Who are we?
Milbanke Lodge was consecrated in 1956, and since then we have held the bond of friendship, respect for colleague’s, acquaintances and the public in general outside our organization.
We have a very friendly, relaxed and most welcoming atmosphere in our lodge and receive many regular visitors from other lodges to attend our meetings due to this, in fact you will always find a warm welcome at Milbanke.
What we do
We have a keen interest in developing our Brethren in all aspects of Craft Masonry and ensure that all of our members have a part to play in our evenings, from reciting ritual in our ceremonies to helping steward our guests at the festive board afterwards.
We trust in to be a mason is a wish to do good in our community and life in general, and promote this by advancing our masonic knowledge and receiving talks from our members on a variety of subjects
Why join us?
We are a vibrant group who enjoy each other’s company. Within the lodge, our members have many interests but commonly share the same goal of self-improvement and helping each other to help others.
Our members have a many different pastimes, from a wide variety of sports, entertainment to more niche interests such as bee-keeping and Lego collecting Currently, we have a wide age range, with our youngest members in their 30’s and pride ourselves on a very friendly, relaxed and most welcoming atmosphere in our lodge.
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.
