Joining Ashley Hill

Thinking of becoming a Freemason in Berkshire? You don’t need to know a Freemason, and you don’t need to wait to be asked. If you’re curious, get in touch. The first step is a conversation, and there’s no obligation on either side.

Who can join

• Men aged 18 or over.
• Of good character and reputation.
• With a belief in a supreme being. Any faith is welcome.

That’s it. Members come from all walks of life. What they share is wanting to be part of something with a bit of tradition and purpose, and enjoying good company.

How it works

1. Get in touchFill in the form or email the Secretary. A few lines about yourself is plenty. We aim to reply within two working days.
2. An informal chatWe’ll meet for a coffee or a drink. It’s a chance for you to ask anything, and for us to get to know you.
3. Meet the lodgeYou’ll be invited to a social occasion to meet more of the members, so you can judge whether Ashley Hill is right for you.
4. Interview and initiationIf we both want to go ahead, there’s a short formal interview with senior members. Then you’re proposed, and initiated at one of our meetings.

What a lodge evening looks like

We meet on five Tuesday evenings a year at the Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham.

• From 5pmMembers arrive, change and catch up.
• The meetingAt 5.30pm the lodge opens. There’s some business and usually a ceremony, such as welcoming a new member or taking someone through a degree.
• The festive boardWe’re a dining lodge, so every meeting ends with dinner together and a few traditional toasts. This is where friendships are made.
• HomeMost evenings finish by around ten.

Time and money

Five meetings a year, plus an optional Class of Instruction every other Wednesday, where members rehearse the ceremonies and get to know each other. Social events through the year are optional too.

Annual dues and other fees come to around £200 a year on average, plus the cost of dining. Dinner after each meeting is £36. We’ll go through the details at your first conversation, so you know where you stand before you decide anything.