Durham Freemasons' Podcast

This month we explore another important aspect of Every Brother Matters – what happens when someone joins Freemasonry and things just don’t seem to gel.We are joined by Durham Lead on Membership John Henry and new Master Mason Peter Irvine, who shares his own experience of finding that his first lodge wasn’t the right fit and how finding a different lodge transformed his Masonic journey.The discussion explores belonging, lodge culture, membership retention, and why Every Brother Matters is about recognising that one size doesn’t fit all.As always, there’s a mix of serious conversation, practical insights, laughter and banter as we explore Freemasonry in Durham in 2026.

Episode two of the new Durham Freemasons Multicast. In this episode, we discuss what makes anyone want to join Freemasonry and Why Every Brother Matters. A light-hearted yet deeply meaningful exploration of being a Freemason in Durham in 20206. In this episode, the team are joined by Head of Durham Freemasons John Watts. Discover the welcome that awaits every new and every existing brother.

At the end of Episode 1, we’ve included a set of supplementary questions designed to spark further thought and conversation. These short prompts invite listeners to reflect on initiative, belonging and lodge culture, while offering a preview of themes we’ll explore in future episodes of the Durham Freemasons podcast.

Episode 1 introduces the new Durham Freemasons podcast and asks a simple question: where do we go from here? The hosts reflect on recent activity across the Province, including charitable projects, lodge initiatives and the growing momentum behind the message “Don’t Wait To Be Asked.” The discussion explores how small acts of initiative and awareness can strengthen lodge culture and encourage greater participation. It also looks ahead to the coming months, outlining the themes the podcast will explore, including belonging, confidence, charity and supporting one another. The episode concludes by introducing the forthcoming “Every Brother Matters” campaign, which will be explored in more depth in the next episode. 

In this episode Gavin is joined by John, for the final time, as he prepares stand down as our Provincial Grand Master, and step up as an Assistant Grand Master.  They discuss his journey so far, and what lies in store for both him and our Province.

In this episode Gavin and John are joined by the Provincial Membership Officer, Jamie Rielly, for a Membership Special; how you can get involved with the team, how you can help your Lodge, and for those non-members, how you can find out more and join us.

In this episode Gavin and John are joined by the Provincial Secretary, Richard Scott.  They recap some of the highlights of 2024 and discuss some of the upcoming events for 2025.  Richard also gives some insight into his role as Provincial Secretary / Scribe E.

In this episode Gavin and John bring you a Festive Update, discussing the initiatives from the Province over the Christmas period and also recap on the November activities, which included the Remembrance events.  They also discuss Portal - the new way of connecting to your Masonic records, being trialled by our Province.

In this episode Gavin is rejoined by the Provincial Grand Master, John Thompson, and their guest is Mark Davies, the Durham Teddies for Loving Care Co-ordinator.They discuss a new initiative with the TLC program and , as ever, the goings-on in and around Province, including the upcoming activities for the Christmas period providing social interaction for our members.

King's Trust special.In this episode Gavin is joined by John Watts, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Chair of the Durham Freemasons Charity.  They have with them a special guest, Gillian Hutchinson,  Head of Department of the King's Trust at the Education Training Collection.

The first episode of season 2, and yes, that is just because there was a break since the last one!In this episode Gavin and John  are joined by APGM Andrew Foster.  They discuss all of the goings-on in and around Province, the upcoming Consecration of a new Chapter, and number of the charitable events that are on the horizon.

The tenth episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John  are joined by one of the founders of the soon to be consecrated Gambrinus Lodge,  Barry Clark, and the retiring Provincial Grand Secretary, Tom Gittins.

The ninth episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John have a general catch-up, discuss the Annual Provincial Meetings of both Craft and Chapter, and some of the other upcoming events in and around the Province.

The eighth episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John are joined by the Provincial Wardens, Richard Davison and Wayne Rumley, with discussions about their time as Wardens, which included the recent Consecration of Anglers Lodge, plus other events in and around the Province.

The seventh episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John are joined by David Hay and David Frew, with discussions about the upcoming Royal Arch focus events, Learning & Development, the Anglers Lodge and the Fishing Charity.

The sixth episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John are joined by John Henry and Colin Elrick, to discuss Durham Cornerstone - 1734, and also the Consecration of the new Angling Lodge.

The fifth episode of the Durham Insight Podcast.  In this episode Gavin and John are joined by one of the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Andrew Foster. They discuss some of the upcoming events around the Province, and the recent donation to the Princes Trust with its 'Dragon's Den' panel.

The fourth edition of the Durham Insight Podcast, this one discussing the recent charity bike ride, the "fat lads at the back" challenge, and the launch of Durham Cornerstone, our new Masons forum.

The Third edition of the Durham Insight Podcast, this one focusing on our Masonic Charities.

The Second Audio edition of Durham Insight, to accompany our Newsletter.

The First Audio edition of Durham Insight, to accompany our Newsletter.

All the details from the Second Rising for July 2022.

All the details from the Second Rising for June 2022.

All the details from the Second Rising for May 2022.

All the details from the Second Rising for April 2022.

All the details from the Second Rising for March 2022.

All the details from the Second Rising for February 2022

All the details from the Second Rising for January 2022.

Winter 2021 EditionFeaturing the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, two related Everyday Freemasons' articles, and a Christmas message from the Deputies in Charge, as well as highlighting more of our charitable efforts.

All the details from the Second Rising for December 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for November 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for October 2021.

Autumn 2021 EditionFeaturing the Durham 2021 Festival Finale and a number of articles giving an update on what some of our members have been up to during the pandemic.  Also, a tribute to Mike Cockerton, the Festival Treasurer.

All the details from the Second Rising for September 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for August 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for July 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for June 2021.

All the details from the Second Rising for May 2021, including the letter from the Provincial Grand Master / Provincial Grand Superintendent.

All the details from the Second Rising for April 2021, including the letter from the Provincial Grand Master / Provincial Grand Superintendent.

All the details from the Second Rising for March 2021.

The regular newsletter highlighting what has been going on around the Province in relation to the Durham 2021 Festival and further afield.

Winter 2020 EditionFeaturing a Christmas message from the Provincial Grand Master and articles highlighting some of the charitable efforts undertaken during the current pandemic.