Join Freemasonry in Gosport and Alverstoke

A local lodge with friendship at its heart

Alwarestoch brings together men from different backgrounds to enjoy fellowship, support one another and contribute to local charities. Our lodge has been part of Gosport since 1962. If you are curious about Freemasonry, you can ask questions before deciding whether it is right for you.

What is Freemasonry? Read our Gosport and Hampshire guide.

Becoming a Freemason if you live in Alverstoke

You are welcome to enquire about joining Alwarestoch if you live in Alverstoke. Our Lodge meets at Gosport Masonic Hall on Clarence Road; an enquiry is an opportunity to discuss whether our meeting day, location and commitments suit you.

Alwarestoch is an historic form of the name Alverstoke. Read our local guide to Freemasonry in Gosport and Alverstoke for the connection, or start an informal membership conversation. An enquiry does not commit you to joining.

Before you apply

Ask the Secretary to explain the belief requirement, joining procedure, current annual subscription, joining charges, dining and any clothing or regalia costs. Discuss how meetings and any rehearsals fit around work and family; taking time to decide is welcome.

Alwarestoch is a men’s lodge under UGLE, which requires belief in a Supreme Being. For women’s Freemasonry, see UGLE’s links to the women’s Grand Lodges.

Your first conversation

You do not need to prepare a formal application before contacting us. Start by telling us what interests you about Freemasonry and what you would like to understand.

Your first conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about Alwarestoch. Useful things to discuss include:

• What happens at meetings and how often you would attend.
• The membership requirements and application process.
• Joining charges, annual subscriptions, meals and any clothing or regalia costs.
• How membership would fit around work, family and other commitments.
• Any access requirements or practical concerns.

We will explain the next steps before you decide whether to proceed. You are welcome to take time to think.

Ask the Secretary about membership

Who can enquire?

You do not need to know a Freemason, have a family connection or wait for an invitation. UGLE welcomes enquiries from men aged 18 and over, irrespective of race or religion. The Secretary can explain the full membership requirements and help you understand what joining involves.

Read UGLE’s official joining guidance.

How to take the first step

1. Send a membership enquiry. Introduce yourself and tell us what you would like to know. Your message goes to the Lodge Secretary.
2. Have an informal conversation. A member will answer your questions about lodge life, eligibility, costs and commitments. An enquiry does not commit you to joining.
3. Discuss what happens next. If you would like to proceed, the lodge will explain its application process and the arrangements for getting to know one another.

Where and when we meet

Our home is Gosport Masonic Hall, 5 Clarence Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1BB. We meet on the second Wednesday of September, October, November, December, February, April and May: seven regular meetings each year.

Evenings include the lodge meeting and, for those dining, the meal afterwards known as the Festive Board. Ask about start and finishing times, preparation and any additional commitments so you can consider how membership fits around work and family.

View the lodge calendar · Explore our meeting place · Find the hall and contact us

Costs and practical arrangements

Before applying, ask the Secretary for the current annual subscription, any joining charges, dining costs and other items you may need. The lodge will explain what is included and what is optional. Please discuss payment arrangements with the Treasurer if needed.

Can I visit before joining?

A membership enquiry is the best starting point if you are not yet a Freemason. Ask the Secretary about opportunities to meet members informally; please do not arrive at a lodge meeting without an arrangement. The Masonic visiting route is for existing Freemasons.

Already a Freemason? Arrange a visit.

Get to know Alwarestoch

Explore our lodge history, photographs and lodge news. Our local charitable work is an important part of life together in Gosport.

Start a membership conversation

Membership enquiries: secretary@alwarestoch.co.uk

Explore Alwarestoch and Freemasonry

Life at Alwarestoch · Freemasonry in Gosport and Alverstoke · What is Freemasonry? · Become a Freemason · Questions and answers · Hampshire & Isle of Wight · Charity and community