Who are we?
Vale of Tees Lodge No 5016 (Consecrated 1928) after having several meeting places in and around the dale, now meets in its own Lodge premises situated on the main street running through the village of Middleton in Teesdale. We very much welcome approaches for membership by anyone wishing to join masonry for the first time. Past members wishing to re-join a lodge are, of course, equally welcome.
What we do
Situated in the South West of the Province of Durham we pride ourselves in being a friendly and open Lodge, keeping the age-old traditions of the Lodge alive, helping the local Dales communities, contributing to Provincial efforts and respecting belief in the principles of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. Our December meeting is generally taken to be our ‘Christmas Party’, which is devoted to entertaining wives, partners, friends and guests.
Why join us?
Situated in beautiful Upper Teesdale, within the North Pennines and closely linked with the other ‘Dales’ lodges we used to draw our membership from within the ‘Dales’, but more recently we have started to draw membership from a wider catchment area. We are a proactive Lodge, fully supporting initiatives within the area. We believe in living life to the full working hard but above all helping others whilst trying to have fun in the process. Our aim is always with charity in mind the bigger the challenge the better.
Our location in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers the chance to enjoy the journey to and from meetings with time available to further explore Teesdale attractions in the remainder of the day.
Parking:
Parking for cars is available in the free public car park in the centre of the village, and throughout the village within permitted roadside parking areas. By arrangement parking can be made available for one car to park immediately in front of the building.
Approach:
Long steady ramp to front entrance and level access to lower floor dining areas and toilets.
Entrance:
Wide door, level entrance.
Emergency:
Ample exit provision on the ground floor, first floor requires descent of stairs although in extreme emergency window exit available to flat roof. Recommended linked smoke alarms fitted throughout.
Accessibility:
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:
Situated on the ground floor, separate disabled provision.
Inside:
The ground floor is basically one level and proven to be wholly wheelchair accessible. The temple is on the first floor.
Stairs/Lifts:
Stairs lifts are fitted and handrails in place on one side.
