Nyanza Lodge 1197

Nyanza Lodge members enjoying a very pleasant summer’s evening in their new Lodge Polo Shirts, ready to go out into the community and promote the Lodge and Masonry.

As part of the annual Ilminster Experience event, Nyanza Lodge welcomed the public to a tour of their historic temple offering visitors a chance to learn more about Freemasonry from its members. Alongside this, the Provincial gazebo was set up in the town centre, where lodge representatives highlighted the charitable work of Freemasons – particularly Nyanza Lodge’s contribution to the local community through a specially designed leaflet.

The morning featured two meaningful donations, underlining Freemasonry’s dedication to supporting worthy causes:

• A cheque for £750 to Ferne Animal Sanctury, aiding their vital work with abandoned and vulnerable animals, was presented by WM Ian Pamplin.
• A cheque for £750 to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which supports service personnel, veterans, and their families, was presented by IPM Mike Donohue.

Despite unpredictable weather, the event was a resounding success, sparking engaging conversations and drawing interest from potential new members. The day showcased Freemasonry’s enduring commitment to charity and the local community - a tradition that continues to make a difference.

In June, a distinctive Masonic event – the bi-annual “Minster Meeting” – was held in Beaminster, Dorset, bringing together three lodges from the South West:

Somerset - Nyanza Lodge1197, Ilminster;
Devon - Lodge of Virtue and Honour 494, Axminster;
Dorset - Beaminster Manor Lodge, Beaminster.

This unique bi-annual tradition traces its origins back to 1977 when former Ilminster school mates, who later became Freemasons found that their respective lodges of Ilminster and Axminster convened on the same evening, making it difficult to visit one another. They sought and received a dispensation allowing their lodges to meet jointly during the summer recess. Beaminster later joined the group in 1989 as their lodge also shared the same meeting night.

Since then, the three lodges have taken turns hosting the event, and typically includes a Craft ceremony and is attended by representatives from the three adjoining Provinces.

This year’s gathering in Beaminster was exceptionally well supported and featured the Passing of Bro. Richard Warren to the Degree of Fellow Craft. The evening concluded with a superb and highly enjoyable Festive Board, marking yet another successful chapter in this long standing tradition.

One of the most elegant celebrations of the year is the Ladies’ Festival, organised by the Worshipful Master and his good lady. It is an opportunity to thank the women in a freemasons life, including wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and any other women who provide support.

Nyanza Lodge held their Black-Tie event at Hornsbury Mill, beautifully decorated for the evening. A three-course dinner with wine was followed by live entertainment, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those that attended.

The Summer Charity Event which was well supported by many members, their families and friends was held locally at Seavington St. Mary Village Hall. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic two-course buffet, a raffle was held with numerous prizes and everyone was treated to a live performance of classical music performed by Teresa De Roberto. This event raised a large amount of money which enabled us to donate £2,760 to the Special Needs Department of Herne View C of E Primary School.