Brethren of Newby Bridge Lodge No 4598 have held an Open Day, celebrating the 60th anniversary of moving into what was its new premises behind Newby Bridge Hotel. The lodge’s new home was consecrated behind the hotel in 1964, after meeting for 40 years at the neighbouring Swan Hotel. The lodge will also mark its centenary milestone in October 2024.
The new rooms were built using materials from the area, including a magnificent oak door from nearby Grizedale Hall, which was demolished in 1957 and became famous as the setting for the WWII film ‘The One That Got Away’.
Members of the lodge organised an open day for family, friends, and the public to celebrate the dual milestone. Guests were invited to tour the lodge and learn about the history of the Masonic movement and the charitable work of the West Lancashire Province.
Lodge secretary Phil Preston said: “We wanted to invite people in for this special occasion, as some of our friends and family had never been into a lodge room. We are very proud to be celebrating both our centenary and 60 years of being in this building.” Members of the lodge explained some of their traditions, their practices and regalia, including Alan McDougall of Greenodd, the lodge’s longest-serving member, who has been master of the lodge four times during his 44-year membership.
Visitor Eleanor Wood, of Spark Bridge, whose late father Jock Buchanan was a long-standing member of the Newby Bridge Lodge, said it had been fascinating to get a glimpse behind the scenes. She said: “Dad was a devoted Mason for many decades and it’s been really interesting to listen to the history of Masonry and the good they do for the community and for charities and to see inside their lodge room, of which they are so rightly proud.”
Attracting much love and attention was baby Rowan Baker, visiting the lodge room for the first time aged six weeks, with the lodge’s newest members Richard and Andrew Baker, who are the baby’s grandfather and father respectively. Also in attendance were Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield and his wife Michelle.
Members treated their guests to afternoon tea at the Newby Bridge Hotel after the tours. The brethren of Newby Bridge Lodge welcome new members and further details are available from lodge secretary Philip Preston by email at phil.preston4598@gmail.com.
