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Guy Smith joins Squarely Speaking to tell the full story of the Temple Run: his ten-day journey from Gosforth to Freemasons’ Hall in London in support of the Northumberland 2031 Festival. Guy set out intending to cover more than 400 miles on foot. Severe weather and mounting injuries changed the challenge dramatically, culminating in a hospital visit and what Guy describes as a stress fracture in his left shin. He was told to stop. Instead, with the help of Freemasons along the route, he found another way forward. A borrowed bicycle carried him through much of the second half of the journey, while members from several Provinces helped with equipment, route support and encouragement. Guy also reflects on the role of his wife Terry, the reception at Freemasons’ Hall, the moment he was recognised in Grand Lodge and what it meant to have his father there beside him. The September issue of Second Rising records the final amount raised as £34,467.50 including Gift Aid. Guy also thanks the many people and organisations who helped along the way, including NE Display in North Shields for producing the support-vehicle decals at short notice. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Production: Aldmere Limited. Find every watching and listening option: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

Guy Smith joins Squarely Speaking to tell the full story of the Temple Run: his ten-day journey from Gosforth to Freemasons’ Hall in London in support of the Northumberland 2031 Festival. Guy set out intending to cover more than 400 miles on foot. Severe weather and mounting injuries changed the challenge dramatically, culminating in a hospital visit and what Guy describes as a stress fracture in his left shin. He was told to stop. Instead, with the help of Freemasons along the route, he found another way forward. A borrowed bicycle carried him through much of the second half of the journey, while members from several Provinces helped with equipment, route support and encouragement. Guy also reflects on the role of his wife Terry, the reception at Freemasons’ Hall, the moment he was recognised in Grand Lodge and what it meant to have his father there beside him. The September issue of Second Rising records the final amount raised as £34,467.50 including Gift Aid. Guy also thanks the many people and organisations who helped along the way, including NE Display in North Shields for producing the support-vehicle decals at short notice. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Production: Aldmere Limited. Find every watching and listening option: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking

Episode 4 | John Bruce on Charity, Legacy and the Purpose of Freemasonry John Bruce, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, joins Squarely Speaking for a wide-ranging conversation about his Masonic journey, charitable giving and what Freemasonry means to him. John reflects on a family connection to the Craft stretching across generations and continents, and on the childhood memories that first sparked his interest in Freemasonry. He discusses the impact of Teddies for Loving Care and other charitable projects across Northumberland, the momentum building behind Festival 2031 and a lesson that changed the way he thought about giving: sometimes charity means more when we choose to give up something ourselves. The episode also considers the challenge of communicating what Freemasonry does, John's first 18 months as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the deeper purpose he believes sits behind the Craft. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Production: Aldmere Limited. Watch the video and find every listening option: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/

Episode 3 | Kevin Stannard on Charity, Community and the Future of Freemasonry Kevin Stannard, Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, joins Squarely Speaking for a wide-ranging conversation about his Masonic journey and the future of Freemasonry across the Province. Kevin discusses the misconception that Masonic charity mainly supports Freemasons, the need to make Masonic Halls visible and useful within their local communities, and why sustainable membership growth must be matched by proper mentoring and support for new members. The episode also covers how Freemasonry has changed during Kevin’s lifetime, Festival 2031, greater openness across the Masonic community, and the legacy he hopes to leave in Northumberland. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Production: Aldmere Limited. Watch the video and find every listening option: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/

Paul Winship: Festival 2031 Special Edition £2.5 million over five years. Paul Winship, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, joins Squarely Speaking for this Festival 2031 Special Edition to set out what Festival 2031 is, why it matters, and how every Lodge and Chapter can play a part. Covers the £2.5m target, regular giving, Festival Steward jewels, and the major fundraising activities already in motion: Guy’s Temple Run, Terry’s Roman Wall Walk, the Dragon Boat Race, the Travelling Gavel and the Travelling Sceptre. Squarely Speaking is the official podcast of the Province of Northumberland. This is the first in a series of Festival 2031 Special Editions running through to 2031. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw. Produced by Stephen Frost. All episodes: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/

In the first episode of Squarely Speaking, the official podcast from Northumberland Freemasons, we are joined by Tony Harvey for an open and thoughtful conversation on the future of Freemasonry. Together, we explore what helps Lodges thrive, why retention matters as much as recruitment, the importance of supporting newer members, and how Freemasonry can remain relevant and meaningful in modern society. Squarely Speaking is an interview-led podcast exploring Freemasonry, leadership, community, and personal development through honest conversations with Brethren and guests from diverse backgrounds. Hosted by Graeme Butterfield, Communications Officer, and Carl Birkenshaw, Deputy Communications Officer for Northumberland Freemasons. Podcast editing and production support by Stephen Frost. Watch the full video episode and discover more from Northumberland Freemasons: https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/