From L to R: Bro. C. Lewis (JW), Bro. A. Trinder, W.Bro. W. Carnell (WM) and Bro. P. Gibson (SW).
A Warm Welcome to our New Brother.
Congratulations Brother Anthony Trinder, on completing your first degree and taking your first steps in Freemasonry. Your initiation marks the beginning of a journey that countless brethren over centuries have embarked upon. That said, every first degree is different and as such becomes uniquely your own from the very moment you cross the threshold. Although many of us have witnessed numerous first degrees over the years, each ceremony somehow feels different—because each time we see, hear or reflect on something new, a detail or lesson we may not have fully appreciated before. We hope your experience was both meaningful and memorable, and that the impressions of the evening will stay with you as you continue your journey, gain knowledge and share fellowship both within the lodge and freemasonry as a whole. Welcome, Brother Trinder, your journey has begun!
Congratulations Brother Anthony Trinder, on completing your first degree and taking your first steps in Freemasonry. Your initiation marks the beginning of a journey that countless brethren over centuries have embarked upon. That said, every first degree is different and as such becomes uniquely your own from the very moment you cross the threshold. Although many of us have witnessed numerous first degrees over the years, each ceremony somehow feels different—because each time we see, hear or reflect on something new, a detail or lesson we may not have fully appreciated before. We hope your experience was both meaningful and memorable, and that the impressions of the evening will stay with you as you continue your journey, gain knowledge and share fellowship both within the lodge and freemasonry as a whole. Welcome, Brother Trinder, your journey has begun!
2 x 2, a Double Second!
From L to R: Bro. C. Lant, W.Bro. W. Carnell and Bro. J. Moffat.
A double Second or Fellowcraft Degree is always a special moment in the life of a lodge, and March’s ceremony was no exception. Our two candidates progressed together through a beautiful, unique and historic ritual—one that connects every Fellow Craft to the generations who have walked this path before them. They experienced symbolism that deepens understanding, language that has echoed through centuries, and lessons that gently guide a Mason toward the maturity of the Master Mason degree.
I know as a lodge, we hope they enjoyed the experience and felt the significance of the step they have taken. More importantly, we trust that something within the ceremony—whether a phrase, a symbol, or a moment of reflection—will remain with them and accompany them on the next stage of their journey.
I know as a lodge, we hope they enjoyed the experience and felt the significance of the step they have taken. More importantly, we trust that something within the ceremony—whether a phrase, a symbol, or a moment of reflection—will remain with them and accompany them on the next stage of their journey.
Bro. P. Gibson and W.Bro. W. Carnell.
"Dip-dip-hooray!"
March's meeting also saw the lodge celebrate another first as Bro. Pete Gibson was presented with his UGLE Solomon Academy Diploma on completing study modules on; the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, the Master Mason and the Royal Arch. Bro. Gibson was presented his Diploma by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Barry S. Palmer who commented that whilst this may well be the first Diploma to be presented in this lodge, it certainly won't be the last.
Completing the UGLE Solomon Diploma is an important milestone for any Freemason because it deepens understanding of the Craft in a structured, engaging and accessible way. It allows brethren to explore the symbolism, the history and the meaning behind the ritual at their own pace, transforming what they have experienced in the lodge room into lasting knowledge. The diploma not only strengthens a Mason’s personal journey but also equips them to contribute more confidently to discussions, education evenings and the wider life of their lodge.
Beyond personal growth, the Solomon Diploma opens doors to new opportunities within Freemasonry. It encourages further study, supports those who wish to take on mentoring or officer roles, and helps build a richer appreciation of the traditions we preserve. For many, it becomes a springboard to deeper involvement—strengthening both the individual and the Craft as a whole.
March's meeting also saw the lodge celebrate another first as Bro. Pete Gibson was presented with his UGLE Solomon Academy Diploma on completing study modules on; the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, the Master Mason and the Royal Arch. Bro. Gibson was presented his Diploma by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. Barry S. Palmer who commented that whilst this may well be the first Diploma to be presented in this lodge, it certainly won't be the last.
Completing the UGLE Solomon Diploma is an important milestone for any Freemason because it deepens understanding of the Craft in a structured, engaging and accessible way. It allows brethren to explore the symbolism, the history and the meaning behind the ritual at their own pace, transforming what they have experienced in the lodge room into lasting knowledge. The diploma not only strengthens a Mason’s personal journey but also equips them to contribute more confidently to discussions, education evenings and the wider life of their lodge.
Beyond personal growth, the Solomon Diploma opens doors to new opportunities within Freemasonry. It encourages further study, supports those who wish to take on mentoring or officer roles, and helps build a richer appreciation of the traditions we preserve. For many, it becomes a springboard to deeper involvement—strengthening both the individual and the Craft as a whole.
From L to R: Bro. P.Gibson (SW), Bro. D. Jones (cand),
W.Bro. W. Carnell (WM) and Bro. C. Lewis (JW).
An Evening of Firsts
February's meeting was an evening of firsts. It's always interesting to watch brethren perform in their new roles for the first time after an installation, especially when it is in a first degree ceremony. The Brethren initiated Bro. Dominic Jones in what was a truly beautiful ceremony which saw junior members of the lodge taking to the floor to deliver their first pieces of ritual. Bro. Tim Churchley delivered the Address after the Badge beautifully and you couldn't help but be impressed when Bro. Jim Moffat, an Entered Apprentice, perfectly delivered the Working Tools. The quality in this lodge truly runs from top to bottom.
February's meeting was an evening of firsts. It's always interesting to watch brethren perform in their new roles for the first time after an installation, especially when it is in a first degree ceremony. The Brethren initiated Bro. Dominic Jones in what was a truly beautiful ceremony which saw junior members of the lodge taking to the floor to deliver their first pieces of ritual. Bro. Tim Churchley delivered the Address after the Badge beautifully and you couldn't help but be impressed when Bro. Jim Moffat, an Entered Apprentice, perfectly delivered the Working Tools. The quality in this lodge truly runs from top to bottom.
Masterfully Installed
The newly installed Worshipful Master; Worshipful Brother Bill Carnell.
The January Installation meeting of the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity No. 261 proved once again why this historic Somerset lodge holds such a distinctive place within the Province. As the first meeting of the calendar year, a January Installation always carries a sense of renewal and anticipation. This year’s gathering was no exception, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in the Lodge’s long and distinguished history.
The attendance of the Provincial Grand Master, a goodly number of Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers and guests from as far as Buckinghamshire, Devonshire and Wiltshire as well as other Somerset lodges, added dignity and warmth to the evening, their presence reflecting the respect and affection held for the Lodge and for its Brethren. The atmosphere in both the temple and at the festive board was one of genuine fellowship, shared purpose and pride.
Worshipful Brother Peter Richards, completing his year in the Chair, conducted the Installation ceremony with poise, sincerity, and a deep understanding of the ritual. His work throughout the evening was exemplary, a fitting culmination to a year in which he has given tirelessly of his time, energy, and leadership. The Brethren of the Lodge expressed heartfelt gratitude for his dedication—not only for the beauty of the ceremony itself, but for the commitment he has shown throughout his entire term as Worshipful Master.
The attendance of the Provincial Grand Master, a goodly number of Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers and guests from as far as Buckinghamshire, Devonshire and Wiltshire as well as other Somerset lodges, added dignity and warmth to the evening, their presence reflecting the respect and affection held for the Lodge and for its Brethren. The atmosphere in both the temple and at the festive board was one of genuine fellowship, shared purpose and pride.
Worshipful Brother Peter Richards, completing his year in the Chair, conducted the Installation ceremony with poise, sincerity, and a deep understanding of the ritual. His work throughout the evening was exemplary, a fitting culmination to a year in which he has given tirelessly of his time, energy, and leadership. The Brethren of the Lodge expressed heartfelt gratitude for his dedication—not only for the beauty of the ceremony itself, but for the commitment he has shown throughout his entire term as Worshipful Master.
From L to R: W.Bro. Nathan Henderson (PrDGDC), Bro. Peter Gibson (SW), R.W.Bro. David Jenkins (PPGM), R.W.Bro. Ray Guthrie (PGM), the newly installed Master W.Bro. Bill Carnell (PPrJGW - Devon), W.Bro. Peter Richards (IPM), V.W.Bro. John Winston (PDPGM) and Bro. Chris Lewis (JW).
The installation of Worshipful Brother Bill Carnell into the Chair of King Solomon marks the formal beginning of his stewardship of the Lodge. Bill assumes the role with the confidence of his Brethren and the support of a team that blends enthusiastic new officers with seasoned and knowledgeable past officers. This balance of fresh energy and experienced guidance promises a vibrant and successful year ahead.
As the Lodge moves forward, there is a palpable sense of optimism. With Bill at the helm, officers eager to take up their responsibilities, and the lodge’s membership on the rise, the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity is poised to add another distinguished chapter to its already remarkable history.
As the Lodge moves forward, there is a palpable sense of optimism. With Bill at the helm, officers eager to take up their responsibilities, and the lodge’s membership on the rise, the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity is poised to add another distinguished chapter to its already remarkable history.
"Tis the season to be jolly!"
There's no better way to kick-off the Christmas festivities, than with a Unanimity and Sincerity Christmas Supper. Last Saturday evening brethren, family and friends, came in from the cold and the damp to be met with a warm welcome and a glass or two of something bubbly.
There's no better way to kick-off the Christmas festivities, than with a Unanimity and Sincerity Christmas Supper. Last Saturday evening brethren, family and friends, came in from the cold and the damp to be met with a warm welcome and a glass or two of something bubbly.
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Now full of the festive mood, we moved into the dining room and took our seats for a traditional roast turkey supper with all the usual accompaniments. As ever our head of catering, Karen, lived up to her mantra; “Nobody leaves Taunton hungry”. And so it was, with bellies, sufficiently full of seasonal fare, that we made our own attempt at singing some of our Christmas favourites, ending with the traditional participatory version of the 12 days of Christmas.
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Afterwards we moved into the temple where we were given a spectacular performance of some of our favourite carols and songs by the Taunton Military Wives Choir, including a medley from the Sound of Music – well it wouldn’t be Christmas with the Sound of Music would it?
Festive cheer! The Worshipful Master Peter Richards with friends, family and love ones.
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It was a wonderful evening of food, wine, and song, shared among family, friends and loved ones. We are indeed truly blessed!
Further information on the Taunton Military Wives Choir can be found at; https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEp7szZDt/
Further information on the Taunton Military Wives Choir can be found at; https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEp7szZDt/
 From L to R: W.Bro. Alan Covey (Proposer), Bro. Craig Lant (Candidate), W.Bro. Peter Richards (Worshipful Master), Bro. James Moffit (Candidate) and Bro. Chris Lewis (Proposer)
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Firsty Work!
Last Wednesday saw a Lodge meeting which was definitely Firsty work! The Lodge made history by holding its first ever double ceremony which itself was a first degree or initiation. The evening saw Bros. James Moffit and Craig Lant initiated into Freemasonry and into the unique and peculiar lodge that is Unanimity and Sincerity. As one of the oldest lodges in Somerset, Unanimity and Sincerity still has its own ritual and so it was destined to be a special evening from the off. The ritual was beautiful and the floorwork was slick, a credit to all those who worked so hard to ensure that our
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newly invested brethren had a night to remember. [Those wishing to visit the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity and experience an old and unique lodge should contact our lodge secretary: [email protected] ]
The Next Regular Step.
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January heralds the excitement of a new year, and in the Chapter of Sincerity (No.261) it was kicked off with yet another exaltation of a member of this lodge, Bro. Gary McEvans, into Royal Arch Freemasonry and the Chapter of Sincerity. What made it such a special evening was that so many of the companions were there from the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity, Comp. Gary's craft lodge, to support him in this important step in his masonic journey. Indeed, many of them volunteered to take on key roles within the ceremony of Exaltation. Congratulations Companion Gary, we all hope you enjoy your time in Chapter and wish you luck in your onward journey through traditional freemasonry.
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Congratulation to the newly exalted Companion Gary McEvans
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Gone to the Dogs!
L to R; Bro. Pete Richards (SW), W.Bro. Mike Meatyard (WM), Lucy (Guide Dog), Ceri Hudson (Guide Dogs for the Blind) and W.Bro. Carnell (JW), present a cheque to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The culmination of the talk was a presentation by the Worshipful Master of a cheque for £1,800 which has been raised throughout the year by the brethren of the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity through events such as raffles and whiskey draws.
Next The brethren and their guest retired to the dining room for a true feast of roast turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. The evening was rounded off with the lodge’s tradition of singing festive carols and songs. What better way to kick-off Christmas? |
December's meeting sees us coming together to celebrate Christmas and to share the festivities with those who matter; loved ones and friends, joining us as guests for a very festive festive board.
The evening kicked of with Brethren and guests coming in from a bitter cold outside to a very warm welcome in the Sherry Room, were a glass of something sparkling helped to kick off the evening. Following a shortened meeting the brethren were joined by their guests to hear from Ceri Hudson, a speaker on behalf of ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’ and her beautiful guide dog Lucy. Guide Dogs for the Blind has been the chosen charity of the Worshipful Master this year. It was fantastic to hear how a guide dog can change the life of someone suffering severe visual impediment and it really brought to mind the importance of the work that Guide Dogs for the Blind actually do in training, not just the dogs, but the future dog owners. |
"Doing the Magic!"
"Doing the Magic - Charity Steward Roger Earthrowl presents a cheque to Natalie Dalton of Diversity Somerset.
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Our Charity Steward Roger Earthrowl presented a cheque for £250 to Natalie Dyson CEO of Diversity Voice who was running a Christmas party for vulnerable people in our community.
Diversity Voice is a registered charity in Somerset championing intercultural understanding and providing support and services to prevent marginalisation and working towards equality for all. The charity was established in 2015 but draws on experience from 2008, when it was formed as an experience-led community group. Almost all of their team are multilingual and have experience of living and working in the UK as migrants. As Diversity Voice does not receive any core funding and relies on income from project-led initiatives, having Roger turn up to one of their Christmas initiatives with a cheque for £250 was the icing on the cake. Natalie Dyson said ‘Thank you for helping to make it [Christmas] special for them’. |
A Brother and a Companion.
Friendly faces welcoming Companion Chris Lewis into the Chapter of Sincerity (No.261).
From left to right; J. Sillett, R. Peter-Budge, B. Pollard, R. Bailey, J. Owen, C. Lewis, C. Partridge, B. Carnell, R. Earthrowl, P. Gibson and P. Richards
Congratulations to Brother, and now Companion, Chris Lewis who took the fourth regular step in "pure antient masonry" and was exalted in to the Chapter of Sincerity (No.261). It was a wonderful evening and as you can see, there were a few familiar faces to help him along the way.
If anyone is interested in the Holy Royal Arch, then please don't hesitate to ask R.W.Bro. Ray Winston who's our Lodge's Royal Arch representative or failing that, anyone in the lodge who wears a Royal Arch jewel.
If anyone is interested in the Holy Royal Arch, then please don't hesitate to ask R.W.Bro. Ray Winston who's our Lodge's Royal Arch representative or failing that, anyone in the lodge who wears a Royal Arch jewel.
Welcome Brother Macey!
Photo shows (Left to right);
Worshipful Master Mike Meatyard, the newly initiated Bro. Daniel Macey and his proposer W.Bro. Alan Covey. |
So summer's over and it's back to it, and boy how we got back to it! Nothing beats a Initiation or First Degree where everyone, whether taking part in the ceremony or just watching from the side-lines, thinks back to the first time they stepped into the Lodge and into Freemasonry and how special it was for them.
On this occasion the Brethren worked hard to make it a special evening for Bro. Daniel Macey. It was a beautiful ceremony with some excellent floorwork and ritual followed by a festive board full of food, wine and song. I'm sure I speak for all the Brethren when I say "Welcome to the Lodge and welcome to Freemasonry Bro. Daniel. You've joined an unique organisation and an even more unique Lodge. We hope you enjoy it!" |
Light-Blues dining out.
So the Lodge is closed for summer and the meetings have all come to an end but that doesn't mean that the Freemasonry has to stop, especially not the fellowship.
Junior member's of the Lodge met up in Taunton to share an evening of food and fellowship at "The Skewer House". There was plenty to eat and drink but most of all there was plenty of conversation and laughter shared by all those in attendance.
The photo shows (Left to right);
André (friend of Bro. Chris Lewis), Bro. Nick Halsall, Bro. Gary McEvans, Megan (partner of Bro. Garry McEvans), Bro. Tim Churchley, Bro. Pete Gibson and Bro. Chris Lewis.
Junior member's of the Lodge met up in Taunton to share an evening of food and fellowship at "The Skewer House". There was plenty to eat and drink but most of all there was plenty of conversation and laughter shared by all those in attendance.
The photo shows (Left to right);
André (friend of Bro. Chris Lewis), Bro. Nick Halsall, Bro. Gary McEvans, Megan (partner of Bro. Garry McEvans), Bro. Tim Churchley, Bro. Pete Gibson and Bro. Chris Lewis.
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"On yer bike mate!"
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Following on from W.Bro. Malcolm Hayden's unfortunate news I am trying to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
On the 26th August, I intend to ride the 85 miles from our lodge; the Lodge of Unanimity and Sincerity No.261 which meets in the Taunton Masonic Hall and where Malcolm is the current master, down to Lodge of Sincerity No.189 at Edgecumbe Masonic Hall in Plymouth, which is Malcolm's mother lodge. These two Lodges mean a lot to him, and he means a lot to both them and us. Many thanks for all you support in this venture! Here's a link to my "Just Giving" page where you can make a donation; Click here for Pete's Just Giving page. |
Hayley's Flying High!
Check out Hayley, a much loved member of our lodge catering team, taking on a zipwire challenge.
On the 25th June, Hayley and employees from 15 other Superdrug stores in our area, converged on the 'Adrenaline Quarry' in Liskeard, Cornwall to brave the 490m long zipwire reaching speeds of close to 40mph in order to raise money for Marie Curie , a really worthwhile cause. Hayley and the others have so far manged to raise around £6000 but are still trying to reach their target of £10,000. Well done Hayley and good luck!
Check out Hayley, a much loved member of our lodge catering team, taking on a zipwire challenge.
On the 25th June, Hayley and employees from 15 other Superdrug stores in our area, converged on the 'Adrenaline Quarry' in Liskeard, Cornwall to brave the 490m long zipwire reaching speeds of close to 40mph in order to raise money for Marie Curie , a really worthwhile cause. Hayley and the others have so far manged to raise around £6000 but are still trying to reach their target of £10,000. Well done Hayley and good luck!
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Lodge life:
In the Footsteps of Columbus
A visit to Kempsville Lodge No. 196. Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.
A visit to Kempsville Lodge No. 196. Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.
Provincial Annual Meeting.
6th April, 2023. Webbington Hotel, Loxton, Somerset
6th April, 2023. Webbington Hotel, Loxton, Somerset
lodge of unanimity and sincerity NO. 261
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