About
What is Freemasonry? Interested in joining? Here is a bit more information and how to contact us for the next steps...
The North Central Area - what is it?
The North Central Area (NCA) is part of the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight (UGLE). It encompasses six centres in Andover, Basingstoke, Winchester, Hursley, Chandler's Ford, and Eastleigh which hosts over 40 individual Lodges.
What's it all about?
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby and really good fun!
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisation. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
The information on these pages is intended to explain more about Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles, (moral lessons and self-knowledge), by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides. Freemasonry instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
What do Lodges Do?
A Lodge is far more than just a occasional dinner club, it opens up a world of networking opportunities, evenings out, visits to other Lodges and Social Events for the whole family. In Hampshire there are over 250 Lodges in over 30 locations, meeting on different nights of the week, weekends or with specific themes for the members. This ensures that we can find everyone a suitable local lodge filled with interesting and like minded members.
We also dedicate a lot of time to the raising and distributing of funds to local charities. Charity is really important to us and all money that we raise is collected from our members. A bit more information can be found here and here.
A Lodge Meeting - What Actually Happens?
Our meetings consist of three elements:
The ceremonial parts are conducted in our Lodge Room and are based on a number of short plays teaching morality to our members.
The 'Festive Board' or dinner that we enjoy after, which consists of a number of courses, toasts, speeches and frivolity.
Informal time that we spend together before, in between the two and sometimes after as well in the Bar.
The Secrets!
Freemasonry prides itself on its transparency. Not only are members completely free to acknowledge their membership they are encouraged to do so. Historically this hasn't always been the case but the fraternity has made great strides over the last decade or so to debunk myths about the organisation and highlight the great organisation it is. As members we make promises not to share certain elements of our ceremonies, this doesn't mean however they are secret - you can find them freely available all on the internet (along with a load of myths!).
What does it cost to join?
How much it costs to join varies from Lodge to Lodge and is dependent on a number of factors including where it meets and how many times a year. As a guide annual dues can range between £120-180 with a joining fee being a one off fee of around the same. All fees will be detailed in full to potential applicants once a suitable Lodge has been jointly agreed on with our team.
Each meeting typically has a cost for dining which can range between £14-20 depending on the meal, how many courses and whether wine is included - all of which varies from Lodge to Lodge.
Can Ladies Join?
The United Grand Lodge of England is currently men only but fear not there are actually two organisations for Women's Freemasonry and links to both are below. Every Lodge you do think about joining will undoubtedly have events throughout the year for family and friends so it doesn't have to be a hobby just for men!
Sounds good, what are the next steps?
To progress to the next stage and find out even more, fill out the below information. We have a team of volunteers that will get in contact with you and discuss possible Lodges, Locations and answer any further questions you may have.
We take privacy very seriously. Your details will not be shared with any third parties, our data management is fully GDPR compliant.