In the latest episode of Craftcast, James, Shaun, and Stephen are joined by a special guest - Judge Simon Medland KC, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire and the 2025 Prestonian Lecturer.  Simon shares his journey within Freemasonry with our hosts, tracing his roots as a fourth-generation Freemason and recounting his appointment as the Lecturer for the upcoming year. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the history and significance of the Prestonian Lecture, including its origins...

In this final instalment of our Remembrance Weekend series, we welcome Kemsley Whittlesea— Veteran, Freemason, tattoo artist, and mental health advocate—to share his remarkable story.  From his time serving in the Royal Signals to participating in the upcoming Invictus Games, Kemsley's story is one of resilience, dedication, and service.   Join us as we wrap up this special series, reflecting on the significance of remembrance and the historic ties between the Armed Forces and Freemasonry.

In this third instalment of our four-part Remembrance Special, our hosts travelled to the Province of Warwickshire to visit Fisher House, a respite care centre supporting UK military personnel and their families worldwide.  Fisher House offers an invaluable "home away from home" for the families of UK armed forces personnel receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. They provide families with accommodation in a warm, non-clinical environment, allowing them to stay near...

In this raw and honest episode, Mark Ormrod MBE, Freemason and Veteran, talks to our hosts about his experiences serving as a Royal Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Mark was the first British serviceman to survive a triple amputation in Afghanistan. Since then, he's won 11 medals in two Invictus Games, carried the torch at the 2012 Olympics, raised thousands of pounds for charity and been an active Freemason.  This episode contains graphic descriptions of injuries sustained on the...

In the first of our four-part series, John Thompson, Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of Durham, joins our hosts to discuss the significance of the United Grand Lodge of England’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.   He sheds light on the next steps we can take to enhance our support for the Armed Forces and their families. By reinforcing our commitment to the Covenant, John shares how we can build on Freemasonry’s reputation as a positive force in society, paying tribute...

In this special episode, hosts Shaun, Stephen, and James return to demystify even more Masonic terminology, exploring the unique language and traditions that define Freemasonry.   Building on previous seasons’ explainer episodes, they dig into regularly used terms, including their historical and ritual significance within the Lodge. They also touch on the importance of ceremonial practice, historical significance, and the visual beauty of these symbols.  This episode is perfect both for...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Barry and PJ from the Essex Cornerstone Club, a dynamic group dedicated to bringing young Freemasons in Essex together.  Together, they dive into how Light Blues Clubs such as theirs foster a sense of community, support new members, and enhance our member's experience through creative events!  Whether you're curious about young Freemasons or just want to learn more about Light Blues Clubs under UGLE, this episode promises to offer a...

In this exciting episode, our hosts sat down with British actor and Freemason Vas Blackwood, best known for his iconic roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Only Fools and Horses.  Vas shares fascinating insights into his 25-year journey in Freemasonry, discussing its impact on his personal life. He also delves deep into his 40-year acting career, including his iconic characters and memorable moments on set.  You will not want to miss this episode, which is full of valuable tips...

Welcome back to Craftcast Season 3!  Shaun, Stephen, and James bring their unique perspectives to this season, starting with a deep dive into the biggest and oldest misconceptions about Freemasonry, from inclusivity to women in the fraternity.  Learn more about the persecution faced by Freemasons during WWII, and discover how today's Freemasonry champions openness and inclusion!  Whether you're a Freemason or simply curious, this episode will reshape your perception of our 300+ year-old...

In this special edition episode, our hosts meet with Benjamin Pritchard, Paralympian and Freemason.  A former cyclist and triathlete, Ben became paralysed from the waist down after a cycling crash in September 2016. He first took up indoor rowing during rehab and was soon noticed by British Rowing staff, joining the para development squad in 2017. He came fifth at the Tokyo Paralympic Games and has achieved two World Championship podiums. Ben’s journey from a cycling accident to proudly...

In this very special season finale of Craftcast, recorded just after the March Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, our hosts are joined once more by the Pro Grand Master, Jonathan Spence.  Jonathan shares an update on the Strategy for Freemasonry: 2022 and Beyond, from initial reception to implementation across the organisation. Discover how the pillars of this Strategy—Thriving Membership, Coherent Organisation, and Community Engagement— are all aimed at ensuring Freemasonry remains an...

Get ready for a fascinating journey into the exciting world of the Royal Arch featuring our special guest, Elliot Chevin. From personal anecdotes to the deeper meanings behind Masonic traditions, Elliot discusses the significance of the Royal Arch, its deep connection to the Craft, and the importance of companionship! Discover more about Archway, an invaluable resource for Chapters to grow and thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned Freemason or simply curious about the Royal Arch, don’t miss this...

What do you really know about the role of the Grand Secretary? In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts meet with Adrian Marsh, the current Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England and Grand Scribe E of Supreme Grand Chapter. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the structure of Grand Lodge and how UGLE is paving the way for its members' vibrant and thriving future. Adrian discusses his role as Grand Secretary in-depth, provides an update on the implementation of...

Join us on the road as the hosts of Craftcast travel to the Province of Berkshire for the 2024 Universities Scheme Conference!  Recorded on location at Sindlesham Masonic Hall during the conference, Shaun, Stephen, and James explain what makes a University Lodge unique while still remaining a traditional Freemasons Lodge.  Join them as they chat with some of the attendees and reflect on the day's highlights, including vibrant discussions on migration issues, Lodge dynamics, and the launch of...

In our latest episode, Shaun, James, and Stephen discuss various terminology common in Freemasonry. Building on the foundation established in the season one episode ‘The one where they explain’, our hosts delve into the colloquialisms of Freemasonry, starting with Masonic abbreviations, and discussing terms like Volume of Sacred Law, Light Blue, Ashlar, The Chair, to name but a few. Join us for a unique exploration of Lodge vocabulary, discover more about the role of the Worshipful Master,...

In this episode of Craftcast, we're thrilled to mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London.  Join us as we delve into the rich history of MetGL, exploring its unique characteristics and unravelling the complexities of its administration with our distinguished guests: Sir Michael Snyder, Metropolitan Grand Master; Warren Duke, Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master; and Guy Foster, Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies.  But there's more! Fresh from...

In this poignant episode, our hosts delve into a heartfelt conversation with Chris Jones, a Lincolnshire Freemason on a mission.  Embarking on a remarkable journey around the coast of Britain, Chris shares his motivations and experiences as he walks to raise funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. But beyond the miles travelled and funds raised, Chris opens up about a topic often shrouded in silence: mental health. With raw honesty, Chris reveals his own struggles and how they've shaped...

In this informative episode, our hosts sit down with Chris Hirst nearly a year after his first appearance on the Season 1 episode 'The one about the Members' Pathway. They revisit the importance of the Members' Pathway in the context of the UGLE 7-Year Strategy and discuss its integral role in shaping the future of Freemasonry. Chris provides insights into the four critical areas of the Members' Pathway: Plan, Attract, Engage, and Retrieve. The conversation touches upon the significance of...

Join the Craftcast hosts in their first virtual recording as they discuss their Masonic New Year's resolutions!  In this exciting episode, James commits to a deeper exploration of the Royal Arch, Stephen shares his dedication to prioritising Masonic activities and creating a support network for university students interested in Freemasonry, while Shaun aims to expand his Masonic horizons by visiting more Lodges and Chapters. Tune in as the hosts virtually reunite to chat about their holiday...

Craftcast fans, assemble! Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode as our hosts sit down with David Leask, Secretary of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Lodge.  Discover how this unique group combines the ancient traditions of Freemasonry with their love for all things sci-fi and fantasy. From lively discussions about favourite characters to the not-so-great jokes that will have you laughing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for the extraordinary.  Don't miss out on this...

Join us for an emotional and heart-warming episode of Craftcast, where our hosts sit down with Frank Tiller, a London Freemason and prostate cancer survivor, on the occasion of International Men's Day.  Frank takes us on a journey from his initial diagnosis to his recovery, and shares how he channelled his ordeal into an initiative to educate others about prostate cancer awareness.  Working with the charity CHAPS, Frank is on a mission to spread the word about available testing and support...

Welcome back to another exciting season of Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England! This introduction episode sees our hosts, Shaun, James, and Stephen, back in their newly-renovated studio as they discuss their plans for another series of informative and entertaining episodes.  This season promises a deeper exploration of Freemasonry within the English Constitution, so stay tuned for upcoming episodes filled with knowledge, stories, and inspiration. We encourage...

In this special finale episode, our hosts take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reliving their most cherished moments, heartwarming memories, and side-splitting laughs that made this season truly one for the books!  As they bid farewell to this chapter, they turn towards the future, sharing exciting plans, ambitious ideas, and fresh inspiration for what lies ahead for Craftcast. The journey has just begun, and we can't wait to explore even more fascinating stories with you.  Whether you've...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts interview Anthony Howlett-Bolton and Omaid Hiwaizi, members of the Learning and Development group at UGLE.   The episode focuses on Solomon, a virtual learning platform for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike. Anthony and Omaid discuss the origins of Solomon, its purpose as a central repository for credible information about Freemasonry, and its place within the 300+ year old organisation.   Together, they explore the importance of learning and...