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On Wednesday 5 November 2025, the Grand Temple was close to bursting at the seams as London came together for the annual London Grand Rank and London Rank Investiture. This year marked the second outing of the new format, and its success was unmistakable: an afternoon session, formally “called off”, allowed hundreds of friends and family to attend and witness their favourite Masons being invested. The galleries of the Grand Temple were filled to the rafters with proud guests – a joyous, supportive atmosphere that has quickly become a defining hallmark of the revised structure.

A remarkable 1,577 tickets were issued for the meeting, with more than 100 on the waiting list and a further 20 VIP guests in attendance. In all, 305 brethren received preferment; 8 to London Rank (7 present) and 297 to London Grand Rank, with 247 of those attending in person. The celebrations continued long after the closing gavel, with 750 tickets issued for the post-meeting drinks reception, where families, friends and supporters joined the investees to share in their achievement.

Against this vibrant backdrop of recognition, community and renewed commitment, the Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Warren Duke, addressed the packed Grand Temple, a speech that we are pleased to reproduce here in full.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Brethren and Companions,

“Good afternoon.

“I hope you have enjoyed this annual investiture meeting and I am delighted to have been able to invest so many of you with London Grand Rank and London Rank. I have already extended a welcome to our honoured guests earlier this afternoon, particularly our guests who are not Freemasons, and I gladly do so again. I look forward to chatting with you over drinks later.

“The primary reason which brings us all here today is to acknowledge the effort of our investees for their continued commitment to Freemasonry here in London. We are rightly proud of the contribution that you have made to your Lodges and further afield, by supporting Metropolitan Grand Lodge and the wider community in which we live. 

“What you have all contributed to date is so important, but I ask you now to reflect on the future.  I expect recipients of Metropolitan rank to serve as leaders in their Lodges and to do so with humility, as well as supporting each member from the oldest to the newest Initiate. 

“We must all take responsibility to ensure all members are enjoying their Masonry. This is not solely the job of the Membership Officer and Mentor. I look to you for leadership.

“This is all intrinsically linked with our Membership Challenge and I am delighted to report that Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter should both grow by the end of 2025. While the numbers will be small, all being well, we will achieve this unprecedented increase in membership.

“As my team will tell you, I am extremely superstitious, so I make such predictions reluctantly; and while I touch the wood of the Grand Temple pedestal just in case I jinx the outcome!

“If we achieve this growth, it will be due to a colossal team effort from us all over many years.

“Achieving such milestones quickly puts enormous emphasis on 2026.

2025 cannot be a blip, a one off. We must make this a fork in the road and the start of a new trend. We must continue on this path without sacrificing the quality of our membership. Over a year ago, I led with the vision of “It is time to grow”. In 2026, “touch wood” we will progress to “Sustaining Growth”.

“One way is to engage with our Discover Freemasonry events.  We had a wonderful time at our last two Saturday sessions in October; with over 250 men and women attending.  There was a real buzz as non-Masons began to discover who we are, what we stand for and why we enjoy our hobby, with over two thirds submitting applications to join.  It is also a great way to introduce Freemasonry to your friends in a way which will inspire them to join your Lodge.  I look to all those honoured today to engage with initiatives such as these and to support them in whatever ways you can to build your Lodges for the future. 

“This is an appropriate time to thank, not only all those who lead Met and wear the chains, but also those who volunteer within those many groups of Masons who develop what we do: to the teams of almoners, charity stewards, mentors and membership officers, as well as the Discover Freemasonry team, communications team, stewards, exhibitions team and so many more. We have approaching 1,000 volunteers, giving countless hours supporting our members. I hugely appreciate all you do.

“As you know, it is key that we all engage fully to move Freemasonry forward, and UGLE has this year launched the first version of the new membership app, Portal.  I look to any of you who have not yet signed up to do so at the helpdesk in the vestibules as you leave the Grand Temple today. Portal is a key part of our future, so please engage with it now if you have not yet done so.

“Freemasonry, as we know, is based on four strong foundations: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. As part of Service, Charity is a key element. 

“It was just over a year ago when the two London Air Ambulance state-of-the-art helicopters flew for the first time, with both HRH the Prince of Wales and David Beckham in attendance.  I was privileged to meet some of the crew two weeks ago at the Royal London Helipad. The Metropolitan Grand Secretary and I had the breath-taking experience of flying with them back to RAF Northolt at the end of a very long operational shift for the team.  We conducted a series of interviews, finding out how our £3 million has made a difference to this vital emergency service. Those interviews were filmed and will be included in my Christmas Newsletter to you all in December. 

“But for now, here is a short film which the LAA have sent us on the first anniversary to say ‘thank you’.

[At this point, Bro Duke paused for a video message from the LAA helicopter team, which was warmly received by the assembled throng of Brethren and their families.]

Bro Duke continued, “I think we can all be very proud of the part that we have all played in supporting the LAA.

“With over 27,000 members it is not my practice to single out any one Brother in my addresses but today is an exception.

“I firstly want to recognise someone who is an example to us all as a man and as a Mason.  Bro Colin Bell, holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross, and personally recognised by HM The King in the New Year’s Honours List, is here today. 

“Colin is 104 and, I understand, the nation’s last living Mosquito Pilot from the Second World War.  He is a member of the Royal Airforce Lodge and was initiated 21 years ago.

“In 2023, aged 102, Colin wanted to raise money for three charities close to his heart, including London’s Air Ambulance.  So he became the oldest man ever to abseil, from the LAA helipad of the Royal London Hospital. When told it was 17 floors, Colin reportedly said that falling 2 floors would kill him, so another 15 made no difference! This is typical of the man. 

“On 8^th May this year, Colin led Met’s celebration of 80 years since VE Day in 1945, and raised the commemorative flag from the flagpole on the roof of this building. On this occasion he took the elevator down! I was delighted to be able to surprise and honour him on your behalf with a field promotion to London Rank. His friends say that those initials LR describe him fully: Loveable Rogue.  We are honoured that Colin is here today and I invite him to stand now to receive our applause.

The applause Bro Colin received was understandably rapturous. Colin is also interviewed here in a previous edition of Arena.

Bro Duke then turned to more sobering issues: “Secondly, I am sure that everyone here this afternoon will have heard of the horrific multiple stabbing incident which occurred on an LNER train in Cambridgeshire. A member of staff on the train who intervened to try and stop the attacks is in a critical condition. Another hero of this awful incident is the train driver, our own W Bro Andrew Johnson. 

“Andrew, who has been a Freemason for 25 years, is very heavily involved in all that Met does as a Visiting Officer in the Craft, a Metropolitan Assistant Grand Inspector in the Royal Arch, and one of our Grand Stewards Coordinators.  Andrew is also a former Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy who saw active service in the Iraq War and, above all, is a very popular London Freemason.

“Despite being in the most stressful high-pressure situation, Andrew worked calmly with LNER, diverted the train, and got it to Huntingdon Station in minutes, enabling the emergency services to be there when the train arrived, to provide care for the injured and for the Police to immediately apprehend the alleged attacker. 

“When it was critical, Andrew kept his cool and ensured that he did the very best for everyone on that train.  Many reports and quotes in the media suggest that he saved lives.

“On your behalf, I wish to thank him for all that he did that evening. 

“He will hate me saying it, but he is a true hero and we are all so very proud of him.

“Let me now close by thanking the Metropolitan Grand Secretary and the Metropolitan Grand Director of Ceremonies and their respective teams and of course our men in red, the members of MetGStwds Lodge.  Events such as this don’t just happen and a great deal of effort is required to make it appear so effortless.

“Once again, I extend my sincere thanks to you all for joining us today and supporting those who have been honoured; it is hugely appreciated.  I look forward to meeting a large number of you at the drinks reception directly after the end of this meeting.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, Brethren and Companions: thank you.

. 

With a sold-out 750 attending the drinks reception afterwards to seal an exceptional and celebratory day, Bro Duke was indeed able to spend valuable time with many Brethren receiving honours and their families.

. 

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post Near Capacity Grand Temple as Over 300 London Brethren Honoured at 2025 London Grand Rank Investiture appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

The study aims to use different techniques to understand the protein changes happening in the brain, and link them to the changes we see on MRI brain scans. This could help us to understand the differences between people and their responses to the condition, and could help work out in future whether different treatments might be targeted for different people.

You will be invited to attend for between 2 and 5 visits. These can be spread flexibly over a few months, and we will make sure they are at convenient times for you. The visits will involve several different brain scans (an MRI scan, a high-resolution 7 tesla MRI scan, a MEG scan, which measures the magnetic field of the brain, and 2 different PET scans, which can directly measure proteins that build up. During the visits we will also take a blood sample, and you will complete some thinking and memory tests.

Professor Rimona Weil, leading the study, says “It makes such a difference to have people volunteer to take part in our study. By including people who do not have Parkinson’s, we are able to make useful comparisons of changes in the brain. Together this helps us understand Parkinson’s better.”

We appreciate that these visits amount to quite a commitment, but it’s worth it. Each scan gives a different piece of information to help us to better understand Parkinson’s. We will be able to cover the costs of your travel and lunch, and we hope that you will find the visits interesting.

If you are interested, please contact Naomi Hannaway by email at (preferred) or by phone on 020 3108 9184.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post You can help with research to understand Parkinsons appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

On 4^th September 2025, Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge met at Mark Masons’ Hall.

Whilst the meeting was not unfamiliar to any English Masons, towards the end of the meeting W Bro Adrian Hodgson rose and recounted the following historic story of the connection between The Statue of Liberty, Freemasons and this Lodge.

On the windswept and rain-soaked Island of Bedloe in the Upper Bay off the Shoreline of Manhattan, on the 5^th July 1884, RW Bro John Vrooman, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New York, took post for the laying of the cornerstone of a massive pediment.

The US Army band played and then the working tools were presented to the MW Bro William Brodie, Grand Master, who in turn, presented them to the Wardens, RW Bro John W. Vrooman, Senior Grand Warden; and RW Bro James Ten Eyck, Junior Grand Warden.

A copper box was secreted under the cornerstone; containing a list, on parchment, of the Grand Lodge Masons of New York, 20 bronze medals of the American Presidents, all the current newspapers and a specially written poem entitled "Liberty". A newspaper report the next day said, "By traditional ceremony, the cornerstone was then tested, and being found Square, Level, and Plumb, the Deputy Grand Master RW Frank R. Lawrence, completed the work by applying the mortar and having the stone firmly lowered into place.

The Grand Master then struck three blows with the Gavel and declared the stone duly laid. The elements of consecration, corn, wine and oil, were next presented by RW Brothers Lawrence, Vrooman and Ten Eyck and scattered; and addresses were given by various Senators, the Grand Master and the Governor.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master posed the question: “Why call upon the Masonic Fraternity to lay the cornerstone of such a structure as is here to be erected?”

His answer was: “No institution has done more to promote liberty and to free men from the trammels and chains of ignorance and tyranny than has Freemasonry.”

The Statue of Liberty was still to come. Dismantled in Paris, every copper plate, beam & section was numbered & coded. 350 huge, separate sections were packed into 214 cases; and the whole shipment carried on a special 70-car train to the coast. It was craned onto the ship "Isere", and after a month at sea, arrived at Bedloe's Island in June 1885. It took 15 months to assemble the 125 tons of internal steel support columns and to clad them with the 80 tons of copper sheeting, 3/32 of an inch thick, the whole structure being bolted & riveted together. 300,000 rivets were used and the whole external structure weighed just over 100 tons.

Unveiling day was 28th October 1886 – over 10 years late. A public holiday was granted but sadly, the weather was again rainy & foggy too! But the spirits of the more than one million people lining the streets and shores in the bunting and tricolour decorated area could not be dampened. A parade of more than 20,000 passed through New York, led by the Grand Marshall and including many Masonic Lodges. As the parade passed, the office boys in Wall Street, the only area of the city working that day, unreeled hundreds of spools of "ticker" tape from the windows. It was the very first New York ticker-tape parade.

Freemasons everywhere can be humble in the knowledge of the part that our Fraternity had in the creation and erection of this remarkable structure, and each should recall his vows and obligations to further spread the light of Freedom, Truth, Tolerance, and Justice, which the Statue of Liberty and Freemasonry so grandly symbolise.

During an official visit to London in 1890, Most Worshipful Bro. John W Vrooman, now Grand Master of New York, accompanied by the Chairman of the Trustees and Chief Commissioner of Appeals, was invited to a Lodge consecration.

The minutes of the first ever meeting, 9th July 1890, record the following:

“The WM then rose and said a most pleasing task was now before him and nothing could give him more satisfaction than to propose as the first act of the Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge that they should elect as Honorary Members the GM of New York (recorded in the minute book as Bro. John Vrooman) and the two Officers who accompanied him. This having been unanimously carried, the WM addressed the GM of New York and said he had the greatest possible pleasure in welcoming him as the first elected member of the Lodge.”

Unfortunately, it appears that in October 1894, the Founders’ Jewel presented to MW Bro Vrooman was destroyed in a fire. In writing to the Lodge, he requested to obtain a replacement at his own costs and the Lodge arranged for a replacement to be sent out along with the best wishes of the Lodge for his personal safety.

On a balmy May afternoon in 2025, a young Kentuckian Mason, Bro Jason Rudder, of McKee Lodge No144 and Lexington Lodge No 1, was wandering the shops and stores in Columbus, Ohio. He happened to browse the display case in the Heritage Square Antique Mall. There, among forgotten treasures and relics of a bygone era, something caught his eye. It was a tarnished silver Masonic breast jewel with a tattered ribbon, beautifully crafted and radiating a sense of history that spoke to him from across the display.

Upon closer inspection, he saw it was a jewel of Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge No 2362. But it was the inscription on the back that revealed the story of its profound significance. It was presented to the Most Worshipful Brother John W. Vrooman, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, in commemoration of his visit to the Lodge’s consecration on 9th July 1890.

Standing there in that quiet shop, an American Mason from Kentucky, holding a piece of English Masonic history, Brother Rudder recounts “I knew in my heart that I could not allow it to simply sit and gather dust, forgotten in that display case. I felt a deep compulsion to rescue it – to ensure its journey and its story were preserved. My first thought, therefore, was not ownership, but stewardship. My first question was, does this Lodge still exist?"

“I immediately set out to discover if the light of Bloomsbury Rifles Lodge was still burning brightly. When I confirmed that you were, indeed, still active, I felt it was my duty to reach out. I wanted the Brethren of this Lodge to know that their history had been found, that it was safe and that I considered myself merely its temporary guardian. I gave my solemn promise that it would remain protected under my watch, and that if ever given the opportunity, I would see it returned to its rightful home.”

“That opportunity arose in the form of your Summons for September’s meeting. When it arrived, I knew the time had come. I knew I had to do everything in my power to make this journey, to cross the ocean, and to fulfill the promise I had made not just to myself but to the history this jewel represents. So without even having a passport, I booked flights, lodging and contacted my own Grand Lodge to make the official introductions.”

The journey of this jewel, from London to New York, its subsequent travels unknown, and its eventual discovery in a quiet corner of America, is a story in itself. But its final journey is the most important. A piece of history like this does not truly belong to an individual; it belongs to the institution it represents. It belongs to all Brothers.

In open Lodge, Brother Rudder returned the Jewel once lost, back home and concludes “on behalf of all those who have safeguarded this treasure, knowingly or not, over 135 years, I had the distinct honor and privilege of completing its journey from East to West, and back again. I was not giving you a gift, but rather, restoring a piece of your heritage. I felt it was my obligation to return it home.”

One can only imagine the awe that the night’s initiate, Bro Philip Tieu, will have felt having undertaken his first step in Freemasonry to see an American Brother undertake a 5,000 mile journey to return a 135 year old piece of Lodge history, reflecting one of the superpowers of Freemasonry.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post Bloomsbury Rifles Lady Liberty and a Gentleman of Kentucky appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

The 185 Club is a fellowship of Lodges united by a common lineage and, of course, an enduring spirit of brotherhood. The Club proudly takes its name from the Lodge of Tranquillity No 185, a distinguished Lodge founded in 1787; and whose Masonic legacy has given rise to an extended family of Lodges across the English Constitution.

The evening began with a warm welcome from the Club’s Secretary, W Bro Shahab Mossavat, who reminded attendees that while the 185 Club is new, it stands proudly on centuries of Masonic tradition. “Our purpose,” he said, “is what Freemasonry has always aspired to do: to combine friendship with service, and to make the world a little better by being serviceable to humankind.”

That spirit of service was given clear direction as two guests of honour, Dr Mohammad Eddama and Dr Imogen Greensmith from University College London (UCL), presented their research into the causes and treatment of Crohn’s disease. Their project seeks to understand and ultimately prevent the scarring of the bowel; a major and currently untreatable complication of this painful and often lifelong condition.

Dr Greensmith, a gastroenterology registrar undertaking her PhD at UCL’s Royal Free Hospital, began by explaining why this work is so urgent. “Crohn’s disease affects almost one percent of the population,” she said. “It typically strikes people in their teens and twenties – just as they are starting their adult lives. We can usually manage the inflammation, but when scarring occurs, there are no medical options. The only treatment is major surgery to remove sections of the bowel.”

Such operations can be life-changing, often requiring a stoma and carrying the risk of recurrence. “There is an urgent need for a non-surgical treatment,” she said, “and that’s what our research aims to deliver.”

Her study, titled “Epigenetic Regulation of Fibroblasts in Crohn’s Disease”, focuses on the cellular “switches” that control how scar-forming cells behave. “We’ve discovered that in Crohn’s disease, the “off switch” for inflammation doesn’t work properly. The signal stays stuck in the ‘on’ position, and that constant activity leads to scarring. If we can understand and reset that process, we could prevent or even reverse fibrosis.”

The research is supported by a distinguished team of scientists including Professor David Abraham, a global authority on fibrosis, and Professor James Lee of the Francis Crick Institute, renowned for his work in inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr Eddama, a colorectal surgeon and clinician-scientist at UCLH, described how the team’s discoveries could lead to a new class of treatment. “We are exploring a molecule originally developed at Oxford University that can restore those faulty genetic switches,” he explained. “Rather than suppressing symptoms, this could correct the underlying behaviour of the cells. It is early-stage work, but potentially curative.”

He spoke movingly about a former patient, Michael Suss[NS1] , who lived with severe Crohn’s from childhood. After repeated surgeries, he became one of the first people in the UK to receive a bowel transplant. “Michael’s courage and intellect inspired this line of research,” said Dr Eddama. “He helped show us where the science needed to go. Our mission is to continue what he started – to find a way to stop fibrosis before it starts.”

Following the presentation, the Brethren engaged in an animated discussion that ranged from genetics and gene expression to the ethics of drug development. Several noted the striking parallels between medical research and Freemasonry itself – both grounded in curiosity, learning and a commitment to the betterment of humankind.

The team estimates that bringing this work to the point where it can attract large-scale medical research funding will require around £300,000 over the next few years – funding that would support a dedicated research fellow, laboratory resources and the analysis of thousands of cellular data samples.

This is beyond the reach of individual Lodges, despite the generosity of the Craft. But it is possible that the collective strength of the 27 Lodges that trace their heritage to Tranquillity No 185 could quickly generate meaningful sums. This can be augmented by match-funding schemes through Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s charitable operations. Medical contributions, of course, have a long history within Masonry: “Freemasons are the second-largest charitable donors in the UK after the National Lottery,” one Brother explained. “From funding air ambulances to providing the CyberKnife cancer treatment at Barts, London Masonry has shown what is possible when we act together.”

The 185 Club resolved to make the Crohn’s research its first major charitable endeavour. This can only begin in earnest when the Club is formally established as a registered charity. But plans already include forming a network of Lodge Secretaries and holding a charity gala in June 2026 to bring together all 27 lodges. In the chair’s closing words: “We have found our cause. The 185 Club now has purpose as well as fellowship; to help advance a piece of science that could change lives. None of us could achieve this alone, but together, as one Masonic family, we surely can.”

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post The 185 Club Unites for Groundbreaking Medical Research appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

We are delighted to publish the following address, as given by RW Bro John Thompson AGM (Assistant Grand Master).

“Good morning, ladies, gentlemen and Brethren.

On behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England and Metropolitan Grand Lodge, may I welcome you all to the Masonic Memorial Garden here at the National Memorial Arboretum, for this Act of Remembrance.

We gather in this place of peace and reflection to honour the memory of Freemasons from across the provinces, districts, and Lodges who have served their country – and to remember with pride and gratitude those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of freedom.

We are especially honoured this morning to welcome Brigadier Barry Smith CBE, representing His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, and Ms Lynda Atkins, the National Chair of the Royal British Legion.

This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those Brethren who, guided by Masonic principles, gave their service, and in so many cases, their lives in the defence of others.

We commemorate their demonstration of our shared values of integrity of self, friendship through the bonds of pride, respect for each other, including our differences and service to self, to friend, to Brother, to nation, to King, and to God.

As we come together today, united in remembrance, we do so not only as Freemasons, but as members of a grateful nation to remember the fallen of all conflicts, to give thanks for their courage, and to reaffirm our commitment to peace, service, and humanity. I invite you all to join in a moment of quiet reflection to honour the memory of the departed, to support those who still serve, and to renew our shared pledge: that we will remember them.”

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post Met Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

This September marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of the English actor, comedian and member of Chelsea Lodge No 3098, Peter Sellers (born Richard Henry Sellers on 8 September 1925).  So in this edition of Arena, we salute the genius of one of Britain’s greatest entertainers. 

Born in Southsea to theatrical parents, Peter Sellers made his stage debut at the tender age of just two weeks old, with a walk-on role – or carried-on role – as part of their variety act.  During his childhood he continued to accompany his parents touring around the provincial theatres of England, watching and learning the stagecraft which would later serve him well. 

With the outbreak of war in 1939, Peter’s formal education ended at the age of 14 and, in 1940, the Sellers family moved to Ilfracombe in North Devon, where Peter’s uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre.  Peter took on a number of roles at the theatre, starting out as a part-time caretaker before moving on to Box Office clerk and, eventually, a lighting operator.  Proximity to the various productions produced at or passing through the theatre even allowed him the opportunity to take on some small acting roles.  

During his stay at the Victoria Palace, he began practising the drums and, as the war progressed, he found work playing with a series of touring bands.  He then joined the British Army's Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) – a veritable training ground for many of our successful post-war entertainers – providing entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.  In September 1943, at the age of 18, he joined the Royal Air Force but was restricted to ground staff duties due to his poor eyesight; though this afforded him the opportunity to join the RAF Gang Show entertainment troupe, where he continued to develop his mimicry and improvisational skills whilst touring Britain and the Far East.  It was also in the Gang Show where he met fellow Goon, Michael Bentine.

After the war, he became a regular performer on a number of hit BBC Radio shows, culminating in his extremely successful collaboration with Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and, again, Michael Bentine as part of The Goon Show during the 1950s.  The Goons mixed outrageous plots with surreal humour, puns and catchphrases, often satirising aspects of contemporary life in 1950s Britain including showbusiness, politics, the class structure and institutions such as the police and military. 

Sellers played four main characters in the series: Major Bloodnok, Hercules Grytpype-Thynne, Bluebottle, and Henry Crun; as well as seventeen minor ones (but who’s counting).  At the height of its popularity, the show had up to seven million listeners in Britain and was described by The Guardian newspaper in 1993 as "probably the most influential comedy show of all time". For Sellers, the show demonstrated his excellent ability to mimic other celebrities, and by the early 1950s he was considered a well-respected impressionist. Ultimately, The Goon Show was the launch-pad for Peter’s path to international stardom.

Following the end of The Goons in 1960, Sellers concentrated on his, by now, blossoming film career; having already had success playing the criminal Cockney spiv Harry Robison in The Ladykillers (1955), taking on various leading roles in the Ealing comedy The Mouse That Roared (1959) and his BAFTA-winning Best Actor turn as union official Fred Kite in I’m All Right Jack (also 1959). 

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post Peter Sellers Remembered appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

So why have few heard of the film maker, John “Mac” McDowell, a decorated war hero and committed Mason?

John Benjamin McDowell was born in Plumstead (then Kent, now part of south east London) in 1877. He was educated locally, but left school at fifteen years old to become an engineering apprentice at the nearby Woolwich Arsenal. He was soon, however, to move into the fledgling British film industry. By 1898, he was working as a cameraman, projectionist and electrician for “The British Mutoscope and Biograph Syndicate”. From the very start, he was involved in the production of films relating to the army, with the company making documentaries about the Boer War.

McDowell became a Mason in his twenties, being initiated into Rye Lodge No 2272 in 1902, which then met in High Holborn. This would be the first of several Lodges where he would serve as Master. At this point of his life, however, he appears to have been too busy to take on more Masonic commitments. His focus was on making movies.

In early 1908, after short spells employed by other film-makers, McDowell helped to form a new company, the “British and Colonial Kinematograph Company” (known as “B&C”). This produced news programmes, documentaries and short comedies – the first comic film he directed was “A Breach of Promise Case”, a seemingly strange story, as it starred two dogs! The “B&C” became a limited company in 1911; and increased funding allowed it to produce longer dramas. McDowell also had more time for Masonry and was able to be a founder member of the Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge No 3578. It is likely that he had studied at the institution and this establishment later became the University of Greenwich, which provides another link to the twist in this tale.

By 1913, McDowell was in sole charge of the company and produced what has been hailed as “the first British epic film” – a spectacular depiction of the Battle of Waterloo employing hundreds of extras and horses. Cavalry soldiers from the 12th Lancers (now part of the Royal Lancers) were loaned to the production and the regimental historian recorded “the facts that Napoleon could not ride a horse and that a sergeant in the regiment appropriated Wellington’s boots nearly prevented the film being made”!

Incredibly by today’s standards, the film was finished in just five days; and it was a great success when it went on show in cinemas. McDowell later commented that “everyone made money out of it… and went home happy”. This was also the year that he was the Master of his Mother Lodge.

B&C’s next major production, in 1914, was “Loves and Adventures in the Life of Shakespeare” with McDowell taking the role of director. The title seemingly had an impact on him, as he fell in love with Emilie Olympia Rudolphine Martinek, who was cast to portray Queen Elizabeth in the film. This adventure probably did not go down too well with his wife, Emily Ada White, whom he had married in 1900.

After the Great War broke out in August 1914, McDowell joined the Volunteer Training Corps, which was a Great War version of the Home Guard. At the very top of the organisation were two Freemasons: Lord Desborough was the chairman of the Association of Volunteer Training Corps, and the military advisor was General Sir Garrett O’Moore Creagh, who had won the Victoria Cross fighting in Afghanistan (proof that little changes in this world!).

William Henry Grenfell, 1^st Baron Desborough was initiated into Apollo University Lodge No 357 in Oxford in 1875 on the same day as Oscar Wilde. Desborough was one of the first Olympic athletes and went on to join several other Lodges, including Ellington No 1566 and Grenfell No 3077, both in Berkshire; and Palladian No 120 in Hereford. The Lord Desborough Lodge No 3200 is named after him. General Creagh was a very active Freemason in India, joining Star of Rajpootand No 2093 (now erased), Friendship No 2307 (now No 47 under the District Grand Lodge of Bombay), Kitchener No 2998 and Himalayan Brotherhood No 459 (which now meets in London). He later replaced Lord Kitchener as District Grand Master of the Punjab.

McDowell’s new love had been born into a German touring circus family in 1878, but moved to England with her parents and a daughter from an earlier marriage. She and the film-maker had a long-lasting relationship and their daughter, Adrienne Aimee Franklin McDowell, was born in February 1915 – Franklin was the maiden name of McDowell’s mother. It was less than a month before McDowell joined the Duchy of Cornwall Lodge No 3038 that Adrienne was born – maybe he was having sleepless nights and went to Lodge meetings to snatch forty winks! Quite how Lodge members viewed McDowell’s German wife is not known.

In 1915, the British government realised that it could use the film industry to develop support for the war effort and increase recruiting, particularly into the army. Initially, McDowell was not involved as two other film-makers, Geoffrey Malins and Edward Tong, were despatched to France. Tong, however, fell ill and McDowell volunteered to be his replacement, arriving in France on 23^rd June 1916; the day before the British artillery bombardment began on German positions, signalling the start of the Battle of the Somme. One officer was impressed with McDowell’s bravery whilst filming in combat, noting that, “Mr McDowell ran considerable risks. I have seen him have very narrow escapes, notably from machine gun bullets… when trying to cross no man’s land… and several times from shells… he has also been gassed”.

Filming of the fighting was completed in less than two weeks between the end of June and the beginning of July. The finished article contains many of the iconic images of World War One, which are still used in documentaries to this day. The footage was assessed for the government by Brigadier General John Charteris, an expert in propaganda, who recommended to the War Office that it should be released as soon as possible. Charteris was another committed member of the Craft and, like General Creagh, was very active in India. Both men belonged to the Kitchener Lodge No 2998 and the Brigadier also belonged to four other Lodges on the sub-continent, namely Beauchamp No 1422, Stewart No 1960, Yeatman-Biggs No 2672 and McMahon No 3262 (albeit the latter two have since transferred to London). No doubt due to his military background, he also joined Aldershot Army & Navy No 1971 in London.

The film produced by McDowell and Malins, simply entitled, “The Battle of the Somme”, was released in London on 10th August 1916. At that time, the campaign was still on-going, and, although many of the bloodiest scenes were cut by the War Office, the footage still contained images showing the horrors of the war, which with machine guns, mass artillery and poison gas, was being fought on an industrial scale. On 28^th August, the Yorkshire Evening Post printed the comment, attributed to the British Prime Minister, Lloyd George, who noted that, “If the exhibition of this picture all over the world does not end war, God help civilisation”. The film was a tremendous success and, during the first six weeks of its release, it was seen by twenty million people in Britain (then almost half the population). It was also shown in eighteen other countries.

McDowell went on to work on more productions for the War Office including newsreels and the major films, “The Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks” and “The German Retreat and The Battle of Arras”. In April 1918, although technically still a civilian, he was put in charge of the movements of all the cameramen on the Western Front. In June 1918, both he and Malins were awarded the “Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” for “courage and devotion to duty” and McDowell was eventually commissioned as a Lieutenant in July 1918. As a serving officer, his bravery resulted in him being awarded the Military Cross (then, second only to the Victoria Cross) for “courage under fire”.

McDowell continued to be a member of his three Lodges throughout the war and in 1920, he was the founder member of a French Lodge in Calais, Outre Manche (Across the Channel) No 14. His efforts in Masonry were rewarded with London Grand Rank in 1927. Unfortunately, when Malins released a book entitled “How I Filmed the War”, he completely omitted the work of his colleague. McDowell had been written out of history.

Or maybe not. The author of this article was a Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector and was the founder of the world’s first human Super Recogniser Unit. The officers on the team had an innate and fantastic ability to recall and identify faces. In addition to solving all manner of crimes, the officers were also called on to assist the media, when over twenty families had claimed that a soldier featured in “The Battle of the Somme” was their relative. The iconic image shows a British “Tommy” carrying a wounded comrade through a trench. Unfortunately, the soldier has no headdress or jacket, so there are no badges or insignia on display, making it impossible to narrow down the search to a particular regiment. One of the Super Recognisers was tasked by The Times newspaper to assess various photographs of Great War servicemen to establish which one featured in McDowell’s film. In the end a soldier from the Durham Light Infantry was selected.

The Masonic twist to this is as follows – your author, like McDowell, is a member of the Duchy of Cornwall Lodge, as is the chief researcher, Worshipful Brother Peter Reeve. So nearly one hundred years after the film was made, it was passed to another member to be identified. Furthermore, as we have seen, McDowell was a member of Woolwich Polytechnic Lodge, an institution that became the University of Greenwich. This is the very university where the Super Recogniser tests were developed by Professor Josh Davis.

Brother McDowell was unfairly erased from history, but his work is still seen today. He was a dedicated member of the Craft and a brave and resourceful cameraman who brought the horrors of war to the cinema. As the man who was jointly responsible for the most viewed British film, he is a Freemason who should be remembered with pride.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post John Mac McDowell The Forgotten Masonic Movie Man appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

In 1390, the legions of Masons chiselling away up ladders on England’s cathedrals and castles were told very firmly ‘And muswyke hyt ys a swete song’.*

That’s pretty clear. In obedience to this ancient Craft directive, South Norwood Lodge No 1139 is coming up to its first birthday as a Special Interest Lodge devoted to rock music. ‘Masons have always loved rock, the architects of this new direction confirm. ‘It’s a theme we celebrate.’

At its most recent meeting in November, Brethren from across the country descended on London to attend a meeting in which everything from Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Pantera rang out around the hallowed space of Room 17 in Freemasons’ Hall. It was a dramatic alternative to the organist setting about the opening ode. Once underway, members and guests took all in their stride as the proceedings were exuberantly music-orientated, assisted by an impressive selection of guitar wands being expertly wielded by the DC and Deacons.

The Lodge celebrates all things rock inside and outside meetings. Members, guests, family and friends socialize and go to live music events. (Within less than a week of their last meeting, four members were spotted with family and friends at the Hammersmith Odeon celebrating an excellent show by veteran headbangers, Saxon.)

The highlight of the Lodge’s Masonic year will be a summer pilgrimage to a gig or festival outside London. This is about outreach as well as spending time together, affording those who want to discuss their Masonry opportunities to answer questions from the public about why there are squares and compasses festooning denim and leather jackets.

The members take their music seriously. Every meeting has a ‘Schola Mvsicæ’ (Music School) for a daily advancement in rock knowledge. A brother plays a tune through the Lodge’s amplifier, then delivers a short talk about it. The very first was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Freebird, which allowed the members to luxuriate in a reverie of shrimp and grits while nine minutes of elegiac, liquid gold wafted loudly between the thrones and around the columns, and life’s cares ebbed away. The list so far ranges from the Beatles to the Berzerker. And could there be anything more Masonic than the complex and invigorating exploration of duality provided by Ukrainian metalcore band Jinjer’s song Pisces? It’s all here, and you can find the playlist on Spotify under Rock Lödge – Schola Mvsicæ.)

So who joins? ‘Rock’, the founders affirm, ‘covers everything from Elvis to Metallica. If guitars and drums are powering things along, it has a home with us.’ Members come from all over, with a wide range of connections to rock, which is interpreted broadly as a genre. A lifelong lover of System of a Down is likely to find himself sitting among aficionados of everyone from Bob Dylan and the Kinks to Motörhead and Amon Amarth. ‘It is, though,’ they add, ‘fair to say that hard rock and heavy metal are particularly well supported.’

The members and guests at meetings range from musicians and those working in the wider industry to the jovial majority who simply love rock music and want to spend time with others who are likeminded. Several members and guests are well known in the music scene, and one band has already formed from within the Lodge and is out and about gigging loudly.

As with rock itself, the demographic of the Lodge is wide, with members and guests from their early twenties to eighties. At the November meeting, there was a very healthy sea of light blue, more than one Volume of Sacred Law, and English was not the only language heard as members greeted each other on arrival.

The project is a brilliant move by John Parry and the Metropolitan Grand Lodge team for Special Interest Lodges as, when the founders were looking for a Lodge in need of new blood, John identified South Norwood Lodge No. 1139. It is a marriage made in heaven as South Norwood has a proud musical history, with its members including the founder of Orange Amps, one of Britain’s best loved guitar amplifier brands – handsome stacks that have graced the stages of artists from Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to Korn and Slipknot – alongside a former managing director of one of the world’s best loved record labels.

The journey began in a Borough pub a few Christmases ago. After joining in the traditional Christmas carol singing lifting the rafters of the front bar, a handful of Masons and partners retired to an upper room for a festive lunch. Bemoaning the dire muzak being unstoppably piped into the room, one commented to another how much fun it would be to have a Lodge devoted to rock music. Metropolitan Grand Lodge liked the idea, and so it happened.

As you would expect, in addition to the usual Masonic ritual, the Lodge has some of its own additional workings, which you will have to visit to discover. All the usual ritual is there, solemnly and appropriately honoured and central to proceedings, but there are some fun additions peculiar to the Lodge. Their first initiation is not far off, and it will be a sight to be seen (and absolutely heard).

As we all know, men’s mental health is woefully low on many people’s list of priorities. Masonry, happily, has always offered deep bonds of camaraderie hard to find elsewhere, and is now focusing very strongly on helping men find mental support and resources when needed. What many people don’t know is that rock and metal have also been identified as beneficial for wellbeing. The British Psychological Society recently confirmed what all rockers know: rock is great for your zing, and rockers are among the loveliest, friendliest, most down-to-earth people you will ever meet.

Any brother interested in visiting or joining should contact the Secretary on . For Those About to Knock and Rock, We Salute You!

* ‘And music it is a sweet song’, from the Regius Poem, part of the Old Charges.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post What could be more Masonic than polished rock appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

This year, the Club reached an exciting high point with a magnificent Gala Night, held at the elegant Dilly Hotel in Piccadilly. Welcoming more than 100 attendees, including partners, family members, and friends; the evening proved to be one of the Club’s most memorable celebrations yet.

Set within the stylish surroundings of The Dilly, the event reflected the very best of the Kent Club: openness, camaraderie, and the joy of coming together beyond the formal setting of the Lodge room. The presence of partners and friends made the occasion particularly special, offering them a chance to witness first-hand the genuine bonds that define the Masonic experience. Many guests commented on how valuable it was to gain insight into the fraternity their loved ones speak of so warmly.

Throughout the evening, members from a wide range of Lodges mingled freely, sharing stories, perspectives, and experiences from their Masonic journeys. For partners and friends, this openness helped demystify aspects of the Craft, replacing curiosity with understanding and appreciation. For members, it was a rare opportunity to deepen friendships and forge new connections across Lodge boundaries, strengthening the network that supports Freemasonry across the capital.

A significant highlight of the evening was the celebration of the Club’s rapidly growing reach, driven in part by the 1,000 Members Competition. This initiative has energised engagement across London Masons, encouraging Lodges and individuals alike to connect more closely with the Kent Club. The competition marks a symbolic milestone in the Club’s development, reflecting its ambition to expand its community and extend its impact. Excitement continues to build as the Club approaches the announcement of the competition winner, which will be revealed in early December – an eagerly anticipated moment that will further underscore the Club’s growth and vitality.

One of the Gala’s greatest achievements was the spirit of inclusion it fostered. Freemasonry does not exist in isolation; it is supported by the families, partners, and friends who stand alongside its members. By opening the evening to all, the Kent Club strengthened not only its internal bonds but also the essential relationships that surround and support the Craft.

In every respect, the Gala Night at The Dilly was a resounding success – an evening of celebration, connection, and optimism for the future. As the Kent Club continues to grow, initiatives like the 1,000-members competition and events like the Gala will remain central to its mission of building unity, enriching experiences, and strengthening the Masonic community for years to come.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post The Kent Club Celebrating Growth Friendship and a Spectacular Gala Night at The Dilly Piccadilly appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.

For this edition of the Scrip Purse, we sit down with W Bro Lee Cannon, Network Lead for the Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors programme. Originally commissioned by the Metropolitan Grand Almoner, Darrel Palmer, this part of the campaign provides support to those whose role is to assist others. We explore the programme’s origins, its impact, and what the future holds.

Q: What inspired the creation of the Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, if you asked about someone who had mental health concerns, many would respond as if it were an issue for others, not themselves. However, that period forced many of us to reflect on our own wellbeing. The isolation, the disruption to daily life and the sense of loss – whether through bereavement or the inability to connect with others – affected us all.  Within Freemasonry, our Almoners found themselves increasingly confronted with complex situations beyond their traditional responsibilities. Recognising this growing need, we established the Wellbeing Ambassadors – a network dedicated to providing structured peer support across London Freemasonry.

Q: How did you become involved in this initiative?

My background is in Policing, where I led one of the largest peer support networks within the Metropolitan Police, and more latterly for the Cabinet Office. The concept is simple but effective: training peers to support their colleagues in times of need.  While professional help is available (including within Freemasonry), many individuals struggle to access it. That’s where peer networks like the Wellbeing Ambassadors come in. Having a trusted, familiar person to listen and guide you to the right support makes all the difference.

Q: How does the network operate within London Freemasonry?

Ambassadors come from a broad spectrum of London Freemasons, from seasoned Brethren to those who are new to the Craft. We currently have around 800 Ambassadors, each of whom has received foundation-level training, and that number is growing. This training equips them with essential knowledge on mental wellbeing, how to recognise when a Brother may need support, and how to direct them to appropriate professional services.  Every Inspectorate has Ambassadors within its ranks, ensuring a structured, well-connected support system. In addition, Ambassadors themselves have access to resources and peer support within the network. 50% of all Lodges and Chapters now have at least one ambassador within their number.

Q: How has the initiative evolved recently?

The network has strengthened significantly thanks to Executive Sponsorship from Bro Duke and financial support from the London Freemasons Charity. Building on the foundation training, each Inspectorate now has dedicated, trained Mental Health First Aiders, who’ll be identifiable within Lodges. These individuals act as key points of contact, ensuring Brethren know where to turn for professional support if needed. The appetite for Brethren to develop their skills further in this area has been encouraging and some Lodges and Chapters are part-funding them in undertaking Mental Health First Aid training, which is also a fabulous step forward.

Q: What impact has the programme had so far?

The initiative has already delivered substantial benefits, not least by reinforcing the core values of Freemasonry – integrity, respect, friendship and service. Having an Ambassador within a Lodge provides an accessible, trusted point of contact for discussions around mental wellbeing. Many have shared how simply knowing there is someone available to listen has made a meaningful difference. Beyond emotional support, our Ambassadors also experience personal development through their role. We’ve seen numerous cases where Brethren in crisis have reached out, and thanks to the network, they were swiftly connected with the right assistance.

Q: Does this conflict with the role of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)?

Not at all – quite the opposite. The MCF is a vital part of the resources Ambassadors have at their disposal. A key element of our training is to ensure Brethren are well-informed about the MCF’s services and how they can access them when needed.

Q: How effective is the training provided to Ambassadors?

The Foundation Training is a bespoke online course, designed specifically for Freemasons. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  Upon completion, participants report an average confidence score of 8.7 out of 10 in their ability to identify concerns and signpost Brethren to the appropriate support having undertaken the course.

Q: Who is eligible to become an Ambassador?

Currently any London Freemason is eligible to join the programme. This is the first initiative of its kind, designed to support a membership of over 27,000 brethren.  Of course, this has sparked great interest more widely and there will be the opportunity moving forward to see how this initiative can be adapted to other Provinces who are keen to participate.

Q: How can people get involved or find further information?

Website  www.theknowledgewell.co.uk/ambassadors

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/wellbeingambassadors/

Email

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 59 – Christmas 2025.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Get Arena stories direct to your phone with the Arena App, available for Apple and Android smartphones here:

The post Scrip Purse W Bro Lee Cannon The Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors Initiative appeared first on Lodge of Fraternal Unity No. 7330.