Nelson Cork Lodge

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Nelson Cork Lodge

Cork Lodges are a "fun" or "side" degree in Freemasonry. Membership is open to all Master Masons. Our sole aim is to raise money for children's charities. Hic!

Membership is open to all Master Masons in good standing. Our sole aim (more or less) is to raise money for children's charities. As with any lodge, we also want to have loads of fun in so doing, and imbibe, a bit. Actually, rather a lot. (Haec hoc for the scholars out there...) The tradition of cork lodges is a long and noble one, or so we would have you believe. Our origins are lost in the mists

of time, but seem to come from the era of Noah and the great flood. The "flavour" of the meeting is distinctly nautical, and all lodge officers have naval titles - the Master, for example, is referred to as the Admiral, the treasurer is called the purser and so on. It's a rather affectionate parody of RAM. As well as partaking in the occasional drop of liquid refreshment, we also get to wear hats during the meeting - the only degree where hat wearing is compulsory. (KTs might disagree, but we get to choose our head-gear - and the sillier, the better!)

The cork tradition is stronger in Scotland than elsewhere (as with many things Masonic) and there the cork lodges come under the supervision of Royal Arch. In the US, it forms part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In England, however, there is no formal hierarchy, with each Cork Lodge free to set its own rules and develop its own ritual. We largely take our lead from how things are done in Scotland.

12/05/2026

We welcomed Timothy Richardson and Martin Richardson and Brian Richardson on board the Nelson Cork Lodge Ship at our May 2026 meeting. 🥳🥳🥳

08/05/2026

One of our shipmates has hand produced Qty 12 Nelson Cork Lodge neckless, they will be up for sale at our next meeting for £15. 🥳🥳

01/02/2026

Robert Sandilands School, Digby Road, Speen, Newbury, Berkshire. We have provided 15 items to help the special needs children.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) encompasses a broad spectrum including learning difficulties, health and medical problems, physical disabilities and emotional, social and behavioural difficulties. All children at Robert Sandilands Primary School and Nursery are valued equally and have an equal opportunity to be involved in a broad and balanced curriculum. The staff will do their utmost to provide a curriculum to ensure access and success for all children.

01/12/2025

Ye Ancient Order of Nobbled; I mean Noble Corks
Next Sailing Saturday 9th May and 17th November 2026
219 Life Members

Minutes of the meeting held on Saturday 29th November 2025 on Board the Black Heart W***h.

Meandering around the bar commenced at about 16.45 when various scallywags fell in from the street, to lubricate themselves with beer, with the exception of the initiates who unfortunates who were not allowed to purchase refreshments due to not being Corky.

The majority of the now unruly crowd staggered onto the main deck (18), Which included 1 New Shipmate. And our Rather Worshipful Admiral Jann Preen took control of the Ships Company by opening the Nelson Cork Lodge. The assembled ruffians endeavoured to sing “Drunken Sailor” and it was an exaggeration to call it singing!

Our Right Worshipful Admiral then began the business of the day, with his side kick our Boson Dave Fisher shouting out orders “Libations” and the motley crew supped their Grog. The Ships Doctor; David Little went below deck to inspect the 1 Initiate., who were being prepared by Particularly Worthy Outer Screw; Danny Peacock. The Doctor, reported back to confirm all is not well below deck, as all new Shipmate were pi**ed “to many Libations” the Boson Dave Fisher took his place alongside Rather Worshipful Admiral; “Jann Preen” Then the one initiate were then singularly admitted onto to the top deck, and their Initiation started in the now normal friendly quiet unassuming way that we welcome them by, with friendliness and Masonic reserve! A great night had by all; 1 new Shipmate Cameron Burt joined us.

The Admiral being Jann Preen; and our Vice Admiral Andre de Grave, then proceeded to initiate the victim with a well-polished reading of the “Cork Degree”, assisted by scruffy Ships Officers, by helping with various things but not worthy of thanks until they get them, right?
Once the meeting was concluded the important subject of Grub was discussed and Ships Cook “David Little “who had been pressed into producing from “” Inn of the Salt & Vinegar Fish & Chip Shop””, which was devoured by the crew with no table manners in sight.

Apologies had been received from too many Corkies (33), all recorded and on record, but the Ships Writer is greatful they stayed away as the ship would have sunk with too many bodies on board!

The Rather Worshipful Admiral with his retinue closed the Nelson Cork lodge @ 8.45pm.

Our raffle and fines including the coins in the buckets raised Net: - £210.00, on behalf of the Ships Officers heartfelt thanks for your generosity, Shipmates.

Numerous Shipmates sailed on this evening and their names are recorded in the Visitor’s book. Some fell overboard and drowned never to be seen again.

Signed on your behalf Andre

Undoubtedly Worshipful Ship’s Writer
Tel:- 07769 – 170 – 664 [email protected]
Web-Site:

30/11/2025

Saturday the 29th November 2025, we initiated our latest shipmate Cameron Burt from Feltham. Welcome aboard to our lodge. 🥳🥳

14/11/2025

What is a Cork Lodge?
• A Cork Lodge is a “fun” or “side” degree in Freemasonry.
• Our sole aim (more or less) is to raise money for local children’s charities. We have donated approximate £65,000 to date.
• Our origins are lost in the mists of time, but seem to have come from the era of Noah and the Great Flood.
• As well as partaking of the occasional drop of liquid refreshment, we also get to wear hats during the ceremony – the only degree where hat wearing is compulsory and the sillier the better.
Who can join?
• Any Mason who has completed his 3rd Degree.
What does it cost?
• £45 pounds for life (probably the cheapest degree in existence).
• No regalia to buy other than a silly hat.
• Dining typically costs £10 / £15.
Do I have to learn any ritual?
• You will never have to learn any ritual!
Nelson Cork Lodge meets twice a year for fun and fundraising at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre. Our next meeting is on the 29th November 2025 at 5.30 pm. Candidates are always welcome!
More details from the Ship’s Writer: Andre de Grave – [email protected] –

🥳🥳🥳🥳

30/10/2025

We have supported The Thomas Ball Cancer Fund for many years, and have purchased a few thousand of pounds of items for them. 😇

24/09/2025

Saturday 29th November 2025 @ 5.30 pm
By command of the Admiral, a formal Summons to the next voyage of The Nelson Cork Lodge is hereby signalled & issued.
The ship’s company will rendezvous at the Beaconsfield Masonic Centre & make full preparations in order to catch the evening tide, with a cast off at 5:30 prompt, after ale purchases
You are graciously & respectfully reminded of our need for b***y (Raffle Prize’s) for the ship’s sweepstake of chance chits! Please reply and let us know if you are Coming or Not for the meeting on the Saturday 5th April 2025. Please Email me at [email protected] confirming your attendance or apologies
You’re Ships Writer Andre 🥳🥳🥳🥳

06/09/2025

Just reminding you of the date of our next meeting Saturday 29th November 2025 @ 5.30 pm. 🥳🥳🥳

Address

Beaconsfield

Telephone

+447769170664

Website

http://www.nelsoncorklodge.org.uk/

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