We asked a cross section of our members to answer some basic questions on freemasonry and why Cestrefeld lodge.

R.H

Why did you decide to become a freemason?
I joined freemasonry after having conversations with my grandad (WM in 1992/3) also my Dad was a member until he emigrated to New Zealand.
How Long have you been a freemason?
I have been a freemason for 6 years I think.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a retail manager for Tesco.
What do you get out of being a freemason?
The most satisfying thing about freemasonry for me is delivering good ritual after putting the hard work in learning it.
Meeting people from all walks of life is a very good point of freemasonry for me as well.
Why did you choose Cestrefeld lodge?
Cestrefeld is my Grandads lodge and I am literally half a mile away from the hall.

 T.T

Why did you choose to be  a freemason?

I come from a family with a strong Masonic tradition. My Uncles, in-laws, close friends and my father were all active freemasons.

How long have you been a freemason?

33 years. My mother lodge is in Scotland

What you do for a living?

I am retired now lectured at University for 20 years as well as holding various managerial positions in the National Health service as well as the Independent sector.

What do you get out of being a freemason?

I have made some great friends. I enjoy the sense of belonging and being involved in the charitable work

Why did you choose Cestrefeld Lodge in particular?

A friend of mine is a member and encouraged me to come along as a visitor and I was made to feel very welcome. I therefore applied to join the lodge and have enjoyed every minute.


T.H.

Why did you decide to become a freemason?

I had been to several freemason functions and always enjoyed the friendliness of everyone. I’ve wanted to put something back into society but never been one to rattle a tin on a street corner, so it seemed a good thing to do.

How Long have you been a freemason?

I have been a freemason for 3 years.

What do you do for a living?

I’m an IT consutlant

What do you get out of being a freemason?

I get to meet a lot of people, all of which have the same values in life. The social side is very good.

Why did you choose Cestrefeld lodge?

I didn’t have any contacts in Chesterfield or Derbyshire Freemasons at all when I moved here, so I applied through the Provincial Grand Lodge of Derbyshire and met all of the lodge representatives at Chesterfield Masonic Hall. Cestrefeld meets on a Monday which fits with my work schedule and they seemed the friendliest of the bunch!


A.G

Why did you choose to be a free mason?

I had never thought about becoming a freemason until it was mentioned by some of my friends. They thought my values and attitude fitted very well with the way a lodge works.

How long have you been a free mason?

I have been a freemason for a year now.

What you do for a living?

I work in IT.

What do you get out of being a freemason?

Its good to be able to get together with people of the same mind set and values. Help with charities and grow good friendships. The social side is good.

Why did you choose Cestrefeld Lodge in particular?

When I was considering joining I was guided by existing masons towards Cestrefeld lodge, as it is an extremely good lodge with lots to offer it members. Its easy to attend meetings and functions.


A.H

Why did you choose to be a Freemason?

 I am a fourth generation Mason! My Great Grandfather was a founder member of a Lodge in Bristol, of which my father is a member. I have grown up with masonry, sharing and enjoying with my parents, a very active social life through the friends they made in masonry.

 How long have you been a Freemason?

 I joined in 2016, so am a new member of the Cestrefeld Lodge. At the age of 41, I am later starting than I had intended, but I had put off joining as I was away with work a lot so did not think I would be able to commit enough time to the Lodge. As it happened, one of my close colleagues at work shared that he had been a mason for some years and I realised if he could successfully manage it then so could I – he was right; it can be done – easily! I now wish I had joined earlier!

 What you do for a living?

 I work in Road Transport for Shell, regularly travelling both domestically and internationally with my role.

What do you get out of being a freemason?

Great mates and comradery! One thing I realised early on through my parents and now through my own membership, is that masonry brings together like minded people who share the same values and like to have fun! It’s a society that benefits Husbands, Wives and their Families if you let it, and puts something into the community.

Why did you choose Cestrefeld Lodge in particular?

It is easier to manage a working from home day on a Monday or Friday, and with Friday night being the start of the weekend, Monday was a natural choice! It doesn’t always work but nobody judges you; Family first, then work, then someway down the list comes Masonry!