A COVID DIARY A COVID DIARY
Through no choice of our own, we currently find ourselves existing in an unbelievable set of circumstances. I imagine when living in any time of crisis or conflict, the effort of just getting through each day can blot out the sun. The luxury of stepping back and taking in the broad sweep of what has […]
Serving a friend or brother in time of need
Arena reports W Bro Alastair Bates, Al to his friends, is the Secretary of Euphrates Lodge No 212, a member of Metropolitan Grand Stewards’ Lodge No 9812, Inspectorate Scribe Ezra for Metropolitan Grand Chapter Inspector John Peters, as well as a Middlesex Mark Mason. Bro Al is a busy man, and not known to complain. […]
Gourmet meals for the ICU – A restaurateur feeds NHS staff
Bro Seb Giroux investigates Some of you may already have wandered down Gray’s Inn Road, just North of Chancery Lane. Perhaps you’ve even been attracted by the façade at number°182. And, if you looked closer, you might have seen a row of empty wine bottles and, through the windows, the tables, velvety seats, lights and […]
The Creativity and Communications Lodge The Royal Leopold Lodge No 1669
W Bro Rod Glyn-Thomas LGR reports A Lodge for those with an interest in Creativity, Communications and Literature, old and new. Prince Leopold, after whom the Royal Leopold Lodge is named, was famously a man of Literature-a true Royal creative. Since its consecration in 1877, the Lodge, like many others, has waxed and waned in […]
Navy Lodge presentation of Tercentennial Jewel 31 May 2017
On May 31st (appropriately the anniversary of the Battle of Jutland) Brethren of Navy Lodge No. 2612 were proud to present their oldest and most senior naval member with a gold Tercentennial Jewel. The Worshipful Master, WBro. Captain Simon Thomas, RN and the lodge’s youngest and most junior serving member, Bro. Lieutenant Josh Skelding, RN, […]
Metropolitan Grand Lodge support to Lifelites
Amy Buddle, fundraising officer, reports Throughout the pandemic, we have all come to rely on technology for socialising and entertainment more than ever before. For many life-limited and disabled children, technology has been their only way of combatting isolation and keeping in touch with their families, friends and schools. Working with every children and young […]
Metropolitan Active Office
W Bro Col Simon Bennett LGR MetAGSwdB Every Masonic Lodge and Chapter elects or appoints officers to execute the necessary functions of the unit’s life and work; the same is true for Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter – these are the Metropolitan Active Officers. An active office is held for one year, with some […]
Foreword By E Comp The Reverend Timothy L Estrange
At the heart of our ancient rituals is the story of a building project. In Jerusalem, a great Temple is constructed and finally dedicated to God with much celebration and rejoicing. But that Temple represents the end of a long and tortuous journey. For centuries a nation had wandered through danger and difficulty. Their tabernacle […]
Editorial
Welcome to Arena 44. This edition comes at a time where we all have several new things to look forward to. Our NHS has forged a path forward through the virus with not only its care and support for the ill, but through the brilliance of our medical research, which has been undeniably world-leading. Brethren […]
THE LATEST FROM THE CONNAUGHT CLUB
W Bro Anthony Muirhead – the Chairman of the Connaught Club – gives an update on what’s going on with the young masons in London. At the time of writing, the Prime Minister has teased us with the prospect of a visit to a pub. As the Connaught Club is a predominantly social organisation (education […]
Mastering Masonic Ritual by John E Burnapp Metropolitan Grand Inspector
Book Review by E Comp Tony Shepherd MetDepGDC In my own personal experience, some of the most uplifting, memorable, and rewarding moments in my masonic journey have been the rare moments when a Brother or Companion has delivered a piece or passage of familiar ritual in a manner that makes you feel you are hearing […]
Interview with the newly appointed Deputy Metropolitan Grand Masters
Interview by W Bro Rod Glyn-Thomas LGR and Bro Seb Giroux With lockdown still upon us, we are confined to Zoom once more, and this time we are joined by the newly appointed Deputy Metropolitan Grand Masters, W Bro Warren Duke and VW Bro Christopher Hayward*. The journey starts After we all set our cameras, […]