As with all members groups, becoming a freemason does incur some costs. Initially there is a registration fee that has to be paid to United Grand Lodge of England, although this is a one off cost. At present that fee is £115 but does include a charitable donation for Grand lodge funds.
Belonging to the Lodge has an annual membership fee that covers an annual capitation fee to the United Grand Lodge of England as well as a contribution towards the running costs of the building. At present our annual membership is £120, which is due each January. Some members have chosen to pay their fee and then set up a standing order to pay £10 per month to the Lodge account. This means that when the fees are due they have already paid by spreading the cost over the preceeding 12 months.
When the the time comes for initiation both fees have to have been paid before the ceremony commences. Depending on the month in which you join, there may be a reduction of the first annual fee.
We are a dining Lodge and our dress code is Dinner Jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, and white gloves. The meal is known as the Festive Board and the currently costs £10 for a 3 course meal (starter, main and dessert). We also have our own bar with favourably priced drinks.
There is also the cost of the regalia to consider, although this only become necessary when you become a Master Mason. For many of our candidates this can take up to 12 months from their inititaion to being raised as a Master Mason. The regalia then consists of an apron that costs between £20 and £40 depending on the quality chosen and where you buy from.
At our festive board we usually have a raffle to help raise funds for charitable causes. You can buy as few or as many tickets as you wish.