North Staffordshire Round Table Lodge
No. 8355
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still Book after the 6th May?
All of the weekend packages are now sold out, but you can still book for the Lodge Meeting and Festive Board, Ladies Dinner & Speaker (Friday) and the Gala Dinner (Saturday) by contacting our secretary directly on secretary.8355@outlook.com
When will I receive my Booking Confirmation?
All the confirmations will be sent to the email address you used to register, during week commencing 16th May. When you get your confirmation, please check for the correct details, review and confirm your menu selections and ensure any remaining payments are completed. In the event of any query please contact us via this website, by replying to the email you received, or through our dedicated helpline on 07470 412784
Where can I find information for the Biennial Meeting?
Information is contained on the webpages of this Lodge website (2022 Biennial | NSRTL8355) where you will also find the booking form
Where do I book for the Biennial Weekend?
All bookings are being taken online via the link (2022 Biennial | NSRTL8355) that also contains the terms and conditions of your booking
Do I have to attend the whole weekend?
No. The online booking form allows you to pick which events over the weekend you wish to attend. It will work out cheaper for you, your wife/partner and guests if you choose to attend for the whole weekend
Do I need to have a Round Table or 41 Club connection to attend?
No. Whilst this is the Biennial Weekend for Round Table Lodges, we recognise that many of those Brethren have friends and relatives who have not had the opportunity to be members of RTBI or 41 Club. We welcome all Brethren to attend this event.
Why do I need to pay in advance of my attendance?
Since the suspension of Freemasonry and the leisure industry as a result of the pandemic, the Lodge has succeeded in suspending any increase in the costs of the weekend from those it arranged to the original 2020 date. Part of that negotiation is to cover the hotel costs as soon as we receive bookings to ensure the costs remain relatively low and only slightly above those charged for the last weekend in 2018!
Are there any choices in the type of bedroom I can book?
Yes. We have on offer via the online booking form the choice of double, twin, adapted and single rooms. Single occupancy rooms are at a slight supplement as per the Hotel policy.
Do I need to be a Freemason to attend?
No. We welcome Freemasons bringing guests to this event. Non-Masons will not be allowed access to the Lodge Room on the Friday evening but will be most welcome to join us for the meal that follows. We especially look forward to Freemasons and their guests attending the Saturday Gala Dinner.
What is the programme for the weekend?
Friday 10th June – arrive at the hotel ready to check-in from 3:00pm. If you wish to arrive earlier than that, please contact the organising team via the online booking. We can assist with booking lunch or providing other local attractions for you to enjoy before you have access to your room.
In the evening, there will be a Lodge Meeting at the hotel followed by a meal; and for the ladies, a tour of the historic hotel followed by their own meal with guest speaker. At the end of both meals, we have our own private bar to join with the ladies. Full itinerary details are sent on confirmation of your payment.
Saturday 11th June – after breakfast we will be using coach transport to take you off to a local Pottery where the TV programme Great Pottery Throwdown series was filmed for a tour of the pottery and chance to explore their unique gift shop. We will then return you to the hotel for afternoon tea. For the balance of the afternoon the time is yours where you can relax in the bars, use the leisure facilities, or walk the grounds. Early evening will be pre-dinner drinks reception followed by the Gala Dinner.
Sunday 12th June – after breakfast, take your time if you wish. Once checked out, you can explore the surrounding area or places of interest on your journey home which we will be delighted to assist you with or stay a while longer and use the leisure facilities.
Is there a dress code for the weekend?
For the Lodge meeting we anticipate normal Lodge attire and would request the Round Table Lodge tie is worn. For the ladies, lounge dress (we offer some assistance here: Dress Code Guide: What Does Lounge Mean? – LifeSavvy)
During the day on Saturday – smart casual with comfortable shoes for walking around
Saturday evening – black tie for the men and cocktail/evening dress for the ladies
RTBI/41 Club & Ladies Circle jewels are encouraged for both the Lodge Meeting and Gala Dinner
Photography
During the weekend there will be photographs and video clips for the purposes of recording the event (including the use of a drone piloted by our own qualified and certified UAV pilot). These photographs and video clips will be used on the Lodge website and social media accounts as well as appear in future editions of the Lodge printed history. It is not our intention to name any person attending other than members of this Lodge however you may be asked if you would like your name to appear. Small group shots will require your consent under GDPR; large group shots do not require individual consent; individual or couples photographs do require your consent under GDPR.
Where do I get a Round Table Lodge tie?
When you complete your booking form, in the comments box, please add how many ties, lapel badges and sets of cufflinks you want. These will be available for collection when you check in.
Ties - £15.00 each
Biennial Lapel Badge - £5.00 each
Round Table Lodge Lapel Badge - £5.00 each
Set of Round Table Lodge Cufflinks to match the badge - £15.00
Please add the above to your total. Alternatively, you can purchase these when you arrive at the hotel. Any profits from the sale of these items will go to Lodge Charities.
How do I book for this fantastic weekend?