Saint Catherine’s Hospice was delighted to host a very special Masonic Lodge meeting on Monday 18 May 2026, welcoming visitors from across the Province and beyond for what turned out to be a really enjoyable and memorable evening.

We were especially honoured to welcome the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Mark Iveson and his Provincial team, alongside the Right Worshipful Sir David Wootton, Past Deputy Grand Master, whose attendance made the occasion even more special.

The evening is believed to have been a historic first, with this thought to be the first formal Masonic Lodge meeting ever held within a hospice setting. Scarbrough Lodge should be applauded for making the decision to hold one of their meetings here at Saint Catherine’s. It was a fantastic idea and one that reflected the shared values of compassion, friendship, community and support that sit at the heart of both Freemasonry and hospice care.

During the meeting, Worshipful Brother Tony Dyer gave an interesting and informative talk about the Masonic Aware Project, highlighting the work being done to improve support, awareness and engagement across the Masonic community. The presentation sparked lots of interest and discussion amongst those attending.

This was followed by a talk from Worshipful Brother Ray Baird, Chief Executive of Saint Catherine’s Hospice, who spoke about the historic links between hospices and the ancient stonemasons who helped establish some of the first places of care and refuge many centuries ago. He also spoke about the work Saint Catherine’s carries out today across North and East Yorkshire, including inpatient care, community services, bereavement support, wellbeing services, education and wider support for patients and families.

The talks were followed by a lively question-and-answer session, with plenty of interest shown in the work of the hospice and the challenges facing charitable healthcare organisations today.

After the Lodge meeting closed, everyone gathered in the hospice’s onsite restaurant, Flavours, where guests enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It was a lovely opportunity for conversation, friendship and strengthening relationships between Saint Catherine’s and the wider Masonic community.

The evening was a tremendous success and highlighted the shared values of charity, compassion, friendship and service that unite both organisations. Saint Catherine’s would like to sincerely thank Scarbrough Lodge, the Provincial team, Right Worshipful Sir David Wootton and all the brethren who attended and helped make the evening such a positive and memorable occasion.

It was an evening full of warmth, friendship and shared purpose — one that everyone involved will remember very fondly.

Special Masonic Evening Held at Saint Catherine’s Hospice