Vine Lodge History
The Beginning
Way back in 1970 at Worshipful Brother John Lockwood's ladies night (Rosarium Lodge 5147) a function which was heavily supported by numerous members of the licensing and allied trades. Worshipful brother and Ben Astell and Worshipful brother John Lockwood two highly respected tenant licensees thought what a wonderful idea it would be if they could form a new lodge which met on a suitable and convenient day for Licensees and members of the brewing industry etc.
From these very brief exchange of words, a preliminary meeting was held at the White Hart in Barnes SW13 on Wednesday 12th May 1971 attended by 6 of the future founders of the lodge under the chairmanship of Worshipful brother Ben Astell, with Worshipful brother Harry Lockwood as acting secretary.
For the purpose of regularity below is the contents of those minutes.
"That any member proposing a candidate to the lodge and any member of that lodge objecting- there should be no further comment, but that the objection remained to the satisfaction of all the members.
The name of the new lodge was discussed and left in abeyance to a later date.
The venue of the new lodge meetings was agreed to be held at the Kensington Palace Hotel, De Vere Gardens W.8, on the 1" Tuesday in the months of February-April- September and November.
It was understood that the Acorn Lodge No.5320 would be willing to act as sponsoring lodge on our behalf. Founders fees was suggested to be £25.00, including the Founders Jewel. Yearly Subscriptions to members to be £15.00 (now £150 dining and £70 non dining) Initiation fee to be £45.00 the joining fee £15.00 and rejoicing to be £5.00.
It was also agreed that 10% of initiation fees would go to the Benevolent account. (This was later withdrawn)
The next meeting of the Founders would be held again on June 8th 1971 at 7.30pm."
Those in attendance:
Wor Bro. B.S Astell, LGR
Wor Bro J.H Lockwood
Wor Bro E Geddes
Bro A Birt
Bro W Latimer
Wor Bro H A Lockwood
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The Founding Members
...Interest continued, with eighteen Masons wishing to become founders. (Eleven Licensees), (one police warrant officer, Licensing Division), (One Licensing Executive, Lloyds Bank), (One stock taker) and (four Brewery Executives) Once they had confirmed their interest there followed several meetings to discuss among other things the name of the lodge, Officers, Venues, Timing and cost etc.
On June 8" 1971 at a meeting at the White Hart it was suggested that the lodge to be called the 'Hearts of Oak' Later on it was decided to call it the 'Bacchus Lodge' a name very popular with all present, unfortunately this was turned down by the Grand Secretaries office. This obviously caused a certain amount of consternation. After much deliberation a recommendation that it be called The Vine Lodge' was unanimous, a name well suited and applicable to the licensing profession.
Much has happened over the last 40 years, but all three of the Founders have been called to the Grand Lodge above where the 'ever blessed' rest in eternal peace. Membership itself has remained fairly static (circa 30/34) On the 17* May 1983 at Freemasons Hall, a 'dedicated service of the lodge banner' was held by the Provincial Grand Master of West Kent, R.W. Bro Rev Peter Churton Collins and his team. On the 23'* September 1997 the lodge was honoured with the presence of the Past Assistant Grand Master R.W. Bro The Earl of Eglington and Winton who presented the lodge with the New Masonic Samaritan Fund Gold Jewel. The Lodge on this special occasion handed the PAGM a further cheque for £1000 towards the fund.
The Vine Lodge is in good hands with several younger members joining and taking over the higher offices which should stand us in good stead for many years to come.
We are members of United Grand Lodge of England.
UGLE is a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
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