Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No 1971

22/08/2026

On 22 August 1882, Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 was consecrated at the Imperial Hotel, Grosvenor Road – in the heart of what was already known as the Home of the British Army.

Founded by serving military officers and consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master, the Lodge was established for “the convenience of Officers quartered in Aldershot.” Among its founding members was Major Euston Henry Sartorius VC, who had distinguished himself in Afghanistan just three years earlier.

Over 140 years later, we are still here. The same values. The same brotherhood. A new generation of members.

If you are curious about Freemasonry and what we are about, feel free to send us a message or visit us at lodge1971.org

22/06/2026

With less than a week to go, don’t forget to book your free tickets in advance for Armed Forces Day National Event 2026 in Aldershot.

Members of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 will be joining the stand across both days, supporting the Freemasonry in the Community - Hampshire & IOW Team.

The event takes place at Queens Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2JL:

Saturday 27 June 2026
9am – 9pm
Featuring the tri-service parade, flypasts, arena displays, military demonstrations, music and more.

Sunday 28 June 2026
10am – 5pm
A more relaxed, community-focused day for all.

Freemasonry has long been built on values of integrity, friendship, respect and service, so we are proud to be attending and supporting an event that recognises the service of our Armed Forces, veterans, families and wider community.

Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. Adults will also need to bring photo ID on the day.

Book here:
https://www.citizenticket.com/events/rushmoor-borough-council/armed-forces-day-national-event/

We look forward to seeing you there.

With less than a week to go, make sure you book your free tickets in advance! - Check out this poster for more details.

The North East Area and Freemasonry in the Community - Hampshire & IOW are proud to be attending and supporting Armed Forces Day 2026, and we’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Book here:
https://www.citizenticket.com/events/armed-forces-day/armed-forces-day-national-event/

Adults will need photo ID on the day.

Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire & Isle of Wight

18/06/2026

An entertaining musical interlude – supporting the Odiham Military Wives Choir

Representatives of Aldershot Army and Navy Lodge No. 1971 recently met with the Odiham Military Wives Choir, following the Lodge’s £300 donation towards the purchase of an electronic keyboard.

W Bro Michael Rowbory, W Bro Richard Goddard and Bro Colin Kirkpatrick were delighted to hear how much the keyboard has already helped the choir, both in rehearsals and live performances. It has made a real difference to their sound, coordination and confidence.

The choir also gave a wonderful insight into what the Military Wives Choirs means to its members and to the wider military community around Odiham, with RAF Odiham being the home of the Chinook Force – bringing women in the military community together to sing, share and support.

Some members of the Odiham choir will be singing at Armed Forces Day on 27 June, and the Military Wives Choirs will also be present throughout Armed Forces Weekend on 27/28 June. They are hoping to encourage wider membership and explore the possibility of re-establishing an Aldershot Military Wives Choir.

Please do support them over the weekend, and help spread the word amongst the military and Masonic community.

10/06/2026

In 1902, Herbert Kitchener – later Lord Kitchener, the face of the iconic “Your Country Needs You” campaign – was elected as an Honorary Member of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971.

He wasn’t alone. On the very same evening, Frederick Sleigh Roberts – another Field Marshal and Victoria Cross holder – was also honoured.

Both men were giants of their era. Both served as Commanders-in-Chief during the Boer War. And remarkably, both would go on to die while still in service during the First World War.

Over a century later, that connection was remembered.

At our 125th Anniversary meeting in 2008, Major Henry Herbert Kitchener – a descendant of Lord Kitchener – joined us as a guest, continuing that historic link across generations.

The Lodge that once welcomed two of Britain’s greatest commanders is still very much alive today.

Curious about our history? Visit lodge1971.org or send us a message to learn more.

01/06/2026

Our next meeting on Thursday 25th June will feature a Triple Ceremony of Passing. We tyle at Farnborough Masonic Centre at 18:00.

The meeting will see Bros. Dave Evans, James Lawrence and Jack Pearson take their next step in Freemasonry as they are passed to the Degree of a Fellow Craft.

We are fortunate to have three fantastic candidates who have approached their Masonic journeys with enthusiasm and commitment, and who are all looking forward to what promises to be a memorable evening.

Summons are now available – if you would like to attend, please send us a message and we will arrange for a copy to be forwarded to you.

Booking is also available through our website here: https://www.lodge1971.org/book-online

24/05/2026

A powerful story from UGLE.

Shane’s journey is a reminder that Freemasonry is often at its best through friendship, support and being there when it matters most.

14/05/2026

Why the black and white chequered floor?

One of the most recognisable features of a Masonic Lodge is the black and white chequered flooring often seen at its centre.

Its meaning is symbolic rather than decorative.

The alternating colours are generally understood to represent the dualities of life – light and darkness, joy and sorrow, success and failure. A reminder that life is rarely made up entirely of one or the other.

As Freemasons, we are encouraged to walk carefully and uprightly through both.

The symbolism also reflects an important principle of Freemasonry itself: that men from different backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life can meet together in harmony, despite their differences.

Like many Masonic symbols, its meaning is intended to encourage reflection rather than provide a single fixed interpretation.

If you're curious about Freemasonry and would like to learn more, feel free to send us a message or visit Lodge1971.org

12/05/2026

Freemasonry is often misunderstood by those who have never experienced it for themselves.

One of the best ways to understand what it’s really about is simply to have a conversation with somebody who enjoys it.

Curious about Freemasonry? Feel free to send us a message or learn more at Lodge1971.org

08/05/2026

A group of Lodge Light Blues enjoyed their second curry night at Everest Tandoori in North Camp, Farnborough last night.

A great opportunity to meet up socially outside of the Lodge, build friendships and strengthen the camaraderie that makes Freemasonry so enjoyable.

It was also a good chance to bring along non-Masonic friends and guests interested in learning a little more about what we’re all about in a relaxed and informal setting.

Any suggestions for good curry houses in North East Hampshire are welcome in the comments.

Cheers to the next one!

05/05/2026

Be part of something greater.

Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 brings together serving personnel, veterans and civilians who share a strong sense of service, character and brotherhood.

Rooted in over 140 years of history, we offer a structured and welcoming introduction to Freemasonry, along with lasting friendships and opportunities to give back.

If you’re curious about Freemasonry and would like to find out more, feel free to get in touch or visit:
www.lodge1971.org