It was with the greatest sadness that the United Grand Lodge of England learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our longest serving British Sovereign.

Queen Elizabeth’s father, His late Majesty King George VI and her consort, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, were both Freemasons.  Her cousin, HRH The Duke of Kent, has been Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1967, and will be sending a message of condolence on behalf of all English Freemasons to His Majesty The King.  Another of her cousins, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, has been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales since 1982, and an announcement is being made from Mark Masons’ Hall.

God Save The King.

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MetGL&GC are moving forward with a strategy that takes us through to 2025. At its heart, it seeks to serve our members and support all Lodges and Chapters to engage with existing, as well as attracting new members. One initiative that sits within those plans is the Special Interest Lodges (SILs).

The idea is not new. Many existing Lodges and Chapters have a thematic rather than geographic background. They have always been about the pursuit and pleasure of combining two passions. We all have many areas which fascinate us, and when we share a hobby or interest, it can be the magical glue that excites and invigorates a Lodge or Chapter. There will be hobbies and sports, in addition to work fields such as the military or the emergency services, which we want to share.

Everyone understands that Brethren and Companions should attend meetings for the sheer delight and pleasure that they bring. Simply chatting and discussing the ins and outs of a favourite rugby team, a Grand Prix or a golf hole-in-one brings enormous pleasure to the participants, at the same time as helping to cement the Masonic bond between them.

It provides a wonderful opportunity to attract new members with a similar interest or for an unattached Mason to re-engage. It can also be a popular option for a Brother’s second Lodge to combine a pastime with their Masonic hobby.

The new SILs also focus on driving external awareness through modern communication channels, especially social media. The SILs can have social events, ‘white table’ possibilities with guest speakers, theme-specific venues and group visits. They also lend themselves more naturally to making Freemasonry more engaging and enjoyable for its members, as the future Formula One Lodge members will verify!

Some Lodges may feel they have lost their allure and wish to reinvigorate and find a fresh direction. They could look to forming a SIL. It takes just one Brother to come up with a viable idea, that light bulb moment, to change the fortunes of an ailing Lodge and save the Warrant from the Grand Secretary’s shredder.

The Process

It is fair to say that SILs are not for the faint-hearted and cannot be set up ‘on a whim’. The process is considerable and requires a team of dedicated Masons to bring it into existence.

Anyone wishing to set up a SIL needs to work through the process detailed in the “Takeover Initiative” document. Once you have identified your special interest, firstly, ascertain from the pdf whether a similar Lodge already exists, because there are already Lodges for many interests and hobbies such as architecture, cigars, baking, music and teetotalling, as well as many more you may not know about. If one exists that shares your interest, approach them and see if you can join.

If not, please approach your Inspector, through your VO, and suggest one might be formed. The Inspector can then contact the SILs team and start the process. The team will help widen your research, form a strategy, advise on the way forward, open a dialogue with the receiving Lodge and shepherd you through the process.

We suggest that a MetGInsp or other Met Ruler is included within the ‘core Lodge vanguard’ to encourage and support all aspects of the transition process, assist you in getting approvals and collate a MetGL-wide overview of the potential SIL’s  long-term success. Simply put, he will make the process a lot easier and quicker to navigate.

In the last twelve months, we have moved forward with new Lodges centred around Formula  One, Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Social Media (Twitter), Communications & Marketing and Craft Beer. These Lodges are already thriving with a growing membership, initiates, and unattached Masons among their numbers. There are plans in the short term to introduce or reinvigorate Lodges with these themes: Boxing, Classic Cars, Fishing, Bikers, Cycling and a London Lodge with a Scottish basis.

So please do get in touch if you are:

– An existing London Mason, or currently unattached, and you would like to combine your hobby with Freemasonry and join an additional Lodge.

• – A Lodge or group of Masons looking for a new direction who would like to start a SIL.
• = An existing and long-standing London Lodge that has, or would like to have, a special interest theme, and you would like to reinvigorate your Lodge and attract new members.
• – An existing London Mason or currently unattached, and you would like to combine your hobby with Freemasonry and join an additional Lodge.
•  
• – A Lodge or group of Masons looking for a new direction who would like to start a SIL.
•  
• – An existing and long-standing London Lodge that has or would like to have a special interest theme, and you would like to reinvigorate your Lodge and attract new members.

I would be delighted to set up some informal sessions with the team to see how we can help.

There is more information, documentation and a SILs breakdown on Rosetta in the MetGSec’s Takeover Initiative pdf.

www.rosetta.london/key-initiatives/special-interest-lodges

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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Summer is here, and I hope you are having a good time, whatever you do. The Masonic year may be over, but, oh my, did it get busy since spring! It is like everybody was raring to catch up on lost time. If the last few months are anything to judge by, next year promises to be very exciting. On a personal note, I shall leave the chair in Craft, become MEZ in Chapter, and there are some other changes I’ll mention next time.

Arena, too, is changing. We are revisiting the design and exploring ways in which we can assist you in providing us with the best content. This is your magazine, made by London Freemasons for London Freemasons, and we want it to serve you well.

We open this edition with a photo report of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge Summer Party, a unique event held annually in the sumptuous Berkshire countryside. Although the event has been held for several years, the timing had never worked so well for Arena. This year, we decided to make it work and cover it (pun intended) in Arena. It gives a chance to those who couldn’t make it to join in the fun in some ways, and perhaps it will whet your appetite for next year.

Alongside your usual features, including a bumper Royal Arch Digest, you will also discover how charities are using our donations, why the Grand Tyler stays on the wrong side of the door, the global influence of English Freemasonry and more details about several Lodges, what happens at the Met Mess and how a Lodge passed six candidates. It is a fully packed edition.

Sadly, we conclude this edition with a tribute to departed merit. We have lost so many friends, relatives, and brothers in the last two years, that it is only fitting to celebrate some in Arena. Thank you to the two Lodges who provided their moving tributes.

As ever, if you want to be featured in one of our next editions, please get in touch at

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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Temperatures, activities and attendees… Saturday 16^th July truly was a day for breaking records, and there was nowhere better to experience all of these than at the spectacular Met Grand Lodge, Summer Party held at the staggeringly beautiful Queens Mere estate. The day was provided by our generous hosts, W Bro Dr Pavlé Matijevic SLGR and his wife Sladjana, with the guest of honour, RW Sir Michael Snyder MetGM.

Set on 80 acres and featuring fishing lessons, tennis courts, a swimming pool, woodland walk, forest and an 11-acre lake, the venue could simply not be more stunning. Champion boxing demonstrations, award-winning live singers and musicians, tennis, swimming, professional beat-boxers, circus performers, Zorb balling, table tennis, “Keep Sailing”, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are just some of the activities on offer to those that were fortunate enough to attend this sell-out event.

As the exceptional food and drinks continued to flow throughout the day, so did the warm, friendly and jubilant atmosphere that welcomed all those present. Sir Michael greeted and mingled with the guests, whilst the wonderful team of Met Grand Stewards, who had given up their entire day to help, led by Ellis Osei-Wusu, under the collective lenses of the event organisers, W Bros John Parry, Gary Beckwith, John Flaine, Alan South, Michael Snell and photographers Daren Lewis & Gerald Mclean ensured that all guests enjoyed a fantastic family event. With an incredibly wide range of activities and events, there is truly something for everyone, and with beautiful garden surroundings, one can be as active or as relaxed as they choose.

If you have not yet attended the MetGL summer party, I cannot emphasise enough how thoroughly enjoyable this day is, for all family members, young and old… indeed the main draw-back is that the event is only for one day!

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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VW Bro David Wilkinson, Former Assistant Metropolitan Grand Master, was presented with a certificate celebrating 50 years in masonry by RW Bro Russell Race, Past Metropolitan Grand Master, at the Clerkenwell Lodge of Installed Masters’ meeting in March. Before David was an AMetGM he was a Deputy Group Chairman and a Metropolitan Grand Inspector. He currently sits on the MetGL Committee of Inquiry.

On 12th of March, in Mark Masons’ Hall, W Bro John Blackman, SLGR, secretary of Lodge John Evelyn No 5518, had the pleasure of installing his own son as Worshipful Master in the presence of the Master Elect’s father-in-law and brother-in-law visiting from Chatsworth Lodge No 9053. Also present were 15 members from Verity Lodge No 4870 in Eastbourne (where Bro John is also secretary).

On 18th May, Cantium Lodge No 6397 met for its 377th regular meeting. In addition to the Lodge’s 75th celebration, one of the oldest and most cherished members, W Bro Chris Corlett, received a certificate marking his 50th year in Freemasonry from W Bro Andrew Imber, MetGInsp. In addition, two joining members were balloted for and properly welcomed into the Lodge. A movable feast was enjoyed with members swapping seats between courses to reconnect with old friends. But this was not all selfless fun: £465 was raised in alms, in large part due to the ongoing efforts of a regular visitor, W Bro Danny Lowry, who once again provided a beautifully crafted gavel for his now famous “heads and tails” auction.

A lot happened during on 22nd April as St Catherine’s Park Lodge No 2899 met at The Harrow District Masonic Centre. While W Bro Glen D. McDonald, PSGD, MetGInsp was there on his official visit, W Bro Keith Dynan, LGR, was presented with his 50 years Certificate. Then, the Lodge received the Metropolitan Inspectorate Travelling Cup ‘Brotherly Love’ from the Strand Lodge No 1987 delegation.

The Lodge of Stability No 217 held its 225th year anniversary meeting on 23rd March at Freemasons’ Hall. It went very well with over 70  in attendance.

Late on a recent Sunday afternoon, 24 members of The Polytechnic Lodge No 2847 met together with potential candidates and their partners for a Greek fayre at the GReat GReek GRill House in Farringdon. The Polytechnic Lodge has a very social calendar widely supported by members and their partners. The hosts were Lodge’s own Bro George Bregasi and his wife Nikki, both from Greece. The guests feasted for over three hours on an array of Greek foods and delicious sweets and polished off a few bottles of Ouzo, Methos beers and Greek wines too. Yamas!

One of the honorary members of Love and Unity Lodge No 5354, VW Bro Derrick M Silver PGSwdB, Former AMetGM, received his 50-year long service certificate at their meeting on 5th April 2022.  It was presented to him by one of his oldest and closest friends, R W Bro Stephen Fenton. At the same meeting Bro Evgeny Batov was Passed to the Second Degree. The Lodge dined at the Hilton Double Tree after the meeting.

Robert Burns Lodge No 25 met on 14th March 2022 in Temple 10 of Freemasons’ Hall. W Bro John Walter Oram, PAGStB, was presented with a 50 year Long Service Certificate by RW Bro Stephen Fenton, PJGW, former Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master. Bro John Oram was initiated into the Robert Burns Lodge No 25 by his father, W Bro William Oram, on 13th March 1972. He has worked in Metropolitan Grand Lodge in several offices and as a VO, SVO and for many years within the recapture/retention initiatives.  The Lodge presented him with an engraved gold pocket watch.  Seen in the bottom photo are Grand Officers present at the presentation: W Bro Clive Temple-Court, W Bro John Lake, W Bro John Oram, RW Bro Stephen Fenton, W Bro Michael Coggles and W Bro Larry Levine.

At the recent meeting of John Evelyn Lodge No 5518 held at Mark Masons’ Hall, 91 year old W Bro Rex King was presented with his 50 year certificate by Metropolitan Grand Inspector W Bro Clive Hawkins accompanied by Escorting Officer W Bro Marcus Phillips and two Metropolitan Grand Stewards, W Bro Ben Sargent-Cain and W Bro Michael Aminzade. Also present was the Lodge Senior Visiting Officer W Bro Mike Claxton. Rex was then clapped around the Lodge by the Brethren and stopped at the secretary’s table where he was presented with a lead crystal whiskey decanter and glasses which had been suitably engraved with the Lodge crest and a very nice bottle of single malt (Rex’s favourite tipple) to go in it. Bro Rex was initiated on 28th October 1967 became the Lodge’s 44th Master in February 1978. Bro Rex is still a very active member of the lodge and regularly carries out ceremonies, delivers the charge after initiation or the addresses at installation and is always willing to take any office in the absence of a Brother. Rex’s son Peter is also a past master of the Lodge

On 18th May, MetGInsp Sanjiv Gohil PAGDC attended The Playgoers Lodge No 2705 meeting and presented a 50-year certificate to W Bro Stephen Summers SLGR. The Lodge will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2023/4 and, all being well, our senior member, W Bro David Longland SLGR, will be celebrating his 60th Anniversary of being initiated into the Lodge. Bro Sanjiv said it would be a pleasure to visit the Lodge during its celebratory year and present Bro David with his 60-year certificate.

On 11th April 2022, at Mark Masons’ Hall, Brethren of the Henry of Auxerre Lodge No 7235 gathered to celebrate W Bro Brian Cagliari LGR achieving 40 years of Freemasonry. His friend and Brother W Bro John Parry PSGD, MetGInsp presented him with a specially made certificate to honour his amazing work within the Lodge. Celebrations continued at the festive board where Bro Brian gave an emotional speech under a thunder of applause.

At a meeting of The Zetland and Hong Kong Lodge No 7665 on Monday 25th April, Bro Michael Brown, the great grandson of the Lodge Primus Master, W Bro Arthur Brown, was initiated into Freemasonry by his father W Bro Paul Brown, Metropolitan Grand Inspector, in the presence of his grand father, uncle, god father and over fifty Masons who had gathered to mark the occasion, including a number of overseas Brethren who had flown in from the district of Hong Kong and the Far East.

On 10th May, Westminster City School Lodge No 4305 celebrated its Centenary with a special meeting at Mark Masons’ Hall, attended by W Bro Sunil Devalia, Metropolitan Grand Inspector who presented a Letter of Congratulation from the MetGM, Sir Michael Snyder. To mark this special event in the Lodge’s history, three donations of £4,305 each were made to representatives of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Lifelytes and the RAF Benevolent Fund. A friend of the Lodge, Bro Nino Ciaccio of Emulation 93 Lodge No 127 had flown over from Turin for the occasion. It was also an opportunity for Bro Phil Spalding to meet up with his old musician mate, W Bro Rick Wakeman.

The Worshipful Master of Music Lodge No 3688, W Bro Keith Melhuish, presented W Bro John Janes with a 60 year certificate in the presence of many Brethren and also Bro John’s family and friends. Bro John couldn’t travel to London and so the event was held at the Masonic Centre Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Bro John Charles James was initiated into the Ewell Lodge No 1851 on 2nd June 1962, joined Music Lodge No 3688 in 1973, and has been WM twice in 1984 and 2006. The photo shows Bro John with his Brethren, his Wife Joyce, son Steve, daughter Anita and their three Grandchildren, Christopher, Simon and Jodie.

On Saturday 2nd April at Freemasons’ Hall, Metropolitan Grand Inspector Tony Shepherd attended White Rose of York and Addeys’ Lodge No 2840 to present W Bro Peter Hudson with a 50 Year Long Service Certificate. The Wonderful meeting also featured an exceptional raising ceremony for Bro Haris Aloa, during which W Bro Peter, and his son, W Bro Michael Hudson, made a significant contribution. A great day was rounded off with a delicious lunch at the nearby Double Tree Hilton.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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We have been fortunate to have had a number social events since our last update – which has been great! As we approach the summer holidays the Connaught Club has picked up enough momentum to carry us through to the start of the Masonic season. The Club now has over 200 subscribing members, is growing from strength to strength, and in-person events and socials are being well attended. We had a spectacular monthly social earlier in June which coincided with Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee – which we celebrated in full force a few steps from Freemasons' Hall – it has been great to see so many new and returning faces.

One of the great parts of the Club is our ongoing partnership with Burgoyne Lodge No 902. Taken over by current and former members of the Club, it allows us to build and strengthen our Masonic knowledge and attend meetings together even when we leave the Club. Earlier this month, Burgoyne had its most recent meeting, which included a Passing as well as a Raising! We then all retired to a pub nearby in an informal Festive Board setting. The Club looks forward to the Lodge's installation meeting in October and what is shaping up to be a very fun February meeting in the New Year!

So what can Connaught members look forward to? The committee has been busy planning what the year ahead looks like and the events programme is now firmly pinned to the notice board! The Club's Masonic Bike Tour will be making another appearance in July for which the tour guide has a lovely Welsh lilt! We are looking forward to revisiting our popular Club Shoot which will take place in September followed by dinner steeped in newly found tradition, as well as other formal and informal events, including the annual picnic and a tour of Freemasons’ Hall. Plans for the annual Christmas Dinner have now been confirmed and we will announce the save the date shortly. As always, monthly drinks are on the first Friday of every month near Great Queen Street. Full details can be found in the Club's newsletter – Chisel.

If you’re not already a member of the Connaught Club, you’re 35 or under, and you are either a London mason or you live or work in London and are a member of a Lodge outside London, why not consider joining? Membership is only £40 (£25 after the first year) per year and enables you to attend all of the great events that we put on throughout the year to get young masons across London together for our famously roaring social events, seminars and Lodge meetings. You can sign up for the club online on our website at www.connaughtclub.org, or drop our membership secretary an email at  . We have a great many events planned for this year and would love for you to be able to join us!

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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On Thursday 21st March, members of the Metropolitan Mess gathered for the latest of their twice-yearly Mess at the Leonardo Royal Hotel near the Tower of London. Situated by Tower Hill, infamous for its “off with yer head” exploits of one Jack Ketch (head executioner from a bygone era), over one hundred Freemasons partook in a free-flowing pre-luncheon champaign reception, where to a man, we all amazingly managed to keep our heads (just about).

Upon the ringing of the luncheon bell, we returned our empty champaign flutes and staggered one by one into the main dining hall, desperately trying to get our sea legs back as the parquet patterned floor pitched and rolled beneath us. By God, that champagne had a kick. 

As one can expect from a Met Mess Officers luncheon, the setting was resplendent and a testament to the hard work the MetGL Events Team put into finding venues for us to dine and, after encircling the tables of bread rolls like a flock of ravenous sea gulls, we found our name cards and sat down to an excellent 3 course meal. 

The event was presided over by Met Mess stalwart, W Bro John Parry PSGD Metropolitan Grand Inspector, who introduced Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Christopher Hayward, to the stage to welcome everyone in person. After the interruption of Covid restrictions, RW Bro Christopher said it was finally a pleasure to address an audience without someone saying “Brother, you are on mute”. 

In between courses, members of the Met Golf Society took to the stage to present a large donation of £1,600, gratefully received by RW Bro Christopher. To the cheers of the assembled masses, our club swinging heroes left the metaphorical green of the hall’s main stage and made their way back to their table (or equally metaphorical 19^th hole), each helping the other into a pristine green blazer (the champagne had gone to their heads), before sitting down to their main course, where they surveyed their meal before having a chat with their caddy about which knife to choose.  

To keep the golf metaphors coming, our original guest speaker was stuck somewhere in the rough looking for his ball, having unfortunately (and unavoidably) been unable to attend the lunch at the very last minute. Thank goodness then for the extensive Met Mess contact book, which was put to extremely quick and good use in finding a replacement speaker with less than two hours’ notice. Our own ever-reliable caddy, John Parry, was able to pull out the brilliant Prof Adrian Furnham of University College London from his own metaphorical golf bag of tricks, who presented a thoroughly informative and immensely funny lecture on the psychology of money. Replacing the original four iron with an (economic) driver. That was another little golfing joke – I’ll stop now before the editor revokes my Arena press card. 

Prof Adam Furnam is a renowned professor of psychology, author and academic. He has a Doctorate from Oxford University and has contributed toward academic research within the field of psychology, exploring topics within applied, economic, health, occupational, social, and differential psychology. As of 2018, Prof Furnham has published 92 books and over 1,200 peer-reviewed journal articles. Today he was studying 100 dumbstruck Freemasons; but, despite being stuck with an audience who can’t spell psychology without using Google (and I just did), he proceeded to have us in the palm of his hand for 30 riveting minutes. A delight to behold, Prof Furnham delivered his speech with verve and enthusiasm, challenging our own individual preconceived ideas on how we view, or are conditioned, to view money and its importance and motivational drive to us as individuals. A deep intellectual psychological analysis of our relationship with money delivered with the comedic wit of a stand-up comic and received with much laughter from an enthralled and interested audience. Still, securing an eminent UCL professor at the last minute did make me wonder if there was a less than enthralled seminar group of post-graduate students wondering where he was. I was imagining a hastily scrawled note on their class-room door reading “Gone to lunch. Read Chapter 5 on The Psychology of Behaviour at Work.”

After three excellent courses of food and congenial company, we left the splendour of the Leonardo dining hall, our cloak room tickets in hand as we ran to avoid the queues. The older members might be slower, but they still know how to trip the runners on their heels and get a crafty elbow in. I got my coat, but I had to fight hard. Some of these boys did National Service, you know. Back in hall, W Bro Parry had been left to pick up the bill, his pen poised over his Midland Bank cheque book; whereupon he was informed the Leonardo doesn’t take cheques and the Midland Bank closed in the 1990s. He was last seen being accompanied by two very large bell boys into the Manager’s Officer. 

If you would like to know more about the Metropolitan Officers Mess, then keep reading (if you are still reading). The Mess convenes just twice a year, once for a spring-time luncheon and then a dinner in the autumn. Membership is just £10 and is open to all Metropolitan Officers, present and former, as well as Senior Visiting and Visiting Officers. Alternatively, volunteer to write for Arena, and we might send you there to cover the next one. 

The amazing list of guest speakers has ranged from Lieutenant-General Sir Michael Rose – UNPROFOR, Sir Christopher Meyer – UK Ambassador to the USA, Michael Portillo – former MP, Cabinet Minister and broadcaster, to the late Jimmy Greaves, former England International footballer.

Tony Hawley, member of the Met GL Events Team and organiser of the Mess, said, “It gives Met Mess members the unique opportunity to dine and chat with our most senior masons, friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere, be entertained by a wonderful range of speakers, but above all to have some great fun.”

The next Met Mess is on September. If you would like further info or to check your eligibility for the Mess, contact:

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

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Kieron McGrory/Breslin was born February 1963 to a teenage Donegal girl in a Roman Catholic Mother and Baby Home. He spent the first six months of his life in what we now call a Magdalene Laundry; institutions usually run by Roman Catholic orders, which operated from the 18th to the late 20th centuries.  With all we know now about these institutions, he was a lucky one and survived to be adopted by a mixed faith couple. Stanley Mallon a proud Protestant Ulsterman and his wife Joan, a Roman Catholic.

Sectarianism in Northern Ireland meant that the small family had little option but to live in London and they moved into a terrace tenement type house in Notting Hill with one set of ablutions for four flats in the converted house. Kieron’s father can recall the signs on the lodging houses that read ‘No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish’ he said he could never understand why the dogs got a higher billing than he did.

They gained the opportunity to move to the country under the London County Council overspill scheme, the government policy of moving residents out of Greater London into other areas in the South East of England between the 1930s and the 1970s.  The council house the family moved into had indoor facilities and a garden, it was like heaven. Soon a sister and two brothers arrived by conventional means and the happy family were set up, or so they thought.

Kieron’s father had undiagnosed Huntington's disease, also known as Huntington's chorea, a neurodegenerative disease that is inherited. This led to an accident that cost his father’s life when Kieron was twelve.  Kieron has since lost an aunt and a Sister to this dreadful and incurable condition, one of his brothers is also diagnosed.  Kieron has raised money for the Huntingdon’s Society to try to find a cure or to even understand the hereditary element behind it.

So as the eldest child, Kieron’s sporting activities and educational attainment went on the back burner as he worked in the early mornings for a dairy and at the weekends on the local fruit and veg market to bring in not only money but food for the family. For this reason, he did not complete his secondary education.  By the time Kieron was fifteen he was working on building sites and bringing home a man’s pay. This has led, in his adult life, to a striving for continued self-improvement and education. Or as Kieron comments, “I am well balanced, I have a chip on both shoulders!”

The late 1970s and with unemployment at a high level, rather than go on the dole Kieron did a ‘Norman Tebbit’ and got on his bike looking for work. He ended up in Dublin and spent some time living rough, and taking casual work.  He made his way north to Co. Armagh where his father’s family lived and spent the next four years there working, learning and qualifying as a precision optical lens maker. This was before plastic lenses meaning every prescription being ground and polished from thick glass blanks. Kieron, with his nationalist name but with an English accent, came in for quite a lot of interest from both sides of the political and religious divide!

He thought “well if they all think I am a squaddie, a British Army soldier, I might as well become one”.  Kieron’s father had served as a Sergeant in the Irish Guards, his grandfather fought in World War 1 in the North Irish Horse, a yeomanry unit of the British Territorial Army raised in the northern counties of Ireland in the aftermath of the Second Boer War, and his great uncle was killed in action in the Boer War serving with another reserve unit, the 5th Royal Irish Rifles, the former South Down Militia.  Kieron was steeped in the history of the Irish Regiments of the British Army, he says with his mixed faith background his family had always fought, but not necessarily on the same side!

After pledging allegiance to her Majesty in Belfast, Kieron was off to the Guards Depot at Pirbright for six months of basic training.  He was good at it as he had always worked hard, and with a previously unknown talent for distance running, the physical side, whilst hard, did not faze him. He was posted to the 1^st Battalion, Irish Guards based in Munster, West Germany and spent the next two years running about Sennelager and Soltau Training Areas in NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical warfare) suits and gas masks waiting for the Soviets to come over the Inner German Border, the dividing line between the Western and Soviet occupation zones of Germany.

The next posting was to Chelsea on Ceremonial duties.  This was London in the mid-1980s.  For a young Guardsman it was the place to be and Kieron took full advantage of his good fortune.  In between wearing the scarlet coat and bearskin, Kieron was lucky to have two tours in Canada where he finally got to live fire the large, heavy, 84mm infantry anti-tank weapon known as the Carl Gustav or "Charlie G", he had been running around with since joining the battalion.

It was during this time that Kieron met Sandra, a Fulham Girl, who had been invited to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Chelsea by her friend. “We were introduced and told we hit it off”. Kieron having started the day at 6am with a mug of Gunpowder – Irish Whiskey mixed with tea, then having carried on in a similar manner all day, he was lucky Sandra turned up for their date the next day.

After turning down promotion twice having completed the course, just to prove he could do it, Kieron left the Army in 1988 and, after a short time as a manager with London Transport, was again homeless.  Having sofa surfed around Chelsea and Pimlico, he then took up a position with British Alcan, in Banbury, Oxfordshire and quickly rose to be the shift production manager.

It was whilst working at Alcan that Kieron married Sandra, he explained “I asked Sandra, who was still living in Fulham, to bring a posh frock and a hat as we were going to a wedding. On her arrival on the Friday evening I asked her to marry me, she said yes, good said I, because the car will pick us up at 10am tomorrow for the Registry Office”.  With two witnesses the ceremony took place and they eloped. The worst was yet to come; Kieron had to face and tell his new in laws! 

Kieron’s interest in Masonry coincided with his involvement in Politics. He was asked to stand for the local council in 1994 and, as predicted, lost, but this only spurred him on.  In total, he lost four times in three years before, against the odds, when the whole country turned Red on 1^st May 1997, a little bit of Banbury turned Blue as Kieron chalked up his first election victory by tipping out the incumbent.

Kieron’s mentor in local government was the former Metropolitan Grand Inspector, W Bro Keith Mitchell PSGD. Kieron said, “Keith and I got on well and he introduced me to London masonry in 1997, the Lodge of Mercy No 6821, quickly followed by Quadratic Mark No 895 and Beneficentia Chapter No 5308.  I didn’t have much choice, I just did what I was told”. With hindsight, introducing Kieron into Masonry rekindled Keith’s Masonic pathway, at that time he was a country member”.

Kieron’s progress was steady, occupying each office, in each Order.  Once out of the chair, his military bearing and organisational skills were noticed, and he became DC.  Kieron explained, “I really enjoyed planning ceremonies and multiple candidates didn’t faze me at all, I started to share out the ritual to keep both new and senior masons keen and attending. Keith and I also introduced an early Permanently Invited Guest scheme where we brought in mainly Oxfordshire masons who soon became joining members, so much so that the then Provincial Grand Secretary of Oxfordshire paid me a visit at home!”

Kieron took a small redundancy package and left heavy industry in 1995 to set up a small property letting, management and grounds maintenance business with Sandra. This along with his by now increased local government and political roles took up most of his time. He still kept up his London masonic duties in the three orders and units in which he had progressed.

Kieron made the decision early on that he would not join a Provincial Lodge.  This was at the time National Government was trying to supress freemasonry, and people in politics, police and the civil service were leaving in droves because of the fear that being a freemason would hinder their careers.   Kieron explained, “I didn’t want anyone in the local council, etc. saying I was in the local Lodge for advancement.  So, by keeping to London those accusations wouldn’t wash, it was the best decision I made.” 

Kieron has never kept his membership a secret and recounted that during one meeting at Oxfordshire County Council, a group was trying to embarrass Keith Mitchell over his membership. Keith stood up and said to a packed chamber and press gallery, “I am a mason” so Kieron stood up and did the same, as did two others.  This was embarrassing for some as those other masons were from different political parties; they called it their ‘Spartacus moment’.

Kieron was noticed by a Visiting Officer and gained his first honour as a Metropolitan Grand Steward, receiving LGR. Kieron expanded saying “that being a MetGStwd is the best role in masonry and all who serve in this position are amazed and humbled by the breadth and diversity Metropolitan masonry has to offer”.

Kieron’s organisational skills were also noticed by his MP and fellow mason W Bro Tony Baldry who asked him to become his political agent, a role he held for six years until the now, Rt. Hon. Sir Antony Baldry DL PJGW, retired.  Kieron’s work rate and grass roots political knowledge in organising elections gave Tony, as an MP, his biggest majority in 32 years. They are still good friends and neighbours, telling tales of what it was like in their day, much to their wives dismay.

A few years later Kieron was asked to become a VO for W Bro Keith Mitchell and an SVO with W Bro Alastair Redpath Stevens.  Kieron said, “I was lucky to have had the privilege to serve with two great Inspectors and their teams, I am proud that every promotion, including my latest, has been a tariff rank due to my work rather than through the Lodge nominating system, I must have done something right.  I am now extremely proud to lead my Inspectorate team; they are a great bunch”.

Until recently, Kieron served Metropolitan in the recruiting team and as a volunteer steward at many Metropolitan events, including The Lord Mayor’s Show, the WW1 Centenary event and the Tercentenary event.  “I just volunteered, I didn’t mind if I wasn’t in the Grand Temple, it was usually by the back lifts or behind the scenes.” Once a Steward always a Steward.

Kieron’s public service record is wide ranging: Mayor, long term Army Reservist, Chairman or committee member on numerous charities, President of the Banbury branch of the Royal British Legion, Banbury Household Division Association and the Oxfordshire Army Benevolent Fund committee, He even serves as a Royal Air Force Association Trustee but this one he keeps quiet about.

Kieron and Sandra do not farm but live on a working farm in North Oxfordshire where they rescue dogs, enjoy the countryside, entertain and as they have, by choice, no children, look after each other or, as Sandra says, “Who needs children when I have to look after Kieron”.

Five things you didn’t know about Kieron

1. He was jailed overnight by the Regimental Police for gate crashing Prince Andrew and Fergie’s engagement Boaters Ball.

2. His right leg is an inch shorter than his left following an accident, breaking it in five places as a teenager.

3. He is a Freeman of the City of London and member of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.  Number 60 in the list of City of London Livery Companies by order of precedence.

4. He is an accomplished amateur cook and has entertained and cooked for up to 50 people on a regular basis.

5. He does not suffer hangovers no matter how good the Festive Board.

Masonic CV

Craft

1997 Initiated Lodge of Mercy No 6821

2003 Founder Metropolitan Grand Lodge

2010 Appointed Metropolitan Grand Steward / London Grand Rank

2010 Joined Metropolitan Grand Stewards Lodge No 9812

2013 Appointed Visiting Officer

2016 Joined Victoria Rifles Lodge No 822 (London Past Masters Lodge)

2018 Appointed Senior Visiting Officer / Senior London Grand Rank

2021 Appointed Metropolitan Grand Inspector / Past Junior Grand Deacon

Royal Arch

2001 Exalted Beneficentia Chapter No 5308

2003 Founder Metropolitan Grand Chapter

2018 London Grand Chapter Rank

2021 Senior London Grand Chapter Rank

2021 Appointed Metropolitan Grand Inspector / Past Grand Standard Bearer

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

The post THE MEN AT THE TOP: W Bro Kieron Mallon appeared first on Argosy Lodge No. 5181.

PLAN, ATTRACT, ENGAGE, RETRIEVE

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In close association with The Metropolitan Grand Orator’s Team, Leading Lights have now held two live events and have more planned for Autumn 2022 and into 2023.

The first event hosted by The Earl of Chester Lodge No 5018 was attended by over 60 Brethren on Saturday 23^rd April in Temple 10 at Freemasons’ Hall. This demonstrates that there is strong demand for face-to-face presentations of The Members’ Pathway and a social event afterwards. The most informative presentation was followed by a lively Q & A session, after which everyone retired to The Crusted Pipe wine bar in Covent Garden for a splendid buffet lunch where discussions and ideas freely flowed until late afternoon.

Our second event was held on Saturday 2^nd July at Mark Masons’ Hall. We welcomed around 80 Masons, most of whom retired to the bar after the event. A superb buffet followed, and more ideas were shared.

Over the two events, W Bros Matthew Christmas, Charlie Griffin, Mark Schito, Chris Hirst and Mark Sandiforth led us through the four key segments of The Members’ Pathway “Hub” and their vital relationship with The Lodge Membership Team. It must be stressed that the Lodge Membership Teams should consist of The Lodge Membership Officer, Almoner, Mentor, WM, DC and Secretary. All Brethren are encouraged to participate in the roll-out of The Members’ Pathway in their Lodges. This participation should be open to all regardless of age, seniority, or time served in the Craft. Those Brethren who take ownership of the future of their Lodges in this constructive way are The True Leading Lights, or in other words, the “Mason Power” required to secure the future of their Lodges.

Consecrated on 15^th January 1908, Paddington Lodge No 3267 has survived two world wars and many trials and tribulations. However, in the last 15 years, Lodge membership has diminished significantly. Elderly members, the stalwarts of the Lodge, have passed away, taking experience and Masonic knowledge with them. With such low membership, something needed to be done to increase membership and, perhaps more importantly, retention. It was decided to put in place a Lodge Plan.

The Lodge Plan

Before embarking on our plan, we had to ascertain why the numbers were becoming dangerously low and what could be the principal reason? To answer these questions, and to make sure the plan would work, our membership had to be aware of and familiar with the Lodge’s procedures and protocols.

The main aims of the plan are:

– To breathe new life into Paddington Lodge by involving all members in the Lodge Plan.

• – To attract initiates and joining members.
• – To consider creating a Lodge website or WhatsApp group.
• – To speak openly to more people about Freemasonry.

– To use a ‘Centre of Influence’ who has contacts outside Masonry.

Before embarking on our plan, we had to ascertain why the numbers were becoming dangerously low and what could be the principal reason? To answer these questions, and to make sure the plan would work, our membership had to be aware of and be familiar with the Lodge’s procedures and protocols.

Breathe new life into the Lodge

Let’s do something different! At each installation meeting, a booklet is produced containing pictures of the current master and the master elect together with snippets of information and guidance for all, especially younger Brethren. In the booklet, we have the Festive Board Menu and the words for the sung grace. This is a different approach, and it has created much interest. Many Lodges have used ‘the little booklet’, and this has proved conclusively that it helps to attract new members.

Consideration can also be given to running a quiz at the festive board, holding social events and arranging visits to elderly or sick Brethren by a dedicated team of Lodge members.

Attract initiates and joining members

Each member tries to speak to two friends or work colleagues each month about Freemasonry and what it means to them. They can also invite friends to ladies’ festivals or white tables. This method must be followed up after the event, perhaps by meeting for a drink or other social event.

Always promote Freemasonry in a positive light as a unique, friendly and charitable organisation.

Engage with our members by creating a Lodge website or a WhatsApp group

This is a relatively recent idea that has proved extremely successful and attracted much interest. It is imperative that any contact through social media is followed up with individuals reporting back to the Lodge Membership Team with outcomes. Here again, we have witnessed a high volume of enquiries about Freemasonry leading to new candidates taking the step.

Speak to more people and be open about Freemasonry

Some will remember the days when Freemasonry was never discussed outside the Lodge room. How things have changed! The more people we speak to about Freemasonry, the more we will attract. It’s ok to show how proud we are to be Freemasons.

Use a Centre of Influence

This may be the most important aspect of the programme. Many Lodges have found that this element of the plan brings the most success.

A Centre of Influence could be a masonic friend referring his contacts to you. Perhaps it could be an affiliation with your ‘mother Lodge’ or ‘daughter Lodge’.

Remember, everything works better when there is a collective responsibility and everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Conclusions and results

Solomon, Rosetta, the Members’ Pathway and other initiatives are all really helpful and useful tools. However, nothing happens until the ideas are acted on! Mentors and Membership Officers have an important role to play. Once admitted, an initiate needs to be taken care of and given guidance and assurance that he is among friends. Make Lodge of Instruction fun to attend for all. Remember how we felt after our initiation, confused perhaps, lost and even frightened. Pastoral care of new members is essential.

Lodge meetings will attract strong attendance because of the different ways the Lodge runs them. Fewer wine takings and short sharp to the point toasts at the Festive Board, for instance. Always plan the meetings: who takes the various offices, when does it start and finish. If the Lodge has an initiate, display kindness and friendliness after the meeting.

We must, and in some cases, have broken away from the procedures of the past. Retaining the dignity of the ritual is all-important. There will always be members of the Lodge reluctant to change but change we must. Make our meetings fun to attend, and this not only attracts new members but improves attrition rates. Retention can increase through regular communication and Masonic education.

The working of a Centre of Influence

Chris Albrow, Charity Steward and Organist – Paddington Lodge No 3267

A fantastic result has been achieved using a ‘Centre of Influence’. As a Visiting Officer, I attended a meeting of Queensway Lodge of Paddington No 6833, a Lodge under my care. The membership at that meeting was nine, including me. The feeling among the members was that the warrant must be surrendered. I felt sad but identified with the various problems and the principal reasons for this potential demise. My own Lodge, Paddington No 3267, was going through the same trauma with similar problems.

But I sensed a determination among the Lodge members ‘Fold? We Will NOT. We arranged a meeting with the secretary, treasurer and the one Lodge reference committee member in attendance. It was suggested that a ‘Centre of Influence’ be used. Accordingly, one was found with a restaurant manager in London who was asked to attend a meeting. At this stage, a rejuvenation plan was put in place.

The Lodge now boasts a membership of 34 and continues to grow.

The message is clear:

• – Talk to people outside Freemasonry.
• – Help people perhaps respond to possible initiates questions.
• – Educate Lodge members, especially new ones.
• – Attract New Members but above all, hold onto them.
• – Enjoy Freemasonry!

Paddington Lodge has started to achieve positive membership growth both in Craft and the Royal Arch. We have achieved success in applying these ideas thanks to a remarkable team retaining and duplicating the aspirations of our founders for the benefit of future generations. Special thanks go to the late W Bro Paul Banning and W Bros John Ashby and David Williams. Without their help and support, ‘The Plan’ would not work.

As part of their Lodge Plan to attract more members, the Lodge of Endeavour No 5506 is pleased to be hosting a Welcome Project Initiation Meeting on Thursday 1^st September 2022, at Harrow Masonic Centre. All are welcome, especially newly initiated Masons. Contact:  

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.

The post LEADING LIGHTS… Take ownership of your Lodge’s Future! appeared first on Argosy Lodge No. 5181.