The grant will help expand the Every Child Can Thrive programme, which aims to improve the physical and mental health of asylum seeking children and mothers. The programme will also be offering their support in multiple languages, which aims to reduce the isolation and trauma felt by those needing the service.

Children under five in the asylum system face severe challenges, including extreme poverty, lack of necessities like nappies and clothes, overcrowded living conditions, and health issues such as scabies and eczema due to poor hygiene. Many families survive on just £8.86 per week and endure environments with limited play areas and poor nutrition, which can lead to developmental delays and weakened immune systems. 

The Every Child Can Thrive programme operates through six community hubs across Greater London and Surrey, offering 180 sessions annually over 45 weeks. Services provided include storytelling, singing, and creative play activities designed to enhance cognitive and social development. The programme also offers nutritious meals, providing breakfasts, lunches, and weekly 'Growing Strong Bags' filled with fresh produce to improve the nutritional health of the children and their families.

In addition, targeted interventions focus on key developmental areas such as eating, sleeping, and playing to address specific needs. Practical assistance is offered by supplying essential items like children's clothing and buggies, helping families meet basic needs that are often unmet.

Last year, the charity made significant impacts. It distributed 1,277 baby and children's clothing items, served 11,626 lunches and breakfasts, and provided 126 buggies to families in need. The organization conducted 217 specialist sessions for children under three and recorded 6,923 attendances at children's sessions, reflecting the vital role it plays in the community.

The project aims to report on improved nutritional health by enhancing the diet quality of the children to support their physical well-being. It seeks to enhance social and language skills, promoting better communication and interaction among the children. Better physical development is another goal, fostering growth through active play and movement. Lastly, the project aims for improved engagement, increasing participation in community activities and fostering a sense of belonging among the families.

The grant from London Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, funded by Freemasons, their families and their friends from across England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

Lucy Bracken, Co-Director at The Happy Baby Community said:

“Thanks to the generous support from London Freemasons, we’re able to reach hundreds more vulnerable young children at a critical time in their development. Young children seeking sanctuary face immense challenges that can impact their entire future – from inadequate nutrition to lack of safe spaces to play and learn. With this funding, we can expand our services and develop new ways to help families overcome isolation and trauma.”

Paul King, London Freemasons said:

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support The Happy Baby Community and the essential work with asylum-seeking mothers and children, their Every Child Can Thrive programme aligns with our mission to make a positive impact on vulnerable communities. We believe that our funding will help provide critical resources and support, fostering better health and development outcomes for these families.”

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The Nucleo project works to support students not only in learning music, but in finding their way towards who they want to be and what they want to do in the world, and the symbolism of having an organisation like the London Freemasons behind them as they do that is very powerful.

Nucleo’s Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble of over 70 students, playing a range of 12 different instruments at grade 3 level and higher, who rehearse together 3-5 times a week. 

The grant from the London Freemasons will support these students in weekly group instrumental lessons, which makes up a key part of their programme of musical learning, alongside ensemble rehearsals and music theory classes. 

A Symphony student, aged 14, said of her experience “I definitely feel more confident, because there’s something about music… I’ve always been shy, but especially music, it helps you express yourself more.”

Nucleo uses music to build communities and empower young people. Our free, immersive programme makes a musical education accessible for any child or young person. We build strong, connected communities in which children and young people can discover and fulfil their potential. As they do so, they develop a range of learning and life skills that can have a truly transformational impact.

Lucy MacGuire, The Nucleo Project CEO said:

“We are so grateful for this funding from London Freemasons, and very proud to have been selected for their support! It will go such a long way in our Symphony Orchestra students’ musical journey, and is meaningful to think of the connection with the Freemasons across London, whose values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity are such a great example for young people like our students.”

Paul King, London Freemasons said:

“The work that The Nucleo Project is doing to support young people learn , develop and support the liberal arts is something, as London Freemasons, that we are proud to support.”

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NEWS & FEATURES

• WELCOME
• Foreword: E Comp The Rev'd Timothy L’Estrange, PGSN
• EDITORIAL – Welcome to Arena Online
• GRAND LODGE & CHAPTER
• Report: Metropolitan Grand Chapter meeting, Wednesday 2nd April 2025
• LATEST NEWS
• Brother honours World War Two civil casualties at BBC’s VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember
• Romanian Delegation visits Polytechnic
• LAA provides life-saving medical assistance for a London Mason
• Leaders of the Craft attend a resurgent Fellowship Lodge No 2535
• First Master for Over 200 Years
• A theatrical transformation for Chapter of Reunion
• If You Know, You Know: Why London Masons should wear our new merch
• The Craft and the Newsroom
• Defibrillators up Everest
• MetGL Champions Mental Wellbeing with Nationally Certified Mental Health First Aiders
• Embedding Mental Health Support in Everyday Lodge Life
• Brother’s ‘Push Up Challenge’ to raise funds for cancer charity
• STRAIGHT UP INTERVIEWS
• Meet the Gen-Z Masons
• THE SCRIP PURSE
• The Scrip Purse: Wellman Connected – welfare resources for all Masons
• SPECIAL INTEREST LODGES & CHAPTERS
• Exlibris Lodge Charts the Digital Course for Freemasonry
• Masonry Calling via Amateur Radio
• Twin Peaks a Black Belt and the Chair for the Master of Shotokan
• Top of the Table for Athenian Lodge
• TEAMS & SCHEMES
• LGRA hears about RMBI Care Co.’s care services and support for older people
• THE VISITOR
• Chapter and Verse: A Theatrical Encounter in Southgate
• BEYOND THE SQUARE
• Beyond the Square Bro Pat Harris Saving Lives Inside and Outside the Ring

CRAFT DIGEST

• London Mason Stepping Up in the Cause of Charity
• Recognition for charity efforts of United Engineers
• The Welcome Project comes to Con Amore Lodge No 3633
• The Best – not the Wurst – for Wandsworth
• Titan Lodge hosts launch of Brother Lodge Scheme
• Two 50th presentations at St Catherine’s Park Lodge
• A New Dawn for Fellowship Lodge
• No sign of a quiet life for W Bro Kersh
• A Historic Evening at Westminsterian Lodge
• The Green Room Lodge No 2957 Hosts The Grande Loge Of Luxembourg No 2
• 90 Years for Lodge of Endeavour
• Anglo Foreign Lodges Association (AFLA) Thames Cruise
• Supporting Our Deaf Brethren: A Special Initiation in North Wales
• A bumper turnout for Amwell’s Four-way Initiation
• Highgate Lodge Raises over £2,500 for Chingford Food Rescue charity
• United Engineers visit the London Hospital Heliport
• Purple Dining for Acanthus
• Hats off to Portico
• Rising Mercury on the BBQ
• Honoured Visitor for Anglo Sierra Leone
• 50 Years for W Bro Steve Harvey
• Double Passing for Eyre Lodge
• Kennington and Artifex Lodges span the globe

CHARITIES & ALMS

• Launch It Empowering the next eneration of business founders
• TalentAid supports Freemasons’ Families all the way to the Olympics
• London Freemasons Join the Fight to Change the Face of Men's Health
• Early Intervention To Stimulate Spinal Cord Recovery with Support from London Freemasons

ROYAL ARCH DIGEST

• Blackheath Spring Meeting
• Gastvrijheid Be Our Guest
• In Arduis Fidelis Spring Meeting
• Haymarket and Jubilee come together for Exaltation
• Acanthus Summer Meeting
• First Time Trio at Paddington
• Elections Convocation at Athol
• Summer Meeting for Clerkenwell
• Empire Spring Meeting
• Savage Ritual for St Pauls
• Athenaeum Spring Meeting
• It's like Eastenders for Grand Stewards
• Cryptic Connections for Old Dundee
• Peckham introduced to Companion Orders
• St Johns Chapter Exaltation
• Ranelagh honours E Comp Michael Freestone
• A new Chapter for the Kloosman Family
• London First Principals explores the Royal Arch

DEVELOP YOUR MASONIC SKILLS

• Building Together – how can it help my Lodge or Chapter to Thrive?

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SPORT

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Callum Harbud was 23 years old when his form was submitted, his father having been in the Lodge for some 32 years. So there was little doubt that this Lewis was going to get a favourable ballot.

Callum was Initiated by his dad, just after his 24^th birthday in September 2023, at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street and has enjoyed the meetings of his mother Lodge as well as visiting several other Lodges.

At work recently, he was presented with the opportunity of raising some money for a good cause and at the same time testing his personal fitness levels. Callum signed up for an organized event to climb London’s iconic Walkie Talkie building, taking on 36 floors and 896 steps. He set himself a goal of raising £250, which was to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

On Saturday 8^th March, Callum made the climb, pushing himself up the 896 steps in an impressive six minutes and nineteen seconds.

With sponsorship from family and friends and a healthy donation from the Macdonald Lodge, he thoroughly smashed his target – raising £1,024 for this very worthy cause.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 London Mason Stepping Up in the Cause of Charity appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

W Bro John Woodhouse LGR, Charity Steward of The United Engineers Lodge No 3862 writes:

Coming up to my 50 years in Freemasonry, this was possibly my proudest moment in the Craft.

On 5th March 2025, I was summoned to attend the Metropolitan Grand Lodge at Freemasons Hall, on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting. The afternoon began with a procession into the Grand Temple, led by the Metropolitan Grand Sword Bearer, one of our members, W Bro Mike Bracken OBE, followed by the Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Warren Duke and his Officers.

Shortly after the conclusion of general business, I had the pleasure to witness the investitures of Senior London Grand Rank on two further members of my Lodge, namely W Bro Rick Tully and W Bro Ian Dodd.

Then to complete the foursome, as Charity Steward of The United Engineers Lodge No 3862, I was escorted to the floor of the Grand Temple, in the presence of over 1,800 distinguished guests and high-ranking Officers, to be presented by the Metropolitan Grand Master with a splendid wooden box with our Lodge name and number carved on the lid. It contained three beautiful wooden mauls, in recognition of my Lodge’s effort in raising over £25,000 towards the London Air Ambulance Appeal, which, in total, has raised over £3m in 20 months. I have now requested, with the Master’s approval, that our Director of Ceremonies distributes these mauls to our Master and his wardens so that they can be put to good use for all further meetings.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 Recognition for charity efforts of United Engineers appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

W Bro Michael Duque, LGR writes:

In a world that often moves too quickly, there are rare moments that remind us of the power of unity, tradition, and shared purpose. One such moment unfolded recently at Con Amore Lodge No 3633, where a Welcome Project meeting became a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and heartfelt hospitality.

The evening was a true celebration of Masonic values and community spirit. The Lodge did a superb job in hosting the event, and every detail reflected thoughtful preparation and sincere effort.

The Brethren gathered with a shared goal of making new members feel not just accepted, but deeply welcomed. The event was graced by the presence of Metropolitan Grand Inspector W Bro Jonathan Randall, several Metropolitan Assistant Grand Inspectors (MAGIs), and other distinguished guests.

“It was a team effort, and all the Officers involved did really well. It was obvious that a lot of hard work had been put in, which made the evening very special,” said W Bro Randall.

One of the most touching highlights was the Initiation of Bro John Paul Soratos, who was warmly received into the Craft. Witnessed by no less than ten visiting Entered Apprentice Freemasons, his Initiation stood as a symbol of renewal, continuity, and hope for the future of Freemasonry.

From the perfectly conducted ceremony to the warmth of fellowship shared afterward, the event reminded all present why they became Freemasons: to build, to connect, and to uplift.

Congratulations are due to Con Amore Lodge No 3633 on a resounding success, and to the Brethren for the excellent work in making the evening so impactful and inspiring to new and old Masons alike.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 Welcome Project comes to Con Amore Lodge No 3633 appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

A group of London Masons recently visited a number of Lodges in Germany.

Wandsworth Lodge No 1044 visited Hamburg between 24th and 27th April 2025. W Bro Bjorn Kahlert, a member of Wandsworth Lodge and who lives in Germany, has for many years hoped that some of the Brethren would be able to visit some German Lodges.

After obtaining all the relevant clearances, Bjorn made arrangements for visits to two German-speaking Lodges and one English-speaking Lodge.

The contingent of five Wandsworth Brethren and two regular visitors to the Lodge were able to see both a First Degree and Third Degree ceremonies in German; a fascinating experience which had many similarities to our own ceremony – but of course some differences, too. The top hats worn by the German Brethren were fabulous.

The remaining ceremony was an Installation, which was conducted according to the Emulation ritual, in English. The Lodges visited were Lux Holsatiae Lodge which met in a small village outside of Hamburg; and Zur fasten Burg an der Elbe Lodge, which met in the Hamburg Masonic Centre. The latter (shown in the title picture) is a fascinating building with a hundred years of history. The final visit was to Saxony Lodge which met in Celle, about an hour and a half’s drive from Hamburg; under the Grand Lodge of British Freemasonry in Germany within the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

Our contingent was hosted incredibly well at all three meetings and were made extremely welcome at all of the Festive Boards. The trip was an excellent experience and added a joyful new dimension to visiting.

As well as the three Lodge Meetings, the group also had a chance to explore Hamburg and enjoy some local hospitality (primarily beer!). Wandsworth Lodge is now looking forward to returning the compliment and hopefully hosting many German guests over the coming years.

The visitors – shown in the title picture in front of Hamburg Masonic Centre – were: W Bro Mike Bracken, W Bro Mike Kempton, W Bro Ibrahim Conteh, W Bro Lawrence Hooker, Bro David Kenny, Bro David Lovett, Bro Anthony Oppido and W Bro Bjorn Kahlert.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 Best – not the Wurst – for Wandsworth appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

On 13^th May 2025, over 130 Brethren assembled in Temple 10 at Freemasons Hall to witness the Brethren of Titan Lodge No 6002 initiate their two latest Entered Apprentices, Bro Atif and Bro Boris.

The ceremony was conducted with care and sincerity by Titan’s Worshipful Master, Barry Bloombaum; assisted by his officers. Mention must be made of Bro Adrian on his first outing as Junior Deacon and Bro Yaqub (himself only having been raised to a Master Mason at Titan’s last meeting in February) who delivered a heartfelt rendition of the First Degree Working Tools.

At the meeting, W Bro Paul Brown, Titan Lodge’s Metropolitan Grand Inspector launched the Inspectorate’s Brother Lodge Scheme, a voluntary scheme whereby stronger Lodges in the Inspectorate would be buddied with less flourishing units enabling the exchange of ideas and assistance when required. With some twenty Lodges in the Inspectorate already signed up to the program, Paul’s innovative idea has a great future.  Titan Lodge readily signed up and has a strong team in place to assist.

A most enjoyable two course Festive Board followed in the Gallery Suite at Freemasons’ Hall.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 Titan Lodge hosts launch of Brother Lodge Scheme appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

W Bro Vic Bargery SLGR was born in 1948 and Initiated into Derby Allcroft Lodge No 2168 on 9th January 1975 (and rapidly raised that May!). He then joined his father’s Lodge, St Catherine’s Park, in 1977 – his father was also Master of St Catherine’s Park Lodge in 1980. Bro Vic married Eve in 1971, has three children and nine grandchildren and is an avid Arsenal supporter. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1988 & 2003.

W Bro Peter Morrison SLGR PProv AGDC (Herts) pipped Vic to the post, being born in 1947, but was Initiated into St. Catherine’s Park Lodge three months after Vic on 2nd April 1975, was raised on 2nd November 1976 and served in the Chair in 1986 and 2015.

We congratulate them both!

This memorable meeting was followed by a very convivial Festive Board.

The post Two 50th presentations at St Catherine’s Park Lodge appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.

Fellowship Lodge No 2535, a Hall Stone Lodge consecrated in 1894, has recently undergone a significant transformation, one ensuring its continued place in the life of London Freemasonry.

A year ago, the Lodge faced the prospect of closure. It had experienced a decline in membership and attendance, with meetings barely reaching a quorum. After 130 years of activity, at the meeting held on 11th March 2024, the Members were due to vote to close the Lodge.

However, what followed was a turning point.

The Metropolitan Special Interest Lodges and Chapters team attended the meeting and delivered a presentation outlining a different path, not on winding down, but on repurposing the Lodge with a new focus. The team, which has already helped over 60 Lodges and Chapters across London to explore new identities and revitalise their membership, proposed that Fellowship Lodge be repurposed as a Lodge for West African District Grand Masters.

This vision offered a way to retain the Lodge’s legacy while connecting it with a clear and vibrant future role within the wider Masonic community. The Brethren were persuaded and readily embraced the new direction. It was fully realised on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, when the Lodge held its first meeting in its new form at Freemasons’ Hall.

RW Bro Dr. Moses Taiga was installed as the first Master of the repurposed Lodge by the Past Pro Grand Master, MW Bro Peter Geoffrey Lowndes, a fitting start to the next chapter in the Lodge’s life. That moment signified more than a successful reorganisation; it illustrates the value of proactive support and forward-thinking in the Craft.

The role played by the Special Interest Lodges and Chapters Team was central to the outcome. Their support, now available to all, is part of a broader initiative to help Lodges encountering similar challenges to explore sustainable and meaningful new identities, ensuring that Masonic history and fellowship are preserved. The transformation of Fellowship Lodge No 2535 shows how Lodges can adapt constructively to changing times. With strong leadership and a clear sense of purpose, the Lodge now looks to the future with renewed relevance and focus, continuing a legacy that began over 130 years ago.

To explore the options available for your Lodge, please contact Mark Pegg, Assistant Director on the Metropolitan Events team, at .

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
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 A New Dawn for Fellowship Lodge appeared first on Ionic Lodge 227.