About the Lodge
Thoresby Lodge was founded in 1905 and meets at The Masonic Hall on Goldsmith Street, Nottingham in the early evenings of the second Wednesday of the month during the months of: October; November; December (Installation meeting); January; February; March and April.
We practice and rehearse on the Monday evenings before each meeting.
Following the monthly meeting, we have a sit-down meal where there is good camaraderie among the members who enjoy being together therefore creating a friendly environment. On average this finishes around 10pm.
The Lodge first and foremost is renowned for welcoming new members and making sure they very quickly become, and feel, part of the Lodge.
We have a diverse group of members in terms of age and careers and have a Membership Team to engage with all members to ensure that newer members always feel involved and informed about what is happening in the Lodge. Following every meeting we have dinner which is always enjoyable and inclusive. This is a great opportunity for the newer members to get to know everyone else in the Lodge.
The Thoresby Lodge is very committed to the charitable work of Freemasonry and is a strong supporter of local charities as well as Provincial Charities. We were a leading contributor to Nottinghamshire Freemasonry's last charity appeal.
Our masonic meetings are interspersed with an active social calendar where wives, partners and friends help to plan and enjoy such events as: Dog racing, BBQ’s, River Cruising ,Newstead Abbey service and Sunday lunch ,and Skittles evenings to mention a few. These events help to bond strong personal and community relationships as well as to raise funds for worthy causes.
Whilst we celebrated our centenary in 2005 we look forward to many more joyous and fruitful years with our current and future membership to assist us to celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2030
Lodge History
In the late 19th Century, the only means of transport available to the masses were the railway, horses, walking and cycling. Amongst the Nottingham Bicycle Club (founded in 1875) were several Freemasons. These Freemasons were invited to attend a meeting of the De Vere Lodge No. 1974 (held on Friday 20th January 1905) by the then Worshipful Master J. A. Burrows. After some discussion, and a further meeting, the prospect of forming a new Masonic Lodge called Thoresby was resolved and agreed.
Whilst Thoresby Lodge has records from its consecration, the rationale behind the Lodge name was never recorded. The name, we can only assume, was adopted because the members cycled between Nottingham and Thoresby on Sunday mornings. The Tree within the Lodge Banner represents the mighty Oaks within Thoresby Hall, and the Latin motto 'PIE REPONE TE' translates as 'Repose with Pious Confidence'.
The petition to form the Lodge was signed by 17 brethren from 10 lodges, including: De Vere Lodge № 1794; Newstead Lodge № 47; Rutland Lodge № 1179; Welbeck Lodge № 2890; Ashfield Lodge № 2412; Mundy Grove Lodge № 1794; Highgate Lodge № 1377; Southwell Lodge № 1405; Commercial Lodge № 411 and St. Mary's Lodge № 2302.
It is worth noting the name of one founding member (from Rutland Lodge) W. Brother J. G. Redgate, whose family have had an unbroken association with Thoresby Lodge since it was formed.
The Lodge was consecrated by the V. W. Brother the Rev. H. T. Hayman, T.D., M.A., on the 6th July 1905 - following the issue of a warrant dated 27th March 1905. The Lodge was the 20th Lodge to be consecrated in the Province of Nottinghamshire, and we are today, the 17th oldest surviving Lodge in the Province and are rightly proud of our traditions and rituals. We hold the distinction of being the first of thirty-one Lodges consecrated by V.W. Brother Hayman, who was considered a great and most eminent Mason.
Ideal Candidate
We welcome any candidate who wishes to learn about Freemasonry and shares our values which are built around having a positive impact on society, charitable giving and a desire to become a better man. A sense of fun and humour will add to everyone's enjoyment.
Ideal Candidates are:
• Men of all ages and backgrounds who satisfy our membership requirements
• Has interpersonal skills and enjoy socialising.
• Have availability on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
• A willingness to learn.
• We are especially interested in people who wish to get involved in the activities of the Lodge.