The Loyal Manor Lodge Christmas Party was a wonderful evening and a fitting way to celebrate the festive season together.

The event was a great success, with excellent food and even better company, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere throughout the evening. Our thanks go to Louise Dukes, who provided superb musical entertainment on the piano. Her playing set the perfect festive tone and accompanied our carol singing beautifully.

As well as singing carols, Brethren and guests enjoyed the traditional game of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, which, as always, brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition. The raffle was also a highlight of the evening and proved very popular, raising much-appreciated funds for the Samaritans.

Further entertainment came in the form of a lively game of Heads and Tails, with some fantastic prizes on offer — including a delicious cake and a Weymouth Football Club mascot experience, both of which were keenly contested.

Overall, the evening captured the true spirit of Christmas: fellowship, generosity, and good humour. Our thanks go to everyone who helped organise the event and to all who attended, making it such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

Loyal Manor Lodge recently enjoyed an evening of genuine pride and warm celebration.

A highlight of the night was seeing Brother Martin Parker raised to the Degree of Fellowcraft, marking a significant milestone in his journey within Freemasonry. Martin has made remarkable strides since joining the Craft, showing dedication, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to learning the ritual and embracing the values of Freemasonry. The Lodge congratulates him warmly on this important step.

The evening also brought further cause for celebration, as two of our Brethren received Provincial promotions.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to:

• Worshipful Brother Selwyn Williams
• Worshipful Brother Les Spencer

Both have served their Lodge and the Province with distinction, and their promotions are a fitting recognition of their hard work and continued service.

In addition, the Lodge took the opportunity to express sincere gratitude to Worshipful Brother John Halford, who has served as Lodge Secretary for an incredible 20 years. His dedication, steady guidance, and commitment have been invaluable to Loyal Manor Lodge. As a token of thanks, John was presented with a well-earned bottle of whisky — a small gesture for an immense contribution.

It was truly an evening that showcased the spirit of Loyal Manor: progress, recognition, gratitude, and brotherhood.

Members of Loyal Manor Craft Lodge and Loyal Manor Chapter were delighted to attend the recent presentation of a commemorative shield to the Veterans Hub in Weymouth by the Provincial Grand Master.

During the visit, two cheques — each for £100 — were donated on behalf of both Loyal Manor bodies to Rachel Gray, the Hub Manager, in recognition of the fantastic work the organisation does in supporting local veterans and their families.

The shield presentation symbolised the ongoing commitment of Dorset Freemasonry to the Armed Forces Covenant, under which it proudly holds Gold Status. In his remarks, the Provincial Grand Master highlighted the shared values between Freemasonry and the Armed Forces — particularly the bonds of brotherhood, service, and mutual support that unite both communities.

Also in attendance were the Mayor of Weymouth, Councillor Caroline Nickinson, and many local veterans, several of whom are themselves proud Dorset Freemasons.

Both Loyal Manor Lodge and Loyal Manor Chapter look forward to continuing their support of the Veterans Hub and strengthening the connection with serving and former members of the Armed Forces within the local community.

Loyal Manor Lodge No. 6445 recently celebrated the installation of Steve Watkin as the new Worshipful Master, following the successful tenure of his predecessor, Roger Hart. Under Roger’s leadership, the lodge saw significant growth and unity, and his contributions were widely appreciated by members and visitors alike.

The installation ceremony, presided over by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Mark Burstow, showcasing the deep tradition and brotherhood of Freemasonry. The evening continued with a lively festive board, among the distinguished guests was Portsmouth Lodge No. 487, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds of fellowship and unity that connect Freemasons across lodges and generations.

As he assumes office, Worshipful Brother Watkin brings a clear commitment to building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor. With a commitment to continuing the lodge’s tradition of excellence, Steve’s leadership promises to guide Loyal Manor Lodge into an exciting new chapter, ensuring its continued success and vibrant future.

Loyal Manor Lodge recently had the privilege of welcoming two new members into Freemasonry. Brothers Timothy James Manners and Alexander Cody Pollock began their journey into the Craft, marking the start of their Masonic path. This double initiation was a first for our lodge and was led by the Worshipful Master and officers of the Lodge. After the ceremony, the members of Loyal Manor Lodge warmly embraced the newly initiated brothers, highlighting the significance of mentorship and camaraderie. The Lodge looks forward to assisting Brothers Manners and Pollock as they progress through their Masonic degrees and become engaged members of the Craft.

Congratulations to Matthew Le Sueur on being Raised to Master Mason in the Loyal Manor Lodge on the 23rd May 2025.

Matthew has relatives from both sides of his family, so Freemasonry is truly in his blood. Matthew is already playing an active role in the support of the Lodge, and is now looking to take on further roles in office, over the coming years, and hopes to start his journey to The Chair later in the year.

Well done Matthew, we all look forward to seeing you progress.

Loyal Manor Lodge is honoured to recognise W. Bro Brian Barton, P.G.St.B., for his outstanding contributions. Inspired by W. Bro Alan Yates’ original concept for an earlier festival, Brian initiated the Nautical Cable Tow Initiative. As a result, Loyal Manor Lodge has successfully distributed 700 custom Nautical Cable Tows globally, in exchange for donations supporting the Dorset Festival ’25. To acknowledge Brian’s significant efforts, W. Bro Roger John Hart, P.Pr.A.G.D.C. (Beds), presented him with a bottle of whiskey.

This initiative has not only generated essential funds but also fostered stronger relationships among Lodges in England, Wales, and internationally, including Argentina, the United States, Malta, Australia, and Europe. Brian’s commitment has successfully united Brethren worldwide for a worthy cause, promoting goodwill between the Province of Dorset and the broader Masonic community. Following the conclusion of the festival W. Bro Brian continues to promote his cabletows – with proceeds going to Lodge funds.

At Loyal Manor Lodge we were recently presented with a lecture in the First Degree by Brother Brian Sharrock, covering the ceremony of Initiation. This meaningful ceremony, filled with tradition and symbolism, starts a candidate’s journey into Freemasonry, focusing on moral development, self-examination, and brotherhood. Through serious rituals and important teachings, the First Degree promotes values like integrity, humility, and the quest for knowledge. Our members, both new and seasoned, were reminded of the lasting lessons in this degree, strengthening the friendships that characterise our lodge. It served as a strong reminder of Freemasonry’s lasting impact and its dedication to developing honourable individuals.

Photo provided by W Bro Brian Barton, the founder of the NCT, with the approval of W Bro Alan Yates GLA, who established the inaugural cable tow for the 1983 festival.

In support of the Dorset Festival ’25, Loyal Manor Lodge No 6445 has achieved remarkable success with our Nautical Cable Tow (NCT) initiative. The NCT is handcrafted, fully functional, and designed to be a lasting adornment for Candidates. The Lodge has provided 700 custom-made Nautical Cable Tows to various Lodges in exchange for donations to the Dorset Festival ’25.

These Nautical Cable Tows have been distributed not only across England and Wales but also to Lodges around the globe, including locations such as Argentina, the United States, Canada, Malta, Ireland, Scotland, Hong Kong, Singapore, South and Western Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany.

While the primary goal was to generate funds for the Dorset Festival ’25, this initiative also served as an excellent opportunity to foster fraternal goodwill among the Province of Dorset and other Provinces and Lodges participating in “Festivals.” In this spirit, Loyal Manor Lodge has generously donated a significant number of Nautical Cable Tows to other Provinces involved in “Festivals,” including Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Norfolk, East Kent, West Kent, West Yorkshire, as well as individual Lodges in Durham, New Zealand, the Para District Masonic Centre in South Australia, and Staffordshire, among others.

A Project Booklet and a list of supporting Lodges can be requested through the Loyal Manor Lodge website: loyalmanorlodge.org.

Initially crafted in white to symbolize “purity and innocence,” Loyal Manor Lodge was asked to create more distinctive versions for individual Lodges. The Lodge complied by incorporating colors representing Regiments, Units, Universities, Federations, and School Lodge Councils. Every Lodge that has received their unique Nautical Cable Tow has provided glowing feedback.

Note: The Nautical Cable Tow project continues to generate funds for Loyal Manor Lodge. Inquiries and orders can be placed through the Loyal Manor Lodge website: http://www.loyalmanorlodge.org.

Worshipful Brother Graham Cook, our dedicated Chaplain, recently marked an incredible 45 years in Freemasonry by participating in a recreation of his initiation ceremony. This special occasion not only honored his longstanding commitment to the Craft but also allowed him to reflect on the timeless values of brotherhood, integrity, and personal growth that have defined his Masonic journey. Congratulations to WBro Cook on this remarkable milestone.