TWICKENHAM DISTRICT MASONIC
COUNCIL LTD
Cole Court, 150 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 1HD
Tel: 020-8892-1131
TDMC NEWSLETTER – MAY 2023
We are pleased to supply you with an update from the TDMC Board to all representatives and
members of Masonic units meeting at Cole Court. This includes details of a number of projects
taking place at the moment and over the summer period not only to enhance the centre but to
make it much more comfortable.
FUNDING OF PROJECTS
Over the last 18 months, all projects to upgrade facilities at Cole Court have been funded entirely
from our own financial resources – thus without any third-party support i.e. loans or donations.
The total amount we have paid out over this period is approximately £176,000, with a further
£120,000 allocated by the Board to be spent to complete the projects below.
We make the point about loans or donations because Board members have been approached
recently by members of units formerly meeting at Staines asking us about “the Staines Money”,
specifically, how much we have received, and what are we spending it on.
Questions such as these appear to arise from an understanding amongst the former Staines units,
that when Staines Masonic Hall closed in 2019, the proceeds of the sale of the property were to
transfer to TDMC for the ongoing good of the Freemasons formerly meeting at Staines.
With the apparent belief of some that these funds have already passed to TDMC, we should state
this is not the case. All funds derived from the sale of Staines Masonic Hall have remained under
the sole control of the Staines Masonic Hall Trust (SMHT).
There is no written evidence that there had been any agreement reached in 2019 or thereafter
regarding the proceeds of the sale of Staines Masonic Hall between TDMC and SMHT. However,
we can confirm that since last August, TDMC has met with SMHT trustees twice to discuss a
possible transfer of funds from SMHT to TDMC for the further enhancement of Cole Court, and the
members therein. There will be a third meeting between us in the very near future to progress
those discussions.
Registered Office: 150 London Road, Twickenham TW1 1HD
Registered in England No. 489194 VAT Registration No. 222 9613 74
TWICKENHAM DISTRICT MASONIC
COUNCIL LTD
Cole Court, 150 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 1HD
Tel: 020-8892-1131
Meanwhile, an update on ongoing work to upgrade and enhance Cole Court.
UPGRADED INCOMING POWER SUPPLY
The trenching work to the new transformer in the car park has been completed but, as you will
have noted, nothing has happened subsequently. This is because we have to agree to a legal
document called a “Wayleave” with UK Power Networks to guarantee them access to their cable
and transformer etc. at all times because these are situated on our land. Unfortunately, as is the
usual case, the matter has been delayed with solicitors, we hope to see this matter resolved very
soon.
CENTRAL HEATING
The present boilers are obsolete, and as many of you are aware, have failed on us many times!
Tenders are being prepared for imminent issue to 3 contractors capable of providing us with
considerably more efficient and environmentally friendly replacements. We plan to have them
installed before the autumn.
Meanwhile, leaks from the central heating pipework have been found around the building, with
many radiators hardly providing any heat. This is because, over the years, the heating circuits have
been added to piecemeal with limited consideration of the effects of those additions on the entire
system. Hence the heating circuits both need to be re-planned and areas of pipework replaced, so
that the latter is no longer encased in concrete, but will run above the floor level, where it will be
far more accessible should any leaks occur.
TREES
We are fortunate in having a significant number of mature trees in our grounds but have been
aware that some of them are diseased or in need of attention. Work was planned to complete
some of this work in 2019, but COVID intervened.
Recently we employed a tree surgeon to provide accurate information on the present condition of
the trees and identify work required either to fell any of those that are dead, or to cut others back
to ensure they can flourish. Because of our responsibilities with tree preservation orders, we made
formal application to Richmond Council for the work to proceed (using the tree surgeon’s report
as evidence), and in March permission was granted. That authority to proceed requires that where
trees have had to be cut down, we must re-plant mature indigenous replacements in those
locations.
Registered Office: 150 London Road, Twickenham TW1 1HD
Registered in England No. 489194 VAT Registration No. 222 9613 74
TWICKENHAM DISTRICT MASONIC
COUNCIL LTD
Cole Court, 150 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 1HD
Tel: 020-8892-1131
The work will involve felling (and replacement) of 9 horse chestnut trees that are dead or dying,
and to cut back a further 12 trees of various types (ash, sycamore, cherry, lime etc.). This work will
th th, th
take place on 12 , 13 and 19 June during daytimes, at which time there will be restricted
access to the car park for safety reasons. There will also be an intentional time lapse of a few
months between the felling and replanting of the trees.
GRASS REINFORCEMENT
We can all see that the lawn has been adversely affected during the recent wet weather and
vehicles parking upon it (film company) or when the marquee is placed on it for rugby events.
The Board realises this spoils the beauty and appearance of our grounds, so we have authorised
the purchase and installation of a grass reinforcement product (“Gridforce”) on large areas of the
lawn. Gridforce is a widely used and well-respected product comprising a very sturdy plastic mesh
that is rolled into the grass using specialist techniques. Whilst initially the Gridforce will be visible,
as soon as the grass grows, the reinforcement will no longer be easily seen.
Meanwhile, we have amended our contracts with third party companies that use the grass area
that specifically forbids them from driving heavy goods vehicles onto any grassed area.
TIDY-UP OF AREAS ADJACENT TO AND BEHIND THE PROVICIAL OFFICE
We intend to reduce the number of freight containers at the end and rear of our property and to
clear the site to remove redundant structures. In the process of doing which, we plan to provide
additional car parking spaces adjacent to the Provincial Office.
Speaking of car parking spaces, we will also be introducing some extra disabled parking areas at
the front of the building.
PORTRAITS OF THE KING (DINING ROOMS AND PUBLIC AREAS)
Now that the Coronation has taken place, we shall be replacing the portraits of the late Queen
Elizabeth II with those of His Majesty King Charles III in those rooms where Royal portraits are
displayed.
We are confirming with Grand Lodge (and the Province) as to whether an official portrait will be
provided by them for our use, or whether we will be required to source our own. The question has
already been asked, and as soon as we have the answer, we will proceed accordingly.
Registered Office: 150 London Road, Twickenham TW1 1HD
Registered in England No. 489194 VAT Registration No. 222 9613 74
TWICKENHAM DISTRICT MASONIC
COUNCIL LTD
Cole Court, 150 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 1HD
Tel: 020-8892-1131
NAMING OF TEMPLES
The Board has made the decision to name the existing Temples rather than have them numbered.
The Norman Moore Temple will, of course, remain the same, the other Temples will be named as
follows:
Number 2 Temple to become The Roger Croome Temple.
Number 3 Temple to become The Staines Temple (as the first Masonic Hall in Middlesex was
located in Staines)
Number 4 Temple to become The King Charles III Temple.
The Shakespeare Suite to become The Winston Churchill Room.
Consideration will also be given to the possible naming of the L.o.I. rooms.
That’s all for now, any questions or clarifications relating to this newsletter are welcomed and
should be addressed to Chris Albrow, Company Secretary, TDMCL.
Chris Albrow
TDMC Secretary
chris.albrow@tdmcl.co.uk