I have been a freemason, and member of Southsea Lodge, for a little over 11 years, had the pleasure of the company of the brethren throughout that time, observed them as they conducted the duties of their respective offices, and enjoyed their friendship during our festive boards. Throughout this time, there has always been one...Read More

At 6pm prompt, on Wednesday, November 15th 2023, the gavel of Worshipful Brother Michael Carter sounded the opening of Horndean Lodge of Harmony no.9015 for the last time. A nearly full lodge room witnessed the procession into the temple of the Provincial Grand Master (R.W. Bro Jonathon Whitaker) accompanied by a 28-strong escort. This included...Read More

The Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, November 12th 2023. Under a leaden grey sky, with rain ever threatening, hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the Remembrance Sunday Service. Their chatter was abruptly interrupted at precisely 1030hrs by the tones of a Royal Marine Marching band. Typically, both note and step perfect as they paraded into the Square...Read More

The calendar of Provincial official visits for the masonic year running 8th September 2023 to the 3rd of July 2024 lists ten Lodges that are celebrating significant milestones in their history. These range from a 50th anniversary to a 175th anniversary. I was fortunate enough to attend United Service Lodge 1428 on Wednesday 27th September,...Read More

Excelsior Lodge No 4505 meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Horndean Masonic Centre under the current Mastership of Worshipful Brother Simon Sandham. According to the current Yearbook, they have 40 subscribing members. The November meeting at Excelsior Lodge is a special occasion for them, being their “Old English Night”. This is...Read More

The Arthurian Lodge 5658 is the first lodge in the South East Area to achieve a Platinum Festival Award having donated the sum of £26,000.  This is largely due to the fact that at the end of the 2016 Festival, having achieved a Gold Award, the then Charity Steward, Scott Clarke, suggested brethren continued to...Read More

My Dear Brethren, I hope you have all enjoyed a break over the summer recess. It seems much longer than two months ago that 900 of us attended the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Provincial Grand Lodge meeting at Freemason’s Hall in London, where the Provincial Grand Master appointed and promoted many South East Area...Read More

Pilgrims Lodge, celebrated a memorable Ladies Night on the 9th of September 2023, marked by a gathering of 100 esteemed attendees. The event, held in the spirit of camaraderie and benevolence, witnessed the participation of 40 dedicated Masons and their partners, along with 20 non-Masons and their companions. This exceptional evening served as an opportunity...Read More

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth supports 250+ SE Area Masons who took up the initiative of King Edward VII Lodge in taking a Prostate blood test administered by the Prostate Charity PCaSO, even the lord The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth took advantage of a test whilst visiting. The day was supported by ‘Freemasonry In The...Read More

Earlier this year, it was announced that Barrie Hewitt would stand down as APGM for the South East Area and that Chris Bayliss would be appointed to that role at the Provincial AGM on 5th July. Not knowing Chris at all, I thought it may be a good idea to let him take me out...Read More