Pepper’s – a Safe Place – has received a £1,000 donation from St Mary’s Freemasons Lodge No. 7164 to support its new centre in Melton Mowbray, where the number of people using the service has doubled since the move. Located on Nottingham Street, the new centre is helping Pepper’s reach more adults in need of support with their mental health, emotional wellbeing and loneliness. Its welcoming and accessible setting has made it easier for people to drop in, connect with others a

This year’s Sportsman’s Dinner took place on Thursday, 19th March 2026, at the Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium. Now firmly established as a highlight in the calendar, the event once again delivered an evening of exceptional entertainment, camaraderie, and charitable generosity. Guests were treated to not one but two international sporting megastars as headline speakers. Presiding over the evening’s proceedings and returning by popular demand was Roger Dakin . A former

The Lodge of the Flaming Torch No. 4874 continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most sociable and welcoming lodges. In recent months, members, friends, and families have enjoyed a lively calendar of events ranging from skittles evenings to curry nights and a variety of informal get‑togethers. On Sunday 29th March, the Lodge took its convivial spirit to the Wycliffe Rooms in Lutterworth, where members filled three large tables for the venue’s popular monthly Sund

Freemasons’ Hall Leicester played host to a warm and memorable family gathering as Lodge Semper Eadem welcomed The Holmes Lodge, Prince Rupert Lodge, and the Lodge of Gratitude for a special quadripartite meeting. This annual occasion celebrated the close bond between the four lodges. Lodge Semper Eadem takes the role of “step-mum”, while The Holmes Lodge is the Mother Lodge of both Prince Rupert Lodge and the Lodge of Gratitude - making this truly a Masonic family affair. Th

Thursday, 26th March 2026 Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester was alive with energy on Thursday as Royal Arch Masons from Leicestershire, Rutland, and neighbouring provinces assembled for their Annual Meeting. The event, a highlight of the Masonic calendar, drew a strong attendance as companions came together to witness the appointment of officers for the year ahead. The meeting was presided over by the head of Royal Arch Masonry in the two counties, Noel Manby, supported by his ex

Raj Solanki, who has led Knighton Lodge No. 4711 over the past year, proudly selected Heartwize as the Lodge’s charity for his term. The organisation works to increase public awareness of out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest, ensure basic resuscitation skills are taught in schools, and expand access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across local communities. For Raj, this mission carries deep personal meaning following his wife’s heart attack two years ago. To support the

Ratae Meridian Lodge No.9673, the only daylight Lodge in the Province, brought members, families, friends, and prospective members together on 28th January 2026 for a memorable charity event in support of PASIC , a local organisation providing end‑of‑life care and vital support to children with cancer and their families across Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire. The event was hosted at Amrut Indian Restaurant  in the heart of Leicester, where guests enjoyed

Members of the Jason Lodge No.7716, Leicester’s Freemasons lodge dedicated to cycling, were proud to attend Wednesday's fantastic inclusive cycling session at Abbey Park — and even prouder to present a donation of £2,731 to Leicester Wheels For All  in support of their Great Central Rides project. The event was especially memorable as it was attended by Chris Boardman CBE — Olympic champion, Active Travel England Commissioner, and now the new patron of the Wheels for All char

Monday 23 March 2026 — Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester. The Lodge of Research No. 2429, meeting in Leicester, had the honour of hosting this year’s Prestonian Lecture, “King Solomon’s Temple in Myth and Ritual.” This marked the inaugural delivery of the 2026 Prestonian Lecturer by Daniel Miles Johnson, DepG Treasurer. Daniel was initiated into Apollo University Lodge No. 357 in February 2004, and at the Quarterly Communication of December 2025 he was appointed as the United Gran

Royal Arch Freemasons in Leicestershire & Rutland are fortunate to have a thriving Chapter dedicated to Companions who have served in the Principals’ chairs. The Chapter of Installed First Principals  follows the same traditions as any other Chapter, including the annual Installation of a new team to guide its work for the year ahead. A strong turnout on 17 March  saw members gather to witness the Installation of the new leadership team: Mark Street , Steve Skidmore , and Ste

Granite Chapter gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for their annual Installation meeting, marking another milestone in the life of this vibrant Chapter. Adding to the sense of occasion was the presence of the Head of Royal Arch Freemasonry in Leicestershire & Rutland, Noel Manby , accompanied by members of his Provincial team. The evening’s proceedings were led with assurance by Richard Barnett , who concluded his successful year as First Principal by installing his suc

The 398th meeting of St. Martin’s Chapter No. 3431 took place on Monday 9th March 2026 at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, marking the Chapter’s annual installation meeting and the formal handover to a new leadership team for the coming year. A Smooth and Dignified Transition The Chapter has enjoyed an excellent year under the capable guidance of Robert Warrington and his officers. Their hard work, commitment, and steady leadership were evident throughout the past twelve months.

Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday 7th March 2026 with a special event at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester. The milestone brought together civic leaders, healthcare partners, and Freemasons to honour a quarter‑century of providing comfort to children in hospital. Founded in Essex 25 years ago, TLC began as a simple idea: to give a teddy bear to children attending Accident & Emergency units or hospital wards, helping to ease fear and anxiety

A highly successful prostate cancer screening clinic was held on Saturday 7th February 2026 at Desford Community Primary School, offering an important health service to men from across the local area. The medical team was led by Miss Jyoti Shah MBE , consultant urologist with the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, supported by specialist nurses Lauren  and Vanessa , along with Jyoti’s husband Paresh . All four generously volunteered their time to make the clinic possible

Sunday 22nd February 2026 Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester welcomed an impressive gathering of around 160 guests for a superb Sunday Lunch, bringing together Freemasons, their families, and friends for an afternoon of fellowship and entertainment. Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared three‑course traditional Sunday roast, accompanied by a performance from the renowned Loughborough Male Voice Choir, whose programme added warmth and atmosphere to the occasion. For many attendees, i

Beacon Chapter No. 5208, part of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, has marked a milestone by welcoming four new members to the Royal Arch at a single meeting. Following a strong period of interest from new candidates, members of the chapter agreed to hold a special ceremony on Friday 13 February 2026. With support from the Province, the Chapter was able to bring four candidates through the Royal Arch joining ceremony (known as an Exaltation) in one evening. The meeting w

The Masonic Hall in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, was a hive of activity on 19 February 2026 as members and guests of the Breedon & Cloud Hill Assemblage gathered for a full day of ceremonial work and fellowship. The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Pavoirs, Plaisterers and Bricklayers, more commonly known as The Operatives , assembled to conduct a 7th Degree Ceremony, an Arch Degree Ceremony, and a First Degree Ceremony to welcome a newly Ind

Families with young children across Leicestershire and Rutland will receive vital support thanks to a grant from Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons to the Home-Start Horizons charity. The £15,000 grant will support Home-Start Horizons’ family groups and wider work with families and children. The funding will enable the charity to continue providing early help, practical support and emotional guidance to parents facing a range of challenges. Home-Start Horizons works alongsid

Freemasonry’s commitment to supporting local communities was recently demonstrated by St Mary’s Freemasons’ Lodge No. 7164, which has made a £500 donation to Melton Mowbray Swimming Club, helping the club move closer to an important equipment goal. The swimming club, based at the town’s Waterfield Leisure Centre, is raising £2,500 to purchase five specialist backstroke start ledges—equipment that plays a vital role in modern competitive swimming. The cheque was presented by D

Royal Arch Freemasons from Leicestershire & Rutland came together on Saturday 31st January 2026 for their annual Dinner Dance, held at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester. Nearly 120 companions and guests filled the beautifully decorated hall, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the highlights of the Royal Arch calendar. Attendees enjoyed an excellent three‑course meal, expertly prepared and served by the team at Devonshire Place, whose efforts were warmly appreciated througho