In 2017 the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity was formed by a small group of Freemasons from around the Province.
The Charity brought an interactive fishing and countryside experience to people with special needs by running fishing events, both coarse and fly. Participants, mainly children, came from special needs schools and centres or who had suffered personal trauma.
Some of the children are considered disadvantaged whilst others come from harsh backgrounds, but the fishing experience and the opportunity to interact with responsible adults from outside their normal environment provides the opportunity to experience something that may otherwise be unavailable to them. This is considered far more than just a day’s fishing; it enables participants to gain confidence, meet new challenges and achieve tangible outcomes which they take away with them.
Importantly, it enables the Masonic volunteers to reach out and work closely in the community and hopefully……. ‘Catch a Smile’ along the way.
From this background grew a significant ‘esprit de corps’ among those like-minded Brethren who made up the Branch membership and bonds of friendship and respect soon developed. Members began to visit each other’s Lodges and became involved in delivering presentations which promoted the work of the Charity. Social evenings were arranged to fund events, adding to the generosity of many Lodges around the Province.
It wasn’t long before someone postulated the idea of creating a Masonic Lodge, based on the theme of the Fishing Charity. The concept was received with tremendous support and enthusiasm and from that embryo of an idea, Anglers Lodge No.10049 was born.
The Lodge was consecrated on 23rd March 2024, making it the most recent Lodge in Durham Province. It consists of like-minded members who share an interest in angling collectively and inclusively of all types.
What We Do
The Lodge motto is “Esprit de Corps” which means literally “spirit of the body” but also defines as, “a shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among members of a unit or organisation”.
It should be pointed out that the Lodge ethos is not only about a common interest in Angling and associated fundraising but also, as the motto implies, of mutual Respect, Integrity, Friendship and Charity along with support to all its members.
We are a new Lodge with a fresh approach whilst strictly maintaining established principles of Freemasonry. Our focus is on enjoyment and comradery but with a purpose of improvement and benevolence.
Why Join Us
If you love Fishing and are interested in freemasonry (or even already a member) then we would love to meet you.
The Lodge was formed as a natural progression from the Durham Branch of the Masonic Trout and Salmon Fishing Charity which organises therapeutic fishing events for children from local schools.
The Lodge is themed to reflect this activity and the sport of Angling in general with customised Lodge equipment for example themed gavels, and landing nets used for alms collection. We have a dispensation for members to wear the Lodge tie whilst attending Anglers Lodge.
The Lodge motto is ‘Esprit de Corps’ which very aptly reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of those who participate and support the Branch Charity.
The Lodge meets at Chester le Street and visitors are most welcome. Details can be obtained from the Secretary.
