The founders of Viking Lodge No. 5014 pictured in 1928. The Worshipful Master, W Bro Frank Benjamin Lewis, is pictured front row in the centre.

‘To the thoughts and inspirations of brethren in Hastings and St Leonards who in the endeavour to add dignity and strength to Freemasonry in general by affording to its candidates the principles of total abstinence at Lodge banquets and suppers we are indebted for the foundation of this Lodge.’

With these bold words Viking Lodge was founded on May 19, 1928. It was formed as a Temperance Lodge. No alcohol was permitted at Lodge banquets and suppers (now called Festive Boards) which were, and still are, held after meetings.

Viking remained a Temperance Lodge until 2005 when members voted to allow alcohol at its Festive Boards.

The Lodge meets from October to April on the second Wednesday of each month at the Masonic Hall (behind the Royal Victoria Hotel) in St Leonards. Rehearsal evenings, to prepare for ceremonies, are held every Tuesday evening.

Various social family events, from a summer barbecue to a Christmas lunch, are also held each year.

Why the name Viking? After all the name does conjure up ‘bouts of drinking’ and other ‘excesses’. Well, one explanation is that as far as our founders were concerned a Viking was a brave person often setting out on a journey into the unknown.

The decision to form a Temperance Lodge was seen as brave, reaching out into unknown territory.

Would the Lodge survive? Well ,it has done more than just that with meetings continuing throughout the Second World War and now thriving well into the new Millennium.