Berkshire Freemasonry Podcast

In the final episode of our second season, Steve and Ricky are joined by a new mason, Tim Brogan-Shaw, a Fellowcraft who was initiated in November 2025. Between them they explore the topic of ‘Freemasonry 365’ and look into what Freemasonry means to them and how they act and live as masons beyond the lodge room. Considering areas such as daily advancement and connections with members, this episode challenges us to consider the philosophical questions of ‘What does it mean to be a mason?’ and explores the risks of the summer drift and a lack of connection when lodge meetings are not as regular. Concluding our second season, we are really keen to hear your thoughts, ideas and aspirations as we plan for season 3. Please do get in touch.

Happy Easter to all our listeners! In an extended episode, we are joined by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire, Very Worshipful Brother Mark Heppelthwaite. Our wide ranging discussion looks at the purpose, structure and focus of the Provincial executive alongside Mark’s views on his masonic journey to date and to the challenges that face Freemasonry in 2026. Joined by Steve & Matt, Mark gives a very open and enlightening insight to the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure that our organisation continues to move forwards.

The typewriter enabled secretaries to not handwrite summonses and minutes. The ritual book enabled brothers to learn away from lodge, the telephone made it easier for us to stay in touch, the internet gives us access to more knowledge than we will ever find time to consume. In the sixth episode of our second series, the guys are joined by W. Bro Carlos Sepulveda who is a technology professional and also part of the provincial team who support the Berkshire Explorer app. Listen in to hear views on different forms of technology and their usages within freemasonry, both in local lodges, across the province and within UGLE.

This episode sees us taking a deeper dive into the fourth element of Pure Antient Freemasonry – that of the Royal Arch. We are joined by Excellent Companion Paul Youngman, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies as he shares his entrance, love and hopes for Royal Arch Masonry. Royal Arch is a beautiful element in the journey and one that is highly recommended to all Freemasons. It’s colour and energy, alongside extending the story that we are left with as Master Masons makes it an unmissable experience for all. Join us as Steve and Ricky exploring their experiences of Royal Arch alongside a worthy and honourable companion with his own story to share.

This month’s episode sees Worshipful Brother Ricky Mattioni, Past Provincial Grand Steward, joining us to discuss the topic of ‘balance’. How do we ensure as Masons that we stay in balance between all our commitments? How do we keep family, work and our masonry progressing and thriving and ensuring that we are fulfilled as individuals. As we enter 2026 and some of us may be reflecting on resolutions, this is a timely and thought-provoking piece that reminds us that balance is key. It is the key to true fulfilment and will enable us to enjoy our Freemasonry to the fullest when we have the right mix.

In one of our most powerful episodes to date, join Steve and Matt as they explore the synergies between military service and Freemasonry as they are joined by Provincial Grand Tyler, Worshipful Brother Dougie Leacy.  We dive into the links; the Armed Services Covenant; and the Province’s Drumhead Service and its importance in recognising those who have served and maybe paid the ultimate sacrifice in order for us to thrive as a country and to be able to enjoy our Freemasonry as openly as we do.

Provincial Grand Lodge is a once a year spectacle of all that is great about Freemasonry in Berkshire – but what does it involve? Pomp; ceremony; pride; annual reports; remembering Brethren who have passed over the last year; Provincial appointments and promotions, the Provincial Grand Master’s annual address all conducted in front of almost 400 masons in The Berkshire is truly something to behold. Listen in to hear insights from our three guests, Bro. David ‘Blue’ Rock, W.Bro Luke Smith, our new Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies and W.Bro Paul Thomsett, former Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and newly invested Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Also providing insight on his experiences is guest co-host W.Bro Ricky Mattioni. We would also really appreciate your feedback, please use the following link to answer our short 1 minute survey: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gtzSBu1vO02SGDfTT7BAW-itwq9E0QxFqryH6KVOjYhUMUg2MlQ0MFk1WldKNjNZQ0xMOVZWTjNWNC4u

A unique episode - complete with a guest host! Join us in a conversation about Matt's first experience as a Master of a Lodge and Steve's thoughts ahead of him taking the chair for the first time. Provincial Grand Mentor, Owen Doe, leads a conversation which provides thoughtful discussion of the experiences of our usual hosts as they prepare for the chair.

In our final episode for Season One, we are joined by W Bro Steve Ricks, Provincial Grand Learning & Development Officer. Personal growth and development is a key pillar of freemasonry and there is nobody better for us to chat about this than to Steve. Steve has a long career in learning and has translated this across into his masonic career including being a founder member of Berkshire Lodge of Enlightenment. Thank you to everyone who has listened and also to those who have provided feedback as we have taken the first steps on our podcast journey together. We look forward to continuing this into next year. Steve & Matt

Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth - three fundamental principles of Freemasonry and three areas highlighted to us as we enter this wonderful fraternity. In this episode, we take a deep dive into 'Relief' and are joined by Worshipful Brother, Mickey Labana, our Provincial Grand Charity Steward as we explore what is going on nationally and locally with masonic charities and how we all play an integral part. We also look at how 'charity' isn't just about giving of money but also of ourselves and our time and Mickey highlights F.O.C.U.S - the 5 year strategy to highlight the good Freemasonry brings to society through our charitable efforts.

This episode sees us exploring the role of the Provincial grand Mentor, Lodge Mentors and Personal Mentors. This critical aspect is at the core of Pure & Antient Freemasonry and is critical to the ongoing success and to enable the culture and environment for our organisation to thrive. Joining us is the Provincial Grand Mentor, Worshipful Brother Owen Doe who offers us insight on what it means to be a mentor and how this intersects with a Lodge Care Team to provide the support that all Masons require from each other.

Today's episode is an insightful exploration of the links between Craft Freemasonry and the Royal Arch. In a discussion with RW Bro Anthony Howlett-Bolton, our Provincial Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, we discuss how one progresses in knowledge through the four elements of Pure and Antient Freemasonry.

In this month's episode we are joined by two incredible guests; Worshipful Brother David Jarvis, Past Junior Grand Deacon of the United Grand Lodge of England and Brother Malik Jallo. We spend time looking at Freemasonry in the early 1970s when David joined and the differences and similarities to Freemasonry today and Malik's experiences as a relative new Freemason.

Our concluding part to our excellent interview with, Mark Wiltshire, Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon on his experiences working with the Provincial Membership Team and in the growth of Hungerford Lodge - Enjoy!

In this episode, we hear from W Bro Mark Wiltshire, Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon and a key contributor to the Province's Membership Team as well as a key member of one of the Province's most successful lodges, Hungerford Lodge on the importance of the Member's Pathway and how our Lodges can contribute to them thriving through effective use of all the tools it brings. With a focus on attracting new members; engagement at all levels and excellent use of mentoring, all our lodges can thrive and look forward to many years to come.