​It is the time of year when the Brethren rejoice, and sing carols of praise in resounding voice.
Days of merriment and long nights of cheer, as we all await the “Happy New Year!”.
It is a time of family and life long friends, a time of happiness and to make amends.
Roast turkey and baubles and the Nutcracker Suite, we each have our own way to make Christmas complete.
As we stroll through this happy month of December find time to pause and take time to remember
that distinguishing sign of a Freemason’s heart — those acts of Charity.
How great they are. As your family gathers ’round your Christmas tree, and the children play with giggles of glee, spare a thought for the poor, the man with no shoes, whose daily meal is less than your dues.
Remember also the Grand Lodge above, and the Supreme Great Architect’s act of love. And practise those virtues we hold so true. Have some fun! But let Temperance chasten you. And during this season of peace and joy look well to our future — the girl and boy. Then wonder what lessons you may them teach, and with your guidance what heights they may reach.
So, to all of my Brethren from far and wide, whether your Christmas be snow, or hot and dry, may the Great Architect grant his celestial boon and keep your good health ’til we meet again soon. Take care of yourself and those you find dear. Keep this festive spirit throughout the next year. Look toward your next date with our happy band.
Wishing all the brethren of Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho No85 a very merry Xmas and happy new year.
All the best and stay safe
Bro Colin W Grieve RWM

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.

RWM and brethren concluded at last weeks discussion, now that permission to resume meetings from immediate effect has been issued by the Grand Lodge of Scotland (11th August), that the Lodge Kirknewton and Ratho 85 meetings will resume with a general committee meeting in September 2021. That's very good news and the RWM is looking forward to welcoming you all back into the lodge once again.

As I am certain you are well aware, the priority is to make as sure that all our members and visitors are as safe as possible from the Covid19 virus and under the current Scottish Government and GLoS guidelines, there are certain protocols that must be observed which are summarised in the documents on this website and are subject to change as the Scottish Government and GLoS guidelines change in due course.

In preparation the brethren have put in place a fogging unit and trained the hall keeper in its use after each meeting. Automatic hand sanitisers have been installed at the main door, toilets and the entrance to the lodge room, as well as portable hand sanitisers at the kitchen and bar serveries. The Lodge has been registered with Scottish Government Track-n-Trace and a QR code for scanning by smart phone is available throughout the building. Spare PPE has also been put in stock, should anyone require it. A risk assessment on the premises has been carried out and signed off by the Master. This will be updated by the Secretary and approved by the Master as the Scottish Government guidelines (https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/) or Coronavirus legislation varies going forward. Most recent RA is version 4 dated 1st Sept 2021.

Our RWM Bro. Mark Nevin had the pleasure of presenting Bro. James Ellis Past Master of Lodge Hope Bridge Castle no 827 with honorary membership into our Lodge.  Bro. Ellis PM has for many years supported our Lodge and for those who have attended would have witnessed his contributions to our burns suppers over the years. Aswell as being a great supporter to our Lodge Bro. Ellis PM is also the current Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire and does an incredible amount of work for all the daughter lodges in the Province.

On the evening of receiving Honorary Membership Bro. Ellis PM was supported by a large deputation from his mother lodge headed by RWM Bro. James Morrow