Motorcycling Freemasons prepare for the consecration of a new specialist lodge
Lincolnshire’s Freemasons are gearing up for the creation of a new specialist lodge for members with a keen interest in motorcycling.
We’re hoping that the Free Wheelers Lodge, to be number 9991 in the register of the United Grand Lodge of England, can at last be consecrated on September 18th this year, about 14 months after the original date.
Consecration was going to take place in May 2020 at the Epic Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground until the Covid pandemic prevented such gatherings, but as a cautious return to normality is on the cards, it has been felt safe to proceed with plans – though these will of course be adjusted to meet all the necessary restrictions applying at the time.
But although Freemasonry’s formal meetings were brought to a halt by the pandemic, Freemasonry didn’t stop, with the Free Wheelers playing a part in doing what Freemasons are good at – helping the more vulnerable members of the community.
In between lockdowns they were busy delivering supplies of hand sanitiser to all of Lincolnshire 21 masonic centres, and will perform similar duties ahead of the NHS and frontline care workers’ day planned for July 5th, for which their member Chris Fletcher is playing a coordinating role.
And throughout the pandemic they have been supporting Louth Freemasons Mike and Jamie Bristow and their families in getting nutritious meals to vulnerable people. The Bristows have been preparing food at their Louth coffee shop, and the Free Wheelers have been looking after twice-weekly deliveries to Louth, Alford, Spilsby, Horncastle, and, with the help of the Rotary Club, Skegness.
Chris Jones will be the new lodge’s first master. He said: “If any motorcycle-riding Freemason would like to be a member of the Lincolnshire Masonic Motorcycle Club, or learn more about the Free Wheelers Lodge 9991, I’d love to hear from them. Email me at chris@wheels2worklincs.co.uk or ring me on 07979 778176.”
