Freemasons are well known for Charitable giving, it goes to the very heart of what we do; it’s in our DNA you might say.

Yet many people are unaware of the sheer scale of the impact we are making in Communities across England and Wales.

In 2024/5 alone our central Charity the
Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)
made grants totalling
£27, 387,558
to Charities, Community Groups and Individuals across England and Wales.

Here in Devonshire £36,517 was given to local Charities including Deaf Choices UK (Devon), Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm and Hospicecare Exeter. In addition 59 Families and Individuals were awarded grants totalling £285,613.

A more detailed breakdown of our local impact is given below..

The post Our impact 2024/5 first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

The newly upgraded facility was relaunched on Friday 23rd January 2026 with 40 members and their guests attending a
Burns Night Supper.

As is Traditional on such occasions, the Haggis was piped in to the skirl of the Bagpipes, played with gusto by Exeter Piper and Freemason Glen Bishop. Guests were then treated to a magnificent rendition of Robert Burns’ Poem “The Address to a Haggis” by Jim Ferguson.

Following the meal, our own resident Scotsman, Ray McIntosh treated everyone, with a fine rendition of “My Love is like a red red Rose”. another Burns Poem set to a traditional Scottish tune.

The refurbishment of the main dining room is part of a long term renovation project to protect this unique Grade II Listed Building and to make it more suitable for Community use. As well as redecoration; the project included replacement of the old fixed Furniture, new Curtains and new energy efficient Lighting.

A team of Lodge members pitched in to ensure that the room was ready for the event. It was a close run thing, but in true “Changing Rooms” style the project was completed just in time for its official launch.

The next phase of the refurbishment project will be to improve disabled access to the first floor with the installation of a Stairlift and to make the historical museum displays more available to local Historians and Students for study and research.

Freemasons’ Hall is now available for use by local Groups and Organisations. If you would like to hold a meeting here please get in touch using the button below

The post Burns Night 2026 first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

W.Bro F. Handscombe 1933 – 2023

It is with great sadness that we record the death of our long serving former Secretary

Frank Handscombe BEM

who passed away peacefully on 14th December 2023 after a short illness.

Background

Frank was born in Waltham Forest on 4th January 1933. At some point during the Blitz he was evacuated to Rotherham in Yorkshire. On leaving school he qualified as a Toolmaker before joining the Merchant Navy. A man of considerable ability he continued his studies in Engineering, eventually qualifying as a Chartered Marine Engineer with the rank of Chief Engineer.

At this time Frank met and married his wife Judy and together they spent the next 4 years travelling the world’s oceans and visiting every continent. However the seagoing life was not conducive to raising a family and so they eventually settled in South Molton where Frank was employed as Production Manager at the local Chipboard Factory.

Community Work

Frank was always involved in community work. He ran the South Molton Judo Club for over 40 years, and in 2019 was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Judo and the local Community in South Molton.

On retirement from full time employment, Frank volunteered as a Red Cross driver running people to hospital appointments throughout the local area.

Frank’s other interests included Oil Painting and Gardening.

Freemasonry

Frank became a Freemason at the age of 28 when he joined the Temple Bar Lodge No 5962 in Cheshunt, Herts on 1st March 1961. However on moving to South Molton he became a joining member of the Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421 on 5th September 1978, becoming its Worshipful Master in 1990.

In October 1995 he was appointed as Lodge Secretary, a post he served in continuously for a period of 28 Years until he finally stepped down at the age of 90 in September 2023.

Frank’s first provincial appointment came in 1999 when he was appointed to the rank of Provincial Senior Grand Deacon. Promotion followed in 2005 when he was appointed Provincial Junior Grand Warden. Further honours came in 2009 with appointment to the Grand Rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. He was further promoted to the rank of Past Junior Grand Deacon in 2021.

Frank was highly respected throughout Devonshire Freemasonry, evidenced by the fact that in March 2022, the then Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Nicholas Ball personally travelled from his home in Plymouth to South Molton to present Frank with his 60 Year service certificate.

Frank did not restrict himself to Craft Freemasonry being an active member of 4 other orders namely Royal Arch, Mark Master Masons, Royal Ark Mariners and the Royal Order of Scotland

Masonic Charity

Frank’s biggest contribution to Freemasonry must be considered to be his long-time association with the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire Benevolent Fund. Frank had been elected to be a Committee member of the Fund in 2000 and in 2004 was appointed as the Honorary Secretary. Frank remained in this role as Benevolent Fund Secretary until he resigned in October 2023, 19 years of valued service to this Committee. 

In January 2007 the Devonshire Provincial Grand Lodge Festival for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls & Boys (RMTGB) was launched with the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, W Bro. Conrad Donaldson as Festival Secretary and W Bro. Frank Handscombe as Assistant Festival Secretary. Conrad & Frank planned and organised the Appeal, working as a team throughout, talking weekly and sometimes more frequently. The result in 2012 was the magnificent total of £3.8m being raised by Devonshire and the appeal was considered as a model for future delivery of all Masonic Charity Appeals.

…and finally

May his other pilgrimage be aided by those who have gone before and now meet to conduct him to that seat not made by hands, Eternal in the Heavens, to rest in peace.

This article is based on the Eulogy presented in open Lodge by Frank’s great friend WBro. T.B. White PAGDC on 9th January 2024

The post W.Bro. F Handscombe BEM first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

Renovating a building of this age is not without its challenges. Every aspect of the refurbishment had to be carefully considered, and Listed Building Consent obtained before the work could begin.

The building had been showing its age in recent years and had acquired a layer of grime caused by atmospheric pollution. This had to be carefully removed without damage to the render beneath.

Cleaning revealed some damage to the surface which had to be sympathetically restored to match the existing finish.

The most expensive part of the restoration was the replacement of the beautiful arched windows on the fascia of the building.

These were custom built by local South Molton firm M.J. Latham Joinery from sustainable hardwood. Installation proved to be tricky as the methods adopted by builders in the 19th Century were not the same as those of today.

Installation complete, the new windows and the surrounding mouldings and pediments have been repainted to provide protection from the elements for many years to come.

One feature of the building which had become somewhat forgotten over time is the Cornice running along the roofline. It features a shield bearing a pair of Compasses and the title FREEMASONS’ HALL.

This had become badly weathered over the years and it’s original paintwork had largely disappeared.

This has now been repaired and repainted to restore it to its former glory.

The completion of the external works marks the end of an extensive period of renovation which has seen both the exterior and the interior of this magnificent old building preserved and protected for generations to come.

It can be visited by prior arrangement and is open to all. The Hall contains a wealth of original features which make it unique both as an historical landmark and as a long standing part of the social fabric of the town of South Molton.

Keith Rodulson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Building said…

“Freemasonry has been a part of South Molton life for almost 200 years. We believe that this unique and fascinating building should be preserved and cherished as a memorial to the hundreds of local residents who have met within its walls to provide support and benefit to those in need throughout North Devon.

We hope that by undertaking this work now, future generations of South Molton Freemasons will continue to support local good causes and that this building will stand as a tangible symbol of our core values of Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service to the Community”

Keith Rodulson

For more information on Freemasonry in South Molton, or to arrange a conducted tour of the Building

Click Here

The post Freemasons’ Hall gets a makeover. first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

Each year we invite the wife or partner of our worshipful Master to nominate a local Charity to receive the monies raised at the annual Ladies Night. This year Mrs. Helen McIntosh has selected Exmoor’s Calvert Trust to be the very worthy recipient.

Situated at Wistlandpound in the Exmoor National Park, the Calvert Trust is a registered charity providing exciting, fun, and accessible breaks and activities for children, adults, families and groups with disabilities.

Since 1996 they have been welcoming guests with physical, behavioural, sensory, and learning disabilities to their dedicated activity centre, encouraging them to take part in an exclusive range of adventurous activities and push themselves in a positive, safe and challenging way. 

Located in the rolling hills of Exmoor, their fully accessible centre offers high quality facilities and professionally adaptive accommodation all nestled in the tranquil environment of the stunning Devon countryside.   

Calvert Exmoor takes a unique and personal approach, journeying with their guests on a road to self-confidence, empowerment, and inclusivity. Whether guests are visiting by themselves, with family or friends, or as part of a group, they provide breaks and activities for everyone regardless of age or ability; and prove…

“…it’s what you CAN do that counts! “

On 13th April 2023 Helen, along with husband Ray and Peter Kyle our Charity Steward (i.e. Chief Fundraiser) visited the Trust and met with Emily Parkes their Fundraising Officer. They enjoyed a tour of the extensive and impressive facilities, during which they learned more about the Trust and it’s work.

At the end of the visit Helen presented Emily with a cheque for £500 on behalf of South Molton Freemasons. Emily said…

On behalf of the Calvert Trust, I would like to say a huge thank you to South Molton’s Freemasons for this generous and most welcome donation. It means a lot. It is particularly lovely to note that this money was raised here in our local North Devon community

Emily Parkes – Fundraising Officer, Calvert Trust.

In reply Peter Kyle said…

South Molton Freemasons are delighted to be able to support the important work being carried out, in our local community, by the wonderful people here at the Calvert Trust. Having seen first hand the difference it can make to the lives of the people who holiday here, we are both humbled and proud to be able to play our small part in making it happen.

Peter Kyle – South Molton Freemasons

Image: Calvert Trust Exmoor

Image: Calvert Trust Exmoor

Image: Calvert Trust Exmoor

Image: Calvert Trust Exmoor

Image: Calvert Trust Exmoor

Image: S. Molton Freemasons

If you would like to know more about the Calvert Trust Exmoor or make your own donation…

The post Calvert Trust first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

Held once again at Bishops Nympton Village Hall, the event featured Comedy from Rose Chanon and Music by The Hummingbirds, (thehummingbirdstrio.co.uk) a close harmony trio who performed classic songs from the 1940’s and 50’s.

Before the entertainment began, everyone sat down to a sumptuous dinner of Canapes, followed by Chicken Supreme in a Cider Apple Sauce and finished off by a delicious trio of desserts; Pavlova, Cheesecake and Lemon Posset.

No Masonic event would be complete without a Raffle in aid of Charity. With prizes donated by the Lodge members, ticket sales amounted to over £285 which will be donated to The Calvert Trust, Helen’s nominated Charity for this year.

A wonderful evening with good food, great entertainment and the company of Friends!
What more could you ask for?

We look forward to doing it all over again in 2024…

The post Ladies Night 2023 first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

Devonshire’s next Provincial Grand Master is to be its current Deputy Provincial Grand Master… VW Bro Nicholas Andrew Ball.

On Wednesday 4th January 2023 the leader of Devonshire’s Freemasons, Provincial Grand Master
RWBro Ian Kingsbury JP
announced who would be succeeding him on his retirement later this year.

“It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that the MW The Grand Master has been pleased to appoint VW Bro. Nicholas Andrew Ball PGSwdB, the current Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, to the office of
Provincial Grand Master for Devonshire
with effect from 4th March 2023 when I retire from the post.

I know that this announcement will be received with pleasure by our members, and we congratulate and wish him many years in which to lead this wonderful Province.“

RW Bro Ian Kingsbury – Provincial Grand Master, Devonshire

Personal

65 year old Nick was born in Plymouth on St Andrew’s Day in 1957. He attended his local school before going on to study Engineering at the University of Glasgow. He is a Chartered Engineer and has worked for Toshiba Air Conditioning for 30 years where he is currently Engineering Director.

He and his wife Gill still live in the Plymouth area. They have 2 children and 3 Grandchildren.

Apart from Freemasonry Nick likes to keep fit. He enjoys the rigours of open water swimming and swims in the sea 5 days a week for all 52 weeks of the year! He also enjoys the odd round of Golf when time permits.

His other great passion is football, in particular Manchester United. A former Old Trafford season ticket holder, he has supported the Club since the days of George Best, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law and has seen them play in numerous European Finals. These days he regularly watches Plymouth Argyle but in his heart he remains… ManU!

Masonic Career

Nick has been a Freemason since 1986 when he joined the Pelican Lodge No. 7878 becoming its Worshipful Master in 1993. He is also a member of The Sir Joshua Reynolds Lodge No. 4782.

Nick is also a Royal Arch Mason and is a past 1st Principal of
St. John’s Chapter No. 70

His first senior appointment in the Province of Devonshire was in 2006 when he was appointed to serve as
Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

He has long experience as a member of the Provincial Executive having been first appointed to the post of Assistant Provincial Grand Master in 2010. He was subsequently promoted to Deputy Provincial Grand Master in 2013.

We asked Nick to tell us how it felt to have been selected to lead Devonshire’s Freemasons. He said…

“I am enormously honoured to have been granted the opportunity to serve this wonderful Province of Devonshire. I am really excited about the many big challenges we will be tackling over the coming years.“

VW Bro. Nicholas A. Ball. DProvGM – Devonshire

The post New PGM for Devonshire first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

To mark the occasion, he was presented with a Certificate on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Ian Kingsbury JP by none other than our own
WBro Frank Handscombe BEM, PJGD.

Richard’s first step on the road to his “half century” began on the 20th January 1973, when he joined Coningsby Lodge No 6383 in Hereford. In 1979, having moved to the Province of Middlesex, he became a joining member of Byron Lodge No 7426, a membership with continues to this day. He has served twice as Worshipful Master, in both 1984 and 1998.

Eventually, having moved to Devon, he joined our Lodge,
The Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421,
in 2003. He became the Lodge’s Treasurer in 2004, a post he held continuously until his retirement in October last year.

Richard has also been an active Royal Arch Freemason having joined Corinthian Chapter No 4917 in 1977. He served as First Principal of Byron Chapter No 7426 in 1992 and also of Wimbledon Chapter No 3160 in 2002. He holds Provincial Grand Rank in both Surrey and Middlesex.

Referring to Richard’s extensive and comprehensive CV, Frank Handscombe expressed astonishment at the sheer number of offices Richard has served in over the 50 years. He has set a fine example to younger Members setting out on their own masonic journey, as someone who epitomises the motto
“Service before Self”

Everyone at Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421 would like to express their thanks to Richard for all his hard work over the years and to wish him and his wife Mary, a long, happy and comfortable retirement.

The post 50… Not Out! first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

John (75) had bravely battled cancer for many years, showing an astonishing level of courage and stoicism, in the face of his illness.  He is perhaps best known to our members as the man who occupied the Master’s Chair in the Lodge for 2 consecutive years during the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. 

With all masonic meetings suspended for the first time in the Order’s history,  John undertook to hold the Lodge together by organising monthly Zoom meetings to keep channels of communication open.  He would create an agenda just as we would for a normal Lodge meeting, and would guide those present through a list of talks, reports and other masonic business; successfully maintaining a sense of normality during one of the most “abnormal” times in our recent history.  So great was his enthusiasm for what was then very new technology, he once chaired a meeting from his hospital bed in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital!

John’s Masonic Career

Hailing originally from the West Midlands, John joined Greville Lodge No 4773 in Warwick on the 18th March 1982 at the age of 35.  He served as that Lodge’s Worshipful Master in 1997/8 and remained a subscribing member until 2012.  As a result of his long service to Warwickshire Freemasonry he was appointed to the rank of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies on the 22nd May 2004

Having moved to the village of Bishop’s Nympton, near South Molton, John became a joining member of the Loyal Lodge of Industry No 421 on 5th June 2007 and was installed into the Master’s Chair on the 2nd October 2018.  As detailed above he held this post until a successor was finally appointed on 5th October 2020.  In recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication, on the 5th April 2022 the Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire Right Worshipful Bro. Ian Kingsbury JP was pleased to promote John, by way of a very rare field promotion, to the senior rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

John was also a member of Fortescue Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 9, which he served as Worshipful Master (again for a 2 year period between 2017 and 2019) achieving the Rank of PPrGJD in 2021. He was elevated into Fortescue Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 9 in 2014.

Charity Work

During a visit to North Devon District Hospital at an early stage in his treatment, John received a “Box of Kindness”  from local Charity ChemoHero (https://www.chemohero.org).  This act of generosity, aimed directly at serving the needs of Chemotherapy patients, touched John to the extent that during the remainder of his time as Worshipful Master he set about raising funds to support their work.  

The photo above shows John with the Charity’s Co-founders, the late Lisa Wallis BEM and her husband Rob on a cold and windy Fremington Quay where he presented them (socially distanced of course) with a cheque from the Loyal Lodge of Industry for over £800

In memoriam

John’s quiet and unassuming nature, his warm caring personality, his boundless enthusiasm and his wry sense of humour will be sadly missed by all who knew him; but especially by his masonic Brethren who were privileged to see the best of a very special man.  

Our thoughts go out to John’s wife Pip and the family at this sad time.

Rest in Peace.

The post Obituary: John Robert Finch 1947-2022 first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.

Authored by Dr. James Anderson, the Book of Constitutions eventually became, after many republications over the centuries, the rulebook by which Freemasonry is governed throughout the world.

Published in a time of political upheaval (the Jacobite Rebellion having only been put down a few years earlier), the importance of this book lies in it’s promotion of enlightenment principles such as religious tolerance, the promotion of education and science, meritocracy; and a world described by rational observation rather than religious dogma. It also espoused constitutional government and democratic accountability.

Those principles still reverberate to this day as they form the bedrock of the policies of modern liberal and democratic governments throughout the world.

As well as the “Especial” meeting there will be a new Exhibition at the Museum of Freemasonry in London called “Inventing the Future”, a three day conference at Queen’s College, Cambridge from the 22/24the September 2023; and a new book by Ric Berman also called ‘Inventing the Future’ which is available at The Shop at Freemasons’ Hall and online at Amazon.

Much more detailed information is available on
the new 1723 Constitutions website.

To visit…

The post 1723 Book of Constitutions first appeared on South Molton Freemasons.