Dorset Freemasonry

15/06/2026

An update from The Freemasons Charity

14/06/2026

Veterans’ Breakfast Club at Portland

The second Veterans’ Breakfast Club event was recently held at Portland Masonic Hall, as we continue expanding this initiative across the Province.
The momentum is really building, and it’s fantastic to see the connections within our veterans’ community strengthening. Emergency services personnel are also warmly welcomed, recognising our shared experiences and service.

Adrian and his catering team at Portland provided a Full English breakfast, including a vegetarian option, plus tea and coffee. This was a hearty way to start the morning and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the attendees.

We were delighted to welcome Mark Stevenson, Royal Navy Veteran and current master of Portland Lodge No. 1037, who delivered a superb presentation on HMS Pickle, its history, its role at the Battle of Trafalgar, and how it carried the news of victory (and the death of Admiral Nelson) back to the Admiralty in London. Mark also explained the tradition of Trafalgar Night for Officers on 21 October, and Pickle Night for Senior Rates and NCOs on or around 6 November, marking the date the news reached London.

This second Portland breakfast saw many returning faces from the first event, and the atmosphere was once again outstanding, full of camaraderie, banter, and genuine connection. It was especially encouraging to see non-Freemasons fully engage, ask questions, and get to know others.

We were also joined by several local veterans’ organisations, including the Royal Naval Associations and the Veterans Hub, all of whom shared a commitment to continue working together for the benefit of the wider Dorset veterans’ community.

A brilliant morning all round and just the beginning of what we hope will become a long-term, countywide network of support, friendship, and shared service. The next Veterans Breakfast at Portland will be held on Sunday, 5th July 2026.

Thanks are due to Andy Gale for the article. Pictures by Gary Heald, Provincial Grand Communications Officer.

08/06/2026

The Dorset Master’s Lodge No. 3366 installation meeting.

The Dorset Master’s Lodge, as the name suggests, is for members who have passed through the master’s chair in their respective lodges, and current ruling masters are also invited to attend as guests. The lodge moves around the province, and the June installation meeting was held at Portland Masonic Centre. The Master Elect, Patrick (Paddy) Ward, is a member of Portland Lodge No. 1037 and Trinity Lodge No. 8025, both of which meet at Portland. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Stephen A. James, and a team of Provincial Grand Officers were in attendance and were welcomed by the Master, Christopher Ballard.

It is tradition in The Dorset Master’s Lodge for the new master to give a presentation on an aspect of Freemasonry of their choosing. Paddy gave an excellent presentation titled, ‘The Light from Above’, which was brilliantly delivered, highly informative and gave the members plenty of food for thought.

Following the formal meeting, the Lodge was closed, and a lunch was thoroughly enjoyed.

The Dorset Master’s Lodge meets on the first Thursday of March, June and September. Their next meeting will be held at Shaftsbury Masonic Hall on 3rd September 2026.

Grateful thanks to Gary Heald, Provincial Grand Communications Officer.

08/06/2026

The next veterans breakfast in Portland will be on the 5th July!

Book is using this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBF46E5GTeD2LKDeycrTedNBgfAOM2hen7yRzWIf8YSfhmtg/viewform?pli=1

07/06/2026

Dorset is proud to host events for this fabulous Freemasons charity

The Masonic Fishing Charity is dedicated to providing people with s...

06/06/2026

Durnovarian Lodge No. 8726 were delighted to welcome Anthony as their newest member at their most recent meeting.

It was a real privilege to witness Anthony take his first steps on his Masonic journey during a warm, enjoyable ceremony attended by members and guests alike. The lodge was also honoured to have Chris Bond PGSD, in attendance for what was a memorable evening.

Moments like these are always a reminder of what makes Freemasonry so special: the friendships, the traditions, and the welcoming of new faces into our community.

The evening was rounded off beautifully with a fine meal, where the good company continued long after the meeting had closed.

We very much look forward to seeing Anthony's journey in Freemasonry unfold, and extend a heartfelt welcome to him from everyone at Durnovarian Lodge.

Durnovarian Lodge No. 8726 meets in Dorchester on the first Thursday of the month. For more information, contact [email protected]

Grateful thanks to Will Monaghan

05/06/2026

Spring Roundup at Lodge of Unity 386
It has been a busy and productive Spring season for the Lodge of Unity.
During April, Ahmed was raised to the sublime degree of a master mason. The Master Ian handed over the chair for the ceremony to his Grand Officer sponsor and relative Ian, who raised his family member expertly. He was presented with his Master Mason’s apron, a third-generation family heirloom. A family fair indeed, with over 30 members attending. The raffle for the evening was in aid of the Dorset Blind Association (DBA).

The Dorset Blind Association Car Festival at Lulworth Castle was attended for the fourth time in five years by members. As always, the extravaganza of “the Water to Wine stall” proved a popular attraction. A new initiative, ‘stroke a member’s dog for 50p’, further enhanced community engagement. £250 was raised for the DBA. Next stop for the stall is Zetland Court Fete on Saturday, 6th June.

Mike Andrews, on his Charity walk, passed through Wareham on 22nd May. The Provincial Quiz at Lodge of St Martin’s 9163 was taking place during his overnight stay; he attended as a Unity guest and joined the winning team (Trinity 8025) for the night!

With some of the usual team unavailable, Martin stepped up admirably and, together with the rest of the members, delivered a superb raising for Matt. A real team effort from the lodge.

Matt's Uncle was also in attendance, as was Alec, Master of Fairway Lodge No. 9546, with fellow members Kelvin and Tom, a lovely touch, as Matt regularly supports their golfing events, and they came to return the favour on his special evening.

The raffle raised funds for Zetland Court, and the lodge generously agreed to sponsor two young people at this year's Ashlar event in August.

Grateful thanks to Andrew Orridge

05/06/2026

Reminder that tomorrow is the fete at Zetland Court - always a great day, please do come along to support it.

Zetland Court Summer Fete this year please come and join us for a lovely afternoon. All funds raised will continue to be used for the benefit of the residents.

04/06/2026

Thanks! The thank you board is filling up nicely, thank you to the generosity of the Dorset Lodges and Chapters for their support of this years ASHLARS event.

Dorset Freemasons fund and volunteer for this event, which is now a firm favourite in our calendar, which provides a day of team building, memory making, skills learning and above all, fun!

Shooting, archery, axe throwing, bushcraft, and lots lots more!

[email protected] for more information.

ASHLARS is set for Thursday 20th August 2026!

Huge thank you to those who have supported the event so far, there's still time to make a different and donate.

03/06/2026

The Broken Column Ladies of Dorset Freemasonry

The Broken Column Ladies of Dorset Freemasonry enjoyed another wonderful gathering at Poole Freemasons Hall, where friendship and laughter filled the room. After a delicious luncheon, the ladies were treated to a captivating talk by Paul Cady of Unity Lodge, Wareham.

Paul, who also serves as a professional toastmaster, delivered an entertaining and insightful presentation titled “The Shoplifter’s Guide to the Galaxy.” His talk offered a fascinating glimpse into his experiences as a store detective, full of humour, intrigue, and real‑life anecdotes that kept everyone thoroughly engaged.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Joan Giles remarked, “We are truly grateful for our wonderful Masons who look after us.” Her words perfectly captured the spirit of the Broken Column Ladies, a group bound by warmth, gratitude, and enduring connection within Dorset Freemasonry.

Grateful thanks to Andy Gale