02/08/2026
A Chairman for the Rugby Family
There are moments in the life of any Lodge when the work of those who helped lay the foundations comes full circle. For Renascentur Surrey Rugby Lodge, the election of Worshipful Brother Andrew Bushe as Chairman of the Association of Rugby Lodges is one such moment — and one of which we can be immensely proud.
Back in September 2023, Renascentur Surrey Rugby Lodge was honoured to be a signatory to the formation of the Association of Rugby Lodges. It was a memorable occasion, held in the magnificent surroundings of the Grand Temple at Great Queen Street, where the newly signed Constitution was presented to the Pro Grandmaster.
What began with a gathering of Rugby Lodges sharing a common bond and a common purpose has continued to grow from strength to strength. Today, the Association proudly brings together **20 Rugby Lodges from across England and Wales**, demonstrating that the values of Rugby — camaraderie, teamwork, loyalty and a willingness to support one another — sit remarkably comfortably alongside those of Freemasonry.
It is therefore particularly fitting that one of the Association's founding members should now take the chair.
At our Annual General Meeting on Monday 27th August, Worshipful Brother **Andrew Bushe**, one of the founding members of Renascentur Surrey Rugby Lodge and also a member of London Rugby Lodge, was elected Chairman of the Association of Rugby Lodges.
Andrew's contribution to the Rugby Lodge movement has been evident from its earliest days, and his appointment is a fitting recognition of both his enthusiasm and his commitment to bringing Rugby Lodges together. It also provides the Association with a Chairman who understands that the strength of any team lies not in the individual, but in what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.
Andrew's commitment to the wider Rugby family extends beyond Freemasonry. He is also a Surrey committee member for **Wooden Spoon**, the children's rugby charity, supporting its work to positively transform the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through rugby and the wider rugby family.
That combination of Masonic fellowship, Rugby camaraderie and charitable endeavour makes Andrew a particularly appropriate choice to lead the Association into its next chapter.
The timing could hardly be better. With the Association's next national meeting taking place at **Great Queen Street on 5 September**, Rugby Lodges from across England and Wales will once again have the opportunity to meet, share ideas, strengthen friendships and celebrate the unique bond that brought the Association into being.
For Renascentur Surrey Rugby Lodge, there is an added sense of pride in seeing one of our founding members take on this responsibility. From being there when the Constitution was signed in the Grand Temple, to now seeing Andrew elected to lead the Association, it is a reminder that great things can grow from a shared idea when good men are prepared to put their shoulders to the wheel.
So, from all of us at Renascentur Surrey Rugby Lodge:
**Congratulations, Worshipful Brother Andrew.**
We wish you every success in your new role as Chairman of the Association of Rugby Lodges. We have no doubt that you will lead from the front, keep the team together, and ensure that the Association continues to go from strength to strength.
And, as any Rugby man knows, there is only one direction in which to go when the whistle blows:
**Forward!**
Congratulations, Andrew — and good luck for the season ahead.
