Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

In the latest episode of Craftcast, James, Shaun, and Stephen are joined by a special guest - Judge Simon Medland KC, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire and the 2025 Prestonian Lecturer. 

Simon shares his journey within Freemasonry with our hosts, tracing his roots as a fourth-generation Freemason and recounting his appointment as the Lecturer for the upcoming year.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the history and significance of the Prestonian Lecture, including its origins and development over the years. Simon also gives us some insight on the topic of his upcoming paper: the rich heritage of the Province of Cheshire as it approaches its Tercentenary – the first Province to achieve such a significant milestone.

In this final instalment of our Remembrance Weekend series, we welcome Kemsley Whittlesea— Veteran, Freemason, tattoo artist, and mental health advocate—to share his remarkable story. 

From his time serving in the Royal Signals to participating in the upcoming Invictus Games, Kemsley's story is one of resilience, dedication, and service.  

Join us as we wrap up this special series, reflecting on the significance of remembrance and the historic ties between the Armed Forces and Freemasonry.

In this third instalment of our four-part Remembrance Special, our hosts travelled to the Province of Warwickshire to visit Fisher House, a respite care centre supporting UK military personnel and their families worldwide. 

Fisher House offers an invaluable "home away from home" for the families of UK armed forces personnel receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. They provide families with accommodation in a warm, non-clinical environment, allowing them to stay near their loved ones during difficult times.  

Warwickshire Freemasons have chosen to support Fisher House as part of a major charitable initiative leading up to their Tercentenary celebrations in 2028. They recognised that Fisher House provides a unique and essential service to military families across the UK and saw it as a perfect fit for their long-term fundraising goals.

In this raw and honest episode, Mark Ormrod MBE, Freemason and Veteran, talks to our hosts about his experiences serving as a Royal Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Mark was the first British serviceman to survive a triple amputation in Afghanistan. Since then, he's won 11 medals in two Invictus Games, carried the torch at the 2012 Olympics, raised thousands of pounds for charity and been an active Freemason. 

This episode contains graphic descriptions of injuries sustained on the battlefield. Viewer discretion is advised.

In the first of our four-part series, John Thompson, Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of Durham, joins our hosts to discuss the significance of the United Grand Lodge of England’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.  

He sheds light on the next steps we can take to enhance our support for the Armed Forces and their families. By reinforcing our commitment to the Covenant, John shares how we can build on Freemasonry’s reputation as a positive force in society, paying tribute to the sacrifices made by military personnel and their loved ones.

In this special episode, hosts Shaun, Stephen, and James return to demystify even more Masonic terminology, exploring the unique language and traditions that define Freemasonry.  

Building on previous seasons’ explainer episodes, they dig into regularly used terms, including their historical and ritual significance within the Lodge. They also touch on the importance of ceremonial practice, historical significance, and the visual beauty of these symbols. 

This episode is perfect both for members and curious listeners alike!

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Barry and PJ from the Essex Cornerstone Club, a dynamic group dedicated to bringing young Freemasons in Essex together. 

Together, they dive into how Light Blues Clubs such as theirs foster a sense of community, support new members, and enhance our member's experience through creative events! 

Whether you're curious about young Freemasons or just want to learn more about Light Blues Clubs under UGLE, this episode promises to offer a fascinating and engaging look at the next generation of Freemasonry.

In this exciting episode, our hosts sat down with British actor and Freemason Vas Blackwood, best known for his iconic roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Only Fools and Horses. 

Vas shares fascinating insights into his 25-year journey in Freemasonry, discussing its impact on his personal life. He also delves deep into his 40-year acting career, including his iconic characters and memorable moments on set. 

You will not want to miss this episode, which is full of valuable tips for learning and delivering rituals!

Welcome back to Craftcast Season 3! 

Shaun, Stephen, and James bring their unique perspectives to this season, starting with a deep dive into the biggest and oldest misconceptions about Freemasonry, from inclusivity to women in the fraternity. 

Learn more about the persecution faced by Freemasons during WWII, and discover how today's Freemasonry champions openness and inclusion! 

Whether you're a Freemason or simply curious, this episode will reshape your perception of our 300+ year-old organisation 

Tune into Craftcast's weekly episodes to learn more about the exciting world of Freemasonry!

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!