Joining

You don’t need to be invited
just ask!

Thinking about joining Freemasonry but do not know where to start?

You may not know much about Freemasonry, or know any Freemasons from Berkshire. As a result, the internet is fast becoming a point of contact for new members and therefore we have developed our website to help potential members gain a better understanding of Freemasonry in general and Thames Valley Motorcycle Lodge in particular.

How do I join?

Our Meetings

We meet three times a year, on the second Tuesday in March (Installation), the second Thursday in May, and the fourth Tuesday in July.  And more often than not, we also meet on the first Tuesday in December.

Venue

Berkshire Masonic Centre, at Sindlesham Court, Mole Road, Wokingham, Berkshie, RG41 5EA

‘Craft’ Masonry

We are known as a Craft Lodge based on the medieval stonemason lodges. It is the starting point in Freemasonry.

Who can join?

Given that the Lodge has a wide age range, we welcome new members at any point in their adult life with an interest in Freemasonry, its priciples, and motorcycles.

Elections and Installation

The Master of the Lodge is elected into that appointment after progressing through the Lodge Offices. He, and the Treasurer, are elected at the May ‘Election’  Meeting. When he is appointed, this is called his ‘Installation’, and takes place at the Installation Meeting, in March.

Visiting

Many of our members visit and meet with members of other Lodges. New members are encouraged to visit and meet other Masons.

Social Events

We have social many events, to which friends and family are also invited. These are predominently Rideouts, but we also have an annual BBQ, and attend several Provincial (county) social events.

What’s the process and are there any prerequisits?

Arrangements will be made to meet you socially to find out more about you, and to give you a chance to find out more about us. You will then in due course be invited to meet a some other members of the Lodge, before being balloted for membership. You will want to be aware of the following conditions to be considered for membership:
* You must be at least 18 years of age.
* You must believe in a supreme being to be a Freemason. We won’t ask about religion, that is personal to you.
* You must be of good character with no unspent criminal convictions. If you’re not sure what counts and what doesn’t, ask us.
* Your family should be made aware of your interest in Freemasonry, and be supportive of your intention.
* Given your current stage of life and personal circumstances, you need to have some time available to commit to joining and becoming an active Freemason.
* Whilst not disproportionately expensive, there is a cost to Freemasonry (Joining fee. regular lodge subscription, dining fee, regalia) and you must factor that into your consideration.

What commitment will I need to make?

We are friendly, and charitable and enjoy Freemasonry’s history and tradition. We have social dinners mixing formality with fun. Our ethos is that every member brings a different set of skills. Every member is afforded the opportunity to become better at what they enjoy doing. As a new member, you will have a Mentor and be encouraged to engage at your own pace – there is no pressure to take on responsibility.

We hold informal sessions and rehearsals before each formal meeting. We also have informal and impromptu social gatherings. All members are encouraged to participate remembering that family and work come first.

 learn more

Where should I start and what will it cost?

To find out more about our fascinating worldwide institution and in particular how to become a member of our Lodge, please take a few moments to send us a message through our Contact Form.

There is a cost to Freemasonry: Joining fee. regular lodge subscription, regalia. Brethren are also encouraged to donate to charity whatever they can afford.
It is usual to have a meal after each of our lodge meetings, but it is not compulsory. The current cost of the meal is around £32.

 learn more

How long will it take?

It takes a little time to be invited to join a Lodge and become a Freemason. There is an interview process, which can sometimes seem a little lengthy, but is necessary to make sure we welcome good men into our Lodges. Secondly, our lodge only meets three or four times a year, and not all of the meetings can be used to Initiate a new Freemason.

 learn more

Are you looking to rejoin Freemasonry?

Are you thinking of re-joining our fraternity but don’t know any local Freemasons?

Perhaps you have just moved into the area and wondered where the best lodge for you is located and when it meets? Please take a few moments to send us a message through our Contact Form. 

 learn more

To start, simply get in touch

Please feel free to ask any questions. Any details you provide wil be held for the duration of your application, unless you request to cancel it, in which case all your details will be deleted and not retained.

    Contact info