Who Calls The Tiger?
The founding lodge members came from a mixture of Masonic backgrounds, so at their meetings there were some unusual customs and practices. Such as referring to the Master’s Chair as the ‘Eastern Chair’, and using ‘ballot bones’ for balloting. They may also have copied some lively dining customs from the many different regiments that passed through Roorkee.
One unique custom for Beauchamp Lodge is the Festive Board Challenge - Who Calls The Tiger? The custom apparently originates from when the lodge was out in India. Some of the lodge meetings were held out in neighbouring villages (outside) and, as there was a real threat of Tigers, to dissuade the wild animals wandering into the lodge area (intentionally or unintentionally) they would post guards, armed with a revolver and a bayonet and these outer guards would occasionally shout out to each other:
First Challenger: “Who calls the Tiger?”
First Responder: “I call the Tiger”
Second Responder: “One for the Tiger”
All three: “Hurrah!!!”
This has now evolved into a Festive Board Challenge (after a toast is given to the Province of Bengal)
Worshipful Master: "Who calls the tiger?"
Senior Warden: "I call the tiger"
Junior Warden: "One for the tiger"
Everyone: "Hurrah!!!"
Joining Beauchamp Lodge
If you are looking to join Freemasonry, members of Beauchamp Lodge would love to speak with you.
After an initial telephone discussion, we would look to meet with you to discuss and understand your expectations and to explain our organisation’s. During these discussions a time-plan would be compiled to manage both parties expectations. Thereafter we would look to introduce you to members of the Lodge and their friends and families through social events. When you are comfortable a ‘get together’ with the Lodge Membership Team will be arranged empowering them to formally recommend your application to the members in ‘Open Lodge’, after which we can, schedule your joining date ‘initiation’.
Our Lodge meets four times a year so sometimes it can mean waiting a few months before joining; however, this does not prevent you from attending any social functions the Lodge may have.
Hopefully the information below should give you and idea of what to expect from a Beauchamp Lodge Meeting.
If you have any questions about joining the Lodge or about the Lodge itself please email the Lodge Secretary:
Typical Schedule for a Beauchamp Lodge Meeting
KEY FACTS:
DRESS CODE:
Traditionally Brethren attend in Morning Dress or Dark Coloured Lounge Suit with a white collar, Black/Provincial or UGLE Tie and White Gloves.
We also make recommendations for appropriate attire for each of the Lodge meetings as they celebrate certain events in British military history and/or the Lodge’s history. These can be found on our Diary page.
ANNUAL SUBS & DINING FEE:
Subs £130 & Dining Fee £25
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