Province of Herefordshire

Category: News

  • Supporting a new Worshipful Master at the Consecration of a New Lodge.

    Supporting a new Worshipful Master at the Consecration of a New Lodge.

    Ian Talboys of Delphis Lodge Writes.

    On Saturday 20th of June, members of Delphis Lodge sojourned across the border to Lydney in Gloucestershire for the consecration of the new Heart of the Forest Lodge, No. 10086. 

    Heart of the Forest will be a daytime Lodge meeting in Coleford in the Forest of Dean. 

    The Consecration Team, led by RW Bro. Ian Davies, Prov. Grand Master for Gloucestershire, carried out an excellent Consecration ceremony. 

    After a short break, RW Bro. Davies then Installed W. Bro. Peter Watkins, Assistant PGM for Gloucestershire, as its Worshipful Master. 

    Peter was presented for Installation by W. Bro. Colin Bates, who initiated Peter into Delphis Lodge back in 1993. 

    Also present was W. Bro David Jenkins, of Delphis Lodge, who was Junior Warden on the night of Peter’s Initiation. 

    Peter expressed his joy and gratitude that both Colin and David were able to be with him on such a special and memorable occasion. 

    Also present were W. Bros Ian Talboys and John Mayo-Evans 

  • Helping Freemasons Across the Country

    Helping Freemasons Across the Country

    W Bro David Hudson the Secretary Of Coningsby Lodge writes.

    The Lodge of Friendship No 8275 in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, which meets at Cleator Moor, recently identified a candidate for Initiation who had 100% visual impairment. This was a new experience for the Lodge.

    Anxious that they should do the right thing for this candidate they contacted UGLE for advice. They were somewhat surprised when the advice came back; “contact Coningsby Lodge No 6383 in Herefordshire as they have considerable experience in these matters”.

    This they duly did, and a significant amount of communication has taken place between the two Lodges, much to the satisfaction of our Cumbrian Brothers. Coningsby members now have an open invitation to visit the Lodge of Friendship at any time.

    “It was a great surprise to receive this request, and a great pleasure to be able to help another Lodge. It was, of course, extremely gratifying to have our past efforts for the visually impaired recognised by UGLE.”

    W Bro David Hudson, Secretary of Coningsby Lodge

  • Cadets return inspired from WWI battlefield trip

    Cadets return inspired from WWI battlefield trip

    Cadets from Inkerman Company, Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force, have returned from a five-day First World War battlefield study in France and Belgium.

     A total of twenty eight cadets and nine adult volunteers took part in Exercise Venturer Cambrai from 25 to 29 May, visiting key historic sites including Thiepval, Beaumont Hamel, Delville Wood, Mametz Wood, Lochnagar Crater, the Somme Museum and Vimy Ridge.

     Herefordshire Freemasons assisted with funding for the trip. This gave cadets the chance to learn more about the history of the First World War whilst also building confidence, teamwork and independence. For six cadets, it was their first time abroad.

     The visit was described as “educational, emotional, and genuinely life-changing” for many of the young people involved. The group also took part in a parade at Thiepval, which was a particularly special moment, where cadets wore matching t-shirts funded through support for the trip. Despite very hot weather, staff said the cadets showed resilience and looked after one another throughout the visit.

     On return from the visit parents commented:

     “He hasn’t stopped talking about everything he learned — he’s been telling us facts all week.”
    “We need to go to France now so we can see it for ourselves.”
    “He said it was the best experience of his life so far.”

     Captain Michelle King the tour organiser said:

     “Thank you for your support. It really has been appreciated and of great benefit to our cadets. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to carry out the tour without your generous funding. It helped create an unforgettable experience for our cadets — one that broadened horizons, strengthened character and deepened their understanding of service, sacrifice and community. We are sincerely grateful for your support.”

     You can see a video of the tour in Facebook here:

    here
    here
  • Continuing our support of the Community First Responders across Herefordshire.

    Continuing our support of the Community First Responders across Herefordshire.

    Thank you to the CFRs from Ledbury and Hereford for attending our Hereford Masonic Centre last weekend to formally hand over the two new vehicles. Special thanks to the High Sheriff, Vice Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Hereford for coming along to make the occasion very special. We look forwards to seeing the new vehicles operational and helping the local communities

    Also last week, the Masons from Bromyard presented a cheque for £1730 to Bromyard CFR to assist with medical kit and vehicle costs of the Bromyard CFR. The money was collected by the Lodge and Chapter and part match funded by the central Herefordshire Masons Charity.

    We look forward to assisting other local CFRs across the County in the coming months.

  • Provincial Grand Lodge 2026

    Provincial Grand Lodge 2026

    Over one hundred and thirty Herefordshire Brethren and guests attended the Annual Provincial Grand Lodge in Hereford on the 1st June which was also the official launch of our Festival 31.

    As well as the administrative items of the meeting, the new active Provincial Officers were invested as well as those receiving past ranks or promotions. The RW Provincial Grand Master also thank those uncollared officers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in assisting the organisation of the Province.

    The meeting included the presentation of Solomon Certificates for those Brethren in attendance that had recently completed their Solomon Diplomas with online learning sections for each of the Three Degrees and the Royal Arch.

    The Chief Executive of the newly rebranded Freemasons’ Charity, VW Bro Les Hutchinson, then provide a background to the Festival process and the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Michael Holland, officially launched it in his address to the Province.  Several Brethren has already qualified for honorifics and were presented with their Festival Jewels.  The first recipient of the Festival jewel was the Festival Chairman and Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VW Bro J Stuart Jones.

    There was an opportunity to purchase Festival merchandise before and after the meeting which can also be purchased online here.

    After the meeting there was a chance to socialise with the many visitors from far and wide and very well attended Festive board.