Old Chigwellians Lodge No. 6648
The Old Chigwellian Lodge was founded in 1948 by a number of Old Chigwellians, including the headmaster at the time, Dr R. L. James. It meets four times each year. Most meetings take place during the evening in Central London, and one meeting is held on a Saturday at the School each summer. Following each meeting we enjoy a pleasant dinner, often with friends from other Lodges.
There are more than 8,000 Lodges throughout England and Wales. Many schools such as Chigwell have Lodges associated to them. Other local examples include Brentwood, Forest and Bancroft.
Freemasonry is the UK’s largest, secular fraternal and charitable organisation. Over the past five years Freemasonry has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable purposes including those involved in medical research, community care, education and work with young people.
The Old Chigwellian Lodge is proud to have raised funds for the School Drama appeal, the Orchid Cancer Appeal, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution during recent years.
The Headmaster, David Gibbs receiving a contribution from the OC Lodge towards the Drama Centre Appeal in 2003. The picture shows various Lodge members and the Head of School, Nimesh Christie next to the construction. |
While Freemasons come from all walks of life, the roll call of famous Masons is astounding, and includes among others, Sir Winston Churchill, Peter Sellers, Rudyard Kipling, King George VI and Jim Davidson.
Some facts and misconceptions:
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Freemasonry is definitely not a political organisation, it has no political agenda. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims or principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation.
Interested in Learning More:
Applications for membership will be considered from Old Chigwellians, present or past members of School staff, fathers, sons, brothers and husbands of current pupils and former pupils or staff. In essence the Lodge may be of interest to those who consider themselves a ‘friend’ of Chigwell School, and are at least 21 years of age.
Should you be interested or wish to enquire further about our activities or about Freemasonry in general, please get in touch directly with the Secretary, or perhaps contact one of the names you may recognise below who represent some of our current membership.
| Name | Dates at School | Telephone No | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Garnish (Secretary) | 1973 - 1983 | 020 8504 5042 | nick.garnish@btinternet.com |
| Doug Dew | 1924 - 1933 | 01992 577750 | - |
| John Keys | 1941 - 1948 | 020 8508 7585 | jkeys95446@aol.com |
| Barrie Sydenham Former Teacher | - | 01277 362808 | barrie.sydenham1@ntlworld.com |
| John Valentine | 1963 - 1969 | 01277 372876 | john_c_valentine@hotmail.com |
| Paul Pereira | 1977 - 1984 | +44 (0)7879 402 603 | pereira1@ntlworld.com |
| Gary Bhumbra | 1987 - 1995 | 01223 332000 | gsb25@cus.cam.ac.uk |
| Michael Bradley Current Teacher | - | 020 8501 5761 | mikebradley03@yahoo.com |
| Daren Brett | 1974 - 1984 | 01206 517882 | daren.brett@uk.standardchartered.com |
| Ricki Gardezi | 1985 - 1993 | 07956 840610 | ricky.gardezi@tss-guarding.com |
| Vince Hagedorn Former Teacher | - | 01245 496616 | vince@mentfor.co.uk |
| Paul Gobey | 1977-1984 | 07710-061408 | p.m.gobey@talk21.com |
| Paul McCarthy | 1974 – 1979 | 01628-780928 | paulbmccarthy@hotmail.com |
Existing masons who are already members of other Lodges would be most welcome to visit us. Anyone enquiring about becoming a Freemason would be assured of a warm reception.
The following internet addresses provide a good source of information for the curious.
London FreemasonaryUnited Grand Lodge of England
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