The Wyggeston Lodge, No.3448 Leicester
A Freemasons' University Lodge – Building friendships, expanding minds, and making a difference
Worshipful Bro Chris Kent was installed as Third Principle of the Morley Chapter 8320 where members of the Wyggeston Lodge were in attendance.
Morley Chapter 8320 has been the proud royal arch chapter of many members of the Wyggeston lodge and we are proud to see W Bro Chris Kent installed as Joshua (J).
We wish W Bro Chris Kent luck in his new role and are very much looking forward to seeing him progress through the chairs of the principals.
The March meeting of the Wyggeston Lodge saw the raising of Bro Baljinder Singh Dyal in what was considered to be a spectacular ceremony.
Bro Baljinder joined the lodge over two years ago and despite there being a gap between his passing and raising due to work commitments , he has remained a committed member of the lodge and a friendly face to all.
We are pleased to see Bro Baljinder progress through his Masonic career and we wish him all the best for the future.
Back in January the Wyggeston lodge was delighted to raise Bro Joshua Bhanja to the sublime degree of a master mason.
Bro Joshua is well respected and ever so friendly member of the Wyggeston lodge. Joining us though the Universities Scheme, he had become a vital member of the lodge.
We once again congratulate Bro Joshua and look forward to seeing his Masonic journey progress.
Last Friday at the December meeting of the Wyggeston lodge, the members opened and closed their regular meeting as they prepared to join the Sir John Corah Lodge 7736, accompanied by members of the Gateway Lodge 6513.
The guests which counted well over 64 were treated not only to a wonderful padding ceremony, but also a brass band in the lodge room which added a spectacular performance to the ceremony.
That evening there was plenty of camaraderie and lots of Christmas cheer at the festive board. With each guest donning a Santa hat, a brass band accompanying each of the carols, and each member taking part in the annual singing of the 12 days of Christmas.
Wyggeston Lodge was well represented with members saying “a fabulous evening was had by all”.
We wish all members and brethren of the lodge and of the province a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Wyggeston Lodge members including the IPM attended the Lodge of Connaught and Truth No 521 to visit JW Bro Thomas Cole as he was invested as Senior Deacon!
The lodge itself is a Universities Scheme lodge for Huddersfield and has been an active lodge since 1845.
IPM W.Bro Chris Pantelli said on the night :
“I have to say, what an amazing evening in Huddersfield with connaught and truth, incredibly friendly and welcoming people, amazing (if a little odd) ritual and a fabulous festive board!!
Thank you Thomas, for the invite. I’ll definitely be back!”
The Wyggeston Lodge have donated over £200 of items to the Open Hands Christmas Collection.
Brethren from the Lodge have been volunteering at the charity’s regular pie nights, serving food to the less fortunate, for a number of years.
IPM WBro Chris Panteli said “This is what Freemasonry is all about”. Volunteering Co-ordinator and University Scheme rep WBro Simon Walmsley, who arranged the collection, said “volunteering for something like this is a great way for Brethren to practice that virtue of charity we profess to admire, but who (like me) may not be in a position to make generous pecuniary contributions, and I would encourage other Lodges both in the scheme and out to consider forming a similar arrangement with a local cause”.
On Friday the Wyggeston Lodge was pleased to install Brother Richard Jennings as the new Worshipful Master of the Wyggeston Lodge No.3448.
W Bro Richard has been a key member of the lodge for jewels a decade, having spent a lot of time as deacon where his attention to detail was admired by all who witnessed the ceremonies.
The meeting itself was well attended by other brethren from around the province, and even as far as Yorkshire West Riding! Where members of the Royal Yorkshire Lodge No.265 were in attendance.
The Wyggeston Lodge was also graced with the attendance of the Provincial Senior Grand Warden, W Bro Gary McVeigh who remarked that:
“The enthusiasm and mutual support provided by all the brethren of the lodge was clearly evidentand it is certain that W Bro Richard will fully benefit from this, in ensuring both he and the lodge enjoy his year in The Chair.”
The evening was followed by a delicious festive board, a wonderful rendition of the Masters Song by W.Bro Peter Clarke, and plenty of laughs and camaraderie.
We all wish W.Bro Richard Jennings huge success during his year in the chair of King Solomon.
This year’s impact report from the Open Hands Compassion Centre has mentioned the Wyggeston Lodge as one its supporters over the past year.
This comes after several members of the Wyggeston Lodge have given there time, often each week, to volunteer at the food bank and help to make a difference.
Charity being a core value of freemasonry, it is of no surprise that our members happily give their time to help those in need.
We look forward to continue our work with the Open Hands Compassion Centre.
On the 18th June 2025, Bro Josh Bhanja visited his father in Hong Kong and visited Lodge Erin No. 463 IC.
Having only been passed to the 2nd degree before the summer, it is fantastic to see our young members visit other lodges.
Not only visiting lodges in the UK, but also oversees to truly see how far masonry is spread around the globe.
We are thrilled that Bro Josh enjoyed his time in Hong Kong and also hope to see his father again soon.
As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, Wyggeston Lodge is proud to celebrate our dedicated volunteering in partnership with Open Hands Trust in Leicester.
Each week over the past 2 years, lodge members have rolled up their sleeves to support the charity’s much-loved Pie Nights – serving hot meals including pies, jacket potatoes, baked beans, dessert, and a warm drink to those in need. It’s a simple gesture that means a great deal to those who rely on it.
Our continued involvement wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our Volunteering Coordinator, Joe McBride, whose leadership ensures we remain an active part of this vital community effort.
“Service is at the very heart of Freemasonry and is one of our core values,” says Andy Green. “We are proud that our lodge members make a meaningful, ongoing contribution by donating our time to Open Hands.”Here’s to many more years of partnership, compassion, and community service. #volunteersweek
The Wyggeston Lodge, No.3448 Leicester