Why I became a Freemason!

Posted on 16th September 2020 at 15:30

Rachel, a member of the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), is also a university student in Cardiff. When the United Grand Lodge of England recently invited the OWF to be involved in their University Scheme initiative Rachel was only more happy to explain why she joined the OWF - have listen! To enquire about joining click here.

(video with courtesy of United Grand Lodge of England)

Open House London - come and say hello!

Posted on 15th September 2020 at 09:35

For anyone living in London or feels able to travel to London this weekend don’t forget the OWF has a stand at the Open House London event at United Grand Lodge of England in Great Queen Street.

Famous Women Freemasons

Posted on 19th August 2020 at 12:32

Freemasonry for women came to this country from France in 1902 in the form of mixed Lodges (Co-Masonry). In 1908 some Co-Masons decided to break away to start a new Order called 'The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry' - now known as The Order of Women Freemasons.

Members wear pin badges to say thank you

Posted on 28th June 2020 at 11:34

The Order of Women Freemasons has designed a beautiful pin badge with the words ‘thank you 2020’ underneath the logo of the Order over which sits the rainbow motif now synonymous with the coronavirus pandemic and a symbol of hope. The badge is for members to wear both in lodge and in public to say thank you in lodge and to friends, family and everyone they pass in the street.

Annual Installation Meeting of Grand Lodge unable to go ahead ...

Posted on 6th June 2020 at 12:18

On the first weekend of June each year over 600 members of the Order of Women Freemasons meet up in Birmingham for their annual Grand Lodge meeting.

It is with much sadness for all members that this year's meeting, due to be held today Saturday, 6th June, is unable to go ahead due to 'lockdown' regulations.

At these weekend events members meet up with old friends and make many new friends from all over the UK and abroad. They also join together to celebrate with those who have received Honours and enjoy the annual installation of our Grand Master - Most Worshipful Bro Zuzanka Penn. It is a weekend of demonstrating the three principles of Freemasonry - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Usually the highly colourful and formal proceedings of the Grand Lodge meeting and the following meal are matched only by the wonderful informal gatherings of women freemasons across the whole weekend and the friendly atmosphere that encompasses everything.

Congratulations to all who would have today formally been invested with their new ranks and of course to our Grand Master who would have also been formally installed for the coming year.

We all look forward to being together again as soon as circumstances allow.

Stay safe.

Above: MW Grand Master parading with her Officers to the Annual Grand Lodge meeting (2018)

Left: MW Grand Master with some of her Officers

OWF recognises VE Day 75 years on ....

Posted on 7th May 2020 at 17:56

Seventy-five years ago, on 8th May 1945, the guns fell silent and the years of war and destruction in Europe came to an end. Millions of people throughout the United Kingdom went out on the streets to celebrate peace and mourn the loss of their loved ones.

Amongst the millions celebrating victory in Europe were members of the Order of Women Freemasons. The Order’s records describe how during the war period members regularly met at the Grand Master’s house in London to make clothes for the Polish refugees and knit items for the Middlesex Regiment serving in France. They also set up and drove a mobile canteen day and night around the dark and foggy Surrey commons to take hot meals to the lonely Air Raid Precautions (ARP) personnel scattered around the district.

Through blitzes, blackouts and under great difficulties they supplied food and drink to exhausted firemen and bombed-out people ….. “if there is any bombing going on we just ignore it”.

The Order of Women Freemasons pays tribute and acknowledges a huge debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives for our freedom we have enjoyed for the last 75 years.

Lucy O'Hea - Grand Master of the OWF during World War 2 who hosted clothes making sessions for Polish refugees

Lily Parker-Jervis, Deputy Grand Master, who drove a mobile canteen to lonely ARP personnel.

OWF says a big "thank you" to NHS and other carers

Posted on 20th April 2020 at 17:17

The Most Worshipful The Grand Master has today been pleased to announce that the Trustees of the Order of Women Freemasons' Grand Charitable Trust have decided to donate £100,000 to help those in distress during these difficult times.

Coronavirus Update

Posted on 14th April 2020 at 18:26

In line with Government guidelines the Order of Women Freemasons’ Grand Lodge is closed with the administrative team working from home.

Brethren join in on the mass teddy bear hunt ....

Posted on 3rd April 2020 at 10:45

Many of our Brethren have joined the world wide teddy bear hunt by placing teddy bears in their front windows to give children a fun activity to do on their daily walks with parents during the lockdown.

the world stands still....

Posted on 1st April 2020 at 14:41

Whilst there are no meetings or social events for our Brethren to take part in they have found other outlets for their enthusiasm....