Bucks Provincial Grand Chapter

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Bucks Provincial Grand Chapter

The Royal Arch is the natural next step in your Masonic journey after completing the Craft degrees

06/04/2026

Bucks PGC Convocation

The much-anticipated recent Provincial Grand Chapter Annual Convocation didn't disappoint, being full of fun and laughter and thoroughly enjoyed by Buckinghamshire members and honoured visitors from neighbouring Provinces alike.

The Province has seen a 7.5% increase in memberships due to all the hard work by the Chapters and their members in bringing new members into the Royal Arch, to continue their Masonic journey and then into other companion orders.

The event started long before the day with detailed planning and hard work by the Provincial Team to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible.

Early on the day, many companions were involved in helping to set up the temple and dining room to make sure everything was perfect for those getting First appointment, Promotion or just visiting to join in and be part of the event.

Bucks always likes to innovate, and this time, everyone had a pack of Love Hearts to share with neighbouring Companions rather than the traditional Masonic mints which was a very nice touch.

After the usual Appointments and Promotions carousel, everyone gave their adoration to those who had gained preferment by rising then sitting in quick succession around the Temple as is the wonted custom in Buckinghamshire Royal Arch.

To finish off the official proceedings, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Graham Dearing, gave a very well received perambulatory speech, highlighting that we will be bringing back the Big Red initiative to bring in Exaltees in multiple Ceremonies across the Province to cope with the number that are waiting to join.

When it came the Festive Board, the fun continued with everyone wearing a 'Dame Dearing' mask, which was a total surprise to him as he entered the dining room. The now traditional Curly Wurly was present with special Triple Tau cup cakes at the end and the usual with delicious fayre in-between.

Everyone present had an absolutely fantastic day out and were eagerly looking forward to what Graham will come up with for next year.

If you've not been before then make sure you book in next year or miss out on all the fun.

02/11/2025

Buckinghamshire Freemasons Honour the Fallen

Members of the Province of Buckinghamshire attended the Freemasons National Service of Remembrance yesterday at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Freemasons from Buckinghamshire joined Brethren from across England and Wales today for the National Freemasons’ Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Representatives from all Companion Orders and both Ladies Grand Lodges attended the moving ceremony, uniting in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to others.

Buckinghamshire was represented by RW Bro Tim Anders, Provincial Grand Master, who laid the Craft wreath, escorted by W Bro John York carrying the Provincial Standard. E Comp Mel Shah, Second Provincial Grand Principal, laid the Royal Arch wreath, escorted by E Comp Steve Cleary with the Provincial Grand Chapter Standard, alongside VW Bro Neil Robertson.

The service included the Exhortation, Last Post, two-minute silence, and the Rouse, followed by wreaths laid from Provinces and Orders nationwide.

02/09/2025

The Triple Tau – The Emblem of the Royal Arch

In Craft Freemasonry, the Square and Compasses is instantly recognisable. In the Royal Arch, that role belongs to the Triple Tau – three interlaced “T” shapes, often shown within a triangle and a circle.

At first glance it looks simple, but like many Masonic symbols it carries layers of meaning. Over the centuries, it has been explained in different ways:

A reminder of the Temple of Jerusalem, central to the Royal Arch story.

A key to hidden treasure, or the place where something precious lies concealed.

A symbol of the unity of God and eternal truth.

The shapes around it add to its depth: the triangle symbolises divine wisdom, while the circle represents eternity – no beginning and no end.

For Royal Arch Masons, the Triple Tau is much more than decoration on a banner. It is a badge of identity, an emblem of discovery, and a reminder that the search for truth is both timeless and transformative.

26/08/2025

Over the past few weeks, we've explored how regalia evolves throughout your journey in the Royal Arch. Today, we turn our attention to the next stage, the regalia worn when a Companion is honoured with Provincial Grand Rank.
The distinctive attire of a Royal Arch Provincial Grand Steward is both colourful and deeply symbolic. It’s more than fine embroidery and gold tassels — every detail represents your Masonic journey, your service to the Province, and the enduring unity between the Craft and the Royal Arch.
One of the first things you notice is the change in apron style. Gone are the crimson sashes and triangle backing of a Chapter Principal; in their place are dark blue sashes and tabs with gold tassels, marking the shift from leading a single Chapter to serving the Province as a whole. The apron still carries the familiar crimson-and-blue triangular border, but at its heart sits the Cornucopia – the “Horn of Plenty” – symbolising abundance, generosity, and the Steward’s role in supporting Provincial events and hospitality.
The tri-coloured ribbon of the breast jewel matches that of the collarette: light blue, crimson, and dark blue. The order of these colours is deliberate. With light blue closest to the heart, it reminds us that our Masonic journey begins in the Craft. Crimson represents the spiritual depth and teachings of the Royal Arch, while dark blue signifies Provincial service, authority, and loyalty – a mark of trust from the Province. From the collarette hangs the office jewel, and for a Steward, it features the Cornucopia within a triangle – tying the symbolism neatly together.
Gold fringes, detailed embroidery, and the instantly recognisable Royal Arch patterns complete the regalia. But beyond its appearance, it is a badge of commitment – a sign that the Companion has been chosen to serve not just his Chapter, but the Province, in the true spirit of Masonic service.
If you’ve enjoyed this mini-series and would like to explore more about the Royal Arch, simply speak with your Lodge’s Royal Arch Representative, they’ll be happy to guide you on your next steps.
Not yet a Freemason? Don’t worry, joining the Royal Arch is a step that follows Craft Freemasonry, and we’d be delighted to help you begin your journey.
To learn more about becoming a Freemason in Buckinghamshire, visit:
www.buckspgl.org
Discover the tradition. Experience the journey. Unlock your next chapter.

18/08/2025

In Craft Freemasonry we are assembled in Lodges but in the Royal Arch we have Chapters, and when we take our first step into the leadership of the Chapter we see a change in our regalia.
At first glance, this apron appears similar to that we looked at last week: white lambskin, edged with the characteristic red and blue tessellated border, and accompanied by a matching sash. However, a closer look reveals key distinctions. The Principal’s apron typically features crimson sashes in place of white, and the central emblem—a triangle enclosing the Triple Tau—is now backed in crimson. This crimson-backed triangle is mirrored on the sash worn over the shoulder, and, along with the crimson-ribboned jewel, denotes the higher rank. These refinements are not merely decorative; they signal the wearer’s assumption of spiritual and ritual leadership within the Chapter.
Crimson holds deep symbolic meaning in the Royal Arch. It is traditionally associated with sacrifice, priestly office, and covenant—all virtues embodied by the Third Principal in our Chapters. So significant is this symbolism that even his robes are crimson. The red tones serve as a visual cue of elevation, marking a Companion who now leads rather than follows. So next time you see pictures of our meetings take a closer look—those subtle differences in sash and apron may tell a richer story of service, duty, and the quiet dignity of leadership.

If you would like to know more about the royal Arch or Freemasonry in general there has never been a better time, speak to your Royal Arch rep or visit Buckspgl.org

11/08/2025

For those of you who are not yet in the Royal Arch you have no doubt seen pictures of us wearing a variety of aprons and sashes, but what do they mean?
This summer we will take a look at the various aprons and jewels we wear in the Royal Arch.
The first apron is the one we receive when we are exalted into the Royal Arch, the apron, the sashes upon it and the centre of the triangle are white symbolizing purity and innocence, reflecting the moral and ethical standards expected of a Companion. The white colour signifies a new beginning and the commitment to uphold the values of the Order.
The jewel worn by the Exaltee typically features a white ribbon and the emblem of the Triple Tau, which represents the divine and the connection to the teachings of Freemasonry. This jewel serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and duties undertaken within the Royal Arch.
The colours on the sash worn over the left shoulder are typically crimson and blue, with a white centre of the triangle surrounding the triple tau. Each colour carries its own significance:
Crimson represents fervency in devotion and the blood of sacrifice.
Blue is associated with universal friendship and benevolence, and of course the white of innocence.
Together, these elements reflect the ideals of the Royal Arch and the journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment that Companions are encouraged to pursue.

Address

Beaconsfield Masonic Centre
Beaconsfield
HP92JW

Website

http://www.buckspgc.org/

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