Twenty members of the Lodge have now completed the Metropolitan Grand Lodge Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors training programme. Seventeen were present to receive their certificates from Lee Canon, who leads the initiative across London, with the remaining trained members forming part of the same cohort. As certificates were handed across and congratulations exchanged, Lee paused to acknowledge the scale of participation within the Lodge.

“If there were ever a Guinness World Record for the Lodge with the most Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors, Tamworth would hold it as London’s Lodge with the highest number of trained ambassadors”, he said. The remark, shared in good humour, underscored a significant point. Twenty trained ambassadors within a single Lodge reflect intention and foresight. It signals a willingness to equip members not only with ritual knowledge, but with the confidence to recognise distress, begin difficult conversations and guide someone towards appropriate professional support.

The milestone carries particular weight when viewed against Tamworth’s recent history. In 2021, the Lodge had just seven subscribing members and was close to surrendering its warrant. The turning point came when a small group of committed Masons, connected through a Masonic WhatsApp group known as The Working Tools (often referred to as TWT), began discussing how they could support a struggling London Lodge. What started as a conversation soon translated into practical support and renewed energy. Today, membership stands at thirty.

That recovery has been shaped by clarity of purpose, steady leadership and a consistent focus on serving both members and the local community. The Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors training does not end in the Lodge room. It extends into homes, workplaces, friendships and the everyday spaces where many men continue to mask struggle behind routine.

By strengthening peer awareness and encouraging early intervention, the programme reinforces the principle that no member should feel isolated in times of difficulty. Lee Townsend, Tamworth’s Membership Officer and Co-Lead of the Aurora Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors Team, describes the Lodge as community-oriented, where the principal tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth are treated as a call to action rather than ceremonial language.

He explains that wellbeing is not a separate initiative but an integrated expression of the Lodge’s values, adding that if members speak of brotherly love, they must also be prepared to recognise when a brother is struggling and respond with care, both inside the Lodge and in the communities they serve.

Wade Newell, Lodge Secretary and Co-Lead of the Aurora Team, expressed pride in the collective effort while emphasising the wider ambition. He highlighted the importance of every Lodge within the Metropolitan Grand Lodge having at least one trained Mental Wellbeing Ambassador, noting that consistent engagement across Lodges would strengthen support for members throughout London.

For Tamworth Lodge, the presence of twenty trained ambassadors is not presented as an endpoint, but as evidence of a Lodge that chose renewal over retreat and continues to build with care at its core.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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Adarsh Shah was co-opted at short notice to step in as Junior Warden, gladly reporting “a fantastic evening full of good company and the kind of teamwork that makes Freemasonry so special”.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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He writes, “Being Installed by my father-in-law, W Bro Clive Goodman, added much emotion to the ceremony, especially being Invested with my Masters Apron, which has a 75+ year family legacy. I shall wear it with pride. We were also very fortunate to be in the company of our Metropolitan Grand Inspector, W Bro Derek Morley, as well as former Metropolitan Deputy Grand Master the RW Bro Stephen Fenton, and many other Distinguished Brethren. It was certainly a day I will never forget and I’m very excited for the year ahead”.

Kindred Arts have just launched their new Lodge website www.kindredartslodge.co.uk as well as the Lodge Facebook page, and encourages everyone to visit to learn more about what makes Kindred Arts an attractive proposition for Joining Members, and for Lodges wanting Degrees by request. Any Member or Lodge interested should make an enquiry through the website contact form.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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On 19th February, W Bro John Evans of Chelt Lodge No 3240 was honoured with a 60-year long service certificate. The presentation was made by W Bro Barrie Davies, Metropolitan Grand Inspector. Due to W Bro John's age of 97 and his inability to travel to London, the ceremony was graciously hosted by Saint Padarn Masonic Lodge 5472 in Aberystwyth, where John is also a member and with the kind permission of the Provincial Grand Master for West Wales, who was also in attendance.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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The London Freemasons’ Charity is delighted to have approved a £10,000 grant to the Clink Charity, to assist in their sterling efforts with young people aged 16-25. The grant is intended to enhance the Clink Charity’s newest project – the Clink Training Café, located in Lambeth.

The aims of the Café are admirable, providing learning opportunities for people who would otherwise be vulnerable to disadvantage and social marginalisation, potentially leading to trouble with the authorities. The Training Café is intended not just to provide education, but also to serve the more holistic purpose of promoting cohesion in the wider community.

Based in Herne Hill, the Café will provide a safe and supportive environment for the development of new skills; and consequently increase the employment prospects of its learners. The learning programmes are accredited by City and Guilds, so the project’s vocational remit leads to tangible, transferable, and documented opportunities which will give value to learners for life. The results speak for themselves: an 88% completion rate and an impressive 100% of students progressing to employment or further education. Thus far, 28,000 hours of training have resulted in 650 NVQs – quite an achievement, with a positive social impact.

Chief Executive Donna-Marie Edmonds says: “This funding means we can reach some of the most vulnerable young people in our community, preventing them from entering the criminal justice system and instead setting them on a positive pathway.”

Paul King of London Freemasons adds: “By investing in young people at risk, we can help prevent future offending, strengthen communities, and give young Londoners the chance to thrive.”

The Freemasons, and Arena Magazine, wish the Clink Charity and its Café project all the best, and hope that they will keep us updated on this commendable enterprise.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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The plan was perfect, almost too perfect. Four members of Old Olavians Chapter No 5758 would jet from the UK to Belgrade, reunite with their Serbian Brethren in William Preston Chapter No 766, and conduct the Exaltation of six Royal Arch Masons. Months of Zoom calls, meticulous preparation and cross-border coordination had built toward this single December evening.

Then came the airport announcement that every traveller dreads. "I'm sorry, sir, but the flight is overbooked." Companion Kane Benham watched his travelling companions, Excellent Companions Jason Pearson and Philip Clare, board their Belgrade-bound flight on December 19th while he stood stranded at the gate.

Minutes later, he was rerouted through Frankfurt, his arrival pushed past midnight. The Michelin-starred restaurant reservation? Gone. The welcoming meal with his Brothers? Missed. But Kane would make it to the Temple on time, exhausted, hungry, yet absolutely determined.

A Meeting Months in the Making

This wasn't a spontaneous visit. Long before any luggage was packed, Excellent Companion Nemanja Nikolic, Scribe E of William Preston Chapter, and Excellent Companion Zoran Milosevic, the Chapter's Director of Ceremonies, had been burning the midnight oil – literally, given the time zones. Through screen-lit Zoom calls spanning autumn into winter, they'd coordinated with their Old Olavians counterparts, refining every detail of the ceremony.

And what a challenge they'd set themselves: conducting the entire ceremony in English, not just passable English, but word-perfect English. For the Serbian Companions of William Preston, this meant mastering complex ritual passages in what was, for all of them, a second language. Native Serbian speakers would deliver ancient English phrases with the precision and reverence they deserved.

Excellent Companion Richard White and his partner had taken the scenic route, arriving on December 16th to explore Belgrade's cobblestoned streets and fortress views before the main event. By the time Jason and Phil landed on the 19th, Richard was already the resident tour guide. And Kane? He stumbled off his Frankfurt connection just after midnight, grabbed whatever sleep he could manage, and showed up ready to serve, even if his stomach was still dreaming of that Michelin star he'd never met.

The Exaltation: Perfection in a Second Language

December 20th, 2025. As the afternoon meeting approached in Belgrade, the Temple doors opened for what would prove an extraordinary gathering. Six candidates stood ready: Companions Haris Ibrahimpasic, Milko Stimac, Zoran Ekmescic, Branimir Hackenberger, Nebojsa Dordevic, and Zvonimir Stankovic. For them, this wasn't just another meeting, it was their elevation into the mysteries of Royal Arch Masonry, guided by a unique collaboration between British and Serbian companions.

All those Zoom rehearsals? Every single minute proved its worth.

The ceremony unfolded in flawless English, not a word out of place, not a phrase stumbled over. To witness Serbian Companions deliver complex English ritual with such precision and grace was nothing short of remarkable. These weren't simple greetings or casual conversation; these were the intricate, formal passages of Royal Arch ceremony, each word carrying weight and meaning, each phrase steeped in tradition.

For the Old Olavians visitors, it was humbling. Here were their Serbian brothers, conducting ritual in the visitors' native tongue with a level of care and accuracy that would impress even the most seasoned English Chapter. The dedication required to achieve such perfection, memorizing not just meanings but pronunciations, cadences, and the subtle rhythms of English ritual speech, spoke volumes about William Preston Chapter's commitment to excellence.

The six candidates journeyed from Craft Masonry to Royal Arch in an atmosphere of profound respect and international fellowship. Words spoken with Serbian accents carried the same ancient meanings they'd carried for centuries. Rituals practiced across hundreds of miles came together seamlessly in that Belgrade temple, proving that dedication and brotherhood recognize no borders.

More Than Miles, More Than Words

As the ceremony concluded to well-deserved applause, the festive board awaited, though for poor Kane, who'd missed the previous night's feast, it couldn't come soon enough. The conversations flowed as freely as the fellowship. Richard shared Belgrade sightseeing recommendations. Kane's Frankfurt odyssey became the night's comic relief, his near-miss growing more dramatic with each retelling, his rumbling stomach adding authenticity to the tale.

The six newly Exalted Companions basked in the glow of their achievement, surrounded by mentors from two nations who'd literally spoken the same language to make this night possible. And what a language lesson it had been, not just for those learning English ritual, but for everyone present learning the deeper language of brotherhood that needs no translation.

This wasn't just about a ceremony successfully executed, though that achievement alone deserved celebration. It was about what happens when Companions see challenges – linguistic, geographical, logistical – as obstacles to overcome rather than excuses to settle for less. When months of preparation and language practice become moments of perfection. When an overbooked flight becomes just another bump in the road that brotherhood smooths over.

The Universal Tongue

Perhaps that's the real lesson here: Freemasonry's truths are so universal that they shine through in any language, spoken by any tongue, in any corner of the world.

William Preston Chapter No 766 didn't just host their Old Olavians brothers, they honoured them by mastering their language. Old Olavians Chapter No 5758 didn't just visit, they participated in something extraordinary: proof that dedication can bridge any divide, that preparation can overcome any barrier, and that when good men commit themselves to excellence, even speaking in a second language becomes a masterclass in brotherly love and mutual respect.

And somewhere in that Belgrade festive board, between the toasts and the laughter, Kane finally got his meal. It might not have been Michelin-starred, but it was served with something far more valuable: the warmth of international brotherhood and the satisfaction of a mission accomplished against all odds.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 Six Candidates, Two Nations, One Unforgettable Night in Belgrade appeared first on Nil Sine Labore Lodge.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common, yet least spoken about health risks facing men. It rarely announces itself early. Often, by the time symptoms appear, the opportunity for simple intervention has already passed.

That is precisely why the continued Metropolitan Grand Lodge screening programme, delivered in partnership with CHAPS, matters more than we sometimes admit in Lodge conversation!

The PSA test is, at present, the only screening tool available to us. It is not perfect, but it is accessible, quick and potentially life-saving.

The real cost of each test stands at £35, with the majority of that covered by the London Freemasons’ Charity. For London Freemasons, attendance requires only a modest booking fee and, more importantly, the willingness to take responsibility for one’s own wellbeing.

Men aged between 45 and 80 are strongly encouraged to have the PSA test regularly. The next opportunities at Freemasons’ Hall fall on 2 June and 29 October, so please do pop these dates in your diary.

Freemasonry often speaks of care for others. Sometimes, that care begins with the quiet courage to care for yourself.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 Prostate Cancer Screening – A Test That Could Save a Life appeared first on Nil Sine Labore Lodge.

We believe this landmark event represents a significant development in the ongoing commitment of Metropolitan Grand Lodge to nurturing younger Brethren who have entered Freemasonry via the University route and ensuring the continued strength and relevance of London Craft Masonry with the genuine contribution they can make.

George Green Lodge No 3510 was repurposed as a University Lodge in 2021 and in less than 4 years the Lodge officers have prioritised the development of its graduate entrants, of which there have been 21 following the Lodge’s repurposing. The officers have received the active support of a group of experienced Past Masters, including several former and current Rulers with essential and ever-lasting energy of experienced Lodge Secretary W Bro Jamie Clements, SLGR.

The Lodge is now under the leadership of W Bro Dorin Moisa, whose rapid yet thoroughly merited progression to the Chair has been distinguished by consistent dedication, sound judgement, and active involvement in the work of the Lodge. His advancement reflects not only personal merit, but also the effectiveness of structured mentoring and opportunity afforded by a focused strategy of all PMs in the Lodge, who firmly believe in an accelerated progression of university entrants, should they so desire.

W Bro Huw Pritchard, PSGD, remarked on the historic nature of the occasion, stating: “Today marks such an important day for George Green, our first Worshipful Master from the cohort of our University Scheme initiates. Dorin will be a fine Worshipful Master in this new era for George Green; we could not have had a better first Worshipful Master from our cohorts.”

Of particular note has been W Bro Dorin’s contribution to the engagement and development of new Initiatives within University Scheme Lodges under the guidance of VW Bro Ray Ride, PGSwdB. He has been closely involved in the organisation and delivery of several initiatives and workshops aimed at supporting newly‑made Brethren, providing guidance on ritual, Masonic education, and the effective use of learning materials and resources. These initiatives have helped to ensure that new members are well supported, informed, and fully integrated into Lodge life from an early stage.

Bro Ride added, “The intellectual ability of graduate members generally, and Dorin Moisa and his cohort in this Lodge in particular, provide a powerful level of energy that will fuel Freemasonry going forward. Their energy and intellect will support both the growth in membership of Metropolitan Grand Lodge and a significant strengthening of the potential pool of ruler selection.”

The sight of all operational Offices being occupied by University Scheme members was both impressive and reassuring, demonstrating the maturity, capability, and commitment of these Brethren. It stands as compelling evidence of what can be achieved when encouragement, guidance, and responsibility are combined within a supportive Metropolitan framework.

Building on this momentum, George Green Lodge continues to demonstrate that its growth is not only sustainable but accelerating. At the meeting held on 24 January, 2026, four new members were proudly initiated, marking another significant milestone in its development. This expansion is a clear sign that the Lodge is thriving, attracting engaged and motivated individuals who are eager to contribute to the Craft’s mission and values. The addition of these members reinforces the Lodge’s position as a forward-looking London Met Lodge and a standout success within the wider University Scheme.

This achievement was made more meaningful as it was the new WM’s first meeting since his Installation. Reflecting on the progress made in such a short space of time, WM Dorin Moisa shared his pride in the Lodge’s direction and impact: “I’m incredibly proud to see George Green thriving in this way. Filling all the offices with university members and now welcoming new initiates shows that we are not only growing but leading by example. George Green is proving to be a real success within Met’s University Scheme, and I hope our progress inspires other Lodges to believe in the potential of young leadership.”

Under WM Dorin’s leadership, George Green Lodge No 3510 is clearly setting a powerful benchmark for others University Scheme Lodges to follow.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 George Green Lodge milestone for the University Scheme appeared first on Nil Sine Labore Lodge.

Pictures by Jack Boskett

Commuters and passers-by on London’s streets were surprised and delighted to see a steam locomotive, on a short panel of track and in steam, standing outside Liverpool Street Station in London, on 8th and 9th December.

The locomotive was there as part of a Masonic celebration of Railway200, the bi-centenary of the modern railway. 2025 marked the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, opened by Freemasons George and Robert Stephenson in September 1825. It was the first commercial railway to run goods and passenger trains exclusively using steam locomotives, including the preserved engine known as ‘Locomotion No 1’. It led to the development of the national and international railway networks we know today.

But why was the locomotive at Liverpool Street? This was partly a homecoming for No 229, the tiny 1876-built locomotive known as the ‘Coffee Pot’, as when new, it worked at Liverpool Street station.

But Liverpool Street was also the home of a special meeting. Organised by the Worcestershire-based Railway Special Interest Lodge, Permanent Way Lodge No 9951, a special meeting was held by dispensation from both Metropolitan Grand Lodge and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire. All 78 seats of the spectacular Grecian-themed Masonic meeting room within the Liverpool Street Andaz (formerly the Great Eastern Hotel), were filled by Brethren from across the nation.

The hotel was completed in 1884 by Freemason Lord Claud Hamilton, Chairman of the GER, and his directors.  They recognised a growing need for special Masonic meeting facilities in London, adding two very elaborate temples within the hotel.  One, in an Egyptian style, is now a gym, while the other, in Grecian style and expensively finished in rare Italian marble, remains as built but is only occasionally opened for Masonic meetings today.

A gala dinner followed the meeting, including an auction of railway antiques such as railway signs and locomotive number plates.  A grand draw was also launched with a range of mainly railway-related prizes, such as a ride with the driver of an Azuma train from Kings Cross to York.  A bucket collection by the locomotive gave passers-by an opportunity to contribute cash or operate the whistle for a fiver.  These fundraising initiatives have raised an exemplary £13,000, which is being divided equally between three children’s charities: Great Ormond Street Hospital, Railway Children and Lifelites.

Andrew Goodman, Master of the Permanent Way Lodge and Managing Director of Railway Support Services, which organised and sponsored the transport of the locomotive from Gloucestershire to London, said “This was an idea we had way back in April, but it took a long time before it really took off.  We finally had the ‘green light’ at the beginning of October.

"It was such a privilege to chair this special meeting with some very senior Freemasons present, including Sir David Hugh Wootton, Past Assistant Grand Master of UGLE.  Being able to have a steam locomotive, in steam, outside the station was a triumph – it certainly drew attention to what we were aiming to achieve.  And those who didn’t see it, certainly heard its whistle echoing around the station and nearby City streets.”

“My team and I are deeply grateful to the authorities and many railway organisations, including the owner of No 229, Bill Parker of the Flour Mill locomotive workshops in Gloucestershire, for so enthusiastically embracing this initiative.”

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

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The team gets plenty of good ideas coming through from innovative and thoughtful Brethren who want to start a Special Interest Lodge (or Chapter – please consider Chapters as always included for the purposes of this article). The SILCs programme absolutely does work: to date some 80 Lodges have transitioned, 80 Warrants have been saved and 80 new units are now thriving.

It can seem like a complicated process with various hoops to jump through. Have no fear, the team will guide you through every step and support you from beginning to end.

We want the best result for you and to maintain a heritage that has successfully lasted for many hundreds of years.

I therefore wanted to give you a little insight into the thinking behind the processes for SILCs, this will help you establish a new Lodge identity with confidence and without hiccups.

Here are just a few of the questions we will work through with you:

1. Do you have a community? I am delighted if you are a fan of butterscotch cheesecakes. But how many share your obsessions are others prepared to get on that bus. Once we see that others share your interests and have the same ambition we’re off and running.
2. Do we have a home for you? The answer is a firm yes, but Brethren with good ideas are only half of the story. The SILCs initiative exists to help struggling Lodges to survive and grow. Not every struggling Lodge – some with long, illustrious heritages – will match perfectly with your ambitions and desire for change. We will find the correct fit for them and for you.
3. How many members can you rely on? This speaks to both sides of the story. You may have 20 eager members; do the dates of the target Lodge clash? Equally, some members of the target Lodge might not feel that the future direction meets their interests. We usually expect one or two members (from both sides) to find another home during the transition, we can help with this. We look for 15-20 optimists across the innovator and target groups to ensure that a SILC makes viable sense.
4. What is your strategy for marketing? If you have a popular interest (SILCs now cover everything from Rugby to LEGO, Scouting to Rock Music), you’ll certainly find plenty of Brethren to join your Lodge in addition to their own Lodge. One of the joys of SILCs has been that it broadened members horizons and has seen many Brethren join more than one Lodge.

But the real vein of opportunity is in attracting men from outside our fraternity – to give potential new candidates a new reason to discover Freemasonry. There is a Lodge Membership Officer in every SILC, and we will ensure that they get the support they need, from the very outset, to help market the Craft beyond the four walls of the temple.

I am hugely optimistic for SILCs – and just as excited about the programme’s transformative effect on London Masonry. We want your SILC idea to be a success.

Contact the team directly if you would like to begin a Special Interest unit; at .

Breathe life into your twin passions, start a new SILC.

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
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 So you want to start a Special Interest Lodge appeared first on Nil Sine Labore Lodge.