Goring Gap Lodge No. 8359

Goring Gap Lodge meets on the second Saturday in January, March (Installation), April, May, October and November.

Goring Gap is named after the geological feature where the River Thames cuts through the chalk ridge to form the boundary between the Chiltern Hills and the Berkshire Downs.  Centred on the villages of Goring and Streatley, the site is probably the most historic ford across the river where the Icknield Way is linked to the Ridgeway, Goring grew rapidly in the 1960’s from a quiet holiday haunt to become a popular residential base for the commuter.

These commuters, included many Freemasons in London Lodges, who lived in the Goring area, provided the majority of the 26 founders of the lodge. Although with an Oxfordshire name and with many founders from the county, dispensation was obtained to join the Berkshire Masonic Province and so accept an offer of sponsorship and hospitality from the established Pangbourne Lodge.

Goring Gap is the 'Daughter' Lodge of Pangbourne Lodge No. 4381 and was consecrated at Berkshire Masonic Centre at Sindlesham in March 1971; founded to provide a cornerstone for masons coming into the area, the Lodge has always tried to maintain close ties to the local community.

The badge represents Goring Parish Church as seen from the north-east of Goring Bridge and was chosen as being near the centre of Goring Gap and therefore central to the original catchment area. The badge is worn as a breast jewel by Past Masters of the Lodge and it also incorporated into the Lodge Banner.  The Banner is displayed in the Temple; it is hand-embroidered and highly prized as an excellent example of the type.