All members of Kirknewton and Ratho 85 are respectfully reminded that the annual test fees to 31st October 2022 are now due.

Any brother in arrears should note that dispensation to pay reduced back fees expires 6th February 2022. Please contact Treasurer or Secretary to obtain details how to pay. Use the following link to contact us page if required.

Master Bro Colin Grieve supported by several brethren, laid a wreath at the Ratho war memorial today and paid respects to the glorious dead on behalf of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85. Lest we forget.

History was made again at the regular meeting of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 on Friday 12th November 2021, when not one but three Distinguished Service Memberships were conferred by the Lodge, and of course by our master Bro Colin W Grieve, on three of its long and faithful servants:
Bro Ian Harrower PM, Bro Mervyn Innes PM and Bro Andrew Bullions.
All three brethren were presented with their Distinguished Service Membership diplomas by Bro Ronnie Gemmell RWPGM, supported by his commission; Bro’s Davy O’Neil SPGM and Mark Gibson PGC.
Bro’s Harrower and Innes, both being past masters for many years, have provided this Lodge with long and faithful service since being initiated in the 1980’s. Bro Bullions, a marginal youngster, had stepped down in December 2020 after serving as the Lodge Secretary for some 27 years and was originally presented his DSM diploma, virtually by Bro James Ellis RWPGM at that time during the pandemic lockdown. That being so, it was only proper that Bro Bullions was officially presented with the DSM diploma by the RWPGM when the meetings had resumed post lockdown. The regular meeting on Friday the 12th November 2021 provided that opportunity, however, the RWPGM had changed to Bro Ronnie Gemmill and Bro Bullions made history as, somewhat uniquely, being presented with his diploma by two Provincial Grand Masters of Linlithgowshire.
Warmest fraternal congratulations are due to all three brethren of Kirknewton and Ratho 85 and to all that assisted with the presentation surprises.

Throughout the pandemic the Master Bro Colin Grieve and the brethren of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 made numerous donations to the communities of the villages of Kirknewton and Ratho. The recipients who coordinated the final deliveries were: Debbie from the Kirknewton Development Green Room project and Amy with Gavin Menzies of the Ratho Food Parcels group. Both recipient groups were absolutely delighted with the support from the masons and both said there is a steady demand for support to a number of local families especially during the Covid19 pandemic. Many, many families in need, will benefit from this most generous initiative. The Master also records a big thank you too, to the many Lodge members for personally funding this community exercise in a time of uncertainty and need.

During the lockdown it was pleasing to receive a message to our website advising that a member of the public has come across three historic record books belonging to Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85. Bro Bullions, Secretary, contacted the gentleman thanking him very much for bringing this to our attention and that if he posted them we would gladly refund the cost. However, it quickly became apparent that these were very heavy large books and a pallet may have been required to have them couriered, notwithstanding the cost. As the lockdown traveling restrictions began to ease, Bro Potter PM volunteered to drive to Milton Bridge and uplifted the books. The books turned out to be petition books covering 1895 to 1963 and despite their age, were in good condition throughout and thus restoring the significantly historic and valuable records back into the Lodge's possession.