Who are we?
We are an eclectic mix of Freemasons. We were founded in 1928 and will shortly be celebrating our 100th Anniversary. That will be a party like no other!! Our founders were all Commercial Travellers. There are those who have said, that in order to succeed in business, a Commercial Traveller needs to be a charmer. In 1967 we opened lodge membership not just to Commercial Travellers but to all gentlemen. The lodge has never looked back. Charm (Fellowship) however remains our core value. We see lifelong friendships develop and grow amongst all our members.
What we do
We are a social group who enjoy meeting together. We are pleased to help small local charities. Our activities outside the lodge room include visiting and watching local sports teams, rugby being a favourite. We walk with our family and friends. We play sports together, quoits is another favourite, although this year we will be trying our hand at Archery, Axe throwing, Curling and Clay Pigeon Shooting. All of these events are accompanied by good food and drink and we always try to raise a little extra money for our hosts to thank them for looking after us.
Why join us?
Well just look at what we do. We are all like minded men with similar outlooks That is why men come and join us. Our meetings gently challenge us and help us to develop into better people. We eat and drink well at each meeting in an atmosphere of good fellowship. We involve our families and friends whenever we can. We take great satisfaction from helping others at our local level. We know we can initiate more help at a county level. Across the country we are a contributor to of the one of the largest charities working nationally and internationally extending relief across the world.
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.
