Skip to main content
Back to top

Derbyshire's newest lodge all set for the kick-off

The Deputy Grand Master, Jonathan Spence will perform the consecration ceremony and install Steven Varley, Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire, as the new Lodge's founding Worshipful Master.

Posted:

Derbyshire's Provincial headquarters will be the venue for the consecration of its latest Lodge, Nomads Rugby Lodge no. 10015, formed especially for enthusiasts of Rugby Union.

It will be consecrated on Saturday, 16th July when the Deputy Grand Master, Jonathan Spence (a qualified Rugby Referee) will perform the consecration ceremony and install Steven Varley, Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire, as the new Lodge's founding Worshipful Master. The occasion is already heading towards a capacity attendance of 200 Freemasons from all corners of the country.

At its outset, no less than three Provincial Grand Masters will be installed as founding officers - Steven Varley representing Derbyshire, Philip Marshall (Nottinghamshire) as Junior Warden, and John Lockley (Staffordshire) as Senior Deacon, The Senior Warden will be Derbyshire’s James Bentley, Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer and Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

Of particular interest are a set of three specially turned gavels, commissioned and presented by the lodge’s founding secretary, Mike Framp; these are in the shape of rugby balls.

Commenting, Mike stated, 'We wanted something distinctive for what we believe will be a special lodge in the Province. My nephew, Richard Findley, a professional wood turner, agreed to make them and chose a most appropriate, distinctive wood, a type of acacia. It’s a quite rare hardwood, very significant in Freemasonry and much more dense than oak. They’re delightful and I’m sure they will stand up well to the rigours of lodge business over the years to come.'

Of course, other items of lodge furniture and regalia have already been acquired, including a set of distinctive founder’s jewels and, soon to arrive, a number of colourful, harlequin-patterned waistcoats to be worn by lodge members. Given that the Deputy Grand Master is a supporter of Harlequins Rugby Club, they may well turn his eye.

For the more practically minded of readers, here’s a video showing the new gavels being produced in Richard Findley’s premises, The Turner’s Workshop.

Join Freemasonry today

Locate your local lodge where you live, work or study.
International lookup by area

Enter your location or post code
Units: Miles
Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ...