One of the great things about Freemasonry is that wherever you go, you'll find a warm welcome waiting. Recently, a group made the journey from Henley-on-Thames to the beautiful Cotswold town of Burford to visit the Brethren of Wychwood Lodge. What followed was an evening that perfectly demonstrated what Freemasonry is really about – friendship, hospitality, shared values, and learning from one another. Burford itself is one of Oxfordshire's most historic towns, and its Masoni

When most people think of Freemasonry, they tend to picture old buildings, formal meetings, and perhaps a few secret handshakes thrown in for good measure. The reality is often rather different. At Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697 in Henley-on-Thames, Freemasonry is as much about friendship, shared experiences, and enjoying life as it is about tradition. And recently, one of our members, Bro. David Spruce, got the chance to tick something off his bucket list in specta

The Henley Masonic Centre, in conjunction with Round Table Vivace Lodge No. 9697 (RTTV), is delighted to announce that it will once again be taking part in Heritage Open Days, welcoming members of the public to explore one of Henley's lesser-known historic buildings and learn more about the fascinating world of Freemasonry. The Masonic Centre will be open on: Saturday 12th September 2026 – 10:00am to 3:00pm Sunday 13th September 2026 – 10:00am to 3:00pm Admission is free and

As Membership Officer for RTTV, I want to give a huge shout-out and congratulations to Bro Peter Smith, who recently took on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK – all in support of Leukaemia UK. Now, raising money for charity is a fantastic thing in itself, but what Peter achieved goes far beyond simply collecting donations. It took commitment, preparation, determination, and more than a little grit to tackle a challenge of this scale. Anyone

Tucked away on Reading Road sits one of Henley-on-Thames’ most fascinating historic buildings — the Henley Masonic Centre, home to Thames Lodge No. 1895. While many people walk past without a second glance, behind its doors lies over 140 years of local history, community spirit, and some surprisingly famous connections. A Henley Institution Since 1881 Thames Lodge was founded back in 1881, at a time when Henley was rapidly growing into the thriving riverside town we know toda

You Certainly Won’t Miss Peter on the Mountain Some people relax at weekends. Others take on the highest mountain in the UK for charity. RTTV’s own Bro Peter Smith definitely falls into the second category. In what can only be described as a serious test of endurance, determination, and probably sanity, Peter is trekking Ben Nevis in support of his chosen charity, Leukaemia UK — a cause incredibly close to his heart following the sad loss of a much-loved family member to the

Pictured are the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Professor Stephen Tucker, Worshipful Master Dave MacDonald, and his Wardens, Bro David Spruce and Bro Darren Morris-Spruce. RTTV 9697 Lodge was proud to welcome the Provincial Grand Master of Oxfordshire, the Right Worshipful Professor Stephen Tucker, along with several Provincial Officers, to our May meeting for a very special presentation. During the evening, Worshipful Master Dave MacDonald was presented with the P

There’s something special about good company, beautiful surroundings, and taking time to enjoy life together — and this summer, RTTV Lodge 9697 is bringing all three together for a relaxed and memorable afternoon in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. On Saturday 1st August 2026, members of RTTV Lodge, visiting Freemasons, family, and friends are warmly invited to join us at the stunning Oaken Grove Vineyard, Fawley for a friendly social gathering overlooking the vines.

Bro Darren Morris-Spruce, W.Bro Stan Crooks, W.Bro Tony Wright & W ,Bro David Miller A number of us at RTTV are also members of another branch of Freemasonry, Mark Master Masons, and on Friday ten of us headed over to Didcot for the Oxfordshire Provincial Meeting. The event brought together Mark Masons from across the Province for an afternoon celebrating the past year, recognising members for their hard work, and appointing and promoting Provincial Officers for the year ahea

Last night was one of those evenings that reminds you exactly why we love being part of this journey. A group of us from Henley made our way over to Abingdon to visit Abbey Lodge, who meet in the incredible Guildhall right in the heart of town. From the moment we arrived, you could feel the history in the walls — this isn’t just any meeting place. The main chamber, where the lodge meeting takes place, is steeped in tradition, and the evening flowed seamlessly from ceremony in

Freemasonry in the United Kingdom often carries an air of mystery and misunderstanding. Many people think it is an exclusive club for the wealthy or that joining means committing large sums of money or endless hours of time. Yet, the reality is quite different. Across the UK, Freemasons quietly raise around £50 million annually for charity, making them one of the largest charitable contributors in the country. This blog post explores how Freemasonry is more accessible than ma

The Brethren entering the temple for the Mark Master Mason's meeting On Friday 24th April at Henley Masonic Centre, things were anything but quiet… Our very own RTTV Worshipful Master, Dave MacDonald, added yet another string to his bow by being installed as Master of the Master Mark Masons. No pressure, Dave—just running two shows now! The lodge was delighted to welcome the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, alongside a strong turnout from the Oxfordshire Provincial team. Safe

Part of being a Freemason isn’t just turning up, looking mysterious, and knowing where to stand (although, let’s be honest, that helps). The real magic happens in the run-up to the main event. In the two weeks before a proper meeting, we have what are called Lodges of Instruction — or “LoIs” if you want to sound like you’ve been around a while. Think of them as the dress rehearsals before opening night. Shorter, more relaxed, and just a tiny bit less intimidating. These sessi

You’ve seen the symbols. Heard the rumours. Maybe someone’s uncle is “in it.” Now you’re wondering: what actually happens when you join? Good news: you don’t need conspiracy threads—you can get a pretty solid idea from publicly available info. Let’s break it down, FAQ-style. ❓ First things first — what even is Freemasonry? At its core, Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organisations around, focused on: personal development moral values community and charity It liter

Members of Thames Mark Master Masons Lodge No. 1183 in Henley—many of whom are also part of RTTV—travelled to Bicester on Friday 17th April to take part in the second annual Mark Masons Darts Championship. Five enthusiastic representatives from Henley made the journey to the oche, ready for an evening of friendly competition and camaraderie. The lodge was well represented across the doubles teams. Master Elect Bro Dave MacDonald paired up with W Bro Stan Crooks, while W Bro D

Q: Alright… what’s it really like inside a lodge? A: At Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697, it’s a mix of tradition, laughs, and genuine connection. One minute you’re in a formal ceremony, the next you’re chatting over dinner like old mates. It’s less “mysterious cult” and more “unexpectedly wholesome brotherhood.” Q: So no plotting world domination then? 🌍 A: If we were, we’d have picked a more efficient night than a weekday evening in Henley-on-Thames. Honestly, the

Freemasonry is often spoken about in terms of values—but in Henley, those values are very much put into action. At this year’s Great Henley Sack Race, that took place on Sunday 22nd March, members of the RTTV Lodge rolled up their sleeves and got involved in a hands-on way, helping to keep the town clean and welcoming for everyone. Worshipful Master Dave MacDonald, Worshipful Brother Tony Wright, and newly made Master Mason Dave Walker were joined by their wives and partners

Freemasonry often evokes curiosity and intrigue, with its rich history and unique traditions. Among the many lodges that embody these principles, the RTTV stands out for its commitment to community, personal growth, and ethical living. This blog post delves into the core values that define the RTTV, illustrating how these principles guide its members in their everyday lives. The Foundation of Freemasonry Freemasonry is built on a foundation of moral and ethical values. At its

Freemasonry has long been a subject of intrigue and curiosity. In Henley on Thames, this ancient fraternity plays a significant role in the community, fostering connections, charity, and personal development. This blog post explores the impact of Freemasonry in Henley on Thames, its history, community involvement, and the values it promotes. The History of Freemasonry in Henley on Thames Freemasonry's roots can be traced back to the late 16th century, evolving from the guilds

If you’ve ever heard of Freemasonry, chances are it came with a mix of mystery, rumours, and maybe a few raised eyebrows. Secret handshakes? Hidden agendas? Old guys in dusty rooms? Yeah… not quite. Let’s break it down properly — no jargon, no myths — just what it’s actually like, especially if you’re a younger guy wondering what it’s all about. Eye-level view of a Masonic lodge with members engaged in a meeting 🤔 So… what is Freemasonry? At its core, Freemasonry is a commu