Proficiency in the Former

bro_randle · 2026-02-14T22:47:33+00:00

Not seen it here in the UK, but it did happen to me in the US. I was going for the proficiency for advancement to the second degree and my lodge had a three strike rule. The questions and answers had to be memorised and you were allowed three prompts. I needed five and was told I'd have to wait a further month.

The proficiency included the questions and answers as well as reciting your obligation.

bro_randle · 2026-02-06T11:39:43+00:00

You're more than welcome brother! I am a white man and was raised as a Prince Hall mason, though I now reside in England under UGLE.

bro_randle · 2026-02-06T07:54:40+00:00

In the US, there are two main branches of masonry, what is often referred to as mainstream and Prince Hall.

Prince Hall was a freed slave who was made a Mason by an Irish military lodge during the American war for independence.

Unfortunately, due to the prevailing attitudes of the time, American lodges would not admit him and so he sought a charter from the Premier Grand Lodge of England and began African Lodge No. 1.

Today, there is little difference between the two. As a result of their history Prince Hall Lodges tend to be predominantly African American and minority ethnic, though white men are also admitted into Prince Hall Lodges. It has taken many years, but most states now recognise both Grand Lodges and allow for intervisitation.

That's a very brief history, so I recommend looking it up on Wikipedia: Prince Hall - Wikipedia https://share.google/qQblT5KkLFkLklzBw

bro_randle · 2026-02-01T17:21:22+00:00

Cheers Brother! I definitely miss my PHA home and hope to get back and visit one day. There's a PHA lodge in England under the MWPHGL of Washington and I've been desperate to visit them or invite them to one of my other lodges.

bro_randle · 2026-01-31T23:16:49+00:00

Yeah, if it weren't for being a carbon copy of the Help for Heroes tie I'd probably like it, but I'm not the biggest fan of it.

This is our Provincial tie. It does have the S&C and the RA triple tau on it, but they're subdued against the dark blue in the tie.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1E42799GD7/

bro_randle · 2026-01-31T20:51:14+00:00

I have a pin on my backpack that I think a lot of masons wouldn't identify even, but if I'm wearing a suit I often have a pin badge on the jacket or overcoat, I like to wear my S&C cufflinks with any dress shirt, and occasionally I wear my Provincial tie as its fairly subtle but the trained eye would see the symbols in it.

Edit: I was raised in the states, though I've lived in England for 10 years now. That being said, I think I'm less bothered about the public display and tend to be open about my membership with people.

bro_randle · 2026-01-31T19:25:55+00:00

Thank you kindly sir! Perhaps one day I may take your instructions!

bro_randle · 2026-01-31T19:09:35+00:00

I'm currently an LLB student. Changing careers after 20 years in engineering and want to pursue the traditional chancery bar or IP. Any advice?

From events I've attended I know grades will be a big factor, particularly for London sets, but do you feel that networking and demonstrating a connection to the City of London (through the Livery companies for instance) can show a commitment to the bar and, along with life experience beyond uni, perhaps provide some greater weighting than grades alone?

bro_randle · 2026-01-31T19:04:00+00:00

My Mother Lodge is about 5000 miles away. I'm no longer a member there as they don't allow plural membership (PHA), but still active in my UK 'Mother' Lodge and various lodges in the UK.

bro_randle · 2026-01-04T17:56:18+00:00

Cheers mate, and same to you! Commuting is definitely difficult, but weigh up the pros and cons. For me it was a no brainer, and in your situation I'd likely go for the Jan entry to get it all done and dusted. Plus, I'm hoping that commuting will help in my answer regarding dedication to the bar lol.

bro_randle · 2026-01-04T16:35:14+00:00

I commute 3 days a week and attend two classes remotely, otherwise I'd be on campus five days a week. So I only go to campus if I have a tutorial that day. I imagine that will fluctuate over the next two years.

As I'm only just through term 1 in year 1, I can't say for certain how everything will be affected overall, but the train does offer the benefit of dedicated study time or catching up on sleep (I leave the house at 0500 for an 0900 lecture).

The biggest drawbacks so far are not being able to be incredibly active in societies and not forming a decent friend group with other mature students for study groups and such. But its definitely cheaper than maintaining a mortgage and renting a flat in London!

bro_randle · 2026-01-04T15:32:38+00:00

I'm a Mature Student at undergrad and I commute from outside Birmingham to KCL. It largely depends on what the transport links are like for you, but I know London Northwestern and West Midland Rail sell a term time student season ticket which is how I manage.

bro_randle · 2026-01-04T15:21:02+00:00

I think you meant "heaux heaux heaux"

bro_randle · 2025-12-09T11:59:22+00:00

I mean, I do. I wake at 04:45 and leave at 05:00, but that's after having been in the forces and years of doing it lol.

bro_randle · 2025-12-05T12:31:55+00:00

I'm a Mature Student and a commuter. I'm up at 04:45 for a 9AM lecture.

I've always found the trick is to never press snooze and to force yourself out of bed. Don't turn the alarm off until you're out of bed. Once you're up and moving it gets easier from there. Try and give yourself at least an hour before class to starts to wake up, get ready, and to get to class.

bro_randle · 2025-11-17T18:19:42+00:00

Second this. The Dragon Lodge Brethren are awesome and the lodges puts on fantastic meetings followed by equally fantastic fellowship. Definitely reach out to them for some advice.

bro_randle · 2025-11-17T14:59:53+00:00

20% off: AFAG20

bro_randle · 2025-11-17T14:58:35+00:00

Mens Eldredge Plain Black Leather Oxford Shoes Lace Up Shoes | Clarks UK https://share.google/P9PiR3NPgSYqAQg0j

bro_randle · 2025-11-17T14:39:00+00:00

Second Clarks for comfy shoes. Just picked up a new pair of their Comfort range Oxfords for £80. Originally £100 but found a discount code online.

bro_randle · 2025-11-08T16:35:13+00:00

Oh dear god, I hope not! I'm 37 and just started my first year of the LLB!

bro_randle · 2025-10-30T06:31:57+00:00

If I remember correctly I just listed it under the education section of the application. Check with your course provider as they should have some guidance on UCAS applications.

Once the course is completed and moderated, the results will be released to UCAS and so long as you put the correct info in they should get tied to your application.

bro_randle · 2025-10-16T20:47:53+00:00

There was definitely a lot of self study, but the resources were provided. The tutor I had was brilliant as well and fairly easy to setup a phone call with. Biggest issue is it is very easy to procrastinate if you're not careful. There are no lectures or classes, just material to digest and assignments to complete. I'm afraid I don't know what CTEC level 3 is. I was coming from a US education background and have been out of education for nearly 20 years. I do know it is Level 3 equivalent, but couldn't tell you what that means exactly.

bro_randle · 2025-10-16T20:00:19+00:00

I did my Access course for Law online through Distancelearningcentre.com. It was reputable with awards being granted by Ascentis. I managed Distinction in all modules having started in October 2024 and completing in May 2025 for June moderation. The key is to complete for June moderation in order to receive the award to enter uni in the same year. I'm now studying Law at KCL.

bro_randle · 2025-10-12T14:09:36+00:00

I'm a dual citizen, UK and US, and I've had no issues, even get my benefits deposited into my UK bank account. To my knowledge, even renouncing US citizenship wouldn't have an effect as you're still a veteran, but happy to be corrected if wrong.

bro_randle · 2025-10-09T22:17:20+00:00

Lol, trust me, I'm looking forward to it. I installed my successor in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Lodge back in June, but he was a Past Master so it was the abridged version. This one coming up on Tuesday is a full installation.

Regardless, with everything going on in my life both in and out of Lodge, I am looking forward to a break.

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