SPRING 2020 ISSUE
Photo: Val Ray
Wishing you good health in these difficult times
EDITORIAL Welcome to Issue 3 of The Provincial Lite. Times are tricky. We are all facing arguably the biggest threat to the human race since the Second World War. Our Provincial Grand Master and his team are fully aware of the impact the current emergency is having on us all as Masons and Companions. Please take time to read their messages on the following pages.
Subject
Page
COVID-19: PGM’s statement
3
COVID-19: APGMs’ statements
4-5
Light Blues Brothers
6-9
Pharos Car for Children in Hospital
10-11
Evening of Firsts at Queenborough
12-13
Provincial Grand Chapter Appointments
13
Autocycle Lodge
14-15
A Close Shave for Clive
16
MCF Grants to East Kent
17
Sixty Years for Bob Nott
18-19
Masons support the RBLI
20-21
A Military Jubilee Hero
22-23
T&D LGRA and OASIS
24
Gore Court Chapter Red Table
24-25
Pentangle Chapter: A Farce
26
Dover Masons Ride to the Rescue
27
EKPGSC Banner—at last!
28-29
A Woman in Freemasonry
30-31
A Triple for Athelstan
31
Dover Castle Gifts to RNLI and Hospice
32-33
The Role of the EDC
34
Wedding Secrets
35
Training African Surgeons
36
CEKFC Helps 14-year-old Ed
37
David Graeme Moves On
38-40
Young Lives Foundation
41
Abominably Useful
42-43
Focus on Peter Floyd
44-46
Happy reading—and please stay safe.
Pentangle’s Triple Passing
47
John Ray
Freddie Starr Tribute Luncheon
48-49
Email: editor@theprovincial.org
The Communications Team
50
In the midst of all this, let’s also remind ourselves of all the good work we have been doing and continue to do throughout the Province. The Light Blues Brothers have relaunched in style, and are buzzing with all sorts of plans. Mark Ravenwood gives you a flavour of their activities. How many “firsts” can you pack into an evening? Queenborough Lodge’s Melvin Hopper reckons five—but they’re not all Candidates. What is an “autocycle” and why is it significant to our Province? Melvin again! We all know what a Yeti is, don’t we? Prince George Duke of Kent Court has one, and it’s jolly big! Martin Ransom and David Barber are in the know. Fancy driving an electric car in a hospital? Sorry—you’re probably too old. But Arthur Hornby can tell you about the one donated to a hospital for children to use. And we say goodbye, but not farewell, to David Graeme, who this month completes his long and highly enjoyable stint as one of our Assistant Provincial Grand Masters.
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THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND FREEMASONRY
Brethren and Companions: It has been said many times over the past few weeks that what we are currently going through with the Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetime. We are in uncharted waters, and it is the responsibility of each one of us to play our part by, amongst other things, complying with the many lifestyle restrictions that have been imposed. Those impositions have certainly provided challenges as to how we ensure the welfare of our Brethren as well as keep all the wheels in the Province turning. As you may know, as soon as it became clear that public and Masonic limitations were about to be brought in, I set up a Provincial Coordination Group. Comprising members of the Provincial Executive, its task is to identify, assess and respond to any developments in advice, guidance and directives that may impact on us as Masons, whether personally or as a Province – and to keep you informed about them. The needs of our members as individuals are the first focus, followed by our Lodges, Chapters, Centres, Charities and the essential functions required of the Provincial Office. Naturally, as circumstances change - as they inevitably will - our emphasis will also change. Be assured that we are ready to react to whatever comes next and whatever may lie further ahead. You will know that each of our APGMs has a specific role in their ‘day jobs’. I wanted you also to be aware of how those functions are being incorporated into what they and their Teams are endeavouring to provide today in terms of support and assistance. So, overleaf are just a few paragraphs from each of them to give you a flavour of what, in the early stages of these unusual times, we are focussing on at present. Neil Johnstone Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent
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Brethren and Companions:
I have been greatly heartened in the manner in which all members of the Province have concentrated thei We are all Almoners at heart, and we are very much demonstrating that. My sincere thanks to you all for
Your intervention is vital, particularly after so many days in isolation and more to come, as some of our me membership itself. If one has long periods of isolation and becomes out of the habit of Masonic routine, i back on. We should be cognisant that the longer someone misses meetings, and the associated contacts,
Over the past few years great efforts have been made to ensure that memberships are both retained and, enthusiasm within the Membership team and particularly within the newly reformed East Kent Light Blues concerned.
On a personal note, I have had a wonderful five years as an APGM and would like to place on record my he me at your Lodges and Chapters and for your kindness and generosity throughout. I hope that Mark Coste this year.
Please continue to thoroughly enjoy your Freemasonry and have lots of fun – and, above all, stay safe. David Graeme, APGM Membership & Recruitment
Dear B
Brethren and Companions
As I wr and M ue the as well
In many respects the current pandemic has highlighted the significance of this particular area of responsibility. The group comprises the Provincial Almoner, the Provincial Mentor and the Provincial Education Officer. The Provincial Almoner works closely with the MCF and constantly monitors the output from UGLE and Gov.UK. to provide members with a reliable source of information. The Mentor and Education Officer have been liaising closely to continue to provide materials which Brethren may find interesting and keep them engaged during this period of suspension. The most recent initiative has been the launch of the Virtual Lodge of Instruction. Jointly the group have a responsibility for maintaining and updating the members-only website “Your Province”, aka YP2, the principal focal point for information in the Province of East Kent.
I think the Ma is your Mason grants. continu
Your C suppor phone tate to
Stay Sa
Mark C
David Alexander, APGM Education & Welfare Brethren and Companions:
The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up some real challenges, including ordination Group, it is important that the Communications & Complian ment and the World Health Organisation. The United Grand Lodge of the pandemic.
But the most important aspect is to ensure the health and well-being o extra mile to see that no one is left isolated and lonely, especially the m Richard Wingett, APGM Communications & Compliance 4
ir efforts into helping each other during these unprecedented times. helping out.
embers could easily feel unwanted and ignored. The same goes for it is very easy to find excuses not to return when the green light is the easier it becomes for him to resign.
, indeed, bolstered by bringing in new young blood. I still see the s Brothers, who are doing a sterling job. My thanks to everyone
eartfelt thanks to you all for the manner in which you have received elloe has an equally happy time when he takes over the reins later
Brethren and Companions:
rite, it is over two weeks since the suspension of all Masonic activities Meetings - but we have not suspended being Masons. Let’s all contine great work we do, not only for each other but for our communities l.
k it is even more important at these times to remember and support asonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) and the 2025 Festival. The MCF r charity. Relying 100% on your generosity, it is working hard assisting ns and their families throughout the Province by means of . Your regular donations and all the other contributions you make will ue to help those in desperate need.
Charity Team and the 2025 Festival Team are working hard for you in these difficult times. We are here to rt you in any way we can. While unable to meet in person, we keep in touch with each other by telee and Zoom video conferences. Should you need to contact us for whatever reason, please do not hesio call us or send us an email.
afe – and here’s to better times.
C Bassant, APGM Charity & Masonic Centres
g a wealth of information - and this includes fake or false information. As part of the Provincial Conce team provide you with on-going advice and guidance from the correct sources - such as the GovernEngland is also providing further information and guidance on the direction of our organisation through
of our members, by communicating the simple message of 'Keep in Touch'. Hopefully we will all go that more vulnerable members of our Masonic community.
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LIGHT BLUES BROTHERS RELAUNCH IN STYLE
Mark Ravenwood (pictured), Light Blues Deputy Chairman and Information Officer, writes: On Saturday 29th February, the East Kent Light Blues Brothers (EKL:BB) held their first official meeting under the new committee, headed up by Howard Griffin. With almost 200 members signed up prior to the event, we were excited to welcome 100 Brethren to the Curious Brewery in Ashford.
With a 10am start and the bar not opening until 11, the committee rolled out the banners, prepped envelopes and badges and worked out where we wanted the camera shots. The weather was not on our side and by 9.15 we had soggy brethren begging admittance, much to the consternation of the bar staff who were still working on the pots of coffee!
Sorting out name tags and checking members in 6
Despite this, with a little patience all round, we soon had dozens of brethren sharing greetings in the good old masonic fashion.
Masonic sign indicating “the Bar that way�
After an introduction from the Province and the Committee, Brethren went on tours of the Brewery, and sampled some of the Curious Ales and Ciders being prepared on the site. The tours were well received and the beverages even more so! With ample time for conversation, the exchanging of contact details and making plans for future activities, the event closed at 12.30 and most Brethren had departed by one o’clock, a handful staying behind for the after party.
Continued overleaf 7
You can see a short video of the event by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/ wondt8t "Fantastic well supported launch event of the EKLBB and looking forward to supporting and attending the forthcoming events" - Alan Leigh "Excellent turn out. Great to see so many Brethren, and making new friends, and catching up with old acquaintances." - Harry Harrison
We have been planning several events for the next few months, including Clay Pigeon Shooting, a Visit to London for the Quarterly Communications, Golfing, Garden Fest, visiting a Battle of Britain Memorial, attempting a Three-Peak challenge and other hiking activities, plus group visits to support Lodges and Masonic Centres. These of course have had to be cancelled or postponed until the country is moving once more, but we are now looking at ways to keep Brethren in touch online and have plans for a Masonic Quiz night, online Masonic meet ups, supporting the online Lodges of Instruction and other activities still under discussion. If you haven’t yet signed up for the EKLBB, I urge you to go on to the website, www.EKLBB.org and join us now! It is the only way you will get to hear about all the fantastic plans we have for the future.
8
In addition, there are a number of opportunities to help organise and manage the East Kent Light Blues Brothers. We are looking for members who can support and assist the administration, marketing and organisational aspects of the Club, such as website design, running social events, liaising with Lodges, and so on. The EKLBB committee has made a great start to this and the launch was, as a result, a brilliant success. If you would like to join them, then please complete the membership form by visiting https:// tinyurl.com/wurmdx2 highlighting the skills and interests you have and then please email it to: secretary@eklbb.org.uk
Facebook: East Kent Light Blues Brothers (Members only) Instagram: @EastKentLightBluesBrothers Twitter: @eklbb Email: info@eklbb.org.uk
Please also check out the Provincial Instagram page: @FreemasonsEastKent Cheers!
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PHAROS LODGE DRIVES IN TO HELP THE WILLIAM HARVEY HOSPITAL A visit to a hospital is often a nerve-wracking event. More worrying can be a trip to the Hospital Theatre, as you lie on a trolley. Now - imagine what it must be like for a young child. Last December, Pharos Lodge No.6967 received the following email: To whom it may concern: Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I am an anaesthetic practitioner at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and I am writing to you because we are attempting to make our theatre department more fun for our younger patients. I wonder if you might be interested in helping us achieve this goal by investing in an electric car for children to drive from the theatre reception to the anaesthetic room. These are available for around £130 at various toy shops. Such a purchase would benefit countless children within the community and help to make an otherwise scary experience a little more fun. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon. Sarah Yarrow Theatre Practitioner Main Theatres William Harvey Hospital. Anxious to help, Lodge members suggested that the Lodge could pay for the car in full. Secretary Arthur Hornby, Charity Steward Steve Davies and other senior Lodge members agreed. Roger Gabriel, Master of Pharos, with Craig Collins, Master Elect, went along to the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, on Friday 7th February and presented the car to Sarah Whibley, Theatre Manager of William Harvey Main Theatres and Channel Day Surgery Unit. After a brief explanation of the operating instructions, those present were given a demonstration of the car’s versatility. We guess that more time was spent later testing the car’s manoeuvrability! It shows that you can often bring happiness to many without having to go to great expense. 10
Sarah Whibley, Craig Collins and Roger Gabriel with test driver
Roger Gabriel, Sarah Whibley and Craig Collins
11
AN EVENING OF FIRSTS FOR QUEENBOROUGH Melvin Hopper writes: It was an Evening of Firsts for Queenborough Lodge No.3893 at its January meeting:
First meeting of 2020
First meeting for the new team since the Installation
First attendance by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Alexander after being made an Honorary Member of the Lodge (in January 2019)
First Degree ceremony
First initiate in the Province for the 2020s and, after the meeting: first stop the Bar!
L-R: APGM David Alexander, WM Steven Dawson, Initiate Steve Woodford 12
PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTMENTS Provincial Grand Superintendent Neil Johnstone has announced some changes at the top of Provincial Grand Chapter, to take effect from the date of the meeting that would have been held at the Winter Gardens, Margate, in May. David Kershaw and Clive Manuel are retiring as Deputy Grand Superintendent and Second Provincial Grand Principal respectively.
John Baker is promoted from Third Provincial Grand Principal to Deputy Grand Superintendent. Pat King and Terry McGlone are promoted to Second Provincial Grand Principal and Third Provincial Grand Principal respectively. Eddie Halpin and Graeme Wyles are appointed Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals. We’ll have a full report on these changes in the Summer issue of The Provincial Lite
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AN AUTOCYCLE LODGE FOR EAST KENT The Oxford Compact English Dictionary doesn’t list it, but Collins does: Autocycle (ˈɔːtəʊˌsaɪkəl ) obsolete. a bicycle powered or assisted by a small engine
The idea of a ‘motorcycle cum scooter’ Lodge had been floating around in Melvin Hopper’s head for about ten years. He first spoke about it with the then Provincial Grand Secretary Chris Saville in 2011. However, Melvin was very active in various Masonic degrees and other orders at the time, so he was not able to take things forward.
Some years later he had time to pursue the idea further. He ran it past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mark Bassant, who immediately offered his support. Melvin started to sound out bikers in his Mother Lodge, Queenborough Lodge No.3893, and straightaway had twelve willing founders. By the time he spoke to his second Lodge in Sittingbourne, Saedingburna Lodge No.6728, he had twenty.
Colin Tunbridge, Provincial Grand Registrar, began working on what was needed and how they were to progress matters. Deputy Provincial Grand Master Peter Williams met Colin and Melvin, who outlined their aims to Peter and assured him that they would also be actively seeking initiates to ensure the longterm viability of the Lodge.
With the approval of Provincial Grand Master Neil Johnstone, the proposal was submitted to the United Grand Lodge of England. UGLE gave the go-ahead early this year. An email was sent to all members of East Kent Province offering the chance to become founders or just to join. The response was overwhelming, more than seventy wishing to become founders. 14
Some thirty-five masons attended the initial meeting on the 1st March. Mark and Melvin spoke of the costs involved in setting up the Lodge, on which Colin had done a lot of hard work. It was agreed that the Sittingbourne centre with its lockable car park would be the Lodge home, with four meetings a year. As for the name: “The Autocycle Lodge of East Kent”. A Lodge logo and banner would be designed in due course. A date for the next meeting was agreed but, of course, current events have precluded this happening for the time being. However, Colin and Melvin are still working on the project and, as soon as the crisis is over, those who have already expressed interest will be informed of the revised meeting date. Melvin asks that any other Brethren wishing to be involved are welcome to drop Colin or him a line via the Provincial Office.
Now, more than ever, we can help our fellow Brethren and Companions by keeping in touch. This is especially important for those who are not in the best of health and/or living alone. As well as a phone call, why not try a video call? There are many ways you can do this—for example, WhatsApp and Zoom.
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A CLOSE SHAVE FOR CLIVE Why would you want to lose your Barnet? There must be money involved.
Sure enough: Clive Hallett of the St George Bahrain Lodge No.7389 had his sights on raising a Grand for the Province’s 2025 Festival. He had reached his target by Christmas. Friends gathered at the George Hotel, Ashford, to watch Michelle Messenger of Shumi Hairdressers carry out the task in style (ho ho!)– by which time the total raised had reached £1350.
Friends watching the event also raised £100 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Directly afterwards Steve Horner, a regular at the George, stepped up to the oche and raised a further £100 for Karoben Park Farm of Smarden, who provide valued support to adults with special needs. Karoben works in partnership with Kent County Council, aiming to ensure students build up a set of attributes, skills and knowledge to ensure they have the capability of being effective in community and in the workplace. The rural farm setting provides opportunities for those with physical and learning disabilities aged 16 - 65 to engage with farm animals, plants, horses and donkeys, and to develop life skills to enhance independence, and achieve goals and aspirations. 16
A WHOPPING £700,000 IN MCF GRANTS TO EAST KENT This Table shows the support the Province, via the Masonic Charitable Foundation, has given to Freemasons and their families and to charities in our region in the year 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020. Our donations, to the 2025 Festival, are making it happen!
Among the Masonic Support Grants were sixty-seven totalling £225,013 for Daily Living Expenses, six totalling £39,959 for Home Adaptations, fifty-two totalling £27,018 for Mobility Aids and thirtythree totalling £39,240 for Medical Expenses.
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SIXTY YEARS FOR BOB NOTT Robert Harry Nott MSc – or ‘Bob’ as he is known by most - achieved the magic sixty years as a Freemason on the 21st March this year. Bob was born in Erith in 1934 and was evacuated to Yorkshire during the war years. On returning home he was offered a place as a chorister at Southwark Cathedral. This meant being a pupil at St. Olaves Grammar School which, at that time, was in Tooley Street on the south bank of the Thames right next to Tower Bridge. The school had been on that site for around 300 years. In 1960 he joined the Old Olavians Lodge No.5758. He was Master for the first time in 1969 and then again in 1981 and 1998. He received London Grand Rank in 1984 and his first and only appointment to Grand Rank was as active Senior Grand Deacon in 1989. It was during his term of office as Senior Grand Deacon that he represented Grand Lodge at a meeting to mark the 239th Anniversary of Atholl Lodges at Great Queen Street in 1990 and the first anniversary of the formation of the Association of Atholl Lodges. In the same year, he was elected as Rotary District Governor for Kent and East Sussex. He received the Freedom of the City of London in 1992 for his assistance in setting up Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign for the eradication of polio throughout the world. As his Lodge met only four times each year and he lived in Bexleyheath, he became involved in West Kent Masonic activities. Among his many achievements, he was a founder and second Master of the New Temple Lodge and a founder of the North Kent Masters’ Lodge, the Navigators’ Lodge, the West Kent Wheel of Friendship Lodge and the West Kent Lodge of Charity! He set up the West Kent Lodge of Charity when he was appointed as the Province’s first Charity Steward - with a view to furthering and encouraging Lodges to support Masonic Charities and Festivals. He produced many workshop guides for various Masonic offices, which were used by a number of Provinces. The West Kent Lodge of Charity had seventy-four founders and was to meet only twice a year on a Saturday morning following a breakfast. Bob invited John Grumbridge, former Assistant Provincial Grand Master in East Kent, to attend its meetings to see how the Lodge operated. As a direct result, the Millennium Lodge of Charity No.9730 was set up in East Kent with the same objectives. He received the Invicta Award for his services to Masonry in West Kent. 18
But it was much earlier that he first became involved with East Kent. As his London Lodge had no Chapter, in 1962 he was Exalted into the Per Mare Per Terram Chapter No.3609 at Chatham and was its MEZ in 1976. He was the Chapter’s Treasurer for some seventeen years, and in this time designed an accounting system for attendance and dining that became a Grand Lodge approved system for both Lodge and Chapter Treasurers. Doubtless, he says, it has long disappeared from the scene with the advent of computers! Bob was instrumental in setting up the East Kent Wheel of Friendship Lodge No.9750 and served as its Primus Master in 2001 and 2002. Now living in Hythe, he is a member of both the Prince Edwin Lodge No.125 and the Prince Edwin Chapter No.125. He holds the Rank of Past Grand Standard Bearer in Holy Royal Arch. Believe it or not, despite his heavy involvement in Freemasonry—of which only a small fraction has been covered here—Bob did find time to pursue a career! In 1960, he set up his own insurance business, operating from his home at Bexleyheath. This grew rapidly and, when he sold it on to his employees some twenty-five years later, he had a staff of twenty-nine. The business continued to grow under the new management and it is now part of one of the largest insurance broker groups in the South East.
With his new freedom, for the first time, Bob became a full-time university student at Canterbury Christchurch and, at the age of sixtyfive, obtained an MSc in business administration. He continued to study and qualified as a Psychotherapist and a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Consultant. In those capacities, he worked only on a part-time honorary basis for charities. Although now (sort-of) completely retired, Bob still takes an active part in the Craft, Chapter, Rotary and local charities. He is a member of the Hythe Town Council Dementia Forum team. One final thing: Bob started writing stories about various aspects of his life and set them in a book of forty-seven short stories which went under the title of ‘The Squatters & Others’. He never did publicise it officially, but the proceeds from sales have raised about £1,000 for his local Hospice.
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Here’s Bob in 1990 shortly after his appointment to the active rank of Senior Grand Deacon
FREEMASONS SUPPORT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES West Kent Provincial Grand Master Mark Estaugh and East Kent Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mark Bassant have presented a cheque for £135,000 to Royal British Legion Industries on behalf of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).
Chief Executive Brigadier Steve Sherry and Director of Care & Welfare Will CampbellWroe gave a briefing on the aims and work of the RBLI. It rehabilitates ex-servicemen and women and offers employment opportunities via “Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company”. Said Mark Bassant, “When you add to this happy mix the health and pastoral care that is available on site along with the homes provided, you begin to understand the importance of the work done by these dedicated people. If you have not already been to see this wonderful resource in action, do please go!”. Mark Estaugh added, “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the veterans in the RBLI village to get access to a wide range of activities, helping them keep their independence and improving their quality of life. These are people who have given a tremendous amount to our country and we’re proud to be able to give something back to them.” Thanking the MCF for the grant, Steve said, “With a hundred years’ experience, we have produced a pioneering model of care, which is both cost-effective and replicable, and which can help veterans overcome multiple challenges at once. Our STEP-IN programme tackles the growing demand for integrated care and encompasses health, social care, welfare and employment in one single place to help the country’s most vulnerable veterans turn their lives around more quickly. And this generous gift from the Masonic Charitable Foundation will help us to support more veterans.” 20
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MILITARY JUBILEE LODGE NO.2195 REMEMBERS A HERO Many Lodges and Chapters have had members of distinction – but none more so than the Military Jubilee Lodge No.2195, who can count as one of their forefathers a certain William Traynor, holder of the Victoria Cross. William Bernard Traynor was born in Hull on the 31st December 1870. He joined the West Yorkshire Regiment on the 15th November 1888. Appointed Lance Corporal in October 1896, he became a Corporal in September 1897, and a Sergeant two years later. He went to East India from January 1891 to April 1893, and to South Africa from October 1899 to March 1901. He married Jane Elizabeth Martin on the 12th June 1897 at Hunton, near Maidstone.
It was in South Africa that he gained his Victoria Cross. On the 6th February 1901, at Bothwell Camp, he ran out of a trench to rescue a wounded man. He was wounded himself, and Lance-Corporal W T Lintott came to his aid. Between them they carried their colleague to safety. Though badly wounded, with a splinter in his chest and a bullet in his thigh, Sergeant Traynor remained on duty and continued to encourage his men. So bad was his condition that a telegram was sent to Mrs Traynor, announcing that her husband had been killed in action. She also received a letter from the District Paymaster, a lieutenant Colonel, which read: "Your Husband having been killed in action February the 6th 1901, you are no longer entitled to any further payments from this office. Please return your certificate of identity". That was most certainly not the case: Sergeant Traynor was returned home on the 10th March and discharged as medically unfit for further service on the 29th September. His wounds meant that he could not travel to London to receive his VC from King Edward VII, but instead received it at York in July 1902, from Colonel Edward Stevenson-Browne, himself a VC recipient. In December 2012 his medals were put up for auction at Dix Noonan Webb Ltd, Bolton Street, London. The VC fetched £160,000. William’s other 22
medals were the Queen’s South Africa medal with 6 clasps and the 1937 and 1953 Coronation medals. Purchased by the Ashcroft Trust, they are now displayed in the Imperial War Museum.
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British Honours System. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces. William was initiated into the Military Jubilee Lodge No.2195 in February 1919 and became a founder of the Snar Gate Lodge No.6770 in November 1946. He was the first member of the Military Jubilee Lodge to be honoured with Grand Rank, as a Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer. The Traynors settled in Dover in 1902, William becoming an Orderly Room Clerk with the Royal Artillery. In 1911 they were living at 36 Eaton Road with their sons Francis Bernard R, born in 1899 at Hunton, and who was to die later in 1911, Cecil Robert, born in 1903, twins William Bothwell and Victor Charles, born in 1905, and Eileen May, born in 1910, all in Dover. Another daughter, Alice Kathleen, had been born in 1898 but had died in early 1901. William was by now an army pensioner and Barrack Warden, a job that he held until he retired in 1935. William became a member of the British Legion in Dover and was for ten years Vice Chairman. He served too on Whitfield Parish Council. William died on 20th October 1954, at Buckland Hospital, Dover and is buried in Charlton Cemetery, Dover. William meets Winston Churchill
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T&D LGRA AND OASIS
GORE COURT CHAPTER HOSTS ITS FIRST RED TABLE Chris Sanford reports:
On Saturday the 18th January the historic temple at Albany Road in Sittingbourne was the setting for Gore Court Chapter No.8231’s first Red Table meeting. It was a dismal dark afternoon outside, but a warm friendly welcome greeted us we arrive in the bar for what was going to be an interesting meeting for both the members of Gore Court Chapter and their guests. The Masonic Hall, standing at the junction of the Public Car Park behind the Baptist Church and Albany Road, is a somewhat dour Victorian building – at least, from the outside. Rebuilt from a former stable and consecrated in 1889 by the Provincial Grand Master of Kent, Lord Amherst, it has a Masonic Temple on the first floor and a Function Hall with Bar, a small comfortable Room for smaller functions and meetings and a small Kitchen, with car parking at the front. The oldest Lodge meeting at the Hall is St. Michael's No.1273, formed in 1869. Our hosts today were a young dynamic Chapter, Gore Court, only consecrated in 1999 and still having the luxury of Founder members alive, whom later we would toast.
Our picture shows Bob Dew presenting Loukia Michael, Fundraising Manager for OASIS Domestic Abuse Service, with a cheque for £600 on behalf of the Thanet District London Grand Rank Association of Freemasons. OASIS began with a group of dedicated volunteers in 1994 and has been supporting people affected by abuse ever since. Also pictured (right) is Pat Dew who has been supporting OASIS for many years and encouraging her local community to do so as well.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic forced the Union Lodge No.127 to cancel a fund-raising ‘Fashion Show’ planned for 7th March, the proceeds from which were intended to go to OASIS. No doubt the Lodge will be exploring other initiatives to raise the money.
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The Chapter meeting was opened on time and the small amount of business was dealt with brilliantly by two acting officers, Mike Balkwell as Scribe E and a relatively unknown Companion (!), a certain Mark Bassant, as DC.
Red Table meeting. The Principals started the meeting by explaining whom they represented and the role of each position. This were followed by a brief explanation by Scribe Ezra, Scribe Nehemiah and the Principal Sojourner.
The Principals closed the Chapter and returned to the bar; all still dressed in their Chapter aprons. There were met by four very keen Brethren from different Lodges who were chatting to John Baker the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal and Roger Croucher past 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, who had kindly stayed in the bar to greet the brethren on their arrival.
The main part of the meeting was then taken up by Roger Croucher’s explanation of the History of The Holy Royal Arch and its relationship to Craft Masonry. John Baker continued this theme bringing us to the present day and expanding on the close relationship Chapter had with the Craft, “the indissoluble link”, the reasons we wore Chapter jewels at a Craft meeting and what those jewels meant. The Red Table meeting finished with a question and answer session where the visiting brethren asked some interesting questions which John and Roger answered with candour.
John and Roger, now in their Grand Officer’s regalia, entered the Temple with the brethren to start the second part of the 25
PENTANGLE CHAPTER: A FARCE! Pentangle Chapter opened its account in supporting the 2025 Festival by staging a successful charity event at the Medway Little Theatre in Rochester. Eighty-five supporters of Pentangle Chapter, including the Provincial Grand Charity Steward John Gallagher and his wife, gathered The play is a classic Whitehall type farce with lots of doors and running around. It is set in the castle of the strange Lord Elrood. Chester Dreadnought bluffs his way into the crumbling stately home of the impecunious aristocratic family, and even a triggerhappy belted Earl suffering from hallucinations cannot keep at bay the enterprising pair of jewel thieves who are pursuing their loot - not to mention Chester - around the castle. Suits of armour and secret doors, mistaken identities and dotty servants all help to provide the variety of fare that goes to the making of this wild goose chase.
The evening was sponsored by Captivate and Educate Limited, who specialise in sourcing and developing projects for entertainment and media. They funded the theatre, allowing all seats to be sold for the benefit of the Festival. The Chapter also ran a raffle during the evening and with some additional donations raised ÂŁ1200. Pentangle would like to thank its Companions and supporters for all their help, and hope everybody attending had a wonderful evening. 26
DOVER MASONS RIDE TO THE RESCUE One of the much loved and respected waitresses at the Dover Masonic Centre and at other Centres, Frances (Fran) Read, recently experienced the trauma of having her sole means of transport stolen. This was particularly problematic for Fran as she lives in a rural area of Dover and relies on her trusted motorcycle to get her to work. Her husband is disabled, so Fran is the sole breadwinner for the family and is absolutely dependent on her scooter, the theft of which left her completely isolated. Aware of her plight, many individual Masons, Lodges and Chapters at the Dover Centre donated a total of £2,150 in just over one week to replace her scooter—and in the process managed also to negotiate a sizeable discount with the local dealer who was aware of the background to this good deed. Additional security arrangements have been made at Fran’s home to try to ensure the safety of her new scooter . As you can imagine “our Fran” is a very happy lady and very grateful to her Masonic friends.
“ I was so upset when my motorcycle was stolen, but imagine my surprise when I was told the members of Dover lodges had clubbed to gather to buy a replacement, Freemasons are truly wonderful in helping someone in need, thank you all so much.” Working together is a powerful tool, especially during the present pandemic.
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EAST KENT PROVINCIAL GRAND STEWARDS Chris Sanford reports: Some forty years after it was consecrated, the East Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter No.5866 has finally received its Banner. It was presented to a “full house” at a special dedication ceremony at the prestigious Temple at Canterbury on the 28th January. The East Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter was constituted and consecrated in 1979 with nineteen Founders. It was one of the first two Chapters to be consecrated in the newly formed East Kent Province: the other was the Commemoration Chapter of East Kent Principals No.5329. The Primus First Principal was the late Roly Spiller, a stalwart of Belvidere Chapter No.503 and an eminent masonic historian. The Provincial Grand Superintendent at the time was the second Baron Cornwallis.
Banners, also called standards or ensigns, have been used throughout history to establish a sense of identity and provide a focus for all those who range under them. In Masonry banners have always been an integral part of the furnishing and equipment of Masonic units. In Craft Masonry, Lodges, Provinces, Districts and of course Grand Lodge have all felt it necessary to have their own banner to mark their identity within the fraternity; but in Royal Arch (Chapter) Masonry banners and ensigns have an additional, very significant and important purpose. The East Kent Provincial Grand Stewards’ new banner depicts a cornucopia overflowing with fruit, contained within the sacred delta and adorned with the triple tau, all surmounted by Invicta. The word cornucopia is from the Latin ’cornu copiae’ which translates as ‘Horn of Plenty’. It has been the style of a Grand Steward’s Jewel since 1835 and, is duplicated on a Steward’s Apron. The Triple Tau is set within a triangle, representing the Sacred Delta, which in turn is set within a circle, representing eternity: for, as the circle is without beginning or end, it may justly be deemed emblematic of God, who is without beginning of days and end of years. Invicta, the motto of Kent since the invasion of England by William the Conqueror, means ‘unconquered’ and provides a direct link with our Province. 28
CHAPTER WAITS 40 YEARS FOR ITS BANNER The banner is vibrant and colourful and seems well suited to the Chapter. Companions will now have a focal point to rally to and to work behind. The banner will be a constant reminder to them of the dedication of their Founders and their wisdom in creating the Chapter. The dedication ceremony continued with the entry of the banner escorted by the Chapter Sojourners and with a further hymn and prayers by the 3rd Provincial Grand Principal. The banner was then presented ceremonially to the MEZ (Head) of the Chapter, Deputy Grand Superintendent David Kershaw, by the 2nd and 3rd Provincial Grand Principals, Clive Manuel and John Baker. The ceremony concluded with an address by the MEZ. “May this banner ever serve as a physical emblem of Faith in the Most High Unity in our conduct with all mankind and Zeal to perpetuate the principals of our Order.�
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A WOMAN IN FREEMASONRY The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Freemasons was founded in 1908 and became an exclusively female organisation in 1935. It is run largely on the same principles as those applied by the United Grand Lodge of England, and many Freemasons in East Kent have wives or partners who are members of the HFAF. Here, Sandra Matthews gives us a flavour of what it is like to be a Woman in Freemasonry.
My Mother and Father-in-Law were both very active Freemasons, In the early 1980’s my Mother-in-law invited me to become a member of her Lodge, in which I knew several of the members. Unfortunately, my Mother-in-Law died quite suddenly in January 1982, so I abandoned any thought of becoming a Woman Freemason.
other Brethren, I was delighted to be appointed as Inner Guard, which I served for two years. I then served two years as Junior Warden and then was promoted to Senior Warden. In our Fraternity, as an officer of the Installed Masters Lodge, you are required to attend as many Installation meetings as possible, and to assume the Installing Officers’ positions. In 2015 I was invited to be involved in the consecration of the first ever Freemasons Lodge for Women in India. Twenty women and two of our husbands flew to Delhi . We Initiated, Passed and Raised twenty Indian Women, consecrated the Lodge and held an installation meeting, all in ten Days. It was the most extraordinary experience.
Much later, having met several Women Freemasons, and having retired from work, I began again to show interest in Freemasonry. My husband encouraged me to consider joining. There are two separate Orders in Women’s Freemasonry. I was invited to both, and opted to join the Honorable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons— which coincidentally was the order of which my Mother-in-Law was a member.
In December 2018 I attended the meeting of Grand Lodge, and was sitting quietly, when I heard my name being called out by the Most Worshipful The Grand Master. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement! I was escorted to the Master’s Pedestal and the Grand Master appointed me to London Grand Rank, as a personal gift from her. I was absolutely flabbergasted, but of course very pleased and proud that my hard work had been noticed.
I was initiated into the Rising Star Lodge No.38 in 2006, and duly Passed and Raised in 2008. At that time I only wanted to sit on the “sidelines” and enjoy the companionship: however, quite soon after, I mentioned to my husband that I thought that I could probably do the Inner Guard’s job. Encouraged by him, I did—and then worked my way through the offices and was installed into the Master’s Chair in 2013. I served two years as Master, and during that time joined the Installed Masters Lodge.
I was invited to be involved in the consecration of the first Regular Women’s Freemasons Lodge in America, in Washington D.C. I was given the honour of being the Senior Warden in the consecration of this new Lodge. In May 2019 I was once again installed into the Masters Chair of the Rising Star Lodge No.38.
I was welcomed and received much encouragement and support from the Grand Officers and
I have also joined The Holy Royal Arch, and am currently progressing towards the MEZ’s Chair, 30
One of the highlights of my Masonic career was being invited by the Master of Belvidere Lodge No.503 (the Lodge of which my husband is the Secretary) to give a talk on Women’s Freemasonry at their White Table Meeting:. This meant carrying out quite a lot of research into both Fraternities in Women’s Freemasonry!
Reflecting on the Ceremony, Adam said, “To have my Grandfather bring me into Masonry and perform the Initiation Ceremony was a great and emotional moment for me, but to have the experience of him installing me into the chair of King Solomon - I find it difficult to put into words how proud I felt and how much it meant to us both. It was an occasion I will remember for the rest of my life.” He felt very honoured and lucky to be the Worshipful Master in the centenary year of The Athelstan Lodge. The support he had received from the officers and members of the Lodge was making his year so very enjoyable.
I have found that being a Woman Freemason has been a wonderful experience. I have received so much Fraternal Love and encouragement from every level in our organization, from the members of my Lodge, all the Grand Officers, right up to the Grand Master herself. They have all been so very kind to me , and have helped me in every step along my Masonic journey. I am delighted to be able to pass my story on to the newer brethren in my Lodge and to any aspiring officers and Masters in the Lodges that I visit.
The Lodge received its Centenary Warrant in March. It was consecrated in 1919 at the Drill Hall, Faversham, the Founding Master being John William Elvin. The May meeting this year was scheduled to be a Centenary celebration, with Provincial Grand Master Neil Johnstone and other senior Masons due to attend, but this of course has had to be postponed.
Also at the May meeting, another landmark was to have been celebrated – sixty years in Freemasonry for Andrew Osborne BEM, who had himself been Master of Athelstan at its fiftieth anniversary in 1969! Andrew was born on the 10th March 1931 at the Vicarage of St. John the Evangelist, Brents, Faversham. Educated at Sir Roger Manwoods School, Sandwich, he trained at Canterbury College of Art School of Architecture and was elected ARIBA in 1956. Following National Service in the Corps of Royal Engineers he resumed his career in architecture, and from 1974 to 1987 was Deputy Planning Officer for Maidstone Borough Council. He served as an Independent Member of Faversham borough Council and then the Town Council for many years, was Mayor in 1987-88 and was granted honorary freedom of the town in 2018. In 2013 he was awarded the British Empire Medal by the Queen for services to social housing and the community. Andrew is married and has three children.
A TRIPLE FOR ATHELSTAN Beat this: Grandfather installs grandson; Lodge celebrates its Centenary; Master of fifty years ago completes sixty years in Freemasonry. What a year for Athelstan Lodge No.4024! It all began on the 20th January. With the permission of the outgoing Master George Prosser, Trevor Foster, a Past Master of the Lodge, installed his own grandson Adam into the Chair of King Solomon. Representing the PGM was John Baker.
L-R: John Baker, Adam Foster, Trevor Foster, George Prosser 31
DOVER CASTLE GIFTS £2000 TO RNLI AND PILGRIMS HOSPICE Following his successful year as Master of the Dover Castle Lodge No.7202, Gary Marsh and his wife Jane hosted a White Table event at the Masonic Hall in Snargate Street, Dover on Friday 28th February. There were more than sixty members, their partners and guests attending.
White Table events are a great opportunity for non-Masons to come along and learn a bit more about Freemasonry. Dover Castle obviously succeeded, for the Lodge now has two new applications for membership, one from a guest in his mid-twenties. Gary and Jane had other aspirations too. They had raised £2000 from social events during Gary’s year, and were delighted to present cheques for £1000 to Karen Kenward of the Pilgrims Hospice and Andy Milton of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Dover. The Pilgrims Hospice team works with patients to help manage their symptoms, support them to cope with the changes in their lives, and give practical advice and help them to think about the future.
Karen Kenward receives the cheque from Gary Marsh
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Dover lifeboat helps to safeguard the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Lifeboat crews
provide a twenty-four-hour rescue service. As an Engineer with P&O, Gary naturally has an affinity with the RNLI.
Andy Milton receives the cheque from Gary Marsh
There were over 60 in attendance at Dover Castle lodge for the event which also succeeded in recruiting two expressions of interest to join the Freemasons, including one for the Lady Masons as well.
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opened. The EDC then requests admission and, when inside, salutes the Master and announces that the VIP is outside and demands When the THE ROLE OF THE EDC admission. The Master invariably acquiesces Provincial (he is obliged to!) and the EDC asks his permisGrand Master, his Deputy or one of his Assission to form a Deputation to escort the VIP intants (often known colloquially as “chains”) to the Lodge. The EDC assembles the Lodge makes an Official Visit to a Lodge, he is accommembers who are to form part of a receiving panied by a Director of Ceremonies. The PGM Deputation, takes them outside and with the himself is usually accompanied by the ProvinLodge DC’s help introduces them to the VIP. cial Grand Director of Ceremonies or one of his Next, the EDC forms up the full Deputation in a Deputies, but other “chains” are often accompredetermined order and they proceed into panied by an Escorting Director of Ceremonies the Lodge, lining up in two columns facing the (EDC). Master. The EDC announces the VIP, who saOfficial Visits are planned many months in ad- lutes and then walks between the columns to vance. Deputy Provincial Grand Master Peter the Master’s chair, the other brethren in the Williams assigns the “chains” (VIPs) to the Lodge applauding as he does so. meetings, and the Provincial GDC or one of his What happens next depends on the VIP! The Deputies assigns the EDCs. Province allocates Master offers the gavel: some VIPs decline it a number of active Provincial officers to the with thanks, while others exercise their right Escorting Team and notifies the Lodge Secreand take over the running of the Lodge for tary a few weeks before the Visit. The EDC whatever period suits them. contacts the Lodge Secretary and discusses the The EDC dismisses the Deputation and the general arrangements with him and with the members take their seats in the Lodge. Lodge DC. Often the EDC will attend a Lodge
Your Editor recalls how it was in his day— not so long ago!
of Instruction and go through the procedures with the brethren. A few days before the Visit, the EDC sends a briefing note to the VIP. The briefing note states the business to be performed at the Lodge Meeting, the time the meeting starts, whether a parking space has been reserved for the VIP, and any other information such as special Lodge customs and practices that the VIP ought to be aware of.
If there is a Long Service Certificate to be presented, the EDC will read out the Citation on the Certificate and then hand it to the VIP for presentation to the recipient.
At the end of the meeting, the VIP will close the Volume of the Sacred Law and the EDC will supervise the parading out.
Is the EDC’s job done? Not quite! He is nominally in charge at the Festive Board, but must of course respect the customs of the Lodge and On the day of the Visit, the EDC arrives in good not try to run it his way. He has to ensure that the VIP is well provided for at the Festive Board time and checks that everything is in order. and that it finishes in good time. Tact and diHe, the VIP and the Escorting Team wait outplomacy on all sides are handy attributes here! side the Lodge door while the Lodge is 34
WEDDING SECRETS Charles Pottle (pictured, with the buttonhole), member of the Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.5866 and the Simon Langton Lodge No.7586 of Canterbury, married Elizabeth at St Andrew’s Church, Shepherdswell, on the 21st December last. What secrets are he and the well-wishers locking up in the repository of their hearts, safe from the attacks of the insidious? We shall never know!
[Photo: Richard Wingett]
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A NEW GENERATION OF AFRICAN SURGEONS WILL BE TRAINED THANKS TO £50,000 DONATED BY EAST KENT FREEMASONS Thousands of seriously ill people across Africa who have no access to surgeons will now be treated, thanks to a major new surgical training programme partfunded by East Kent Freemasons. According to figures from the World Bank, more than ninety per cent of the 1.2 billion people living in Africa do not have access to safe and affordable surgery, resulting in an estimated seventeen million deaths every year.
Professor Lane said, “We’re really grateful for this generous grant from the Freemasons. We’re already liaising with the West African College of Surgeons to discover where the need is greatest: this new funding will allow us to start planning the first part of the training programme. Thanks to the Freemasons we’re going to be able to help save many lives across the region.” Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, added, “We are optimistic that this donation will help the surgeons to improve their knowledge and enable them to take care of the largest number of people. It’s critically important that new African surgeons and nurses are trained, and this programme is an excellent start”.
The £50,000 donated by the Province will go towards developing the next generation of young surgeons in Africa, giving them access to the latest life-saving techniques that are common in the UK but not taught in Africa. The training courses, held in Nigeria – at around 200 million the most populous country in Africa – are being led by Professor Robert Lane, President of the International Federation of Surgical Colleges, supported by a dedicated volunteer team of surgeons. 36
CEKFC HELPS 14-YEAR-OLD ED Fourteen-year-old Ed Croucher has become one of the youngest players to appear in wheelchair rugby’s top flight. Ed (on the left in this picture) debuted for the Hellfire Wheelchair Club, Canterbury, at the opening weekend of the GBWR league 1 season at Leicester last autumn. After playing against the West Country Hawks, Ed got the news that he had passed the official classification process successfully. The Cornwallis Charity feels that Wheelchair rugby, a team sport played by athletes with a physical disability, deserved its support. The PGM gave the Club a cheque for £5,200 at his Charity Awards Presentation event.
Wheelchair rugby is a sport like no other and has elements from several different sports including Basketball, Handball and Ice Hockey. It is a contact sport. Physical contact between rugby chairs is an integral part of the game. It is played by two teams of up to twelve players but only four players from each team may be on court at any time. It is a mixed-gender sport: male and female athletes play on the same teams. Ed had been playing rugby with the team for about eighteen months. He was invited to undergo the classification process that all athletes must complete before playing competitive league games. Whilst in Leicester he made his debut in the senior side, making him the youngest player to play for Canterbury and one of the youngest to play in League 1 in the National League.
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The CEKFC logo on the chair’s wheels
DAVID GRAEME MOVES ON Five years ago, David Graeme zoomed on to the scene as a newly-appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Fellow APGM Richard Wingett cornered him the other day, just before David’s five-year term comes to an end, and asked him some questions about his time
in office: David, as an Assistant Provincial Grand Master (APGM), sadly you will be handing over the reins very shortly to your successor. Can you recall what it was like when you were first appointed? Like most members of the Province I would never have believed that I was destined to become an APGM. When the then PGM, RW Bro Geoffrey Dearing, invited me to lunch I thought that he had become delusional when he suggested that this was a possibility. I hadn’t realised just how empty the barrel had become at that time. [! Ed.] I did not have an inkling that I was being looked at for some form of preferment. The actual ceremony was quite surreal as I had to make a confession that it was the first Provincial meeting that I had ever attended. I had no idea what went on at them. I now kick myself as they are definitely the highlight of the year and I would recommend anyone who hasn’t been to go and watch the pomp and ceremony. It’s a great event.
Down to business, I was surprised just how much work goes on in the background to keep the Province ticking over. The Executive members are a hard working bunch and run a good ship. It surprised me to see L-R: Deputy PGM Peter Williams and APGMs David Graeme how hands on they all are. The office team and Mark Bassant at 2019’s Provincial Grand Lodge meeting. [Photo: Peter Floyd] are all volunteers and do a sterling job. The Director of Ceremonies and his team deal with all ceremonial matters and, they too, are excellent; likewise with the various other teams and committees throughout the Province. 38
As an APGM, you are assigned a particular portfolio: what was yours and what challenges did you face? The portfolio I took over from VW Bro Peter Williams was Membership which consisted then of Membership, Events Team, Retention, Almoner and Mentor. Probably the biggest workload of the lot and certainly, in my opinion, the most important. At the time I started, membership appeared to be in terminal decline and we needed to stop the haemorrhaging. Huge numbers of initiates were resigning before they even received their Grand Lodge Certificate, for whatever reason. It has been a long road but this situation has massively improved. The team has been superb and deserve great credit. Do you think that you have made a difference? Absolutely. Statistics prove (yes, I know one can make statistics prove anything) that the decline has been halted to such a degree that we are very close to being in positive territory. I wish W Bro Mark Costelloe every success when he takes on the role as APGM, a very well deserved and popular appointment. As we are in some very challenging times with Covid19 I am sure that Mark will have some equally, if not more, difficult decisions to make and I am sure that we will all be happy to return to Freemasonry reinvigorated when the green light goes on. I know that members are happier that the Executive are much more approachable. I, for one, enjoyed enormously every official visit that I made. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet all the newer members and to use them as a barometer to see whether we had got our approach right or not. Continued overleaf 39
What have been the highlights for you in general? Working with all the teams. The Province has an amazing amount of talent at its fingertips and it has been an absolute privilege to be surrounded by good people, all with a common cause. There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t been impressed by the thoughtfulness and kindness by everyone I meet. Freemasonry is truly a wonderful organisation to belong to and I am very proud to be a member of it. As an APGM, you have been to many meetings across the Province in your official capacity. How would you rate this experience? Visiting has always been a delight for me and I regularly recommend it to lodge members. It has been a privilege for me to attend other Provinces in an official capacity and I have never been disappointed. As a shrinking violet, I wondered how I would approach the visits to lodges but as far as visiting Lodges as a “chain”, I cannot thank everyone enough for the warmth and kindness I have received. For me, interacting with all the members has been a marvellous experience. I have never felt uncomfortable at any meeting and always left with a good feeling in my heart. The world and Freemasonry has changed very dramatically over the last five years. As you leave office, what advice would you give to people? Go out and enjoy your Freemasonry. Have fun where you can, but always uphold the standard of the ritual where possible. My father always told me to “enjoy, not endure” and I feel as though I have taken him at his word. If you all have half as much fun as I have had over the years you’ll have a great time. Above all, at this time, keep safe and well. You’ve put in a lot of hard work over the last five years in supporting the Province: will you now be hanging up your boots and having a well-earned rest or will you carry on working? I don’t feel ready to hang up the old sea boots yet. I look forward very much to acting as a Representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master at Installation meetings and, perhaps, presenting some Long Service Certificates. In addition, and very surprisingly, I have just been honoured with Grand Rank in the Holy Royal Arch so, hopefully, I shall be called upon to act as Representative of the Grand Superintendent in the future. I shall also be on hand to assist our new APGM and properly hand over the reins when we are able. Of course, I shall miss the job but I am sure that I will be occupied in some way in the future.
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Vulnerable young people will get mentoring and support thanks to £89,000 grant from East Kent Freemasons Hundreds of vulnerable children and young people, many in care or in trouble with the law, will gain access to a programme of mentoring and support to help them turn their lives around, following a grant from East Kent Freemasons to the Young Lives Foundation (YLF). The £89,000 grant will help develop activities in both Swale and Gravesham, where YLF will deliver a programme of sports, arts, music, drama and occasional field trips to residential centres offering skill-based activities such as water sports, climbing and camping.
There was a sixty per cent increase in referrals to the YLF last year following cuts in funding by local authorities, and more than 700 youth centres have been closed since 2010. YLF intend to respond by opening a youth hub in each of the thirteen districts in Kent, providing a safe space for young people to meet, make the right friendships, learn new hobbies and interests, and build valuable relationships with our skilled volunteer mentors. The cuts coincide with the rise of the so called “county lines” drug gangs which target young
people and follow a 152 per cent increase in knife crime between 2010 and 2018. YLF currently work with 1,500 young people in the Kent care system and wish to make the services available to more than 1,700 young people in care who are placed in Kent from other local authorities. They also work with 8,000 young people on the edge of care. There are over 70,000 in the care system nationally, with Kent having the largest number per head. The results of the YLF projects are very encouraging, with 81 per cent of young people in the
programmes reporting an increase in self-confidence, which is crucial for young people seeking to change their behaviour. The grant from Kent Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), which is of course funded by Freemasons in the Province via the 2025 Festival. Stephen Gray, Chief Executive of the Young Lives Foundation, said:
“I’m very grateful to Kent Freemasons for their generous grant, which adds to substantial support we’ve already received from individual Freemasons’ lodges. We’re also grateful to the many Freemasons who volunteer their free time to help us. Thanks to them we’ll be able to offer many more very vulnerable young people the advice and support they need to turn their lives around.” Neil Hamilton Johnstone, Provincial Grand Master, said:
“we are really pleased we’ve been able to help the Young Lives Foundation with their hugely important work. YLF provide positive role models and practical advice and support that can have a huge impact in helping vulnerable young people to stay out of trouble.”
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ABOMINABLY USEFUL!
The Yeti or Abominable Snowman is a folkloric ape-like creature taller than an average human, that is said to inhabit the Himalayan mountains.
The Yeti Tablet, on the other hand, is a huge interactive smartboard that inhabits houses, learning centres and retirement homes. And you can find one at the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution’s Prince George Duke of Kent Court residential care home at Chislehurst.
Funded jointly by the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, the Province of West Kent and the Metropolitan Masonic Charity, the Tablet has already proved itself to be an excellent addition to the facilities for residents. David Barber, Chairman of the Association of Friends at the Duke of Kent Court, Chislehurst, writes: “The Yeti tablet has been a brilliant investment; it has been used effectively as part of the news group every Friday morning. The Yeti has provided hours of interactive stimulation for residents, with visual prompts for reminiscence sessions and great access to a variety of music in an instant.
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“This has allowed us to reduce the quantity of outside bookings and we have been able to book different stimulating activities such as therapy animals. The Yeti can be used by individuals or groups of residents. We can also use it for end of life care and for those residents who are nursed in bed. Indeed, it has even encouraged some previously bed bound residents to become more active and take part in group activities which would otherwise not be available to them. “I will be using the Yeti tablet to recreate a service we have previously paid £120 a month for; this will be a musical therapy session with visual prompts. We will also be making connections with the home in Watford that also have a Yeti tablet to share some ideas.
The possibilities are endless.”
To see a short video about the Yeti Tablet, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=OzA-5OK3DFU
Martin Ransom presenting the cheque from the CEKFC to David Barber at the Duke of Kent Court’s Christmas Fair
To find out more about how the Home is using the Yeti, click on this link: https://healthcarebusiness.co.uk/chislehurst-care-home-residents-among-first-in-thecountry-to-try-cutting-edge-technology/
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FOCUS ON PETER FLOYD Jump to the very end of this magazine and you’ll find details of the Province’s Communications Team – including one Peter John Floyd. Peter joined us last year as Photographics Manager. You will find his photos of masonic events popping up all over the place, including on our Provincial website, on Facebook and in The Provincial magazine.
Peter’s interest in photography began when his parents gave him a Kodak Brownie camera as a birthday present when he was about ten. His father taught him how to develop and print pictures: he can still remember the magic of seeing an image materialise in the developing tray. Using his parents’ bathroom as a makeshift darkroom wasn’t such a good idea – but needs must. A migration to the attic quickly followed, where he was able to build a permanent darkroom and work without interruption. 44
Over time, he added to his collection of photographic equipment with the purchase of a second-hand Russian SLR camera and an enlarger. However, his ambitions were severely restricted by the amount of pocket money he received. He started entering competitions, and occasionally was lucky enough to win an item of photographic gear.
Photography continued to interest Peter during adulthood, but only as a hobby. In business he established his own electronics company and took out a number of patents.
In 2004 he decided a change of direction was needed. He sold his company and set up in wedding photography, which he did for the next fifteen years.
He diversified and began to cover portraiture, event photography and corporate photography. On one occasion, he says, he was asked to photograph hundreds of bottles of wine for an online supplier – but, sadly, never got to sample any.
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Peter has been taking photos of masonic events for some time and last year was invited to join the Province’s Communications Team as Photographics Manager.
The Provincial Grand Lodge meeting at the Winter Gardens, Margate, April 2019
He plans to run occasional seminars for those who would like to improve their photographic skills. He is more than happy to receive email questions from budding photographers regarding technical questions and will do his very best to answer them. Please email your questions to him at: peterfloyd.photography@gmail.com
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PENTANGLE AND A TRIPLE PASSING History was made on Friday 14th February when Pentangle Lodge No.1174 performed a triple Second Degree ceremony. The Lodge was consecrated 153 years ago. It has no record of a triple of any ceremony, so this was a unique occasion. Pentangle is one of two University Lodges in the Province (the other is St Augustine). In the nine years since it acquired that status there has been a steady flow of university students in and out. Both Lodges initiate, pass and raise Brethren while they are at University. On completion of their studies, many move on to take employment elsewhere and expand their Masonic careers by joining Lodges in their new localities. It is a challenge – albeit a pleasant one – for the University Lodges to provide enough ceremonies for both student and non-student Candidates. Therefore, this year Pentangle decided to do a triple passing. To add to the occasion, Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Graeme would be attending on an official visit. All went very well. David took the gavel, as he often does on such visits, and went as far as opening in the Second Degree before handing back to Pentangle’s Master Bob Cannell to do the triple Passing. The three Brethren who were Passed, Bros Ben Haigh, Keith Aggett and Dave Goodyer, one a student member and the others ordinary members, obviously didn’t know they were taking part in a piece of Pentangle history. They conducted themselves well. The Festive Board was a joy. APGM David Graeme praised everyone, saying, “The standard of ritual throughout was extremely high especially as you do not hold Lodge of Instruction”.
Next up: five Fellowcrafts to raise!
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LAUGHTER AND FUN AT FREDDIE STARR TRIBUTE LUNCHEON
The London Marriott Regents Park Hotel was filled with the sound of laughter last December as guests were entertained with videos and personal tributes to the legendary comedian, impersonator, actor and singer, Freddie Starr. Organised by The Forget-Me-Not Society and hosted by the Province of East Kent,
the special memorial luncheon was attended by wealth of celebrities and members of the ‘showbiz’ community including EastEnders’ star Danny Walters, Jim Davidson OBE, Jess Conrad OBE, Patti Boulaye OBE, PJ Proby, Anita Harris and Duncan Nouvelle as well as eminent Freemasons. The event began with a champagne reception providing guests with a great opportunity to socialise with fellow ‘Freddie’ enthusiasts, mingle with the many celebrities as well as lots of ‘selfie’ photos. At 12.30pm everyone was ushered through to the main room where diners enjoyed a three-course lunch interspersed with video clips of Freddie’s many live shows and TV performances. Compèred by actor and Sixties heart-throb Jess Conrad OBE, the tributes began with comedian Jim Davidson OBE (above) being invited to take to the stage. His recollection of personal stories and memories of the zany, ‘one of a kind’ showman had the audience roaring with laughter. Concluding with a standing ovation, Jim was followed by fellow comedian, Duncan ‘Chase Me’ Norvelle, songstress Patti Boulaye as well as actress Anita Harris (pictured above with Jess). 48
The personal tributes concluded with Mark Bassant, Assistant Provincial Grant Master at Province of East Kent Freemasons presenting a beautiful glass plaque to commemorate the day to Laura Holland, organiser at the Freddie Starr Worldwide Fan Club.
As well as celebrating the life and talent of departed celebrities and other famous people who have made significant contributions to their respective professions, The Forget-Me -Not Society aims to help generate funds for the East Kent Freemasons 2025 Festival which has a target of £3.5 million to be donated to the Masonic Charitable Foundation. As part of the fundraising during the day, there was a silent auction offering guests the opportunity to bid for a wide range of unique experiences and gifts. The raffle also generated considerable interest with most attendees ‘trying their luck’ with a purchase of at least one strip of numbers! Singer, Patti Boulaye OBE, kindly arranged for her raffle prize of a bottle of whiskey to be signed by various celebrities. Lord Rose (pictured right) then hosted a spontaneous auction with the winning bid being made by Garry Cowans of Union Lodge No.127, Margate.
The proceedings concluded with dancing to the wonderful sounds of Renee and the Big River Band - and even ‘Elvis’ made an appearance! Headed by Lord Martyn Rose and David King MBE, the Forget-Me-Not Society is sponsored by The Patriot Group whose support is invaluable in making each event such a great success.
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THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM The East Kent Province’s Communications Team, headed by Richard Wingett, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, is here to help keep you informed about activities and events in the Province and to facilitate effective communication between Lodges, Chapters and the general public.
Website and Mailing Services Manager
Paul Gear
eastkentweb2@gmail.com
Press and Media Manager
Phil Heath
media@eastkentfreemasons.org
Social Media Manager
Matt Jury
mattdjury@msn.com
Provincial and Editorial Manager
John Ray
editor@theprovincial.org
Education Manager*:
Graham Chisnell
31lodge@gmail.com
Photographics Manager
Peter Floyd
pjfloyd4501@googlemail.com
Mark Ravenwood
mravenwood1982@gmail.com
* in conjunction with APGM David Alexander
And finally, Brethren and Companions: a reminder that the members-only portal “Your Province” – a.k.a. YP2 – is the principal source of information for all Craft and Royal Arch Freemasons in East Kent. This secure website is full of interesting material that will support all Master Masons and Companions irrespective of experience or rank. To register, please follow the link https://yourprovince.org/yp2
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