Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No85 have launched a new updated Mark Token. The reverse of this new Mark token is the depiction of a stone plaque or mural which is set in the “East” wall of our lodge, it’s 900mm by 600mm approximately and is possibly unique in Freemasonry and arguably the earliest form of a Tracing Board dated 1787. Why not pop along on the second Friday, September to April, to purchase your token (£6) and compare it to the real thing. The obverse of the coin is a copy of the Lodge Seal created in 1781 and a short history article, published in Jan 2021, is given below for your information. A postal order form is also attached to purchase this unique and stunning token.🤝

Reminder to all that the car boot sale will take place this Saturday 25th May 10am till 1pm. The Indoor tables are now all sold out. We have Arts, Crafts, Garden Plants, eclectic goodies, Tombola/Raffle, Tea's/Coffee's, Cakes etc and a Bouncy Castle!!!!
Would members please please donate Tombola prizes, come along to help out too, many thanks.  Please contact Secretary for details   [email protected] or comment below

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Bro Ian Harrower RWM has called a members only meeting on Friday 26th April at 7:30pm to discuss essentially the future of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No85. All members are encouraged to attend this  meeting and your opportunity to input and shape our future. No degree will be worked. An informal "Pint and Blether" will be arranged at the conclusion of the meeting and hopefully the usual fayre.
Could you please all RSVP to Secretary email [email protected] or complete a comment reply below. many thanks in anticipation. 

The winners of the 85 Quiz night "Harrower's Dream Team" are pictured with the legendary quiz master Davie Deepsea Paterson.
​Many thanks to all that supported the event which was a great success and a right guid laugh. Thanks to Liz for the stovies and Rachel for keeping us all hydrated. Big thank you to the young team from the village too, hope to see you again soon.

It is with deep sadness and devastation, to intimate the passing of Bro Neil Gordon in the early hours of Friday 19th January 2024 after a very sudden illness. 
Neil was 74, joined the Lodge 1979 and has been the Lodge treasurer since 1980, PGL of Linlithgowshire Treasurer since 2003 and has served the craft and our Lodge with distinction. RIP Neil.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Colin and daughter Lesley at this very sad time.
The funeral for Bro Gordon will take place at 1pm at Mortonhall Crematorium on Friday 16th February 2024.

Bro Ian Harrower PM was installed on Friday 8th December by Bro Mark Nevin PM and Bro K McMaster PM and embarks on a third term in the chair. Bro Harrower last occupied the chair after a very successful two years as master in 2012/14. Not forgetting his roots Bro Harrower thanked the brethren of 85 for electing him once again and looked forward to the continued support from the brethren of his mother lodge during 2024. An exciting programme of meetings and events have already been organised and it would be great to see the Lodge returning to pre-covid numbers and operations. 
Since 2014 Bro Harrower has become a branded member of the widows son's East of Scotland chapter and it was pleasing to see a few of his biking brothers supporting his installation too. 

Annual Burns Supper, Open to non masons and all, Sat 11th Feb at 7pm. 
​Why not come and join in for a night of tradition. Immortal memory, Tam O Shanter and much more.
Menu: Scotch Lentil, Haggis wi’ a’ the honours Piped in by John Anderson “the piper” served with Tatties and Neeps, Biscuits and Cheese, Tea, Coffee and Refreshments Tickets £15.
PM Mark Nevin, Rab Stewart, Colin Grieve to reserve tickets. ​

What a night to remember, after some thirty one years as a member, office bearer and mason, Bro Robert (Rab) Stewart was well and truly installed into the chair of king Solomon in his mother lodge on 9th December 2022. The ceremony was exceptionally carried out by Bro Mark Nevin PM, first time as Installing Master and by stalwart Bro David Watt PM. The lodge room was filled to capacity and with happy smiling brethren, enjoying our fraternity once again. The speeches were very poignant, short and hit the spot every time, non more so than the reply to the office bearers and brethren by one of the younger office bearers Bro Ross Funston SD. Our latest member, Bro Gault took up the office of BB and shows much promise in our fraternity. Bro Artiste's filled the air with song, followed by the warmest of applause for their efforts. Bro Stewart was especially pleased with the attendance of many visitors from the airts and pairts of all over Scotland, some participating in the evenings proceedings, especially from Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. The family connection was completed when Bro Stewart's wife Angie and Bro Watt's wife Joan took charge of the bar during the dinner, and served us all very efficiently throughout the evening. The festival of St John was brought to a close on the stroke of midnight, by the brethren signing Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem and all left the lodge quietly, whilst the village lay asleep. 

Oh, what a night!!! Normal service resumed at Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No 85. The members have been working hard to rekindle the enthusiasm in the lodge were delighted to welcome 5 reigning master's and many other visiting brethren from our near neighbours Almondale 1658, Dalkeith Kilwinning 10, St Clair 349, Kirkliston Maitland 482, St Margaret 548, Liberton 1201, Dalhousie Bonnyrigg 720, St John Corstorphine 788, St John MidCalder 272 to mention a few, and especially the excellent deputation from St Leonards, Loanhead and Lasswade 580 headed by Bro Steve Ritchie. An entered apprentice degree was worked, followed by the infamous Ratho soup, expertly stirred by Bro Mark Nevin and a thoroughly enjoyable evening by all was brought to a close by the Tyler's toast by Bro Merv "the swerve" Innes PM and the national anthem. The next degree will be a fellowcraft on 11th November at 7:30pm to be worked by master elect Bro Rab Stewart.