March 2025
Goodbye Jamie and Hello David.... What a year it's been for Jamie as WM, not only with the ceremonies but also creating a new Guildford Forum where all lodges who meet at Weybourne House are able to join together to help share resources and ideas. Secondly he's created another meeting designed for the newer brethren to keep Petersham traditions strong and alive. Well done ! David today was welcomed as Master of Petersham Lodge for the next twelve months and it looks like we have a great full year ahead. We were also delighted to welcome one of our honorary members, Mark Winchester to the lodge for the first time in many years. Great to see you
January 2025
Our January meeting had a bumper turnout of 26 which included 6 guests one of which was our official visitor Alan Giddings. Sadly two brethren could not make the event due to unexpected family issues but we're glad to hear all is well now. We passed Bro Harry to the degree of a Fellowcraft with the ceremony being carried out by our WM but able assisted as in November where W Bro Henley described in detail the 2nd Degree Tracing Board and Bro Corbey explained the 2nd degree working tools. A few days prior to the meeting our WM initiated a "Daily Advancement Meeting" mainly geared for the light blues which has had positive feedback. Well done Jamie !
Christmas Meal 2024
On Saturday 30th November over 30 brethren, partners and friends attended "The De Havilland Arms" in Fleet to a fantastic 3 course meal. A worthy recommendation from our WM Jamie and I'm sure we'll be back.. £140 was collected by the raffle and a great time was had by all
November 2024
In a surprise turn of events we rehearsed the 2nd degree with the WM performing the ceremony, W Bro Henley describing in detail the 2nd Degree Tracing Board and Bro Corbey explaining the 2nd degree working tools. We also had a visit from Bro Julien Tidmarsh from Weybridge lodge introducing the new 2030 Festival and the great causes where the money is used. Many brethren signed up but those that missed the day will get a 2nd chance in January when Julien will be back as he enjoyed himself so much !
Finally to celebrate 100 years of Petersham Lodge, W Bro Henley has tirelessly been working in the background sourcing a new banner, and now here it is..... Many thanks Peter for all your efforts in organising 
October 2024
Today our Worshipful Master Jamie raised Bro Emyln to the 3rd degree in his usual proficient manner. The ceremony was capably assisted by W Bros Goswell and Henley with their enjoyable extended workings. We also met our new Visiting officer W.Bro Alan Giddings for the first time albeit on an unofficial occasion
April 2024
Our WM Jamie started his year with the initiation of Harrow Fallows with the great flare of a true thespian. This was followed with "The Presentation of the White Gloves", a Petersham first, capably delivered by our Treasurer Peter Henley who immediately afterwards gave "The Charge After Initiation". We were also delighted to hear that three members of the lodge will be receiving promotions on Wednesday 26th June at Freemasons Hall. Many congratulations to Peter Henley, David Rickwood and John Luke
March 2024
Today we said our sad farewell to our WM, Sam and a warm welcome to our new WM, Jamie as another year has passed. The ceremony was a truly global affair being performed principally by Peter with a great helping hand from Roger, John A and the two David's
A couple of weeks ago on the 18th February we were blessed with great weather to celebrate the year of our WM, Sam and his good wife Katie at the Ladies Luncheon. This year it was held in Farnham at the Castle Pub and attended by 25 members from the Lodge with family and friends
January 2024
We started 2024 with the raising of Bro David Banks to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. Our WM, Sam proficiently opened and closed the lodge in the 3 degrees while the main ceremony was conducted by W Bro Ian. W Bro Peter followed delivering a near flawless Traditional History which was followed by Jon Corbey’s explanation of the working tools. W Bro Roger then presented a heart-felt Walking Charge. A great team effort enjoyed by all !
November 2023
What a spectacular meeting in November where Emlyn Hawkins was passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft. Our WM Sam, not only performed the ceremony but also treated us again to an excellent rendition of the 2nd degree tracing board which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Working Tools were proficiently explained by Bro Paul Elsey and W Bo Paul Kerswell provided a moving Act of Remembrance..
October 2023
After the long summer break it was good to get back into the temple where we passed Bro David Banks to the degree of a Fellowcraft. The open and closings were completed in fine style by the WM who generously let W Bro John Arney perform the ceromony in fine style. The WM then delivered a flawless 2nd degree tracing board. At the festive board we were treated to Topside of Beef followed by Sticky Toffee pudding.
Petersham Hotel - 21st May 2023
Many thanks go to W Bro Peter Henley for organizing such a wonderful afternoon
April 2023
Today we celebrated the 100 year history of the lodge with the first full meeting with our new WM. 70 brethen enjoyed the splendid meeting and delicious festive board that followed. On a sad note we said farewell to our secretary Ken Beattie who passed to the Grand Lodge above.
March 2023
Another enjoyable meeting in March where our Centenary Master, W Bro Sam Storey was Installed into the Chair of King Solomon. The ceremony was very
well conducted by the outgoing WM, Ian Wilson and he was ably supported by W. Bros Tony Hill; Roger Goswell; David Rickwood; John Arney; Peter Henley and Bros
Jon Corbey and Paul Elsey. Our thanks also goes to the members of Syenes, Malines and Lodge of Service who gave their time to support the Lodge.
January 2023
A successful and enjoyable meeting in January. The ceremony was the Initiation of Emlyn Hawkins which was performed, once again in a relaxed manner, by our WM
in his final ceremony before passing on the mantle to his successor. The explanation of the Working Tools was confidently given By Bro Paul Elsey, making his debut in ceremonial work and you won’t hear a finer rendition of the Charge after Initiation than that given by W Bro Roger Goswell…………….just excellent
September 2022
An enjoyable October meeting was had by all as we welcomed David Banks into the Lodge with an Initiation Ceremony carried out by the WM. This was followed by David Rickwood explaining the Working Tools and Peter Henley giving a fine rendition of the Charge after Initiation. The meeting was closed with the National Anthem and it had a strange sound to it, with King replacing Queen for the first time since 1952.
April 2022
Those of you with long memories will remember that our April meeting was the Raising of Jon Corbey. The ceremony was conducted in fine style by the WM and Tony Hill delivered the Traditional History extremely well. The Working Tools were expertly explained by Paul Noke which was followed by Paul Kerswell giving a fine rendition of the Walking Charge.
Our October meeting is the Initiation of David Banks. The ceremony will be conducted by the WM, and the Charge will be given by Peter Henley. The Working Tools will be explained by David Rickwood and with something I have never seen, the explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board, being delivered by David Gatland. There will also be the presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate to Jon Corbey given by John Arney.
At the Festive Board, the speech to the Visitors will be given by John Luke and that to the Initiate by Paul Kerswell.
As previously mentioned, Centenary celebrations are being organised. The one so far confirmed is a Members Only Lunch at the Petersham Hotel, Richmond on Sunday 21st May.
Other events currently being looked at by your Centenary Committee include a boat trip and or a train journey followed by a dinner amongst other things. All events apart from the Members Lunch will welcome partners.
January 2022
The January meeting, which was attended by our Visiting Officer, W Bro Mike Seddon, went off really well. Bro Elsey was Passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft by the WM in fine style which was followed by W Bro Henley giving a faultless rendition of the Tracing Board (at three days notice), which he then followed with some ritual on the Symbolism of the Second Degree
Petersham Lodge are proud to have been awarded a "Guardian of the British Normandy Memorial"
November 2021
I think everyone who attended the November meeting would agree that it was exceptional. Tony being presented with his 60 years in Freemasonry Certificate by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master followed by an excellent Third Degree ceremony for Bro Noke, carried out by his dad along with Bro Gatland doing the Traditional History and Tony himself explaining the Working Tools. This was all followed by the Act of Remembrance and the singing of TAPS by the WM. A letter has been received from the DPGM thanking the members for their welcome and congratulating all who took part in the work
October 2021
The return of Petersham in October was a great success, albeit with a few unusual twists to what would normally be expected. Quite a few members were absent which was a shame but after some frantic conversations with several obliging members, all of the offices were filled and all the necessary work was completed. W Bro Gordon was declared as Worshipful Master for a second term and he
Appointed and Invested all his officers that were present.
January 2020
Where to begin really…………….On the back of another excellent meeting in January we had the devastating news of the passing of Peter Jones and Abbas Sheikh, within three days of each other. We all have our own thoughts and memories of both Brethren, one a senior and highly respected member of the Lodge and the other fairly new to Masonry but enjoying himself whilst making new friends. They both encompassed what Freemasonry is all about and will be sorely missed.
Moving back to our January meeting, it was another successful occasion with the Passing of Br Noke Jnr and the Initiation of Mr O’Kelly. In addition, we had a Joining Member in the person of Bro Oakley.
The WM conducted the ceremony of Passing in confident fashion and was well supported by Bro Arney who explained the working tools and Bro Sec gave a rendition of the Second Degree Tracing Board in the absence of Peter Jones.
The Initiation was performed in good style by Peter Henley, the Working Tools explained by Bro Green and a superb rendering of the Charge by Bro Storey which drew deserved applause.
We were also honoured by a visit from the APGM, Bill Caughie, who as you know, is an Honorary Member of the Lodge. On this occasion, the visit was in his official capacity and I think you could tell from his reaction that he enjoyed the meeting.
November 2019
Well, what a meeting we had in November. From the comments I have had, it would seem that everyone had a great time and some described it as the best meeting they had ever been involved in……..some compliment!! The meeting consisted of the Raising of Bro Green followed by the Initiation of Mr Elsey. It was also the first visit to Petersham by our new Visiting Officer, W Bro Mike Seddon who was equally impressed with the proceedings. I felt everyone was on fire that night and there was a great atmosphere throughout. The WM conducted the ceremony of Raising in great style and was supported superbly by W Bro Gatland Jnr with the Traditional History and J Luke with the Tools. After the break, Bro Beattie performed the Initiation ceremony for the WM, after which Bro Green gave an excellent rendition of the Tools followed by a brilliant Charge by Halvard.
In between the two ceremonies, we had the Act of Remembrance which was completed once again by Bro Gordon singing ‘Taps’, a fitting end to an act of respect to the fallen. It was also nice to see that so many Brethren stood and read the name of their soldier at the Festive Board, now a firm fixture of our November meetings.
October 2019
Our October meeting was the Raising of Bro Sheikh and the Initiation of Mr Corbey. The ceremony of Raising was eloquently carried out by W Bro Henley at short notice as WBro Jones was feeling unwell. The Traditional History given in fine style by W Bro Hill and the Working Tools confidently explained by W Bro Luke. The Initiation ceremony was performed by the WM in a splendid manner, the Working tools very well explained by Bro Noke Jnr in only his second meeting and an excellent Charge after Initiation was given by Bro Storey resulting in spontaneous applause from the Brethren.
It has been a sad summer period for Petersham. W Bros John Cane and Eric Eastwell, both highly respected members have been called to the Grand Lodge Above as has W Bro Tony Hill’s wife Joan. There was a good representation from Petersham at all three funerals and W Bro Tony would like to express his thanks to all those Brethren who attended or sent cards and messages of condolence.
Don’t forget our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend at the Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath on 21st – 23rd February 2020. Bookings are now being taken and the WM would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to attend.
Petersham had its usual Bottle Stall at the John Terry Court and Shannon Court Summer Fetes and as usual, made a lot of money for charity. Thanks to the regular suspects, W Bros Peter Henley; Roger Goswell; Ian Gatland and Trevor Nell and to any Brethren who turned up at the venues to offer their support.
We will be supporting the John Terry Court Xmas function again on Saturday 7th December. All Brethren are welcome to attend.
Finally, the Lodge Xmas lunch will be back at Guildford on Sunday 8th December 12.30 for 1. The cost will be £22 per head
April 2019
Our April meeting was the Initiation of Jack Noke,our Worshipful Master’s son. The ceremony was carried out with feeling by the WM, the Working Tools explained by W Bro David Gatland and an excellent rendition of the Charge was given by Bro Sam Gordon.
It has been a sad summer period for Petersham. W Bros John Cane and Eric Eastwell, both highly respected members have been called to the Grand Lodge Above as has W Bro Tony Hill’s wife Joan. There was a good representation from Petersham at all three funerals and W Bro Tony would like to express his thanks to all those Brethren who attended or sent cards and messages of condolence.
Don’t forget our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend at the Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath on 21st – 23rd February 2020. Bookings are now being taken and the WM would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to attend.
Petersham had its usual Bottle Stall at the John Terry Court and Shannon Court Summer Fetes and as usual, made a lot of money for charity. Thanks to the regular suspects, W Bros Peter Henley; Roger Goswell; Ian Gatland and Trevor Nell and to any Brethren who turned up at the venues to offer their support.
Finally, the Lodge Xmas lunch will be back at Guildford on Sunday 8th December.
March 2019
Our March meeting was the Installation of our new Worshipful Master,W Bro Noke. A memorable afternoon with the ‘surprise’ appearance of the Provincial Grand Master to lend a hand with proceedings. (should have had a camera pointing towards Paul’s face when the PGM came in!).
Thanks to W Bros Spillett, Edser and Kemp for taking on the duties of SW, JW and Inner Guard respectively. The Installation ceremony was expertly carried out by W Bro Kerswell, the explanations of the Working Tools proficiently given by Bros Green, and Sheikh while the Hallstone Jewel was presented by W Bro Henley in his usual confident manner. The PGM sadly had to leave early to attend another charity function but not before he delivered the Address to the WM and presented Petersham with their well-earned ---Silver Award for the 2019 Festival. -- The Address to the Wardens was given by W Bro Arney and that to the Brethren by W Bro Jones, both in fine style.
Our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend has already been set up and is at the Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath on 21st – 23rd February 2020. Flyers were handed out at the Festive Board but will shortly be circulated to all members and friends of the Lodge.
The occasion of W Bro Nell’s Ladies Weekend together with his lady, proved to be a big success. The appearance of Basil Fawlty and his crew on the Friday night caused a certain amount of mayhem but was well received by most of the guests. The Saturday night function was preceded by a talk from the mother and father of Max, a young lad suffering from Brittle Bone Disease which was the charity of choice for WM throughout his year. It was quite moving to hear what they have had and will continue to have to go through during his life as there is no cure.
A couple of conversations took place over that weekend which may lead to one or two of the guests applying for membership of Petersham. It shows the value of inviting non- Masons to these events. You never know what might happen!!
January 2019
Our January meeting was the Passing of Bro Green, a rare single ceremony meeting!! The ceremony of Passing was given with great aplomb by our WM. The Working Tools were explained by Bro Sheikh in a capable manner, then a splendid rendition of the 2nd Degree Tracing Board was given by W Bro Jones who also added some extra Scottish ritual at the end.
Our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend is very nearly upon us. The Oxford Spires Hotel, Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PS is the venue from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th February.
We hope Trevor and his good lady, Laura enjoy their weekend. Gifts for the raffle would still be gratefully received.
The Committee interviewed a potential candidate on Monday night at Guildford and were very impressed with his responses to the questions. He will be recommended for membership of Petersham by the Committee. Full details will be given at the March meeting.
November 2018
Petersham Lodge has achieved a Silver 2019 Festival Award so we are entitled to display this motif throughout the period of the 2019 Festival. Congratulations are in order to all Lodge members who have made this achievement possible. I am sure our VO will make reference to it during his visit.
Our November meeting was the Raising of Bro Green. The ceremony of Raising was carried out confidently by W Bro Wilson and the Traditional History given by W Bro Goswell in equally fine fashion. The Working Tools were expertly explained by W Bro Jones., followed by an excellent rendition of the Walking Charge by W Bro Henley.
During our Act of Remembrance, Bro Gordon sang ‘Taps’ and W Bro Luke brought to the Lodge a ‘Silent Tommy’ (picture below) which he had made. It was decided to display the Silent Tommy inside the Lodge during each of our November meetings.
The Lodge Xmas Lunch was attended by about 40 people who thoroughly enjoyed themselves (except for the ones stuck in the Kingston one-way system). The raffle raised £220 which the WM announced would be donated to the Brittle Bones Society.
Our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend is at – The Oxford Spires Hotel, Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PS from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th February 2019.
Please try and support Trevor and his good lady, Laura, during their weekend. As always, gifts for the raffle would be well received.