Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

In this festive edition of Craftcast, Shaun, Stephen and James are joined by their most important guests - you! Today's episode is dedicated to all our listeners, especially those who are alone during the holidays.

Blending light-hearted jokes with meaningful reflections, our hosts navigate the often-overlooked topic of loneliness during the Christmas season. 

Discover how Freemasonry and its charitable initiatives, such as partnerships with Age UK, are making a difference in tackling isolation. Answer our hosts’ challenge to pick up the phone and call someone today to let them know they are not alone.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Craftcast!🎄

In this deeply moving episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Herefordshire Freemason Stuart Jones.

Stuart recounts his life-changing journey, which began while listening to our Season 2 episode featuring Frank Tiller. Inspired to take action, Stuart scheduled a PSa test, which led to the early detection of his aggressive prostate cancer. Thanks to a successful operation and encouraging post-treatment results, Stuart is now on the path to recovery.

Inspired by his experience, Stuart has become a passionate advocate for men's health, raising awareness about the life-saving importance of regular PSa testing.

Tune in to learn more about Stuart's inspiring story and how you can make a difference.

In this thought-provoking episode, our hosts are joined by Graham Chisnell, Provincial Grand Mentor for East Kent.

Together, they explore how shifting perspectives and greater awareness are paving the way for neurodiverse Freemasons to enjoy their Masonic journey fully.

Discover how adapting mentoring and applying innovative approaches to learning our ritual can break down barriers, create inclusive environments and foster personal growth.

Whether you're a mentor or a mentee, this episode offers invaluable insights into supporting Brethren with the full spectrum of learning differences, ensuring that every Freemason feels empowered to participate and thrive in their Lodges.

Find Graham's 'Learning for Conditions' guide at this link:

https://issuu.com/eastkentfreemasons/docs/learning_for_conditions_guide

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.