LAST year the members of Granville Lodge No 3405, which meets in Bude, opened their Masonic Hall to the public as part of their celebrations of 300 years of the United Grand Lodge of England.

The event proved to be a great success so the hall was opened again on Sunday, July 29 to coincide with the Bude and Stratton Heritage Festival.

The original plan was to have an outside display as well as opening the hall but with bad weather predicted the heritage festival organisers took what proved to be the sensible decision of moving the various organisations into The Parkhouse Centre.

Members of the public showed considerable interest in the display which was set up by the provincial communications co-ordinator, Phillip Lakin, who had travelled from Truro to support the members of Granville Lodge.

Following a brief explanation of the aims and objectives of Freemasonry and being given various explanatory documents people were directed the short distance to the Masonic Hall where they were shown displays of regalia and given details of the numerous charities supported by the lodge.

The highlight for visitors was a guided tour of the actual lodge room with an explanation of the customs and usages of some of the items used in ceremonies.

Many local residents were able to see old black and white photographs of friends and relations who were members of Granville Lodge in years gone by.

Throughout the day the Worshipful Master of Granville Lodge, Graham Shepherd-Jones, was on hand to welcome visitors and talk about and explain various aspects of Freemasonry.

The members of the lodge were delighted at the large number of people who visited the display at the Parkhouse Centre and the Masonic hall with many being surprised at the scale of the charity work undertaken.

Despite the inclement weather people turned out in good numbers and were shown a warm welcome by the Freemasons of Bude with many enjoying a welcoming cup of tea at the Masonic hall.

For further details of Freemasonry in Cornwall telephone the provincial secretary on 01872 276191 or go to [email protected]