22nd April 2026 - A Night of Challenge, Learning and Fellowship

A Night of Challenge, Learning and Fellowship at The Prince of Wales Lodge​​​​​​​

The recent meeting of The Prince of Wales Lodge was one that will be remembered for both its purpose and its spirit.

Due to the Lodge being in the closing stages of entering into an agreement with a restauranteur to take on the downstairs area of our home in Stow‑on‑the‑Wold, it was necessary for us to meet away from the building on this occasion. This ensured that we continue to make the necessary preparations and provide full and unhindered access as we move towards this exciting next chapter for the future of the building and the Lodge itself.

For this meeting, we were warmly welcomed to Chipping Campden, home of one of our HillTop Lodges. Our sincere thanks go to the brethren there for their generosity, hospitality, and support in allowing us to hold our meeting under their roof.

From the outset, this was designed to be a meeting unlike what might normally be expected. Rather than following a traditional pattern, the evening was intentionally structured to challenge our members—both old and new—to think differently about Freemasonry, to question what we think we know, and to reflect on how its principles apply directly to our everyday lives.

The focus of the evening was learning through engagement. All three degrees were explored in an open and approachable way, with lively discussion and questions encouraged throughout. It was refreshing to see brethren of every rank and level of experience taking part, asking questions they may have held back before, and contributing thoughtfully to the conversation. This open exchange embodied Freemasonry at its best: learning together, supporting one another, and strengthening our understanding.

We were treated to a series of excellent presentations, and congratulations are due to:

• W. Bro Keith Checkley, for his insightful and engaging presentation of the First Degree Tracing Board
• W. Bro Malcolm Wearing, for his clear and thoughtful explanation of the Second Degree Tracing Board
• W. Bro Ian Jackson, for presenting the Walking Charge, and for his informative presentation on the Grand Lodge Certificate

Each presentation was accessible, thought-provoking, and delivered in a way that invited questions and discussion, reinforcing the shared learning that defined the evening.

While this meeting may not have followed the structure of a “normal” Masonic meeting, that is very much the point. At The Prince of Wales Lodge, we strive to be the best we can be—to challenge ourselves, to grow in knowledge, and to ensure that Freemasonry remains relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable for our members. Most importantly, we believe that learning and fellowship should always be accompanied by a sense of fun.

The meeting was also held in dedication and loving memory of Bro Joe Cotterill, a long‑standing and much‑respected member of our Lodge, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above on 16 April 2026. His friendship, and contribution to the Lodge were remembered with great affection, and the evening stood as a fitting tribute to his Masonic journey.

This was an evening that reminded us why we meet, why we learn, and why we enjoy walking this path together. We look forward to many more nights that challenge, inspire, and strengthen the bond of our Lodge.