Crafted in the South: The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freemasons Podcast

Meet Jamie Brown, a 24-year-old Freemason who joined the Craft just under three years ago, following a family connection to Freemasonry that goes back four generations.

In this episode of Crafted in the South, Jamie shares what first drew him to Freemasonry, what it is like being one of the younger members in a predominantly older lodge, and why the age difference matters far less than you might expect.

We talk about friendship, community, personal growth and the sense of consistency Freemasonry has given Jamie during a period of major change in his life. He also shares his experiences of the Royal Arch, visiting other lodges, taking on new responsibilities and continuing to discover more as his Masonic journey develops.

Jamie offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it means to be a young Freemason today, challenging some of the assumptions people may have about who Freemasonry is for and what it has to offer.

Because sometimes the most interesting thing about Freemasonry is what you discover once you step through the door.

In this episode of Crafted in the South, Roddy sits down with Denis Gilbert, a Freemason of more than 60 years. Denis reflects on his early days in the Craft, the importance of learning ritual by heart, and why true ritual is about connection, not simply delivery. It's a conversation about presence, brotherhood, memory, and character.

Is the Royal Arch just an optional extra…or the part most Masons never fully understand?

In this opening episode of season two, Roddy and James sit down with James Kneller (RA Deputy Grand Superintendent) to challenge a quiet assumption: that the journey ends in the Craft.

It doesn’t.

They explore why the Royal Arch completes the story and why, without it, something essential is missing.

Along the way, James reflects on his own journey, from early uncertainty to deeper meaning, and confronts a reality many lodges still face: men don’t stay because everything is done correctly. They stay because they feel part of something real.

This is a sharper, more honest conversation about meaning, belonging, and what Freemasonry becomes when you go beyond the surface.

www.craftedinthesouth.com

This Season One finale of 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 is not a recap. It is a reflection on purpose.

In this special video episode, Roddy and James sit down with the Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent, Jonathan Whitaker, to explore the deeper questions facing Freemasonry today. What keeps men engaged? What completes the Masonic journey? And what responsibility do we each carry for the brother beside us?

The conversation weaves together mentorship, service, Royal Arch Masonry, and the One Journey, One Organisation vision, offering insight into how tradition and renewal can walk side by side. It is a discussion about belonging, growth, and the quiet power of doing small things well.

Season One closes here. Season Two begins with a renewed focus on Royal Arch Masonry and the lived experiences that shape the Craft.

www.craftedinthesouth.com

In this episode, Assistant Provincial Grand Master Paul Hillyard and Maurice Doe, Chairman of the North Central Area, share their personal Masonic journeys and passion for the Craft. They discuss the importance of delivering ritual with confidence, mentoring new members, and fostering growth across their area and province as a new Masonic year begins.

The conversation explores how Freemasonry continues to evolve; balancing cherished traditions with modern tools like social media to engage younger generations. Paul and Maurice reflect on the value of openness, accessibility, and the enduring spirit of fellowship that strengthens lodges.

They also touch on their official roles supporting lodges and members, the significance of the Royal Arch in completing one’s Masonic journey, and the shared vision of aligning leadership and enhancing visibility across the province.

Ultimately, the discussion highlights Freemasonry’s timeless values of gratitude, pride, and service. Also, its commitment to nurturing a vibrant, connected community for generations to come.

Visit the Hampshire Masons: https://hantsiowfreemasons.org/

In this episode, we sit down with John Donoghue to explore the heart of Masonic charity and community. Sean shares his incredible journey of raising over £200,000 for children’s charities through cycling and walking the Camino, guided by his mantra of faith, hope, and charity. John reflects on his own Camino pilgrimage and speaks about his role as an almoner caring for brethren in need. Together we discuss innovative ways Freemasons raise funds, the impact of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and the importance of keeping meetings fun, positive, and engaging. The conversation highlights Freemasonry’s long tradition of giving, from historic institutions to modern initiatives like Teddies for Loving Care, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

Paul Twelftree isn't selling a product. He’s not asking for donations. He’s not pitching a cause. What he’s doing is much harder; he’s selling trust.

In this conversation, Paul shares how Freemasonry in the Community (FITC) isn’t about secret handshakes or grand rituals. It's about presence. It’s about showing up, consistently and openly, in parks, fairs, markets—anywhere people gather—to say: we’re here, we’re human, and we have something to offer.

Freemasonry has long struggled with perception. Mystery attracts, but it also isolates. FITC flips that script. It’s Freemasons becoming the exhibit; standing in public, branding themselves not with symbols, but with stories, kindness, and real talk about friendship, connection, and belonging. Especially for men who may not have much of that.

Paul is honest: FITC events aren’t always the most efficient recruitment funnel. But they work. Because trust is built slowly. Because conversations matter. And because when you make the effort to be visible, approachable, and useful to your community, something shifts.

This is marketing at its best; not manipulation, but generosity.

FITC works not because it’s flashy, but because it’s human. You don’t need a title. You don’t need to be a Past Master. You just need to show up. Put on the pin. Talk to people. Represent.

And that’s the punchline: Freemasonry isn’t about secrecy. It’s about service. And FITC makes that real, one handshake at a time.

This episode is full of energy as we chat with Duncan Lilley, Dan Read, and Jack Armitstead, members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight—a close-knit team of 16 Masons chosen each year to support the province. From organizing events to helping out at meetings and ceremonies, these Stewards keep things running smoothly and bring a positive presence wherever they go.

We hear what it’s like to become a Steward, what the role involves, and how it builds lasting friendships and valuable skills like teamwork, planning, and staying cool under pressure. These brethren also share how their work helps other lodges thrive and how the Stewards Lodge is always ready to lend a hand with ceremonies or talks.

We kick things off with some laughs about the summer break in Freemasonry and dive into the myths, facts, and real impact of this unique lodge. There’s even a shout-out to the Find My Lodge app—perfect for Masons on the move! HIOW Provincial Stewards Lodge Website: www.lodge9263.org.uk Visit us on: www.craftedinthesouth.com

Gifton Bailey, a dedicated Hampshire & Isle of Wight Freemason since 2008 and now Area Vice-Chairman of Andover, joins us to talk openly about tradition, change, and the future of Freemasonry. Inspired by his father-in-law and drawn deeper into the craft after becoming a provincial steward, Gifton shares what keeps him committed and why he's excited (and a little nervous) about stepping into his new role as Senior Warden for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Province.

This episode dives into the big questions: How can Freemasonry become more diverse and inclusive? What misconceptions still linger in communities? And how can the organization modernize its message to better reflect the society it serves? Gifton explores with us how Freemasonry can evolve while staying true to its values—building bonds, breaking barriers, and shaping a future that’s as welcoming as it is meaningful.

🎙️ In this episode, Worshipful Brother Sue Lant offers a fascinating insight into the world of Women’s Freemasonry. She discusses her journey into the fraternity, the rituals and traditions that shape the experience, and the close-knit community that supports its members. Sue also shares stories of visiting lodges worldwide and explains how Women’s Freemasonry is making an impact beyond the Lodge room.

If you would like more information about The Order of Women Freemasons, please visit their website: www.owf.org.uk