News & Events

Friday 23rd January's meeting at Liddell Lodge was a truly memorable occasion, marking a significant milestone in the life of the Lodge and one of its most dedicated members.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a 50 Year Certificate to Peter Stobbs, presented by Martin Rankin, area Assistant Provincial Grand Master. This honour recognises five decades of faithful service to Liddell Lodge and to Freemasonry as a whole, an achievement that speaks volumes about Peter's commitment, integrity, and hard work.

The meeting was exceptionally well attended, with Brethren travelling from as far afield as Newport Pagnell to share in the celebrations. Their presence reflected the high esteem in which Peter is held, not only within Liddell Lodge but across the wider Masonic community.

During the evening, Brethren enjoyed reflections on Peter's life, both within Freemasonry and beyond, offering insight into the man behind the apron and the values that have guided him over fifty years of service.

It was an evening of warmth, respect, and genuine fraternity—one that will be fondly remembered by all who attended and a fitting tribute to an outstanding Masonic journey.

Liddell Lodge number 3616 was delighted to honour Brother Alexander William Lewis for an extraordinary milestone in his Masonic journey.

On the twenty eighth of November Brother Lewis was formally presented with his Ruby Jubilee certificate recognising forty years of committed service to the Craft and to Liddell Lodge. The presentation was carried out by Worshipful Brother Malcolm Ormiston in a warm and dignified ceremony within the Lodge room.

Brother Lewis has been a steadfast and respected member since nineteen eighty five, contributing to the life and character of the Lodge for four decades. His dedication, loyalty and good humour have earned the admiration of brethren across the Province.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Brother Lewis on this remarkable achievement and look forward to many more years of friendship and Freemasonry together.

Liddell Lodge No. 3616 recently held its annual Installation meeting, marking a proud and memorable occasion in the life of our Lodge. The brethren gathered in strong numbers to witness the Installation of our new Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Peter Stobbs, who was installed into the Chair of King Solomon in fine form.

The ceremony was conducted with great dignity and sincerity, reflecting the deep traditions and spirit of Freemasonry that continue to thrive within Liddell Lodge.

We were honoured by the presence of a Provincial delegation, representatives from United Grand Lodge of England, and visiting brethren from many Lodges across the North East, whose support and good wishes helped make the evening especially memorable.

Following the ceremony, brethren enjoyed an excellent festive board filled with fellowship, laughter, and the true warmth of Masonic friendship.

Liddell Lodge extends its congratulations to W. Bro. Stobbs and sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to a wonderful evening of brotherhood and tradition.

We caught up with Andrew McAdam after his return from Poland for a little chat.

Andrew advises:

"The overall experience is life changing, an experience I look back on fondly. It brings me great pride to be able to return back to our little corner of the northeast with an international silver medal and able to raise the profile of the depth of talent we are building In the region, 4 gold medals and two silver overall.

The input from Liddell Lodge 3616 has been nothing short of remarkable whether it was helping with travel and accommodation to linking me up to be interviewed live on BBC Newcastle.

Already I have evaluated and put in place a new training regime set for my next this October.

For anyone who has a dream, a goal. The ability to do something amazing. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend freemasonry, nothing but superb."

We're incredibly proud to announce that Andrew McAdam, British deadlift specialist and rising star in the 110kg category, is officially representing Great Britain at the WPCA WPC European Championships this June 9th!

After a tough start to 2025 battling injuries, Andrew's grit, determination, and comeback story have inspired us all. From placing 4th in his national debut to now standing on the European stage—this is a man on a mission.

And here's the exciting twist: He'll be competing under the banner of his new sponsor – Liddell Lodge 3616, based right here in Dunston. We're honoured to support Andrew's journey as he lifts for glory and brings pride to our local community.

Andrew says: "After the injury setbacks earlier this year, it's been a long road to recovery, but I'm more than ready to step back onto the platform. I'm proud to represent Britain in the European Championships, and with the support of Liddell Lodge, I'm confident I can push my limits and deliver my best performance yet."

Let's rally behind him, show our support, and cheer him all the way to the podium.

Liddell Lodge were represented at UGLE in London. Bro. Dean Barnes visited Sine Nomine Lodge on Saturday 31st May in the Grand Temple of Freemasons' Hall, London.

This was an Emergency meeting, followed by a series of informative presentations.

Bro Dean was joined by 58 fellow masons from Durham Province, and a further 1500 in attendance. Speaking after the event Dean had this to say: "It was a fantastic experience, my first time to Grand Lodge, and to see that many Freemasons together was a great site. It was a great opportunity as well to meet fellow Durham Freemasons, and arrange visits to their lodges."

On Friday 25th April, the spirit of camaraderie, history, and remembrance came alive at Dunston Freemasons Hall, thanks to an outstanding presentation delivered by W.Bro Ken Dobbin.

In what can only be described as a masterclass in storytelling and historical passion, W.Bro Dobbin took us on a journey through time, celebrating the rich heritage of our beloved hall and its unwavering role during the dark days of the Second World War. His PowerPoint and video presentation wasn't just informative—it was alive. The hall's founding in 1932 by the Liddell and Eslington Lodges, its transformation through wartime, and the steadfast contributions of its members were all vividly brought to life.

The audience sat in rapt attention, many nodding along and exchanging glances as Ken unfolded stories that made us proud to be part of this legacy. He didn't just deliver facts; he captured hearts. It was history, but with a heartbeat.

Following the presentation, the festive board carried the theme forward with a Wartime-themed menu that really hit the spot—simple, hearty, and packed with the kind of flavour that reminds you of resilience and community. As plates emptied and laughter filled the hall, the true spirit of VE Day was palpable: remembrance, gratitude, and unity.

In every sense, the evening was a roaring success. It honoured the sacrifices of those who came before us and shone a light forward, reminding us why our traditions and our brotherhood endure. A huge thanks must go to W.Bro Ken Dobbin for his hard work, meticulous research, and heartfelt delivery. He didn't just talk about history—he made us feel it.

We are delighted to announce that Brother Barnes has successfully completed his foundation course and has now joined the distinguished ranks of Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors within our Masonic community.

This appointment reflects his dedication to mental health advocacy, which stems from his own personal experiences. His deep understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing and his passion for supporting others make him a perfect fit for this vital role.

Dedication to Mental Health Advocacy
Brother Barnes' commitment to mental health awareness is grounded in his personal journey. Having faced challenges himself, he understands the significance of mental wellbeing and the value of open conversations about mental health. This personal insight makes the role particularly meaningful to him and enriches his ability to support and empathize with others.

Role and Responsibilities of an Ambassador
As a Mental Wellbeing Ambassador, Brother Barnes joins a dedicated group of Freemasons committed to fostering a culture of support, awareness, and openness around mental health. In this role, his key responsibilities include: Supporting Members—Helping fellow members navigate mental wellbeing challenges and providing a listening ear; Sharing Resources—Offering information, tools, and resources on mental health to those in need; Promoting Awareness—Ensuring that conversations about mental health remain at the forefront within the Lodge, thereby reducing stigma and encouraging openness. By fulfilling these duties, Brother Barnes will help create an environment where members feel safe to discuss their mental wellbeing and seek support when needed.

A Memorable First Degree Demonstration at Liddell Lodge

On a crisp evening, Liddell Lodge opened its doors to an enthusiastic gathering of members for a remarkable demonstration of the First Degree ceremony. The event brought together seasoned Masons and those interested in the traditions of the Craft, showcasing the Lodge's commitment to preserving the dignity and symbolism at the heart of Freemasonry.

From the moment participants arrived, the Lodge's warmth and hospitality set the tone. Master Masons graciously greeted visitors, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all. Under the guidance of the Worshipful Master, officers performed their roles in flawless harmony, highlighting time-honoured rituals that have been passed down through generations. A special mention has to go to Bro Mark Lewis standing in on short notice.

Following the close of the proceedings, Lodge members and visitors gathered over delightful refreshments to exchange thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the significance of the evening's lesson. The camaraderie in the room underscored the inclusive spirit that Liddell Lodge aims to foster—a sense of fellowship that transcends titles, backgrounds, and personal histories.

Overall, Liddell Lodge's demonstration was both enlightening and inspiring.

A Glowing Appraisal of Worshipful Brother Stuart J Major's Lecture: "Freemasonry and the British Military"

On a very windy evening, Brethren from near and far gathered with keen anticipation to hear Worshipful Brother Stuart J Major, Past Provincial Grand Steward (PPGStwd), deliver his much-lauded lecture, "Freemasonry and the British Military." From the moment he stood to speak, it was apparent this would be a memorable presentation—one founded on meticulous research, rich historical detail, and a genuine passion for uncovering the long-standing relationships between military life and Masonic tradition.

W. Bro. Major began by illuminating the historical crossroads at which Freemasonry and the British Armed Forces have so often met. With precise references and carefully sourced anecdotes, he painted a vivid picture of how Lodges followed regiments across continents, how Masonic principles fortified the bonds of brotherhood among soldiers, and how this connection contributed to Freemasonry's broader influence in the shaping of British military history. His scholarship shone through as he deftly drew upon archival records, historical notes, and regimental histories to illustrate the depth of these shared experiences.

What truly made the presentation stand out was W. Bro. Major's engaging delivery. He combined the structure of a seasoned historian with the warmth of a skilled storyteller, weaving together military timelines with the narratives of steadfast friendships, shared hardships, and solemn obligations observed far from home. The reception was, in a word, resounding. Members of the audience—from long-standing Masons with historical interests to newly initiated Brethren—applauded not only the content but also the clarity and enthusiasm with which it was presented.

Above all, "Freemasonry and the British Military" reminded everyone present that the Craft's legacy stretches beyond Lodge walls, influencing and reflecting the very fabric of British heritage. W. Bro. Major's meticulous research served as a sturdy foundation, but it was his profound respect for both Freemasonry and Britain's men and women in uniform that brought the topic to life and left a lasting impression. W. Bro. Stuart J Major's presentation left the audience enriched with a deeper understanding of how the Craft's values and traditions intersect with the proud heritage of Britain's Armed Forces. His thorough scholarship and compelling storytelling style were a testament to his extensive academic and professional credentials: a Master of Arts in Military History, a Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society, and membership in the Royal Historical Society.

Our Liddell Masonic Brethren and those from other Dunston and Gateshead Lodges — 110 years on

Liddell Lodge had a fantastically well attended evening on the 28th with a presentation giving an insight into the meetings and work of the Craft, the Brethren of Liddell Lodge and that of other Dunston and Gateshead Lodges during the dark days of WW1—110 years on.

Liddell Lodge phone stands

We are now creating phone stands that will hold all phones. These can be unbranded or have the name of your Lodge on. Enquire about these next time you visit.