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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Having been invited to deliver a keynote speech for a New & Young Masons Forum, I got thinking about the advice, or top tips, I could offer to anyone new to the Craft.
So, I have written a new talk and now invite you to its online debut at 7.00 pm BST on Thursday, 25th August. I am grateful to the committee of The Byron Club, Nottinghamshire’s Light Blues Club, for hosting this delivery.
I am especially seeking feedback from new members, so that I can improve the talk before delivering it to the Forum and before offering it more widely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Those who have donated deserve to know.
To thank those who have supported me and my charities in all these endeavours.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
W Bro. Tony Harvey, PJGD
News and information about my Masonic talks, books and activities
