The Worshipful Master had a fair-old journey this evening to visit this lodge which is based in Whitton, between the towns of Presteigne and Knighton in Powys.  Despite being actually in Wales, this lodge falls under the Province of Shropshire.

The Lodge has a membership of just under 40, and has been serving the community of Knighton and Presteigne since the Lodge was consecrated on Empire Day, the 24th May 1921, in the Board room at Offa's Lodge in Knighton. 

The Lodge was one full of vibrency and fun and our WM had a lovely time !

The Worshipful Master continued his Shropshire tour by making his way to The Masonic Hall at Church Stretton to attend the Longmynd Lodge No 4877.

It was named after the Longmynd Hotel where it first met in the town.  Over the years, meetings were held in different locations as new premises were sought first due to works at the Longmynd Hotel and then to fulfil the desire for the Lodge to have its own building. A building plot was bought in Lutwyche Road and then Essex House was bought with the intention of transforming it into a meeting place but this was not completed and instead it was let to the Army during the Second World War. During the War the Lodge met in the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury.

The Denehurst Hotel was then used for meetings after the war until the current premises was bought at 65 High Street where the Lodge remains today.

WBro Brian had a wonderful time in a truely happy lodge.

Although the Worshipful Master has visited this Lodge before he returned this evening to attend their Installation.  He was most happy however - this is the lodge that is closest to his own personal home.

His wife was pleased that he got home at a good hour too !

The Worshipful Master was excited to visit this Old Boys lodge from the Ellesmere College.  The Old Ellesmerian Lodge membership is drawn from former pupils and Staff of the College, and more recently, parents/guardians of pupils, wherever they live. Currently, we have one member who lives in Devon and one in The Isle of Man. 

The WM had a greet time !

The Worshipful Master found his next visit to a Shropshire Lodge in Wellington, near Telford.

Forester Lodge was originally formed in honour of Lord Forester who was the Provincial Grand Master for the Province of Shropshire.  His tenure as the Provincial Grand Master was a long one and as such he was much loved by the end of his term.  Hence this lodge.

Our WM, WBro Brain Wilson, had a wonderful visit there and reported back on the most friendly nature of the Lodge.

The Worshipful Master continued his tour of all the Shropshire lodges during his year of being the Master by attending (with Wee Willy)  the Installation of the new Master of the St Alkmund Lodge No 2311, WBro David Blackhurst at the hands of WBro John Cooke.

The St Alkmund Lodge meets at the North Shropshire Masonic Temple in Whitchurch and WBro Brian very much enjoyed visiting this north Shropshire lodge.

On a Thursday evening WBros Ian Smith and Ron Oldfield, along with Bro Steve Brownless joined WBro Harry Richards at Harry's lodge in Thorne near Doncaster for the installation of regular Caxton visitor - WBro John Brandon.  

As the IPM, WBro Harry did an excellent job in installing his friend into the Chair and the other three Caxton masons were very proud to see it.

Our WM was very happy to visit the Vale of Uscon Lodge No 8935 as it is the sister Lodge of our WM's other lodge (Idsall).

The business, being mainly an installtion was a treat.  The Festive Board hosted at the Pheasant Inn was a most enjoyable affair.

Our WM was very pleased to be a guest at the Audley Lodge No 1896, as they were completing a raising.  It will be one of the few times that the WM sees one before the Caxton raising in December.

Our WM had totally enjoyable time !

Our WM had a most wonderful visit to the Shropshire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No 9971 where the Shropshire Deputy Grand Master gave a talk about Freemasons' Hall in London.

As our WM was wearing, with pride, the Caxton Hall Stone jewel, the lecturer gave Caxton a shout-out.

The Wrekin Lodge No 2883 is a London Lodge that once a year holds its meeting in Shropshire.  Our WM did not miss the opportunity to attend .  

The Wrekin Lodge has historic links to Shropshire.  Indeed, the present IPM of the Lodge is WBro Stephen Rogers PJGD, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire.

Our WM enjoyed representing a fellow London lodge on the evening.  Their WM now has a Caxton pen and our WM fully intends to visit them once they are back in London.

Our WM visited a Lodge that is well known to him as it is the mother lodge of the Idsall Lodge (which the WM) is also in the Chair of.  

The order of business on the evening was to proclaim the sitting Master to remain in the Chair for a following year.

Our WM attended the Installation of WBro Clive Jones MBE. The blind Welsh guardsman who is international blind archer.   He is also  known by our Senior Warden, Bro Rob Halliwell.   The WM also reported that the Provincial Assistant Grand Master of Shropshire, RWBro John Thompson was in attendance as well as the Provincial Team.

On a Tuesday evening our Worshipful Master found himself at the 187th regular meeting of the Shropshire Round Table Lodge that meets in the centre of Shrewsbury.

The WM reported back that it was a most fraternal lodge.

Our Worshipful Master's tour of masonic lodges in Shropshire found himself at the Albric Festival Lodge No 9525.

Our WM found this lodge, which was consecrated in 1995 a very friendly and enjoyable visit.

Our Worshipful Master was in Brownlow to visit the Brownlow Lodge No 2131.  This lodge is another old lodge, having been consecrated in 1886.

As always, our Worshipful Master had a wonderful time and gave greetings from his own Caxton Lodge with great pride.

Our Worshipful Master was continuing his tour of all the Lodges in Shropshire during his year when he was very fortunate enough to attend the 150th anniversary of the Castle Lodge No 1621.  

This Bridgnorth-based Lodge was originally constituted in 1876 and the Brethren that attended had a wonderful time at a very special meeting.  The WM came back armed with ideas for Caxton's forthcoming Sequicentenary event in 2030.

Our Worshipful Master found his way back to his Caxton home at Freemasons' Hall in Great Queen Street to attend the UGLE Light Blue event.

The Light Blues Communication 2026 was an event organized by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) for newer members of Freemasonry. This event took place at Freemasons’ Hall, London on Saturday, 30 May 2026. The meeting was actually an Emergency Meeting of the Lodge Sine Nomine, No. 10000 and was open to all Freemasons, including those who were new to the fraternity. The event aimed to celebrate the contributions of newer members and provide a platform for them to share their experiences and ideas. 

Our Woshipful Master, WBro Brian Wilson, continues his Shropshire tour and on Saturday 16th May found himself at the Shropshire Combined Services Lodge where they were performing a 3rd degree ceremony.

WBro Brian found the military qwerks of the Lodge fascinating and was made to feel very welcome.  The brethren of the lodge were vert taken with our own Wandering Willy too ! 

Our Worshipful Master, WBro Brian Wilson, has made it a challenge for himself to visit as many lodges in Shropshire whilst in the Chair (of his two lodges) and this started with the Iron Bridge Lodge.

It was a double initiation and our WM was very pleased to give greetings from Caxton Lodge !

The Worshipful Master decided that his first visit following him being also installed into the Chair of the Idsall Lodge 7133 that he would visit the Old Ben Lodge in Shrewsbury.

It was the Old Ben's Lodge Installation and WBro Brian enjoyed greatly just being able to watch the ceremony (having just been installed as both Caxton and Idsall Master) rather than having to perform it !

WBro Ian Smith invited WBro Jonnie Armstrong to join him in visiting his other London lodge - the Castle Lodge of Harmony No 26 - on Monday 27th April 2026.

This is a very old 'Red Apron' lodge that was consecrated in 1724 (more than 50 years before the USA was formed, and only 7 years after the UGLE was created !).

WBro Jonnie is pictured with the current WM, WBro James Lawson.  The ceremony was held at 10 Duke Street, St James' and the excellent Festive Board held at the East India Club.

On Saturday 25th April 2026, Bro Brian Wilson attended the Provincial Grand Lodge of Shropshire's annual meeting which was held in the impressive surroundings of the Harper Adams University in Newport, Shropshire.

The Shropshire Provincial Grand Master David Purslow welcomed visitors, remembered those members lost during the last twelve months and congratulated many of those present on achievements in a busy and productive session. With his new ‘team’ in place and having enjoyed a wonderful meal, Shropshire seems set for another memorable year. 

WBro Brian loved the experience.

Our Worshipful Master continued his visiting trail by joining the Installation of the new Master of Roden Lodge, Wem.

Again, he explained his pleasure of being able to stand and give greetings on behalf of Caxton Lodge.

The Roden Lodge is named after the River Roden which flows through the North Shropshire town of Wem.

The Roden Lodge is a member of the 'River Lodges Association' -  of which all member lodges are named after United Kingdom rivers.

Just 5 days after he was made the Worshipful Master of Caxton Lodge, WBro Brian Wilson was on the visiting trail.  

He visited the Clive Lodge in Market Drayton, in Shropshire, for its 150th Installation meeting.

WBro Brian loved it and enjoyed very much in giving greetings to all on behalf of his mother lodge - Caxton.

The Clive Lodge is named after the British hero, 'Clive of India' who was a son of Market Drayton.

On a cold Wednesday evening our Senior Warden found himself at the Shrewsbury Masonic Hall to visit the Salopian Lodge of Charity No 117 for their Installation meeting.

There he saw WBro Norman Webster installed in excellent fashion.

It was a fascinating visit, not least given the age of the Lodge - it was consecrated in 1810 - the Battle of Waterloo had yet to happen (by half a decade) and the future Queen Victoria was yet to be born (by 9 years) let alone ascend to the throne !

Brian enjoyed himself greatly.

As guests of WBro Lt Cdr Kai Hughes, four Caxton masons visited the Navy Lodge No 2612 for its Installation meeting.

It was a wonderful evening and one full of great friendship and fellowship.

Afterwards the Lodge dined at the Actors Club.

Bro Brian Wilson visited the Compass Lodge on 22nd Oct 2025.  This was a combined meeting with the Duke of Sussex Chapter No 3343 and was rather unique.  

Compass Lodge started the meeting with the craft lodge conducting the meeting.   The Lodge was then called off.   Everyone then changed their regalia to Chapter regalia and the Chapter then conducted their full meeting.   Everyone then reclothed back into  craft regalia and wore this for the Festive Board.   At the end of the meal, Compass was called back on and the Lodge was duly closed.

During the Festive Board an ex Royal Navy officer conducted a talk about Lord Nelson as this meeting was styled as the combined units "Trafalgar Night".

Brian commented:  "It was totally different ... and I enjoyed it!"

On Thursday 9th October 2025, led by the Worshipful Master, WBro Ron Oldfield ISM PPSGW (Lincs), half a dozen Caxton masons (WBros Ian Smith, Brian Downes, Norman Cook, Jonnie Armstrong and Chris Wheeler in addition to the Worshipful Master) were in attendance to witness the Caxton IPM, WBro Harry Richards, be installed into the Chair of King Solomon at the Thorne-based (in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding).

WBro Harry made the evening a great success.  His ritual was perfect and the Lodge was in no doubt that there is a hope and anticipation for a stunning year for the St Nicholas Lodge during WBro Harry's year in the hot seat.

Three Caxton brethren were present to see Bro Ron Canham of Temple Belwood Lodge (No 8073), based in Crowle in Lincolnshire.  Bro Ron Canham has visited Caxton and such it was a pleasure to see him achieve his third degree.

WBro Ron Oldfield is seen with Bro Dave Pearce and WBro Jason Figgott.

Bro Brian Wilson visited the St Getmain Lodge (No 566) in Selby, North Yorkshire.   Brian attended with some brethren that had travelled up from Shropshire.  It was a great 3rd degree which was professionally handled.

Brian and his fellow visitors were well looked after and he enjoyed the North Yorkshire hospitality that he received.

The Senior Warden, Bro Brian Wilson headed to Albrighton, near Wolverhampton to attend an raising at the Albric Festival Lodge on the evening of Monday 12th May 2025.     The lodge was formed in 1995, by Shropshire and Staffordshire masons who resided in the village of Albrighton.  The name Albric was chosen as it is the ancient name of Albrighton.

The Lodge prides itself on having the best Festive Board in Shropshire masonry and Bro Brian certainly confirmed its high standard !

WBros Smith and Armstrong were delighted to be invited by WBro Lt Cdr Kai Hughes PGOrator to join them at the Navy Lodge to witness a double-initiation as well as a passing in the same meeting in front of 70 or so other Masons.

The history of the Lodge (just ask any of them how many members of the Royal family were members !) - along with the great humour and comradery in evidence made it a smashing Lodge to visit.

The Festive Board was held at the Club for Acts and Actors and was an absolute blast !

On Wednesday 19th February 2025, the Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire West Riding, James H Newman OBE was visiting the Doncaster based-lodge of Don Valley No 3890 to invest WBro David Idle as the Provincial Grand Secretary of his Province.

As WBro Idle is also a Caxton member that was enough of a reason  for several members to be in attendance.

The meeting was a wonderful one and the Caxton members are very proud of our very own WBro David Idle and wish in well in his very important active Provincial position.  

On Saturday 21st December 2024, WBro Tony D' braved the Christmas trains into London to get a connecting train out to Gravesend in Kent and go see his old friend, and occasional visitor to Caxton, WBro Craig McCann at Portcullis Lodge No 8268. WBro Douglas hasn't been for a visit there in a while but found the brethren in fine form and full of Christmas spirit. He then witnessed an excellent Second Degree Passing which was led by Craig's brother. Craig also took part in the ceremony by giving a near flawless account of the Tracing Board. 

WBro Douglas then joined everyone for a festive dinner at the Festive Board before warming himself up for the train home with a couple brandies for good measure. 

Hopefully Caxton will see Craig again soon.

On the evening of Friday 26th January 2024, Bro Brian Wilson visited this lodge in Shropshire.  

The lodge is approaching its centenary and is the oldest one in its Masonic Centre.  Bro Wilson enjoyed his evening and said that he would very much like to return here for its 100th anniversary meeting. 

On 2nd September 2023, three members of Caxton Lodge visited the Thomas Harper Lodge (a Warwickshire Lodge that travels on its non-Installation meetings around the UK) at one of their meetings, this time in Winchester.  They were visiting because two Caxton members (WBros Ian Smith and Jonnie Armstrong) who are also members of the Thomas Harper Lodge.  WBro Jonnie was making a presentation (in his role as the TH Lodge Orator) about the role of Caxton mason Bro Sub Lt William E Jehring in the Great War.  It was well received.  The picture shows the five Caxton members with the Thos Harper WM - WBro Ged Woods.

On 11th March 2023, the Thomas Harper Lodge (of which WBro Ian Smith and WBro Jonnie Armstrong are also members) met in Newark (not in Warwickshire but Thomas Harper travels on all meetings other than the Installation - which is at Knowle in Warwickshire). 

Visiting the lodge that day was the Caxton D of C, WBro David Idle. 

This unique lodge held an interesting meeting with much fun and comradeship.