Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

In this special edition episode, our hosts meet with Benjamin Pritchard, Paralympian and Freemason. 

A former cyclist and triathlete, Ben became paralysed from the waist down after a cycling crash in September 2016. He first took up indoor rowing during rehab and was soon noticed by British Rowing staff, joining the para development squad in 2017.

He came fifth at the Tokyo Paralympic Games and has achieved two World Championship podiums.

Ben’s journey from a cycling accident to proudly representing Team GB on the world stage is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of the human spirit. 

Don’t forget to tune into the Paralympic games from 28th Aug – 8th Sept to show your support for Ben and the rest of Team GB as they compete for glory and the gold!

In this very special season finale of Craftcast, recorded just after the March Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, our hosts are joined once more by the Pro Grand Master, Jonathan Spence. 

Jonathan shares an update on the Strategy for Freemasonry: 2022 and Beyond, from initial reception to implementation across the organisation. Discover how the pillars of this Strategy—Thriving Membership, Coherent Organisation, and Community Engagement— are all aimed at ensuring Freemasonry remains an active force for good in our communities for generations to come. 

Thank you for being a part of Season 2 of Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast. Stay tuned for Season 3, coming soon, where we will delve deeper into the vibrant world of Freemasonry with more special guests and insightful discussions!

Get ready for a fascinating journey into the exciting world of the Royal Arch featuring our special guest, Elliot Chevin.

From personal anecdotes to the deeper meanings behind Masonic traditions, Elliot discusses the significance of the Royal Arch, its deep connection to the Craft, and the importance of companionship!

Discover more about Archway, an invaluable resource for Chapters to grow and thrive.

Whether you’re a seasoned Freemason or simply curious about the Royal Arch, don’t miss this insightful and informative instalment of Craftcast!

What do you really know about the role of the Grand Secretary?

In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts meet with Adrian Marsh, the current Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England and Grand Scribe E of Supreme Grand Chapter. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the structure of Grand Lodge and how UGLE is paving the way for its members' vibrant and thriving future.

Adrian discusses his role as Grand Secretary in-depth, provides an update on the implementation of the Pro Grand Master’s Strategy and shares more about his key goal: the members' experience. 

Take advantage of this chance to hear firsthand from one of Freemasonry's leading figures and gain a deeper understanding of the organisation's plans for the future!

Join us on the road as the hosts of Craftcast travel to the Province of Berkshire for the 2024 Universities Scheme Conference! 

Recorded on location at Sindlesham Masonic Hall during the conference, Shaun, Stephen, and James explain what makes a University Lodge unique while still remaining a traditional Freemasons Lodge. 

Join them as they chat with some of the attendees and reflect on the day's highlights, including vibrant discussions on migration issues, Lodge dynamics, and the launch of the University Society Support Network.

In our latest episode, Shaun, James, and Stephen discuss various terminology common in Freemasonry.

Building on the foundation established in the season one episode ‘The one where they explain’, our hosts delve into the colloquialisms of Freemasonry, starting with Masonic abbreviations, and discussing terms like Volume of Sacred Law, Light Blue, Ashlar, The Chair, to name but a few.

Join us for a unique exploration of Lodge vocabulary, discover more about the role of the Worshipful Master, and advance your knowledge of Freemasonry!

In this episode of Craftcast, we're thrilled to mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. 

Join us as we delve into the rich history of MetGL, exploring its unique characteristics and unravelling the complexities of its administration with our distinguished guests: Sir Michael Snyder, Metropolitan Grand Master; Warren Duke, Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master; and Guy Foster, Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies. 

But there's more! Fresh from the recent Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, we bring you exciting news: the upcoming appointment of Sir Michael Snyder as the next Deputy Grand Master and Warren Duke's ascension to the position of Metropolitan Grand Master. 

Join us as we celebrate the illustrious past and promising future of MetGL, and witness this interview take on an unexpected twist!

In this poignant episode, our hosts delve into a heartfelt conversation with Chris Jones, a Lincolnshire Freemason on a mission. 

Embarking on a remarkable journey around the coast of Britain, Chris shares his motivations and experiences as he walks to raise funds for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. But beyond the miles travelled and funds raised, Chris opens up about a topic often shrouded in silence: mental health.

With raw honesty, Chris reveals his own struggles and how they've shaped his journey. His insights shed light on the issues many face but often keep hidden. Through his encounters with others along the way, Chris emphasises that his story isn't unique; it's a narrative shared by countless individuals.

Tune in as our hosts navigate through Chris's inspiring tale, exploring the intersections of charity, brotherhood, and the often-overlooked issue of mental health. 

If you want to support Chris on his journey, you can do so via this link.

In this informative episode, our hosts sit down with Chris Hirst nearly a year after his first appearance on the Season 1 episode 'The one about the Members' Pathway.

They revisit the importance of the Members' Pathway in the context of the UGLE 7-Year Strategy and discuss its integral role in shaping the future of Freemasonry. Chris provides insights into the four critical areas of the Members' Pathway: Plan, Attract, Engage, and Retrieve.

The conversation touches upon the significance of multiple candidate ceremonies, emphasising the sense of camaraderie and the unique bonds they create among new members. Chris also shares updates on a non-digital resource designed to guide lodges in navigating the Members' Pathway and planning for their long-term success.

You can access the Members' Pathway webpage here: https://b.ugle.org.uk/membership/members-pathway

Join the Craftcast hosts in their first virtual recording as they discuss their Masonic New Year's resolutions! 

In this exciting episode, James commits to a deeper exploration of the Royal Arch, Stephen shares his dedication to prioritising Masonic activities and creating a support network for university students interested in Freemasonry, while Shaun aims to expand his Masonic horizons by visiting more Lodges and Chapters.

Tune in as the hosts virtually reunite to chat about their holiday breaks and lay the groundwork for an exciting year ahead. They offer a sneak peek into the upcoming episodes, featuring deep dives into the Royal Arch and insightful discussions on the Universities Scheme. Despite the physical distance, their connection and enthusiasm promise a season packed with Masonic exploration and shared experiences.