News 2025-2026
August 2026
WESSEX LODGE VISIT TO GREENHAM COMMON
W.Bro. Brian Phillips wishes to remind you of the above proposed Wessex Lodge site visit on Saturday 19 September to view :
The nuclear decontamination unit (guided tour...only open once a year)
View the Grade 2 listed Cruise missile bunkers
Visit the airfield control tower to learn of Greenham's role in the Normandy landings & the Cold War .
Please let BRIAN know whether or not you can attend & if so how many visitors.
Please respond to phillipsconifercrest@tiscali.co.uk
WESSEX LODGE SUMMER QUIZ
The answers to last week's questions:
- If you won by a short-head at Happy Valley, where in the world would you be? - ANSWER: HONG KONG (the race course on Victoria Island, Hong Kong is called Happy Valley).
- Which London building, designed by architects Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman and completed in 1933, was dedicated as a memorial to a large group of men who died on active service in World War 1? - ANSWER: FREEMASONS' HALL dedicated to 3225 individual Freemasons from England Wales who lost their lives on active service during the First World War.
- At which 'specific' Masonic location, on October 30th, 1931, was Wessex Lodge founded?-ANSWER: THE MASONIC HALL, ALBION PLACE, SOUTHAMPTON (often called 40 steps)
- What well known Bradford born artist, died in June 2026 - ANSWER: DAVID HOCKNEY
- (Cryptic) It is a Greek love potion, that is under your nose, what is 'it'? - ANSWER: PHILTRUM or FILTRUM "The ancient Greeks viewed this small groove between the nose and upper lip as an erogenous zone. The word philtrum comes from the Ancient Greek word phíltron, meaning "love charm" or "love potion".
The winner this week is Mike Gray, closely followed by Jeff Nolan.
The questions for this coming week will be sent on Sunday 16th August. Please have a go.
QUIZ ANSWERS
The results of last week's quiz are:
1. What is the smell of rain on dry ground? - Petrichor
2. In which year was Alan D. Chun, the Provincial Grand Master of Hampshire & Isle of Wight (1991-1998), initiated into Freemasonry? - 1953
3. What 'very specific' product did Volvo give away in 1962? - 3 point Seat Belt patent was made freely available to all manufacturers.
4. Diana Mary Fluck was better known as - Diana Dors
5. The member of Wessex Lodge, who was Mayor when the Southampton Civic Centre foundation was laid - Hector Young
The winner with the correct answers - David Workman
This week's questions will be sent out shortly.
The results of last week's quiz are:
1. Name the founding member of Wessex Lodge who was responsible for administering the Titanic Fund?
ANSWER: FRED WOOLLEY
2. What is the location of the famous Cobb, that features in the book & film, The French Lieutenant's Woman? ANSWER: LYME REGIS
3. What famous car brand was originally called the Swallow Sidecar Co? ANSWER: Jaguar Car Co.
4. In what year did a contingent of Wessex members visit Ypres and lay a wreath at the Menin Gate? ANSWER: 2014 see a few photographs on e-mail, courtesy of Brian Gray.
5. What was the 'stage' name of the guitarist with the Tornados (biggest hit- Telstar), who was brought up in Eastleigh? ANSWER: HEINZ (full name Heinz Burt)
Winner: Jeff Nolan, closely followed by Brian Gray.
A number of other correct entries were received.
July 2026
Results of the Summer Quiz - week commencing July 19th:
1. Which car company was founded in 1909 in Malvern, Worcestershire? - ANSWER: MORGAN CAR COMPANY
2. Which well known singer from the 1960's died in Paris, France, on July 3rd, 1971? - ANSWER: JIM MORRISON (lead singer of the Doors)
3. For what is the Goose & Gridiron Ale House, in St Paul's Churchyard famously known? (it's not Ale or Beer). - ANSWER: FIRST MEETING OF MODERN FREEMASONRY IN 1717*
4. What local sports facility was officially opened by the Duke of Kent on May 28th, 1938? - ANSWER: SOUTHAMPTON SPORTS CENTRE
5. Name the oldest, Grade 1 listed, medieval church in Winchester?- ANSWER: ST JOHN THE BAPTIST*
*coincidently the date was June 24th 1717 (St John the Baptist's Day)
WINNER: Mike Gray
followed closely by Brian Phillips
3 July 2026
Congratulations on 100th birthday
Earlier in the month, on July 3rd, W.Bro. Fred Rampton celebrated his 100th birthday, it is also his 61st year in Freemasonry. Many of the Brethren will not have met Fred, as he has not been able to attend Lodge, for some years. Those who have met him and known him over the years, know him to be a good Mason, a great character and a thoroughly nice person. The WM Paul Philp, W.Bro. Brian Phillips and other brethren, arranged for certificates to be presented to Fred, to mark the occasion.
June 2026
Wessex Lodge 5297 - The Construction Industry Lodge is proud to have participated in this important event, held at Kings Court Masonic Centre on June 27th.
The Worshipful Master presented a cheque for £500 to the Friends of Shepherds Down School (FOSDA), as part of their ongoing support for this special school that provides much need assistance to pupils with demanding educational needs.
See https://shepherdsdown.co.uk/parents/fosda/ for more details.
Brethren from Wessex Lodge, besides donating money to the school have helped in practical ways, such as helping to restore a sensory garden at the school.
27th June 2026
SITE VISIT
The 2nd Site Visit of the Construction Industry Lodge was to see the works being carried out on behalf of Southampton City Council by Morgan Sindall Construction. A group of brethren, wives and other friends were hosted at the centre on June 12th. They were given a detailed presentation and then an extensive tour of the features being built, and in some cases being re-built, such as the ski slopes. The attention they were given by the site personnel was impressive and very welcoming.
W.Bro. Brian Phillips explained to the Morgan Sindall team that our interest in the centre and our reason for wanting to visit the Sports Centre, came from the knowledge that founder members of Wessex Lodge had been on the committee that Sir Sidney Kimber formed in 1933, to convince the Borough Council to acquire the land and develop the facilities. A full version of Brian's presentation is below and is also available, if you would care to read it, as a download on this website. (go to Members and select 'download private files' on the drop down menu, select the file.)
This is a full version of the presentation given by W.Bro. Brian Phillips:
The development of the Southampton Sports Centre and the Municipal Golf Courses
In 1933, Sir Sydney Kimber an Alderman and former Mayor of Southampton formed a committee to secure approval of the Borough Council to purchase land to the west of the Avenue, Southampton and build golf courses and a sports centre, for the people of Southampton.
The land was principally Red Lodge Farm estate and was owned by the Willis-Fleming family. We understand that their Estate Agent was Ebenezer Dibben, who was on the Committee and was a founding member of Wessex Lodge. He negotiated the sale of the land to the Council for circa £45,000.
Another member of Wessex Lodge and on the committee, was Fred Woolley, an accountant and administrator of the Titanic Fund, that supported families of the crew whose loved ones perished on the SS Titanic, in 1912. He arranged the finance for the purchase of the land and appears to have been involved in getting financial support from the Ministry of Health, as the benefits for health and wellbeing were seen as a reason to have the facilities, for the people of the Borough.
Other members of Wessex Lodge, that served on the Committee were Hector Young, a chartered surveyor, Sidney G Stanton, the Borough Engineer of Southampton, and M H Pugh, a solicitor.
The inclusion of golf courses was controversial, at a time of depression and hardship, but Sir Sidney Kimber fought to keep the plan intact and passed by the Council.
The main contractor who built the Centre was H Osman and Co. Ltd., and records show that the total price for their work was £41,575.
The Sports Centre was officially opened 28th May 1938 by the Duke & Duchess of Kent, the parents of the current Duke, who is the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Mayor of Southampton at that time was George Edward Henry Prince who was not a Founder member of Wessex Lodge but was a Freemason. He was a partner in a building and civil engineering business G.E. Prince and Son.
So, we see that Southampton Sports Centre and the Golf Courses have serious masonic connections, although those presently managing and using the facilities probably have no idea that freemasons were so instrumental in their development. Our Founder Members on the Committee fought to develop a facility for the health and wellbeing of the people, against some resistance, as in times of hardship there were many other priorities.
It is good to see that the current extensive refurbishment continues to support the objectives of Sir Sydney Kimber and his committee.
Also, as mentioned above, the Sports Centre was opened by Prince George, Duke of Kent, a very senior Freemason who became the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, the following year (1939). He held the post until his untimely death in an air crash the 1942.
His son, the present Duke of Kent, is our Grand Master.
May 2026
The May meeting of Wessex Lodge
An Official Visit by APGM Christopher Lockwood and his team of Grand and Provincial Officers.
The Lodge performed an initiation ceremony with the candidate Ben Closs taking his first step in Freemasonry. He was welcomed into the Lodge by the Worshipful Master and given a warm and very meaningful welcome to Freemasonry, by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Afterwards there was the Festive Board with toasts, speeches and a further traditional welcome to the candidate.
April 2026
Update on the QUIZ night
Despite the numbers being down from what was expected, because of the FA Cup semi-final falling on the same evening, Wessex Lodge managed to raise £500 to donate to Sal's Shoes, a charity that distributes pre-owned, but out-grown childrens' shoes to those who need them in the United Kingdom and to many countries overseas.
The evening started with the FA cup semi-final on the television in the bar at King's Court Masonic Centre, followed by the Quiz, a Fish & Chip supper and culminated with the presentation of a cheque for £500 to Louise from Sal's Shoes, by the Worshipful Master Paul Philp. He recounted his early years and remembering how as a sports obsessed lad, he constantly worried his mother, by wearing out his footwear.
In response, Louise stated that the donation of £500 will 'touch the lives of 500 children', a very thought provoking comment that makes the giving of charity, so worthwhile and helping to understand how it is applied. To quote from our own ritual, 'It will be thankfully received and faithfully applied' and it should inspire us to raise more for cash strapped charities, that need support.
You can help by spreading the word about this particular charity. You can find out more by viewing their web-site https://Salsshoes.com
Louise also made contact with another of the charities we have supported FOSDA (Friends of Shepherds Down School), a special school in Winchester for pupils with challenging learning needs, who entered a team for the Quiz.
Schools are an ideal source of out-grown footwear, as children finishing the summer term, will almost certain need 'new' shoes come Autumn, and could donate the 'old' ones to Sal's Shoes.
Visit: Salsshoes.com
WESSEX LODGE - QUIZ and Fish & Chip Supper.
We are holding a Quiz Night on Saturday, April 25th at King's Court Masonic Centre, starting at 7pm. The price is £11 for adults and £5.50 for children, under 14 years. The price includes a Fish & Chip supper (alternatives available) and there will be a Prize Draw. Please see the Members Tab for the booking TICKLIST. All proceeds of the evening will be donated to Sals Shoes, a charity introduced to us by our IPM's daughter who has been involved for some years. See www.salshoes.com for more details.
Please book NOW
March 2026
Our regular meeting on March 31st will be a demonstration of the 3rd Degree ceremony. Please invite guests for the evening. There will be a rehearsal on Wednesday, March 25th at 6pm, for Officers and any brethren wishing to attend.
January 2026
SKITTLES MATCH
Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at King's Court Masonic Centre, Chandlers Ford.
This is a regular, annual event and is traditionally billed as a challenge between Wessex Lodge 5297 - The Construction Industry Lodge and The Lodge of Chivalry, our daughter lodge. For more details of the relationship between the two lodges please read the History tab, on this website.
HOWEVER, the event this year, is open to Brethren, family and non-masonic friends from other Freemasons' Lodges in the area, and to anyone interested in joining Freemasonry.
The price of £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for children under 14 year old, includes a Fish & Chip supper. There are other menu options available, on the Booking Form.
The proceeds of the evening, including a prize draw and any other fund raising opportunities, will be donated to FOSDA, the Friends of Shepherds Down School, a special school for children with challenging learning needs. see:
https://shepherdsdown.co.uk/parents/fosda/
To join us at this very enjoyable evening, help raise much needed funds for FOSDA, please request a Booking Form by e-mailing contact@wessexlodge5297.org.uk
Members can book on-line through this website, go to Event Booking, you will be asked log-in to the Members Area and complete the Tick List for the event.
November 2025
ST ANDREW'S NIGHT CELEBRATIONS
Wessex Lodge 5297 - The Construction Lodge of the Province of Hampshire & Isle of Wight, held their annual St Andrew's Night celebrations on November 28th (just a couple of days early this year), at King's Court Masonic Centre in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire.
The Haggis was paraded into the dining room, accompanied by a piper, and after the Selkirk Grace was given, it was addressed in the traditional way.
The celebrations were well attended and £493 was raised for the Wessex Cancer Trust.
Look out on this website (www.wessexlodge5297.org.uk), Facebook, Linkedin & other social media platforms for similar events during 2026, and especially the St Andrew's celebrations, next November.
To join Wessex Lodge or find out how to become a Freemason please contact us via this website using: contact@wessexlodge5297.org.uk
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November 2025
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LODGE - 1ST SITE VISIT
Members of Wessex Lodge 5297 – The Construction Industry Lodge, along with their wives & partners took part in the Lodge's first site visit recently following the Lodge's re-positioning as a Construction Industry Lodge.
Members visited St John the Baptist church in Winchester, a Grade 1 listed medieval church, to learn of the challenges in maintaining & preserving a building described by Sir John Betjeman as "a gem".
Churchwarden, Richard Skegg gave an overview of the building's development, from medieval times, through the middle ages into Victorian times & up to the present day, pointing out the different quirks of construction many only evident on closer inspection.
The responsibilities of looking after a building containing, among other gems, medieval wall paintings, a mysterious (Roman?) mosaic by the altar and a unique Elizabethan clock in full working order, were explained in detail, as members were guided around the church.
Recent maintenance issues were discussed, including ceiling plaster de-laminating from the original lathes (possibly due to heat during recent hot summers) and the current problem of damp incursion into the ancient North wall, which is still under investigation.
Members were impressed by the care & attention given by Richard to the responsibilities involved in preserving this beautiful building, not only as an active parish church, but as an important national treasure.
