Castle Lodge No. 1436 150th Anniversary

On Monday 14th October 2024 over 60 brethren attended Castle Lodge No 1436 at the Sandgate Masonic Centre to witness the dedication of a new banner to commemorate the Lodges 150th anniversary.

The Provincial Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother Neil Hamilton Johnstone unveiled the banner following prayers, later an oration was given by the Provincial Grand Secretary WBro David Graeme who was acting Provincial Chaplain.

Castle Lodge constituted in June 1873 is a daughter Lodge of Temple Lodge No 558, Right Worshipful Past Provincial Grand Master John Bonomy OBE represented Temple Lodge on this historic occasion.

The banner bearer on the evening was WBro Richard Parks. Richard, who was initiated into Castle Lodge in 1970 is its longest serving member.

The Lodge commissioned Heather Everitt an exceptionally skilled and qualified embroiderer. Heather made her first masonic banner 37 years ago when a friend of her father, who was a Freemason, suggested she make a replica of a Victorian banner that was passed it best. This launched her business and website. She has been making banners ever since. She prides herself in using the finest materials, the silks used come from James Hare a silk merchant in Yorkshire. They supply all weights of silk for interiors and fashion. Couture houses like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen get their silk from the same company. 

Heather says, “A Day without stitching is a poorer one for me, I am so fortunate to love what I do, and I hope this shows in my work.”

Anybody visiting the Sandgate Masonic Centre is encouraged to look at the professionalism of Heathers work

Left to Right

RW Bro Past Provincial Grand Master John Bonomy OBE, RW Bro Provincial Grand Master Neil Hamilton Johnstone, WBro Paul Spencer, Worshipful Master Castle Lodge No 1436, VW Bro  Deputy Grand Master Phillip South, WBro Richard Parks Banner Bearer.

 Members of Castle Lodge join those in Picture 1

Others Brethren enjoying the Festive Board