Who are we?
The St Cuthbert Lodge is the 3rd oldest Freemasons Lodge in Darlington. We currently have 46 members, 26 of which are ‘Light Blue’ at the moment. The oldest member of the lodge is aged 93 and the youngest is 30 years of age – a 60+year span. Many of our members are active in the local community either in the service industries or local government, NHS and other professions. There are members who have served in the Armed Forces, the Police and Fire Services, Bakers, Self-employed businessmen, and those that 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
With a steady stream of new members, The St Cuthbert Lodge prides itself on the quality of its ritual, we strive to give everyone the best experience whether they are the candidate, participant delivering it or a visitor to the lodge. We have a good record in giving to Charity, being one of the five Darlington Lodges that gained a Platinum Award for their efforts in the Durham 2021 Festival Appeal and donates to local charities on a regular basis.
Why join us?
We are a friendly lodge that welcomes allcomers and prides itself on being an inclusive lodge. We actively encourage all of our members to integrate, join in all of our activities and to become one among many, as opposed to feeling like an outsider when they come to a meeting. The Lodge is a friendly, fun lodge that tries to ensure its members and visitors have a pleasurable experience whenever they meet. All are encouraged to join in and contribute to the evenings experience.
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.
