Bro Stevie Bates is installed as WM.  I can save several paragraphs, dear reader, in explaining how difficult our lives were on the above date, had been since February that year, and continues to be in 2021. Suffice to say, any attempts to continue practising the Craft were hampered in the very least, and at worst (and more often) cancelled. And so, although my description of the greatest day in my Masonic life may make it sound sparse, I will be eternally grateful to the Brethren of my Sir Walter St John Lodge and the few guests who were allowed to attend for making it happen at all. Although the pubs were allowed to open in that period, we avoided our usual pre-meeting breakfast at Philomena’s Irish Bar opposite FMH, I suspect a 9.30am Guinness or two married with the wearing of surgical masks in the Temple would have caused havoc with the important ritual ahead.

The meeting was, well, sparse! (I did say). Masks were worn, no handshaking, social distancing, and large chunks of the usual ritual removed (or so I’m told). Because of limited numbers, not all of my Officers were able to attend, and my speeches to those who were in attendance, including my Father as JW, were omitted. Ok, so I have to make a confession now. The meagre description of the meeting can’t just be blamed on the Government Guidelines on social distancing. It was also a glorious late Summer day. We couldn’t have a traditional Festive Board. But the afore mentioned Philomena’s serves an exceptional pint of Guinness, as well as a fine selection of Irish Malts (ask the SW, he’s an expert on Malts). We had reason to celebrate, and celebrate we did! The Brethren were rewarded with a Festive baguette each to compliment their cold drinks, and we stood like Free Men in the sun, drinking Stout and doing what SWSJ do best – socialise heavily! And I’m not sure if this happened or I socialised too heavily, but I’m sure Gok Wan made an appearance.  Keep safe Brethren.

Steve Bates

Our esteemed member, current Master and lodge historian Bro. Stevie Bates hosts the first of a series of guided London walks. Initiated into the Lodge on the 1st December 2012, Steven who has been a successful London Tour Guide for eight years, decided that as part of a drive to widen the appeal of our Lodge and Freemasonry in General he would take both Lodge members and non-members on a guided tour of London's masonic sights (and Pubs).

Take a look at the short film, shown right. If you are having trouble, please download it first, it will only take a second and the file is 100% safe.

Steve Bates

Existing and long standing Scottish Write Freemason Raj Joshi is welcomed, as a joining member, into SWSJL.  "It was one hot summer night 9 years ago WM Bates and Michaela invited Sonia and me to a BBQ at theres while having a few large drinks the conversation  changed to Mosonic  life and what it meant.

I was surprised Steve was a Mason and Mike who was also in our company was a Mason as well. As the conversation went on and with the gents not letting a lot away I said to both that I was a Mason as well and had been over 18 years

(we gave the hand shake and password in the 3rd).

The conversation  quickly lead on to how much we enjoyed free masonary and the ritual and what it stood for. Steve invited Sonia and me to a ladies weekend in Bournemouth which I excepted.  The weekend was absolutely brilliant  and with meeting the other gents and wife's from the lodge

It felt special.

On our  return WM Bates invited me as a guest to a lodge meeting after attending quite a few meetings and making new friends I decided it was the lodge for me to rejoin.  I could not have joined  a better lodge as all the brothers have made me so welcomed."

Raj Prakash

Sir Walter St. John held their annual Ladies Ferstival at the Hilton Arundel, over the weekend of the 3rd to the 5th of May 2019.  Guests started to arrive casually from mid day onwards and true to form it wasn't long before SWSJ 2513 had a healthy presence in the hotel bar.  The evening arrived quickly and we all enjoyed a private room with our own bar and hot buffet with delicious food. A casino was also on offer with an array of different games and everyone had a great night.

Saturday some families enjoyed the leisure facilities at the hotel whilst other ventured out into town and to the nearby castle.  The evening was a black tie affair and after a champagne reception everyone enjoyed a fine evening of dining, drinking and dancing as well as a solo singing performance from the Worshipful Masters daughter Evie. Over £300 was raised in the raffle and donated to Bromley Parent Voice, a charity supporting the families of children with special needs. In short a fabulous weekend was had by all and anotrher successful ladies Festival for SWSJ.

Lewis McKale

On Sunday 9th September 5 members enjoyed a day out at the 5th test against Australia held at the Oval. The cricket was great but perhaps not as much fun as the father and son duo of Ronnie and Steve Bates who delighted us with their special bottles of coke, lemonade and lilt. The latter was particularly well enjoyed not only by us but by a couple in front of us, he was clearly there for the cricket she seemed to enjoy our company more. 

In the end the the weather held fine, the cricket was great but more importantly we were with our brethren. England won the test by 135 runs on the Sunday.

Brian Wheatley

Bro Lewis Mckale is installed as WM.  September 2018 was very special meeting for me as I was given the honour of becoming the worshipful master of this wonderful lodge.

I was nervous, excited and very proud all at the same time. I had fortunately just had a holiday that had meant my holiday reading wasn’t the latest best selling novel it was my little blue book that I was stuck into learning as much as I possibly could to try and do my best for my first meeting in the chair.

It was a memorable day and the meeting went pretty smoothly and I was as thrilled to finally be leading this fine group of friends that I had acquired through this wonderful Masonic Lodge.

The festive board was well attended at the Connaught Rooms and we went onto what we do best and enjoy the day socialising eventually ending up at the Hercules Pillars Pub until late into the evening.

Lewis McKale

The ladies festival was held over the weekend of the 6th & 7th May. The President W Bro Wheatley and his lady Laura welcomed their guests to the Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront.

On Friday evening after dinner we opened the casino and played with Lodge dollars, after 2 hours of blackjack and roulette the casino closed and the winner was presented with a bottle of champagne. After a hearty breakfast on Saturday the day was free for everyone to do as they please,  which included shopping in the Lanes, riding the funfair, taking in the views from the BA i360eye or just strolling along the beach in advance of the main event.

A champagne and canape reception greeted everybody before sitting down to the gala dinner. The raffle and table collection raised over £300 for Magpie Dance which is a dance group for children and adults with disabilities. The evening ended with dancing and singing until the early hours Sunday morning.

Brian Wheatley