W Bro Ketan Jashapara writes:
On Friday March 20th, 2026, a truly memorable and successful Welcome Project meeting for our newer Brethren was hosted by Chelsea Lodge (the ‘Entertainers Lodge’) and organised by City Inspectorate. Brethren were treated to a wonderful afternoon of impeccable ceremony and entertainment.
The meeting was held in the large and opulent "Egyptian Room", famous for its deep blues, reds and gold, along with Egyptian-style pillars and an impressive dome. It was filled to its full capacity of 250 Brethren – an amazing spectacle.
The meeting was attended by over 50 newer Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts from Lodges throughout all Metropolitan Grand Lodge Inspectorates.
Senior rulers of the Craft supporting the event included Deputy Grand Masters Paul Grier & Casper Lawson; Assistant Metropolitan Grand Master Gus Machado; Grand Secretary Matthew Christmas and Metropolitan Grand Inspector Sanjiv Gohil.
Masons also attended from as far afield as Serbia and Norway!
Bro Simon Paul Parrish, a freelance musician, was balloted for and initiated in a most impressive manner. Our newer Brethren were treated to a near faultless delivery of the first degree in full – a joy to see, whether it was your first time without a blindfold or a long-standing Mason.
Most notable were the Worshipful Master, Ben Emberley, who conducted the main ceremony, W Bro Mett Harper-Ward (Assistant Director of Ceremonies) on the Charge; and a truly amazing explanation of the first-degree tracing board by W Bro Giles Cooper, for which newer Brethren were invited to the floor. A huge effort was made by all Chelsea Lodge Brethren, resulting in a very successful delivery.
When Bro Parrish left the Lodge to restore his comforts, several Chelsea Lodge Brethren interjected with jokes to entertain the audience – as is very much the Chelsea tradition.
Also at the meeting, W Bro Freddie Davies was presented his 60-year certificate by DepGM Paul Grier. He reminisced on his many years in Freemasonry and showbusiness. He had travelled down from north of England for the meeting and is still working in television!
The festive board was held in the Egyptian suite at The Connaught Rooms, with many Brethren choosing to stay and dine. The board also included Chelsea Lodge’s own unique initiate’s song, which was sung whilst raising a toast to the initiate. The now Bro Parrish was heartily welcomed by all members of Chelsea Lodge.
Following on from the festive board, on a separate stage, Brethren were treated to a first class cabaret, featuring a variety of acts from members of Chelsea Lodge and beyond. Memorable were comedians; a turntable sounds imitation act; a classical pianist playing Rachmaninov combined with Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’; and a three-person guitar band with sing-along songs.
W Bro Group Captain Barry Dale, the New Members' Engagement MetAGInsp for the City Inspectorate, says, “We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Lodge for giving us the opportunity to bring around 50 of Freemasonry’s newest members to witness a superb First Degree Ceremony and Tracing Board, in a packed Lodge, as well as enjoying the rare presentation of a 60th Anniversary Certificate to W Bro Freddie Davies. I am sure that they will long remember this special occasion, and the entertaining Festive Board and excellent Cabaret which followed."
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 60 – Spring 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 60 here.
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