A Great Day For Bedfordshire

This year’s meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge was a splendid occasion with Nick Edwards, leader of Bedfordshire Freemasons, opening the meeting at Bedford’s Corn Exchange with over 280 in attendance, including the Grand Masters of eleven other Provinces and Orders.

It was a meeting marked with some sadness as some members of the current active team stepped down, most notably Hugh Love who has been assistant leader for the last few years. However, the mood was lifted by the appointment, for the first time in Bedfordshire, of two new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, with Stephen Atwood and Dean O’Connell being invested to much applause.

It was a nice surprise when representatives off five lodges were called up and presented with the 2026 Festival Platinum Award. Wenlock, Panmure, Manor Court, Veritas and Bedford Castle Lodges, were presented with engraved silver salvers to mark their contribution to our ongoing fund-raising efforts.

Before bringing the meeting to a close, Nick appointed and invested his Officers for the new year and subsequently delivered a thought-provoking address on the subject of an imaginary lodge to emphasis the need for “fun and enjoyment” within all lodges!

After the meeting everyone retired to the Mercure Hotel for a celebration dinner which was topped off by a surprise certificate presentation to the Province by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire from the communities of the County in recognition of the support provided by Bedfordshire Masons.

Not to be out done Nick then presented his predecessor, Tony Henderson, with a photo book recording his time in office as Provincial Grand Master of Bedfordshire.

A great day was had by all. More photos of the day can be seen here.