Ardea Lodge – Herne Bay Freemasons

Who We Are

Ardea Lodge was formed by its mother lodge Ethelbert in 1885. During the initial discussions that lead to its formation one of the names that was considered was “The Heron Lodge”.
The reason for this may have been related to the idea that Herne Bay got its name from the nearby village of “Herne” and that “Herne” is derived from “Heron”. In fact “Herne” probably got its name from the Old English word for corner and may have arisen from the sharp bend in the road from Canterbury to the coast that occurs in Herne.

make the difference

Come and visit us

What makes Ardea Lodge unique

The Ardea Lodge

has been at the heart of the Herne Bay and Kent coast community since 1948, supporting local causes and welcoming new members for over 75 years. Freemasonry has a long history and reputation as being a "secret" society and only for the "well-connected"... but at Ardea Lodge Herne Bay we love nothing more than showing the open, friendly and fun side of Freemasonry; like-minded individuals and their families coming together for regular social events while playing a unique role in the local community. Another myth is that Freemasonry is for boring, stuffy old men, but that's far from reality at Ardea Lodge in Herne Bay. Our current Master (Chairman) is a rugby loving, air conditioning sales manager and a veteran in the Royal Navy in his 40's, while our Chief Steward (Meeting Host) is a Show Producer in the fashion industry and a travel and food writer. Whilst our Secretary started working in an insurance company before joining the Civil Service, in particular the Ministry of Defence primarily as an accountant and computer operator, and these are just three examples of our diverse membership. In addition to being the home and meeting place of Ardea Lodge, the Herne Bay Masonic Centre in Cecil Park is also a multi-functional events venue. Our main function space has a large dancefloor, a stage and its own bar, and is available for use by both lodge members and the wider community as a whole.

Help us make Herne Bay a better Place

Local Causes

Charity and goodwill is at the very heart of Freemasonry and this is no-more-so than in our our own local communities. Ardea Lodge is extremely motivated in its desire to help and support independent causes and projects that directly benefit our local residents or the local community as a whole. Our mission is to become closer to our local community by interacting with help when ever needed. If you think Ardea Lodge could help your own charitable cause or community project, please let us know by clicking the button below to drop us your message.

Over 300 years of history supporting Be part of it !.

Freemasonry dates back to ancient Egyptian times and has been part of British society since the 16th century. The 'Grand Lodge' headquarters has been sited at the magnificent Freemason's Hall in Great Queen Street, London, since 1933, with the oldest known Masonic Lodge in the UK dating back to 1599. Ardea Lodge of Herne Bay was consecrated in 1948, and in 2023 commemorates it's 75th anniversary.

Members in England

There are over 175,000 active members of Freemasonry in England. Although historically a very closed fraternity, modern Freemasonry has moved with the times and is more accessible than ever. Ardea Lodge of Herne Bay openly welcomes and encourages applications from prospective new members.

Charity Funding

Charity is at the heart of Freemasonry, with each Lodge and province (region) having it's own charity chest for supporting local and regional good causes.

Volunteering hours

Freemasons spend over 18.5 m yearly volunteering hours

In various occasions and during our montly meetings we collect money for worthy causes.

Take a look at this video where daughter of Freemason, Georgia won double gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022!

To help her get to the level she’s currently at in her fencing career, she needed financial support, which we were proudly able to provide.

Feel free to also take a look at the full video in which six talented young people tell us about the support they received through the TalentAid scheme by clicking the button below.

What is Freemasonry About

Our values are: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity and in today’s busy world filled with uncertainty, we meet in a calm and friendly environment to forge lasting friendships with people you can trust. Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be, by building character and helping them make a positive contribution in today's society.

Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life

With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society

Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work.

Virtual Visit of the United Grand Lodge of England...

...click here for a brief history of Freemasonry prepared by a member of our lodge

2025 - 2026

Lodge Calendar, Offices and Useful Contacts

Ardea Lodge Events and Write-ups

Testimonials

What Our Members Say!

Hi Chaps, why did I join freemasonry? Having previously attended social functions held by the lodge I liked the informal camaraderie, and good nature of the brethren that I met. I liked their dedication to charitable causes and wanted to be part of it. Why do I like it? I like our meetings for their humour and educational value. I look forward to them. I like that we can be a positive benefit to the community and help those less fortunate. What else can I say? If you give a little you get a lot in return. Freemasonry isn't a club, it is a gathering of friends who support and encourage you to become a better person.

Phil

Engineering Sales Manager

I joined Freemasonry in my early 30's and one of the many things that first attracted me was the flexibility to fit in the Masonic meetings and commitments around my busy work and family life. 20 years later and nothing has changed, with Freemasonry continuing to provide the same friendship, enjoyment and flexibility that it always did. I've moved area two-three times in my Masonic life and have always found a warm welcome when joining a new local Lodge. Through good times and tough times, it has never ceased to amaze me how the Masonic family comes together in support and Brotherly love. There is always something new to discover and enjoy with Freemasonry, not just within the Lodge but also with a wide variety of social activities for both the members and their family and friends. I hope to have the opportunity of meeting you at Ardea.

Geoff Cox

Show Producer (Fashion Industry)

Why did I join - Like so many other members i had family that had been masons before my time and wondered why they chose this particular organisation when there are so many others to choose from. I then found out my Father-In-Law was also a member so when I left the Royal Navy I decided to give it ago as I had visited the lodge on numerous occasions as a guest at many of their social events. For those that have served you know about the comradeship and the protocols which become a way of life, many are entwinned within freemasonry so it makes it feel like you still have that connection and the banter is very much the same. I was drawn to their charitable work and have ever since had a primary role in raising money through our social events to assist and help those less fortunate than us or those who are in a difficult position and simply require some help. The best bit is we can help and we do so by raising money whilst having huge amount of fun ourselves, the key is to have an active social calendar and to include your family. I have made so many friends during my masonic journey and for that I am extremely grateful, its simple to join so pick up the phone or contact us via our website, you will never look back.