A Lymm-based Masonic lodge marked a significant milestone by celebrating its centenary recently.

Domville Lodge, which meets at the Spread Eagle Hotel in Lymm, commemorated its centenary on Friday, October 11, in the presence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire Masons, David Dyson, and his deputy, Simon Medland KC.

Domville Lodge's history dates back to 1913, with its first informal meetings being held in Waide’s Cafeteria, Lymm.

Following the outbreak of the First World War, these discussions were put on hold.

It was six years post-Armistice Day, in March 1924, before substantial discussions were held with Earl of Chester Lodge No. 1565, locally known as 'Lymm Lodge'.

Earl of Chester Lodge, however, was not pleased with the proposed name for the new lodge.

After discussions between the founders and past masters of the Earl of Chester Lodge, it was agreed that the new lodge would be sponsored by the Earl of Chester Lodge, but only if a new name was selected.

The founders then decided to use the names of prominent Lymm families—Warburton, Massey, and Domville.

The name Domville, being the oldest and most historically significant, was acceptable to the Earl of Chester Lodge.

On September 12, 1924, Domville Lodge was consecrated, with RWBro. Lt. Col. Hubert Cornwall Legh DL, the provincial grand master, serving as the consecrating officer.

A total of 102 brethren attended the consecration and installation of WBro. Thomas Frederick Walpole Dixon as the worshipful master.

The ceremony was followed by a festive board, with tickets priced at 1 Guinea, equivalent to around £80 in today’s money.

On March 13, 1925, WBro. Dixon installed the master-elect, WBro. John Upson JP, who then invested WBro. Dixon as the first immediate past master, presenting him with a nine-carat gold ‘past masters’ jewel.

This jewel, which had been lost for many years, was discovered during 2023 in a deceased member’s regalia case and was returned to the lodge.

At the installation on March 9, 2024, the WM invested his immediate past master, WBro. Philip Robert Griffin, with this historic jewel.

 Domville Lodge Worshipful Master John Walman with the Provincial Grand master David Dyson  (Image: Supplied) The Second World War brought disruptions to Masonic meetings in September 1939, as they were cancelled across England for emergency regulations.

Domville Lodge opted to meet on Saturday afternoons to comply with regulations.

Several brothers were called up for active service, and the lodge granted them country membership, paying their fees for the duration.

Meetings continued from February through October until 1946, when normal lodge nights resumed.

Over its century of existence, Domville Lodge has changed its meeting place eight times.

The venues included The Plough Hotel, The Lymm Hotel, The Fir Grove Hotel in Grappenhall, and back to the Spread Eagle Hotel.

The details behind each move were varied and numerous.

Domville Lodge has maintained fraternal relationships with several Masonic lodges through reciprocal visits, most notably with Lodge St. Clement Riccarton Kilwinning Kilmarnock No. 202, which was instigated by WBro. David Robertson in 1963 and has continued uninterrupted for 61 years.

The lodge has also supported many charities and good causes, with members contributing through social events.

Since 2004, the lodge has donated TLC teddy bears to the Warrington General Hospital Orthopaedic A&E Department.

These bears are given to distressed and particularly brave children.

Domville Lodge can be reached at domvillesecretary@gmail.com.