FREEMASONS from across South Bucks stepped back 300 years to celebrate their historic beginnings by holding a recreation of an 18th century masonic meeting.

A travelling troupe of re-enactors staged the event to mark the 50th anniversary of Bourne End lodge at the Masonic Centre in St Peter Street, Marlow.

The participants, who wore authentic clothing, are members of a display team of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire freemasons who recreate an authentic ceremony from 1759.

Around 30 members of Bourne End lodge watched the presentation, accompanied by around 50 guests.

Secretary Bill Medcraft, a retired chief telephone engineer, of Abbey Road, Bourne End, said: “It was like stepping back into history – something that I won’t forget for a long time.

“In particular, it was a real education to see how many of the traditions that we hold dear today, such as friendship, decency, and charity, began around three centuries ago.”

Bourne End is one of 21 lodges and 10 chapters which meet at Marlow Masonic Centre to raise money for local charities.

For more information about freemasonry and how the group helps the community visit www.buckspgl.org