Is it going to cost me anything?

As with any such an organisation, there are costs associated with running it. Some of your costs stay within the Lodge (your subs) whilst some of your Joining Costs go toward Regional and National Funds (your joining and registration fees). The latter are paid only once but as you would expect the subs are annual. The subs are circa £265 but subject to review every year (pro rata in your first year). The Registration fees etc. amount to approx. £200. Finally, we have a meal (called the Festive Board) after each Regular Meeting which costs £26 and of course we have a BAR.

What is in it for you?

Well, this depends entirely upon what you are willing to do. What we offer is, simply put, friendship, a welcome place to meet like minded individuals, people with integrity and respect for each other; charitable objectives. Additionally, becoming a Mason is a means for personal self development and a way to obtain skills you never knew you had. Many of the Brethren voluntarily make regular donations to Masonic Charities which in turn are awarded to numerous deserving groups or individual.

How do I join?

There are entrance criteria which will be explained to you as the application process progresses. However the 4 basic criteria are:

1. Are you Male – there are Lodges for Ladies as well but there are no mixed Lodges?
2. Do you believe in a Supreme being? No religion is barred so, whatever your faith is your Supreme Being may vary. It is the belief that matters.
3. Are you of a mature age – over 18 (there are Lodges within some universities)? No upper age limit.
4. Do you have any criminal conviction “unspent”? Spent offences should be disclosed and may not be a bar to membership. Trust is a key cornerstone of a Lodge.

Provided that you wish to join for sincere ethical reasons rather than selfish ones, you would be made welcome. Currently we have potential candidates to join who are in the process of going through the joining step. Joining can take upto 6 months before being admitted to the Lodge.

Many years ago, the only way to join was via being “invited” or introduced. This is no longer the case. Application can be made via a Provincial website or by contacting the Lodge directly. Even if you are “invited” you would still go through the same rigorous process as a web applicant.

Isn’t Freemasonry a secret society?

This is one of the oldest misconceptions about freemasonry. If true, it could also be said of The Rotary Club, The Lions or the Women’s Institute (the list is endless). We are a group of individuals who meet with a common purpose and belief system. There are secrets to what we do in our meetings (which we expect to be respected) but nothing heathen or demonic. We don’t sacrifice anything (or anyone) nor do we consume dragon’s blood.

More information about Freemasonry can be found at: https://www.ugle.org.uk/ United Grand Lodge of England

We also have a Facebook page.