Who are we?
We are a Musical Lodge and our membership consists mainly of instrumentalists, singers and music teachers and we need no excuse to include music wherever possible at our meetings. Our ceremonial music is unique to the lodge.
What we do
So what makes our lodge special and how do we assist the community?
Part of our annual subs. goes into a trust fund to support young musicians and they can apply to the lodge for a bursary to help with tuition fees, travel to specialist music colleges, buying an instrument and attending courses. We also have an annual Composing Competition where GCSE and A level pupils from schools in the Province submit their compositions to our judging panel to win cash prizes (£100 and several others) and a trophy for their school. At our September meeting the winning compositions are performed, either live or a recording and the winners bring their parents and music teachers to support them and stay to the Festive Board. We keep track of our previous winners and bursary recipients who often return to perform for us in thanks for our help.
With the exception of our Installation the other meetings usually consist of opening and closing, as we are all Past Masters and then we have a half hour concert given by invited performers. This can be a choir or instrumental group or a soloist and they get a fee for their work. The standard is very high and well worth a visit. In May, the members provide the concert and this is often most interesting! Wives and non- masonic guests always attend the concerts and festive board except at Installations.
Why join us?
I you have a love of music as well as Freemasonry come and join our happy lodge and be part of a unique masonic experience. We await your response with anticipation.
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.
