The Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 in Blandford, Dorset, has donated £500 to Blandford Fashion Museum, to help with the restoration and preservation of their exhibits

The members of the lodge and their partners were given a fascinating talk by two members of the team from the museum. This then led to the lodge loaning items from their collection of Masonic regalia and memorabilia to the museum.

The fashion museum has created a exhibition recording the history of Freemasonry in the town of Blandford, which will be on display for two years from February 2018, and includes Masonic aprons, regalia, jewels and photographs that give a fascinating insight into the history of Freemasonry in Blandford.

Jean Longley, Bookings Secretary at Blandford Fashion Museum, said: 'This donation will help so much. Preserving our collection can be very expensive, with a storage box for one dress costing up to £25.' 

The museum receives no external support funding and raises everything needed through donations and admissions.

The Blandford Fashion Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm, and features 10 rooms of fashion history from 1740 to 1970.

The Lodge of Honour and Friendship also has an Open Day on Monday 28th May, when Blandford Masonic Hall will be open to the public.The Open Day will give visitors a chance to look around the hall and ask questions of the lodge members.