On Saturday 9th September 2017, the doors of the Hinckley Masonic Hall were opened to visits from the public as part of the National Heritage Open Days and to celebrate the Tercentenary of Freemasonry.
The art-deco building erected in 1927-29 was extensively renovated during the summer of 2011 and is recognised as one of the best Masonic facility in the Province. The many visitors on the day were able to view both the Lodge Room on the first floor and the function suite at ground level. Members of most of the Lodges that meet in Hinckley were on hand to guide the visitors around and to explain the facts relating both to the history of the building and Freemasonry in Hinckley, whilst answering the questions raised about our fraternity in general. A large-screen video presentation was running throughout the day depicting many aspects of Freemasonry in Hinckley and the history of the building. This included reproductions of a number of archival documents from as early as 1860 and photographs of bygone Hinckley. A further screen was employed in showing the UGLE video introding Freemasonry. Both of these attracted much attention.
Visitors included the Deputy Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Jan Kirby and her husband, Mike who like many others on the day were also taking in visits to other buildings in the area which were also participating in the Heritage Open Day Scheme. After the visit the Deputy Mayor said:- "It was a pleasure to be shown around your lovely Masonic Rooms and told the history of the Masons within Hinckley.To some people it seems to have always been a secretive society with only selective members, but this is not true. It was explained to us that you are all just people who are like minded from all parts of our community who want to help others. Many people do not realise the charitable works that Masons do for our community. It was lovely to have this opportunity to look around and I hope your Msonic Hall becomes a regular fixture in Hinckleys Heritage Weekend"
Another lady visiting the hall was very proud to see at close quarters, the Past Masters Board for the Knights of Malta Lodge No.50 where her fathers name appears as Master in 1948. A plaque attached to the board shows that it was in fact donated to the Lodge by her mother, Mrs Hipwell in memory of her late husband W. Bro. Cecil Hipwell who was the Master of the Lodge in 1948.
