This is the official web site for our Lodge. Its aims are to promote Freemasonry throughout England, Wales and the rest of the World; encourage charity donations to Masonic and non-Masonic organisations and inform the fraternity of its existence.
Member's Info
Details of the next meeting are;
Date: Thursday 2nd May 2024
Time: 4.30pm
Work to be undertaken: Initiation
Festive Board: Scheduled for 7.30pm Please ensure you inform the Secretary via the Google form of the number of guests you have, with names, and your intention to dine by Sunday, 21st January 2024. Failure to do this may result in you and your guests not having dinner.
If any member of the Lodge knows of a Brother, or widow of a deceased Brother, who is sick or in need of advice or assistance, please inform Brother Almoner.
The Daneswood Lodge of Instruction meets at Radlett every Thursday at 8.00pm. All Brethren are welcome and encouraged to attend regularly. Preceptor: WBro. Ben Allen.
The attention of the Brethren is called to the Royal Masonic Charities; full details can be obtained from Bro Charity Steward.
Interested in joining the Holy Royal Arch? Speak to WBro Lester Wellington. He is the official representative for this Lodge should you wish to know more.
Radlett Masonic Centre,
The Rose Walk,
Radlett,
Hertfordshire,
WD7 7JS
and the Regular meetings of the Lodge are held on the
first Thursday in November (Installation) and May,
second Thursday in September and
fourth Thursday in January.
Daneswood Lodge History
Patron of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls
Patron of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
Grand Patron of the 2009 Appeal for the Grand Charity Grand Patron 2019 Festival for the RMTGB
The origins of Daneswood Lodge are well
documented. One Sunday lunchtime, in October 1982, in the bar at the Radlett Masonic Centre, two Brethren considered that a new Lodge should be formed at Radlett. Both of them knew of Masons, who, whilst living in Hertfordshire, met at Lodges outside the Province and who would welcome the opportunity to meet closer to home. An informal meeting in October of that year proved suffcient interest, and the formal minutes of the Petitioners' subsequent meetings record the progress from that date.
The name 'Daneswood' was chosen partially
because Watling Street, which passes close to the Radlett Masonic Centre, was the ancient boundary between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes, and partially because in those times the area was well wooded This is reflected in such local names as Bricket Wood, Berry Wood, Borehamwood, Houndswood, and Woodhall. The sponsoring Lodge was Rosewood, in return sponsored by Kingswood Lodge.
Sadly, the early history of the Lodge has been
marred by the sudden death of the first Master, Ken Croft, while on holiday just six weeks after installing his successor. The third Master died suddenly soon after his year in office, and the
first Initiate before he had completed his third degree. The fourth Master had to resign due to ill health. Notwithstanding these early problems, and as should be the case in any Lodge, the Founders and Past Masters have always rallied round, and W.Bro. Chris Holmes, the 'Spark',
and Chairman of the Petitioners, stepped in at extremely short notice.
Since the Consecration, Daneswood has welcomed
63 Initiates, and 33 Joining Members; Provincial Grand Lodge has honoured a number of the Brethren. Lodge membership has grown steadily through the years, despite setbacks. Thus the records show that the Founders created a Lodge of which they are justifiably proud, and that all the members are building on those foundations. We all look forward to the future with confidence and pride.
Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays, which are learnt by heart and performed within each lodge.
Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Why do people join and remain members?
People became Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member of society.
Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
What promises do Freemasons take?
New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in the lodge and in society. These promises are similar to those taken in court or upon entering the armed services or many other organisations. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known.
The much publicised ‘traditional penalties’ for failure to observe these undertakings were removed from the promises in 1986. They were always symbolic not literal and refer only to the pain any decent man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Members also undertake not to make use of their membership for personal gain or advancement; failure to observe this principle or otherwise to fall below the standards expected of a Freemason can lead to expulsion.
Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and professional associations, are private occasions open only to members.
Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly about their membership, while remembering that they undertake not to use it for their own or anyone else’s advancement. As members are sometimes the subject of discrimination which may adversely affect their employment or other aspects of their lives, some Freemasons are understandably reticent about discussing their membership. In common with many other national organisations, Grand Lodge neither maintains nor publishes a list of members and will not disclose names or member’s details without their permission.
In circumstances where a conflict of interest might arise or be perceived to exist or when Freemasonry becomes an issue, a Freemason must declare an interest.
The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. The Masonic Year Book, also available to the public, contains the names of all national office-holders and lists of all lodges with details of their meeting dates and places.
The meeting places and halls used by Freemasons are readily identifiable, are listed in telephone directories and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Freemasons’ Hall in London is open to the public and ‘open days’ are held in many provincial centres.
The rituals and ceremonies used by Freemasons to pass on the principles of Freemasonry to new members werefirst revealed publicly in 1723. They include the traditional forms of recognition used by Freemasons essentially to prove their identity and qualifications when entering a Masonic meeting. These include handshakes which have been much written about and can scarcely be regarded as truly secret today; for medieval Freemasons, they were the equivalent of a ‘pin number’ restricting access only to qualified members.
Many thousands of books have been written on the subject of Freemasonry and are readily available to the general public. Freemasonry offers spokesmen and briefings for the media and provides talks to interested groups on request. Freemasons are proud of their heritage and happy to share it.
Is Freemasonry involved in politics?
Freemasonry is definitely not a political organisation, it has no political agenda, and discussion of politics is not permitted at lodge meetings.
Freemasonry naturally tends to attract those with a concern for people and a sense of social responsibility and purpose. There are members, therefore, who are involved in politics at local, national and international level. Equally there are members who take an active interest in non-Masonic charitable organisations and other community groups.
Is Freemasonry involved in the community?
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities, and since its inception it has provided support for many widows and orphans of Freemasons as well as others within the community.
All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends, while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic charities alike.
Over the past five years alone Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people.
Freemasonry has an enviable record of providing regular and consistent financial support to individual charities over long periods while at the same time making thousands of grants to local charities, appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each year. For the future, opportunities to obtain or provide matched funding are periodically examined with a view to enhancing the impact of the support Freemasonry can give to specific projects. The personal generosity of Freemasons and the collective fundraising efforts of almost 8,000 lodges, however, will continue to determine the contribution Freemasonry makes within the community.
For further information and details of how to join, telephone or write to:
The Grand Secretary The United Grand Lodge of England Freemasons Hall 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Tel:0207 831 9811 Fax:0207 831 5719
The secretive nature of Freemason leads many people to bizarre and strange beliefs about Freemasonry. The truth behind joining Freemasonry is that to join you must first ask. No person should ever been asked to join Freemasonry, the first step should be made by the person interested in joining. It's a simple rule but it is an important one.
There are also several things that are very important that will determine your successful application:
Supreme Being - You must believe in a God, you cannot be an atheist.
Age - You must be 21 years of age to join, unless you are the son of a Freemason in which case there is a possibility of joining at 18.
Good Person - When you apply to become a Freemason you will be introduced to an examining board who will ask you questions about your life & history and also answer any questions you may have. Freemasonry states it makes "good men better".
If you are accepted soon you will find yourself ready for your first step in to Freemasonry, a wonderful and dramatical play full of metaphor and allegory. It's something you will never forget and is quite possibly the beginning of a lifelong Masonic association.
No sooner is the news received of our commitment to Charity by being honoured with Vice Patronage, do we then receive the further good news that Daneswood Lodge has managed to reach Patron status for the 2019 Festival. Congratulations to all the Brethren on achieving this outstanding award. Just shows that good things do come on small packages.
Vice Patronage
We were pleasantly surprised when the Provincial Grand Charity Steward surprised us at our regular meeting held in January 2018, when he announced that we had received Vice Patron status with our collections. He went on to present us with a certificate from the Provincial Grand Master, RW Paul Gower. The Charity itself is approximately 84% complete which is fantastic news.
2019 Festival
From early in 2014 until the summer of 2019, the Province of Hertfordshire will be "In Festival", for the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. The RMTGB is the oldest of the 4 main Masonic Charities and has as its mission statement, "The relief of poverty and to advance the education of children of a Masonic family, and when funds permit, support other children in need". The Trust helps children and young people of all ages to overcome the barriers created by poverty, and complete their education.
This support is also available for those in higher or further education or those participating in apprenticeships for practical trades.
The majority of the beneficiaries attend their local state school and support for children at independent schools is usually only provided to those who are already attending the school when the distress occurs, in order to maintain the stability of their education.
During the Festival Period the Lodges in our Province will be asked to do everything they can to raise as much money as possible to go towards and achieve the target set by our Provincial Grand Master.
This target of £3 million over 5 years, actually can be achieved if every Hertfordshire Freemason donated £8 per month for the next 60 months!
The Provincial Team headed by WBro Richard Knifton APGM and supported by WBro Chris Noble, ProvGCStwd will do their very best to assist in any way they can to help each Lodge and each member achieve this target.
Comprehensive and complete literature is available both in hard copy and on the Provincial Website to ensure the Festival Period is as productive and enjoyable as possible.
Provincial Tie
The new 'Provincial Tie' will be on sale from the Regalia Service, when Fleet House reopens on Thursday 2nd January 2014. It will be available in silk (£25.00) and polyester (£15.00), there will be a £3.00, per tie, post and package charge for mail orders.
2019 Festival Steward's Jewel
A Festival Steward's Jewel will be available to purchase from the Province for £15 once a donation, or a commitment to donate, £400 has been made All proceeds from the sale of Festival Jewels will be added to the Appeal total.
Having completed your 3 Craft degrees, there is the opportunity to discover many other Masonic Orders. These are sometimes referred to 'Side Degrees'; 'Masonic bodies'; 'Appendant bodies (or orders) of Freemasonry'; 'Side Orders'.
In England and Wales, after the degrees of craft freemasonry, there are a large number of separately administered degrees and orders open only to craft freemasons. Under the English Constitution, the Holy Royal Arch is the only degree formally recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) beyond the three degrees of craft freemasonry. Other orders and degrees are however referred to and acknowledged by the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, and all their members are necessarily masons subject to the English Constitution. Of Masonic appendant bodies, the following are among the most popular:
The Holy Royal Arch
in England and Wales is practiced as a stand-alone degree, separate from Craft Freemasonry. Members meet in Royal Arch Chapters, which are each attached to a Craft Lodge and also bear the same number. The Order is administrated by the Supreme Grand Chapter, which is based at the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England in Freemasons' Hall, London, and also has many officers in common with it. Craft lodges in England and Wales normally have a Royal Arch Representative, and newly raised Master Masons are actively encouraged to seek exaltation into the Holy Royal Arch before considering membership of any further Masonic organisation. More info available on the Hertfordshire HRA website
The Order of Mark Master Masons
Under the English Constitution this degree is only conferred in Mark Masons' Lodges, which are independent from the United Grand Lodge of England and administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London. Within the Order, members may also join the Royal Ark Mariners. More info available on the Hertfordshire MMM website
The Order of the Secret Monitor
Under the English Constitution, the Order meets in Conclaves, each with a Supreme Ruler at its head. The Order is administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London. Within the Order, members may also join the Order of the Scarlet Cord. More info available on the Province of Beds, Cambs and Herts website
The Knights Templar
Candidates are required to be Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons, and to believe in the Christian Holy Trinity. Knights Templar meet in Preceptories. The Order is administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London; members may also join the Knights of Malta and/or the Knight Templar Priests. More info available on the Hertfordshire Provincial KT Website
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist
Colloquially known as the "Red Cross of Constantine". Candidates are required to be Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons, and to believe in the Christian Holy Trinity. Members meet as a Conclave. The Order works three degrees and also administrates two distinct appendant orders which are both Christian in character. The Order is administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London.
The Ancient and Accepted Rite
- for England and Wales, colloquially known as "Rose Croix". Under the English Constitution, the Rite meets in Rose Croix Chapters and is open only to Master Masons who believe in the Christian Holy Trinity. Candidates are 'perfected' in the 18th degree, with the preceding degrees awarded in name only. Continuing to the 30th degree and beyond is restricted to those who have served in the chair of the Chapter. The Order is administrated by the 'Supreme Council 33° for England and Wales' in London.
The Order of Royal and Select Masters
Administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London. It works the degrees of Select Master, Royal Master, Most Excellent Master and Super-Excellent Master which show the link between the degrees of Master Mason, Mark Master Mason and the Holy Royal Arch.
The Allied Masonic Degrees
A group of five formerly independent degrees, are conferred by invitation only. Candidates are required to be Master Masons, Royal Arch Masons and Mark Masons. Members may also be invited to join the Order of Knight Masons. The Order meets in Councils and is administrated from Mark Masons' Hall, London.
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Having completed your 3 Craft degrees, there is the opportunity to discover many other Masonic Orders. These are sometimes referred to 'Side Degrees'; 'Masonic bodies'; 'Appendant bodies (or orders) of Freemasonry'; 'Side Orders'.
The Holy Royal Arch
The Order of Mark Master Masons
The Order of the Secret Monitor
The Knights Templar
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist
The Ancient and Accepted Rite
The Order of Royal and Select Masters
The Allied Masonic Degrees
