Ynys Lodge No. 8274


Consecrated 25th April 1969 by the Provincial Grand Master Rt.Worshipful Brother The Rt. Hon. The Lord Swansea

 

Ynys is a Welsh word meaning "Island". The River Afan whose source is at the upper end of the Afan Valley flows down the vale through Cwmavon to the mouth of the river at Aberavon now incorporated in the County Borough of Neath and Port Talbot. At one time the river was divided near Cwmavon and an island had formed in the middle, which was known locally as the YNYS.

The name of the Lodge has been adopted synonymously with that of the sponsoring Lodge namely the Afan Lodge No. 833 which is the Mother Lodge of all Freemasons Lodges in Port Talbot. Leading in the direction of Ynys as such immediately adjacent to Forge Road where the Afan Masonic Temple is located, a street bears its name, as does partially the name of a farm, which overlooks the island and surrounding valley.

Whilst no claim can be made to the name having any historical origin, Masonically quite a number of the members of the local Lodges are actively associated with the Ynys Bowls Club which, again is located on the banks of the river Afan and very nearly adjacent to the Ynys. Many Freemasons from Port Talbot Lodges still pass away many hours playing on this bowling green, continuing the link that was carried out by the Founders of the Lodge, and brethren of the Port Talbot Lodges.

Thus it is more from a feeling of affection than tradition that the name "YNYS" has been taken as the name of the Lodge, and it is quite logical bearing in mind that the three lodges in existence in Port Talbot at that time were named after places of interest within the Borough.

 Compiled by W.Bro. Clayton Leyshon
  

Province of
South Wales
Eastern Division