Alfred & Guthrum 4535

As we move into May, the Masonic calendar traditionally begins to slow down a little as we approach the summer break. Our final meeting before recess has always been a special one within the Lodge calendar.

Years ago it was known as “Farmers Night”. The farmers within the Lodge would provide the food for the evening, along with cider and other refreshments. Members would pay for their meals and, after dinner, raffles and auctions would be held to raise money for the Lodge charitable funds.

As time moved on there were fewer farmers within the Lodge, but the tradition of Farmers Night remained very much alive. In more recent years it was overseen by our late Charity Steward, W. Bro. Fred B, who always ensured the evening raised a healthy amount for charity whilst remaining a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all involved.

Sadly, we lost W. Bro. Fred, and whilst the evening is now catered for by our usual Lodge caterers, the raffles and fundraising spirit still continue.

This year, our Worshipful Master, Jim M, decided it might be nice to shake things up a little. So, on our meeting night of 12th May, the Lodge will be holding a “White Table” event.

Traditionally, non-Masons who have shown an interest in the Lodge are invited along by members so they can see that, despite the rumours, we are actually a fairly normal bunch — and, truth be told, far too busy with our own lives to have any genuine plans for world domination.

W. Bro. Jim also thought it would be a wonderful idea to invite the ladies of the Lodge to join us for dinner as well (and we are quite certain this has absolutely nothing to do with his partner Emily being able to drive him home afterwards).

In all seriousness though, without the support, patience and understanding of our wives, partners and families, this hobby of ours would be far harder to maintain. We very much hope they all enjoy the evening — and that they will continue allowing us out to play when the Lodge resumes in October!

Tuesday 10th February saw the initiation of our latest member, now Bro. James S. James expressed an interest in joining Freemasonry via the provincial website - https://www.pglsom.org/how-to-join/
If becoming a Freemason interests you, have a look.
His first degree ceremony was conducted by out WM Jim M. ably assisted by his officers and with pieces done "on the floor" by Bros Tim H, Paul H & Danny W.
We hope Bro. James enjoyed the ceremony and look forward to watching him progress through the degrees.
Our picture shows from left to right W. Bro. David H. (proposer), Worshipful Master Jim M & Bro James S.

A great night was had by all. Special thanks to WB Tim R for organising the visit. We are looking forward to our next outing. If you haven’t booked our next visit is Thomas deCheddre in February….

The WM Jim M, Emily & Thomas wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Healthy & Happy New Year.

2026 Alfred & Guthrum Ladies Festival
The Worshipful Master Jim and his lovely Lady Emily invite you to join them for the 2026 Ladies Festival to be held at Cheltenham Chase Hotel & Spa on the weekend of 20th-22nd March 2026.
We as a Lodge have not had a weekend festival since 2018 when W. Bro Wayne & his lady Laura organised an awesome trip to Exeter. It certainly wasn't there fault that it snowed that year and some of us struggled to get back to Somerset!
Since then the world has quite literally been turned upside down by Covid and other not so nice events so Jim & Emily thought it would be good to change things up this year and try & bring a little light into a world that can at times seem a little dark!
For those that have not been to an "away weekend" it is certainly an experience not to be missed.
Friday evening is an informal night with a quiz & buffet.
Saturday evening is a Black Tie dinner with a 3 course meal, wine & "disco dancing" if you have the energy, otherwise sit back listen to the music & chat with anyone that isn't on the dance floor!
The details of the weekend are in the pictures attached. If you would like a copy of the booking form emailed to you , please drop us a message with your email address and we'll get it over to you. Alternatively email [email protected] & we'll pop it over to you.
This weekend is open to members of our Lodge, members of any other Lodge that would like to join us and to friends of either so feel free to get your friends involved and fill your own table.

If you have any questions please contact Jim & Emily at [email protected] and I am sure they will be more than happy to help.

Tuesday 11th November 2025. Armistice Day. A day of remembrance and a day that W Bro Jim M. is unlikely to forget. That evening he was installed as Worshipful Master of our Lodge by W Bro Gary B (now Immediate Past Master)
Described by our DC W Bro. Jeff B as “one of the best installations we have done”. All brethren involved had clearly worked hard to ensure that all went well on the night. We were honoured to have W Ted T. PrJGW in attendance representing R.W.Bro. Ray G (PGM) and accompanying him as his DC, W. Bro. Nathan H.
After the ceremony everyone enjoyed a fabulous Roast Beef dinner supplied by Zena’s Catering followed by cheese and biscuits and a glass of port (supplied by the WM). As always the food and company were excellent.
We wish W. Bro. Jim all the very best for his year “in the chair” and look forward to helping him and Emily celebrate their Ladies Festival (details to follow very soon.)
Pictures show from left to right
1. Bro. Terry V, W.Bro. Nathan H, W.Bro. Ted T, W.M. Jim M, W.Bro Gary B, W. Bro. David S
2. W.Bro. Nathan H, W.Bro. Ted T, W.M. Jim M, W.Bro Gary B.
And if you look close enough you may see other faces you know behind them!

We were very lucky to have W.Bro. Pete T join us at lunch yesterday. We were told that it was his 87th birthday and he had chosen to spend it with us. What else could we do apart from a rousing version of Happy Birthday to finish of the festivities! Not the best picture as we had no advance notice (I wonder why?) but here is W.Bro. Pete enjoying the serenade!

Fantastic afternoon hosted by WM Gary and Mrs Jackie B. and family.
A meal of RoastPork and all the trimmings followed by strawberries and cream …. And a quiz too!
A very full table of raffle prizes and the afternoon raised £315 for charity which was a fabulous total!

Today the brethren and their wives and friends are enjoying a lovely lunch together. The food is going down well and it will soon be time for fun with a quiz.

The Worshipful Master’s Sunday lunch is in full swing. Everyone is seated and looking forward to a lively afternoon: