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The Derbyshire Freemasons' Podcast
Festival 2025
Season 1, Ep. 15
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In this special episode, Andy sits down with W. Bro. Chris Taylor, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, to reflect on the culmination of the Derbyshire 2025 Festival — a landmark charitable campaign that has united Freemasons across the province.
Chris shares insight into the incredible fundraising achievements by individual lodges, many of which surpassed their targets through years of dedication and creativity. He also discusses the lasting impact these contributions will have on both Masonic charities and local communities, highlighting the real-world outcomes of their generosity.
The episode also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the spectacular Festival Gala, the celebratory event that will mark the end of the festival. From heartfelt speeches to memorable moments, the Gala will be a fitting tribute to the hard work and unity shown by Derbyshire Freemasons, their friends, and families.
Whether you’re a long-time Mason or just curious about how Freemasonry makes a difference, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into a community coming together to support a greater good!
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21. Christmas Special 2025
01:08:23||Season 1, Ep. 21It’s our annual Christmas Special, and hosts Andy and Chris take a moment to pause, reflect, and look back on an incredible year of podcasting across Derbyshire Freemasonry.In this festive episode, Andy and Chris revisit some of the standout moments from the past year, the inspiring conversations they’ve had, and the remarkable people who have given their time, insight, and passion to the podcast.From personal journeys in Freemasonry to community impact, leadership, learning, and laughter, this episode is a heartfelt retrospective celebrating the breadth, depth, and humanity of Freemasonry in the Province.Whether you’ve been with us since the first episode or are joining us for the first time, this Christmas Special is our way of saying thank you; to our guests, our listeners, and everyone who continues to support and share the Derbyshire Freemasons Podcast.Sit back, enjoy, and join us as we toast another year of conversation, connection, and community.
20. A Journey from Initiation to Inspiration
45:01||Season 1, Ep. 20Chris sits down with Steven Varley, Assistant Grand Master of UGLE, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation recorded inside the beautiful Derby Masonic Hall temple.From his initiation in 1983 to his current role guiding Freemasonry at a national level, Steven reflects on his personal journey; the challenges, successes, and the importance of supporting one another along the way.It’s an episode full of insight, humour, and humanity; a true reflection of what Freemasonry is all about.19. Remembrance & Reflection in Freemasonry
44:29||Season 1, Ep. 19In this moving episode, Chris is joined by Joe Royle to explore the deep symbolism of the Vacant Chair ceremony, and how Freemasonry honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Together, they discuss the story of the Hall Stone Lodges, founded in the aftermath of the First World War to commemorate brethren who never returned, and the lasting legacy these lodges represent within our Craft.Joe reflects on how remembrance continues to shape Freemasonry today—through ceremony, charity, and community—and why pausing to remember is as vital now as it was a century ago.Join us for a poignant conversation on duty, memory, and brotherhood, as we tell the stories of the fallen and honour those whose light still shines among us.18. The Grange
31:48||Season 1, Ep. 18In this episode, Chris talks with our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Martin Giles, to shine a light on the beating heart of Derbyshire Freemasonry: our Masonic Halls. From the smallest lodge rooms to our headquarters at Derby Masonic Hall, “The Grange”, these spaces are far more than just meeting places.We celebrate the countless volunteers, staff, and governance teams whose dedication keeps these venues running and innovating, ensuring they remain welcoming and sustainable for generations to come.Beyond Freemasonry, our halls play host to weddings, award evenings, conferences, community events, and celebrations—bringing people together from all walks of life. Together, we explore how these venues can continue to grow as community hubs, strengthening our ties with the towns and cities they serve.A conversation about heritage, service, and opportunity—because our halls are more than bricks and mortar; they’re spaces where community thrives.17. Scouting & The Square
56:20||Season 1, Ep. 17In this episode, Chris sits down with Tony Harvey to explore the deep-rooted connections between Scouting and Freemasonry — two values-driven, fraternal institutions. Drawing on Tony’s renowned 2012 Prestonian Lecture, “Scouting & Freemasonry: two parallel organisations?”, they dive into how shared values of leadership, service, and moral development unite these traditions.They also reflect on the unforgettable moment when Tony received the distinguished Silver Wolf Award, Scouting’s highest accolade, for his exceptional service to the movement. The conversation also touches on the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in both Scouting and Freemasonry.Expect heartfelt storytelling, thoughtful commentary on what binds these communities, and inspiration for anyone curious about how mentorship and fellowship cross traditional boundaries.16. Becoming a Mason
32:06||Season 1, Ep. 16In this episode, Chris sits down with Simon Nobbs, a potential candidate for Freemasonry, to explore how a chance conversation on the way home from a gig opened the door to a whole new world of opportunities.From casual curiosity to meaningful connections, Simon shares his thoughts on discovering Freemasonry, the appeal of its traditions, and how an ordinary car journey sparked an extraordinary path toward brotherhood, learning, and personal growth.Whether you’re a Mason, a prospective candidate, or simply curious about how Freemasonry begins for many, this is a warm, insightful, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.14. Acting Provincial Rank
37:09||Season 1, Ep. 14In this inspiring episode, Chris chats with Danny Brown about his remarkable Masonic journey—from his very first steps as an initiate to achieving Provincial rank.Danny reflects on the milestones, mentors, and meaningful moments that shaped his path through the Craft. With honesty and enthusiasm, he shares the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned along the way, offering a personal look at how Freemasonry has influenced his life both inside and outside the lodge room.Whether you're just starting your journey or well on your way, this conversation is a great reminder of where Freemasonry can take you—and how every step is worth it.13. The Porchway Club
40:17||Season 1, Ep. 13In this episode, Chris sits down with Richard Hill, the newly appointed Chairman of The Porchway Club, to explore how this fantastic initiative is supporting and connecting new Freemasons across Derbyshire.Richard shares the mission behind the Porchway Club—creating a welcoming space where new Masons can build confidence, ask questions, and feel a true sense of belonging as they begin their Masonic journey. From social events to mentoring and lodge visits, it’s all about making those first steps in Freemasonry memorable, supported, and full of camaraderie.Whether you’re new to the Craft or looking to better support those who are, this episode is packed with insight into why The Porchway Club is an essential part of Freemasonry in Derbyshire.