Lodge Of Industry No.48

17/06/2026

A Kindred Squared school readiness survey in 2025 found that 37% of reception aged children in the UK are not school ready.

📚 600 children and their parents will benefit from a £60,000 grant from Glos Masons to GL11 Community Hub which will support the delivery of their popular courses which aim to boost parents’ confidence and create a supportive environment in which children are able to thrive and are better prepared for starting school.

Read more: https://ow.ly/ofXU50ZbLol

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

14/06/2026

The project captures the everyday lives of volunteers before the pager sounds.

10/06/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of W. Bro. Raymond Macaree, PJGD, who died on 30 May 2026 at the age of 100.

Raymond's Masonic journey began on the 25th June 1956 when he was initiated into the Lodge of Industry No. 48, and spanned almost 70 years. He was admired throughout the Province of Durham for his wisdom, kindness, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Craft and Royal Arch.

His long life was one of service, integrity, and devotion to Freemasonry. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, friends, and brethren at this sad time.

Lived respected, died regretted. 🕊️

10/06/2026

Durham Freemasons Charity has been nominated in the BBC TEES Make a Difference Awards!

The nomination highlights the impact Durham Freemasons Charity has across Teesside, distributing more than £100,000 each year to local good causes using funds raised entirely by Durham Freemasons.

The submission recognised support for organisations including the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Alice House Hospice, Butterwick Hospices, River Tees Boat Rescue Service, The Moses Project, TLC Teddies and The King’s Trust youth projects. Together, these initiatives are turning charitable giving into practical service for local communities.

The nomination will now be considered by a panel of judges, who will review entries from across the region before announcing a shortlist of finalists on BBC Radio Tees later this summer.

Whatever the outcome, we are proud of the difference our members, volunteers and community partners make every day.

United Grand Lodge of England The Freemasons' Charity Durham Freemasons BBC Tees

08/06/2026

🎉 Grant Presentation to Friends of St Thomas Stanhope 🎉

Durham Freemasons’ Charity is delighted to report that a grant of £100 was awarded to the Friends of St Thomas Stanhope to support the church’s appeal to install a new stone floor as part of a wider renovation project.

The grant was matched by a further £100 from Durham Freemasons’ Charity, bringing the total Masonic contribution to £200. The funding was presented by representatives of Stanhope Lodge No. 3520 and Durham Freemasons’ Charity to the Friends of St Thomas Stanhope.

The twelfth-century church is one of Weardale’s most historic buildings and the appeal will help fund vital improvements, including the creation of a new community space within the church.

Chris said:

“St Thomas the Apostle has been at the heart of the Weardale community for centuries, and we are delighted to support this important project.

“The planned improvements will help preserve this historic building while creating new opportunities for it to serve the wider community for generations to come.”

Each £100 donation to the appeal sponsors a stone in the new floor, creating a lasting legacy for those supporting the project.

Pictured are Chris Rowell, Director of Durham Freemasons’ Charity, Bill Hobson, representing the Friends of St Thomas Stanhope, and Edwin Craggs, Charity Steward of Stanhope Lodge No. 3520.

06/06/2026

Young people from King’s Trust Team 110, based at Stockton College and delivered in partnership with the Education Training Collective (ETC), recently welcomed a panel of Dragons from Durham Freemasons.

The Dragons’ Den project is funded through the Norman Jackson Fund and forms part of Durham Freemasons Charity’s long-standing partnership with The King’s Trust, helping young people develop confidence, skills and experience while making a positive difference in their communities.

The team delivered an impressive and detailed presentation outlining their plans to redecorate rooms at local charity Vision 25, demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and a clear commitment to making a difference in their community.

The Dragons were so impressed by the quality of the presentation and the impact the project will have that they awarded the team £440 towards bringing their plans to life.

Pictured with the group are Dragons Mike Mann, Tony Hudspith and Ian Tranter, who thoroughly enjoyed hearing the team’s ideas and ambitions.

The Dragons are now looking forward to returning to see the completed project and to attending Team 110’s end-of-course presentation to hear about the difference their work has made.

Well done to everyone involved in Team 110 – a fantastic example of young people making a positive impact in their community.


Durham Freemasons United Grand Lodge of England The Freemasons' Charity