Freemasons in Berkshire since 1963
Good friends, a good cause and a seat at the table.
Ashley Hill Lodge is a group of Freemasons in Berkshire, meeting at Sindlesham between Reading and Wokingham. Men from every walk of life who look out for each other, give to good causes, and get a little better at life along the way.
Next meeting
Regular meeting
Dates, the festive board and how to visit are on the meetings page.
What it’s about
Four things that keep us coming back
Brotherhood
Men who look out for each other, in good times and bad. When someone’s ill, bereaved or struggling, the lodge notices and turns up.
Companionship
We’re a dining lodge: every meeting ends with dinner together. Partners and families join us for the social side through the year.
Self-improvement
Learning a part, speaking in front of a room, taking on a role each year. Confidence grows quietly, with others helping you.
Gold
Our Gold Awards in the Province’s charity Festivals of 2011 and 2023. We’re also a Patron of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, which cares for older people.
Charity
We give quietly, to local causes and those in need. How we give →
Why men join
Most of us came for one reason and stayed for another.
- To meet people outside work and family.Men from different jobs, ages and backgrounds you’d never otherwise sit down with.
- To be part of something with history.Traditions that go back three hundred years, and a lodge that’s met since 1963.
- To give something back.Locally, quietly, alongside people who mean it.
- To push themselves a little.Learning, speaking, leading. At your own pace, with help.
My father’s a Freemason, so I knew a little about it. After Covid my job moved to home, and I missed meeting people. The lodge gave me the chance to talk to people I’d never normally get to talk to, and I’ve made friends for life.
A member who joined after Covid
Like-minded men sharing each other’s company, with a common goal.
An Ashley Hill member
A lodge evening
Five Tuesdays a year
- From 5pmArrive, change, catch up with friends.
- 5.30pmThe lodge meets. A little business, and usually a ceremony.
- The festive boardDinner together, a few toasts, plenty of conversation.
- Around 10pmHome.
Joining
You don’t have to wait to be asked.
It’s one of the oldest myths about Freemasonry. If you’re curious, the first step is a conversation over a coffee, with no obligation either way.
Open to men aged 18 and over, of good character, who believe in a supreme being of any faith. Most of our members live around Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell and Maidenhead.
- Get in touchUse the form or email the Secretary. A few lines about yourself is plenty.
- Coffee or a pintAn informal chat with a couple of members. Ask anything.
- Meet the lodgeCome along to a social evening and meet everyone.
- WelcomeIf it feels right on both sides, a short interview, then your first evening as a member.
When I visited Ashley Hill I was made very welcome, by the experienced members and the newer ones. I noticed there weren’t many in between. After talking to a few members, I decided joining would be good for my confidence, and I hope it’s good for Ashley Hill too.
A member who joined from another lodge
I came to Ashley Hill by following a Brother I already knew.
A recent member
Our name
Named for the hill our founders could see from home
Twenty men from around Maidenhead founded the lodge in 1963. They lived within sight of Ashley Hill, so that’s what they called it, and the hill, framed in the Norman doorway of Hurley Church, is on our banner to this day.
From the lodge
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Ashley Hill Lodge 7861 Installation Meeting
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Stay Connected with the Heart of Berkshire Freemasonry: Follow Ashley Hill Lodge 7861 on Facebook!
Whether you are a long-standing Freemason, a curious neighbour in Sindlesham, or someone looking for a community built on integrity and friendship,…
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Ashley Hill Christmas Event
The members of Ashley Hill Lodge, partners and guests met for our annual Christmas event at Sonning Golf Club in December. A…
Curious? Come and meet us.
Your message goes straight to the Lodge Secretary. We aim to reply within two working days.
Ashley Hill Lodge No. 7861 meets under the United Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire.