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2025 and all that

So 2025 draws towards its close. Probably like you, I have been looking back on the year that has gone and shaping my hopes for the future.

English Freemasonry continues to feel vibrant and optimistic.  Leadership from the top is being matched by inspired appointments of new Provincial Grand Masters / Grand Superintendents.  More and more Lodges are re-energising and adapting to create “great experiences of Freemasonry”, suited to twenty-first century lifestyles.  Those that cannot find their way to do this are probably struggling.  More of these will close – that is the nature of evolution. But I am sure we will be reporting net growth across an increasing number of Provinces in 2026.

In the English Constitution we have seen several changes in the rules and regulations around the relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch, and in the membership journey from one to the other.  Some have criticised these changes but for me they are entirely consistent with the 1813 Act of Union, which created an umbrella covering both the Craft and Royal Arch, “pure Antient Masonry.”  So, to me the “One organisation, one journey” rhetoric is long overdue.  I know the relationship is different in other constitutions!

UGLE has launched Building Together, the “harmonisation” of the Members’ Pathway and Archway. It makes great sense to integrate the materials to support the “one journey.” Back in 2017 Mike Baker and I suggested an enhancement called the Companions’ Pathway. I guess it was too soon back then, although I am sure Mike would be as pleased with Building Together as I am.

I have worked my way through the materials and congratulate those who have completed this work. The structure is better, more logical and intuitive. The content is faithful to the original material from the Members’ Pathway. I do have some constructive suggestions for the next update, and I have offered those to the right people. I am just grateful they are still listening to me!

The last few years have taught me that Lodges alone are unlikely to satisfy all that many new members want from Freemasonry.  Light Blues Clubs and associations such as the Widows Sons play an essential part, complementing what Lodges provide.  I feel privileged to be an honorary member of various Light Blues Clubs and Widows Sons Chapters and thank them for embracing the message of rejuvenation, modernisation and engagement that has been at the core of my work for some time.  I shall continue to support them and promote their activities in my talks and other projects.

My 2025 has also included the usual mix of personal highs and lows. 

Wherever I have gone, whether to deliver a talk or just visit, I have been universally welcomed and looked after and I have thoroughly enjoyed the company of brethren.  It is quite amusing and a little flattering when someone tells me they recognise me but cannot remember where from.  Then we both have some fun trying to figure it out. 

It has been another busy year for delivering talks, with thirty across the UK, Jersey, Canada and the USA.  I have also delivered online talks for Masonic bodies and groups in Pensylvania, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Israel and New Zealand. 

The majority of those have been in connection with my book, The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges, and its theme of rejuvenation and modernisation of Lodge practices.  I am already scheduled to deliver thirteen talks in 2026 and am dealing with several more enquiries.  If you want me to deliver a talk to your Lodge or Chapter, in any part of the world and in any time zone, you only have to ask.  If invited, I will come, in person if I can, online if I cannot.

The book itself features in the Lewis Masonic best seller list.  I am now getting people ask me for more copies as they realise that Lodges need more than one if they are to plan and implement real change.  It is not too late to order a signed copy for a Christmas present, which you can do here.

I am excited that the first follow-up to Seven Habits will be published in 2026.  This will be a practical workbook, giving Lodges the tools to take stock and improve their management practices. 

Talking of books, I am working on several projects at present.  I am two thirds of the way through re-writing a Lewis classic, to update and modernise its contents.  But I have put that to one side for now to concentrate on researching and writing the Tercentenary history of St Alban’s Lodge No. 29.  This incredible Lodge was constituted in 1728 and is one of the nineteen “red apron Lodges” with the privilege each year of nominating a member to serve as a Grand Steward.  Its history is fascinating, a real case study in evolution and change.  As a result, it is a thriving Lodge and I am proud to be its most recent member.  I hope to join the ladder to the chair next year.  It feels like I am starting all over again, which I find refreshing and stimulating.

Most of my writing nowadays is meant for wide consumption and is intended to be easy to read or follow.  Years ago, at the beginning of my career, I was a researcher and published a good number of academic papers.  Publication of these require a different set of disciplines and follows in-depth scrutiny by academic peers.  I decided to test my research into membership patterns in Freemasonry using this academic filter and am delighted that the Manchester Association of Masonic Research (MAMR) has published my paper, Towards a Thriving Organisation – What Does Our Membership Data Tell Us?, in its 2025 transactions.  MAMR published John Belton’s own research into membership just over 20 years ago.  Their support for my paper gives my work academic credibility and opens the door to further investigation by the research community.

I am also writing several new talks for Lodges and Chapters.  One will cover new developments in the relationship between Scouting and Freemasonry, and the others are related to membership and Lodge development.

As for Scouting and Freemasonry, there are several exciting opportunities now developing.  I am working closely with the President of the Board of General Purposes, Jon Whitaker, Scouting’s Chief Volunteer, Carl Hankinson, and the Chairman of the Kindred Lodges Association, Pat Farr.  In September we launched Square & Compasses Support Team, a national Scout adult membership unit for Freemasons and their partners.  This gives members full membership of The Scouts, enabling them to attend events and provide occasional or ad hoc service locally and for national or major events.  My dream is to see teams of us providing a service for Scouting activities, wearing polo shirts and Scout scarves, promoting the message that Freemasons are supporting Scouting.  You can join Square & Compasses by signing up at https://bit.ly/SquareAndCompasses.

One event Square & Compasses will no doubt support will be the World Scout Conference to be held in London in 2027.  One and half thousand delegates from all the world’s Scout organisations will attend World Scouting’s three yearly policy making and planning event.  It is an opportunity to bring together many Freemasons from around the world, and to showcase the relationship between the two organisations.  We are already planning a Lodge meeting at Freemasons’ Hall, and I have requested an item on Freemasonry be placed on the conference agenda.  You can find out more here.

Diane and I recently attended the opening of the Syd Kesseler Centre at Gilwell Park, the Scout Association’s national headquarters and flagship adventure centre. In recognition of the £44,700 raised so far for The Scouts through my books and talks, they named the meeting room in the centre “The Square & Compasses Meeting Room.” Among others, we met the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, who wanted to learn about the connection between Scouting and Freemasonry and the opportunities for collaboration. I just happened to have a signed copy of my book for him!

I cannot mention Scouting without referencing two awards I was privileged to receive during 2025.  The first was the totally unexpected Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, presented to me by the Grand Master of Pennsylvania after I spoke at their annual congress in May.  This award is one of Scouting America’s Community Organisation Awards and has never before been awarded to an English Scout or Freemason. 

Just three months after that surprise, I had another.  In August, I was deeply moved to hear I had been awarded UK Scouting’s highest award for good service, the Silver Wolf.  I never expected to receive this but was so pleased to learn I was nominated locally and that the nomination referred to my work to promote the links between Scouting and Freemasonry. 

My District lead Volunteer, Catherine Halls-Jukes, presented me with the award at Gilwell Park in September.  This made it so special and memorable, with many Scouting friends present.  They included my Cub Scout Leader and Scout Leader from my first Group, the 4th Erith, past and present members of the UK leadership team, family and personal friends, Lord Baden-Powell and other members of his family. 

I then had a Masonic presentation organised by Walesby Forest Lodge in Nottinghamshire, where my dear friend and mentor Pat Farr made the presentation.

It has been another great year for raising money for charity, with £6,349.80 being received and a total of £6,400 going to two of my charities, the Masonic Charitable Foundation and The Scouts.  I thank each and every person who has contributed to these donations and all the Lodges which have supported me.

On my personal Masonic journey, I completed my year as Master of Aetos Lodge No. 3702, the Derbyshire in London Lodge, and almost immediately was Installed as Master of The Mark Provincial Grand Secretaries Lodge No. 1641 and then as First Principal of St George’s Chapter No. 5.  I consider holding these positions to be a great privilege as they are both significant in their own right, although for very different reasons. 

I was also elected an Honorary member of two repurposed Lodges, Metropolitan Mentors Lodge No. 8055 (its purpose and location are in the title) and Llangattock with Howardian Lodge No. 2547 (the new Scout Lodge of South Wales).  Both memberships came after I delivered talks in the Lodges concerned and I count it a great honour that the members wanted me to have a lasting connection with them.

Finally, two projects I am hugely proud of are Lifelites and the development of the Grand Master’s Keystone Fund (G.M.K.F.) Bursary Scheme.  Lifelites provide assistive technology to enable children with life-limiting conditions to play, communicate and experience unforgettable moments of connection and joy.  I am entering my final year as its Chair of Trustees and am delighted to work with a largely new board of talented and committed people.  I hope my legacy will be a firm foundation for its future success. 

The G.M.K.F. Bursary Scheme operates within the Mark Benevolent Fund and provide bursaries to enable members and their dependents to pursue their ambitions in education, vocational, sporting or performance studies.  I was a member of the steering group which created the scheme and am Deputy Chair of the Awards Panel.  The scheme opened for applications earlier this year and we are already supporting some amazing people to fulfil their ambitions and reach their potential.

On the downside, Long Covid / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has limited my ability to do all I would like to do.  With this condition, and its complex mix of symptoms, I have good days and bad days.  You won’t see me on bad days as they wipe me out.  To minimise the bad and increase the good I have adjusted my priorities and reduced my commitments.  I pace myself by resting before and after priority activities, like talks, to make sure I am fit and at my best for them.  However, I have had to cancel some of the other things I planned to do, including some “non-speaking” visits to Lodges and Chapters.  I am getting better at managing the condition but will be resigning from some roles and several memberships, so I can focus my time and energy on talks and my pet projects.

In October I reached “State Pension Age.” While I grateful to those who congratulated me on reaching retirement, they are premature. I have not retired! Although my fee earning activities have changed and reduced in recent years, I am still offering leadership coaching and consultancy to clients and will be writing more books. Most importantly, I am determined to continue making a meaningful contribution – especially to Scouting and Freemasonry – for many years to come.

My hopes for 2026? One has got to be peace on earth. It seems that despite the world espousing values of tolerance and compassion, the actions of many are increasingly divisive, intolerant, and hateful. The world has never needed Scouting and Freemasonry more than it does now.

My other hopes are for more widespread and public appreciation of community organisations and their volunteers; for Scouting and Freemasonry to attract more who could benefit from what they have to offer; for more Lodges to modernise their culture and practices; and for more brethren reading my books and more Lodges and Chapters inviting me to speak!

To close, thank you again for your support during 2025.  Your friendship, encouragement, your invites to speak at or just visit your Lodges and Chapters, and your generous donations to my charity fund all mean a great deal to me.  In fact, they sustain me. 

I wish you and your loved ones all the very best for the festive season, and I wish you health, happiness and success for 2026.

Onwards and upwards!

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What a year it has been!

A year ago, I said there was a new buzz in English Freemasonry.  That has certainly continued throughout 2024.  I am feeling very optimistic about our future, although there is still much work to be done.

At the top we have seen a lot of energy put behind our current strategy, and I feel this pervading through our Provinces and into our Lodges.  At the December Quarterly Communication we heard from RW Bro. Sir David Wootton, the Past Deputy Grand Master and Second Grand Principal, about the Third Pillar Review of our community engagement activities, and especially our charitable giving.  We will hear more about this as project work begins early in 2025.  It is truly an exciting time.  The pace has picked up.  More and more Lodges are getting on board and more people are getting involved.

As I reflect on my own year, there have been many highlights.

The annual gathering of Prestonian Lecturers at William Preston Lodge No. 766

As Chair of Lifelites we are seeing our new strategy – to reach more and more children with life-limiting conditions and complex disabilities – take off as we develop new programmes with community services and launch our exciting 25th anniversary projects.  I am proud that Lifelites has modernised its governance and brought on some excellent new volunteers as trustees, committee members and ambassadors. 

I have been introduced to the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, which has made Lifelites its national charity.  From a short thank you at its lively President’s Ball in February, Diane and I went to its National Rally in July so that I could thank more members. 

They welcomed us with open arms and Merlin Chapter (Derbyshire) made me an honorary member.  Nottinghamshire’s and Leicestershire & Rutland’s Chapters soon followed suit and I now sport an impressive set of leather “cuts”. 

What particularly impresses me about the Widows Sons is how they complement the offer and experience provided by Lodges.  Rather like many Light Blues Clubs, they provide a social glue that many Lodges are not yet offering, and they act as a safety net, retaining members who perhaps joined a Lodge not ideally suited to them.

Talking about Light Blues Clubs, Nottinghamshire’s Byron Club has come on leaps and bounds since we reconstituted it three years ago.  The committee has done an excellent job, proving to me that a self-governing club is the model to follow – with guidance and support from the Province where needed.  In the case of the Byron Club, I am now more of a mentor than a provider of Provincial oversight.  That just shows how well they have come along in such a short space of time.  Another indicator is that there have been less than a handful of resignations from Lodges by members of the Club.  Many members have suggested the Club has made up for what they are not getting from their Lodges.

Its little wonder then that the talks I have written this year have had a particular focus being on championing the cause of our newer members. These have gone down well and I am thinking about how I can do more with Light Blues Clubs.

Speaking at West Lancashire Light Blues Forum

I am excited by the fact that in the new year we shall be consecrating a new Special Interest Lodge in Nottinghamshire. Dragon Lodge No. 10061 is for gaming enthusiasts and is sure to attract a lot of interest. As the Province’s Special Interest Lodges Coordinator, I am hopeful that this will trigger an enthusiasm for new Lodges in the Province.

Thinking about Lodges, and what they are or are not doing, my talk “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges” has been the single most popular during the last year, accounting for a third of the 36 deliveries I have given live or online.  The book has also continued to sell well.  Indeed, several Provinces and one overseas Grand Lodge have made bulk purchases.  If you want a signed copy yourself, please buy it direct from me.

The follow up books to Seven Habits are still in the publication pipeline and I am currently working on a rewrite of a Lewis Masonic best seller.  More news about this as we get nearer to publication.

As for overseas travel, Diane and I went to Canada in May, partly to celebrate her birthday with family members and partly to deliver a keynote to the “Georgian Districts Day of Masonry Conference”.  They have invited me back for a similar event this coming year. 

With the two Grand Wardens of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario

I am very grateful to those who have invited me to speak at their events, and to those who have made all arrangements and provided hospitality.  I consider it a privilege to be invited to so many Lodges and Provinces.  I take special delight in meeting new brethren and discussing their experiences and expectations of Freemasonry.

With your help, in 2024 I have raised £7,920 for my Scouting and Masonic charities, an increase over last year.  I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this, which is making a material difference to The Scout Association, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Lifelites and the Mark Benevolent Fund.  I now pass donations received to the charity most relevant to the host or the talk. Since 2012 I have raised over £132,655 for charity, £123,005 from my books and talks.

Two other highlights were being elected an honorary member of a Lodge in West Kent (Lesnes Abbey Lodge No. 7393) and one in East Kent (Lodge of Freedom No. 77). Honorary membership is something I treasure and I try to repay the honour by supporting the Lodge where I can. I do my best to attend each Lodge at least once a year, although I don’t always achieve this.

I currently offer 31 original Masonic talks and accept invitations from Lodges, Provinces, Districts, Light Blues Clubs and Masonic associations in jurisdictions recognised by United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and Freemasonry for Women (HFAF).  Neither distance nor time zone is an issue.  If you invite me (and pay my expenses) I will come!

I shouldn’t ignore some Scouting highlights! As well as celebrating my 40th year in formal adult roles, in September I spent some time with Dave, the 5th Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell. His father and I were great friends and Dave, with his boundless energy and superb ability to inspire people, is going to do such good for World Scouting.

With Dave, Lord Baden-Powell

Soon after I was appointed as The Scout Association’s UK Liaison for Freemasonry and have already kicked off two initiatives. I am hoping we can do more to connect Scouting and Freemasonry through UGLE’s community engagement focus. As for local Scouting, like everyone else, I am still learning to navigate our new structures and systems, but am getting there.

So, in conclusion, I thank you for your support for my activities during 2024.  I wish you and your loved ones well for the festive season.  And I wish you a healthy, happy, and successful 2025.  Let’s make the coming year an even greater success for ourselves, our Lodges and for Freemasonry as a whole.

Onwards and upwards!

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Freemasonry: the next generation

It’s been a while since I last updated you on activities with my books and talks. I want to tell you about two new talks that I am now offering, and a little about books in the pipeline.

The first new talk is called, “Freemasonry: the next generation.” I wrote this for a New & Young Masons conference in the Province of West Lancashire, England, and went down very well. It looks at how we can engage and involve the next generation of Freemasons and secure the future of our Lodges.

The other, only finished last evening, is currently called, “Modernising Lodges for the twenty-first century.” That title is likely to evolve when I find something more catchy. It looks at what Lodges can do to “fix their leaky buckets” and modernise their practices. It draws on material in “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges” which I have not included in previous talks.

See my list of talks

I also have three new books in the pipeline. Two are complete and waiting for publication. One is the audio book version of “Seven Habits” and the other is a follow up to that book. It provides some practical tools Lodges can use to become Highly Successful.

The third new book is “in preparation.” I won’t say too much more at this point, except that it is a re-write of a well-established title and brings that material up to date so that it is focused on Freemasonry in the twenty-first century.

See my books

I continue to receive many invitations to deliver talks all over the country, and overseas. In fact, I am now packing for a trip to Canada to deliver three talks. The first will be at a District meeting, the second in a Lodge and the third at a major conference. Later this year I hope to go eastwards to speak in Asia – but more of that when details are confirmed.

As always. thank you for your support.

Onwards and upwards!

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What’s already new in 2024?

2024 is only a few weeks old but already I have some great news that will interest you.  Please click on the links to see the items you wish to read.

  1. Chair of Trustees at Lifelites
  2. Follow-ups to The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges
  3. Is yours a Highly Successful Lodge?
  4. More bookings for talks in 2024

As always, thank you for your support.

Chair of Trustees at Lifelites

Back in August I shared with you my appointment as the Interim Chair of Lifelites, a charity which brings joy to children and young people with life limiting conditions.  I am now delighted to tell you that, after an open and thorough recruitment process and a rigorous interview, the trustees have appointed me the Chair of Trustees – no longer interim.

Lifelites has a special link with Freemasonry.  It started as the millennium project of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys (RMTGB) and later became a charity in its own right.

Lifelites enables children and young people with life-limiting conditions to communicate with their families and experience unforgettable moments of connection and joy.  We do this by providing assistive technology and training to every children’s hospice in the British Isles.  This technology allows around 10,000 children every year, and many more members of their families, to experience unforgettable moments of connection and joy. 

During my time with the charity we have developed a new strategy, aimed at expanding our services to reach the other 90,000 or so children and young people who have the same life-limiting conditions but who are not in hospices.

No other charity does what Lifelites does, and we Freemasons should be very proud of our connection.

As Chair of Lifelites, I shall be working with the board and our staff to deliver our strategy and continue to strengthen our governance.  As you might expect of me, I shall also be offering talks about Lifelites and fundraising for the charity.  Indeed, Lifelites is now one of the charities I support through my books and talks. 

Freemasonry is the largest single donor to Lifelites.  Over the years many Lodges and Provinces have become Lifelites Partners, to support installations of new equipment in hospices local to them.  Individuals too have been very generous. 

In 2023 we launched a new donor recognition scheme, Lifelites Heroes.  This works in a similar manner to the honorific schemes run by Masonic charities for many years.  It recognises accumulated donations over a lifetime.  Lifelites is contacting those who have made donations since 2014 to let them know their current Hero level and provide them with the appropriate recognition.

Please use the links above to find out more about Lifelites, or invite me along to give a talk to your Lodge. 

If you wish to donate to Lifelites please use our GiveTap page for personal donations, or make a Relief Chest transfer to “Lifelites” using the MCF e-voucher service.  You can also make a donation via my own charity fund.

To those who have given to Lifelites, on behalf of the trustees and staff, I thank you.

Follow-ups to The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges

My book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges”, has proved to be very successful itself.  In fact, it is Lewis Masonic’s fastest selling new release.

So successful has the book been that I have already written a follow-up book and responded to requests for an audiobook version.

The audiobook was recorded by me, with the foreword kindly recorded by the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro. Sir David Wootton. 

The follow-up book is a health check that Lodges can use to see how they measure up to the Lodge management practices advocated in Seven Habits and develop an action plan for their continued improvement.

Both will be published by Lewis Masonic.

You can buy a signed copy of “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges” direct from my website.

Is yours a Highly Successful Lodge?

My book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges”, has been out for over a year and I have heard from many brethren how they are using it to improve the management of their Lodge.

So, I am now seeking one or more Lodges which have implemented the Seven Habits so that I can visit them, find out about their journey and share with others their story of success.

If your Lodge would like to be involved, please email me with brief details.  I will then get in touch to discuss the next steps.

More bookings for talks in 2024

It seems that almost every week I am asked if I can come to a Lodge or Chapter to deliver one of my talks.  My answer is I would love to.

In fact, I welcome invitations to deliver talks, whether face-to-face or online, to Lodges, Chapters and other Masonic groups in any jurisdiction recognised by UGLE, plus the two Orders of Women Freemasonry, in any location or time zone.  I do ask that my travel expenses be met and that a donation be made to my charity fund.

Sometimes I am asked to deliver a talk or visit a Lodge at very short notice.  Often, I have to decline as my diary tends to be booked around six to eight weeks ahead.  So, by all means invite me but if you can give me plenty of notice it increases the chance that I will be available.

My current list of talks can be found on my website and you can read what others have said about them here.

You can find my current schedule for talks I am giving on my website.

Thank you!

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A glance in the rear view mirror

I have just got home from attending the December Quarterly Communication of UGLE.  It featured an address from the Pro Grand Master which was one of the clearest and most inspiring statements on our purpose, values and direction of travel that I have ever heard.  It got me thinking about the last year.  While we move ever forward, a glance in the rear-view mirror reminds us where we came from.

At the Quarterly Communication a year ago, the Pro Grand Master launched UGLE’s Strategy for Freemasonry and asked us to adopt a “Yes, if …” attitude. 

Ever since I have felt a buzz within English Freemasonry, a new optimism, and a widespread willingness to evolve and change.  At the top, we are seeing the Craft and Royal Arch working together as one organisation, and there are signs that more Provinces will do so too.  The launch of Archway offers Chapters a similar toolkit to the Members’ Pathway.  Communications have improved, with new channels such as UGLE’s excellent podcast, Craftcast, and we are seeing exciting developments such the encouragement of multiple candidate ceremonies.

Provinces too have launched new initiatives, Lodges have taken stock and built plans, and more of our newer brethren have got more involved.  Everywhere I go I hear of Lodges turning their fortunes from decline into growth, I hear of new energy and enthusiasm, and I meet Freemasons who are engaged and committed.

True, Lodge attendance has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels.  And, of course, not all Lodges are so energised.  To those who do not recognise my comments above, I ask you to connect with the new developments that are taking place around you and to embrace the guidance, support and encouragement that is now available. 

Looking forward to 2024, I expect to see more Lodges changing and improving what they are doing, to suit the new members who are coming through.  I am also looking forward to a more member-centric and inclusive culture in our Lodges, which I firmly believe is key if we are to engage and retain more members.  I would love to see more and more experienced Freemasons hand over their active roles to newer members while supporting them “behind the scenes”.  Passing on knowledge and wisdom to apprentices or proteges is exactly what the operative Master Mason did and essential if we are to build sustainability into our Lodges.

A lot has changed with me personally during the last year.  I discovered I have Post Covid Syndrome, or Long Covid, which means I must pace myself differently to avoid and manage fatigue and all its consequences.  Thankfully, I have had a lot of support from the Derbyshire Long Covid Team and from family and friends.  I have rearranged my priorities, so I am in more control of my time and deadlines.  Writing and speaking are at the very top of my priority list, so expect to hear from me more.

In July my term as a trustee of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) came to an end after seven years but my involvement with Lifelites has increased as I became interim Chair of Trustees in the summer.  I stood down as Provincial Membership Officer in Nottinghamshire, having found an excellent successor in Andrew Farrar.  Sales of The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges have gone incredibly well – it is Lewis Masonic’s fastest selling new release.  I have already written a follow-up book, which will also be published by Lewis Masonic, and am working on another.

During 2023 I have delivered 34 face-to-face talks and 15 online.  I also travelled to Cyprus and Seychelles to speak, as well as to twenty-two different Provinces.  I already have more than twenty bookings for 2024 and am working on some new talks I hope to launch in the first part of the year.

I currently offer 31 original Masonic talks and accept invitations from Lodges, Provinces, Districts, Light Blues Clubs and Masonic associations in jurisdictions recognised by United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and Freemasonry for Women (HFAF).  Neither distance nor time zone is an issue.  If you invite me (and pay my expenses) I will come!

During 2023, my talks and sales of my books raised £7,350 for Scouting and Masonic charities.  I am incredibly grateful to all who have contributed towards this.  It has made a material difference to the work of both The Scout Association and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.  I am reviewing my nominated charities and will explain my thinking when I have completed this process.

So, I thank you for your support for my activities during 2023.  I wish you well for the festive season.  And I wish you a healthy, happy, and successful 2024.  Let’s make 2024 a success for ourselves, our Lodges and for Freemasonry as a whole.

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My news about Lifelites

I am very pleased to share the news that I have been appointed interim Chair of Trustees for Lifelites, a charity which brings joy to children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Lifelites has a special link with Freemasonry.  It started as the millennium project of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys (RMTGB) and later became a charity in its own right.  I was appointed a trustee in January 2022, after being nominated by the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

Lifelites enables children and young people with life-limiting conditions to communicate with their families.  We do this by providing assistive technology and training to every children’s hospice in the British Isles.  This technology allows around 10,000 children every year, and many more members of their families, to experience unforgettable moments of connection and joy. 

During my time with the charity we have developed a new strategy, aimed at expanding our services to reach the other 90,000 or so children and young people who have the same life-limiting conditions but who are not in hospices.

No other charity does what Lifelites does, and we Freemasons should be very proud of our connection.

As interim Chair of Lifelites, I shall be working with the board and our staff to implement our new strategy and to strengthen our governance.  As you might expect of me, I shall also be offering talks about Lifelites and fundraising for the charity.  Indeed, as of now, half of the funds I raise from my books and talks will go to Lifelites, with the other half going to the Scouts, as before. 

Freemasonry is the largest single donor to Lifelites.  Over the years many Lodges and Provinces have become Lifelites Partners, to support installations of new equipment in hospices local to them.  Individuals too have been very generous. 

So, earlier this year we launched a new donor recognition scheme, Lifelites Heroes.  This works in a similar manner to the honorific schemes run by Masonic charities for many years.  It recognises accumulated donations over a lifetime.  In the next few months Lifelites will be contacting those who have made donations since 2014 to let them know their current Hero level and provide them with the appropriate recognition.

Please use the links above to find out more about Lifelites, or invite me along to give a talk to your Lodge. 

If you wish to donate to Lifelites please use our GiveTap page for personal donations, or make a Relief Chest transfer to “Lifelites” using the MCF e-voucher service.  You can also make a donation via my own charity fund.

As always, thank you so much for your support.

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The historic links between the Craft, Mark and Royal Arch

Sign up at https://bit.ly/WBTOMTjan2023 to attend an online delivery of this recently updated talk this Wednesday, 18th January, at 7.00 pm, GMT (UTC+0). Registrations will close at 15.30, after which those registered will be sent a Zoom meeting link.

The talk is open only to members of Grand Lodges recognised by UGLE, OWF or HFAF.

While reaching out to you, you can now buy a signed copy of my new book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges“, published by Lewis Masonic, direct from me at https://prestonian2012.org.uk/buy-my-books/.

And finally, if you would like to leave a review of the book, please do so on the Lewis Masonic website at https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/seven-habits-of-highly-successful-lodges.htm.

Have a great week!

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Exciting times

Way back in 2010, when I was Provincial Grand Mentor in Derbyshire, I wrote a Masonic talk called “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges.” Inspired by Stephen Covey’s “7 habits of highly effective people”, I did for Lodges what Covey had done for people. I observed the most successful – that is those which were strong, happy, healthy, thriving – and I documented what I thought were their key and common features.

The Seven Habits talk soon took off. It had a positive message and was well received. Lodges reported using the habits as a framework to regenerate their Lodges. The Square Magazine asked me to write an article and it was published in the March 2013 edition. Lewis Masonic then commissioned me to write a book.

Progress on the book was delayed, initially by my activities as Provincial Junior Grand Warden and Head of Communications for a charity festival in Derbyshire, and then by my work developing the Members’ Pathway. The pandemic gave me an opportunity to return to the book and I finished it earlier this year. Sir David Wootton, Deputy Grand Master of UGLE, kindly agreed to write the foreword.

The book describes the Seven Habits, and then goes much further. It includes a thorough analysis of membership trends and all the research into why people become Freemasons, and why they remain members of their Lodges or leave. It also examines the lifestyles, working life and mindsets of those we are seeking as candidates. It then outlines how we can update the management of our Lodges to suit the 21st century Freemason. Among other things, it addresses the management of change, culture, leadership and planning. Throughout it signposts elements in the Members’ Pathway, making it an ideal companion to that work.

You can buy a copy below or, if you want a digital copy, from Lewis Masonic here.

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges

£23.99

Please let me know how you get on with the Seven Habits. I would like to do a follow up book, about Lodges that have used the Seven Habits to revive their fortunes. It would be great to tell your story.

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The next talk in the series W Bro. Tony’s Online Masonic Talks

My next online talk will be “Is belief in a Supreme Being really essential?” – live and online over Zoom on 27th Oct at 7.00 pm BST.

To attend this live talk, and participate in the Q&A that will follow, please register now via https://bit.ly/WBTOMToct2022. A Zoom meeting link will be sent to all who have registered in advance three hours before the start of the talk.

As Freemasonry improves its ability to attract potential new members, some brethren have commented that good candidates have had to be turned down as they don’t believe in a Supreme Being.  This short talk reviews the reasons why such a belief is an essential feature at the very core of the Craft.  The talk stimulates discussion!

The other dates in the series are

Tuesday, 22nd November           How to grow the membership of your Lodge

Tuesday, 24th January                Historic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch

Friday, 24th February

Wednesday, 22nd March

Tuesday, 25th April

Monday, 22nd May

Thursday, 29th June

Thursday, 20th July

Wednesday, 23rd August

All talks will start at 7.00 pm UK time.

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My next Online Masonic Talk on 23rd September

The next talk in my new series, “W Bro. Tony’s Online Masonic Talks” will be “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” this Friday, 23rd September, 19.00 BST.

Please register to attend the talk by clicking the button below. You will receive the Zoom link shortly after 16.00 BST on Friday.

Register to attend my talk on 23rd September

After this my next talk will be on Monday, 24th October. You can vote for which talk I should deliver by clicking the button below. All my talks are listed at https://prestonian2012.org.uk/tonys-masonic-talks/.

Vote for my October talk

The dates for future talks are:

  • Monday, 24th October
  • Wednesday, 23rd November
  • Tuesday, 24th January
  • Friday, 24th February
  • Wednesday, 22nd March
  • Tuesday, 25th April
  • Monday, 22nd May
  • Thursday, 29th June
  • Thursday, 20th July
  • Wednesday, 23rd August

All my talks are in aid of two charities, The masonic Charitable Foundation (https://mcf.org.uk) and The Scout Association Heritage Fund (https://scouts.org.uk). You can make a donation via my charity fund using the button below.

Donate to my charity fund

You can find out further details of my Masonic books, talks and other activities at https://prestonian2012.org.uk.

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Announcing a new series – “W Bro. Tony Harvey’s Online Masonic Talks”

I have been so encouraged by the enthusiasm for my recent online talk, “Top tips for a new Freemason”, for which 240 brethren booked, that I have decided to launch a new series of monthly Masonic talks, live and online.

The new series will be called “W Bro. Tony Harvey’s Online Masonic Talks”. It will be hosted and produced by the Byron Club, the Light Blues Club for the Province of Nottinghamshire.

Sign up to receive details

Since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions I have once again been delivering talks face-to-face for Lodges, Light Blues Clubs and other events. But there is clearly still an appetite for online talks, which bring together diverse brethren from different Masonic jurisdictions and all timezones.

The new series will be run on dates in the second half of every month, excluding December. I will vary days of the week, but each will start at 19.00 UK time.

Talks will be open to members of Lodges recognised by either United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) or Freemasonry for Women / the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (FFW/HFAF). On occasions I may extend the eligibility to those who are not Freemasons, such as for talks aimed at those who wish to learn about the Craft.

I will continue to use the Eventbrite booking system and am looking at ways to make it easier to join a Zoom call.

I will also be raising money for my charity fund.  All proceeds will be divided between The Masonic Charitable Foundation (see https://mcf.org.uk) and The Scout Association’s Heritage Fund (see www.scouts.org.uk and heritage.scouts.org.uk).  

You can make a donation to this fund via https://gtap.uk/e8001.   When asked for “Name of the Lodge/Chapter” please enter “2012 Prestonian Lecture” and when asked for “Number of the Lodge/Chapter to be credited” please enter “E8001”.  

Thank you to all who have made a donation before, and especially to those who have done so in response to last evening’s talk.

The next talk will be “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” on Friday, 23rd September at 19.00 BST. The booking link is https://shohsl-230922.eventbrite.co.uk. The meeting link will be sent to all who register 3 hours before the start.

The planned dates are:

  • Friday, 23rd September
  • Monday, 24th October
  • Wednesday, 23rd November
  • Tuesday, 24th January
  • Friday, 24th February
  • Wednesday, 22nd March
  • Tuesday, 25th April
  • Monday, 22nd May
  • Thursday, 29th June
  • Thursday, 20th July
  • Wednesday, 23rd August

Please reserve these dates in your diary now.

Sign up to receive details of talks

I intend to run an online poll to select the talks for subsequent dates, and details of this will be in a later post.

Incidentally, being a pilot, last night’s talk was not recorded. However, others have been. You can see them on my YouTube channel at, https://YouTube.com/c/wbrotonyharvey.

Thank you once again for your support for me, my talks and my charity fund. I look forward to seeing you over the coming months.

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What will be your new normal?

As many of us plan for the kickstart of various aspects of our lives, including live meetings of our Lodges without restrictions, are we expecting things to return to what they were? Or are we taking the opportunity to do something different, something better? What will be your new normal?

At the start of the pandemic I saw this as a period in my life I would never have again. An opportunity. A chance to rest and create. I started writing a book and I changed my daily routine.

It wasn’t long before I started delivering online talks. 132 talks later I now have a worldwide audience of over 4,000 – and that includes you.

I am now thinking of how I will build on this experience and continue to reach people I could never have reached 18 months ago. There are a number of possibilities, including hybrid meetings, a new platform and even a regular Masonic chat show.

So, please would you help by completing this 2-minute poll, to tell me how you would like me to deliver my talks, and possibly other work, in a post-pandemic future.

Complete the poll

Incidentally, if you would like to arrange a talk from me for your Lodge, Province, District, Light Blues Club or other Masonic association, please click on the following button.

Book a talk here

Finally, I want to say a big “Thank you” to everyone who has made a donation to my charity fund during the pandemic. So far we have raised £22,087. My efforts to raise money for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) continue and, with your help, we may be able to hit £25,000. If you would like to support the MCF, please click the following button to make a donation.

Support the MCF

However you plan to kickstart your life once restrictions are eased, with whatever changes you are making, I wish you well.

Oh, and please look out for my book.

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Congratulations to all being honoured this year

It is the time of year for both Scouting and Freemasonry to honour those who have given great service to those organisations. I want to congratulate those receiving honours and awards, as well as reflect on how important it is to recognise those who work so hard for our good causes.

But for Covid-19, yesterday would have been the Annual Meeting for the Mark Province of Derbyshire. For a number of years I organised this meeting. One of the greatest pleasures I had was sending letters to the recipients of those being appointed to or promoted in Provincial grand rank. Most recipients were delighted and many were surprised. The pleasure they experienced when they processed to have their honour conferred lifted everyone at the meeting.

Just occasionally some were disappointed. Often these were the ones who spoke of “expecting promotion.” I think they missed the point. No one has a right to an honour. They are not given for long service and are not automatic. They are given for good service, especially that “over and above the norm”, and are in the gift and prerogative of the fount of honour, whether that be the head of a Masonic Order, the Chief Scout or, in the case of national honours, The Queen. To expect them is presumptuous and ultimately leads to disappointment.

Over the years I have been fortunate to have received many Scouting and Masonic honours and awards. I have been pleased, in fact delighted, in every case, largely because they were unexpected. In fact, in all but one instance they came as a complete surprise. They told me that my work is seen and valued. The effect has been a renewed and even deeper sense of commitment. I have never undertaken any work to get an honour but having been honoured I have tended to give more, so that I may be worthy of the honour.

Today I wrote a letter in support of a nomination for a Queen’s honour for a Freemason who has given many years of great service to Scouting and his community. In my opinion, he deserves wider recognition.

A little while ago someone must have taken the time to nominate me for a Masonic honour. I don’t know who it was and probably never shall. However, on Wednesday I shall receive a Masonic promotion that I never expected would come my way.

This came as a complete surprise and told me that my work (I presume my efforts in relation to membership development) is seen and is valued. That the promotion came from “the centre” means a great deal to me. The response from those who know of my work has been overwhelming and deeply humbling. By the simple act of nominating me, someone (supported of course by those who approved the nomination) has given me a great deal of pleasure and encouraged me to do even more.

So, if you see someone doing good work “over and above the norm”, please take a little time to thank them or, better still, to nominate them for an honour. It is a great way to recognise people and to let them know they are appreciated.

This weekend would have been the National Scout Service at Windsor Castle, to which Queen’s Scouts and recipients of Scouting’s highest honours and awards are invited to attend. This Wednesday and Thursday would have been the Investiture Meetings of United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter. For the second year running, so many people are missing the big celebration of their awards and honours.

Congratulations to all those Scouts and adult members of Scouting honoured this week by the Chief Scout. Congratulations also to those due to receive appointments to or promotion in grand rank from the Grand Master and First Grand Principal in United Grand Lodge or Supreme Grand Chapter. I hope that you can celebrate, despite not being able to enjoy the big occasion. I know I shall be doing so!

Lastly, a sincere thank you to the unknown Brother who nominated me for my honour. You really don’t know how happy you, by your thoughtful act, have made me.

Onwards and upwards!

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A fundraising milestone

I wanted to share with you a fundraising milestone, passed today thanks to donations received from those attending my latest talk.

The total raised for charities from my Masonic talks since 2012 has passed £90,000. In fact it currently stands at £90,027.37.

Over £87,000 of this came from my Prestonian Lecture and other Masonic talks, the proceeds of which are divided between The Scout Association Heritage Fund and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The rest came from my Cornwallis Lecture and my Mike Baker Memorial Lecture, the proceeds of which go to Kent Museum of Freemasonry and the Kent Mark Benevolent Fund.

Other Masonic fundraising activities – such as “The 2017 MBF Walk”, “Bill Summ’s Masonic Songs” and “Old Men & their Mountains” have raised a further £13,013.14.

The total raised for charity since 2012 amounts to £103,040.51. Full details can be found on my charity page.

My reason for announcing this today are:

  1. Those who have donated deserve to know.
  2. To thank those who have supported me and my charities in all these endeavours.
  3. To give us all a reason to celebrate our collective efforts.

So, to everyone who has booked me to give a talk, endured my planning and delivery, attended one of my talks, stayed throughout one of my talks, supported and encouraged me in so many ways, sold my books, bought my books, read my books, driven me to venues, put me up in their homes and in any other way contributed to or supported my fundraising activities.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

And of course, I have to say – because I wouldn’t be much of a fundraiser if I didn’t – if anyone wishes to make a donation, please use the button below:

Make a donation

To find out more about my talks and books, including how you can book and how you can buy, please go to:

My Masonic website
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Exactly when do we stop saying “Happy New Year”?

I was asked this question very recently and came up with the answer, “On the Ides of January.” Already Christmas and the New Year are long behind us and 2021 is well under way.

In the last few days, my daughter Caroline graduated Master of Laws from City, University of London, and I was very fortunate to receive the first of my two Covid-19 jabs as someone deemed to be “clinically extremely vulnerable.” I have also started my new role as Provincial Membership Officer in the Province of Nottinghamshire.

However, 2021 has not signalled a change in our ability to meet without restriction. Indeed it may be many months before our members can gather together as they wish. In the meantime, we continue with virtual gatherings.

My own experience of these has been very positive. I have “met” brethren I would never have met otherwise and participated in meetings of Lodges I can rarely attend. My reach has expanded to all continents, and most timezones! I suspect far more of our members have developed a hunger for learning about Freemasonry, although I continue to be concerned that many are either not engaging with what is on offer or are simply not being contacted by their Lodges.

It is great to see platforms such as “Freemasons without Borders,” “The Lodge, Hope of Kurachee” and the “Trans Oceanic Masonic Study Circle” develop and mature and an increasing number of Lodges start their own programmes.

Although some say they are “Zoomed out” – and I know that feeling – my own belief is this is just about finding a new balance. We must continue to offer meaningful Masonic experiences, to engage our members and provide value for their membership.

As for my own talks, I have now delivered 82 online since April and have another 31 booked already – reaching as far as September this year. So, please do get in touch if you wish to book me for your Lodge / Province / District / Grand Lodge or other Masonic Association.

This post is a great opportunity to thank those who have attended my talks for making donations through my fundraising page, https://bit.ly/2012JustGiving. So far these have raised £13,755.15 for the Masonic Charitable Foundation, taking total funds raised from my Masonic speaking engagements since 2012 to £89,016.12. Including other activities such as books and sponsored events, the total raised for Scouting and Masonic charities since then is £102,029.26.

To see what talks I am offering please look at http://bit.ly/2012Talks. To arrange a talk, please go to http://bit.ly/2012ArrangeTalk. To book to attend one, please go to http://bit.ly/2012Dates.

So, with the New Year behind us, we now have to make the best of 2021. I am just getting ready for the next celebration, the Mark Province of London’s annual Haggis Night. I may see you there!

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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happier 2021

Twelve months ago none of us could have imagined we would be where we are now! You don’t need me to tell the story because we have all been there and we are all still making our way through the difficulties presented by Covid-19.

Yet, despite all the tragedies and losses and difficulties we are still experiencing, there is always hope.

Out of loss comes opportunity for learning, consolidation, new birth and growth. Crises accelerate change and we can already see the direction of travel. In the last few months members who have not attended have become re-engaged with their Lodges, communities have seen what a difference Freemasonry makes to our lives and – by extension – to theirs. Many of us – and many of our Lodges – have used the time to learn, regroup, refresh and plan for the future.

I have only left my house four times since March. Yet I have met over 5,500 brethren from all around the world on Zoom meetings for Lodges, Masonic associations, Provinces and Districts. I have used the time to research, to write and to plan as well as to speak to a much bigger audience than I could ever have imagined reaching in ten months.

Thank you to everyone receiving this email. You have supported my Masonic work by booking or attending at least one of the 76 online talks I have given in that time.

I wish you and your loved ones a merry, restful and peaceful Christmas and I wish you the very best of health and happiness for 2021, whatever it might bring.

My talks start again on 7th January and I have 29 planned for the first three months of 2021. I hope to see you sometime then.

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Looking back, looking forward

This week has seen England go back into lockdown. Effectively all Masonic meetings will be suspended, either by a Provincial Grand Master’s implied powers or (possibly) by an edict from the Grand Master.

I am seeing more of our brethren share the difficulties they have been experiencing with the current restrictions. At the same time I have experienced some quite uplifting moments over the last seven days, culminating in this morning’s online Service of Remembrance organised by Nottinghamshire Freemasons.

My week started on Monday with the inaugural delivery of my Mike Baker Memorial Lecture, “How to grow the membership of your Mark Lodge”, over Zoom. Organised by R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, the Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Province of Kent, more than 140 attended, including the Deputy Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Prizeman, the Assistant Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Steve Davison, the Grand Secretary, R.W.Bro. Ryan Williams, and eight Mark Provincial Grand Masters.

Buy a copy of the lecture here

Freemasonry lost so much with the passing of my friend Mike Baker but, by creating a lectureship in his name, his Provincial Grand Master has ensured his legacy will live on and he will continue to inspire us to take positive steps in our Freemasonry.

One of Mike’s favourite quotes was, “The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.” We have more time now to address issues within our Lodges, and to lay the foundation for future growth, than we will ever have again. In memory of Mike, please take this time to fix the roof.

Tuesday was a talk for Vastern Lodge 8977 and the Province of Wiltshire. The Lodge has been running a series of online talks over the last few months and I was privileged to be the latest. I delivered my refreshed and revamped, “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” to an audience of interested and engaged brethren. The talk has a very positive message outlining a framework of success against which we can all assess our Lodges. It is the basis for the new book I am writing on Lodge management.

See an article on the seven habits here

On Wednesday I returned to the Mark Province of Devonshire to deliver the follow-up to my earlier talk on the historic links between the Craft, Mark and Royal Arch. This one concentrated on the narrative and symbolic links between what are clearly the core degrees in Freemasonry. What was so good about this event was the positive enthusiasm for a more constructive appreciation of these links, rather than the divisive wedge that has sometimes been driven between the Mark and Royal Arch.

Then on Thursday I was once again in Cheshire to deliver my talk, “The Royal Arch: what is it all about?” Every single member of the Craft and Royal Arch Executive, and representatives from all four areas in the Province, attended this talk – as did many from the target audience of those who have not yet become Royal Arch Masons and those who are recent Companions. Once again a hugely positive discussion followed from some excellent questions. With the clear leadership and combined approach to managing the Craft and Royal Arch in Cheshire, it is little wonder that the Royal Arch is thriving in the Province.

On Friday I joined a Zoom meeting in the Province of West Kent to discuss how we will approach an online programme for 2021, combining entertainment, general interest and Masonic education into an integrated and engaging approach. As the Head of Learning & Development in the Province you would expect me to say this but West Kent is showing the way forward for member engagement.

Yesterday was a day of reflection. It was the 11th anniversary of the consecration of The Scout Lodge M.M.M. No. 1907, the world’s first Scouting Mark Lodge, of which I was honoured to be founding Master. It was also the third anniversary of UGLE’s Tercentenary celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, and which I was honoured to be present. Two great, uplifting and memorable occasions when Freemasons came together for common purpose.

Earlier today I tuned in to the online Service of Remembrance organised by Worksop Masonic Club in the Province of Nottinghamshire. While paying tribute to those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflicts, it also recognised the fortitude and example set by those of our predecessors who lived through past restrictions. Reflecting on their experience and example may perhaps inspire us to stand firm and get through this pandemic in as positive a manner as we can.

The common thread through all these talks and meetings has not been me. It has been the willingness of the brethren and companions to gather together, to engage in a collective Masonic experience, to continue to question, to learn and to contribute.

We will get through this difficult time. We can use the time constructively to learn and stretch ourselves. We can use the time to improve our Lodges and make them fit for the new future. So that when we can return we can seize new opportunities for growth an expansion, just as our predecessors did when Freemasonry emerged from earlier times of difficulty.

And to my brethren and companions who are experiencing difficulties, please be open, let others know, reach out to your Lodges, Provinces and Districts and accept the help and support that you will inevitably receive.

However isolated we may feel at present, none of us are an island. Together we are part of one of the world’s greatest forces for good. Together we will get through this.

Onwards and upwards.

See my upcoming talks by clicking here
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The Mike Baker Memorial Lecture

Tomorrow evening, 26th October at 19.00 GMT, I will be delivering the inaugural Mike Baker Memorial Lecture, “How to grow the membership of your Mark Lodge”, for the Mark Province of Kent. By the kind permission of the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, brethren from recognised constitutions are very welcome.

Book here

W Bro. Mike Baker passed away unexpectedly on 23rd April this year.  He was very well known in English Freemasonry, across our Provinces and Districts, as a talented and hardworking communicator.  Having worked in sales and marketing at the Royal Mail, Mike joined United Grand Lodge as Director of Communications in 2013.  I got to know him soon afterwards and we worked together on a number of projects.  At the time of his death he was enjoying working for Mark Masons’ Hall as a communications consultant.  We had membership of one Lodge in common, Letchworth Lodge No. 3505 in London.  I was proud to call Mike a friend and miss his good humour, his love for communication and the banter we often exchanged.

Mike was Initiated in Kynaston Studd Lodge No. 5416 in London and joined Petts Wood Lodge No. 5435 in West Kent.  He served as a Metropolitan Grand Standard Bearer and then as Social Media Manager for Metropolitan Grand Lodge.  He was Exalted in Tothill Fields Chapter No. 6638 and joined Petts Wood Chapter No. 5435, where he was the MEZ at the time of his passing. He was appointed PAGDC in United Grand Lodge in 2015 and an active AGDC in Supreme Grand Chapter in 2017.

In the Mark he was Advanced into Orpington Lodge M.M.M. No. 1083 and was a joining member of Kent Mark Stewards’ Lodge No. 1691 and Greenwich Lodge M.M.M. 332.  He was appointed P.A.G.D.C. in the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons in 2019.

The lectureship has been established by R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Province of Kent, with the kind permission of Tina, Mike’s wife.  I am sure Mike would have felt honoured if bemused by a lectureship named after him.  As for what he would have thought of my appointment as the first lecturer, I imagine it would have lead to some strong banter! 

What I do know is that Mike would have been very pleased with the topic, as membership growth was a passion of his and a subject that he and I worked on together.

Rest in peace, Mike.  You truly marked well.

Other talks this week

Also, in this coming week I am delivering the following talks:

27th October, “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges”, for Vastern Lodge No. 8977 and the Province of Wiltshire.

28th October, “The narrative and symbolic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch”, for the Mark Province of Devonshire.

29th October, “The Royal Arch: what is it all about?”, for the Royal Arch Province of Cheshire.

You can see other talks I am scheduled to deliver here.

Fundraising news

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation following one of my online talks during Covid-19. The total raised so far is £8,352.51, all of of which is going to the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

With immediate effect, I am now using the MCF’s new online fundraising system run by Just Giving. The new donations link is bit.ly/2012JustGiving.

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Keeping going during Covid-19

Getting through the first six months of Covid-19 was one thing. Overall we seemed to adapt very well. Many rushed to help others and it is great to see the delayed Queen’s Birthday Honours List recognise so many ordinary people for their extraordinary efforts.

As we face increased rather than relaxed restrictions it all seems like hard work now, doesn’t it. How much longer will this go on for?

Personally I am preparing for another 12 months of isolation and shielding, where the only contact I will have with others will be through a screen, microphone and speaker. But 12 months is too big to contemplate so I am focussing on three months at a time. As I get through each three months I can then take stock and get myself mentally fit for the next.

While not many of us cannot meet together as Freemasons, we can all use this time to become better Freemasons and better people. We can all use this time to reflect, contemplate, take stock, improve and plan ahead. We can do the same in our Lodges too, using technology to meet and discuss matters.

I believe a positive mental attitude is so important. I have set myself new goals and am seizing the opportunity to be productive. My talks and my work on a new book are my way of doing something constructive.

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal setting concept presented on blackboard with colorful crumpled sticky notes and white chalk handwriting

Sadly, not all our friends will come out of this time. I was terribly shocked to lose my friend Mike Baker, who passed away suddenly in April (not related to Covid). It was a great honour when R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Kent, invited me to be the Inaugural Mike Baker Memorial Lecturer. Archie set up the new lectureship in Mike’s memory and I have selected a title that Mike would have appreciated, “How to grow the Membership of your Mark Lodge.” I will be delivering it live on 26th October. Please book here.

My other talks and their dates are all listed here. Please book in good time to get a place – they are proving very popular and many are attracting up to 100 bookings. I am also pleased to schedule new dates if invited by Light Blues Clubs, Provinces and Districts. You can also see some of the talks on my YouTube channel here.

Finally, I was overwhelmed to learn that, as a result of my talk for them on 15th August, the District of South America Northern Division has set up a local charity appeal in Brazil, in conjunction with the other English Orders in the District. This is truly a great initiative and I am delighted to have had a small part to play.

Take care brethren, to stay safe and well.

Tony Harvey

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Launching my Masonic Talk YouTube channel

After a lot of thought, this week I set up a YouTube channel – predictably called “W Bro. Tony Harvey” – to share some of my Masonic talks.

If you couldn’t attend a talk live, please go to my channel, here. I would be really pleased if you would also “subscribe” (so that you can keep up to date with new uploads) and if you would indicate whether or not you like the talk.

Here is one example, my “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” talk.

For a number of reasons, these recordings won’t normally include my favourite part – the lively Q&A that invariably follows and which is normally longer than the talk itself.

If you want you and your brethren to engage with me, ask me questions, debate the issues and see what others think, please invite me along to deliver a talk to your audience. I accept invitations from Lodges, Provinces, Districts, New & Young Masons’ Clubs and Masonic Associations under UGLE, HFAF, OWF and recognised overseas jurisdictions.

Distance and timezone are not a barrier to me. I will arrange a talk around you.

I am already discussing a couple of overseas speaking tours in late 2021. If you want me to speak live please also get in touch.

In the meantime, to see the online talks I currently have planned, please click here.

I am having a break from talks for a week or so, as I have set aside some time to do a lot of new writing. Have a good week – I know I will.

Onwards and upwards.

Kind regards

Tony

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Freemasonry at The Scouts annual Gilwell Reunion

The Scouts annual Gilwell Reunion, always held the first weekend in September, went virtual this year, with the Kindred Lodges Association running a workshop on Scouting and Freemasonry.

This weekend every year my family attends the Gilwell Reunion, the annual event for adults in Scouting. The Covid-19 pandemic prevented us all gathering in person at Gilwell Park, so it all happened online. A big ‘thank you’ must go to The Scout Association for making this happen and providing such a rich variety of entertainment, workshops, interviews, networking events and sheer fun. All on Zoom and Facebook.

It won’t surprise you to know that I did a talk and Q&A on Scouting and Freemasonry on behalf of the Kindred Lodges Association. We had 65 turn up for the session at 5.00 pm on the Saturday and the response was excellent. Some great questions and some things for the KLA to think about as development opportunities.

Christine Chapman, Grand Master of Freemasonry for Women (HFAF), and Sylvia Major, Grand Secretary of the Order of Women Freemasons, were with us on our panel – a great example of Masonic collaboration.

My only regret was that I could not attend the get together of the Gilwell Fellows, which was scheduled at the same time.

Looking ahead, my upcoming talks can be found at https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/. I am taking a few days off from giving talks, to concentrate on reading and writing. My next talk is “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” on Friday, 11th September, for Shropshire’s Solomon Group. Before then I also have a board meeting for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

Have a good week.

Onwards and upwards!

Tony

Featured

My latest project is …

The list of talks that I am currently scheduled to deliver is below. Please click on the link in the title to take you to the booking page. After the table you will find news about my latest project.

DateBSTTitleHost Province / District / Grand Lodge
1/9/2019.00Freemasonry: does it live up to expectations?Love & Unity Lodge 5354Met GL
2/9/2018.30The historic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal ArchDevonshire MarkDevonshire Mark
4/9/2019.30All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Corinthian ClubWest Lancs
5/9/2017.00Scouting & FreemasonryThe KLA at Gilwell ReunionThe Scout Association
11/9/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesSolomon GroupShropshire
12/9/20Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?Baden-Powell Lodge 465Grand Lodge of Argentina
23/9/2019.30The Royal Arch: what is it all about?West KentWest Kent
25/9/2019.00Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?OWFOrder of Women Freemasons
28/9/2018.30Seven habits of highly successful LodgesNorthants & HuntsNorthants & Hunts
1/10/2019.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Cheshire MMFCheshire
5/10/2019.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Pilgrims’ Lodge 5008West Kent
6/10/2019.00Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?Hope of Kurrachee 337Fife & Kinross
7/10/2018.30Seven habits of highly successful LodgesStaffs Membership Strategy GroupStaffordshire
15/10/2019.00How to grow the membership of your LodgeDore Masonic HallDerbyshire
26/10/2019.00How to grow the membership of your Mark LodgeTo be announced
29/10/2019.00The Royal Arch: what is it all about?Cheshire Area 4Cheshire
2/11/2019.00The Royal Arch: what is it all about?West Lancashire
14/11/2014.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Freemasonry for WomenFreemasonry for Women (HFAF)
17/11/2019.00The future of Freemasonry: evolution & changeLodge of Established Order 9822Lincolnshire
25/11/2019.00Freemasonry: does it live up to expectations?To be confirmed

Over the last few months I have often been asked whether people can have copies of my talks or whether they are recorded.

I don’t give out copies. For two reasons. First, I want to engage in the live Q&A myself. Secondly, I don’t wish my personal views to be presented, and potentially distorted or misrepresented, by other speakers.

I also don’t tend to publish recordings, although I am giving further thought to this.

What I have decided to do is to turn many of my talks into a book.

The talks in question will be those on the theme of “The future of Freemasonry.” The book will concentrate on how we can manage and develop our Lodges to make them attractive, relevant and welcoming to the 21st century working man while perpetuating the timeless purpose and meaning of Freemasonry. It will be aimed at members of working Lodges and will offer practical means to develop a Lodge, as well as the rationale for doing so.

The book will build on my experience as a Secretary, Mentor and developer of the Members’ Pathway. It will also, build on my experience of change within The Scouts and on my professional experience as a leadership and change coach, consultant and facilitator.

I will keep you updated on news of my book. So far I have completed the first draft of Chapter 1, which is based on the 7-habits of highly successful Lodges.

In the meantime, I do hope to see you on one of my talks. If you want to host one yourself, please do get in touch here.

I am looking forward to delivering four talks in the next week; for a Lodge in London, for the Mark Province of Devonshire, for the Corinthian Club in West Lancashire and, on Saturday, as part of an online workshop for the Scout Association’s virtual Gilwell Reunion.

Have a great week,

Onwards and upwards!

Tony

Featured

The (second) birth of a Masonic book

If your main interest is in my upcoming talks, here is the list of confirmed dates. 

May I emphasise the five talks I am delivering this week?  Five different titles for five different hosts on three continents, all of which have spaces available (at least they do as I write this) and all of whom would value your support.

Please click on the links in the title of each to go to the booking page.  If there is no link, it is either because plans are in the early stages or it is a private event.

If you are curious to know about my latest activities, please read on after the list of talks below.

DateBSTTitleHost Province / District / Grand Lodge
24/8/2018.00The Royal Arch: what is it all about?British Chapter 334South Africa Western Division
25/08/2019.00Is belief in a Supreme Being really essential?Strathearn Lodge 4965Durham
26/08/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesCheshire MMFCheshire
27/8/2019.00Freemasonry: does it live up to expectations?Five of Nine ClubWarwickshire
29/8/2019.00The future of Freemasonry: evolution & changeSt Paul’s Lodge 374Montreal & Halifax
1/9/2019.00Freemasonry: does it live up to expectations?Love & Unity Lodge 5354Met GL
2/9/2018.30The historic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal ArchDevonshire MarkDevonshire Mark
4/9/2019.30All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Corinthian ClubWest Lancs
11/9/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesSolomon GroupShropshire
12/9/20Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?Baden-Powell Lodge 465Grand Lodge of Argentina
23/9/2019.30The Royal Arch: what is it all about?West KentWest Kent
25/9/2019.00Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?OWFOrder of Women Freemasons
28/9/2018.30Seven habits of highly successful LodgesNorthants & HuntsNorthants & Hunts
29/09/2019.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Cheshire MMFCheshire
6/10/20Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?Hope of Kurrachee 337Fie & Kinross
7/10/2018.30Seven habits of highly successful LodgesStaffs Membership Strategy GroupStaffordshire
29/10/2019.00The Royal Arch: what is it all about?Cheshire Area 4Cheshire
31/10/2011.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)North East Corner ClubBuckinghamshire

Looking back

The last week seems to have been full of planning meetings for future talks.  The great thing about these is that I get to know the people who have invited me, along with their tech support and other members of their Lodge, Province, District or Club.  That helps build rapport and pays off when it comes to the vent itself.  So this week I have been “meeting” brethren from the Order of Women Freemasons, Devonshire Mark, Warwickshire 5 of 9 Club and Strathearn Lodge. 

I have had other meetings with my Kindred Lodges Association brethren, to plan our virtual interactive workshop at the 2020 Gilwell Reunion, The Scout Association’s annual event for adults in Scouting.  This is exciting.  For the last few years we have had a stand at the live event but a workshop gives us a chance to get a consistent message out to interested and curious parties, and to engage with them in a Q&A.

I have also had a great time delivering talks to Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire Light Blues Clubs and having online informal meetings with Pioneer Lodge & Chapter 9065 (my mother Craft & RA units), Lodge of Unity Peace & Concord 316 (the KLA’s Installed Masters’ Lodge) and Peak Council RSM 184.

For all these meetings and talks, brethren, I thank you so much.  Being in contact in this way is helping keep me sane as I go into my twenty-third week of shielding.

During the last week, my talk for the “Freemasons without Borders” Facebook group, “The narrative and symbolic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch” was published on YouTube and has already had 318 views.  You can see it here:

This follows another talk on the historic links, which has had 1.2K views so far, and can be seen here:

Looking forward

So, the coming week is going to be dominated by giving five talks.  In between I will be working on a new book.  Back in 2013 Lewis Masonic commissioned me to write a book based on my talk, “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges.”  I delayed the commission to work on the Members’ Pathway.  Now that I have written a lot more material on Lodge development, I am returning to my book project.  I shall be editing rather than writing from scratch, and I plan to incorporate Masonic use of my Success Cycle model of leadership and change.  Keep watching this space for news!

Thank you once again, brethren.  Have a good week.

Onwards and upwards.

Tony

Featured

Yes, they had something to give in the cause of charity

We have all been in the awkward position of having to answer “No” when asked that question.  I am pleased to say that the brethren attending my talks have responded with a loud “Yes.”

So far, you have donated £5,045.01 to my Prestonian charity fund.  With the expected gift-aid of £1,058.75, this will make a total of £6,103.76.  As I promised, all of this is going to the MCF Covid-19 Community Fund.  £5,065.01 has been paid over so far and the rest will follow when it clears into my Relief Chest. 

These sums have also contributed to the following Festival totals:

  • Durham 2021
  • West Lancashire 2021
  • Leicestershire & Rutland 2022
  • Oxfordshire 2022
  • Derbyshire 2025
  • West Kent 2026

I have delivered 30 talks online since the middle of April.  Twenty of those were for groups that fall within areas that could benefit from the MCF.  The brethren attending on those occasions were asked if they would donate.  271 individual donations have been made.

Amazing!

I want to say a very big “thank you” to the organisers and attendees of my online talks for their generosity and support.

If you would like to make a donation, please go to https://bit.ly/2012Donate. Everything received from Masonic sources during Covid-19 will go to the MCF Covid-19 Community Fund.

Your feedback

Last week I asked you for some feedback.  Thank you to everyone who responded.  The feedback has been very positive and encouraging.  In summary, it said, “Keep on doing what you are doing”.  Welcome to the 109 brethren who have joined my list since last week and who will receive this weekly update.

Looking back

So, looking back over the last week, the highlight was my “Narrative and symbolic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch” talk for Freemasons without Borders on Tuesday and my “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” talks for the Province of West Kent (Thursday) and the District of South America Northern Division (Saturday).  Thank you to the organisers and attendees for all you did.

Between these I have had numerous planning meetings for future talks, when I get to know the brethren concerned, plus some really interesting coaching work for my clients.

Looking forward

All my upcoming talks are listed here.  In the next week I have two deliveries of “How to grow the membership of your Lodge” for Oxfordshire Light Blues Club (Tuesday) and Bedfordshire Light Blues Club (Thursday).

Thank you again.  Have a good week.  I know I will!

Onwards and upwards.

Featured

What do you think of it so far?

This week, I want to thank those who have been following my weekly blogs and ask you for some feedback.  I am still experimenting to find the right balance of content and frequency and your answers to my questions below will be very helpful. 

The past week has featured two talks for South Africa, Rising Star Lodge in the District of Orange Free State and Lyceum Lodge of Research in South Africa North.  I am grateful to those who have organised these, especially RW Bro. James van Zyl and W Bros. Colin Morris, Rob Allam and Roland Dunstan, and all who attended them.  The Q&As were especially enjoyable.

I have also been doing some work on the Members’ Pathway.  I am working with James Bartlett to create some introductory booklets.  Once we have finished writing the content, their visual design will be done by UGLE’s marketing and communications team.

I have also added a new page to my website, featuring some articles on Masonic topics – especially change.

All that, plus writing and planning some new talks and some corporate coaching work, seems to have filled my week.

This coming week is a big one.  I am delivering part two of my “Links” talk for Freemasons without Borders on Tuesday.  Part one looked at “The historic links between the Craft, Mark and Royal Arch” and is available on YouTube.  Part two looks at “The narrative and symbolic links between …” and is looking to be well attended.

I will also be delivering my “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” talk twice.  This is proving to be very popular.  A delivery later today is sold out and more and more people are recognising its value as we look at the health and strength of our Lodges.

So, upcoming talks look something like this.  Please click on the title to get the booking link.  If there isn’t one yet, please keep an eye on https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/ for latest updates.

DateOrganiserProvince / DistrictTitle
11/08/20“Freemasons without Borders”Facebook GroupThe narrative and symbolic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch
13/08/20West KentWest KentSeven habits of highly successful Lodges
15/08/20South America NDSouth America NorthernSeven habits of highly successful Lodges
18/08/20Oxon Light Blues ClubOxfordshireHow to grow the membership of your Lodge
20/08/20Bedfordshire Light BluesBedfordshireHow to grow the membership of your Lodge
23/08/20Lyceum Lodge of ResearchSouth Africa NorthMasters in the Making
24/08/20British Chapter 334South Africa WesternThe Royal Arch: what is it all about?
25/08/20Strathearn Lodge 4965DurhamIs belief in a Supreme Being really essential?
26/08/20Cheshire MMFCheshireSeven habits of highly successful Lodges
04/09/20Corinthian ClubWest LancsAll you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)
23/09/20West KentWest KentThe Royal Arch: what is it all about?
29/09/20Cheshire MMFCheshireAll you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)
29/10/20CheshireCheshireThe Royal Arch: what is it all about?
31/10/20Bucks NECCBuckinghamshireAll you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)

There are a few more yet to be finalised.

So, here are four questions and I would value your comments.  Please use the comments option on the blog page.

1) What sort of information would you like in my blog? For example …

  • Updates on my talks and other Masonic news
  • My thoughts and reflections on Masonic issues, especially membership related
  • Only dates of future talks

2) How often would you like this information?

  • Weekly
  • Fortnightly
  • When new things happen

3) What subjects would you like me to write about in my articles?

4) What subjects would you like me to create talks about?

Thank you again. Have a good week!

Onwards and upwards.

Tony

Featured

A tough week, a great audience, a disappointment, a celebration and an eye to the future

The current dates of my forthcoming online talks are:

DateBSTTitleHostBooking link
04/08/2018.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesRising Star Lodgehttps://shohsl-ofs.eventbrite.co.uk
06/08/2018.00The Royal Arch: what is it all about?Lyceum Lodge of Researchhttps://wiiaa-lyceum.eventbrite.co.uk
09/08/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesGoose & Gridiron N&YMChttps://shohsl-ggywr.eventbrite.co.uk
11/08/2018.00The narrative and symbolic links between the Craft, Mark & Royal Arch“Freemasons without Borders”Handled by Freemasons without Borders
13/08/2019.30Seven habits of highly successful LodgesWest KentProvincial page
15/08/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesSouth America NDhttps://shohsl-sand.eventbrite.co.uk
18/08/2019.00How to grow the membership of your LodgeOxon Light Blues Clubhttps://howto-oxonlbc.eventbrite.co.uk
20/08/2019.00How to grow the membership of your LodgeBedfordshire Light Blueshttps://howto-bedslbc.eventbrite.co.uk
25/08/20 Is belief in a Supreme Being really essential?Strathearn Lodge 4965To be agreed
26/08/2019.00Seven habits of highly successful LodgesCheshire MMFhttps://shohsl-cheshire.eventbrite.co.uk
04/09/2019.30All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Corinthian Club, West LancsInternal event
23/09/2019.30The Royal Arch: what is it all about?West KentProvincial page
29/09/2019.00All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)Cheshire MMFhttps://ayewtkaf-cheshire1.eventbrite.co.uk

Please check my website regularly https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/ for updates.

Last Wednesday I delivered my fourth talk for Cheshire Masters’ & Masons’ Forum (MMF) since we started having Zoom meetings.  It was the second time I have delivered, “The future of Freemasonry: evolution & change” for them.  As always with Cheshire MMF, a great audience with a lively and interesting Q&A session.

One attendee wrote to tell me he was disappointed I had not proposed further specific changes in the fabric of Freemasonry.  The objective of my talk is to encourage Lodges to take stock of their situation and plan their own change, not to present a personal manifesto for the whole of Freemasonry.  However, I did encourage him to prepare his own talk to share his thoughts. He has since come back and said that his frustration is more to do with his own Lodge. I directed him to the Members’ Pathway and suggested he seek support from his Provincial Membership Officer.

On Thursday we had a very productive meeting to discuss the Kindred Lodge Association’s (KLA’s) future presence at Scouting’s annual Gilwell Reunion.  We made a good start on a plan and agreed to continue after a period of reflection and creative thinking over the next two weeks.

For me this has been the toughest week since I started shielding in March.  On the one hand, imagining a release from this situation is at times uplifting.  At others it only highlights that I cannot foresee when I can go beyond my front gate and travel, meet friends and see great places.

Just when I was at a low point came the best news. 

Our daughter, Caroline, had passed all her exams in her Legal Practice Course and so had qualified for the City Law School Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, with a commendation.  This was the latest step in her long-held ambition for a career in law.  She is currently working on her dissertation to turn the qualification in to a Master of Laws (LLM) degree and then she will be looking for placements and ultimately a training contract to qualify as a Solicitor.  Hopefully they will be in London, in which case she will probably still be working part-time in the Pillars!  Diane and I are so proud of her and held a garden celebration yesterday fit for the occasion!

The week ahead will include two talks for Lodges in South Africa and various other Zoom planning meetings.  I do hope to see you on one or more of them. 

Please keep an eye on https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/ for latest dates.

Onwards and upwards.

Featured

When is a rhetorical question not a rhetorical question?

I had a great response to last week’s blog.  Some seemed to think I really was asking for a collective noun for Provincial Secretaries and I received some very helpful suggestions on social media.  And no rude ones!  To all who answered, thank you.

So, what have I been doing this past week?

The online Committee meeting of The Mark Provincial Grand Secretaries Lodge went really well.  This is a great Lodge comprising present and past Provincial Grand Secretaries in the Mark.  We are an unattached Lodge (what Province could cope with us) that meets twice a year on a Saturday somewhere in England & Wales.  At one meeting we have an update and Q&A forum with the Grand Secretary and the other is the Installation.  Our partners join us for the day, having luncheon with us before the Lodge meeting and then their own event.  Like all Lodges, our plans have been disrupted due to Covid-19 so we have put everything back by one year.

My talk to Dore Masonic Hall on Tuesday was very well received.  The team at Dore (which is within the Masonic Province of Derbyshire but civically is in Sheffield, very confusing) is doing a great job at managing a change process.  It is engaging all Lodges and all members in creating a vision for the future and a development plan designed to take them there.  They wanted my “Evolution & change” talk to act as a catalyst for forward thinking and have asked me back for September to continue the process.  I will watch – and support – their efforts with great interest.

While I love delivering talks, I love even more knowing what difference they make.  At heart I am an educator and facilitator.  All my professional life I have sought to stimulate and support personal and collective change, growth and development, to help people and organisations be more successful.  My Masonic hopes are exactly the same – to make difference.  If my talks have had a positive impact on you and your Lodge, please let me know.  Who knows, with your permission I may even be able to share your good news, whether its to my personal audience via this blog or – if appropriate – via the Members’ Pathway.

I also wrote another talk during the week, taking the bullet points I use for a live and highly interactive White Table talk (“Welcome to our Lodge Room”) and turning it into a scripted talk for an online audience of recently Initiated Freemasons and those interested in joining.  The new talk is called, “All you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry (but didn’t know how to ask)” and is being delivered for the first time to the Corinthian Club, a Light Blues Club in the Province of West Lancashire, on 4th September.  It is, of course, available for others to book to attend and for others to arrange for their Lodge, Province, District, Light Blues Club or Masonic Association.

Last night we had a Zoom meeting of my mother Chapter, Pioneer Chapter in Derbyshire, to discuss our support for the founding of a new Chapter, to be called Historic Vitae Chapter and to be attached to Musket Pike & Drum Lodge No. 9906. This is a travelling Lodge for historical re-enactors and has Initiated over 30 new members in the last five years. It is only right that they now offer Royal Arch masonry for their members. Although there were questions about the rationale, I am pleased to say we gave it the go ahead. Support energy and enthusiasm, I say.

Lastly, I put three of my articles up on my website.  The first is my 9-step process for “Managing evolution and change in the Lodge”, which is given to Lodge Secretaries when I deliver my talk, “The future of Freemasonry: evolution and change.”  The second is called, “Why some brethren resist change and how to respond.”  This is in response to questions I often get in my live talks and does exactly what it says on the tin.  The other is, “The secret of Freemasonry.”  This is a robust response to our critics and was written as a series of bullet points direct onto my smart phone at around the time of the Grand Secretary’s “Enough is Enough” campaign.  It had a great response on social media and although subsequently I tidied it a little, it still has the freshness and authenticity of the original – or at least I think so.  If the articles are well received I will put up more.

So, looking ahead, what am I doing in the coming week?

As far as talks are concerned, I have one for Cheshire Masters’ & Masons’ Forum (MMF), my fourth since we started having Zoom meetings and the second time I will have delivered, “The future of Freemasonry: evolution & change” for them.  The Province is one of our larger ones.  They are very well organised with a group structure and excellent communications.  The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Stephen Blank, has a very clear leadership message and has encouraged his Lodges to embrace change.  He has also been very supportive to me over the last few years since we first worked together on the Members’ Pathway.  As a Founder member of the yet to be consecrated Omnium Lodge No. 10005 (the Lodge for the Open University), I am looking forward to becoming a member of his Province.

The other highlights of my week ahead are two Masonic Zoom meetings, and a Scouting one.

The first of the Masonic meetings will be of the Province of West Kent’s Learning & Development Team, which I am privileged to lead.  How can I do that when I live in Derbyshire?  Well, I only provide the strategic glue, having recruited and appointed an excellent team of a Provincial Education Officer (Alan Wondzinski), Provincial Training Officer (Steve Archbold) and a Provincial L&D Administrator (Richard Savage).  The Provincial Grand Orator (Clive Moore) is a co-opted member of the team.  Our meeting this next week will be to look at how we can further support the Provincial Grand Master’s drive to engage and support brethren during Covid-19.  RW Bro. Mark Estaugh is a very strategic and highly energetic Provincial Grand Master who is doing all in his power to ensure that members of the Province continue to get value from their membership, despite our current restrictions.

The other meeting will be of fellow members of the Kindred Lodge Association’s (KLA’s) committee.  We are taking the opportunity to look at how we can improve the KLA’s presence at Scouting’s annual Gilwell Reunion.  This is a key audience for the KLA and we want to ensure we get our message across in a modern and professional manner.  Having secured the support in principle of the Grand Master of Freemasonry for Women (HFAF), MW Bro. Christine Chapman, I am hoping we will include them in our future events.

The Scouting meeting is of the Executive, or Trustees, of my local Scout District, of which I am Chairman.  We face a number of challenges, including getting local Scouting back to face-to-face meetings and the long-term future management of our campsite and water activities centre.

In the middle of all of this I shall be doing some further work on taking my professional activities online and running webinars in leadership and change for paying clients.

Exciting stuff!

If you want to see dates of my talks this coming week and beyond, please go to https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/.

Thank you for your support.

Onwards and upwards.

Featured

What do you call a gathering of Provincial Secretaries?

Starting a blog is a great way to encourage reflection.  Looking back over my Masonic activities of the last week, I am struck by how many wonderful people I know, and am close to, through Freemasonry.

As for Lodge meetings, all online of course, they included Austral Lodge No. 2534 in Mafikeng, of which I have been a member since my visit in 2012.  Despite most members only having met me once, and some not at all, they have very kindly embraced me and I feel as much part of that Lodge as most others. 

Another was with the members of The Scout Lodge M.M.M. No. 1907, of which I am proud to have been the founding Master.  This is the world’s first ever Scout Mark Lodge and it travels to different Provinces to connect local Scouting with local Mark Masonry. 

My third meeting was for a quiz with Walesby Forest Lodge No. 9674, the Scout Lodge of Nottinghamshire.  I was a founder in 1998 and absolutely love this Lodge.  I joined the quiz with Diane and Caroline on the night of our 32nd wedding anniversary.  And then we won the quiz!  Thank goodness for Caroline is all I can say.

Monday also saw an “Ask the ProvGM & GSupt” Zoom meeting in the Province of West Kent.  The ProvGM / GSupt is Mark Estaugh.  Mark had received around 50 questions in advance and by clustering them around themes was able to answer all of the issues.  His openness, clear direction and passion set him apart as an outstanding leader and members of the Province, of which I am proud to be one, cannot fail to feel his enthusiasm rub off on them.  The meeting was expertly managed by Dan Spencer, the new Assistant PGM.

On Tuesday, I delivered a talk for Mimosa Lodge No. 4396 in the District Grand Lodge of Orange Free State.  The District is one of our smallest with less than a hundred members.  Nevertheless, Rob Allam managed to assemble an audience of 50 to hear my “Have we anything to communicate?” talk, and they included many from surrounding Districts and other jurisdictions, as well as some from South Africa Lodge No. 6742 in London, an excellent Lodge ably managed by James Dow, a great servant to Freemasonry here and in South Africa. 

I have also been writing this week.  I tidied up my paper, “Why some brethren resist change and how to respond” and put it up on my website on a new page.  I added something I wrote during the Grand Secretary’s Enough is Enough campaign called, “The secret of Freemasonry.”  The first of these papers is a response to many questions I get to how to respond to resistance from influential brethren.  I am happy to expand this paper with more scenarios if people want.  The second is a robust response to our detractors.  I put it up on social media at the time of the campaign and thought some people might find it useful again.

Over the course of the week I have had a number of discussions with brethren about a planned return to Lodge & Chapter meetings.  Most seem to feel that, despite our natural inclinations to gather as brethren, we should not rush to return and that most meetings in the next two to three months are likely to end up abandoned.  Despite this, some are clearly going ahead.  I just hope that partial returns do not divide rather than unite us.

In case you are wondering about the title of this blog article, all will be revealed as I outline what I am expecting in the coming week. 

On Tuesday, I am delivering my talk, “The future of Freemasonry: evolution & change” for brethren who meet at Dore Masonic Hall.  Dore is going through an exciting change process.  The members have been invited to contribute to developing a clear and agreed vision of the future and a structured development plan.  The process is being managed by a small group under the leadership of Steve Williams, an energetic and skilled Freemason who recently retired as a local Solicitor.  Dore is very fortunate to have him. If you would like to “attend” this talk, please register at https://fofec-doremh.eventbrite.co.uk before 15.30 on Tuesday.

Then on Wednesday we have a Zoom meeting of Peak Council R.S.M. No. 184.  I was due to go into the chair of the Council this summer but will now have to wait until next year.  I enjoy the Order of Royal & Select Masters and, having only recently re-joined, was looking forward to my Installation.  I left many Orders around the time I was appointed as Prestonian Lecturer, so that I could concentrate on Craft, Mark & Royal Arch.  I have re-joined because I recognise the valuable lessons Cryptic Masonry offers.  To be honest though, I am not looking forward to learning lots of new ritual.  Oh well.

Thursday evening will be a Zoom Committee meeting of The Mark Provincial Grand Secretaries Lodge No. 1641.  This is an unattached Lodge with membership restricted to present and past Mark Provincial Grand Secretaries.  We meet twice a year in a Province selected by the Lodge Committee, normally with one being near the WM’s home.  At one of the meetings we host The Grand Secretary’s Forum, an update by the Grand Secretary followed by a Q&A session.  The Grand Secretary, R.W.Bro. Ryan Williams, is an excellent ambassador for the Lodge as well as for Mark Masonry in general.  I joined the Lodge immediately after I became the Provincial Grand Secretary of Derbyshire in 2007 and am now privileged to be its Secretary.  Keeping over 100 Provincial Secretaries is an interesting task at times, and I am grateful to the members for their fantastic support.  As to what to call us, other than M1641, answers please in the comments area!

So, that is my reflection on the last week and a look forward to the next.  How it turns out in practice, we shall see.

If you want to see dates of my talks this coming week and beyond, please go to https://prestonian2012.org.uk/upcoming-talks/.

Onwards and upwards.

What are you reading this summer?

As most Lodges take a break over the summer, it is a time to rest, reflect and recharge. I find reading a good book a great way to do all three.

So if you are looking for your next book to read, one that will help you face the future with optimism, confidence and determination, please get hold of a copy of “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges.”

In this I draw on my experience in different areas within Freemasonry to identify the key features most often seen in our strongest, happiest, and most thriving and attractive Lodges.  I then use my professional expertise in developing organisations and their leaders to outline how brethren can strengthen, even revive, their Lodges, grow their membership, and secure their future.

With a foreword by the Deputy Grand Master, RW Bro. Sir David Wootton, and “highly recommended” by its reviewer in Freemasonry Today, the book includes probably the most extensive study and analysis of our membership position in recent years.  Building on this evidence base, I offer practical approaches to address the principal barriers to success, growth, and sustainability.  I write in everyday language for a general audience.  This makes this book suitable for Freemasons of all backgrounds who wish to pass on to the next generation a Lodge that is stronger and which has a better chance of a successful future.

Rather than duplicating other work, I indicate relevant material in the Book of Constitutions and in the Members’ Pathway.  This makes this book their essential companion and an invaluable guide to managing Lodges in the 21stcentury.

Buy the book

I am available to give talks based on this book, and other Masonic topics, to Masonic Lodges, Chapters and associations in recognised constitutions in any time zone. Please review my list of talks and enquire here.

Invite me to speak

Incidentally, as well as catching up on reading, I am writing a follow-up book to “Seven Habits”; a health check and planning tool for Lodges which wish to become “highly successful.” I am also seeking contacts from Lodges which have transformed their fortunes to become strong and healthy, so that I can tell their stories in another volume. Please contact me if you would like your Lodge to be included.

Contact me

Enjoy the book and have a good summer. I certainly shall.

W Bro. Tony Harvey, PJGD

News and information about my Masonic talks, books and activities

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