Lodge News

For the convenience of members, there is now a booking form designed online. The link is being sent out in the summons and will be included in the notice of meeting email. Please use it to book your place at meetings. Meal payments can be made at the meeting with the new card machine as well as cash and cheques.

In the May meeting, Bro George Teece was raised to the third degree. It was a great ceremony and George expressed pleasure in going through, especially as one of his guests, who had traveled down from Scotland, took part.

WM. Duane Ashworth with his Wardens and officers.

W.Bro Duane Ashworth has taken the position of Worshipful Master of the lodge for 2025/2026, installed at the March 5th installation meeting. He encourages members to visit other lodges as the Orient group. We look forward to a very enjoyable year with the support of his officers and brethren.

Officers in post: IPM WB Chris Warnes; SW Bro Stan Clouting; JW Bro Bon Beales; Chaplain Bro Ian Moir; Treasurer Vacant; Secretary WB John Holland; Director of Ceremonies WB Liam Allen; Almoner Bro David O'Dwyer; Charity Steward WB Chris Warnes; Membership Officer WB Robbie Hall; Mentor WB Tom Starling; SD Bro Andy Cunningham; JD Bro Sam Hill; ADC WB Robbie Hall; Assistant Secretary Bro Chris Holland; Inner Guard Bro Chris Holland; Stewards Bro Colin Goodings (Chief), Bro Jamie Stewart, Bro Simon Goodhand, Bro George Teece, Bro Daniel Hearth, Bro Andy London; Royal Arch Rep. Bro Angus Moir; Tyler WB Paul Barker.

In December, Orient lodge members visited Aetos Lodge at FMH Gt Queen Street to return a past master's jewel found in our cupboard.

Festival 2029

The festival is a fundraising appeal for the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). Members across the Province are encouraged to donate, raise funds, participate in events, and promote the work of the charity. The appeal culminates in a final event in Summer 2029, celebrating the total raised and achievements.

Orient Lodge has started donating to the festival through gift aid envelopes. One event is a festival Skydive, with the lodge sponsoring Bro Sam Hill and selling festival parachute pins for the cause.

The festival is a partnership with the MCF, which provides grants, support, and assistance throughout the year.

Suffolk Masonic Golf Society

The Suffolk Masonic Golf Society had matches cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and subsequent years were difficult for organizing events. There is now an opportunity to re-kindle the Society. If interested, please email Trevor at trevor.tinley1@btinternet.com. A Zoom meeting may be held to confirm details.

New members are always welcomed into the lodge. Current members are encouraged to find suitable people to join and continue the lodge's charitable work. This website is a good source of information for prospective members.

Royal Arch Chapter

Chapters are encouraging lodge members to join. It rounds off the craft degrees and is rewarding as the completion of craft masonry, with only three meetings a year. Why Join the Royal Arch

Items of Interest

Lodge web address: orientlodge4085.org
Suffolk Freemasons – Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk site with news and information.
Recommended reads: Freemasonry Today and Forum Magazine. Includes information on the new Masonic Charity Foundation.
Other orders: Rose Croix and Mark Masons Plus more.

Almoner's Spot: Bro David O'Dwyer is our almoner for the year. Please contact him if you or any lodge members need assistance.

Charity Steward's Spot

Our Charity Steward, W.Bro Chris Warnes, is always pleased to take donations during meetings. A brother sits in the bar to accept loose change for the lodge widows' gift at Christmas. Members are encouraged to take out a covenant for monthly donations (£2, £3, £5, or whatever you can give, gift aided) to support local charities.

WM charity for this year: The Lord Kitchener Memorial Guest House. This gives discounted holidays and with help and guidance for veterans with mental health issues, through monthly breakfast clubs and meetings.