Knighton Lodge Celebrates 100 Years in Grand Style

Leicester, 15th May 2025 – The historic Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester hosted a momentous occasion as Knighton Lodge No.4711 marked its centenary with a grand celebration at its 696th regular meeting.

Founded in 1925, Knighton Lodge became the 23rd lodge the in Leicestershire & Rutland, where it was consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master at the time, Edward Holmes CBE. One hundred years later, newly installed Master Raj Solanki welcomed over 100 guests to the Holmes Lodge room, including the unmistakable presence of two Chelsea Pensioners. Among the attendees was Bruce Hargreaves, who fittingly celebrated the 50th anniversary of his joining Freemasonry.

The Lodge was delighted to see the Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, Peter Kinder, together with his team. Guests were treated to a captivating oration on the Lodge’s centenary by The Rev Canon Michael Wilson, followed by an engaging paper titled “Knighton Through the Decades” presented by the Lodge Director of Ceremonies, Barrie Bishop.

Adding to the significance of the evening, Raj Solanki proudly bestowed honorary membership of the Lodge upon Peter Kinder, after which Mark Pierpoint was confirmed as the Charity Steward for the entire Province. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Centenary Warrant by Peter Kinder, who also assisted in presenting members with exclusive Centenary Jewels.

The celebrations continued at the Festive Board, where attendees received memorabilia including a Centenary summons, a pen, and an engraved shot glass, a fitting tribute to a remarkable milestone. The evening’s raffle and auction raised an impressive £1,500 for charity, rounding off a truly memorable event in Knighton Lodge’s storied history.

Here’s to the next hundred years of brotherhood and tradition!

Knighton Lodge members marking their centenary, photo courtesy of Michael Stockton