Square Talk

A series of Masonic podcasts from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, with information relating to Freemasonry.

What "service" looks like for Freemasons in Leicestershire and Rutland.

In this episode of Square Talk, we dive into the heart of Masonic charity in Leicestershire and Rutland. Far from being just about writing cheques, charity within Freemasonry often begins as a spark — a simple idea, a heartfelt conversation, or a small gesture that can grow into something life-changing. Host Jason Clothier is joined by Mark Pierpoint and Steve Skidmore, who share their experiences of nurturing those sparks into meaningful projects. Together, they reveal the stories behind Mas...

08-19
45:07

Season 2 Episode 1 Leicestershire and Rutland Freemason Open Day May 2025

We take a look back at the successful Open Day held this May at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester — where we opened our doors to the public for a rare glimpse inside. I had the pleasure of speaking with a wide range of visitors and participants, including curious members of the public, brethren from the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, and members of Women’s Freemasonry. It was a fantastic day of conversation, openness, and shared curiosity about who we are and what we do. Before we dive i...

08-08
35:57

Episode 21. Why join Freemasonry?

In episode 21 we look back at an interview i conducted last week in front of an audience of people who are thinking about joining the Freemasons. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on...

05-25
49:42

Episode 20. Development of Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland in the 18th & 19th Centuries

In this episode we look through a paper written in 1968 by W.H.Russell for the Lodge of Research No.2429 in Leicester. www.research2429.org.uk Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SA...

01-26
17:09

Episode 19. Freemasonry during Lockdown 2 in England

In this episode, we talk to Peter Kinder and Paul Wallace to check on the plans for Freemasonry in the current lockdown in England, and their plans for Christmas and the New Year. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disable...

11-12
31:49

Episode 18. Inside the Masonic Kitchen!

How do masonic halls operate? and in particular, how do the kitchens work to feed the many members day in day out. In this episode we discuss the operation in Leicester's busy Freemasons' Hall with Nicola Holyoake and chef Greg Prangnell. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill...

10-29
24:51

Episode 17. Roger Dakin, MC Extraordinaire

I am joined by Peter Kinder and Dale Page as we listen to the stories and achievements of Roger Dakin, the renowned MC and After Dinner Speaker. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on ...

10-07
39:18

Episode 16. Membership & Mentoring

In this episode, we look at the role of Membership Officer, at both Lodge and provincial level, and to see the work being undertaken to promote the work Freemasonry plays within the community. We also examine the role of Lodge Mentor's play in ensuring that our new members are looked after. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LO...

08-28
23:54

Episode 15. Marching Masons

A team of fundraisers from Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons have begun to organise a sponsored walk all around the county to raise money for local charities and good causes. Visit the website for more details: https://www.pglleics.org.uk/marching-masons Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and s...

08-22
18:21

Episode 14. The Mark Degree

What is the relationship between the Craft, Royal Arch, and the Mark degree? In this episode, we speak to three of the Provinces leading figures in Mark Masonry. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breakin...

07-03
32:34

Episode 13. Cycling & Freemasonry

We talk to two of Freemasonry's keenest cyclist about setting up a cycling club within the Lodge. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) Volu...

06-26
26:52

Episode 11. The Royal Arch

In this episode, we discuss the Royal Arch, where it fits into the story told in Craft Freemasonry, and how the order is adapting to suit the needs of the modern Freemason. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled child...

06-11
20:46

Episode 10. Communications & Freemasonry

We look at the role of Communications Officer in Freemasonry, as the tables are turned on the usual presenter of Square Talk, to understand his thoughts and opinions of how we communicate. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity fo...

06-05
28:41

Episode 9. The Lodge Secretary

In this episode, we have a "Masonic Short" all about Freemasons Hall in London, and we dive into the role of Lodge Secretary, as we talk with Paul Wallace, the Provincial Grand Secretary of Leicestershire & Rutland. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Do...

05-29
26:15

Episode 8. Charity & Freemasonry

Freemasons are well known for their charitable giving, but how is this money raised, and how is it distributed to local and national charities? Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on S...

05-21
19:28

Episode 7. The Universities Scheme

We talk with Andy Green, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons about the Universities Scheme. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SADS | J...

05-16
15:29

Episode 6. The Provincial Grand Master

In this episode, we put questions to the Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, Peter Kinder. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries M...

05-07
19:03

Episode 5. Rugby & Freemasonry

We talk with three of the founding members of the Union of Rugby Lodge in Leicestershire & Rutland. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT...

05-02
20:32

Episode 4. The Role of Orator in Freemasonry

In this episode we talk with David Hughes, the Provincial Grand Orator for Leicestershire & Rutland, as we dive into the role, what it is for, and how it benefits Lodge members. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disab...

04-23
26:21

Episode 3. The Light Blue Club for New & Young Masons

Episode 3. We talk with Bob Reay and Dennis Crommentuijn of the Light Blue. Links from this episode: Home page - The Masonic Charitable Foundation Home | Freemasons LRFC Application For A Charity Grant, Masonic Lodge Matched Grant or Request to Pledge Funds for a Future Need. LOROS Hospice: Free care and support for terminally ill patients Home - Dove cottage Menphys | Charity for disabled children Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) Voluntary Action Leicester...

04-17
13:55

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