Vale of Itchen Lodge 7816

17/05/2026

Masonic Mythbusters Part 3 - Women can't be Freemasons

The common myth that Freemasonry is a strictly male organisation is one that is always mentioned - 'they don't allow women to join'.
Well, this is another easy one to debunk, let's have a look at the history of Women's Freemasonry in the UK, and hopefully dispel those misconceptions.

The History: Freemasonry in the UK has been around for well over 300 years, its roots founded in medieval times when Stonemasons formed guilds, from that we get our symbolism, allegory and ceremonies of today.

In the early 1900s Co-Masonry came over from France with Lodges formed with both Male and Female members. By 1908 the first women only order was founded - The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and then in 1913 the second Order formed, The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF). Early Women's Lodges still allowed men to join but by 1935 they became exclusively for women and have been ever since.

Modern Day: Both Men's and Women's orders share the same principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Women Freemasons call each other Brother, and use the same ritual in the ceremonies that the men do. In 2024, United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the two major women's Grand Lodges (OWF and HFAF) issued a joint statement affirming that they prefer to maintain single-sex lodges. They argue that, like sports teams, this allows for a comfortable, private environment.

In the UK, men's and women's Freemasonry operate as separate, single-sex organisations primarily due to a combination of historical tradition, the independent development of women's lodges, and a shared preference for maintaining private, same-sex environments. While they share the same rituals, ceremonies, and regalia, they are governed by entirely separate bodies.

Collaboration: A "Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain" was established in 2024, it is made up of representatives from across all three bodies. It's purpose is to foster collaboration between all three Grand Lodges. They work on a great number of projects, enhancing the public perception of Freemasonry in general and addressing unfounded criticisms, much like these Mythbuster posts try to do. It also promotes tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, something we could all do with a little more of.

Council for Freemasonry in Great Britain - https://www.ugle.org.uk/.../council-freemasonry-great...
OWF:
The Order of Women Freemasons founded in 1908 - https://www.owf.org.uk/ - originally included both women and men, but became exclusively a women's organisation in 1935

HFAF: The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (Freemasonry for Women) founded in 1913 - https://hfaf.org/

Well, as you can see, Women have been enjoying Freemasonry for well over 100 years, their orders are alive and thriving. If you are a lady and have read this and are interested in knowing more, take a look at the links. Whilst UGLE is not officially affiliated with either of them, we certainly endorse joining Freemasonry

If you found this article interesting and would like to know more about other aspects of Freemasonry, and more about our Lodge in particular, follow our page and drop us a message.

If you are looking for a new hobby, more friends, an interesting and engaging pastime with the opportunity for self improvement and confidence building, we might just be for you.

We are a modern, fun and friendly lodge, open and accessible to everyone, we meet in Chandlers Ford. We have a lot to offer and we welcome everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) which is now known as Freemasonry for Women is a fraternity for women and organised by women. It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is one...

03/05/2026

Masonic Mythbusters Part 2 - The rolled up trouser leg

The topic of the rolled up trouser leg is one that always comes up when Freemasonry is mentioned. At first glance it sparks curiosity, bemusement and a very funny Monty Python sketch!

As we have mentioned in previous posts, Freemasonry is rich in symbolism, tradition and history, this is no different. Everything we do is for a good reason. Yes, there is a part of becoming a Freemason which involves one of your trouser legs being rolled up, but why and what does it mean? let's take a look

The History - In the 18 century, men didn't wear trousers and socks like we do today, they more commonly wore breeches and stockings. The had to roll down one stocking leg, then turned up the cuff of the breeches to expose the knee. Nowadays, as fashions have evolved, we wear trousers, as such there is a bit more rolling up required, but why?

The Tradition and Symbolism - The rolled up trouser leg first occurs at the moment when a candidate is admitted into Freemasonry, and it has a number of symbolic meanings.
Our ceremonies are performed exactly as they were centuries ago and maintain links to the past. The candidate joining a Lodge will take a solemn pledge to preserve the more private aspects of the Order (the grips, tokens and passwords, mentioned in our other article)

He does this on a bended bare knee which is in direct contact with the Lodge, which we consider to be consecrated ground. It also symbolises sincerity, humility and commitment.
That is pretty much it, meaningful symbolism and nods to the past. We do not actually roll them up all the time and, unlike Monty Python, there are no silly walks!

If you found this article interesting and would like to know more about other aspects of Freemasonry, and more about our Lodge in particular, follow our page and drop us a message.
If you are looking for a new hobby, more friends, an interesting and engaging pastime with the opportunity for self improvement and confidence building, we might just be for you. We are a modern, fun and friendly lodge, We have a lot to offer, we welcome everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life.

19/04/2026

Masonic Mythbusters Part 1 - The Handshake

The topic of 'the dodgy handshake' always sparks debate, some humour, some intrigue and, of course, conspiracy theories.
Let's have a look and see what, why and when. Maybe we can dispel a few myths

Firstly, yes! We do have 'a handshake.' In fact, we have a few different ones; they mean different things. We refer to them as 'Grips' or 'Tokens,' and are sometimes accompanied by a variety of passwords, but what do they mean and why are they used.

The History:

Freemasonry is deeply rooted in history and symbolism. Ancient stonemasons used handshakes for a variety of reasons, from recognition to proofs of being proficient in certain aspects of work, to proving what level within the stonemason hierarchy they were in order to receive the correct wages.
Each level of stonemason kept the different grips and passwords a secret; that way a lower-skilled workman couldn't use them to pretend they were of a higher rank and thus gain more money and privileges afforded to the more skilled and expert workmen.
Remember, in bygone days there was little reference from employers like there is today, these methods were used to prove their level of expertise when finding work. They were also a handy way to recognize each other in very dimly lit rooms. Hundreds of years ago, stonemasons used to work by candlelight.

The Symbolism:

Nowadays, in our ceremonies, we use allegory and symbolism as nods and references to the past. This includes the various handshakes that were used by ancient stonemasons. We use them to distinguish each of the 3 degrees in Freemasonry, with different grips for each: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and then Master Mason. They are still kept separate and distinct to each degree, another symbolic nod to the same use in ancient times.

Integrity:

They are also symbols of trust, friendship and integrity. When you ask a Freemason what the 'handshake is,' they won't tell you. We also use a particular password and a handshake when visiting other Lodges where we are not known, we are then able to prove membership and demonstrate the "degree" we are in using the handshake.
Keeping these private is when theory and conspiracy happen’s. Rest assured, it isn't a mysterious secret; it is just a matter of integrity and keeping the oath, we take to keep the handshakes and passwords private (just as ancient stonemasons did).

So, that is it, a small insight into what the 'secret handshake' is all about. Sorry it isn't more exciting, it isn't associated with any nefarious reason, and no, you certainly can't use it to get off that speeding ticket! Indeed, it is strictly forbidden to use Freemasonry for any pecuniary benefit.
They are simply nods to historical aspects of our roots, when stonemasons used to build our grand buildings such as churches and cathedrals. In casual everyday life we don't use them. They shouldn't be used in a social setting when greeting anyone outside of Freemasonry, so you'd likely shake a Freemason's hand and be none the wiser.
We hope this brief guide has been useful. If you would like to know more about Freemasonry, or are interested in joining one of the best and oldest fraternities in the world, and making a lot of new friends, just ask us.
Please check out our website www.valeofitchenlodge.co.uk
or email us at [email protected]

We will be sharing more masonic mythbusters with you all over the next few weeks

12/04/2026

Freemasonary In Hampshire - Charitable Donations

Freemasonary is the largest donator in the uk behind the national lottery. Here in hampshire local freemasons have in 2024/2025 donated £27,387,558 to local causes,charities and also helping freemasons and their families who have fallen on hard times.

Every Lodge in the province also do their own charitible donations aswell. Here at The Vale Of Itchen in 2024-2025 donated £2000 to the Piam Brown Ward at the general hospital to help and support the young children suffering with cancer.
This year our current worshipful master is fundraising for the Sophie Bellinger Trust details can be found here https://www.facebook.com/sophiebarringertrust/

If this peaks your interest in freemasonry the check out our page or website. Drop us an email and we can discuss your interests with you. Over the next few weeks we shall be posting a few more posts to hopefully dispel a few myths about freemasonary