Our story

A conversation in Bath

In June 2013, at Seaford Lodge's Ladies Weekend in Bath, a very late night bar conversation planted the idea. Three brothers, with the wives gone to bed, asked a simple question: why is there no Bonfire Lodge, and wouldn't it be a good idea? The conversation continued, and our thinking quickly moved on to "yes, why isn't there a Bonfire Lodge, and wouldn't it be a great idea".

Some time later, at a Pelham Lodge festive board, the possibility was discussed further with a group of other bonfire-minded Freemasons. Eight of them went on to become founder members.

Little progress was made for some time. Then, on 23 October 2014, a meeting at the John Harvey Tavern in Lewes shared progress, and it became clear that this could really happen.

Making it happen

Over the following months we gained the support of the Provincial Grand Master, and agreement from South Saxon Lodge to be our sponsor. Outline plans for meeting times, the first key officers and the lodge name were agreed, and with the support of Provincial Grand Lodge our first Founders Meeting was held on 23 March 2015.

It is amazing what can be achieved in a year with the right support. On 31 October 2015 the lodge was consecrated.

Why 31 October?

The date is also Halloween, or Allhallows Eve. In the Celtic world, 1 November marked the beginning of a new year, when the cattle were brought back from the pastures to the stalls. Fires were lit to celebrate it and to drive away witches and other malign forces. The Christians moved the day to 2 November (All Souls Day).

On 5 November 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators were discovered in their attempt to blow up the King and Parliament. The government of James I encouraged an annual commemoration of its discovery, and the early success of the events came from the mix of religious fervour and a good excuse to celebrate.

Why "Bundle of Sticks"?

The Roast Beef and Bundle of Sticks story began in late 1812, when a number of Whigs formed a club to champion the lost liberties of England. They dined annually at the Crown in Lewes. Its members soon joined others in attacking the use of the army for civil policing.