A brief history of Hamtun Lodge, 7083

The 'Seafarers'
1945
The 'Seafarers'
Southampton Docks played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a vital port for the Allies. Its history during WWII is marked by its strategic importance and the significant impact it had on the Allied war effort. The port's resilience and adaptability are a testament to its enduring legacy in maritime history.
1950
The 'Exiles'
The Hamtun Lodge No. 7083 came into being in the rehabilitation period following the end of the Second World War. It was early in 1950 that the idea of forming a new lodge in Southampton was discussed by a group of Masons whose mother lodges were situated in far away parts of the country. These Masons found themselves in Southampton due to the circumstances of the late war and felt themselves to be Exiles from their own lodges.
The 'Approach'
June 1950
The 'Approach'
On the 30th June, 1950 W. Bro. F. Melling approached Clausentum Lodge No. 1461 to ask them to arrange for the third Friday of each month to be reserved in the Masonic Hall, Manor Rd., Woolston, Southampton for the proposed lodge.
May 1951
The 'Number'
On the 9th May, 1951, the founders received the news that the number 7083 had been allotted to the new lodge.
The 'Consecration'
Sept 1951
The 'Consecration'
The consecration of the lodge took place at Southampton Guildhall on Thursday 20 September 1951, conducted by the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Wilfred Attenborough and W Bro AC Hopkins, Provincial Grand Chaplain.
1951-52
The 'First Year'
The first year saw the initiation of six new masons - three 'double' ceremonies. The first two candidates, in October 1951 were Mr. T.S. Melling, son of our first S.W. W. Bro. Frank Melling, and Mr. W.J. Wild, the son of our first J.W. Bro. Walter Joseph Wild.
The 'Sixties'
1960
The 'Sixties'
In 1962 the first Provincial collar was given to the lodge in the person of W. Bro. A. Hensser. In September, 1962 our first Initiate, Bro. T.S. Melling attained the Chair of the Lodge. On the 17th June 1966, the lodge was honoured by a visit of the RW Provincial Grand Master, Maj. Gen. R.L. Bond accompanied by several of his officers.
The 'Seventies'
1970
The 'Seventies'
In 1974, this comparatively young lodge itself became a sponsor of a new lodge in agreeing to help launch the William Fawcett Lodge No. 8612. On the 28th April 1976, the lodge was greatly honoured by the elevation to Grand Rank in the person of W. Bro John Jefferis, virtually our first joining member on the 19th October 1951 who was given the collar of Past Grand Standard Bearer. The Beautiful Lodge Banner was presented to the Lodge by the late Wor. Bro. Douglas Harfields P.A.G.D.C. whose advice and guidance during the formation of the Lodge was so valuable.
The 'Eighties' and beyond
1980
The 'Eighties' and beyond
Since the start of the Eighties, we have welcomed about 80 new members and seen many exciting new initiatives within Freemasonry. A much more open and transparent society, fit for the modern world, that strives to bring out the best in all our members and encourage many areas of charitable work. In these years, the lodge has seen the elevation to Grand Rank of three other brethren - W Bro Charles Newbold, W Bro John Wild and W Bro Kevin Turner. Two of our brethren we made active Provincial Grand Stewards - W Bro Jim Renshaw and W Bro Paul Lillington - and many other brethren have been promoted to high Provincial Rank. We look forward to an exciting future!