As we settle into 2026, I’m pleased to share what’s shaping up to be a wonderfully varied calendar of events for Lodge 281. Whether you’re a member planning your year ahead, a family member wondering what we get up to, or someone curious about what Masonic lodges actually do beyond our regular meetings, here’s what we have planned.
Charity Breakfast – Saturday, 11th April
We’re kicking off our charitable efforts with our annual Charity Breakfast in April. This has become a fixture in our calendar, bringing the community together for a hearty breakfast whilst raising funds for worthy causes. It’s one of those mornings that perfectly demonstrates what Irish Freemasonry has always been about – putting the principle of “Relief” into practical action. Details on timing and ticketing will follow closer to the date.
Summer BBQ – Friday, 12th June
As the evenings lengthen and (hopefully) the weather improves, we’ll be firing up the BBQ on Friday, 12th June. This is always one of our most popular social events, and we’re delighted to have Gary McMusic providing the entertainment. There’s something particularly pleasant about gathering outdoors with your brethren, good food, good music, and good company. Partners and families are welcome at these events, making them a genuine community occasion rather than just a lodge affair.
Tractor Run – June (Date TBC)
Now this is something rather special. W. Bros. Nigel Buchanan and Bro. Phillip Robinson are organising our annual Tractor Run. For those unfamiliar with these events, they’re exactly what they sound like – a procession of tractors (vintage and modern) making their way through the countryside, typically raising funds for charity whilst celebrating rural heritage. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years, and our run draws participants and spectators from across the area. The exact date is still being finalised, but watch this space – it’s well worth attending whether you’re driving a tractor or just coming along to enjoy the spectacle.
Country & Western Steak Night – Friday, 24th July
Mark your calendars for this one, and book early. W. Bro. Terrence Milligan is organising what promises to be a fantastic evening – a Country & Western themed Steak Night with entertainment by Stan McCobb. Here’s the crucial detail: we’re limiting attendance to 60 people, so this will be first-come, first-served. If you’ve been to one of our steak nights before, you’ll know the food is excellent and the company even better. Add in the Country & Western theme and Stan McCobb’s entertainment, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable evening.
Hog Roast – Friday, 4th September
As summer winds down, we’ll be hosting our Hog Roast on Friday, 4th September. There’s something wonderfully convivial about a hog roast – the centrepiece of the meal slowly cooking whilst everyone gathers round, the smell of roasting pork in the air, the anticipation building. It’s another of our social events that brings people together in that particular way that shared food always does. More details will be available closer to the date.
Rickety Wheel – Saturday, 28th November
The Rickety Wheel has become something of a tradition, and we’ll be running it again on Saturday, 28th November. Details are still being finalised, but this has historically been one of our successful fundraising events as we head into the winter months.
Children’s Christmas Party – Saturday, 5th December
This is always one of the highlights of our year. On Saturday, 5th December, we’ll be hosting our Children’s Christmas Party with entertainment once again provided by Gary McMusic. For many of our members’ children and grandchildren, this marks the real start of the Christmas season. It’s a chance for the younger generation to experience the warmth and fellowship of the lodge community in a way that’s entirely appropriate for them – games, entertainment, probably far too many sweets, and definitely a visit from a certain gentleman in red.
Christmas Carol Service – Thursday, 10th December
We’ll be closing out our formal calendar with our Christmas Carol Service on Thursday, 10th December. This has become an important part of how we mark the season – gathering together to sing the traditional carols, to reflect on the year that’s passing, and to celebrate together before everyone disperses for their family Christmases. Venue details will be confirmed closer to the time.
A Year of Balance
Looking at this calendar as a whole, what strikes me is the balance. We’ve got our charitable fundraising events (the Charity Breakfast, the Tractor Run). We’ve got our social gatherings (the BBQ, the Steak Night, the Hog Roast). We’ve got our family-focused occasions (the Children’s Christmas Party). And we’ve got our more ceremonial moments (the Carol Service).
This variety isn’t accidental. Freemasonry has always understood that brotherhood requires different contexts – the formal and the informal, the charitable and the social, the serious and the celebratory. Our regular lodge meetings provide the ceremonial foundation, but events like these build the friendships and community connections that make the whole thing work.
If you’re a member of Lodge 281, I hope you’ll put these dates in your diary now. If you’re connected to the lodge through family or friendship, you’re welcome at most of these events – just check with any member about which are open occasions. And if you’re reading this as someone curious about what we actually do, well, here’s your answer. This is Freemasonry in practice – not mysterious conspiracy, but community fellowship, charitable service, and genuine friendship.
More details on each event, including times, ticketing information, and booking procedures, will be shared as we get closer to each date. Keep an eye on our website, our social media channels, and the regular lodge communications.
It’s shaping up to be a good year. I hope to see you at some (or all) of these events.
