Craftcast: The Freemasons Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with David Barton, Press Officer for the Province of Essex, to explore the Third Pillar of UGLE’s Strategy: Community Engagement.

From organising Easter egg donations and VE Day flag distributions to spearheading Essex’s award-winning initiatives and founding the impactful ‘Get Started Art’ charity, David shares the powerful impact of service beyond charity.

This episode is f...

In this episode, our hosts meet with Patrick and Alan to shine a light on Bristol Freemasonry and their inspiring community-driven response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. 

Far from working behind closed doors, these local Freemasons have come together to raise funds, deliver aid, and rally support - demonstrating how grassroots action can make a meaningful global impact.

They delve into the stories of those involved, the...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Clive Jones – a dedicated Freemason, Chairman of Blind Veterans UK Archery Club, and the world’s No. 4 ranked blind archer. 

Clive shares his remarkable journey, from military service to life-changing challenges and his path into Freemasonry. They discuss the values that guide him, the support of his Masonic Brethren, and how he mastered archery despite losing sight. 

Tu...

The fan-favourite Word Explainer episode is back! In this edition, Shaun, James, and Stephen are joined by returning guest Tom Golds to break down some of the most intriguing words in Freemasonry.

They discuss a myriad of Masonic terms, including Operative and Speculative Masons, the Working Tools, Processions, and the central figure of Freemasonry: King Solomon the Wise.

Got a Masonic term you’d like explained? Email the team at&nbs...

In this episode of Craftcast, step into the past as our hosts explore the fascinating world of Masonic history with special guest Martin Cherry, Librarian at the Museum of Freemasonry. 

Shaun, Stephen, and James discover four extraordinary artefacts—ranging from a book published by Benjamin Franklin older than the USA to a hidden painting inside a book’s pages and even a Freemasons’ Minutes Book detailing their time inside a WW...

In this special episode of Craftcast, our hosts sat down with Peter Younger, Development Executive of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association. 

The Widows Sons bring together two great passions—Freemasonry and motorcycling—forming one of the most recognisable Masonic Associations in the world. 

With Chapters across the world, their mission goes beyond just riding and wearing distinctive leather jackets: they raise incred...

In our latest episode, Shaun, James, and Stephen are joined by Tom Golds, the Membership Manager for the United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter.

They discuss everything from mentoring and membership development to the significance of finding the right Lodge and how Freemasonry continues to evolve while maintaining its history and traditions.

They also discuss the upcoming Light Blues Communication, an unpreceden...

Craftcast is back for Season 4, and our hosts are kicking things off with a deep dive into one of the most infamous murder cases in history—Jack the Ripper. 

Did the Freemasons try to orchestrate a cover-up? Were Freemasons helping or hindering the investigation? And does modern forensic science finally reveal the identity of the killer?

Tune in as retired Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector and Freemason Mike Neville explor...

In this festive edition of Craftcast, Shaun, Stephen and James are joined by their most important guests - you! Today's episode is dedicated to all our listeners, especially those who are alone during the holidays.

Blending light-hearted jokes with meaningful reflections, our hosts navigate the often-overlooked topic of loneliness during the Christmas season. 

Discover how Freemasonry and its charitable initiatives, such as part...

In this deeply moving episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Herefordshire Freemason Stuart Jones.

Stuart recounts his life-changing journey, which began while listening to our Season 2 episode featuring Frank Tiller. Inspired to take action, Stuart scheduled a PSa test, which led to the early detection of his aggressive prostate cancer. Thanks to a successful operation and encouraging post-treatment results, Stuart is now on...

In this thought-provoking episode, our hosts are joined by Graham Chisnell, Provincial Grand Mentor for East Kent.

Together, they explore how shifting perspectives and greater awareness are paving the way for neurodiverse Freemasons to enjoy their Masonic journey fully.

Discover how adapting mentoring and applying innovative approaches to learning our ritual can break down barriers, create inclusive environments and foster personal g...

In the latest episode of Craftcast, James, Shaun, and Stephen are joined by a special guest - Judge Simon Medland KC, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire and the 2025 Prestonian Lecturer. 

Simon shares his journey within Freemasonry with our hosts, tracing his roots as a fourth-generation Freemason and recounting his appointment as the Lecturer for the upcoming year.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the history ...

In this final instalment of our Remembrance Weekend series, we welcome Kemsley Whittlesea— Veteran, Freemason, tattoo artist, and mental health advocate—to share his remarkable story. 

From his time serving in the Royal Signals to participating in the upcoming Invictus Games, Kemsley's story is one of resilience, dedication, and service.  

Join us as we wrap up this special series, reflecting on the significance of rem...

In this third instalment of our four-part Remembrance Special, our hosts travelled to the Province of Warwickshire to visit Fisher House, a respite care centre supporting UK military personnel and their families worldwide. 

Fisher House offers an invaluable "home away from home" for the families of UK armed forces personnel receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. They provide families with accommodati...

In this raw and honest episode, Mark Ormrod MBE, Freemason and Veteran, talks to our hosts about his experiences serving as a Royal Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Mark was the first British serviceman to survive a triple amputation in Afghanistan. Since then, he's won 11 medals in two Invictus Games, carried the torch at the 2012 Olympics, raised thousands of pounds for charity and been an active Freemason. 

This episo...

In the first of our four-part series, John Thompson, Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of Durham, joins our hosts to discuss the significance of the United Grand Lodge of England’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.  

He sheds light on the next steps we can take to enhance our support for the Armed Forces and their families. By reinforcing our commitment to the Covenant, John shares how we can build on Fr...

In this special episode, hosts Shaun, Stephen, and James return to demystify even more Masonic terminology, exploring the unique language and traditions that define Freemasonry.  

Building on previous seasons’ explainer episodes, they dig into regularly used terms, including their historical and ritual significance within the Lodge. They also touch on the importance of ceremonial practice, historical significance, and the ...

In this episode of Craftcast, our hosts sit down with Barry and PJ from the Essex Cornerstone Club, a dynamic group dedicated to bringing young Freemasons in Essex together. 

Together, they dive into how Light Blues Clubs such as theirs foster a sense of community, support new members, and enhance our member's experience through creative events! 

Whether you're curious about young Freemasons or just want to learn more about...

In this exciting episode, our hosts sat down with British actor and Freemason Vas Blackwood, best known for his iconic roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Only Fools and Horses. 

Vas shares fascinating insights into his 25-year journey in Freemasonry, discussing its impact on his personal life. He also delves deep into his 40-year acting career, including his iconic characters and memorable moments o...