Year in Review
The season runs October to May. Here is what we got up to.
8
Meetings held
1
Initiations
£3,100
Raised for charity
4
Local causes supported
107th
Year of the lodge
Every year, St Winnold Lodge marches through Downham Market on Remembrance Sunday. Members in full regalia, carrying a poppy wreath, joining the town in honouring those who gave their lives.
It is one of the most visible things the lodge does, and one of the most important. The high street falls quiet. Heads turn. It matters.
“One of the most visible things we do as a lodge, and one of the most important.”
December's meeting is always the one brethren look forward to most. After the lodge work, the festive board brings members and their guests together in our own dining room for an evening that goes on rather longer than intended.
The raffle runs, toasts are given, and the room fills with the kind of noise that only happens when people are genuinely glad to be somewhere.
“The kind of evening that goes on rather longer than intended.”
The Installation Meeting is the centrepiece of the Masonic year. Officers are appointed, the incoming Master is installed in the chair, and the lodge formally constitutes itself for the season ahead.
Visiting brethren from neighbouring lodges join us for the ceremony and the festive board. It is the night the lodge presents itself at its best.
“The night the lodge presents itself at its very best.”
The lodge room was full, the Emulation Ritual conducted with care, and afterwards the brethren gathered at the festive board to welcome a new member into the lodge.
These evenings are why we do this. The moment a new brother takes his first step is one that stays with everyone present.
“These evenings are why we do this.”
A team of five St Winnold Lodge members entered the Annual Mayor's Quiz run by Downham Market Town Council in July 2026, competing alongside local businesses, community groups, and organisations from across the town.
The lodge donated a raffle prize on the night. Not every community commitment involves a formal grant. Sometimes it means showing up, taking part, and being present in the life of the town the lodge has called home since 1919.
“Not every community commitment involves a cheque. Sometimes it means showing up and being part of town life.”
This season
This season, St Winnold Lodge donated to the MCF Norfolk 2027 Festival, supported the 1st Downham Market Scout Group's new Squirrels section, and contributed to the Eternity Church food bank and Downham Market Boys Brigade.
Members collected food donations at the December festive board. The raffle at every dinner goes to the Lodge Almoner for member welfare.
“Every raffle, every collection. The giving never stops.”
What holds it together
Freemasonry is not a secret society. It is a society with secrets, and with members who show up, year after year, to support each other and their communities.
Want to be part of next year's story?
Leave your name and email and we'll be in touch. No obligation, no pressure.
We use essential cookies to keep members signed in, and Vercel Analytics (cookie-free) to understand how the site is used. Cookie Policy
