Festival 2026

The Federation of School Lodges

78th Annual Festival

Saturday 15 August 2026

Hosted by the: Old Oakhamian Lodge No.8033

www.oldoakhamianlodge.co.uk

🌟 You’re Invited!

Dear Brother,

On behalf of the Old Oakhamian Lodge No.8033, it is my pleasure as Worshipful Master to warmly invite you to the 78th Annual Festival of the Federation of School Lodges, being held at the historic Oakham School in Rutland.

We’ve planned a full and welcoming programme for Brethren and Ladies/Partners, beginning with registration from 2:00 p.m., and culminating in a celebratory Festival Banquet at 5:45 p.m. in the Barraclough Dining Hall.

🏫 A Place Steeped in Masonic and Educational Heritage

Oakham School was founded in 1584 by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, who also established Uppingham School. Under the pioneering leadership of Headmaster John Buchanan, Oakham School became the first independent school to embrace co-education in the early 1970s. Fittingly, John Buchanan was also the first initiate of the Old Oakhamian Lodge No.8033, which has proudly met at the school since its founding in May 1965.

🏞️ Make a ‘Weekend of It in Rutland’

We hope you’ll take the opportunity to stay and explore over the weekend, the charm and character of England’s smallest county (motto ‘Multum in Parvo’). Rutland offers a wealth of attractions, including:

• 🚴‍♂️ Rutland Water – cycling, walking, sailing, fishing, nature reserves, and the Rutland Belle (pleasure boat)

• 🌸 Barnsdale Gardens – created by Geoff Hamilton of BBC Gardeners’ World fame, run by his son Nick.

• 🏰 Oakham Castle – famed for its unique horseshoe collection, operational law court and excellent tea room!

🤝 Join Us

We look forward to welcoming you to Oakham School for a day of fellowship, celebration, and discovery. Please come and support this friendly and memorable festival—we’d be delighted to see you here. This year we are aiming to get at least 50 different lodges attending, so please make every effort to support our Federation.

Early booking is essential this year. The Rutland Flower Show will be taking place 14th/15th/16th August at the Rutland County Showground just off Oakham’s north ring road, so it will be exceptionally busy. If you are planning to stay over, please do not delay booking your accommodation.

Car Parking: The Schanschieffs car park on the accompanying map, is the only FREE car parking in Oakham. This car park has some electric charging points. Please allow plenty of time for your journey as the Oakham ring road is likely to be congested. SAT NAV postcode is included on the map.

Disabled Parking: If you are a disabled badge holder you may be permitted to drop off/park at the Barraclough Dinning Hall, where there will be 2-3 spaces available. Please inform Bro Secretary Charles Tassell if you need a disabled parking space when placing your booking.

We urge you to be proactive and book early for this event and we thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to welcoming you at Oakham School.

Warm and fraternal greetings,

W Bro Jack Soars