In this episode of Square Talk, we dive into the heart of Masonic charity in Leicestershire and Rutland. Far from being just about writing cheques, charity within Freemasonry often begins as a spark — a simple idea, a heartfelt conversation, or a small gesture that can grow into something life-changing.

Host Jason Clothier is joined by Mark Pierpoint and Steve Skidmore, who share their experiences of nurturing those sparks into meaningful projects. Together, they reveal the stories behind Masonic charity: the inspiration, the challenges, and the lives touched along the way.

Whether you’re curious about Freemasonry, passionate about community work, or simply love hearing stories of people making a difference, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how charity becomes more than just giving — it becomes living.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
•  Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust
• Heroes Walk - Leicester Hospitals Charity

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

We take a look back at the successful Open Day held this May at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester — where we opened our doors to the public for a rare glimpse inside. I had the pleasure of speaking with a wide range of visitors and participants, including curious members of the public, brethren from the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, and members of Women’s Freemasonry. It was a fantastic day of conversation, openness, and shared curiosity about who we are and what we do.

Before we dive in, a quick note — you may notice that the sound quality in this episode isn’t quite perfect. As this is our very first podcast, I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to production and editing. But stick with me — the quality will only improve from here, and I appreciate your patience and support as we grow.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

In episode 21 we look back at an interview i conducted last week in front of an audience of people who are thinking about joining the Freemasons.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

In this episode we look through a paper written in 1968 by W.H.Russell for the Lodge of Research No.2429 in Leicester. www.research2429.org.uk

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

In this episode, we talk to Peter Kinder and Paul Wallace to check on the plans for Freemasonry in the current lockdown in England, and their plans for Christmas and the New Year.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

How do masonic halls operate? and in particular, how do the kitchens work to feed the many members day in day out. In this episode we discuss the operation in Leicester's busy Freemasons' Hall with Nicola Holyoake and chef Greg Prangnell.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

I am joined by Peter Kinder and Dale Page as we listen to the stories and achievements of Roger Dakin, the renowned MC and After Dinner Speaker.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

In this episode, we look at the role of Membership Officer, at both Lodge and provincial level, and to see the work being undertaken to promote the work Freemasonry plays within the community. We also examine the role of Lodge Mentor's play in ensuring that our new members are looked after.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

A team of fundraisers from Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons have begun to organise a sponsored walk all around the county to raise money for local charities and good causes.

Visit the website for more details: https://www.pglleics.org.uk/marching-masons

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...

What is the relationship between the Craft, Royal Arch, and the Mark degree? In this episode, we speak to three of the Provinces leading figures in Mark Masonry.

Links from this episode:

• Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Home | Freemasons
• LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need.
• LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients
• Home - Dove cottage
• Menphys | Charity for disabled children
• Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)
• Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better
• Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement year
• Castle of Leicester No.7767
• Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer Trust...