Who are we?
We currently have 20 members and have started to attract a good number of new joining and re-joining members. The age range within the lodge is from 35+ to around 85 years of age. Many of our members are active in the local community either in the service industries or local government, the NHS and other professions. There are also members who have served in the Armed Forces, Police, Fire Services and some are self-employed businessmen, and some, who have retired from paid employment. The lodge has a wide-ranging membership drawn from all walks of life in Darlington and the surroundings community, we are very friendly and actively welcome everyone.
What we do
County Lodge looks to make every meeting an enjoyable event, we are not the best at ritual, but we do have fun and we strive to give everyone the best experience. If there is no ceremony on the night of a meeting, there is always a talk or lecture on masonic related subjects.
We do have a legacy Trust Fund, which we use to donate to non-masonic charities we have a good record in giving to Charity, having gained a Silver Award for our efforts in the Durham 2021 Festival Appeal.
Why join us?
The Lodge is a friendly, fun lodge, that endeavours to ensure its members and visitors have a pleasurable experience whenever they meet. Everyone is encouraged to join in and contribute to the evenings experience. We welcome allcomers and pride ourselves on being an inclusive lodge. We actively encourage all our members to integrate, join in all of our activities and to become one among many.
If you have any enquires about the lodge or are interested in joining, please contact the Secretary on the above email address.
Parking:
Ample car parking in adjacent ‘pay and display’ public facility. Free after 6pm and to ‘blue badge’ holders.
Approach:
Somewhat unobtrusive ‘slip road’ entry off dual carriageway near town’s “Bondgate” roundabout becoming a one-way system to and from car park.
Entrance:
Wide door, wheelchair accessible.
Emergency:
Illuminated emergency exits on all floors. Diagrams of emergency escape routes are posted throughout the building and on the information TV. Smoke detectors are installed at the relevant points throughout the building.
We also have a defibrillator adjacent to the front door which is also accessible to the public.
Accessibility:
Close to Town Centre on its northern side, near commercial buildings and one of the Town’s (long stay) public car parks. Clearly signed as “Freemasons’ Hall” when seen from nearby dual carriageway. Wheelchair access at main entrance and at (rear) ‘service’ entrance by arrangement. Controlled entry via a somewhat unobtrusive ‘plain’ door with handrail and ramp.
Toilets:
Accessible toilets.
Inside:
Entrance ’lobby’ with access to ground floor facilities which include smart Lounge/bar, superb large dining room, cloakrooms and toilets (inc disabled). Lodge room seating 90 (approx) upstairs with extra chairs brought in when needed. Small ‘robing room’ for Grand Officers doubles as a local ‘museum.’ Attendance registration table immediately outside Lodge Room entrance.
Stairs/Lifts:
Stairs with ‘half-landing’ and handrails and/or lift provide access to upper floor.
