The Provincial Grand Master has designated the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, held on Wednesday 11th September 2024, as our 'Provincial Day Out' in London. The meeting will open at noon.

The ProvGM would greatly enjoy the company of brethren from the Province at the lunch at The Grand Connaught Rooms  afterwards. 

Applications can only be dealt with online at http://www.durhamfreemasons.org/ (CLICK TICKETS) with payment required at the time of booking.  We can book a maximum of 100 brethren in for the meal.  A menu choice is available - see below. The three course meal including a drinks reception in Grand Lodge, wine on the table plus tea or coffee is priced at £60. Cheese can be chosen on the booking form instead of the other Dessert choices at an extra charge of £3 payable in cash to Tom Gittins on the day.

Starter

1. Traditional English smoked salmon with shallots, capers and chopped egg micro salad
2. (V) Pressed sweet potato and shiitake mushroom terrine aged balsamic dressing
3. Melon

Main

1. Chicken and tarragon topped pie with champ potato, fine beans broccoli and baby carrots in parsley
2. (V) Asparagus and butternut squash risotto, Parmesan crisp

Dessert

1. Cherry and frangipani tart with vanilla Chantilly
2. Fruit Salad
3. Cheese and Biscuits £3.00 (surplus if chosen)

All Masters, Wardens at the time of the meeting, Past Masters AND MASTER MASONS are eligible to attend the meeting, and those intending to participate were advised previously to book travel early to get the best deals.

Please note that Master Masons are eligible to attend this meeting and an application for a ticket has to be made by Province on their behalf, to ensure entry to the Grand Lodge meeting. The online booking drop down box will ensure this is recorded. It is important that FULL NAMES are included in the booking, as this is a requirement for ticket identification. Entry Tickets for the Grand Temple for the meeting before the meal will be distributed by email to the Master Mason nearer the time. ONLY Master Masons will be issued with a ticket for the Grand Temple - others do not need one.

All Brethren attending must wear the UGLE Craft Tie, or a plain Black Tie, and the appropriate aprons and Collars. Masters and current Wardens at the time are reminded they must wear their appropriate collar. Qualified Brethren should wear the Royal Arch Breast Jewel. White Gloves are worn in Grand Lodge. Provincial ties and Festival Jewels may NOT be worn for entry into Grand Lodge.

Brethren are strongly advised to bring a plastic shopping type bag which can be folded and kept with the members after changing into regalia to avoid the usual lengthy queue for collection of regalia cases in the robing areas after the meeting has finished.

Brethren are required to be seated by 11:30 am, unless directed otherwise nearer the time. 

It is advisable to arrive in London no later than 10:30 am . For guidance, a Tube ride from Kings Cross to Covent Garden takes about 20 minutes.

The deadline for receipt of booking and reservations is  10.00 pm Saturday 24th August 2024 as Province will then send our Durham bookings to Grand Lodge. 

Meal cancellations can be accepted until the closing date, and after this date we can try and give a refund subject to last minute bookings being made at UGLE.

We will also send a seating plan for our group which will be arranged by the Provincial Grand Master and will reflect as far as possible the preferences Brethren make on the booking form. Tables are a maximum of 10 'cosy' diners.

Brethren are asked to assemble at 11am outside the main entrance to Grand Lodge (opposite the Philomena's Irish Bar) for a group photograph. We hope as many members as possible can make this time. Other group photo opportunities will be avaliable during the day subject to where we are located in the Grand Temple or dining room.

We hope once again to have a great day and experience what is Grand Lodge!