28/10/2026
On Saturday 24th October the members of Oxleas Wood Lodge, No.8110 in the Province of West Kent celebrated their 60th birthday along with Terry Knott, one of their members and the lodges first initiate.
The lodge was honoured to have the Provincial Grand Master Andrew Waddington, Head of Freemasonry in West Kent in attendance alongside him his Assistant Daniel Unthank (who is also the lodge treasurer) and other provincial officers.
Who are Oxleas Wood?
The lodge was formed with a very distinct military character, with most of its founders veterans of the Second World War. They also wanted to stand out from other lodges and chose to work Nigerian Emulation ritual which is closely aligned but with recognised working differences.
With their military links the officers were expected to know their work flawlessly, the LOI under the direction of Lodge DC Doug Pyke ran a tight ship, and members would start at inner guard and work up, missing a week meant dropping to the bottom of the ladder and starting again.
The intense preparation was effective though as Doug would wait at the door of the temple on lodge nights and assign vacant seats to members at a moments notice, which they would take on thanks to the confidence built in them.
What has this got to do with Gloucestershire?
When thinking about their Diamond Jubilee meeting the lodge committee wanted to do something different, and decided that they would like to travel back even further than 1966, and so arranged for the Edward Jenner Team team to attend and demonstrate an initiation from the Georgian period.
A Trip Back in Time
After Terry Knot's 60th presentation was complete Oxleas Wood Lodge called off in 2026, and after a short break was called on again back in the late 1700's. The Edward Jenner team led by the Right Worshipful, then "initiated" John Clatworthy who was a great candidate throughout the demonstration.
With the business in 1795 or thereabouts, complete the lodge closed in 2026 and everyone retired for the festive board, ensuring that the punch bowl well tended to by "Charlie" was shared freely with those who wished to try some.
A Great Evening
The Demonstration team who are currently raising funds for the Glos 2029 Festival and were delighted to be presented with a cheque for £500 from the lodge, which was the money raised from the raffle and alms on the night.
For the members of Oxleas Wood and Terry Knott it was a great way to celebrate 60 years alongside their visitors and friends.
This was the second trip outside of Gloucestershire flying the flag for the province, but was also a great chance to make new friends from across the globe with Freemasons from Salisbury to Brazil there on the night. Who knows perhaps the team will be international soon?
Want to get involved?
If you have an interest in the theatrical side of masonry then why not get in touch with the team - [email protected], they are always on the lookout for new members especially as the number of requests for performances increases.
