St Alban 5322

08/09/2026

Catastrophic flash floods along the Trishuli River have devastated communities across Nepal, washing away homes, roads, and livelihoods in moments.

To help provide immediate relief, the Freemasons’ Charity has awarded a £50,000 grant to the British Red Cross to support the Nepal Red Cross Society on the ground.

This vital funding will deliver emergency shelter, clean water purification kits, blankets, and essential first aid supplies directly to families who have lost everything.

Our thoughts are with all those affected as relief teams work tirelessly in the hardest-hit areas.

Learn more about the relief effort: https://ow.ly/c15l50ZKI8p

04/09/2026

Latest Second Rising
Enjoy

It brings together stories, updates and reflections from across the Province, highlighting the people, Lodges, Chapters, events and initiatives that make up our shared Masonic life.

02/09/2026

Six months ago, we began transitioning from the MCF to the Freemasons’ Charity.

💙 Thank you for being part of that journey.

See the difference your support makes: https://ow.ly/Scxl50ZHA3p

14/08/2026

NEW EPISODE: KEVIN STANNARD ON THE FUTURE OF FREEMASONRY IN NORTHUMBERLAND
How do we move from anonymous Masonic Halls to buildings people know and use? Where does Masonic charitable
giving really go? How do we encourage new members - and then support them properly once they join?
In the latest episode of Squarely Speaking, Kevin Stannard, Provincial Grand Master of Northumberland, joins Graeme
Butterfield and Carl Birkenshaw to discuss charity, community, membership, mentoring and the changing face of
Freemasonry.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts via the Squarely Speaking webpage:


Facebook members’ group

https://northumberlandmasons.org.uk/squarely-speaking/

11/08/2026

☀️ Scarborough Court’s Summer Party & Teddy Bear Picnic 🧸

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for a wonderful afternoon of summer fun in the main garden at Scarborough Court.

📅 Saturday 22 August
🕑 From 2:00pm
🎶 Live music from 2:30pm

There will also be:

🍴 Hot food
🎲 Games
🎉 Plenty of fun for everyone

Bring your family, friends and favourite teddy bear along and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of music, food and good company.

Everyone is welcome—we look forward to seeing you there!

04/08/2026

🚴‍♂️ BRETHREN TAKE ON EPIC 126-MILE COAST TO COAST CHALLENGE

Three Northumberland Freemasons are preparing to cycle across Northern England in support of the Northumberland 2031 Festival and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

On Saturday 29 August 2026, W.Bro. Gary Stephenson of Grainger Lodge No. 7261, Bro. Phil Green of Lord Warkworth Lodge No. 1879 and Bro. Dave Renwick of Morden Lodge No. 5722 will travel to Whitehaven to begin an immense two-day Coast to Coast cycling challenge.

Supporting the riders throughout their journey will be Bro. Jim Renwick of Morden Lodge No. 5722, who will provide essential assistance as the team’s support-van driver.

The challenge will begin with the traditional dipping of the riders’ bicycle wheels into the Irish Sea at Whitehaven before they set off on a demanding first stage.

🚴 DAY ONE — 56 MILES

The opening stage will include approximately 4,900 feet of climbing through the Lake District.

The route includes the formidable Whinlatter Pass—more than two miles of climbing with an elevation gain of approximately 734 feet—before the team finishes the day at Kirkoswald.

🚴 DAY TWO — 70 MILES

On Sunday 30 August, the Brethren will face an even greater test: a further 70 miles and approximately 5,100 feet of climbing.

Their route will take them over Hartside Pass, a gruelling 4.8-mile ascent gaining almost 1,300 feet, before continuing through Nenthead and Allendale and onwards towards the North East coast.

After completing 126 miles and climbing approximately 10,000 feet, the riders will arrive at Tynemouth Haven. There, they will dip their bicycle wheels into the North Sea to mark the completion of their remarkable Coast to Coast journey.

This will be an immense physical challenge requiring months of training, determination and teamwork.

Every donation, regardless of size, will help the team turn those 126 demanding miles into valuable support for people and communities in need.

💙 Please support Gary, Phil, Dave and Jim. Tap the link below to donate through the official Relief Chest page:

https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/fest2031-northumberland-2031-festival/whitehaven-to-tynemouth-cycle-ride

Please share this story with your Lodge members, family and friends and help us spread the word.

We will share further training updates and photographs as the team prepares for this tremendous challenge.

28/07/2026

Grant strengthens community radio network

Community radio stations across Northumberland are set to benefit from more reliable digital broadcasting after Northumberland Community Digital CIC received a £1,500 grant from the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund.

The funding has enabled the installation of specialist wireless microwave links, connecting remote DAB transmitter sites to faster, more reliable broadband services. The upgrade will strengthen the resilience of digital broadcasts, particularly in rural parts of the county where internet connectivity can be unreliable.

Northumberland Community Digital operates the infrastructure that carries several local stations, including Radio Northumberland, Lionheart Radio, Koast Radio, Frisk Radio and Together Radio, helping community organisations, charities and volunteers reach audiences across the county.

Richard Finch, Director of Northumberland Community Digital CIC, said:
“Our transmitter sites are in some of the more rural parts of the county where broadband isn’t always available or reliable. This funding has allowed us to create a far more resilient network, ensuring local radio remains a dependable source of news, information, entertainment and companionship for communities across Northumberland.”

The Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund provides around £160,000 each year to charities, community organisations and individuals throughout Northumberland.

Norman West, representing Northumberland Freemasons and the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund, said:
“We were delighted to support this project. Community radio plays a vital role, particularly in rural areas, helping people stay informed, connected and engaged with their local communities.”

07/07/2026