On Saturday 11 February 2012, Vale of Itchen Lodge (No. 7816) in the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight held its 50th Anniversary meeting at the Eastleigh Masonic Centre near Southampton.

In addition to celebrating their 50th Anniversary, the meeting provided an opportunity for the Lodge to show its support for Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s 2016 Festival in aid of the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

Two cheques which together amounted to £1,591 were presented to Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Michael Codd – also a member of the RMTGB’s Council – and Provincial Grand Charity Steward Barrie Hewitt.

During the meeting, five members of the Lodge were presented with Festival Jewels, having qualified as Stewards of the 2016 Festival.

The Lodge was consecrated in February 1962 and was originally for staff who worked at nearby railway workshops. The Lodge name was taken from the plains surrounding the River Itchen that runs aside the railway workshops and although the Lodge is now open for other members to join, there are still four members who were once employed at these workshops.

Following the meeting, a coincidental total of 50 members dined at a special Festive Board to continue the 50th Anniversary celebrations.