Friendship was at the heart of our evening on Wednesday 4 November, as members of Temple Island Lodge followed our meeting in Henley-on-Thames with a pint at The Duck and a relaxed dinner at Leander Club.
A return to The Duck — or the Duke!
Our first stop brought back happy memories. The last time we had visited as a group was for the lodge’s 60th anniversary dinner, when The Duck was still known as the Duke. It was lovely to return, share a pint and enjoy a catch-up before heading on to dinner.
Dinner at Leander Club in Henley
In one of Leander Club’s private function rooms, we enjoyed pea soup, a delicious chicken main course and crumble, accompanied by wine, beer and plenty of laughter.
Without the usual round of speeches, there was time for conversations to wander and for members to get to know one another better. Everyone could relax, speak freely and feel at home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening in good company.
Founded in 1818, Leander Club has a distinguished place in British rowing, with generations of its athletes achieving Olympic and Paralympic success. Its Henley setting made a fitting backdrop to an evening celebrating our own local friendships.
Temple Island on Leander’s walls
A painting hanging at Leander caught our eye: Temple Island during a regatta, with its distinctive temple overlooking the river and a lively gathering of boats and spectators. For members of a lodge bearing the island’s name, it was a particularly pleasing connection between our evening’s venue and Henley’s riverside heritage.
Good company is what matters
A traditional festive board has its pleasures, but this evening was a reminder that friendship needs little ceremony. Good food, laughter and the chance to talk openly can be every bit as memorable.
That sense of belonging is an important part of Freemasonry in Henley-on-Thames and of life at Temple Island Lodge. If you would like to find out about joining Temple Island Lodge, we would be pleased to hear from you.