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

When David Haines of Lodge of Welcome headed over to Trident Lodge for an installation meeting, he found himself in the middle of exactly the kind of occasion that reminds Brethren why visiting is such a joy. Trident Lodge is an English Constitution Lodge under United Grand Lodge of England, bearing the number 9891. It received its Warrant on 12 December 2013 and was consecrated on 15 March 2014 and is listed as meeting at the Holiday Inn Pattaya on Beach Road. The setting su

On behalf of Commercial Lodge 1391, Paul Bodell recently made a presentation to Heart Link Children's Charity, based at Glenfield Hospital and closely connected with its specialist child heart care unit. The presentation was made to the charity’s Vice Chair, Graeme Williams, alongside specialist care nurses who support children and families attending cardiac services. A donation of £300 was handed over to assist the charity’s ongoing work supporting families and raising funds

Edward Sherrier Lodge No. 6757 enjoyed a memorable and warmly celebratory meeting on 5 December, marking a truly significant milestone in the Lodge’s history. The occasion honoured W. Bro. Martin Sercombe, who celebrated the 40th anniversary of his initiation into Freemasonry and his long-standing membership of Edward Sherrier Lodge. The evening was made all the more special by the presence of numerous guests, many of whom have shared enduring friendships with Martin both wit

Phil Dodd, a longstanding and much-respected member of St Martins Lodge in Leicester, celebrated an exceptional milestone on Wednesday the 17th December 2025, marking exactly 50 years since he first joined the Lodge. To commemorate the occasion, nearly 100 Freemasons, including members of St Martins Lodge, together with friends and representatives from across the Province, gathered to honour Phil’s half-century of dedication to Freemasonry. The evening was filled with warm re

Freemasons, their families, and friends gathered at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 14 th December for their annual Christmas Carol Service, marking a much‑anticipated highlight of the festive calendar. The service was presided over by the Dean of Leicester, The Very Reverend Karen Rooms, and featured a wonderful blend of traditional Christmas carols sung by the congregation alongside the beautiful voices of the Cathedral Choir, creating a warm and reflective atmosphere with

Friday 28th November 2025 Freemasons from across Leicestershire and Rutland gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge 2025, the annual meeting bringing together members from both counties. The well-attended meeting marked an important occasion in the Masonic calendar, recognising and rewarding members for their dedicated service to their individual lodges, to the Province, and to Freemasonry as a whole. Many were honoured for their com

11 December 2025 – Leicester The Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons gathered on Thursday evening for their annual Provincial Promotions event, an occasion dedicated to recognising dedication, service, and the continuing commitment of members across the province. Held in a warm spirit of fraternity, the evening celebrated the achievements of hardworking Freemasons whose contributions over the past year have helped strengthen both their lodges and the wider community. The awar

On Monday 1st December, Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester hosted a special occasion as Raj Solanki was installed as Master of the Jason Lodge of Cycling No.7716. Raj is a passionate cyclist, well known for completing the 300-mile Tercentenary ride and many other cycling challenges. The installation ceremony was conducted by Simon Oldfield, himself an enthusiastic cyclist. Leicester has long been associated with cycling. The city was the birthplace of Halfords, one of the world’s

Tuesday 3rd December 2025 – Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester The members of the Chapter of the Flaming Torch gathered once more at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, for a meeting marked by enthusiasm, anticipation, and celebration. As one of the Province’s newer Royal Arch teams, the Chapter is steadily building its identity and momentum under the leadership of First Principal Roy Evans, supported by the dedicated duo of Perry Stewart-Halford and Scott Arnold. A highlight of the evenin

Five whisky “enthusiasts” (purely in the name of research, of course) from the Leicestershire and Rutland lodges made a fact-finding expedition to Yorick Lodge at Great Queen Street for their November meeting. Yorick Lodge, The Metropolitan Whisky Lodge, No. 2771, has recently been repurposed as a whisky-themed lodge — a concept that, unsurprisingly, has proved extremely popular. Starting with just nine members, it has grown at a rate that suggests the spirit was indeed m

Monday 27th November 2025 was a special night for the Lodge of Research ( www.research2429.org.uk ). Members of the lodge gathered in anticipation of the installation of their new Master, John Townsend, marking the start of an exciting year in the Lodge’s history. John was initiated in Surbiton Lodge No. 2146 back in 1966, continuing a family legacy that began in 1886. Over the years, John has worn the Master’s collar multiple times, including in 1996 to honour the centenary

John’s Lee Wood Scout Campsite, a 33-acre woodland retreat set in the heart of the National Forest and owned by the City of Leicester Scout Districts, has received a significant funding boost thanks to Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons. The organisation has donated £2,500 towards upgrading essential kitchen equipment so that the site can meet the latest legislation and safety requirements. The improvements will support the thousands of young people who use the campsite eve

Freemasons’ Hall in London provided a distinguished backdrop on 12th November 2025 for the latest Supreme Grand Chapter Regular Convocation, drawing Companions from across the country for a day of enjoyment and friendship. Representing Leicestershire and Rutland was the Head of Royal Arch Masonry in the Province, Noel Manby , accompanied by his Deputy Jonathan Varley , and members of his executive team, Philip Dodd , and Andy Green . Their attendance, supported by a strong d

Leicester, 15 November 2025: A unique Travelling Lodge of Freemasons with a shared passion for motorcycles marked a major milestone on Saturday as members gathered at Freemasons’ Hall, Leicester, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lodge. Founded in Hampshire in 2000, the lodge holds the distinction of being the first motorcycle-themed lodge in the country. Since its formation, members have travelled the length and breadth of the UK twice every year—traditionally in Ap

“Helping young people learn” is the vital work of the Leicestershire Dyslexic Association. St Mary’s Freemasons Lodge in Melton Mowbray has provided £500 for computer equipment for the Saturday workshops for dyslexic children held at Stoneygate Church Hall. There is no current specialist provision in Melton Mowbray and even at Stoneygate there is a desperate need for new teachers. Dyslexia is a huge and growing problem in education and, as it is not related to intelligence, h