Inside the new Masonic centre

The new Masonic centre was opened in the autumn of 2011 to replace the old building in Wherry's Lane which had been sold to South Kesteven District Council in 2010 as part of a redevelopment scheme for the area.

An existing building in Roman Bank, previously used as a snooker hall, was purchased and adapted for use as the new centre, much of the work being done by members between January and September 2011 including painting, plumbing and electrical wiring. Contractors were used for the structural alterations such as laying floors, re-sizing several of the rooms and removing a mezzanine gallery in the new dining room.

The new premises had been purchased for £280,000 and as a result of the voluntary work done by members, the total bill for the move was kept within the £375,000 which was paid by the district council for the old lodge building.

The new centre is far more spacious, airy and lighter, the main temple having room for 120 people instead of a very crowded 100 while the dining room can seat 140 people compared with 60 in the old one. There is also the added advantage of car parking with a total of 50 permanent spaces front and back, a state of the art kitchen and toilets for ladies and gents.

The official opening took place on Monday 5th September 2011 when the Provincial Grand Master, Graham Ives, and his team of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers joined with the freemasons of Bourne and other visitors for the dedication ceremony and a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the occasion.

Among those who attended was Raymond Ringrose who, at the age of 97, is still the longest serving member of the Hereward Lodge. He had laid the foundation stone and was presented with a certificate of merit by the PGM in appreciation of his dedicated service during which time he has held several positions of seniority.

WRITTEN SEPTEMBER 2011

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