On Saturday 25th January 2025, Dragon Lodge, No. 10061, a specialist Lodge for all those with an interest in Board Games, Roleplay Games, Miniature Tabletop Games and the like, was consecrated in Nottingham.
Two hundred Brethren from across the UK were in attendance to witness a flawless consecration ceremony performed by the head of Freemasonry in Nottinghamshire, Philip Marshall, the Provincial Grand Master, ably assisted by all of the officers of Provincial Grand Lodge.
The consecration was doubly honoured by the presence of Steven Varley, Assistant Grand Master – he had clearly been practicing his gaming skills as he took ownership of one of the large wooden dice that serve as gavels in the Dragon Lodge!
The ceremony was performed wonderfully by all involved, including an excellent oration from the Provincial Grand Chaplain, John Daibell, on the similarities between Freemasonry and the equally esoteric world of Dungeons and Dragons!
The Provincial Grand Master, on behalf of the Grand Master, appointed W Bro. Robert Smith, the Provincial Grand Communications Officer for Nottinghamshire, as the first Master Designate of the Lodge, who was then installed into the chair of King Solomon by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Andrew Rainbow, and the team of Provincial officers.
The new Worshipful Master of the Lodge said, “Today has been an absolutely wonderful day! It is a singular honour to be installed as the first Worshipful Master of a new Lodge, particular one that has brought together Freemasons from across the UK.”
He continued, “The whole Provincial team went out of their way to make sure that the ceremony was performed flawlessly, and that every founder of the Lodge felt truly special on this amazing day. It is easily the highlight of my Masonic journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what the Lodge does next”
Dragon Lodge brings together Freemasons from across the whole of the UK, with a significant percentage of members becoming Nottinghamshire Freemasons for the first time. The Lodge plans to travel around the country for future meetings, to spread their love to Freemasonry and Gaming to as many members as possible.
Following the meeting, an excellent festive board was held, with a few unique quirks along the way – you’ll have to attend a future meeting to find out exactly what!
The Worshipful Master and the Lodge were presented with several gifts during the meal, including a wonderful wood engraving from their friends at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Lodge. In recognition of the help and assistance this Lodge had given to Dragon Lodge, W Bro David Leask, of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Lodge, was also made an honorary member, along with the Provincial Officers that took principal parts in the consecration ceremony, and also the Master and Wardens of Robin Wilson Lodge of Research.
It was particularly fitting that, as the last Lodge consecrated in Nottinghamshire prior to Dragon Lodge, and another specialist Lodge for all those with an interest in Masonic history and research, the Robin Wilson Lodge of Research were gracious enough to become the sponsoring Mother Lodge of Dragon Lodge. They presented the Lodge and Worshipful Master with some excellent, brass, dragon headed wine pourers which will get much use at future meetings!
The Lodge was also honoured again with another gift of a dragon wine bottle holder which was presented to them by their first candidate, who is due to be initiated at their next meeting on the 22nd February.
During the festive board, a raffle was held in support of the Nottinghamshire Festival 2029, and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Between this, and the offertory collected in the Lodge room, the brethren raised over £2,100 in support of the festival – an utterly amazing achievement!
Following the formal festivities, many members and their guests retired to play games well into the evening. Whether it was simple board games, or more complicated interactive games, there was something for everyone. The defining purpose of the Lodge is to give a place for everyone to share their love of Freemasonry and Gaming, and both were well served over the course of the day.
The next meeting of Dragon Lodge takes place on Saturday 22nd February at 1:30pm at Freemasons Hall in Nottingham. The meal after the meeting will be a White Table event, and Freemasons, friends and family are very much welcome and encouraged to attend!
You can find more details about Dragon Lodge at www.dragonlodge.org, and can book into the next meeting at bit.ly/DragonLodgeFeb2025
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