Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive?
No, many Lodges offer a small Direct Debit option. Initial joining fees can be high, but include one off administration payments to United Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Lodge and your own Lodge to set up your admission and cover costs. Typically it costs £240 to join, and then £10 per month.
What are the additional or hidden extras?
Every time you attend a meeting, an alms plate is distributed, and if you’re able to contribute, then a small token of £1 or £2 is the accepted norm. Additionally, there is a meal after every meeting, St Peter's charge £18 for a hearty festive board, and our own internal bar is keenly priced, with all profits going to charity.
Do you have to dine?
No, but after the work of the meeting, the Lodge festive Board is a very friendly place where we sit with new friends and forge new bonds with those outside our usual circle.
Do you dress up?
No, we don’t wear helmets with buffalo horns, nor do we wear daft hats, fake beards or garb of a ridiculous nature. We do however all wear a leather apron and white gloves – the significance of which is linked to the ancient stonemasons, and will be explained fully after your initiation.
Is it like being at church?
No, there are two rules for all Freemasons, the subjects of Religion and Politics most especially banned from our meetings, these two emotive subjects being the main reasons for disharmony between men. We all meet equally, irrespective of our roles outside of Lodge – and we have Men of all faiths and colours in our Lodges.
Are you a secret society?
No, we are a society with some secrets, and we keep the doors closed on how we run our meetings in much the same way as a golf club or private members association would do.
What do I do if I want to join?
The first step is to go to the next page, and drop an email or letter to Andy Tong, he will arrange to meet with you and answer more questions if you have them. Once you decide to proceed, your
name is presented in Open Lodge as a candidate desiring to join, a vote will be taken and assuming all is well you will receive a letter with an anticipated initiation date.
I have read some negative comments about Freemasonry on the internet – are they true?
Most negative comments are made by people with little or no understanding of Freemasonry, they allow their suspicions to become sophisticated theories – which by their very nature are fictional. The Fraternity recognises that there is a lot of negative nonsense out there, so has commissioned reports which give a completely objective view of Freemasonry. If you would like a copy please email and we will send a reply with the attachment as quickly as we can.
No, many Lodges offer a small Direct Debit option. Initial joining fees can be high, but include one off administration payments to United Grand Lodge, the Provincial Grand Lodge and your own Lodge to set up your admission and cover costs. Typically it costs £240 to join, and then £10 per month.
What are the additional or hidden extras?
Every time you attend a meeting, an alms plate is distributed, and if you’re able to contribute, then a small token of £1 or £2 is the accepted norm. Additionally, there is a meal after every meeting, St Peter's charge £18 for a hearty festive board, and our own internal bar is keenly priced, with all profits going to charity.
Do you have to dine?
No, but after the work of the meeting, the Lodge festive Board is a very friendly place where we sit with new friends and forge new bonds with those outside our usual circle.
Do you dress up?
No, we don’t wear helmets with buffalo horns, nor do we wear daft hats, fake beards or garb of a ridiculous nature. We do however all wear a leather apron and white gloves – the significance of which is linked to the ancient stonemasons, and will be explained fully after your initiation.
Is it like being at church?
No, there are two rules for all Freemasons, the subjects of Religion and Politics most especially banned from our meetings, these two emotive subjects being the main reasons for disharmony between men. We all meet equally, irrespective of our roles outside of Lodge – and we have Men of all faiths and colours in our Lodges.
Are you a secret society?
No, we are a society with some secrets, and we keep the doors closed on how we run our meetings in much the same way as a golf club or private members association would do.
What do I do if I want to join?
The first step is to go to the next page, and drop an email or letter to Andy Tong, he will arrange to meet with you and answer more questions if you have them. Once you decide to proceed, your
name is presented in Open Lodge as a candidate desiring to join, a vote will be taken and assuming all is well you will receive a letter with an anticipated initiation date.
I have read some negative comments about Freemasonry on the internet – are they true?
Most negative comments are made by people with little or no understanding of Freemasonry, they allow their suspicions to become sophisticated theories – which by their very nature are fictional. The Fraternity recognises that there is a lot of negative nonsense out there, so has commissioned reports which give a completely objective view of Freemasonry. If you would like a copy please email and we will send a reply with the attachment as quickly as we can.