Episode 21. Why join Freemasonry?

A Masonry degree that leaves you smiling, thinking, and wanting to come back for more - that is exactly what Jason Clothier and Andy Lee unpack in this conversation about the Mark and the Royal Ark Mariner degrees. If you have ever wondered what makes these orders so different, or why members describe them as the "friendly degree," this episode gives you the answer. Jason is joined by Andy Lee, Head of the Mark Masons in Leicestershire and Rutland, for a conversation that goes far beyond tradition. Andy explains how the Mark degree draws on the world of stone masons and quarry work, why each mason's individual mark mattered, and how the ceremony teaches a powerful lesson about value, judgment, and patience. He also opens up the Royal Ark Mariner degree, from its Noah's Ark roots and rainbow regalia to the deeper moral reflections it offers about renewal, preservation, and beginning again. You'll discover:Why the Mark is described as the "friendly degree" and how it creates a genuinely uplifting experienceThe role of the three overseers and what they symbolize in the ceremonyHow the Royal Ark Mariner degree connects biblical storytelling, colorful ritual, and practical moral teachingThe core lesson behind both degrees: looking beyond first impressions and understanding deeper worthHow Masonry supports charities at national, local, and discretionary levels without the hard sellAndy also shares how these degrees shape the people who take part in them, from encouraging reflection on truth, relief, and brotherly love to creating friendships that last well beyond lodge night. His perspective on charity is especially striking, with examples ranging from national projects like blood bikes to small local causes that can be transformed by just a few hundred pounds. This is essential listening if you are curious about Freemasonry, considering the Mark as your next step, or simply interested in how ceremony, community, and charity can come together in a way that feels warm, meaningful, and memorable. By the end, you'll understand why so many members leave these meetings feeling lighter, happier, and ready to join in. Chapters 00:00 Andy Lee introduces the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner degrees01:27 How the Mark ceremony brings the quarry story to life04:50 What the three overseers do06:15 The Royal Ark Mariners and Noah’s Ark08:26 The degrees’ distinct lessons: value and renewal10:23 Truth, relief, and brotherly love in everyday life11:48 National, local, and discretionary charitable giving14:11 Friendship and the warmth of the Mark community15:10 Andy Lee’s invitation to prospective Mark Masons

Sight loss did not shrink Shadat Khan's world - it expanded it. From a life-altering morning that changed everything, to the mindset, brotherhood, and guide support that helped him rebuild, this conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience is not about pretending life is easy, it's about refusing to stop.Jason Clothier sits down with his friend and fellow Mason for one of the most personal episodes of Square Talk yet. Shadat shares the moment his vision deteriorated at work, the fear and emotional fallout that followed, and the mental health reckoning that forced him to ask for help. What starts as a story of loss becomes something much bigger: a story of adaptation, trust, and the decision to keep moving forward.You'll hear how Shadat went from overweight and non-athletic to an adaptive runner preparing for major endurance challenges, including representing the UK at UTMB in Chamonix, targeting a 150-kilometre fastest known time attempt in Buckinghamshire, and setting his sights even higher with Kilimanjaro and K2 Advanced Basecamp. Along the way, he opens up about the role of his wife Ray, the support of Guide Dogs UK, and the guide runners he trusts with his life.We break down the practical and emotional realities of sight loss, the pressure of losing independence as a husband, father, and breadwinner, and why mental health is often the hidden battle people overlook. Shadat also reflects on what Freemasonry has meant to him, how the Brothers in Jersey and the Lodge of Gratitude helped restore his Masonic confidence, and why true brotherhood means walking beside someone when they cannot see the road ahead.This episode also explores the deeper meaning behind Shah Goes Far and why Shadat's message has resonated so strongly: disability is not inability, and the ability to get back up matters more than how many times life knocks you down. If you need a story of courage, perspective, and practical hope, this one hits hard.Perfect for anyone facing change, supporting someone through sight loss, or looking for a powerful reminder that strength is often built in the darkest moments.0:00 Cold open 0:33 Welcome to Square Talk 4:34 Life before sight loss 8:56 The day everything changed 14:07 Mental health and family 18:37 Choosing to keep going 20:23 Freemasonry and the chair 26:39 Taking up running 29:25 UTMB and representing the UK 33:07 Trust in guide runners 35:35 What's next: the 150 km challenge 37:52 The message of resilience

This episode explores how Bamboozle Theatre creates accessible, immersive experiences for learning disabled and autistic children and their families. Host Jason Clothier speaks with Christopher Davis, Artistic Director at Bamboozle, about building safety, belonging, and agency through theatre—and how a £5,000 donation from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons supports that work.Christopher shares how Bamboozle’s approach helps young people communicate in ways that suit them, why time and space matter, and how the company’s work spans local family sessions and international touring.Key topicsHow Bamboozle creates “enabled spaces” where young people can find their voice and have it heard.Making theatre accessible for autistic and learning disabled children who may not be able to access traditional performance settings.Designing performances for dynamic audiences, with actors adapting to movement, sound, and individual responses.The difference between praise and value—and why space to explore and succeed independently matters.Amy’s story, which shows how Bamboozle noticed and supported communication that others had overlooked.The Backyard, Bamboozle’s outdoor provision, created during COVID and now in high demand from families.How donations support family sessions, workshops, and new work such as Traces, an outdoor show for autistic audiences.How Bamboozle’s approach has influenced schools, including one school that adopted a “no praise” approach.The company’s international work, including touring in Shanghai and collaborating with theatre companies in Italy.Bamboozle’s mission to help every learning disabled and autistic child in England find their voice and have it heard.Timestamps00:00 — Opening and mission of Square Talk 01:52 — Introducing Christopher Davis and Bamboozle Theatre 03:30 — What Bamboozle does and who it serves 04:25 — Family and teacher reflections on feeling accepted 06:53 — How Bamboozle got its name 08:53 — What immersive, accessible theatre looks like in practice 10:20 — Small audiences, movement, and flexible performance design 11:46 — Creating ease for non-verbal and sensory-sensitive children 14:26 — The Bamboozle approach and its core principles 15:24 — Amy’s story and discovering hidden communication 18:13 — Safety, trust, respect, and belonging 19:51 — Why Bamboozle questions praise-based motivation 22:16 — High artistic standards and adapting to dynamic audiences 23:42 — Inviting participation without pressure or reward 24:41 — The impact of the £5,000 donation 25:40 — Making Traces with Italian theatre partners 28:48 — How international touring supports local family work 30:15 — Bamboozle at Home and in-family sessions 31:11 — Abby’s story and making music together 33:08 — What children and families have taught Bamboozle about communication 35:03 — The need for more support and provision 36:02 — The Backyard outdoor space and why it was created 37:23 — Why families value spaces where they do not have to apologize 39:32 — Slowing down to give young people time to respond 40:01 — What’s next for Bamboozle 41:29 — How to support disability arts and accessible theatre 43:14 — Challenges in grant funding and the value of regular giving 44:43 — Communication strategies across settings and countries 46:37 — A school transformed by the Bamboozle approach 48:06 — Thanking donors and describing the value of support 49:34 — The Backyard image and Bamboozle’s mission

In this episode of Square Talk, host Jason Clothier sits down with Peter Kinder, Provincial Grand Master, and Noel Manby, Grand Superintendent for Leicestershire and Rutland, to discuss Archway — the new national initiative designed to strengthen the connection between Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch.Together, they explore how Archway supports brethren in understanding the deeper links between the two, why it matters to the Masonic journey, and how it’s being implemented here in Leicestershire and Rutland.Whether you’re a Freemason curious about taking your next step, or simply interested in learning more about the Craft and its traditions, this conversation offers an open and insightful look into how Freemasonry continues to evolve and connect.https://b.ugle.org.uk/membership/archway  https://www.leicestershire-rutlandfreemasons.org.uk/ https://www.leicestershire-rutlandfreemasons.org.uk/royal-arch 

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 Masonic charity: the inspiration, the challenges, and the lives touched along the way.Whether you’re curious about Freemasonry, passionate about community work, or simply love hearing stories of people making a difference, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how charity becomes more than just giving — it becomes living.Links from this episode:Home page - The Masonic Charitable FoundationHome | FreemasonsLRFC 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 patientsHome - Dove cottageMenphys | Charity for disabled childrenBreaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT)Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) | Changing lives for the better Footwear Design BA (Hons)- with optional placement yearCastle of Leicester No.7767Information about cancer | Cancer Support UK | Teenage Cancer TrustHeroes Walk - Leicester Hospitals Charity

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 in, a quick note — you may notice that the sound quality in this episode isn’t quite perfect. As this is our very first podcast, I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to production and editing. But stick with me — the quality will only improve from here, and I appreciate your patience and support as we grow.

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.

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

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.

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.