The Light Blues Communication
The Light Blues Communication
Light Blues Shine Bright in the Grand Temple
Something extraordinary happened on 31 May 2025.
More than 1,000 Light Blues from across the country gathered in the Grand Temple of Freemasons’ Hall for an event like no other, historic, moving, and brilliantly Hertfordshire.
In a first for Freemasonry, the Pro Grand Master and the Acting Officers of Grand Lodge welcomed Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts and Master Masons into the heart of Grand Lodge itself. Front and centre, helping to make it all happen, was Hertfordshire’s very own Tom Golds, working with the United Grand Lodge of England.
Tom did a phenomenal job bringing his vision to life, coordinating with UGLE, rallying Light Blues Clubs from across the country, and ensuring Hertfordshire had something special to say on the national stage.
Many brethren from Hertfordshire were in attendance, proudly supporting the occasion, including the Provincial Grand Master, Neil Connolly, and Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ollie Wells. A dedicated team of Hertfordshire Stewards also played a vital role on the day, offering their time and experience to help things run smoothly, guiding guests, assisting other Light Blues Clubs, and embodying the very spirit of service and brotherhood that the event was all about. Working in their Grand lodge capacity were Mark Purtow and Nick Murdock really showing that Hertfordshire Freemasons are fully supported from entered apprentice to active grand officer.
A Voice from Herts: Powerful, Personal, and Proud
On the day, the spotlight turned to Luke Crouch and Wayne Clancy, who delivered a powerful presentation in the packed Grand Temple. With grace and gravitas, they shared the mission, values, and impact of the Fleet House Light Blues Club, built on one unwavering principle: no brother should ever feel alone.
Their words, inspired by real experience and brotherly love, struck a deep chord across the room. Luke introduced the Club’s purpose, Explore, Discover, Engage and Wayne delivered a heartfelt tribute to Brother Charles Wandrag, a Light Blue lost too soon. His memory now fuels the club’s work in mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and community outreach.
From the famous charity walk (stepping off with the left) and virtual race nights to hands on help like garden maintenance and food delivery, the FHLBC showed that Freemasonry isn’t just about ritual, it’s about real support in the real world.
And the Grand Temple listened.
Fellowship, Food & Freemasonry
After the meeting came an informal lunch in the stunning vestibules of Freemasons’ Hall. No black tie, no silver service, just beers, soft drinks, and the simple joy of brethren from across Provinces, Districts and Metropolitan mingling, connecting, and laughing together.
That was the real magic of the day. The Grand Temple was magnificent, and the pageantry of Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10000 was unforgettable, But the spirit of the event was one of inclusion, inspiration, and unity.
Lights, Camera… Craftcast!
Adding even more prestige to the day, UGLE recorded a live episode of the Craftcast podcast, with a live audience packed into the Grand Temple itself. In a fitting moment of recognition, they invited Tom Golds to speak on air, sharing the story behind the event and the role Light Blues Clubs are playing in the future of the Craft.
It was a special moment, with Tom representing both Hertfordshire and Light Blues Freemasonry as a whole, speaking from the heart, full of purpose, and proving that when it comes to shaping the future, the Light Blues are already leading the way.
Hertfordshire Leads by Example
If this event was about celebrating Light Blues, then Hertfordshire showed the world exactly what that means: commitment, compassion, and a future-focused mindset.
Tom, Luke, and Wayne were brilliant. Representing Hertfordshire with integrity and heart. Every Hertfordshire Light Blue who made the journey, wore a smile, and supported the cause. This wasn’t just an event. It was a milestone, and Hertfordshire helped make history.
If you wish to fins out more about the Fleet House Light Blues Club, Visit their website.