Chatsworth Lodge No.9053

The concept of a new lodge to be formed in Willingdon was the wish of the three originators, W. Bro. William W. Coy, W. Bro. David R.I. Paul and W. Bro. John W.E. Howlett.

At the first meeting, of those who were later to become the Founders, and after much discussion, a vote was put to those present that the name Chatsworth, with its association with The Dukes of Devonshire, could be a suitable alternative to Willingdon. An equal division of 11 to 11 resulted, when a second or casting vote favoured the name Chatsworth. This demonstrated that no bias was shown by the Master to be, he having already given his first vote to Willingdon, then chose the name Chatsworth.

The Founders came from Sussex, Essex, Surrey, Kent and London, many from Eastbourne Lodge and Tyrian Lodge, and on the 12th November 1981 Eastbourne Lodge was invited and accepted sponsorship of the new Lodge.It was decided that no person above the rank of Steward should be appointed to a progressive office during that first year. On Friday 29th October 1982, and in the presence of over 300 Masons, Chatsworth Lodge was consecrated by Sir Leonard Barford. M.A. the Provincial Grand Master for Sussex, at the Assembly Rooms in Eastbourne Town Hall at 3.45 pm. He was assisted by a full team of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers,after which the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Very Worshipful Brother George W. Turner, P.G.Supt.Wks installed Worshipful Brother David R. I. Paul, P.Pr.A.G.D.C. into the chair of the new Lodge. The Wardens being Brother Michael J. Oliver and Brother William A. Honey and the Deacons Brother Stanley D.Roderick and Brother Graham Lewis who were all members of Eastbourne and Tyrian Lodges.

The Festive Board was held at the Burlington Hotel, and was a feast worthy of Monarchs themselves, where the Lodge Members and their guests continued to enjoy their dining over the next few years.Prior to opening the Lodge at the first regular meeting in January 1982, the Worshipful Master announced to the gathered Brethren that the Founders had raised the £1000 required to purchase a Lodge Banner. The National Anthem was sung with great gusto and the Lodge was then opened in the First Degree.The Lodge Banner was designed by Worshipful Brother Peter G.V. Kenward, son of the Director of Ceremonies, and was produced by a lady who had been until that time a seamstress to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This Banner was dedicated on Thursday 15th November 1984 by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Very Worshipful Brother George W. Turner, P.G.Supt.Wks in the Eastbourne Masonic Centre when he was assisted by a team of Provincial Grand Lodge Officers.

The enthusiasm from the onset was quite remarkable that an assortment of dedicated Masons, from all walks of life, with a generosity of love, charity and determination, that to this day epitomises our wonderful Lodge and which involves our families and friends whenever possible, is our legacy to those who follow.

W. Bro. David R.I. Paul, P.G.St.B
Charter Master