South London Charity increases help for asylum seekers
Over 150 newly arrived asylum-seeking adults will be welcomed in an empowering space to develop their English language skills, thanks to a donation by the London Freemasons. CARAS, a Tooting-based charity, works with over 600 asylum seekers and refugees across South London each year. Their work focuses on supporting those facing the most pervasive challenges […]
Recovery for stroke patients in Ealing
InterAct Stroke Support is a charity that delivers live, professional actor-led readings to stroke survivors in hospitals and community settings across the UK. Their mission is to aid recovery by engaging patients in meaningful interactions that stimulate cognitive and emotional well-being. These sessions have been shown to improve mood, boost morale, and aid in the […]
Young people at risk of exclusion offered helping hand by SkyWay
SkyWay Charity, established in 2002, is dedicated to helping young people aged 6-25 living in Inner London reach their full potential. Through free-to-access youth and community-led programs, SkyWay enables young people to develop essential life skills, such as communication, leadership, and decision-making, while promoting positive health and lifestyle choices. The charity also offers opportunities for […]
St John Ambulance train 12000 young responders with help from London Freemasons
St John Ambulance is set to train 12,000 more young Londoners in vital street first aid skills over the next 12 months, thanks to a generous £10,000 donation from the London Freemasons. The funding will support the expansion of St John Ambulance’s Young Responders programme, which equips young people aged 11 to 25 from underserved […]
Warmth for Brent’s elderly living with dementia this winter
Community Action on Dementia – Brent (CAD-Brent), has announced the establishment of a weekly Warm Hub for the winter of 2024/25, thanks to a generous £4,000 grant from the London Freemasons. This initiative aims to support 50 elderly people living with dementia in Brent, along with their carers, by providing a warm and welcoming space […]
A Very Special Visitor and Raising Ceremony at Earl Spencer Lodge No 1420
W Bro Gary Lonsdale, The Grand Tyler of The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand, was the guest of honour at Earl Spencer Lodge No 1420. At their regular meeting on 24 September 2024, by request of the Master of the Lake Lodge of Ophir No 85, NZ and under […]
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ritual for neurodiverse Freemasons
Our guest contributor is W Bro Graham Chisnell, Provincial Grand Mentor for the province of East Kent; who has recently devoted much time to producing guides for neurodiverse Brethren and those who work in the Craft with them. Our membership draws on all walks of life, and with this comes a diversity of character […]
The Art of the Craft – part 1
W Bro Vinny Cochrane writes Freemasonry is influenced by the arts in every form – most obviously the theatrical spectacle of our ceremonies. These are beautiful performances which have the precision and poise of dance. Music is also integral, and good organists introduce the occasional comic riff (I once heard a Grand Inspector piped in […]
FOREWORD: RW Bro. Warren Duke, Metropolitan Grand Master
Brethren and Companions, Freemasonry is a force that evolves with the times, and so too must the ways we connect and share our stories. With this in mind, I am writing to share an important development: Arena, our much-loved magazine, will no longer be printed. This decision was not made lightly. The costs of printing […]
The speech as art: a new Mason’s Speech
As part of their New Member Engagement work, Visiting Officers regularly meet new Masons – indeed it is one of their greatest pleasures. Often, they also get to hear them speak, either in their first speeches as Initiates, or in other contexts early in their Masonic careers. Visiting Officer W Bro Alan Rushbrook was recently so […]
EDITORIAL – As you can see, Arena is taking a slightly different form.
Dear Brethren, As you can see, Arena is taking a slightly different form. We live in increasingly challenging times, and Freemasonry is no different. We have had to tighten our belts, and the significant costs of print and distribution have become harder to justify against Met’s many other competing priorities. That doesn’t mean Arena is […]
LGR and LR Investiture Wednesday 6th November 2024
There was a noticeable buzz in the air as Brethren arrived for the annual investiture to London Grand Rank and London Rank. Many of the investees had arrived with friends and family to mark this joyous occasion and it was wonderful to see the Grand Temple so full, the largest number in attendance since the […]