Llantwit Major Lodge & Chapter No 9241
Llantwit Major Lodge & Chapter No 9241
A meeting was held at the White lion Hotel on the 26th March 1987, when there were 26 brethren present, all from the Province of South Wales (Eastern Division) A unanimous proposition was upheld for the formation of a new Lodge to be Known as the Llantwit Major Lodge. A steering committee was formed and Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary were elected and a bank account opened.
The founding of a Lodge in the Vale of Glamorgan town of Llantwit Major was largely due to the inspiration of W.Bro.M.D.M.Thomas ('Mel') P.A.G.D.C.
The Master elect presented his team of officers including Rev. Dyfrig
Lewis as Chaplain, and Bro. D.S.Price (Dai) as Tyler, all of these great characters now passed to the Grand Lodge above.
The Oast House rear of the White Lion, our first meeting place. Since the Oast house was used for public purposes as well as Lodge meetings, the temple furniture was assembled immediately prior to the meeting, and packed away again when the meeting finished. In its' place, dining tables were then assembled prior to enjoyment of the festive board.
Sadly, due to increasing difficulties with the Hotel management during 1999 an alternative venue had to be sought.
Directly across the street from the White Lion Hotel was a building known as Compton House, which
traded as a restaurant by day. This was where the Lodge found its' new home, and the first meeting here was held in November 1999.
This situation again proved successful, and both Lodge and Chapter meetings were enjoyed at Compton House until June 2002. In 2002, the proprietor of Compton House made arrangements with another restaurateur to utilize
the premises as an Indian restaurant, which would occupy the building by night and day. Once again a new venue had to be found.
During 2002, negotiations were held with the management of the Llantwit Major Social club. The social club had been in decline for many years, and so were keen to receive our custom and forty plus new club members. This resulted in a five year lease being drawn up for our sole use of a disused room on the top floor of the building.
The room had been neglected for many years and required much refurbishment, including lighting and heating, painting and decorating, and equipping to act as a permanent temple. In addition, emergency lighting and fire safety measures had to be installed as a condition of occupancy. In order to accomplish these things, time and effort was provided by the members, who also freely donated the necessary finances.
Our 'bijou' temple at the social club could hold no more than fifty five people, so it appeared full on many occasions, and three more years passed before we once again found ourselves 'homeless'. Unbeknown to the Lodge
members, the social club had amassed large debts which resulted in the electricity supply being cut off. As a result of the financial situation the social club closed and with it our occupancy ceased.
Since November 2006, the Lodge has now been re-established in Llantwit Major.
Once again, the temple has to be assembled before the meeting takes place, and dismantled upon completion. The meetings are now held in
a community hall (Llantonian Hall) situated at the rear of the Llantwit Major Rugby Club car park, and the festive board undertaken at the rugby club.