Social Events
Gillingham Golf Club – 4 September 2026
The Barr Beacon Lodge Golf Group were once again let loose on a golf course for their annual outing — this time making the long trip to Gillingham Golf Club for a day of competitive golf, questionable shot selection and some highly creative interpretations of the rules!
The weather was kind, the course was looking good and spirits were high as the group took to the fairways. What followed was a hard-fought contest, with some excellent golf on display — interspersed, naturally, with the occasional wayward drive, mysterious bounce and putt that somehow managed to avoid the hole despite appearing to have every intention of going in!
As for the scores… well, what happens on the golf course stays on the golf course! Suffice to say there were some impressive cards, some that required a little artistic interpretation, and at least one or two players who may have discovered that the handicap system is a wonderful thing.
The real competition, however, was always going to be decided at the 19th hole.
Following several hours of strenuous exercise — and the considerable effort required to locate golf balls in places they were never intended to be — the group headed to Piccalinos in Chatham for a superb Italian meal.
Over good food, good conversation and perhaps a little exaggeration about the quality of everyone’s golf, the day was brought to a very enjoyable conclusion. The 19th hole proved, as it so often does, to be every bit as important as the previous eighteen!
Days like this are what the Barr Beacon Lodge Golf Group is all about: friendship, fellowship, a bit of healthy competition and plenty of laughs along the way.
A big thank you to everyone who took part. Another great day out, another collection of golfing memories — and, judging by some of the scores, possibly a few memories that are best left on the course!
Good golf. Good friends. Good food. And a very respectable 19th hole!
Until the next time… keep your head down, your eye on the ball, and your handicap safely under wraps!
BBL Tuscany trip
A group of members from Barr Beacon Lodge No. 6109, accompanied by their wives, recently enjoyed a delightful short holiday in the beautiful Tuscan town of Cavriglia, Italy.The trip, expertly organised by Richard Archer of Streetley Lodge, and his wife Maddie, provided the perfect opportunity for relaxation, sightseeing and companionship in the stunning surroundings of the Italian countryside. From sampling authentic Tuscan cuisine and local wines to exploring the area’s picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes, the visit created many lasting memories for all who attended.Those who travelled extend their sincere thanks to Richard and Maddie for the hard work and attention to detail in arranging such an enjoyable and memorable break, which was appreciated by everyone involved.
BARR BEACON VISIT TO FREEMASONS HALL
A group of 10 masons from Barr Beacon made the trip to London on Friday 24th April 2026 to visit Freemasons Hall. The day was truly elevated when the doors opened to the Grand Temple and the visitors entered. A feeling of pride and curiosity of the spectacular temple. The symmetry, rich detailing always impress those seeing it for the first time. Lunch followed the visit and the day was enhanced by a visit to the Terrace Bar at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
VISIT TO TREARDDUR LODGE No. 6110 OUR NUMERICAL NEIGHBOUR 8th APRIL 2026
Five brethren of Barr Beacon Lodge 6109 which meets at The Compass Suites in Aldridge, made a 169 mile journey for a meeting with Trearddur Lodge 6110 at their Masonic Hall in Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey. The visit was made even more special as the Master of St. Elbod Lodge 6111 W.Bro Simon Pascall was also present. All three lodges were consecrated within a few weeks of each other in the autumn of 1945 so all celebrated their 80th Birthday last year.The visitors from Barr Beacon were W.Bros Mark Fullwood, Jock Planck, John Hession, Gerry Magee and Stewart Westwood. This was the third visit that Barr Beacon brethren have made to their Numerical Neighbours and stems from an idea from W.Bro Fullwood when researching the history of Barr Beacon Lodge.
The visitors were treated to a demonstration of the third degree ceremony on the evening after Barr Beacon had performed an actual third degree ceremony. W.Bro Fullwood said, "I was quite surprised to see that a ceremony performed in North Wales was almost identical to the Staffordshire one, albeit with slightly different accents!
Following the meeting the visitors attended an excellent Festive Board a few miles away at The Driftwood bar in Trearrdur Bay.
In the image above:
The Worshipful Master of Trearddur 6110 is Bro David Francis Tearle.
From Barr Beacon Lodge are W.Bros. Jock Planck, John Hession, Mark Fullwood, Gerry Magee, and Stewart Westwood.
The Worshipful Master of St. Elbod 6111, W.Bro Simon Pascall is standing to the RHS of W.Bro. Fullwood next to the WM’s pedestal.
Lodges 6109, 6110 and 6111 all present and correct…