The Lodge is regarded as a modern and progressive, having in the past been ‘very traditional.’ Some might say ‘stuck in a rut’. The change has come about by fully adopting the recommendations set out in the Metropolitan Grand Lodges initiative, ‘Project Streamline’ and the Grand Lodges ‘Members Pathway’ and very much to the point, they have worked. One of the major steps forward has been the abandonment of ‘Committees’ but instead involving every member, no matter how new or old, in every aspect of decision making. Cutting out ritual simply for the sake of it and raising the standard and every aspect of the Festive Board.
Encouragement of good fellowship, mutual respect and happy times being the philosophy. It understands that younger men have a different view of enjoyment to that of their grandfathers. Whilst strict observance of so called ‘Traditions’ are perhaps attractive to some, but to others a bore, having little relevance to lives in twenty, twenty-two.
We are a multicultural, interracial, diverse lodge that welcomes anyone of any authenticity or background who rise to the exacting standards of integrity we expect. “Our membership emanates from London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Essex, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, West Yorkshire as well as Spain, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Uganda and Ghana. Ages range from 18 to 73 and occupations and professions cross a wide spectrum.
In a brief period, the Lodge has grown from eighteen, to thirty-one with others in the pipeline. The approach and momentum evolved, from that highlighted by the Grand Secretary, in Freemasonry Today magazine, by a single word ‘Change.’
Being ‘Remembrance’, you might think that our logo should in some way include a ‘poppy’ however, the central feature the ‘Lighthouse’ is symbolically appropriate and has its own allegorical message, namely ‘In the stormy seas of life, the Lodge as a lighthouse represents a landmark, ancient, historical and perpetual, established on a sure and solid foundation, giving light to those in darkness, guidance to those who seek it and is symbolical of Wisdom, Strength and Stability.
Over the years the Lodge has had a continuous connection with the Metropolitan Police with many current and former Officers as members. It has as a tradition, that in memory of those both Military and Civilian Police and others who have given their lives in the service of their Country, each Initiate and Joining Member are presented with a pair of ‘Poppy Red Socks’ for wear at Lodge Meetings, so that the memory is perpetual and not restricted only to the eleventh of November each year.
Some years ago, it was decided by all the membership that the main beneficiaries of Lodge Charitable giving would be the Royal British Legion, disadvantaged London youth and MetGL initiatives.
The Lodge meets at Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street, on the third Saturdays in March, September, November, and January in each year and dines at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Southampton Row, London. The emphasis being on ‘Fine Dining’ with a minimum of disruptions. Always with a long oval as ‘sprigs’ prove devisive.
