Durham Freemasons

10/06/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of W. Bro. Raymond Macaree, PJGD, who died on 30 May 2026 at the age of 100.

Raymond's Masonic journey began on the 25th June 1956 when he was initiated into the Lodge of Industry No. 48, and spanned almost 70 years. He was admired throughout the Province of Durham for his wisdom, kindness, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Craft and Royal Arch.

His long life was one of service, integrity, and devotion to Freemasonry. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, friends, and brethren at this sad time.

Lived respected, died regretted. 🕊️

10/06/2026

Congratulations to Durham Freemasons Charity on their nomination for the BBC Tees MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARDS

Durham Freemasons Charity has been nominated in the BBC TEES Make a Difference Awards!

The nomination highlights the impact Durham Freemasons Charity has across Teesside, distributing more than £100,000 each year to local good causes using funds raised entirely by Durham Freemasons.

The submission recognised support for organisations including the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Alice House Hospice, Butterwick Hospices, River Tees Boat Rescue Service, The Moses Project, TLC Teddies and The King’s Trust youth projects. Together, these initiatives are turning charitable giving into practical service for local communities.

The nomination will now be considered by a panel of judges, who will review entries from across the region before announcing a shortlist of finalists on BBC Radio Tees later this summer.

Whatever the outcome, we are proud of the difference our members, volunteers and community partners make every day.

United Grand Lodge of England The Freemasons' Charity Durham Freemasons BBC Tees

09/06/2026

A special evening at Tristram Lodge No. 2415 in Shildon saw Bro John Richardson initiated into Freemasonry, beginning what promises to be an exciting and rewarding journey.

John’s path to membership started in a thoroughly modern way. After making an enquiry through the United Grand Lodge of England website, his details were passed to local Freemasons in Durham and ultimately to George Dixon, a well-known and respected figure in Shildon Freemasonry. Following several conversations and meetings, George was delighted to support John’s application to join Tristram Lodge.

Speaking after the ceremony, George said:

“One of the greatest privileges in Freemasonry is helping someone take their first steps. From the moment I met John, it was clear that he wanted to be involved for the right reasons. Seeing him initiated tonight and welcomed by the members of Tristram Lodge has been a real pleasure.”

Bro John Richardson added:

“I first became interested in Freemasonry after seeing the positive work local Freemasons were doing in their communities. Making that initial enquiry was easy, and from the very first conversation I was made to feel welcome. Tonight has exceeded all my expectations and I am looking forward to learning more, making new friends and becoming involved.”

Also attending the evening was Durham Freemasons Membership Officer Jamie Rielly, who highlighted the growing importance of digital engagement in attracting new members.

Jamie commented:

“John’s story is a great example of how modern communications and social media are helping people discover Freemasonry. By sharing stories about our charitable work, community involvement and the experiences of our members, we are reaching people who may never previously have considered joining. Social media doesn’t replace personal contact, but it helps make that vital first connection.”

Everyone at Tristram Lodge, the Shildon Masonic community, Durham Freemasons and the Cornerstone family extends a warm welcome to Bro John Richardson as he begins his Masonic journey.

08/06/2026

06/06/2026

Another great example of Charity becoming service. Well done to all involved.

Young people from King’s Trust Team 110, based at Stockton College and delivered in partnership with the Education Training Collective (ETC), recently welcomed a panel of Dragons from Durham Freemasons.

The Dragons’ Den project is funded through the Norman Jackson Fund and forms part of Durham Freemasons Charity’s long-standing partnership with The King’s Trust, helping young people develop confidence, skills and experience while making a positive difference in their communities.

The team delivered an impressive and detailed presentation outlining their plans to redecorate rooms at local charity Vision 25, demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and a clear commitment to making a difference in their community.

The Dragons were so impressed by the quality of the presentation and the impact the project will have that they awarded the team £440 towards bringing their plans to life.

Pictured with the group are Dragons Mike Mann, Tony Hudspith and Ian Tranter, who thoroughly enjoyed hearing the team’s ideas and ambitions.

The Dragons are now looking forward to returning to see the completed project and to attending Team 110’s end-of-course presentation to hear about the difference their work has made.

Well done to everyone involved in Team 110 – a fantastic example of young people making a positive impact in their community.


Durham Freemasons United Grand Lodge of England The Freemasons' Charity

04/06/2026

🎙️ Episode 3 of Durham Freemasons Multicast (Don’t Wait To Be Asked!) is now available.

This month, we explore another important aspect of Every Brother Matters – what happens when someone joins Freemasonry and things just don’t seem to gel.

We are joined by John Henry and new Master Mason Peter Irvine, who shares his own experience of finding that his first lodge wasn’t the right fit and how finding a different lodge transformed his Masonic journey.

The discussion explores belonging, lodge culture, membership retention, and why Every Brother Matters is about recognising that one size doesn’t fit all.

As always, there’s a mix of serious conversation, practical insights, laughter and banter as we explore Freemasonry in Durham in 2026.

Watch, listen, and join the conversation.

!

01/06/2026

🏃‍♂️☕ A Quick Brew, A Big Challenge, and an Incredible Cause

Today, Durham Freemasons were delighted to welcome Northumberland Freemason W Bro Guy Smith to Provincial Grand Lodge in Sunderland as he passed through the Province on Day One of an extraordinary challenge.

Guy has set off on a remarkable 400+ mile ultra-marathon from Northumberland to the United Grand Lodge of England in London, a journey expected to take around ten days. Along the way, he is visiting Provinces across the country, highlighting the unity of Freemasonry and our shared commitment to charitable giving and community support.

This challenge is deeply personal for Guy, who lost his mother to Alzheimer’s disease. With every mile he runs, he raises funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Society, helping support others affected by this devastating condition.

After a well-earned brew and a warm Durham welcome, Guy was back on the road and heading south.

Everyone at Durham Freemasons wishes Guy every success for the miles ahead. If you see him along the route, please give him a wave, a cheer, or a few words of encouragement – it all helps when tackling a challenge of this scale.

For further information about Guy’s challenge and to support his fundraising efforts, visit:
https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/temple-run/

Good luck, Guy – we’re all behind you! 👏



[Pictures: Supplied]

31/05/2026

A South West Durham Freemasons couple are helping challenge outdated perceptions of Freemasonry after attending a landmark national event in London.

Owen and Joanna Guy-Fisher were among 76 Durham Freemasons and four women Freemasons from across the Durham Freemasons area who travelled to the annual Light Blues Communication at Freemasons’ Hall. The event marked the first time members of the women’s Masonic Orders were formally welcomed to attend.

The gathering celebrated friendship, inclusion, personal development, charitable giving and community service, while showcasing the modern face of Freemasonry.

Read the full story here:
https://durhamfreemasons.org/husband-and-wife-freemasons-help-break-down-outdated-myths/

United Grand Lodge of England

31/05/2026

Thanks to your generous donations, we're proud to have supported 204 charities with grants totalling over £10 million in the last year!

These grants are making a difference to:
❤️ Children in their early years with a focus on poverty and neglect
❤️ Children affected by domestic abuse
❤️ Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
❤️ Our ongoing partnership with Hospice UK

Find out more about our grants to charities: https://ow.ly/1K4h50Z2f7l