Bath Freemasons raise charitable funds

As any fan of Dan Brown knows, there are many myths and stories surrounding Freemasonry.  Bath is a great place for those who are interested as it is one of the oldest centres of masonry in the country and the home of a very old lodge, The Royal Cumberland, founded 276 years ago.  Never mind the myths – one truth is that the organisation tries to give generously to charities of all kinds.  (Last year £2.3 million was given to non-masonic charities nationally).  It was in this spirit that the Bath Lodge celebrated its 275th birthday last year by raising as much as possible and last Thursday it was pleased to present gifts to four charities.

The event was much enhanced by the presence of the Chairman of B&NES Council, Councillor Bryan Chalker and the Mayor of Bath, Colin Barrett.  Gifts of £500  were presented to Sue Tucker and Rachel O’Connor from the RUH Premature Baby Unit, Dr Candy McCabe and Mrs Jean Wright from Arthritis Research UK, Alex Gillett and Eileen Shakespeare from Cancer Research UK and Trevor Quartermaine from the Bath Masonic Hall Trust. The presentations were made by Martin Cox who was the Master of the Lodge in the anniversary year. Afterwards the guests had a chance to see around the temple, which has also been the old Theatre Royal and a Catholic church in the past – they may have found the secret symbols of Dan Brown’s book – who knows? - but they certainly went home with some cash for their all important charities.

List of those in photo: Back (left to right) Colin Barrett (Mayor of Bath), David Hogg, Trevor Quartermaine, Bryan Chalker (Chairman of B&NES Council) Front Alex Gillett, Dr Candy McCabe, Sue Tucker, Rachel O’Connor

The Trustees launch the Appeal - A Restoration Drama!
Visit the Old Theatre Royal Website

Since 1750 the former Theatre Royal in Bath's Old Orchard Street has been the scene of many dramas, none more so than the current “Restoration Drama”. Our wonderful facility has been enjoyed by the Freemasons of Bath and their visitors for the last 143 years. However, time and spiralling maintenance costs have taken a heavy toll and this Grade Two listed building is sadly showing its age. The Trustees therefore have embarked upon an ambitious five year programme to restore the building to its former glory in anticipation of increasing revenue through Tourism which in turn will help subsidise the maintenance costs. Hopefully then, Freemasonry in Bath will have a more stable future in such illustrious and celebrated surroundings.

To enable this and to ensure the building’s continued use for Freemasonry, much of the electrical wiring has had to be urgently replaced. The cost of this has been met by generous donations and loans from the Bath Lodges and from various individuals, to whom the Trustees are extremely grateful. The main Temple now enjoys magnificent new lights but the improved lighting has of course highlighted the need for general repairs and redecorations. Anyone familiar with this wonderful room will know just how much work will be involved in this major project which the Trustees hope to commission soon. Meanwhile the upstairs dining room has already been re-decorated through the generous donation of time and money from the Master's Circle of 2007/8.

In time, restoration of the museum, kitchens and ancillary meeting rooms is planned and eventually, even a lift might be installed to provide better access to all five floors. The potential of this outstanding building is enormous but to realise it will take a lot of effort as well as considerable funding. Are you able to help?
Donating money will be a worthy and much appreciated contribution. But also, if you have any skills or business experience which you think might be useful, the Trustees would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact the secretary: W Bro Alan Jones by email to: sec@bathfreemasons.org.uk

 W Bro David Hogg
Chairman, Bath Masonic Hall Trustees