Calibre audio: Charity Number 286614 was founded in 1974 to provide audio
Books for people of all ages who are unable to read the printed word which can
be due to visual impairment, special educational needs or challenges in
dexterity with conditions such as dyslexia, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
Many are children with SEN and older members with age related visual
impairment which can lead to isolation, their service brings comfort and
companionship and a connection with the outside world. They also supply
streaming and download options and support 396 Members across
Buckinghamshire.

BMCF have Donated £1,000 to buy new memory sticks and were sent the
following Testimonial:

“Our current crop of memory sticks is starting to show their age, so we thank
Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund who very generously awarded us a grant of
£1,000 which will help us to continue our quick turnround of audiobooks. Many
thanks, we really appreciate your support and so will our beneficiaries in the
country.”

Carol Hart

As John Clark prepares to step down as the Provincial Grand Master for Buckinghamshire on March 18, 2025, the Freemasons of the Province reflect on his impactful tenure. Over the past 7½ years, under his leadership, Buckinghamshire has not only become the fastest-growing and best-performing Province in the United Grand Lodge of England but has also left a lasting legacy on its members.

A Vision for Growth
John Clark's leadership was characterised by his vision for expansion. He tackled the membership challenge directly, stating, "Membership is the lifeblood of our organisation. Without a strong membership base, all other aspects of our work suffer." His strategy, developed with his team, focused on innovative marketing and engagement to attract and retain members. This approach led to four consecutive years of growth, underscoring the effectiveness of his initiatives.

Family and Freemasonry
John’s passion for Freemasonry extended into his personal life, witnessing the progression of his sons, Jack and David, within the Craft. "Seeing my sons take on progressive roles within Freemasonry has been one of the greatest joys of my tenure," he shared. Both sons have not only been initiated but have also served as Provincial Stewards, Masters, and then Secretaries of their respective lodges, demonstrating their commitment and leadership.

Innovative Initiatives
John's tenure wasn't just about numbers; it was about enhancing the Masonic experience. Inspired by him, "Project Transform" was launched to upgrade lodge room facilities and ceremonies. "We wanted to make Freemasonry not just a tradition but a theatrical experience," he explained. This project aimed to make ceremonies more engaging and meaningful.

A Digital Leap Forward
Recognising the need for a modern approach, John's team introduced a digital platform for managing membership enquiries, streamlining data, and improving executive reporting. This system, known as HeliPAD, was pivotal during the lockdown when traditional methods were impractical. Its success led the United Grand Lodge of England’s IT team under Past Bucks Deputy Hugh Douglas-Smyth to develop Portal, a comprehensive system amalgamating various administrative functions.

Community and Engagement
John fostered a vibrant community spirit through innovative engagement during the lockdown, hosting "Zoom Into Freemasonry" calls, family quiz nights, and virtual pub gatherings. "We had to adapt," John remarked, noting these events not only maintained interest but also boosted membership inquiries.

Hallstone Milestones
His leadership led to significant achievements:
• BIG 100: Initiating over 100 candidates in a day at Freemasons' Hall, London.
• Pretty BIG: Inspiring 17 lodges over seven days at seven meeting centres to initiate 30 new Freemasons. John attended all 17 meetings.
• BIG 1-2-3: Celebrating 150 first, second, and third degrees in one day at Grand Lodge. John personally raised 40 candidates on this day at Freemasons Hall.
• 12DX: Conducting 150 initiations over three consecutive Christmas seasons, known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Looking to the Future
As he retires in March, John leaves a Province revitalised with new standards of growth and engagement. His successor, W. Bro. Tim Anders, will be installed on March 19, 2025. "I am confident that Tim will have your support to keep the momentum going," John said, promising his continuous support to Tim and his wife, Steph. He also congratulated Bill Smithson, the incoming Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM) designate, previously held by Tim Anders.

A Grateful Farewell
In his final message, John expressed his gratitude: "It has been my great privilege to lead this outstanding Province. Together, we have transformed our organisation from 30 years of decline to become the fastest-growing and best-performing Province in the United Grand Lodge of England. I extend my deepest thanks to all who have contributed to our ongoing success."

John Clark's legacy is one of growth, innovation, and family, revitalising the Province and setting a tradition that will inspire future generations. As he steps down in March, the Freemasons of Buckinghamshire will bid him farewell, wishing him and his wife, Sarah, health and happiness in their future endeavours.

This week, eight lodges in Buckinghamshire have initiated 14 new members into Freemasonry.
Our centres in Aylesbury, Marlow, Slough, Beaconsfiled, Wolverton, Stony Stratford, and Bletchley all celebrated 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) in style, with a final total of sixty initiations being conducted in the season.

There were many amazing highlights, including triple initations at both Temple Manor Lodge and Dagmar Lodge. 
Newly made Bro Toby was initiated into Temple Manor Lodge by his father, in the company of his uncle and grandfather. 

In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons have presented the 'Gift of Freemasonry' to over 150 people during the last three seasons of 12DX. Over 80 lodges have participated in this annual event. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

One Can Trust, Registered Charity Number 1148626 has operated a Food Bank and offer advice to struggling families in high Wycombe since 2011 to serve the Town and the wider area of South Buckinghamshire. They have since expanded to hold two Toddler Groups, a Children & Adults Clothes Bank, Community Café and Anti Natal Class

BMCF have donated £2,000 which will go towards ensuring that deprived families with children receive support including Children’s Presents over Christmas and have recently received the following Testimonial:

Christmas is a particularly difficult time for many of our clients and last year so many asked for help with Christmas decorations, food and even gifts for their children. We found the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund on-line. The application process was very simple and we were delighted to hear back quickly that our application of £2000 had been granted. This money will allow us to have a Christmas Fund that we can draw upon to provide much needed gifts and festive items for the many families who simply cannot afford Christmas this year.

We cannot thank the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund enough for their support this year. It is going to make such a difference to so many.

Thank you

Kim, Carrie and Shannon. 

RICHARD PRYOR

The first recipient of the prestigious annual Mark Twain Humour Prize in 1998, Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III was an influential and popular American comedian.

A veteran of 40 films between 1967 and 1991, he has been featured in four films, Live and Smokin', Richard Pryor Live in Concert, Richard Pryor Live on Sunset Strip, and Here and Now. His recordings have earned him two platinum albums, five gold albums, and five Grammys.

Pryor spent a short time in the U.S. Military from 1958 to 1960.

While living in Peoria in the early 1980's Pryor would join Henry Brown Lodge No. 22.
In 1963 Pryor moved to New York and began appearing regularly in Night Clubs with artists such as Bob Dylan and performers such as Woody Allen. At the time Pryor was inspired by Bill Cosby and his comedy was more middlebrow in comparison to the material that he would use later in his career.

In 1969 Pryor headed to California and signed with the record label Laff Records. In 1973 Pryor appeared in a documentary called Wattstax, in the film he riffed on the tragic-comic absurdities of race relations in Watts and through out the nation.

In 1974 Pryor would release his third album with the record label Stax that he had signed with the year before. Laff claimed that they owned all of Pryor's material and attempted to block the release. After negotiations the album was released. Pryor's third album would be certified gold by RIAA and won a Grammy for Best Comedic Recording at the 1975 Grammy's.

In the 1970's Pryor also began working in television as a writer and would receive an Emmy for some of his work.
In 1986 Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.). In 2005 Pryor would pass away from a heart attack in Los Angles.

He is listed as number 1 on Comedy Central's list of greatest stand-up comedians.

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

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

This week, ten lodges in Buckinghamshire have initiated 15 new members into Freemasonry.
Our centres in Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Slough, and Newport Pagnell all celebrated 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) in style, and our running total now sits at 48 initiations.

There were many amazing highlights, including bell ringing at the Festive Board at Old Pals Lodge in Slough by volunteers from Friends of Langley Park.

We also welcomed a new member to the Lodge of Concorde; Bro. Paul embarked on his Masonic journey with the help of the Lodge's airside safety unit, complete with ceremonial marshalling paddles at the ready. 

In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the 'Gift of Freemasonry' to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

The superstition that Friday the 13th is unlucky may have become associated with Freemasonry through the Knights Templar, a group that is said to have discovered secrets of the Masons: 

The Knights Templar
According to conspiracy theorists, the Knights Templar discovered information about the Holy Grail and the bloodline of Christ, and may have had connections with Freemasons. In 1307, King Philip IV ordered the arrest of de Molay and other Knight Templar leaders which then led to the torture & execution of Templars in a number of European countries on Friday, October 13. This date is said to have influenced the superstition of Friday the 13th

Founded around 1118 as a monastic military order devoted to the protection of pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land following the Christian capture of Jerusalem during the First Crusade, the Knights Templar quickly became one of the richest and most influential groups of the Middle Ages, thanks to lavish donations from the crowned heads of Europe, eager to curry favour with the fierce Knights. By the turn of the 14th century, the Templars had established a system of castles, churches and banks throughout Western Europe. And it was this astonishing wealth that would lead to their downfall.

For the Templars, that end began in the early morning hours of Friday, October 13, 1307.

In the days and weeks that followed that fateful Friday, more than 600 Templars were arrested, including Grand Master Jacques de Molay, and the Order’s treasurer. But while some of the highest-ranking members were caught up in Philip’s net, so too were hundreds of non-warriors; middle-aged men who managed the day-to-day banking and farming activities that kept the organization humming. The men were charged with a wide array of offenses including heresy, devil worship and spitting on the cross, homosexuality, fraud and financial corruption.

In the spring of 1314, Grand Master Molay and several other Templars were burned at the stake in Paris, bringing an end to their remarkable era, and launching an even longer-lasting theory about the evil possibilities of Friday the 13th.

This week seven lodges in Buckinghamshire have delivered the Gift of Freemasonry to their candidates.
Our centres in Aylesbury, Bletchley, Marlow, Slough, Thame and Wolverton all celebrated 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) in style.
There were many amazing highlights, including the annual hat-wearing dinner at Haddenham Lodge. We extend our congratulations to everyone involved in the raucous carol singing at the festive board! Kudos to our Provincial Junior Grand Warden for delivering a stunning solo rendition of "In the Bleak Midwinter" to a hip-hop beat.

In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research Charity Number 1183744 was founded in 2006, (SMSR) is an independent, national charity seeking to promote quality of life in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) through research. Our vision is to enable people with spinal cord injury to have life after paralysis without the setbacks of debilitating health complications. They work closely with the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) and other healthcare settings to help deliver the best research outcomes that will improve the quality of life for those living with SCI.

BMCF have donated £1,000 towards new equipment for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) functions controlled by the cerebral cortex and have recently received the following Testimonial:

The research team is using ‘transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)’, a non-invasive medical procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain in order to determine how well TMS can assess the extent of damage to the neural pathways. The upgraded equipment for which Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research has been raising funds will allow them to do this in greater depth and with greater accuracy, thus helping them tailor activity-based rehabilitation to each individual’s need . We are most grateful to the Trustees of the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund for their interest and support of our efforts to improve the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury. Your generous gift of £1,000 has gone towards the purchase of new equipment for a study involving 44 patients with tetraplegia at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke.

The Photos include Dr. Paul Sutton and Rowan Boyles both of Imperial College London

Karen Favell    

NAT KING COLE

In 1944, Nathaniel Adams Coles (A.K.A Nat King Cole) joined Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49 in California, a Prince Hall lodge named after jazz musician Fats Waller. He later became a Scottish Rite Freemason and a 32nd Degree Mason. 

Cole's commitment to bringing people together through his music demonstrated his Masonic values. When criticized for playing to segregated audiences as a young man, he said, “I may be helping to bring harmony between people through my music”

Cole was born in Montgomery, Alabama on March 17th, 1919. When he was four years old the family moved to Chicago, Illinois where his father became a Baptist minister. His mother, who was the church organist, began teaching Cole how to play the organ. Shortly after he gave his first performance of Yes! We have no bananas. He began formal lessons at the age of 12. He eventually learned gospel, jazz and Western classical music. He attended Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago. At night he snuck out to listen to music outside clubs.

It was in the 1930's Cole began his performing career. He also adopted the stage name of Nat Cole. His older brother eventually join Cole's band. It was during this time Cole added King in his name. It is believed it was reinforced by the nursery rhyme of Old King Cole.

His recording of "The Christmas Song" still receives airplay every holiday season, even hitting the Billboard Top 40 in December 2017. In 2020, Cole was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

In 1991, Natalie Cole recorded a new vocal track that was mixed with her father's 1961 stereo re-recording of his 1951 hit "Unforgettable" 

If you would like to be part of a global community that has and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link:

https://buckspgl.org/join
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Lodges in Buckinghamshire have delivered the Gift of Freemasonry to six wonderful people this week! A warm welcome to you all!
Our centres in Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, Little Kimble, Marlow, and Slough all celebrated 12DX (the Twelve Days of Christmas) in style.
There were many amazing highlights, including Bro. Robbie acting as Junior Deacon to escort his father, Bro. Gordon, around the lodge and be the first to welcome him into Freemasonry! We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Bro. Gordon as a new Freemason and Robbie on his newfound status as a Lewis!

In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to 65 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

12DX (the Twelve Days of Christmas) was celebrated in our centres in Marlow, Winslow, Slough, and Beaconsfield. There were many amazing highlights, including the visit from a familiar character of the season joining members of New Urban Loadge at their meeting in Winslow.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to 65 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

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

This is the diary for the coming month.

In the last week, 8 lodges have held ten initiation ceremonies in Marlow, Stony Stratford, Beaconsfield, Slough, Bletchley, and Aylesbury. There were many great highlights, including the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion joining members of Chenies Lodge for the last post at their meeting in Beaconsfield.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Liberté chérie (French for "Cherished Liberty") was a Masonic Lodge founded in 1943 by Belgian Resistance fighters and other political prisoners at Esterwegen concentration camp. It was one of the few lodges of Freemasons founded within a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War.

The lodge was created on November 15th, 1943 inside Hut 6 of Emslandlager VII and located in Esterwegen, Lower Saxony, Germany.

Paul Hanson was elected master. The brethren met for lodge work in Hut 6 around a table, which was otherwise used for cartridge sorting. A Catholic priest stood watch, so that the brethren could hold their meetings, and protected their secrecy.

The seven Freemasons who created the lodge were:

Paul Hanson, Luc Somerhausen, Jean Sugg, Franz Rochat, Guy Hannecart, Amédée Miclotte, and Degueldre.

Last night saw the first initiation of Bro Neill at a wonderful kick off meeting.
In total, Buckinghamshire Freemasons will present the gift of Freemasonry to over 60 people during the season. Over 40 lodges are participating between now and the 19th of December. 
At last night's meeting, we enjoyed a superbly delivered ceremony in a beautiful lodge room. This was followed by an incredible dining experience which culminated in fine speeches and a dessert of Crème Brulé paired with a Bad Kitty dark porter by  
The star prize in the raffle was some of The Master's Brew, which dates back to 2019! Rare and exquisite beyond belief.
Hughenden Lodge meets in Marlow, Bucks, and is always looking for new people to join them..
If you live in the Buckinghamshire area and share the lodges' appreciation for craft beer and real ale, why not follow in Neill's footsteps and join the lodge? You can contact the lodge here: https://hughendenlodge.org.uk/

For general enquiries about joining:
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Prominent scientist, inventor, and civic activist, the United States founding father Benjamin Franklin is perhaps one of the most famous Freemasons. Alongside his duties as Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin formulated theories of positive and negative electrical charges and invented the lightning rod and bifocal glasses.
Franklin lived to be eighty-five years old. Sixty of those years as a Freemason; he lived and wrote and practiced the principles of the Order.

Franklin was initiated into Masonry in 1731; probably at the February meeting of St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia. The esteem in which he was held is evidenced by the fact that he was elected Grand Master just a few short years later in 1735.

According to Old Masonic and family traditions, the cornerstone of the Statehouse in Philadelphia
(Independence Hall), built while Franklin was Grand Master, was laid by him and the Brethren of St. John’s Lodge.

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

After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch. 

Ready to be part of something extraordinary? Our annual 12DX (Twelve Days of Christmas) membership event returns this winter. Our lodges will be welcoming over 60 new Brothers into Freemasonry across November and December! There are still plenty of Lodges in Buckinghamshire ready to welcome you in as part of 12DX.
Why Join Now?
• Be part of a centuries-old tradition
• Join a global brotherhood of like-minded people
• Discover personal growth and development
• Make lifelong friendships
• Support charitable causes

Who Can Join?
Men aged 18+ who are interested in:
• Personal development
• Making a positive impact
• Building meaningful connections

With 116 lodges across Buckinghamshire, you'll find the perfect fit for your journey into Freemasonry.
✨ Take the first step in your Masonic journey this winter ✨

Interested in learning more?
Contact our Membership team today to discover how Freemasonry can enrich your life.
If you are based in Buckinghamshire, please use this link: https://buckspgl.org/joinFor people elsewhere in the UK and around the world, please use this link: https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../find-your-nearest.../lookup-area

Twice a year we hold a Bring a Friend event, where current Buckinghamshire Masons can bring a friend / colleague / family member to find out more and ask questions.

Our most recent event was held at the Slough Masonic Centre and focused on some of the province's special interest lodges.

Dozens of brethren arrived at the centre to begin the setup as early as 7 am!  

The teams got to work setting up their promotional tables for the afternoons event, but at approximately 9 am work ceased and the brethren Moved upstairs to the temple for an early meeting of the Buckinghamshire classic car Lodge featuring the fantastic project transform in all its splendour.

Upon completion of the ceremony and Lodge closure, the brethren then retired downstairs to finalise any tables that required setting up but also tuck into a hearty hot buffet style lunch and were able to meet and greet the guests who had began arriving at noon. The guests had time to casually walk around each of the Lodge displays and engage in conversation with the brethren,  the Special interest lodges had set up their tables with promotional information, photographs and videos to provide a visual representation of what their lodges had to offer around the edges of the hall.

At 1 pm, everyone assembled in the main dining hall, which was laid out like a theatre, for the presentation to begin. John King, one of the provincial executives opened the day greeting the guests and brethren before handing over to Lee Buckingham & John Palman who look after the communications and membership side of the province.  Matthew Perkins then delivered a detailed explanation of the charity side of Freemasonry, covering International, National and Provincial aspects of what we do.

On completion of the presentation carried out band an open question & answers session the guests were then taken up into the temple for a insight into what happens inside a meeting with a further question and answer session. 

Once this was over they returned back downstairs and continued conversations with the numerous lodges that were on display with the event finally drawing to a close at around 3 pm.

A lot of work went into delivering this day, the reward being a lot of the guests signing up to take their enquiries further.


On June 29, Buckinghamshire Freemasons held their BIG 1-2-3 event at Freemasons' Hall 👏

Over 650 attendees witnessed 75 Initiations, 36 Second Degrees, and 39 Master Masons being Raised in one (very organised) day 🤯

Fourteen months of meticulous planning went into this one day to ensure every detail was perfect. Despite the scale of the event, there was no compromise on quality or impact. Each ritual was performed with the same care, precision, and dedication, ensuring every Candidate experienced the full significance of Freemasonry's timeless traditions 🤝

Read all about it on our blog⏬
🔗https://i.mtr.cool/dzckkmnnnr