I’ve been thinking about joining freemasonry for many years, but at the time in my life I just wasn’t ready, but knowing who they are, what they do and what they stand for, I knew that someday I wanted to be a part of that.

I reached out to a long-term friend from my military career and expressed my interests, which started to get the wheels in motion, unfortunately the pandemic struck and I had to wait a further two years before I got admitted. However, I can tell you it was worth the wait.

We join freemasonry for many personal reasons, but my reasons were for friendships and confidence. In my industry I am extremely confident, I’ve become an expert in my field and people come to me because of my knowledge, experience, qualifications and I am confident in my abilities. However, outside of my comfort zone I lack confidence in social situations, I struggle with creating conversations and I struggle with joining other people’s conversations, I’m shy and feel I can’t hold my own. I also struggle with speaking out in public, I get anxious about the situation hoping I don’t make a fool of myself.

I choose to join Marlow Bridge Lodge because of the military connections to a few of its members and what a lodge I have joined. Already in the short time I have been there, I have been made to feel welcome from all members, made to feel comfortable in my surroundings and feel I’m a part of something.

Even though my journey into the world of freemasonry has been short, it has been extremely enjoyable. The learning, the history and the rituals have been eye opening. I religiously practice/learn daily wanting to soak in as much information and be as good as I can be to represent Marlow Bridge Lodge. I can’t wait to see what the road ahead of me leads to.

Marlow Bridge Lodge has a lovely balance of being the best it can be, whilst also having a relaxed atmosphere. I know now is the right time and Marlow Bridge Lodge is the perfect lodge for me.