By Anthony James, ProvGStdB - Monday 18th May 2026

It was a great pleasure to be part of the visiting Provincial team in my role as Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, accompanying the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Mark Iveson, PAGDC.

Also present on this very special occasion was the Past Deputy Grand Master, Sir David Wootton, whose attendance added an extra sense of warmth and distinction to an already memorable evening.

The occasion was historic in every sense of the word, marking the first time a Lodge meeting had been officially held within a hospice. Special dispensation had been granted to enable Scarborough Lodge No. 1147 to meet at St Catherine’s, making the evening both unique and deeply meaningful.

From the outset, there was a quiet dignity about the proceedings. This was far more than a Lodge meeting in an unusual setting. It was a powerful reminder of Freemasonry at its most compassionate and humane. To witness such an event as part of the Provincial team was a genuine privilege, and one that will remain in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to attend.

WBro Tony Dyer then gave a short but thoughtful talk on the Masonic Aware Project, explaining how the initiative helps to build stronger links between Freemasonry and the wider community. Rather than speaking about it in detail here, I will simply say that St Catherine’s involvement in the project is a fine example of that work in action. WBro Philip Daniels will hopefully be giving a talk on the Masonic Aware Project in the near future, so I would not wish to steal his thunder. Suffice to say, it is a fantastic initiative, and one that shows Freemasonry engaging with the community in a practical and meaningful way.

WBro Ray Baird, Chief Executive Officer of St Catherine’s, then delivered a fascinating and informative talk about the charity and the wide range of services it provides.

He posed an intriguing question to the brethren: “What possible link could there be between a modern hospice and Freemasonry?”

The answer lay in the word Hospitium, an ancient term used to describe a place of shelter and hospitality for weary travellers, pilgrims, and those returning from the Crusades.

It was a fitting comparison. Freemasonry has long been founded upon principles of charity, compassion, and care for those in need. St Catherine’s reflects those same values, offering comfort, dignity, and practical support to patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

WBro Ray Baird also spoke about an innovative project at St Catherine’s, a holiday flat built within the grounds. As well as providing visitors with a peaceful and welcoming place to stay, it generates a valuable source of income for the charity. In this way, the ancient concept of Hospitium continues to live on, providing both hospitality and practical support.

Another particularly interesting point was that St Catherine’s is gradually moving away from using the word “hospice”, as many people understandably associate it solely with death. In reality, the organisation offers far more than end-of-life care. Its aim is to support patients in living as fully and meaningfully as possible, and, where circumstances allow, to help them return home with continued care and support.

This offered a much warmer and more hopeful understanding of the work carried out at St Catherine’s. It is not simply a place where life ends, but a centre of compassion, dignity, and renewed quality of life.

Following this enlightening presentation, RW Bro Mark Iveson presented a number of Solomon Diplomas and Certificates, one of which was awarded to the Worshipful Master, WBro Greg Fox.

The Lodge was then closed in due form, and the Brethren reconvened in St Catherine’s restaurant, Flavours.

There, we were treated to an excellent three-course meal, accompanied by warm conversation and the special sense of fellowship that always comes from visiting another Lodge.

It was, in every respect, a memorable and deeply meaningful evening.