/ Rio de Janeiro

District Grand Lodge of South America, Northern Division (21 Lodges) Buenos Aires/ Santiago/Montevideo District Grand Lodge of South America, Southern Division (11 Lodges)

2. CARIBBEAN Kingston/George Town District Grand Lodge of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands (24 Lodges)

Willemstad Igualdad Lodge, No. 653

Port of Spain

Grand Lodge of Trinidad & Tobago (8 Lodges)

Grand Lodge of Barbados & The Eastern Caribbean (21 Lodges)

Georgetown District Grand Lodge of Guyana (15 Lodges)

3. ATLANTIC Nassau District Grand Lodge of Bahamas & Turks (12 Lodges)

District Grand Lodge of Bermuda (5 Lodges)

No. 488

5. EUROPE Portugal

The Group of Lodges in Portugal (4 Lodges)

District Grand Lodge of Gibraltar (9 Lodges)

Group of Lodges in Malta (2 Lodges)

District Grand Lodge of Cyprus (17 Lodges)

Star of the East Lodge, No. 880

Freetown/Banjul

District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone & The Gambia (21 Lodges)

Accra

District Grand Lodge of Ghana (58 Lodges)

Lagos

District Grand Lodge of Nigeria (42 Lodges)

Nairobi

District Grand Lodge of East Africa (48 Lodges)

Johannesburg

District Grand Lodge of South Africa, North (101 Lodges)

Kimberley

District Grand Lodge of South Africa, Central Division (8 Lodges)

Windhoek

District Grand Lodge of Namibia (4 Lodges)

Cape Town

District Grand Lodge of South Africa, Western Division (30 Lodges)

Ndola

District Grand Lodge of Zambia (11 Lodges) Harare/Lilongwe

District Grand Lodge of Zimbabwe & Malawi (12 Lodges)

Durban

District Grand Lodge of Kwazulu-Natal (26 Lodges)

Bloemfontein

District Grand Lodge of Orange Free State (7 Lodges)

Port Elizabeth

District Grand Lodge of South Africa, Eastern Division (28 Lodges)

9.

Mumbai

District Grand Lodge of Bombay (23 Lodges) New Delhi

District Grand Lodge of Northern India (5 Lodges)

Kolkata

District Grand Lodge of Bengal (23 Lodges)

Chennai

District Grand Lodge of Madras (18 Lodges)

Colombo

District Grand Lodge of Sri Lanka (10 Lodges)

11. AUSTRALIA

Albany

Plantagenet Lodge, No. 1454

Melbourne Combermere Lodge, No. 752

Tully

Geraldton Lodge, No. 3544

Gladstone Port Curtis Lodge, No. 2235

Kuala Lumpur/ Singapore/Thailand

District Grand Lodge of Eastern Archipelago (40 Lodges)

Hong Kong/Kobe

District Grand Lodge of Hong Kong & The Far East (20 Lodges)

Vanuatu/Fiji

The Group of Lodges in the South West Pacific (3 Lodges)

Rabaul

Rabaul Lodge, No. 4468

Christchurch

District Grand Lodge of South Island, New Zealand (13 Lodges)

Auckland

District Grand Lodge of North Island, New Zealand (24 Lodges)

8. SOUTHERN AFRICA

6. WEST AFRICA

7. EAST AFRICA

THE SUBCONTINENT

10. THE FAR EAST

12. NEW ZEALAND

Accra Lagos

Dar es Salaam

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e-masons

@freemasonry2day

@ugle_grandlodge

@grandchapter

Tell us what’s on your mind

FreemasonryToday

UnitedGrandLodgeofEngland

SupremeGrandChapter

9 March

@PGLNorthWales

29 January

@BerksPGL

At the Holocaust Memorial Day Service held at the West Berkshire Council Offices in Market Street Newbury. The PGM was joined by Rabbi Zvi Solomons to light candles in remembrance of the Holocaust victims.

28 February

@ProvCornwall

Today our Provincial Grand Communications Officer is at @UGLE_GrandLodge for the PCO Forum 23 to learn how we can better understand comms and help gain and retain our membership.

1 March

@CambsMasons

Congratulations to the Officers and Companions of St Andrew Chapter No. 4087 who celebrated their 200th meeting

Prestatyn Lodge No. 7020 continue their programme of donations to local charities by giving £400 to the Cuddles Baby Unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital. This donation was match funded by the North Wales Freemasons Charity, making a total donation of £800.

@unitedgrandlodgeofengland

@freemasonrytoday

@freemasonsha ll

of great advice and tips on messaging and promoting all that is positive about #Freemasonry

23 March

@UGLE_GrandLodge

It was a pleasure to welcome @Lord_Sugar, @karren_brady & @TC_MBE to @FreemasonsHall for the @bbcapprentice final. We hope you enjoyed your visit!

25 March

@Shaun_UGLE

10 March

@Dorsetprovcomms

Silver Past Master’s Jewel. Dorset #Freemasons Poole, meeting since 1765. The year HMS Victory was relaunched and 40 years before the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson was aged seven. Discover history in Dorset. Dorset-freemasonry. org @Shayonthesquare

11 March

@WarksFreemasons

PGM zip wire challenge

@2023Festival. All survived!

Craft, Royal Arch & Mark!

£12,826 raised! Thank you everyone!

Coming up in the Summer Edition of @Freemasonry2day – an exclusive interview with David Medlock and Steven Varley, the two Assistant Grand Masters of @UGLE_ GrandLodge! @PGLSomerset @DerbysFreemason

@EssexFreemasons

In Essex, we like to blow our own trumpets. That’s why we have a Provincial Fanfare team.

2 April

@DerbysFreemason

We had a distinguished guest visiting us in the Province of #Derbyshire @UGLE_ GrandLodge

@stalphege4095

All progressive offices now Light Blue. Looking forward to another happy year.

@BathFreemasons

@PGLSomerset

3 April

@PGLSomerset

Somerset #Freemasons recently donated £10,000 to the #DukeofEdinburgh Scheme Bursary to support underprivileged young people taking part in the Scheme. @SomersetOofE @DofE

10 April

@LondonMasons

London Mason’s cycle round trip to Edinburgh raises over £3,400 for local hospice. Well done Jason!

last night in Whittlesey. A fine Exaltation was followed by an interesting presentation on the history of the Chapter. Past, present and future all represented!

16 March

@monmasons

An insightful Communications Academy webinar by the @UGLE_GrandLodge Comms Team for @monmasons. Lots

26 March

@DistrictLeone

Attending the Annual District Grand Convocation of Ghana on Saturday 25th March 2023

thēsauros

FMT’s pick of the unusual, striking or just plain fascinating

Oliver’s curious snuff box

A recent addition to the Museum of Freemasonry collection, this eight-sided wood and metal snuff box is etched with Masonic symbolism. Probably made in Glasgow in 1869, the reverse features metal machinery being worked by two people and the slogan ‘Success to the Iron Trade’. The name on the box is Oliver Summers. Was he its owner or maker? And was he a Freemason?

Image: Museum of Freemasonary