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.

The 20th Loyal Manor Curry and Quiz took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The event began with questions focused on cuisine, followed by a series of challenging anagrams. In the second half, participants were tested on their general and sports knowledge.

Overall, it was a fantastic evening, with over 110 attendees enjoying the quiz and a delicious curry, raising money for the building fund. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this successful event.

We are delighted to announce the initiation of Martin Parker, who is our first initiate of 2025. The evening was truly memorable, filled with support for Martin, who is already well-known within the local community. Many of his friends were present to witness his initial steps into Freemasonry. We look forward to Martin’s journey and development with Loyal Manor.

The meeting was held at the Freemason’s Hall at Victoria Square on Portland, organised by the ladies of the Broken Column Association.

The day was very well attended and kindly supported by our Provincial Grand Master Stephen James and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Leon Matthews

There was a short talk from the Island Community Action group by Nicky Turrell. This was very informative and highlighted the many supportive services available on Portland and in Weymouth, These ranged from information sign posting, Culture and Heritage on the island, transport and befriending, with many more activities listed.

After the talk a raffle was held with many prizes all donated, and the proceeds of the raffle are to go to the Island Community Action Group. For more information you can go the the ICA’s Facebook page , or their website.

The raffle was followed by plenty of food laid on by the ladies of the Broken Column Association. Many thanks to all those who organised this event and for those who supported it.

On the 22nd November, Matthew took the next step in Freemasonry, and was Passed to Fellow Craft. The ceremony was carried out by Roger Hart and supported by his officers and Past Masters. Here Matthew is with Steve, Roger and Nicko. Well done Matthew, perfect performance.

4th November 2024

Ray Baines celebrated sixty years in Freemasonry with many members attending from several Provinces including the United Grand Lodge of England. Ray has played a special part in The Loyal Manor Lodge and other lodges of Dorset Freemasonry, as he served as the visiting officer for many years, before moving to the Taunton area.

Ray Baines receiving a 60 year certificate from Brother Ray Guthrie with the Assistant Grand Master RW Bro David Medlock in attendance: Photograph kindly provided by Les Pickersgill, Provincial Photographer for Somerset.

Several member from the Portland and Weymouth Lodges from the Dorset Province attended the celebrations. All were welcomed, and wined and dined by Ray.

From L-R, John Poole, Gav Anderson-Terry, Johnathan Carter, Derek Pile, Ray Baines, Brian Barton, George Halls, David Seal, Graham Cook & Les Spencer. Photograph kindly supplied by Graham Cook.

Many senior members of Freemasonry also attended the celebration of this fantastic achievement and were proud to display their colours with Ray: Photograph kindly provided by Les Pickersgill, Provincial Photographer for Somerset.

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On Friday, October 25th, the Loyal Manor Lodge installed Roger Hart as into the chair. Although Roger only recently joined the Lodge, thanks to some persuasive encouragement from Michael Lambourne, he now finds himself leading the team —a role he hadn’t anticipated on doing.

The evening was very well supported by the Provincial Team with Mark Burstow heading the team and giving an inspiring talk at the Festive Board. A little encouragement goes a long way especially when we don’t always reach the high bar we set ourselves.

Congratulations to all the newly appointed officers for the following, and we all look forward to supporting Roger throughout the following year.

Portland Social Club and Loyal Manor Lodge 6445, meeting in Portland, joined together to assist a local girl with mobility issues to return to the sports she loves. The objective of the fundraiser was to purchase a  MY WALKER  which is an assisted, wheeled frame recommended by the NHS, Children’s Therapy Department, Dorchester for Aaliyah.

On hearing that Portland Social Club were fundraising for a very worthy cause, Freemasons from Portland Loyal Manor Lodge 6445 immediately donated funds and sought assistance from the Dorset Masonic Care (DMC). Matched funding by DMC was agreed and quickly effected. Within days the order was made.

Aaliyah can now take part in her beloved sports.

Congratulations to Stuart Johnson on being Raised to Master Mason in the Loyal Manor Lodge on the 28th June 2024. Our WM stand in was Roger Hart and JD Derek Pile, supported by SD Nick Oldham, and an amazing job all round.