Freemasons of Bristol Ltd is a company limited by shares, incorporated in 1950. There are 29 objects of the company, set out in the Memorandum of Associa on, but the main ones are: to acquire premises in Park Street known as Freemasons Hall together with adjoining premises (19 and 31 Park Street) for Masonic purposes; to acquire any other properties and develop them for Masonic purposes; to establish and maintain clubs for Freemasons; to trade in all kinds of provisions for refreshment of those using the premises; to raise or assist in raising festival money; and to promote any Masonic, charitable, or social cause.
The Company is a private company, shareholders must be a subscribing member of a Bristol Lodge, shares are not to be offered to the public and there is a prohibition on the payment of dividends.
Each Lodge has one share, which is held by the Lodge Treasurer, and each Director holds one share. There is provision for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 25 Directors; currently those serving on the
Board are; Bros J M W Davis (Chairman), N Middleton (Company Secretary), R Keen, B Bassral, T Brunton, D Elliott , R Lewis, P Nicholls, S Rawlings, A Rosengren, S Vardakis and S Carter. Bro P Sidney
is co-opted to the Board to advise on health and safety matters.
17 Park Street
17 Park Street Limited is responsible for all non Masonic activity within Freemasons Hall, incorporating the Bar, Catering and all external events, reporting to the Board of Freemasons of Bristol Limited.
Catering
Little French were appointed in August 2023, however due to their increasing external events they were not in a position to continue past June 2025.
Following an extensive search, a number of applicants expressed an interest in being appointed as our preferred caterers. Two potential caterers were selected for menu tasting and cook offs. The selection panel of eight was led by DPGM Tim Brunton and a unanimous decision was made to appoint Smithson & Sons Ltd as our preferred Caterers.
All Lodge & Chapter Treasurers were invited to a dinner on 28th August to enjoy what was an excellent meal and we look forward to working with Ben Smithson and his team going forward.
The Square and Compasses
We have continued to offer competitive prices on all products, again absorbing supplier price increases. The recent increase in NI and National Minimum Wage will however need to be reflected in prices from September. The popular monthly promotions will continue throughout the year.
The Bar carpet has now been replaced and at a cost of £7,800 which 17 Park street has paid for.
External Events
Once again we hosted the Ale & Shanty festival on 10th & 11th May, with special thanks to Sam Gregory, Brett Hirt, Jon Hayes, supported by a number of volunteers. Over £5k was raised for good causes, of which £3,800 was donated to the Mini Festival.
Directors
Due to his widening business interests, Sam Gregory resigned from the Board.
Costas Kkolos, who has extensive catering experience has now been appointed and has taken the lead role with the new caterers.
The Board comprises:
W Bro David Elliott – Chair
W Bro Leo Hodgson – Company Sec
W Bro Brett Hirt
W Bro Jamie Reed
W Bro Costas Kkolos
Bro Alan Morgan – FD
Accounts
The financial year ended on 31st December and are attached. Alan Morgan and David Elliott hold regular business reviews with Anita.
