News & Views
Crossing the border
Lyndhurst Lodge brave the locals
Brave souls from Lyndhurst Lodge were invited by our VO WBro.Alan Maclean to visit Dorset London Lodge in Poole (yes Dorset) on Monday 10th August. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all at a venue some had never been to, looking at the honour boards within the temple, the history of the building goes back a few centuries. Despite travel difficulties for some due to recent events with fires in the Forest, and a natural worry about crossing cattle grids, the attendees were treated to a smashing supper and convivial hospitality.
A most worthy exercise was had by all and we look forward to return visits, maybe travel by train next time!
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Skittles Social 6th June
Saturday 6th June saw over 30 brethren and partners turn out for an excuse to throw rubber balls down an alley, in an attempt to win the Lyndhurst 8012 Lodge 2016 Skittles Trophy! The Ship Inn at Redbridge was the venue and served up nice selection of food and beverages, indeed as I write this I understand that Paracetamol is in effect in certain ‘Winning’ households, I don’t think alcohol plays its part in taking the medication, I believe its the “I WON, I WON’ battle cry! Thanks must go to everyone that helped out and played their part in scoring and putting up the skittles at the end of the alley.
Some pictures for your delight below and I apologise for all those stood at the end of the bar end of the Alley when the current Mrs Harvey was bowling as I didn’t take any….
June
Bro.Chris Evans a MM at last.
Tuesday 2nd June saw Bro.Chris Evans take his third regular step in Freemasonry to a very busy lodge room. The WM supported by numerous brethren raised Bro.Chris on the five points of fellowship. The supporting cast were: WBro.Jason Gould, WBro.Andrew Ferguson, WBro.Rob Prowting, WBro.Mike Veal & WBro.Elliott Gould & Bro.Phil Little all gave unstinting support to our WM a truly team effort on the last night of the season.
It being June, Lyndhurst lodge generally calls this our ‘Visitors evening’ and in true fashion they turned out to sample a decent ceremony, great food and enviable hospitality. We were delighted that the SW Area tourists packed into a charabanc and crossed the cattle grid to support the night.
Indeed it was a lucky tourist that walked away with £137.70 rollover ‘Mystery Key’ prize. Couple this with over £300 in the raffle and Alms and things are on the up. Just around £900 odd pounds to go and its ‘Gold’ dig deep lads were almost there.
Well a few socials to pack in before it starts again in September, take care and may your God go with you. ED
Team time
Busy Night as ever.
Never trust a brother with your camera!
May
The First Regular Step.
On Tuesday evening, the newly formed team, which included a rather nervous Worshipful Master, warmly welcomed and initiated Mr Stuart Lawson, a retired member of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Despite his nerves, Mr Lawson’s military background was evident in his impeccable composure throughout the ceremony. The event was a milestone for many of the Lyndhurst newcomers, and the proceedings ran smoothly and successfully.
WBro.Jason Lovell, representing our Visiting Officer, presented the booklet designed for all new brethren, which explained various aspects of the evening’s proceedings.
The dynamic duo, WBro Rob Baker and WBro Mike Veal, delivered an outstanding rendition of the charge following the initiation. Afterwards, WBro Andrew provided his interpretation of the ‘Mode of Preparation,’ rounding off the ceremony with professionalism and flair.
Charitable giving is dear to a Freemasons heart and the evenings proceedings certainly proved that point. PICU (Paediatric Intensive care unit) at Southampton General Hospital were granted £350 from Lyndhurst funds, with Gift Aid this should rise to over £400. Additionally the raffle, alms and ‘key of mystery’ increased our charity coffers by £251.00 a very well done to all bearing in mind there were only 31 diners.
The ‘Key of Mystery’ remains unclaimed despite Bro.Chris Evans having had another go! The total cash prize now stands at £137.50 ready for June.
The June meeting will be a 3rd and we will be joined by the SWA Tourists, it will be our visitors meeting and all past masters will be showing off their skills.
New Team for 2026
Tuesday saw a new Worshipful Master for 2026 take over from WBro.James Prendergast a tough act to follow. The evening marked a future milestone for Lyndhurst Lodge as other than the old chap in the chair all progressive offices were filled with ‘light blues’ the five year plan clearly was well thought through.
Over 50 guests (many new to the centre) enjoyed the usual banter and hospitality including our very own APGM Chris Lockwood who was accompanied in the East by many distinguished guests from around the province, including visitors from Livery Lodges, indeed the response to the visitors toast was given by WBro.Michael Kurn from Painter Stainers Livery Lodge.
The raffle and Alms for the evening raised over £480 thanks to generous donations from the brethren. The ‘Key of Mystery’ remains unclaimed, as Brother Chris Evans whilst winning the chance to pick the correct key failed and only went home with a bottle of fizz.
This means that rolling over to May the total cash prize is now £123.00! As a reminder the idea is to support our efforts in reaching a gold certificate for the MCF.
Remember to support the LOI as much as possible to continue growing such a great team now and the future, enjoy the pictures below whilst the editor stops rambling and enjoys a break.
Thanks go to ARF for supplying some of the pictures.
WM and his Wardens
Top Team
Two guys who really made it happen
Diners enjoying hospitality
March
Ladies Night Success
Wellow Golf Club hosted Lyndhurst Lodge Ladies Spectacular on Saturday 28th March once again. Over 100 guests enjoyed food, wine, ‘Chill’ the party Band and a stunning raffle to round of WBro.James Prendergast’s year. The effort that has been put into the evening by many is a tribute to the dedication and support of the few. Sorry to embarrass you Rob Prowting but you do such a good job.
It would be remiss of me to not mention the organisers of the raffle prizes, where they get the ideas and energy from is beyond me, but Karen Stride and Maria Prendergast, the prizes were outstanding AND RAISED OVER £1100 for Hangar Farm Arts Centre.
Lyndhurst Lodge was very well supported on the evening by a great contingent of ladies and gentlemen from Brockenhurst Lodge a magnificent turnout supporting the event, perhaps next year we may get more from our own.
Some pictures below capture the evening and I will leave you to make up your own captions for any misdemeanors spotted!, except a brilliant well planned night, and a great fundraising effort for a local charity.
The ‘Boys of the Old Brigade’ flawless performance.
The evening proved a success for all concerned at last nights second degree ceremony for Bro.McIntyre. Many of the usual officers of the lodge were absent either holidaying or pulling a sickie. Nonthless the evening went off in usual Lyndhurst flawless style with WBro.Rob Baker taking the chair. Many stars took part in the evenings ceremony with WBro.Andrew Ferguson on the 2nd Degree charge, Bro.Phil Little delivering a new version of the Apron again both refreshing to hear meaningful delivery, I do believe Bro.Phil is slowing down..
The explanation of the tracing board is always a joy to hear when delivered with a sense of meaning and not just learnt ritual if you get my drift, WBro.Rob Prowting carrying this piece out and simply wonderful to listen to. WBro.Jason Gould always delivers the SE corner well and last night was no exception.
With Gammon steak, chips & peas on the menu 22 diners sat down and had their pockets plundered to the tune of £158.45 for charitable causes! Well that’s it from the A team it’s all change in April as installation looms!
The Evenings team, with our new fellow craft centre stage.
Bro.Lloyd and WBro.Rob Baker
Relief at last!
‘One day son this will be all yours’ Or words to that effect from Andrew.
February
A bumper turnout for a new brother.
Lyndhurst Lodge welcomed a new brother into its fold on Tuesday with Mr Daniel Mawer being made a Freemason in the 1st Degree. Brother Mawer conducted himself in exemplary manner as he was initiated in fine form by the team at Lyndhurst, this consisted of mostly ‘Light Blues’ a testament to the work behind the scenes of the LOI under the scrutiny of WBro.Rob Baker.
In his inimitable style WBro.Andrew Ferguson delivered the ‘Mode of preparation’ to Bro.Dan. Andrew made a much welcomed return to Lyndhurst after undergoing major surgery, Andrew continues to uplift the proceedings with his organ music.
The evening marked a very special moment for WBro.Mike Veal who was presented with a certificate for 40 years service to Freemasonry. Mike’s history of both work and Freemasonry was given by WBro.Jason Lovell SWA VC. It’s fascinating to learn about brethren you meet on a monthly basis but never get too much of a chance to learn about, something that might be addressed in future news stories.
68 diners sat down to a feast of pate, sausage and mash and treacle sponge! the numbers were swelled by the welcome of many visitors including the Tourists, Homelea, Forest Villages, Brockenhurst and Johore Bahru lodges. a total of £418.00 was raised for charity from the brethren on the evening.
Officers of the Lodge welcome a new Freemason
Uncle Phill welcomes Brother Mawer.
Mike Veals 40 years in Freemasonry presentation.
Bumper turnout in awful weather.
And Finally
Whilst visiting Brockenhurst village in the week, it appears the Ponies are getting curious to learn our secrets!
Could this be the 34th Candidate Phil?
January 2026
Wishing ARF a speedy recovery