Westbourne House - Home of Otley Freemasons

Olicana Lodge

There are Four Masonic Lodges in Ilkley – Olicana Lodge No 1522  founded  in 1874.

The members meet to conduct Lodge  business  10 months of the year excluding – July and August (Summer recess). 

Olicana Lodge meets  on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm.  We encourage our members to attend our monthly meetings whenever possible and we also hold a weekly ‘Practice Lodge’ on the other Tuesdays where proceedings are much less formal, and a strong social element is enjoyed by all. 

Whilst regular attendance is preferred,  there is within Olicana Lodge,  a strong family tradition and  members  fully appreciate the demands brought on by both family and work commitments  and we actively support members in this.

We are an open & transparent Lodge. Open to membership enquiries from anyone. Your trade/profession is of little interest to the members, we are however interested in YOU  as an individual and the values YOU hold. In times of need we help & support one another and our families. We also  help & support non-masonic organisations and individuals within the community when help or support is required.

BEN RHYDDING LODGE No 5138.

We are a small friendly Lodge that meets on the third Wednesday of the month, October to May. 

We close over the summer months. We are one of four Lodges (including one Ladies’ Lodge)  who meet in the Masonic Hall, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley. 

We were founded in 1928 when we received our warrant or charter from the Grand Lodge of England. Our meetings comprise practices and formal meetings or ‘Regular Lodges’. The latter may comprise ancient Masonic ceremonies, particularly if welcoming new members, and lectures on Masonic history or other Masonic related subjects such as biographies of famous Masons amongst whose number include men like: Robert (Rabbie) Burns, Ernest Shackleton, Rudyard Kipling and Winston Churchill.

We also frequently visit and host other Lodges in Ilkley as well as further afield. Each Regular Lodge meeting is followed by a visit to the bar and a sociable meal known as a ‘festive board’ which is very much part of Freemasonry.

Social activities vary from year to year but main events include a formal “Ladie’s Night”  open to Masons and their guests, a Summer BBQ and a Christmas Dinner.

Leodiensis 4029 at a Glance

Leodiensis Lodge, established over 100 years ago, holds its meetings at Westbourne House in Otley.

For individuals interested in Freemasonry but with limited time, we may be the ideal choice, as we hold only five formal meetings each year, starting at 6:30 pm. These meetings occur on the second Thursday in June (for our Installation), as well as in October, December, February, and April.

In addition to our formal meetings, we gather at least a couple of times each month for regular practices and social events.

The annual membership fee is currently £190. The dress code for our Lodge is a dark suit and white gloves.

 
 
 
 
 

Leodiensis Lodge No 4029

Why Consider Freemasonry?

Are you at a stage in life where you’re looking for something more—a chance to join an organization that truly makes a positive difference? If so, Freemasonry could be exactly what you’re seeking.

Freemasonry is unlike any other group. It unites individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background, gender, or faith. It’s a community of like-minded people, all bound by a common dedication to helping others and living lives filled with purpose and fulfillment.

If you have a genuine desire to contribute, connect, and grow in meaningful ways, take a closer look at what Freemasonry has to offer.

What makes Freemasonry unique among organizations?

When you join Freemasonry, you begin a journey of personal discovery unlike any other. One of the defining aspects of Freemasonry is the “shared experience” of the Initiation Ceremony—a profound moment for many that marks the start of this path.

Every Mason undergoes this experience upon joining, and several similar rites follow throughout the early stages of Masonic membership. Each step reveals something meaningful about yourself, others, and the rich history of Freemasonry—a tradition practiced across the United Kingdom and worldwide.

What can you expect from Freemasonry.

Moral and Ethical Growth – Freemasonry promotes virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and charity. Members work on improving themselves to become better individuals.  Strong Bonds – Freemasonry fosters deep, lifelong friendships among members who share common values.

Support System – Freemasonry emphasises care for one another, offering emotional and practical support during challenging times.