Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Gavel & Staff Lodge No. 9835 ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, visitors, and website users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or interact with our Lodge.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for membership or express interest in joining
• Contact us via email or our contact form
• Register for events or meetings
• Subscribe to our newsletter

This information may include your name, email address, telephone number, postal address, and Masonic membership details.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies installed on your device.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process membership applications and manage member records
• Communicate about Lodge meetings, events, and activities
• Respond to inquiries and provide support
• Send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• Comply with our obligations under the Book of Constitutions of UGLE
• Improve our website and services

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) as required for membership records
• Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London
• Other Lodges when you visit as a guest (with your permission)
• Service providers who assist in our operations

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to outside parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Member records may be retained in accordance with UGLE requirements.

7. Your Rights

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate personal data
• Request erasure of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Object to processing of your personal data
• Request restriction of processing
• Request transfer of your personal data
• Withdraw consent where we rely on it for processing

8. Cookies

Our website uses essential cookies to ensure proper functionality. We may also use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact: