Since 1965
Lodge History
Consecrated by Sir Gilbert Inglefield on 5 January 1965
How the Lodge began
The Gilbert Inglefield Lodge No. 8009 was consecrated by Sir Gilbert Inglefield on the 5th day of January 1965 at Robert Bruce School, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedfordshire.
The idea of forming a new lodge in Bedford was first considered early in 1964 by a Past Master of the Province. After discussions with a fellow Past Master, it was decided that the aim should be pursued.
An informal meeting was held over tea at a member’s home in Kempston, where possible founder members were discussed, and the Brethren who were interested were then invited to a further meeting to take the idea forward.
The Sir William Harpur Lodge No. 1433 was asked to sponsor the new Lodge, and this was later confirmed.
50th anniversary
Fifty years in 2015
The Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary at a special meeting on 5 May 2015. The full team of Provincial Officers attended, including the Provincial Grand Master, along with representatives of our twinned lodge in Bamberg, Germany.
A booklet telling the history of the Lodge from 1965 to 2015 was published for the occasion and given to everyone who attended.
Masters of the Lodge since 2015
| Year | Master | Provincial rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | W Bro. Alan Ormsby | PPrGReg |
| 2016 | W Bro. Alan Ormsby | PPrGReg |
| 2017 | W Bro. John Jappy Jr. | PPrGStB |
| 2019 | W Bro. Paul Watkins | |
| 2020 | W Bro. Rowland Hockenhull | PPrJGW |
| 2021 | W Bro. Rowland Hockenhull | PPrJGW |
| 2022 | W Bro. Bryan Jappy | |
| 2023 | W Bro. Neil Barrett | PPrGReg |
| 2024 | W Bro. Rowland Hockenhull | PPrJGW |
| 2025 | W Bro. John Owen | |
| 2026 | W Bro. Joe Papa |