On Wednesday 4th June 2025, brethren from across the Province gathered to consecrate a new lodge, Football Lodge South West No. 10063. This historic event took place at the home of Torquay United Football Club and drew a remarkable attendance of almost 200 brethren from all over the Constitution—truly demonstrating the special connection between Freemasonry and the nation’s favourite sport.
The new lodge was founded with the support of Football Lodge No. 9921, based in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Since its formation in 2016, Lodge 9921 has attracted great enthusiasm by combining the camaraderie of the game with the traditional values of Freemasonry. That same enthusiasm has now spread to the South West, where interest in such a special-interest lodge has grown steadily in recent years.
Building a Lodge Team
The list of those instrumental in bringing Lodge No. 10063 to life is longer than most Premier League team sheets, but several deserve particular mention.
Provincial Grand Masters Nicholas Ball (Devonshire) and Jon Whittaker (Hampshire & Isle of Wight)provided invaluable encouragement and support. Lodges don’t simply appear; they require careful nurturing from Provincial leadership, and both Provinces gave that support in abundance.
Keith Williams (Provincial Director of Ceremonies) and Adrian Rogers (Provincial Chaplain) were key in ensuring the day ran smoothly, offering daily guidance and ceremonial expertise.
The founders of Lodge No. 9921 inspired their South West counterparts—especially David Lallana, its Primus Master. Likewise, the founders of No. 10063 dedicated countless hours meeting across the South West, united by their love of football and Freemasonry.
Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, the lodge’s Primus Senior Warden and co-chair of Torquay United, played a vital role in securing Plainmoor as the perfect venue.
The Ceremony
At 2pm brethren assembled in a Torquay United function room that had been transformed into a lodge. With over 180 attendees, the space was packed, but thankfully the air conditioning kept pace.
The consecration was led by Nicholas Ball, Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, who presented the Warrant and conducted the symbolic offerings of corn, wine, oil, and salt. Each of these elements represents a blessing for the new lodge:
Corn for growth and sustenance,
Wine for celebration,
Oil for dedication and consecration,
Salt for purity and enduring worth.
The ceremony was enhanced by Provincial Organist Stephen Cox and David Simpson, who provided inspiring choral music based on the ritual of Football Lodge No. 9921.
After the consecration, the lodge was “called off” for a light-hearted half-time break with traditional oranges, before resuming for the installation of the Primus Master, Craig Cox, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire. He then invested his team of officers, setting the lodge on a firm foundation.
Celebration and Charity
Following the ceremony, brethren gathered on the terraces for a group photograph and some spirited—but well-mannered—chanting, before enjoying an excellent festive board. A bumper raffle, featuring football memorabilia, hotel stays, and more, raised an impressive sum for the lodge’s charitable initiative, Balls for Schools.
This campaign aims to provide three footballs to every primary school in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset—a total of almost 2,700 footballs across 888 schools. A special prize draw, including two signed shirts, will further support the cause, with the winners to be announced at the Installation meeting in June 2026. More details are available at footballlodgesw.org.uk/draw.
Looking Ahead
The evening concluded with toasts and speeches—some accompanied by unusual but entertaining headwear. It was a day that will be long remembered in Devonshire Freemasonry, marking both the consecration of a new lodge and the continuation of an exciting Masonic tradition.
The first regular meeting of Football Lodge South West No. 10063 will take place in September 2025, with several joining members already lined up and the lodge’s first initiation scheduled.
Further information can be found at footballlodgesw.org.uk.
