Polytechnic Lodge No 2847 Visits Romania
W Bro Ron Wainer, PGStdB, writes After months of planning, a large number of members of the Polytechnic Lodge recently visited Bucharest, Romania, for eight exciting days. The trip took quite some time to plan and the necessary authorities were sought from the Chancellors’ Office at UGLE and the National Grand Lodge of Romania. Once […]
A Century of Service and Brotherhood: Mandate Lodge Honours Mervyn Kersh MBE
Bro Shahab Mossavat writes… In December, Mandate Lodge No 4258 marked a truly momentous occasion by convening an Emergency Lodge to celebrate the 100th birthday of W Bro Mervyn Kersh MBE, a decorated veteran of the Normandy Landings, Arnhem, and the Liberation of Bergen-Belsen. In a beautiful act of symmetry, the Lodge combined this extraordinary […]
London Freemasons help Londons youngsters to save lives
Thousands of young people are being trained in first aid skills to help save lives in their local communities in London over the next 12 months, thanks to a £10,000 donation from the London Freemasons Charity to St John Ambulance. With nearly 150 years of delivering first aid in the community, St John Ambulance is […]
Children and mothers seeking sanctuary and safety will get dedicated support thanks to London Freemasons
The Masonic Charitable Foundation are delighted to announce that more than 600 children and 400 mothers seeking asylum will get dedicated and targeted support thanks to a £60,000 grant from London Freemasons to The Happy Baby Community. The grant will help expand the charity’s ‘Every Child Can Thrive’ programme, which aims to improve the […]
The Brother with a BAFTA
Bro Hayder Hoozeer is a film producer and alumnus of the National Film and Television School. He is also a proud Freemason and, now, possibly even prouder BAFTA winner… How did the film “Rock Paper Scissors” come about? “I first met Franz, the director, in 2023 through our shared production manager. From the moment I […]
With VE Day approaching, meet the Brethren of WW2
With the country marking the end of the Second World War on Victory in Europe Day, 8th May, we thought this was an opportune moment to remember some famous Freemasons who played a role during the War. W Bro Richard Cavanagh writes… Prince Philip, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh The late Duke of Edinburgh, […]
Squaring the circle Helping young people find sustainable work
London Freemasons have donated a grant of £10,000 to a London-based charity helping young people into work. Circle Community and Circle Collective work together to support young people experiencing a range of barriers to find permanent, life-changing work through their ‘Back Your Future’ programme. The programme is run across three of London’s most […]
Hundreds of disadvantaged young people across Wandsworth supported through boxing mentorship
In April last year, the MCF provided a grant of £60,000 to Carney’s Community, a boxing charity in Wandsworth set-up to provide sustained, reliable support to more than 400 young individuals facing significant challenges such poverty, crime, exclusion and deprivation. In this edition of Arena, we contacted Carney’s to find out how the grant has […]
THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR
W Bro Alan Peters of Fidelity Lodge No 3, PAGDC, PAGDC (RA) writes… Knowing a number of people who were Freemasons, my curiosity was aroused when I was in my late twenties and I was invited to join them. However, with a wife, two young daughters and job uncertainty, I was hesitant about joining. […]
South London Charity increases help for asylum seekers
Over 150 newly arrived asylum-seeking adults will be welcomed in an empowering space to develop their English language skills, thanks to a donation by the London Freemasons. CARAS, a Tooting-based charity, works with over 600 asylum seekers and refugees across South London each year. Their work focuses on supporting those facing the most pervasive challenges […]
Recovery for stroke patients in Ealing
InterAct Stroke Support is a charity that delivers live, professional actor-led readings to stroke survivors in hospitals and community settings across the UK. Their mission is to aid recovery by engaging patients in meaningful interactions that stimulate cognitive and emotional well-being. These sessions have been shown to improve mood, boost morale, and aid in the […]
Young people at risk of exclusion offered helping hand by SkyWay
SkyWay Charity, established in 2002, is dedicated to helping young people aged 6-25 living in Inner London reach their full potential. Through free-to-access youth and community-led programs, SkyWay enables young people to develop essential life skills, such as communication, leadership, and decision-making, while promoting positive health and lifestyle choices. The charity also offers opportunities for […]