Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

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.

Craftcast fans, assemble!

Get ready for an out-of-this-world episode as our hosts sit down with David Leask, Secretary of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Lodge. 

Discover how this unique group combines the ancient traditions of Freemasonry with their love for all things sci-fi and fantasy. From lively discussions about favourite characters to the not-so-great jokes that will have you laughing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for the extraordinary. 

Don't miss out on this fascinating peek into the world of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Lodge!

Join us for an emotional and heart-warming episode of Craftcast, where our hosts sit down with Frank Tiller, a London Freemason and prostate cancer survivor, on the occasion of International Men's Day. 

Frank takes us on a journey from his initial diagnosis to his recovery, and shares how he channelled his ordeal into an initiative to educate others about prostate cancer awareness. 

Working with the charity CHAPS, Frank is on a mission to spread the word about available testing and support for men, addressing a prevalent yet often overlooked issue.

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

Welcome back to another exciting season of Craftcast, the official podcast of the United Grand Lodge of England!

This introduction episode sees our hosts, Shaun, James, and Stephen, back in their newly-renovated studio as they discuss their plans for another series of informative and entertaining episodes. 

This season promises a deeper exploration of Freemasonry within the English Constitution, so stay tuned for upcoming episodes filled with knowledge, stories, and inspiration.

We encourage you to join the conversation, share your stories, and tell us about your everyday Freemasonry. Craftcast is all about you, so get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] to share your stories and insight!

In this special finale episode, our hosts take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reliving their most cherished moments, heartwarming memories, and side-splitting laughs that made this season truly one for the books! 

As they bid farewell to this chapter, they turn towards the future, sharing exciting plans, ambitious ideas, and fresh inspiration for what lies ahead for Craftcast. The journey has just begun, and we can't wait to explore even more fascinating stories with you. 

Whether you've been with us from the start or just joined us now, this episode promises to be an exhilarating celebration of creativity, community, and endless possibilities. So join us for a Season Finale that will leave you brimming with excitement for what's to come!

In this fascinating episode, our hosts are joined by Brian Deutsch, the curator of the ‘Brothers in Alms’ exhibition at Freemasons’ Hall. 

This innovative exhibition features a diverse range of photographs from the period spanning the Second Boer War to the end of the Second World War. 

Brian sheds light on the profound impact of war on the psychology of those who served and survived. Together with our hosts, he discusses why many veterans found solace and purpose within Freemasonry after their wartime experiences. 

This episode is an absolute must-listen for history enthusiasts, veterans, and anyone fascinated by the intertwined stories of Freemasonry and the armed forces!

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts interview Anthony Howlett-Bolton and Omaid Hiwaizi, members of the Learning and Development group at UGLE. 

 The episode focuses on Solomon, a virtual learning platform for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike. Anthony and Omaid discuss the origins of Solomon, its purpose as a central repository for credible information about Freemasonry, and its place within the 300+ year old organisation. 

 Together, they explore the importance of learning and development within Freemasonry and discuss the merits of various learning methods. They emphasise how Solomon fosters understanding, curiosity, and engagement through its interactive and gamified content and provides members with a wealth of information.

Find out more about Solomon at https://solomon.ugle.org.uk/

In this captivating episode of Craftcast, our hosts delve into the significance of the Members' Pathway and its pivotal role in accomplishing UGLE's Seven-Year Strategy.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Steven Varley, Ian Copestake, and Chris Hirst, members of the Members' Pathway team, revealing its profound impact on Lodge and Membership Development.  

Discover how this comprehensive framework empowers Lodges to attract and embrace new members, fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction. Our guests share valuable insights on engaging fresh faces and existing members, ensuring active participation and reducing losses caused by resignations, cessations, and exclusions. 

Tune in to this informative episode of Craftcast and unlock the potential of the Members' Pathway as we navigate the transformative journey of Freemasonry together!

In this light-hearted episode of Craftcast, our usual hosts are joined by guest host Mitch Bryan to discuss one of the cornerstones of a Freemason’s experience: visiting another Lodge. 

Visiting is an integral part of Freemasonry. It provides an opportunity for Freemasons to connect and exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Our hosts dive into their experiences as visitors and discuss their exposure to diverse perspectives, rituals, and customs practiced by different Lodges, both at home and abroad. 

Together, they reflect on the camaraderie and friendships forged through their visits, and explain why they encourage all Freemasons to embrace the opportunity to visit other Lodges and expand their horizons.

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