FINDING THE MISSING CAMARADERIE

You can be the best leader in the world, but without a team behind you, you’re nothing.”In the latest episode of Squarely Speaking, Graeme Butterfield reflects on the importance of teamwork and the people who make things happen behind the scenes.As part of the Provincial Communications Team, Graeme recognises that success is never down to one individual. It comes from the dedication, commitment and willingness of volunteers to work together.The same is true in every Lodge. From the Worshipful Master to the Brethren who quietly give their time and support, everyone has a part to play.🎬 In this latest clip, Graeme shares what makes him most proud of his team and why working together matters.🎧 The full episode is available now. Watch or listen here:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/#SquarelySpeaking #NorthumberlandFreemasons #Freemasonry #Teamwork #Volunteering #Camaraderie

People do not always see the challenges someone else may be living with.In this moving and personal clip from Squarely Speaking, Graeme Butterfield speaks openly about living with Parkinson’s and the importance of friendship, acceptance and having somewhere he can simply be himself.For Graeme, Freemasonry offers more than just Lodge meetings. It provides a place to meet friends, share a laugh, talk openly and enjoy the camaraderie and support of fellow Brethren.🎬 Here's another short clip from Graeme's conversation with Carl Birkenshaw and Steve Gill.The full episode was released on Friday 30 October and is available to watch or listen to now.🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode here:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/#SquarelySpeaking #NorthumberlandFreemasons #Freemasonry #Friendship #ParkinsonsAwareness #Camaraderie

After leaving the Royal Navy, Graeme Butterfield felt something was missing.Freemasonry brought new friendships and a sense of camaraderie back into his life.In the latest episode of Squarely Speaking, Graeme takes the guest’s seat to talk about service, friendship and what being part of a Lodge means to him.🎬 Here's a short trailer from the episode, which launched last Friday, 30 October, at 9am.🎧 The full episode is available now! Catch up and listen here:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/#SquarelySpeaking #NorthumberlandFreemasons #Freemasonry #Friendship #Camaraderie #RoyalNavy

Graeme Butterfield is usually one of the people asking the questions on Squarely Speaking. This time, he joins Carl Birkenshaw and Steve Gill as their guest.The Provincial Grand Communications Officer reflects on his Royal Navy background, finding friendship in Freemasonry and living with Parkinson’s. With warmth and humour, he explains what he gets from being part of a community where he can relax and be himself.The conversation also goes behind the scenes of provincial communications: listening to members, adapting to different needs, sharing stories and supporting volunteers. Graeme recalls the challenge of delivering a full installation ceremony, then turns the questions back on Carl and Steve.Hosted by Carl Birkenshaw and Steve Gill.Production: Aldmere Limited.Find every watching and listening option:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

Graeme Butterfield is usually one of the people asking the questions on Squarely Speaking. This time, he joins Carl Birkenshaw and Steve Gill as their guest.The Provincial Grand Communications Officer reflects on his Royal Navy background, finding friendship in Freemasonry and living with Parkinson’s. With warmth and humour, he explains what he gets from being part of a community where he can relax and be himself.The conversation also goes behind the scenes of provincial communications: listening to members, adapting to different needs, sharing stories and supporting volunteers. Graeme recalls the challenge of delivering a full installation ceremony, then turns the questions back on Carl and Steve.Hosted by Carl Birkenshaw and Steve Gill.Production: Aldmere Limited.Find every watching and listening option:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

For his first couple of years as a Freemason, Ray Dryden wasn’t really sure he understood it. Then the penny dropped.In this episode of Squarely Speaking, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master joins Graeme Butterfield and Steve Gill to reflect on what Freemasonry has given him and how the membership team helps others find their place.The conversation covers attracting interest, following up enquiries, choosing the right Lodge and the purpose of the Charter Mark. Ray also discusses supporting existing members who are unhappy or struggling to attend, and how another Lodge might provide a better fit.There are reflections on friendship, tradition in a digital world, the work at Blyth Masonic Buildings, local community engagement and finding time for golf and music alongside Freemasonry.Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Steve Gill.Production: Aldmere Limited

For his first couple of years as a Freemason, Ray Dryden wasn’t really sure he understood it. Then the penny dropped.In this episode of Squarely Speaking, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master joins Graeme Butterfield and Steve Gill, to reflect on what Freemasonry has given him and how the membership team helps others find their place.The conversation covers attracting interest, following up enquiries, choosing the right Lodge and the purpose of the Charter Mark. Ray also discusses supporting existing members who are unhappy or struggling to attend, and how another Lodge might provide a better fit.There are reflections on friendship, tradition in a digital world, the work at Blyth Masonic Buildings, local community engagement and finding time for golf and music alongside Freemasonry.Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Steve Gill.Production: Aldmere Limited

Guy Smith joins Squarely Speaking to tell the full story of the Temple Run: his ten-day journey from Gosforth to Freemasons’ Hall in London in support of the Northumberland 2031 Festival.Guy set out intending to cover more than 400 miles on foot. Severe weather and mounting injuries changed the challenge dramatically, culminating in a hospital visit and what Guy describes as a stress fracture in his left shin. He was told to stop. Instead, with the help of Freemasons along the route, he found another way forward.A borrowed bicycle carried him through much of the second half of the journey, while members from several Provinces helped with equipment, route support and encouragement. Guy also reflects on the role of his wife Terry, the reception at Freemasons’ Hall, the moment he was recognised in Grand Lodge and what it meant to have his father there beside him.The September issue of Second Rising records the final amount raised as £34,467.50 including Gift Aid. Guy also thanks the many people and organisations who helped along the way, including NE Display in North Shields for producing the support-vehicle decals at short notice.Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw.Production: Aldmere Limited.Find every watching and listening option:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

Guy Smith joins Squarely Speaking to tell the full story of the Temple Run: his ten-day journey from Gosforth to Freemasons’ Hall in London in support of the Northumberland 2031 Festival.Guy set out intending to cover more than 400 miles on foot. Severe weather and mounting injuries changed the challenge dramatically, culminating in a hospital visit and what Guy describes as a stress fracture in his left shin. He was told to stop. Instead, with the help of Freemasons along the route, he found another way forward.A borrowed bicycle carried him through much of the second half of the journey, while members from several Provinces helped with equipment, route support and encouragement. Guy also reflects on the role of his wife Terry, the reception at Freemasons’ Hall, the moment he was recognised in Grand Lodge and what it meant to have his father there beside him.The September issue of Second Rising records the final amount raised as £34,467.50 including Gift Aid. Guy also thanks the many people and organisations who helped along the way, including NE Display in North Shields for producing the support-vehicle decals at short notice.Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw.Production: Aldmere Limited.Find every watching and listening option:https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

Episode 4 | John Bruce on Charity, Legacy and the Purpose of Freemasonry John Bruce, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, joins Squarely Speaking for a wide-ranging conversation about his Masonic journey, charitable giving and what Freemasonry means to him. John reflects on a family connection to the Craft stretching across generations and continents, and on the childhood memories that first sparked his interest in Freemasonry. He discusses the impact of Teddies for Loving Care and other charitable projects across Northumberland, the momentum building behind Festival 2031 and a lesson that changed the way he thought about giving: sometimes charity means more when we choose to give up something ourselves. The episode also considers the challenge of communicating what Freemasonry does, John's first 18 months as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the deeper purpose he believes sits behind the Craft. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Production: Aldmere Limited. Watch the video and find every listening option: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/