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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Events such as the Quiz Night demonstrate Cymbeline Lodge’s commitment not only to fundraising, but also to strengthening links with the local community. The Lodge was delighted to see such strong support from local organisations and friends, and the evening proved to be a memorable and enjoyable occasion for all who attended.

A special thank you must be given to W.Bro Peter Gehnich and his wife, Sue, for organising and running the event and to everyone who assisted on the night.

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

MYTH:
"Freemasonry is an Old Mans Club"

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

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

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

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

Freemasons often wear white gloves during lodge meetings and ceremonies as a symbol of purity of conduct and integrity of action. The use of gloves has historical roots in both operative stonemasonry and European social customs. In operative contexts, gloves protected the hands of craftsmen working with rough stone, while in speculative Freemasonry they became a symbolic garment representing the idea that a Mason’s actions should be clean, honest, and free from moral stain. The colour white, long associated with innocence and virtue, reinforces this symbolic meaning.

The presentation of white gloves to a candidate is a traditional feature in many Masonic jurisdictions, particularly in European and English traditions. During initiation, the gloves are sometimes explained as a reminder that a Mason’s hands should only be used for honourable and charitable purposes. In some traditions, candidates may also receive a second pair intended to be given to a woman they respect; historically described as a wife, mother, or close relative, as a gesture recognising the importance of moral support and virtue beyond the lodge.

While the exact customs vary between Grand Lodges, white gloves remain a visible and widely recognised part of Masonic attire in many parts of the world. They are typically worn with formal dress during lodge meetings and ceremonies, especially in European lodges, though their use is less common in some North American jurisdictions. Regardless of local practice, the symbolism remains consistent: the gloves serve as a reminder that Freemasonry places strong emphasis on ethical conduct, honourable labour, and the moral cleanliness of one’s deeds.

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

WHAT A WEEK !!!

Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue - Spring Into Freemasonry !

9 lodges took part seeing 10 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province - A BIG week.

Bucks Emergency Services, Christopher, Denham Green, St Peter & St Paul, Fairway, Burke, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks Football and Seer Green

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

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

On Saturday the 7th of March the Provincial Grand Master RW. Tim Anders attended a 100th Birthday Luncheon for W Bro. Norman Hide, which was attended by Masonic Brethren friends and family.

Norman had a very distinguished career in the Army and then the Foreign Office serving in Pakistan the Middle East, Helsinki and Moscow to mention just a few of his postings. 

On the 8th of January 1970 Norman Frederick Hide joined Freemasonry in The Stewart Lodge no.1960 in the District of Pakistan. Which makes this Normans 56th year in Freemasonry. On his return to England, he joined Wineslai Lodge No.2435. Where He served as Junior and Senior Deacon, Junior and Senior Warden and then in 2003 became the Worshipful Master, after a year as Immediate Past Master he took on the office of Lodge Almoner and served for 5years. On the 26th of October he received a first Provincial appointment to Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon the highest first appointment that can be awarded.

It came as a huge surprise to Norman when The Provincial Grand Master to mark his service to Freemasonry and commemorate his 100th Birthday carried out an infield promotion appointing Norman as Past Provincial Grand Register investing him with the Badge and Jewel of his Office marking his service to Freemasonry and commemorate his 100thBirthday.

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

MYTH:
"Freemasonry Takes Up All Your Time"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Plenty of Freemasons have full-time jobs, families, hobbies, and other commitments. Lodges always stress that family, work, and personal life come first. Freemasonry is very much a “you get out what you put in” kind of thing and is flexible to allow this.

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

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

Feasting has long been an important social and ceremonial element within Freemasonry, rooted in the convivial traditions of medieval and early modern craft guilds from which the fraternity developed. In operative stonemasonry and early speculative lodges, shared meals helped foster fellowship, equality, and goodwill among members. Over time, this custom became formalized within Masonic culture as an integral complement to lodge meetings and ceremonies, reinforcing bonds of fraternity beyond the ritual work itself.

The meal traditionally associated with a lodge meeting is known in many English-speaking jurisdictions as the Festive Board, and in England it is most commonly held after the ceremony or lodge meeting rather than before. The Festive Board is not merely a casual dinner but a structured social occasion, often following a set order and etiquette. In English practice in particular, the Festive Board developed into a formalised continuation of the evening or afternoon, reflecting the strong emphasis placed on decorum, tradition, and communal harmony within lodge life.

A traditional Festive Board typically consists of a meal of multiple courses, accompanied by formal toasts and, in some lodges, songs or musical responses. The toasts are made to figures and principles important within Freemasonry, such as the monarch, the Grand Lodge, visiting brethren, and absent members, and are intended to express loyalty, gratitude, and goodwill. While modern lodges may simplify the format to suit contemporary lifestyles, the Festive Board remains a meaningful expression of Masonic fellowship, where ritual formality gives way to relaxed companionship, conversation, and shared celebration.

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

Six Seven"

And we march on into March with our recruitment drive.  A busy week with 6 lodges at 6 different masonic centres taking part seeing 7 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province:

St Barnabus, Old Wycombensian, Royal Thames, Watling Street, Chilterns, and Princes Risborough

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

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

MYTH:
"Freemasons Only Donate to Themselves, to Help Themselves"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Freemasons donate millions of pounds each year to support a variety of charitable causes and help their local communities

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

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

Freemason Tracing Boards are symbolic illustrated designs used in lodge rooms to visually represent the key themes, symbols, and lessons of a particular Masonic degree. Historically, these designs were first drawn on the floor of the lodge room in chalk or charcoal and erased after the ceremony, but over time they evolved into painted or printed boards for convenience and preservation. Each degree has its own tracing board, and the images act as a visual aid to help candidates and members better understand the allegorical teachings conveyed during the ritual.

An accompanying lecture is traditionally delivered to explain the various elements depicted on the tracing board and how they relate to the ceremony. This lecture interprets the symbols in moral and philosophical terms, using allegory to communicate ideas about personal development, duty, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Many of these symbolic narratives draw on stories and imagery from the Hebrew Bible (often called the Old Testament), particularly the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which serves as a central allegorical framework in Freemasonry. However, the lessons are intended to be universal and ethical rather than doctrinal or sectarian.

While tracing boards are most strongly associated with British and Commonwealth Masonic traditions, their use and style vary by jurisdiction. Different artistic schools, such as the well-known designs popularised in the 18th and 19th centuries, emphasise different visual motifs and levels of complexity. In modern lodges, tracing boards remain an important teaching tool, helping to connect spoken ritual with visual symbolism and reinforcing the moral and philosophical lessons imparted to candidates at each stage of their Masonic journey.

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

Last week we saw our current membership drive up and down the Province continue - Spring Into Freemasonry !

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

Wolverton Trinity, Wendover and Misbourne

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

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

On Tuesday this week, Buckinghamshire Freemasons were asked to assist at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Flame Lighting Ceremony, providing car park marshals and general assistance to all those attending the event.  

Our Provincial Grand Master and his lovely wife along with 20 brethren from the Province answered the call, attending site early for the preparations and remaining until the last person had left.  Another act of Freemasonry in The Community, that we as a Province are proud to be part of week in - week out.

Letter from Wheel Power:

"Thank you for everything you and Buckinghamshire Freemasons contributed to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Flame Lighting Ceremony yesterday. Your coordination of the volunteer team made an enormous difference, and it was clear throughout the day just how much care and commitment everyone brought to the event.
 
Please pass on my gratitude to all the volunteers involved. p

Their willingness to give their time, and to do so with such positivity helped create an atmosphere that made the ceremony both smooth‑running and truly memorable. We’re incredibly fortunate to have your continued support, not just for major events like this one, but throughout the year.
 
Thank you again, for everything you’ve done and continue to do. I am immensely grateful, and I hope the whole team enjoyed being part of such a significant moment for Stoke Mandeville and the Paralympic Movement."
 
From all of Buckinghamshire Freemasons - "GOOD LUCK TEAM GB"

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

MYTH:
"Freemasons Only Look After Their Own"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Freemasonry is a fraternity that has its roots firmly in the ground to help both financially and with time, community projects, charities, societies and groups all for the greater good.

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

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

Masonic lodges are traditionally democratic in their internal governance, with decisions made collectively by the members rather than imposed by authority. One of the most distinctive methods used for certain decisions—particularly the admission of new candidates—is the secret ballot. This ballot commonly employs two contrasting tokens, historically white and black balls (or sometimes cubes), placed into a ballot box by each voting member. A white ball signifies approval, while a black ball signifies objection, allowing members to vote freely and without fear of reprisal.

In many Masonic jurisdictions, especially those following older traditions, the ballot for a candidate must be unanimous for acceptance, meaning that a single black ball is sufficient to prevent admission. This practice reflects Freemasonry’s emphasis on harmony within the lodge, ensuring that no member is compelled to associate closely with someone they find unsuitable. From this custom comes the widely used terms “blackballed” and “blackballing,” which entered general English usage to describe exclusion from a group through an anonymous negative vote.

While the terminology remains well known, the act of blackballing a candidate has become relatively rare in modern Freemasonry. Contemporary lodges place strong emphasis on careful vetting, open discussion, and character assessment before a name ever reaches the ballot, reducing the likelihood of surprise objections. As a result, the black ball today functions more as a safeguard of last resort than a routine tool of exclusion, preserving both the democratic nature of lodge decision-making and the fraternity’s commitment to mutual respect and harmony.

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

3-4-5
3rd Week, 4 Lodges, 5 New Brothers.

Last week we saw our current Spring Into Freemasonry membership drive up and down the Province continue.

4 lodges took part seeing 5 new brothers join the Buckinghamshire Province:

Scientific, Hershel, Burnham Abbey and St Lawrence

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

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

MYTH:
"Freemasons Have to Give A Proportion of Their Salary to Charity"

THE FACTS:
FALSE - Freemasonry at its core is very community & charity based, BUT, a member is to only donate what time & money they can afford. No dictation, expectation or judgement is made on how much this is.

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

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