Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset

The official website of Dorset Freemasonry

The Ashley Lodge No. 6525

The Ashley Lodge meets ten times a year in Poole, on the Last Friday of every month apart from July and August when there are no meetings and December when we meet on the 2nd Friday.

Ashley is a friendly, Friday night Lodge with members from all backgrounds, both ex-military and civilian, young and old, all of whom take pleasure in the quality of and the enjoyment generated by our meetings. We pride ourselves on having fun whilst maintaining the standards and traditions of the institution and of our founders, making us happy to meet and sorry to part.

The Lodge warmly welcomes anyone interested in finding out more about Freemasonry and visiting Brethren from other lodges.

Contact us at:

6525@dorsetfreemasonry.info

Our Facebook page 'The Ashley Lodge No 6525'
or Twitter '@theashleylodge'

News

Masonic Charitable Foundation 

Masonic Charitable Foundation - A new charity for Freemasons, for families, for everyone.

The Pro Grand Master, Peter Lowndes has announced that a new charity called the Masonic Charitable Foundation is to be esablished, bringing together the charitable activities of the four exising central Masonic Charities.

At Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on Wednesday, 9 September, the Pro Grand Master said: more...

Regular meeting in October 

Our regular meeting at the end of October saw Alan Hickson elected as Worshipful Master for the forthcoming year. This was followed by an extended explanation of the 2nd degree Tracing Board, superbly presented by Graham Hartless. Following this the Provincial Orator gave a talk based on the explanation. Finally Viv Double presented his own extended and fascinating version of the certificate to our newest Master Masons. more...

Ladies Night 2015 

Every year the members of The Ashley Lodge celebrate the support of their wives and partners without which the lodge would not be able to function. This year was no exception, with the members, their partners and guests enjoying a formal 'Black Tie' event at Bentley's restaurant in Ferndown. A wonderful evening was had by all and our thanks go out to our Worshipful Master, Jim and his good lady Jan for all their hard work in organizing the evening. more...

Regular Meeting 26th November 2015 

Alan Hickson was installed as Master of The Ashley Lodge for the second time at our November meeting.

The installation ceremony was superbly conducted by the outgoing Master, Jim Adair, ably supported by the officers of the Lodge and members of the Provincial executive of Dorset. In attendance were representatives from Lodges all over the county plus representatives from Lodge Neptune Kilwinning Saltcoats No 442 Scottish Constitution. more...

Regular Meeting December 2015 

Our Christmas meeting , Past Masters Night, saw the senior Past Master in the Lodge WBro. Roy Rickets being escorted around the lodge by the the most Junior Past Master in a 2nd degree ceremony superbly conducted by WBro Bob Harris. Later the Festive Board included excellent musical entertainment and Christmas faire. During the meal WBro. John Talbot oversaw the collection of a large amount of Christmas chocolate for the homeless of Poole and over £400 was raised for local charities. more...

Regular meeting January 2016 

Mark Ferns became our latest Master Mason on Friday 29th January 2016.

An excellent ceremony presided over by our Worshipful Master and ably assisted by his officers and the senior members of the Lodge. All helping Bro. Mark to take his next step in Freemasonry. Following this the Members and their guests retired to the dining room for a superb Festive Board, complete with traditional toasts and large amounts of good cheer. more...

Ashley has gone to the Dogs! 

On the 20TH February members of the Lodge and their partners enjoyed a 3 course meal and a night of Dog Racing at Poole Stadium.

Organised by our Worshipful Master, WBro. Alan Hickson, and his good lady wife, Zena. Dining in the enclosed restaurant with a fantastic view of the track all those attending had a great time and even had the chance for a mild flutter, some even won! The food and company was excellent and we all look forward to our next social event. more...

February Regular meeting 

Our February meeting saw the Lodge host and participate in the Poole round of the Dorset Provincial Masonic Knowledge Quiz.

Teams from seven lodges competed to see who would go into the next round . After a slow start the Ashley team came through to tie with St Aldhelm's Lodge by the end of the final round and finally take the tie-break question to win the round. Congratulations to our successful team and here's looking forward to the next round. more...

The Ashley Lodge of Instruction Festival 2016 

The LOI festival meeting on Tuesday 8th March, Gave our Senior Warden, Bro David Sanford, a chance to practice a full meeting both in the Temple and at the Festive Board from the Masters Chair.

It also gave the newer members of the Lodge an opportunity to participate in a ceremony either as his officers or jointly presenting the charges. All the members that participated did an excellent job in their various offices. more...

Family Lunch and March Meeting 

The last full week in March was a busy time for the Ashley Lodge.

Sunday 20TH Saw 70 members, their families and guests enjoy our annual family lunch at the Mayfair Hotel in Bournemouth. more...

Donation to AboutFace 

On Thursday the 14th April, in the sun, our Master for 2014-2015, Jim Adair and his good lady Jan presented a cheque for £2200 to Annabelle Sounders of AboutFace.

Every year the Master of The Ashley Lodge and his partner nominates a local charity to support during his time in office. Their nominated charity for last year was AboutFace. Based in Poole the charity provides support to those suffering from Head and Neck cancer, their families and carers. more...

April 2016 Regular Meeting 

Freemasonry has a long musical tradition.

With music playing a key part in all our meetings and our April meeting was no exception. At the meeting Philip Smith, our newest member became a Master Mason. At the end of the evening, during the meal, the song 'Advance each true Brother' was ably sung to Philip by our Secretary Viv Double, accompanied by our Lodge Organist on the piano and with the rest of those present joining in the chorus. more...

May 2016 Regular Meeting 

Although we had no ceremony our May meeting was a very busy one with three extended presentations.

The addresses were made by Jim Adair, Graham Hartless and Viv Double, with each being warmly received by those present. The reduced numbers present also gave us the opportunity to experiment with the layout of the Festive Board. For the first time in The Ashley Lodge the table plane formed large square. Making for a very convivial meal topped off by the appearance of trifle for pudding!! more...

The Ashley Lodge at Zetland court 

Our Worshipful Master, his Wardens and their wives would like to thank all those members of The Ashley Lodge and their partners who helped out with cakes for our stall at the Zetlland Court summer fete on Saturday afternoon.

A fun afternoon saw the stall raise just lover £160 in aid of the Friends of Zetland Court. A big thank you to our wives Zena, Sue and Carolyn who, in all honesty, did most of the hard work raising the £160! more...

2016 Dorset Masonic Knowledge Quiz 

The final of the Dorset Masonic Knowledge Quiz was held on Friday the 17TH June. With four teams from Lodges around the county, including ours, competing for the Barnes Trophy.

Congratulations to the winners Blackmore Vale Lodge No 3625, who with a score of 19/25, did exceedingly well. Answering some very difficult and obscure questions, securing a well-deserved win. With the second place team (Ashley) scoring 14/25 and the others closely following one point behind. more...

June Regular Meeting 2016 

Friday June 24TH was our last meeting before the summer break with the Lodge helping a member of Broadstone Lodge No 8641, Simon Kearley, to take his next step in Freemasonry.

A hugely enjoyable evening in the company of members of Broadstone Lodge and a delegation from the winners of the Dorset Provincial Knowledge quiz, Blackmore Vale Lodge No 3625. more...

Ladies Night 2016 

Whilst The Ashley lodge is on its summer recess our social events continue with our annual Ladies Night dinner and dance.

Seventy plus members, their families and guests enjoyed a fantastic summer evening together at Mayfair Hotel in Bournemouth on Saturday night. A lovely meal was followed by dancing late into the night to the live music of The Spencer Duo. more...

September 2016 Regular Meeting 

Our first night back from the summer break and the Lodge welcomes its newest member Bro Robert Halfhide.

In an excellent ceremony conducted by our W.M. Alan Hickson. Also during the evening WBro Brad Turner presented a Certificate to WBro Leon Matthews for his valiant efforts on the Provincial Sponsored Cycle ride, earlier this month. more...

October Regular Meeting 2016 

Friday the 28th October was our Business meeting where the various officers of the Lodge in key roles were elected.

This included our Master for the upcoming Masonic year, Bro David Sanford.

The lodge was also treated to a Talk from the Provincial Grand Orator WBro. Peter Boyd on the meaning of charge delivered to the initiate on his first night as a Mason. This was followed by an excellent explanation of the Grand Lodge Certificate by the Lodge Secretary WBro. more...

Skittles 2016 

Our last social event for our year was on the evening of Saturday 12th November.

Members their partners and guests gathered for an evening in each other's company. Playing skittles, eating and drinking in the friendly atmosphere of the Coach and Horses Public House in Wimborne.

Five teams battled throughout the evening for the coveted Team Winners Medals. With the highest scorer taking home the winner's cup and 'Chocolate Gong' overall Winners medal. more...

December 2016 Regular Meeting 

Our final meeting of 2016 and the first for our new Worshipful Master took place earlier this month on the 10th of December.

In a wonderful festively decorated Lodge building our members enjoyed a ceremony of initiation conducted by the Past Masters of the Lodge. An excellent Christmas dinner followed, during which those present were entertained by the singing talents of Wavelength a Capella, with the Lodge members joining in at every opportunity! more...

March Regular meeting 

An excellent night at The Ashley Lodge on Friday 31st March.

The night saw the members and their guests treated to two opportunities to make that daily advancement that Freemasons often talk about. John Talbot, a Past Master of the lodge gave a superbly presented extended explanation of the 2nd degree tracing board. This was followed by an interesting talk presented by the Lodge Secretary Viv Double entitled the 4th Tracing Board. more...

April Regular Meeting 

No ceremony at our Regular April meeting last night but a talk from the Provincial Orator on the history of some of the offices in the Lodge. Followed by an enjoyable Festive Board with good food, in the company of good friends. Congratulations to Matt Devereux on his promotion to Grand Rank, a well-deserved honour, also to our V.O. Paul Gamsa for his promotion. In all a truly excellent evening, with charity monies raised for the Piam Brown Children's oncology ward in Southampton Hospital. more...

May regular Meeting 2017 

Before the start of the May Regular meeting of The Ashley Lodge

WBro Alan Hickson and his wife Zena accompanied by members of the Lodge presented a cheque for £2119.00 to Margret Hannibal MBE, the CEO of local charity, Mosaic.

The Cheque represented funds donated by members of the Lodge and their guests during Alan's year as Master in 2015-2016, with Mosaic being his chosen charity for that year. more...

June Regular Meeting 

A busy Friday night at Ashley

Out last meeting before the summer break was a busy enjoyable occasion tinged with a little bit of sadness, in which Bro Rob Halfhide was made a Master Masson. Enjoyable, because it was the next step in Bro Rob's masonic journey and a cracking night. Tinged with sadness because Bro. Rob's proposer and stepfather, WBro John Matthews, having passed away earlier this year, was not physically there to witness the occasion. more...

Raft race 

Ashley Lodge comes in first at the Dorset inter Lodge Raft race held on sun 2ND July. The race was held to celebrate 300 years of organised Freemasonry in England and raising much needed funds for the Dorset/Somerset Air Ambulance. A valiant effort saw our team win against some stiff opposition put up by the other Lodges involved. A very entertaining day in the sun raising cash for a good cause. more...

Mosaic Newsletter 

Ashley has made the cover of the Mosaic Summer Newsletter. A full page picture showing the cheque presentation to Mosaic's CEO, Margaret Hannibal outside the door of the Lodge. more...

September Regular Meeting 2017 

Operation Frankton began on the 30th November 1942 when the submarine HMS Tuna set sail for the Gironde Estuary in France from Holy Loch in Scotland. On board were six canoes and 12 Royal Marine Commandos from Southsea Portsmouth. Their mission was to attack shipping anchored in Bordeaux harbour. By planting limpet mines onto their hulls, then making their escape on foot through occupied France – This small group of commandos were to become known as the Cockleshell Hero's. more...

October Regular Meeting 

Last week was a busy one for The Ashley Lodge and its members. Starting with the annual Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in Sherborne. Where the Lodge had three members reappointed as active Officers of the Province and one promotion to Past Office.

This was followed on Friday evening with the October regular meeting. A full agenda saw the Lodge Senior Warden, Worshipful Brother Peter Boyd, become Master Elect ready for installation in November. more...

November 2017 Regular meeting 

On the seventieth anniversary of its founding meeting, Friday the 24th November, WBro. Peter Boyd was installed as Master of The Ashley Lodge in a ceremony superbly conducted by WBro Matt Devereux.

Once installed the Worshipful master invested his officers and presented them with commemorative cufflinks and pins showing the Lodge Crest coupled with the dates 1947-2017. more...

December 2017 Regular Meeting 

On Friday 8th December 45 members of The Ashley Lodge and their guests gathered together to enjoy the Lodge's annual Christmas meeting. This meeting is traditionally Past Masters Night where the Past Masters of the lodge take over and conduct a ceremony. This year the Lodge was treated to live 1ST degree where the all participating masters helped to welcome our latest member Mr Gregory Winter to the Lodge. A fantastic ceremony was presided over by WBro. more...

January 2018 Regular Meeting 

Our January Regular meeting hosted the Poole heat of the Dorset Provincial Knowledge Quiz. Where the DPGM and his team posed some very difficult questions to the five teams present and a room full of their supporters. Congratulations to all those who took part in the Quiz and a big well done to The Ashley team who won the heat with a score of 17 out 20.
Following the quiz, the contestants and their supporters retired to the dining room for some much-needed refreshment. more...

February 2018 Regular Meeting 

Our February meeting on Friday the 23rd was a very special night. The ceremony saw Mr Alexanda Paba became a Mason and a Member of the Lodge. At the age of 19, Alex is the fourth generation of his family to join Freemasonry and The Ashley Lodge. His father Matthew, his grandfather Franco and great grandfather John all being members of the Lodge, with John having served as Master of the Lodge in 1978. more...

Family Lunch 

Sunday 11th March 2017 (Mother's day) was our annual Family and Widows Sunday Lunch, where Members, their guests and widows of The Lodge enjoyed a Sunday roast dinner whilst being entertained by a professional magician. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all whilst a raffle helped raise funds for our Master's chosen charity – Spring

 more...

March 2017 Regular Meeting 

Our Regular meeting was on Thursday 30TH March, brought forward by one day as our normal meeting day is Good Friday. During the meeting we welcomed our newest member James Dunn. The ceremony was conducted by our Worshipful Master ably supported by his team and the rest of the Lodge. An excellent evening ended with the traditional Festive Board and associated toasts. During this a collection was held, raising a generous sum for charities including the Master's charity for 2018 – Spring. more...

Our IPM presents a charity cheque to Piam Brown 

Last week our Immediate Past Master – David Sanford presented a cheque for £2650 to the Piam Brown Children's Ward in Southampton. Piam Brown was David's chosen charity for his year in the chair 2016-2017 and the cheque is for the moneys donated at our regular meetings for that year.

The Piam Brown Ward is the Regional Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit for Wessex more...

April 2018 Regular Meeting 

At our April Meeting another new Mason joined our Ranks, Bro Gez Edwards. Gez had initially expressed an interest in Freemasonry whilst working overseas but circumstances prevented him from joining a Lodge whilst abroad. Once settled back in the UK he contacted the Province of Dorset through the Provincial Website and they matched him with a Lodge that suited his work schedule and location. more...

May 2018 Regular Meeting 

In Our May meeting Bro Greg Winter took his second step in Freemasonry, in front of 50 members and their guests. In an excellent ceremony Bro Greg acquitted himself admirably and all those present thoroughly enjoyed the proceedings and the meal afterwards. The highlight of which was the singing of the Fellow Crafts song, a new tradition in Ashley implemented by our J.W. and Provincial Grand Organist Bro Williams. more...

50 Years for Peter Rapkins 

On the morning of Wednesday 30th May, our Visiting Officer Paul Gamsa accompanied by our W.M. travelled the 60 miles to a sunny Hayling Island to present Bro Peter Rapkins with a certificate commemorating 50 years of service to Freemasonry and to The Ashley Lodge. Peter was initiated to Ashley Lodge by his late father in law in May 1968.

For much of his working life, Peter worked away from the Poole area as a research chemist for the South Eastern Gas Board. more...

2018 Zetland Court Summer Fete 

Ashley's cake stall raised just over £141 in the glorious sunshine at the Zetland Court Summer Fete.

A big thank you from our W.M. and his good lady to all those who helped on the day or provided cakes and produce for us to sell.
 more...

A busy week for Ashley 

We have been busy over the last week with a Lodge Social, a Lodge Regular meeting, the final of the Provincial Knowledge quiz and the annual Raft Race in Poole Park.

On Thursday we gathered at Branksome Dean Chine, on the beach between Bournemouth and Poole for the first of our summer Socials. A very enjoyable evening was had by all, eating fish and chips and watching moon rise over Bournemouth bay with Old Harry rocks off in the distance. more...

September 2018 Regular meeting 

Our September meeting was a 2nd degree ceremony for our youngest member Bro. Alex Paba. Supported by our Master and his team Alex conducted himself admirably in the company of those present, the next youngest of whom would be twice is age! During the meeting the Lodge bid our long standing Visiting Grand Officer, Wbro. Paul Gamsa 'Bon Voyage' as he moves out of the Province for pastures new. more...

October 2018 Regular Meeting 

Our October meeting was our Business meeting where amongst other officers Bro Michael Wilson, our current S.W. became Master Elect, having been so elected by those Members present. The floor was then handed over to RWBro. Harry Barnes Past Provincial Grand Master and honoury member of the Lodge. Who captivated the whole Lodge with a presentation of the extended 1st degree tracing board followed by the extended closing. more...

Ladies Night 2018 

Sat 27TH October was our Ladies night at the Dudsbury Hotel, where 64 members, their partners and guests once again celebrated the contribution our Ladies and Partners make to our evenings and enjoyment of freemasonry.

Entertained by the musical talents of the Sodapops all those present had a thoroughly good time. The evening raised a further £350 for our W.M. chosen charity Spring and provided a fitting end his year. more...

November Regular Meeting 2018 

On Friday 30th November Mike Wilson was installed as Master of the Ashley Lodge for the ensuing year. Michael was installed by his predecessor Peter Boyd in the presence of The Provincial Grand Master for Dorset RWBro Graham Glazier, his Provincial team and 65+ members and their guests from across the UK. At the end of the ceremony Michael appointed the officers who will assist him during his time as Master
. more...

December 2018 Regular meeting - Christmas 

Friday 14th December

Our December meeting is traditionally Past Masters so this year our Past Secretary and stalwart of the Lodge, Viv Double, took the chair to conduct a 2nd degree ceremony for James Dunn. Assisted by the other Past Masters, Viv and his team performed superbly and our congratulations go to Jim for taking his next step in Freemasonry. more...

January 2019 Regular Meeting 

Our January meeting fell on Burns night which gave the evening a Scottish flavour. This was an evening of firsts; first meeting of the year, a First Degree and the first ceremony for our new Worshipful Master and his team. All of whom performed their duties superbly and helped make it a special night for our new member, Bro Paul. more...

February 2019 Regular Meeting 

Brother Edwards took his next step in Freemasonry at out February meeting in an excellent ceremony conducted by our Worshipful Master and his team. Forty two members and their guests witnessed the ceremony and then retired to the dining room for a good natured meal together.

During the meal there was a collection using Gift Aid forms followed by two auctions for activities donated by our Worshipful Master all in aid of our chosen charity for this year, Poole Sailability. more...

50 years a Mason 

Fifty years ago W Bro Walter 'Wally' Draper a then GPO engineer and ex paratrooper become a Freemason in Surrey, he joined the Ashley Lodge when he retired with his family to Bournemouth.

On Sunday 21st March W Bro Ron Kiver, accompanied by our Worshipful Master and the Lodge Secretary, presented Wally with a certificate of service and a 50 year pin at his home. more...

March 2019 Regular Meeting 

The 700th meeting of the Ashley Lodge took place on Friday the 29th March. At the meeting Forty members and their guests took part and watched as Mr Mark Thompson sook his first step and became a Freemason. During the ceremony Mark was assisted by his Proposer Bro Shaun Fudge who stepped up a place and acted as J.D. whilst the seconder our Worshipful Master oversaw the proceedings. more...

April 2018 Regular Meeting 

Our April regular meeting on Friday 26th was a night of Fellowcrafts. Bro Frankie McCoid took his second step in Freemasonry in a ceremony performed with real passion by our Worshipful Master and his team. Amongst those witnessing the proceedings were six other Fellowcrafts who gathered at the end of the ceremony along with Bro. Frankie to receive, from our Senior Warden, an expertly presented long explanation of one of the pieces of Lodge furniture, a story rich in history and allegory. more...

May 2019 Regular Meeting 

Extra chairs were needed for 83 members and guests who attended the final of the K. Barnes Dorset Masonic Knowledge Quiz at our May Regular Meeting. The formal part of the evening comprised of two halves, the first being the quiz final and the second a presentation.

Four teams competed in a hard-fought contest doing their best to answer the sometimes difficult Masonic flavoured questions. more...

Zetland Court Summer Fete 1st June 2019 

Saturday 1st June saw members of the Lodge, their wives , partners and families, setup and run our cake stall at the Zetland Court Summer Fete. A fantastic day in the sun was had by all selling cakes to raise money for the Association of Friends of Zetland Court who help enrich the lives of the residents of the Court. With the stall, the Lodge's contribution to summer the Fete came to over £300. -Well done! more...

W Bro Leon in Cyprus 

Q. What do you do in the evenings if you are a Freemason who has just moved to Cyprus?

A. Visit Lodges!

Leon Matthews a Past Master of Ashley and stalwart of the Province of Dorset moved to Cyprus last year. Keen to continue his Masonic Journey he has been out and about on the island vising Lodges. more...

June 2019 Regular Meeting 

Friday the 27th was our last meeting before the well-earned summer break. On one of the hottest evenings of the year so far, the Lodge met to help Bro Greg Winter take his next step in Freemasonry and become a Master Mason. The ceremony, presided over by our Worshipful Master and assisted by his team and Senior Past Masters of the Lodge, was conducted with the care and sincerity that this occasion demands. more...

Summer Walk to Swanage 

Having finished our Lodge meeting (very) late on Friday night, at 8:30am Saturday morning our Worshipful Master accompanied by some of the fitter members of the Lodge gathered together, at the front door to Poole Masonic hall to start their 14 mile walk to Swanage Masonic Hall in aid of the upcoming Dorset 2025 Festival (Festival 25). more...

September 2019 Regular Meeting 

Our first meeting after the summer break on Friday 27th September went off with bang. A long evening, starting an hour earlier than normal, with the Provincial Grand Master for Dorset opening a session of Provincial Grand Lodge in order to promote and invest 18 of his Visiting Officers and senior Brethren. Aided by his full team this part of the evening had all the pomp and ceremony associated with a full Provincial meeting. more...

October 2019 Regular Meetng 

What on paper looked to be a relatively quiet October business meeting turned into a great evening with a lot of laughter and arguably the highlight in meal choice for the year- steaming Steak and Kidney Pudding!!

 more...

November 2019 Installation Meeting 

Our November meeting is our Installation meeting where the Master for the ensuing year is installed, he then appoints his officers completing the team that will preside over the Lodge activities for that year.

Continuing for his second year in the chair Michael Wilson oversaw the proceedings ably assisted by the Installing Master Jim Adair. more...

December 2019 Regular Meeting 

Two weeks after our Installation meeting we all met again for our regular Christmas meeting on Friday December 13th. Traditionally in The Ashley Lodge this is our Past Masters evening where Past Masters of the Lodge take over and perform a ceremony. This year they had the honour of performing a 2nd degree ceremony for one of our newest members, Mark (The Grinch) Thompson. more...

January 2020 Regular Meeting 

The end of January and the beginning of February saw two distinct days of contrast for Poole Masonic Hall and the members of The Ashley Lodge.

The new decade for Lodge started off on Friday 31ST with a 3RD degree where James Dunn was made a Master Mason in an excellent ceremony conducted by our W.M. and his team. The ceremony was conducted with all the respect and solemnity fitting this occasion whilst also reflecting the warm friendship of a shared experience
. more...

February Regular Meeting - Two down, two to go 

On Friday 28th February Bro Gez Edwards took his next step and in an excellent ceremony became a Master Mason himself. The ceremony was conducted with great feeling and skill by our Worshipful Master and his team and in doing so, and by passing on the useful lessons that ceremony contains, they also took a step themselves. A real sense of friendship and teamwork prevailed though out the evening culminating in a very cheerful meal in each other's company. more...

13th July 2020 -One Hundred years old today! 

on the 13th of July Roy Ricketts celebrates his 100th Birthday with his family. Borne on July 13th 1920, in Poole, Roy joined the Ashley Lodge and Freemasonry on Jan 29th 1954 and has been an active member ever since, regularly attending meetings right up to the current Lockdown. A fit and popular member of the Lodge Roy was Master from 1962-1963 and has held active Provincial office in Dorset on more than one occasion. more...

Summer Walk 

A break in the wet weather on Sunday 26th July saw a small group of Lodge members accompanied by their wives and partners unite for a socially distanced five mile walk from Broadstone to the Fox and Hounds at Canford Bottom. The walk took the group along the route of the old railway, alongside and across the river Stour at Canford School, the former home of Lady Wimborne a keen supporter of Poole Freemasonry in the early 1900s. more...

Suspension of Lodge Business for three months 

Following much internal discussion amongst our members our Worshipful Master in line with the wishes of more than two thirds of the Lodge membership has suspended our regular meetings for three months until the end of December 2020. This is in accordance with the directive issued by the MW The Grand Master. Whilst we are not meeting physically the Lodge continues to function at a reduced level over video conferencing and social media. more...

Worshipful Brother Michael Wilson 

It is with great sadness that we have to report that our Worshipful Master, W Bro Mike Wilson has passed away whilst on a diving holiday in the Orkney Islands.

His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour was an inspiration to us all. Mike's support for Freemasonry and particularly The Ashley Lodge will be greatly missed.
He was a true friend and a brother to all those he came into contact with.
R.I.P. Mike more...

September 2021 Regular Meeting 

Friday 24th September 2021 was our first full night back for 18 months. The joy of our return was tinged with a little sadness as we remembered our friends and Brethren who had passed away during the suspension.

All things considered we had a good turnout with 27 attending the meeting and 23 staying to enjoy a meal of Pie, chips and peas followed by fruit salad finished off with the Masonic favourite of cheese and biscuits with coffee. more...

October 2021 Regular Meeting 

October 29th was our second meeting back following the protracted COVID shutdown and was our annual business meeting where the Lodge elected a new worshipful Master for the upcoming year, Brother Matthew Paba. In accordance with tradition the Lodge elects a new Master each year and it is his job to lead his team for the next 10 meetings and represent the Lodge throughout that Masonic year. more...

November 2021 Installation meeting 

On Friday 26th November after a two year wait and forty three years after his Grandfather, John Daley, was installed as Master of The Ashley Lodge, Matthew Paba became our latest Worshipful Master in front of 42 members and their guests. With his father also a past member of the Lodge Matthew is the 3rd generation of his family to join Ashley. Also attending the evening was Mathew's son, Alex, the 4th generation of his family to join the Lodge, making it a truly family affair. more...

December Regular Meeting - Past Masters Night 2021 

Traditionally Ashley's December meeting is Past Masters night. This is where all those who have previously been Master of the Lodge take over the various offices and perform a demonstration ceremony, giving all the newly appointed officers a chance to relax and enjoy the meeting. more...

January 2022 Regular Meeting 

With the beginning of 2022 we start our return to 'normality' with the commencement of ceremonies at our regular meetings. On Friday 28th January, after waiting patiently for nearly 2 years, Mark Thompson took his third step as a Freemason.

During an excellent ceremony, witnessed by his friends and carried out by our Worshipful Master and his team, Mark conducted himself superbly and was a credit to the newly bestowed badge of a Master Mason. more...

Shortcuts

Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset
Provincial Grand Chapter of Dorset
Three Pillars Club
Masonic Halls
Festival 25
Dorset Masonic Care
Dorset Ashlar Housing Trust
Search...

Check Out Our Social Media

Dorset Freemasonry

Copyright © 2023 Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset.
All rights reserved.