Date :

Armed Forces Inaugural Dinner

At Durham Masonic Hall we celebrated the start of something special in the Masonic Province of Durham, with the founding of the Armed Forces Network with a full blown mess dinner.

AFC chairman Richard H Tucker MBE, along with the President for the evening John Henry, Vice President Paul Fryer along with Richard Vipond, Frank White, Mark Aram and Lee Whitworth came together to put on a wonderful military dinner experience to bring together the veterans and those who serve in our province.

The team were also joined by members from our neighbouring Province representatives of their “Northumberland Armed Forces Lodge”

The  honoured guest for the evening was 97 year old Gilbert Thompson a veteran of the Airborne Regiment who was twice shot and who flew gliders landing in occupied territory.

The room remembered absent friends  with the silhouette of fallen comrades sitting at their table .

The room was buzzing with friendly military banter between the services and with the accompanying music from the “Prize Winning” Cockerton Brass Band , lee Whitworth and the amazing piper, the atmosphere is fantastic.

In his speech our Provincial Grand Master John Thompson thanked the team for an exceptional evening and for the work the AFC had completed in a busy 12 months and for now launching the Network, he hopes those attending will see what the group are accomplishing and hopefully will be willing to join in. It’s important as an organisation that Freemasons support our armed forces both serving and our veterans.

If you want to support our armoured forces network please contact the secretary Mark Aram: sec.3417@gmail.com

Stronger Together

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Date :

Durham Miners Gala 2023

Durham Miners Gala

Thousands Attend Historic Durham Miners’ Gala

More than 200,000 people attended the Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday to watch the proud display of miners’ banners, processions, and stomping brass band music.The 137th Durham Miners’ Gala, people started to descend on Durham City to march through the streets from early morning to watch and take part in the fantastic padgentry of the day.

Agricola Lodge with the help of other Lodges from the City of Durham, sold over 1500 cans of beer and cider to the public enjoying the Gala on a sun drenched streets of the Cathedral City in Old Elvet, sales of food served in buns on the day included 250 burgers, 10 stones of sausage and bacon and a side order of 100 kg of chips with the Chef’s special Curry sauce.

The cash flowed in from 9am, keeping the Past Provincial Grand Master Eric Heaviside busy in the corner of the hall in his role as chief cas, counting and preparing the money ready for the lodge’s charity steward to bank on Monday morning. The bar was opened in the building with all profits from the event being donated to the Air Ambulance and Local charities.

Following the event the the members wasted no time in making the building ready for the dispatch of masonic business on Monday.

Congratulations to all who made the event another resounding sucess and we look forward to 2024.

Stronger Together

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Date :

Prestonian Lecturer Visits Durham

On Wednesday the 5th July 2023, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, John Paul Thompson informed a packed room at Durham Masonic Hall that the Prestonian lecture is the only lecture given under the authority of UGLE. William Preston (1742-1818), was regarded as the foremost masonic educator of his time, and he left a legacy of £300 to provide an annual lectureship. With the absence of some years the Prestonian lecture has been held since 1820, with lectures now submitting a masonic subject of his own selection. John said he was immensely grateful that Durham should host the 2023 Prestonian lecture and went on to introduce MW Bro Akram Elias who has flown in specially from Washington DC to present the lecture tonight.

Akram’s masonic journey began June 18th 1996 when he was initiated into the society of Freemasonry at Potomac Lodge No.5, under the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia in Washington. He has been Master of several lodges culminating in him being installed as The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington DC on December 8th 2007. John informed the room that tonight’s Lecture was entitled ‘The 1723 Constitutions, The Indispensable Trowel, Cementing America’s foundations’

Akram informed his audience that, unfortunately due to time restraints of the evening, he would not be actually delivering the full Lecture. He did however, go on to captivate the brethren present with his introduction to The 1723 Constitutions and The Great Experiment.  In conclusion, he informed the room that Freemasonry is as relevant today and more needed than ever in the United States and in every free, open, and democratic society on the face of the earth. 

Akram stated that the full lecture is available in a booklet form for sale this evening, with which the brethren can purchase a signed copy. He informed those present that profits from the sales of this English Edition would be donated to The Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Over 100 brethren retired to the festive board where ample provisions had been made and great thanks were paid to VW Bro Akram for his very interesting introduction to the lecture.

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Date :

9833 Club Reunion Meeting

The members of the 9833 club which consists of past members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge held its first visit to Flambard Lodge NO.6874.

The Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Andrew PF Foster was delighted to attend the first club’s reunion visit on Monday 26th June 2023 at The Masonic Temple in Durham City. Twenty-two members attended Flambard Lodge No. 6874 and witnessed a 3rd Degree ceremony.

The club was honoured with the presence of 9 founder members of the Durham Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge 9833. This included 3 Past masters of the lodge which was consecrated in 2007. There was also the Current Master of the DPGSL and some current members in attendance. They will be officially able to join the Club upon their retirement from the lodge.

The club intends to continue with its support visits to various Masonic Halls around the province. They will be in attendance solely as visitors to the lodge, will not take part in the lodge meeting unless members and will observe any lodge traditions. The plan is to sit together at the Festive Board with the purpose of renewing and continuing friendships which were created during their membership in the DPGSL.

Andrew said, “We hope that the host lodge will greatly benefit from our attendance by our contribution to their charitable collection, the raffle at the Festive Board and we will hopefully significantly boost their attendance enhancing the experience for the candidate, members, and other visitors”.


The planned meetings for the Club, which will take place during this masonic year, will be to Sunderland, Gateshead, and Darlington.

Stronger Together



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Date :

Hearl Honoured for His Work in Education

Hearl Lenton was awarded the MBE for his services to education in the King’s First Birthday Honours List. Hearl retired as Chairman of the Wellspring Academy Trust last year having been a Director and Trustee since 2014. During his time as Chair, the Trust grew from 2 to 29 mixed community mainstream schools across Yorkshire, Humberside, and Lincolnshire.

 In 2021 the achievements of the Trust were recognised when it was named Multi Academy Trust of the Year at the National Schools Awards.

On receiving news of the award, he said

“I am delighted to receive this honour which I believe recognises the impact Wellspring Academy has made in education in the region and those people in the Trust who work tirelessly every day to ensure the education of our children is delivered in a progressive and pragmatic way”.

Hearl is continuing his involvement in education and is now Chair of the Exceed Academies Trust based in Bradford.

Hearl is an Officer of Grand Lodge and a member of several Lodges in Yorkshire, and a member of Lambton Lodge in Durham.

On Friday 30th June Lambton Lodge held an emergency meeting to pass two Entered Apprentices, and as it was the first occasion they had met since Hearl had received his MBE, they took the opportunity to mark the occasion by embellishing their already sumptuous festive board with a cake.

Stronger Together

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Date :

Durham Provincial Grand Stewards L9833

Who are we?

The Durham Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge was consecrated in 2007, and is considered a Lodge of privilege as members are selected by the Provincial Grand Master from those Past Masters who have been granted advancement to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Steward. As a member of the Lodge, members will usually retain membership for 6 years and work closely with the Provincial Executive to deliver initiatives across the Province. This is a working Lodge and as such, does not confer any degrees however our meetings are held with the same decorum as all other Craft Lodges. Our meetings work as any other Craft Lodge but are centred around progress reports and updates relating to those Provincial initiatives as well as any other fulfilling work delivered by the Stewards on behalf of the Province.

What do we do

As outlined above, we work closely with the Provincial Executive to support the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham and assist in delivering their initiatives. We are at the heart of the Province and our duties are vast and very rewarding. We have 3 teams within the Lodge:

Director of Ceremonies Team – This team works with the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies and accompany the representatives of the Provincial Grand Master on their official visits to Installation meetings throughout the whole Province. Team members are divided into four geographical regions of the Province with responsibility for Lodge Installations within each of those regions.

Learning and Development Team – This team work closely with the Provincial Learning and Development Officer to deliver Learning and Development initiatives across the Province and aims to educate, instruct, and assist all lodges to increase their Masonic knowledge. They are on hand to enrich Lodge meetings and ultimately to support Lodges in delivering their own Learning and Development needs.

Operations Team – This is the generalist team who lead on delivering the many and varied tasks required by Province. This team supports the Director of Ceremonies Team and the Learning and Development Teams enabling them to fulfil their roles but take primacy when assisting the Provincial Grand Secretary and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies to plan, co-ordinate and deliver the Provincial Annual General Meetings for both Craft and Chapter. During these meetings, you will see members from across the Lodge undertaking a wide range of duties from the collection of Lodge Furniture, setting up, meeting and greeting, car park management, registration, merchandising and close down. A vital role is to oversee the welfare of all those in attendance, providing care, support and attention should the need arise. Other roles within this team include communications, and equipment management, transport, and table planning.

Why join us?

As a member of a Lodge, each year members are selected to join the Provincial Stewards Lodge.

When we meet

The Lodge meets at Durham Masonic Hall, 36 Old Elvet, Durham. DH1 3HN and hold regular meetings on the Fourth Wednesday in April, First Thursday in July, and Fourth Tuesday in October.

Fees

Joining fee: £

Lodge subscriptions: £

Typical dining fee: £

Contact

johnc187@yahoo.co.uk
facilities at Durham Masonic Hall

Address

36 Old Elvet, Durham, Co. Durham, DH1 3HN

Hall information

Directions Google Maps W3W ///book.wallet.lungs Additional Information

Parking: 

Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.

Approach: 

The approach is level off the pavement.

Entrance: 

Wide wheelchair accessible doors.

Emergency: 

The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.

Accessibility:

The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.

Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.

Toilets: 

The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.

Inside: 

A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100. 

Stairs/Lifts: 

There is lift and stair lifts in the building.

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Date :

Sanctuary L8613

Sanctuary Lodge L8613





Who are we?

Sanctuary Lodge was consecrated on 26th April 1975 and is based in the superb
Durham Masonic Hall at Old Elvet in Durham.
Our lodge is made up of our valued members, of which there are more than 40 of us,
and growing! Ranging from 31 years through to 86 years with varying levels of
masonic experience.
Lodge members have diverse backgrounds spanning multiple professions including
Information Technology, Law Enforcement, Passenger Transport, Education,
Finance, Retail, Musicians and Armed Forces. We all share a common goal of
Friendship, Respect & Charity in a welcoming, easy-going atmosphere.

What do we do

Alongside our masonic commitments, we’re a very sociable lodge, noted
throughout the Province for proactive visiting, taking part in and promoting a wide
range of activities both in and out of the lodge.
Our Sanctuary Lodge diners club, our events, social evenings, and get-togethers are
very popular among our members, visitors and those interested in joining
freemasonry.
We take pride in our masonry and encourage every Brother to take part in our lodge
work should they wish to do so and assist with our charitable endeavours.
Brotherly Love – Relief – Truth

Why join us?



When we meet

We meet seven times a year on the second
Monday in February, March, April, May,
September, October & November.
The start time for the evening is usually 6.45pm
except for our February Installation meeting
which is usually starts at 5.30pm.

Fees

Joining fee: £73.50

Lodge subscriptions: £138.00

Typical dining fee: £10.00

Contact



secretary@sanctuary8613.co.uk




facilities at Durham Masonic Hall

Parking: 

Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.

Approach: 

The approach is level off the pavement.

Entrance: 

Wide wheelchair accessible doors.

Emergency: 

The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.

Accessibility:

The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.

Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.

Toilets: 

The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.

Inside: 

A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100. 

Stairs/Lifts: 

There is lift and stair lifts in the building.


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Date :

Bede College L4840

Bede College L4840





Who are we?

The prime mover in the foundation of Bede College Lodge was the Principal of Bede College along with several others including the Bishop of Durham, the Director of Education, the Registrar and several Headmasters, all with strong connections to Bede College.

The Lodge was consecrated on the 16th October 1926 by the Provincial Grand Master, Lord Ravensworth. Originally founded for those people who were or had been connected with Bede College, the Lodge has grown into a Lodge which today comprises of members from all walks of life.

What do we do

When we meet, we celebrate being Freemason in our ritual in the Lodge, then afterwards we gather and  socialise over a hearty meal. Along with expanding our knowledge by listening to short lectures we also contribute a lot to Charity both from our collections and raffles as well as taking part in sponsored events. We have social events such as barbecues and evening dining in which we invite our wives, family, and friends along.

Why join us?

As with many Lodges we have members from all walks of life who enjoy each other’s company and friendship. We try to look after our older members to make sure they are not forgotten in modern day life as well as catering for the younger generation.



When we meet

The fourth Friday of the month in January, March, May, June, September, October, November.

Fees

Joining fee: £110.00 + £35.00 Initiation Fee

Lodge subscriptions: £240.00

Typical dining fee: £0.00 Included with Lodge Subscription fees.

Contact



bedecollegelodge4840@gmail.com




facilities at Durham Masonic Hall

Parking: 

Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.

Approach: 

The approach is level off the pavement.

Entrance: 

Wide wheelchair accessible doors.

Emergency: 

The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.

Accessibility:

The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.

Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.

Toilets: 

The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.

Inside: 

A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100. 

Stairs/Lifts: 

There is lift and stair lifts in the building.


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Date :

Durham Lodge of Installed Masters L4441





Who are we?

The Lodge was formed in 1923 by a group of forward looking Installed Master’s who realised that, due to the influx of new members, there was little lodge time available for instruction and advancement in Masonic knowledge. The purpose of the lodge is to improve Masonic Knowledge and understanding by providing lectures on a vast range of Masonic subjects whilst maintaining the core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

What do we do

We have a membership of over 80 Installed Masters and we welcome new members to join us who have passed through the chair of their Lodge. We provide an opportunity for Masons from around the Province to meet new friends, to develop their Masonic knowledge by providing lectures on a variety of subjects and to enjoy each other’s company.

Why join us?

We have a cross section of members from Lodges around the Province who can each share their Masonic experiences and enlighten those who are seeking to develop their own Masonic knowledge and understanding of our fraternity. We encourage new Masters to join our Lodge but there is no pressure to take an office unless you are invited to do so. Charitable giving is always at the forefront of our minds, and we support many Masonic and Non-Masonic causes.



When we meet

4th Wednesday in February and October and the 1st Wednesday in May and July

Fees

Joining fee: £1.00

Lodge subscriptions: £50.00

Typical dining fee: £10.00 – £15.00

Contact



07801104400


normanalderson@sky.com




facilities at Durham Masonic Hall

Parking: 

Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.

Approach: 

The approach is level off the pavement.

Entrance: 

Wide wheelchair accessible doors.

Emergency: 

The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.

Accessibility:

The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.

Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.

Toilets: 

The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.

Inside: 

A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100. 

Stairs/Lifts: 

There is lift and stair lifts in the building.


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Date :

Elvet L5631





Who are we?

Elvet Lodge 5631, the lodge was consecrated on the 20th of October 1936 by Brethren who lived and worked within the surrounds of the City of Durham. Our membership has always been diverse and inclusive and represents trades and professionals from all levels of society. We are a friendly, harmonious group, who enjoy the company of likeminded individuals. Our goals are simple we enjoy our freemasonry, enjoy socialising, have a keen interest in charitable giving and supporting the local community. 

What do we do

Elvet Lodge is small lodge with a big presence. Our charitable giving and fundraising were recognised at the last Masonic festival with a Platinum award for raising approximately £40,000 over 5 years. In raising these funds, we had members involved in many activities across the province including a Coast-to-Coast bike ride, the Great North Run, three peaks challenge, sponsored walks and even tackled a very muddy assault course. So, if you like a challenge and want to meet new friends along the way. We could be the lodge for you. 

Why join us?

With fantastic social opportunities, charitable giving and friendship at the heart of what we do it might be quicker to list the reasons not to join us. 



When we meet

Third Tuesday – October, November, December, January, February, March, April & May. 

Lodge of Instruction: First Thursday – October, November, December, January, February, March & April.

Fees

Joining fee: £80

Lodge subscriptions: £144

Typical dining fee: £12

Contact



elvetlodgesecretary@outlook.com




facilities at Durham Masonic Hall

Parking: 

Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.

Approach: 

The approach is level off the pavement.

Entrance: 

Wide wheelchair accessible doors.

Emergency: 

The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.

Accessibility:

The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.

Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.

Toilets: 

The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.

Inside: 

A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100. 

Stairs/Lifts: 

There is lift and stair lifts in the building.


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