To celebrate their 50th Anniversary since consecration, Abbot Baldwin Lodge No. 8656 members agreed to expend from their Regalia Fund, sufficient monies to purchase a flagpole to be donated to, and installed at, Ashlar House, Bury St.Edmunds.
A celebratory and commemorative flag is in the process of design and print. This will be formally presented and flown on 6th October 2025 to coincide with their 50thanniversary Installation meeting when Bro Richard Day will take the Chair. Thereafter it will be flown at every Abbot Baldwin Lodge meeting or social event in the future.
On Saturday 8th March 2025; W.Bro’s Nigel Gregory & Murray Phillips, very ably assisted by Bro Tim Graves (now affectionally known as ‘Tunneller Tim’), spent many hours in glorious weather digging deep (literally) and mixing the concrete for the foundations of the base in preparation for the final installation once the concrete had set. W.Bro Murray supplied all the necessary tools and equipment for which we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
It is intended this flagpole now be used to commemorate all the usual national anniversaries plus events such as the annual St.Edmunds Day in November and any other extraordinary celebrations such as previously held in commemoration of the NHS efforts during the Covid Crisis.
Saturday 15th March witnessed the final installation fitting, assisted by Bro Andy Martin; Mrs Diane Phillips and Mrs Julie Gregory & the first flag, St Edmund, was flown. The Union flag fittings are being adapted, and this will be flown regularly.
Every Masonic Lodge: Chapter and other Order who make use of Ashlar House are invited to commission a flag of their own if they so wish and fly it during their meetings. We sincerely hope they do and enjoy the opportunity.
