On Thursday 8th October, the Lodge of the Flaming Torch No.4874 gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester for a memorable and uplifting evening of Freemasonry. The meeting centred on a Third Degree ceremony for Ogulcan Eren, with members and visitors working together seamlessly to ensure the occasion was both dignified and enjoyable. Despite a handful of last‑minute changes, the lodge rose to the challenge with impressive teamwork. Every brother involved played their part to de

Wednesday 7th October 2026 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester Freemasons’ Hall Leicester was the setting for a landmark evening as members of the Craft and Royal Arch came together for a combined Festive Board, a first for the Province and a clear demonstration of the shared journey between the two Orders. Separate Meetings, Shared Purpose The evening began with three units meeting in their respective rooms: Gabriel Newton Cricket Lodge No.9071 St John’s Lodge No.279 Chapter of th

Friday 2nd October 2026 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester The Chapter of Fortitude No.279 welcomed a distinguished gathering on Friday 2nd October, as the Provincial Team of Officers, led by the Head of Royal Arch Masonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, Noel Manby, attended the Chapter’s meeting. The Chapter team had undergone several last‑minute changes, but any challenges were met with calm professionalism. Paul Tomkins, who normally serves as Treasurer, stepped forward to preside

On 17th September 2026, Richard Keenan, of Wiclif Chapter No. 3078, proudly presented a donation of £1,500 to The Laura Centre in Leicester. The funds were raised through charitable giving during Richard’s year in office, supported by an additional contribution from the Provincial Grand Chapter of Leicestershire & Rutland. The presentation was attended by Clive Sparling, Wiclif Chapter Charity Steward and Provincial Grand Charity Steward, Lisa Patel, representing The Laura Ce

On Tuesday 29th September, Highcross Lodge No.4835 marked a historic milestone as members and guests gathered at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester to celebrate one hundred years since the lodge’s consecration. Fittingly, the evening took place in the magnificent Holmes Lodge Room, providing a dignified backdrop for such an important occasion. The lodge was honoured by the presence of the full Provincial team, led by the Provincial Grand Master, Peter Kinder, who took the Chair for t

On Monday 28th September 2026 the Vale of Catmos Chapter donated £1,000 to the Derbyshire and Leicestershire & Rutland Division of the Air Ambulance Service at Coventry Airport. The Derbyshire and Leicestershire & Rutland Division of the Air Ambulance Service provides rapid, life‑saving emergency medical care across the region. Operating from Coventry Airport, the service delivers advanced critical‑care support to patients in urgent need, responding to serious incidents, acci

As part of our ongoing engagement with the Armed Forces Covenant and our Community Engagement initiative, the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland, through the LRFC (Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Charity), was pleased to support The Not Forgotten Charity by assisting and providing financial backing with a garden party for veterans held at The Fable Yard, Whatton House, on the 1st September 2026. The Not Forgotten Charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of veteran

At the Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Devonshire Court Care Home in Oadby, Leicester, held on Thursday 17th September 2026, the Head of Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, Peter Kinder, was delighted to unveil a meaningful new addition to the home’s gardens. Over recent months, residents and visitors had watched a new structure take shape, a large, purpose‑built greenhouse designed with full wheelchair access. The project, led by Phil Kent and his team, was cre

The Chapter of Welcome No. 5664 held its annual installation meeting on 16th September 2026 at Freemasons' Hall, Leicester, marking the moment Sominder Jandu took the helm for the next twelve months. Richard Howe, the outgoing First Principal, handed over the reins with the efficiency and warmth that have become the hallmark of his year in office, ensuring a smooth and dignified transition for his successor. The Chapter room was filled well beyond its usual complement, with m

On Tuesday 15th September 2026, the Derek Buswell Lodge of Provincial Grand Stewards gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for its annual Installation meeting. Consecrated on 18th January 2000, the Lodge was founded with a unique membership: those who have served as part of the Provincial Grand Stewards team. Twenty‑six years later, the Lodge continues to flourish. With a membership now exceeding eighty, its Stewards play vital roles throughout the year at major Provincial

On 16th July, Mark Smith and Roger Snow of Enderby Lodge No.5061, visited The Laura Centre in Leicester to celebrate a donation of £3,500 to the charity. The Laura Centre was Mark’s nominated cause during his year as Master, chosen for its vital work supporting families through the most difficult of circumstances. Founded in 1991, The Laura Centre provides specialist therapeutic services for parents who have lost a child, as well as counselling for children and young people w

Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Charity has completed its £20,000 “Platinum Pledge” to national children's charity Lifelites, funding sensory and assistive technology now used by more than 750 seriously ill children and young people every year. Children and families at Rainbows Hospice use Lifelites technology to play, connect and build precious memories together. Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Charity (LRFC) has completed a four-year, £20,000 “Platinum Pledge” to Li

Marc Shackleton of the Vale of Catmos Lodge has successfully completed the Viking Way, walking an impressive 148 miles from Barton‑upon‑Humber to Oakham in support of the Rutland Rotaract Family Support Centre. Marc set off on Saturday 25 July, having travelled to Barton the day before, and reached his finishing point at Oakham Library at 6pm on 1 August. His journey took him through the rolling landscapes of the Lincolnshire Wolds, which he described as one of the most beaut

Six members of Hastings Lodge No. 8695 who meet at the Masonic Hall in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, visited the Renal Unit at Derby Royal Infirmary on Friday 14th August to present a donation in support of an important fundraising appeal. The Lodge was represented by Peter Jones, together with Mervyn Wass, Stuart Cooper, John Starkey, Tony Jones and Malcolm Bond. A cheque for £1,150 was handed over, although the Lodge’s total contribution amounted to £1,200. Supporting

The Old Oakhamian Lodge No. 8033 proudly welcomed brethren from across the country on Saturday 15th August 2026, as Oakham School hosted this year’s meeting of the Federation of School Lodges. The gathering brought together members from school‑linked Lodges nationwide for a day celebrating friendship, heritage, and the enduring traditions of academically connected Freemasonry. The Lodge was honoured by the attendance of Assistant Grand Master Stephen Varley and Past Assistant

The 2026 Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons Raceday, held on Sunday 9 August, delivered another outstanding day of fundraising, fellowship, and live racing, all in support of LOROS Hospice and the Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons’ Charity. Supporters, families, and Freemasons from across the two counties headed to Leicester Racecourse for what has quickly become one of the most anticipated charity fixtures of the summer. Rather than a standard day trackside, guests enjoye

12th August 2026 – Paddy’s Marten Inn, Leicester The Lodge of Gratitude No.6514 enjoyed their much‑loved annual curry night at Paddy’s Marten Inn on 12th August 2026. A year at Gratitude simply wouldn’t feel complete without this gathering of members, friends, and family. The lodge is well known for its enjoyable social outings, a tradition proudly upheld since the Lodge began meeting at Freemasons’ Hall Leicester back in 1948. The group filled a lively corner of the restaura

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, who took office on the 14th May 2026 and is serving for the 2026–27 civic year, visited Freemasons’ Hall Leicester this week to gain a deeper understanding of the charitable work carried out by Freemasons across the city and county. The visit also offered an opportunity to explore the historic and architecturally significant building on London Road, in the heart of Leicester. Councillor Johal was welcomed by Peter

Sometimes the greatest difference begins with a simple decision to give our time, energy and care to others. Martha Millington-Pipe, granddaughter of Mervyn Wass of Ferrers and Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, recently travelled to Kenya with Derby County Community Trust to volunteer at Jubilee School. What followed was a life-changing experience filled with teaching, laughter, friendship and practical service. Supported by her family and generous donations from Ha

In May this year, Rev’d Clive Watts, then Master of Grace Dieu Lodge No. 2428 in Coalville, travelled to Manila in the Philippines to spend two weeks volunteering with The Streetlight Trust. This UK charity supports the work of Kanlungan sa Er‑Ma Ministries, which provides vital care for some of the poorest and most vulnerable street children in the Ermita and Malate districts of the city. During his visit, Clive witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by children living in