On Saturday 12th July 2025 on what was a very hot sunny day the Phoenix Lodge, No.9963 held its regular meeting at the Masonic Hall, Trinity Lane in Beverley under the direction of the Worshipful Master, W. Bro Alex McCallum PPJGD, with the Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro, Tim Brooksbank PPSGW and Lodge Secretary V.W. Bro Bill Glanville DepPGM keeping everyone on track.
Welcoming a new brother into Freemasonry is always something special for the candidate and the Lodge, and this day there was something extra special as it was the first working ceremony for the Phoenix Lodge since the Lodge had revised its format and become a special interest lodge for craft beer and real ale.
Phoenix ritual is completely unique in that it revives many elements of the antient ceremony, with lodge workings and business conducted around a table, as our early brethren would have done in the Eighteenth Century. The Lodge values inclusion and understands the demands of modern working hours and family commitments which should not deter some good men from becoming Masons which is why the dress code for the lodge is different to most lodges. Thus, Phoenix blends old Masonic traditions with modern needs to cater for a working modern society.
Over 50 had booked in for this meeting, in what was a unique ceremony that received praise by the visiting brethren who had not seen table workings before. Five more joiners were balloted for, and two more joiners were proposed.
Amongst the other business, the Lodge successfully balloted to move its meeting dates and location, it will now be a daytime lodge, meeting on the second Saturday in February, April, July and September and fourth Saturday in November at the Masonic Hall, Trinity Lane, Beverley.
After the formalities had concluded the brethren retired to the festive board, a wonderful buffet prepared by Julie Glanville, the Deputies wife, a white table event, where brethren were joined by partners, friends and family for a beer tasting hosted by Atom Brewery. There was a surprise presentation made before the first pint was pulled… as the DPGM presented, one of our proposed joining members, W. Bro Andy Hinchcliff ProvGStwd, with a certificate for Vice Patron of the Masonic Charitable Foundation in recognition of his personal generous support given to the charity, something few individuals achieve and is an incredible achievement. In further recognition of their dedication, commitment and contribution Andy’s daughter Sammi, partner Pam and her mum Jean all received certificates acknowledging this, signed by the PGM and DPGM. It must be said that the smiles amongst the room were big in what was a genuinely moving and proud moment, that highlighted, that family, lays at the heart of this Lodge as that is what Phoenix Lodge is, a family.
Those present enjoyed a fascinating talk on the history of Atom Brewery and its brewing process with a selections of ales with accompanying tasting notes for each. As a special treat those present also received samples of some of the Brewery’s special blends. It was all well received in what was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Further details of the ‘Phoenix Rising’, the ale Atom is making for the Lodge, was revealed which will be ready later this year.
The day was a fun and friendly occasion enjoyed in fellowship, congratulations to Bro Paris Smith, the Phoenix Lodges’ latest member we all welcome you to Freemasonry and hope you have many happy years with us. A further thank you to his partner Hazel for her work behind the bar on the day.
Our next meeting will be on Saturday 13th September and will be supporting Beverley Beer Festival! Details to come soon…. Cheers! To our next merry meeting!
