Hugo Khan

19-year old computer science student at King's College London

EA in St Catherine's Lodge No 3743.

Hugo was introduced to Freemasonry by family, his father and two uncles being Masons, and his father having being in the chair of the Lodge into which he was initiated. He says he is looking forward to progressing to becoming a Master Mason, perhaps joining another Lodge as a side interest and to “explore the wider opportunities that Freemasonry has to offer… One day I would love to become a master of a Lodge and join other groups in Freemasonry, join a chapter for example. I'm very lucky that at university I can have a good balance between studying and the other things university has to offer; whether sport or other societies as well as do things like this outside uni. I see myself as very social, I like meeting people all the time; and as a Londoner living in Surrey it's nice that there is such a big network of Freemasons in London and it is is a global centre for Freemasonry. For me joining Freemasonry was always a when rather than an if.”  He is looking forward to exploring opportunities in Freemasonry both in the City and in Surrey where he lives.

Eugene Docherty

Aged 66, originally from Glasgow, living in Bishops Stortford, an executive assistant to company directors at Kantar UK.

With the Royal Naval College and United Services Lodge 1596 having had an armed services background; initiated in February. Has worked in the Royal Air Force, Prince's Trust and royal household.

“Before Christmas 2025, I was staying over at the Union Jack Club and I was in the bar. There were some lads in there and I got chatting as you do; and they were all in dark suits. One had a badge on and they were all ex-army. They said they were all military Masons. I hadn't heard of them, but one said ‘I'll give you my card and you can contact me if you want to join’. I had this thing that Roman Catholics couldn't join, but he said ‘I don't know where you heard that, but it's not true’”.

“It's the camaraderie. The guy who introduced me is a group captain but everyone just seems to get on. After my initiation, we had a festive board at the RAF Club and sitting at the table, it was interesting to be with different people from different occupations.”

Matteo Paciletti

Aged 47, a London Underground resilience and business continuity support manager from Brazil with an Italian background.

Initiated into Aldersgate Lodge No 3939 in February.

“When I was younger back in Brazil, I used to hear a lot about Masonry and I was curious to understand more and learn more about it. Last October there was an open day here in Covent Garden. I attended and was fascinated and decided I wanted to be part of it, to discover and to learn more.

“They have made me very welcome so far… it feels like a big family. I want to enjoy my journey in Freemasonry. I want to learn a lot more about the history and traditions. I feel like I've found my people, 100 per cent, everyone has been so welcoming. I'm very pleased at my decision so far.

Wali Sahebzadeh

A 24-year old enterprize risk analyst from Hove, originally from Afghanistan.

Circle Lodge No 5087 EA.

Wali says, “The UK was my destiny. I came here when I was 14. It wasn't my choice, but when I came to Great Britain, I realised what a very great culture it has – and this includes Masonry. I used to live with a foster family and it had Masonic connections – my grandfather and father were masters of a Lodge in Kent.  I came across a picture and asked a few questions. It was fascinating, they explained why they were in a picture wearing specific regalia. Later, in Eastbourne, I met some Masons who said they would support me through private college. Then last year I was scrolling TikTok and saw an ad for an open day in London for Freemasons and I signed up to join. 

“When I joined my first Lodge, Circle Lodge, it was quite interesting to connect with people, to make connections that were valuable and good quality. I would like to use my time effectively. My goal is to be more useful for society.”

Matt Blower

An electrician from Farnham, Surrey.

EA in Castle Lodge. Initiated in January.

“I had a few close friends who were in Castle Lodge; they told me briefly what was involved and how it would better me as an individual. Everything they told me came across as something that would rally interest me, so I thought I'd become involved myself. So far, I've loved everything that's been given to me. I've become a better individual, building myself as a person, becoming a better man in myself.

“I love the cameraderie, the brotherhood that I'm with. Ordinarily I'm not an individual who goes out a lot, but the people I'm with do bring that side out of me and I just know that when I'm with them I'm going to have a good time and we've all got the same ideology, the same principles and that's good for me.

“I've already started visiting other Lodges and meeting so many people. It's been fascinating meeting so many new people, it really has.”

Luiz Alencar

A 39 year old Brazilian IT consultant.

Initiated into Valentines Park Lodge No 4412.

“I first heard about Masonry in Brazil; but of course they don't speak much about it! When I started work here, my colleague, who is a Mason, invited me to join and I was initiated last December. I have faith and I'm always looking to improve myself. I feel I've found my community.

“I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible. I'm not sure where it will take me but it's already very interesting to know more people, to know about the history and looking for ways to be a better person. It's very new but every meeting I have been to, people are very kind – and it's helping me with my language skills.”

This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.

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