Berkshire Freemasonry Podcast

Welcome back for our third series! In the first episode of our new season, Steve and Ricky are joined by Worshipful brothers Stuart Hogarth and Bob Spooner; respectively the Provincial Grand Secretary and Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The episode explores the day to day of two critical roles within the executive of the Province and all the efforts they both make to ensure that the Province, our lodges, and Provincial Grand Lodge are well looked after all year round.

Please share the episode and send us any feedback or requests for future episodes.

In the final episode of our second season, Steve and Ricky are joined by a new mason, Tim Brogan-Shaw, a Fellowcraft who was initiated in November 2025. Between them they explore the topic of ‘Freemasonry 365’ and look into what Freemasonry means to them and how they act and live as masons beyond the lodge room.

Considering areas such as daily advancement and connections with members, this episode challenges us to consider the philosophical questions of ‘What does it mean to be a mason?’ and explores the risks of the summer drift and a lack of connection when lodge meetings are not as regular.

Concluding our second season, we are really keen to hear your thoughts, ideas and aspirations as we plan for season 3. Please do get in touch.

Happy Easter to all our listeners!

In an extended episode, we are joined by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire, Very Worshipful Brother Mark Heppelthwaite.

Our wide ranging discussion looks at the purpose, structure and focus of the Provincial executive alongside Mark’s views on his masonic journey to date and to the challenges that face Freemasonry in 2026.

Joined by Steve & Matt, Mark gives a very open and enlightening insight to the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that our organisation continues to move forwards.

The typewriter enabled secretaries to not handwrite summonses and minutes. The ritual book enabled brothers to learn away from lodge, the telephone made it easier for us to stay in touch, the internet gives us access to more knowledge than we will ever find time to consume.

In the sixth episode of our second series, the guys are joined by W. Bro Carlos Sepulveda who is a technology professional and also part of the provincial team who support the Berkshire Explorer app.

Listen in to hear views on different forms of technology and their usages within freemasonry, both in local lodges, across the province and within UGLE.

The typewriter enabled secretaries to not handwrite summonses and minutes. The ritual book enabled brothers to learn away from lodge, the telephone made it easier for us to stay in touch, the internet gives us access to more knowledge than we will ever find time to consume.

In the sixth episode of our second series, the guys are joined by W. Bro Carlos Sepulveda who is a technology professional and also part of the provincial team who support the Berkshire Explorer app.

Listen in to hear views on different forms of technology and their usages within freemasonry, both in local lodges, across the province and within UGLE.

This episode sees us taking a deeper dive into the fourth element of Pure Antient Freemasonry – that of the Royal Arch.

We are joined by Excellent Companion Paul Youngman, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies as he shares his entrance, love and hopes for Royal Arch Masonry.

Royal Arch is a beautiful element in the journey and one that is highly recommended to all Freemasons. It’s colour and energy, alongside extending the story that we are left with as Master Masons makes it an unmissable experience for all.

Join us as Steve and Ricky exploring their experiences of Royal Arch alongside a worthy and honourable companion with his own story to share.

This episode sees us taking a deeper dive into the fourth element of Pure Antient Freemasonry – that of the Royal Arch.

We are joined by Excellent Companion Paul Youngman, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies as he shares his entrance, love and hopes for Royal Arch Masonry.

Royal Arch is a beautiful element in the journey and one that is highly recommended to all Freemasons. It’s colour and energy, alongside extending the story that we are left with as Master Masons makes it an unmissable experience for all.

Join us as Steve and Ricky exploring their experiences of Royal Arch alongside a worthy and honourable companion with his own story to share.

This month’s episode sees Worshipful Brother Ricky Mattioni, Past Provincial Grand Steward, joining us to discuss the topic of ‘balance’. How do we ensure as Masons that we stay in balance between all our commitments? How do we keep family, work and our masonry progressing and thriving and ensuring that we are fulfilled as individuals.

As we enter 2026 and some of us may be reflecting on resolutions, this is a timely and thought-provoking piece that reminds us that balance is key. It is the key to true fulfilment and will enable us to enjoy our Freemasonry to the fullest when we have the right mix.

In one of our most powerful episodes to date, join Steve and Matt as they explore the synergies between military service and Freemasonry as they are joined by Provincial Grand Tyler, Worshipful Brother Dougie Leacy.  We dive into the links; the Armed Services Covenant; and the Province’s Drumhead Service and its importance in recognising those who have served and maybe paid the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to thrive as a country and to be able to enjoy our Freemasonry as openly as we do.

In one of our most powerful episodes to date, join Steve and Matt as they explore the synergies between military service and Freemasonry as they are joined by Provincial Grand Tyler, Worshipful Brother Dougie Leacy. We dive into the links; the Armed Services Covenant; and the Province’s Drumhead Service and its importance in recognising those who have served and maybe paid the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to thrive as a country and to be able to enjoy our Freemasonry as openly as we do.