History of Ashwell House St Albans, continued

The Leasehold interest in the site of this house was converted into a freehold by Murgatroyd’s, Solicitors, in 1970. This was done by a very pleasantly named “Deed of Enhancement”. From 1970 to 1975 W. Bro Bill Murgatroyd took on the job of Chairman of the Company to bring the place up to date. He was assisted by a new Board of Directors who were keen and able.

The Board agreed to a loan of £30,000 from the Bedfordshire Building Society and set about their task of improving the building. Included in their more notable achievements are the cellar which was made into a Bar and the addition of a Committee Room. The stairway to the bar from the ground floor was dug out by hand by Masons eager to assist the improvement plans. The vaulted ceiling of the original cellar is still visible in certain areas. The rest of the building also received substantial refurbishment, including extending the main dining room by 30 feet. However, pride of place must be given to the oak panelled Lodge Room, complete with an organ for musical accompaniment during meetings. The annual turnover of the company at this time was £1,400.

In 1979 Ashwell House provided the office for the Hertfordshire Provincial Grand Secretary and his staff before moving to Fleet House St Albans in 1995.

In September 1986, a special luncheon was held celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Ashwell House (St Albans) Ltd. After the lunch, the toast was proposed by W.Bro. G. B. W. Kent, T.D. The RW Provincial Grand Master, and the reply was given by W.Bro. W. F. Sharpley, Chairman of the Board. Ashwell House. It is interesting to note that W. F. Sharpley, was the Father of The current ME Grand Superintendent, James W. Sharpley, who is also a Director of the Company.