Provincial Light Magazine - Summer Edition 2020 by EastKentFreemasons

SUMMER 2020 ISSUE

Shining on through

EDITORIAL Welcome to Issue 4 of The Provincial Lite. You don’t need me to tell you how challenging the last few months have been. We are all involved, all affected, and we all have our share of stories to tell, some incredibly sad, some warm and uplifting. You might think that the Province has been having a quiet time during lockdown. Subject

Page

Not a bit of it!

Message from the PGM

Letters of Thanks

Charlie and the Chocolates

Importance of MCF and 2025 Festival

Tablets to Hospitals

Other Group Donations

Desert Island Discs with David Graeme

Masonic Etiquette

All change in East Kent Holy Royal Arch

What Did You Do in the War, Dad?

Thanet Disabled Riding Centre

SE Dog Rescue

3D printers make visors for Bearsted

A New Era Lodge Family in Need

Food for Food Banks

Feature: David Kershaw

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support thanks

Laptops for Harmonia Village

Feature: Andy Stevens

What’s in a Name? Lodges A-E

Doug Moutrie’s Century

Freemasonry in World War Two

Sam Researches Motor Neurone Disease

Chernobyl Children : Update

How to Access Social Media

Ron Martin: Sixty Years in the Craft

East Kent Masonic Golf Event: pictures

Now and Then: Your Selfies Required!

Provincial Challenge Cup news

Your Communications Team

John Ray

How to contact us

Email: editor@theprovincial.org

There has been so much for us do in the realms of charity. Our Provincial Grand Master Neil Johnstone has been using an Emergency Fund within the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons’ Charity (CEKFC); Lodges and Chapters have been extremely active in their local communities; and the Masonic Charitable Foundation — OUR MCF — has issued scores of Grants to charities and other local causes in our Province put forward by our eight Group Chairmen. You can read about it in this issue. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Andy Stevens tells us what it’s like to be in the hot seat. Lodges and Chapters have been finding new and entertaining ways of keeping in touch, discovering the delights of group get-togethers on Skype, WhatsApp and — the new kid on the block — Zoom. We’ve got a simple Guide to using them. We’ve even had an online “Desert Island Discs” hosted by the Light Blues with our very own David Graeme. It’s all here in the magazine—and much, much more. Happy reading — and, as always, keep on shining through!

Brethren and Companions: It will have come as very welcome news to us all that the suspension of Masonic meetings will come to an end on 17th July which is a very positive step forward. In practice, however, this is very much the first of many steps to resuming our Craft and Chapter meetings. For our Centre managements and caterers in particular there is much to do in preparing to open the doors and even then we will be limited in how we can proceed with meetings. DCs, Secretaries, ScribesE and all who make our meetings tick are also facing challenges which I am confident they will respond to positively. Every support is being given to the Centres to achieve the end goal as soon as reasonably practicable but it is imperative that we take the necessary time to reopen so that our meetings can be held safe in the knowledge that everything is “COVID secure”. On a Province-wide basis, since we entered the period of suspension and “lockdown”, the Provincial Co-ordination Group has been doing exactly what it was set up for - co-ordinating the myriad of tasks involved in our charitable and community response as well as administering the substantial grants from the MCF. This is all activity additional to the normal operations of and within the Province, of course. I really have been most impressed and somewhat humbled to see such a willing, effective and enthusiastic response to these difficult times by our Lodges, Chapters and individual members. We should all be immensely proud of the amount that has been achieved in the name of Freemasonry, the positive impact it has had on so many, and the long term benefits that it has brought and will continue to bring. I can only say thank you to everyone who has worked so tirelessly during this pandemic, which has certainly brought Freemasonry to the attention of a lot of grateful people. Finally, I am sure you will enjoy reading The Provincial Lite as much as I do. It is one of the very effective ways of communicating good news and interesting events to our members. So I do thank the editorial staff for the professional way in which the articles are researched and written and for such a quality online publication. Brethren and Companions, stay safe and stay in touch, remain positive and I wish you and your families well. Neil Hamilton Johnstone Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent 3

Here are just a few of the many letters of thanks the Province has received in recent weeks in response to our initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Group Chairmen, MCF, Masons and Companions: take a bow!

Staff in the Intensive care unit at William Harvey Hospital received a treat for the Easter weekend: over £350 worth of Easter Eggs, delivered by Charlie Miller on behalf of East Kent Freemasons.

Charlie is not yet a Freemason. He applied to join and was due to become a member of Dover’s Snar Gate Lodge No.6770 in May this year, but the coronavirus has put paid to that for the time being. Shortly before Easter, Charlie was talking to a Lodge member about the plight of an Intensive Care nurse he knew at the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford, saying he was going to donate some money to buy some treats for the staff at the hospital. Within a day, members of Snar Gate Lodge and Military Jubilee Chapter No.2195 decided to back him with donations - as did the Tesco stores in Folkestone and Ashford.

Charlie Miller with Katie Kimpton from the Intensive Care Unit at the William Harvey Hospital

Charlie, an HGV driver for a recycling company, lives in Peen near Folkestone. “My friend’s wife is an Intensive Care nurse at the William Harvey,” he said. “She is working to a demanding schedule. It seemed appropriate that a little something might bring some light relief, and I thought of Easter eggs.

“I decided I wanted to become a Freemason because I knew someone who was a member and enjoyed it. I wanted to be involved in the charity side as well as the fun and friendship of the organisation.”

WHY THE MCF AND THE 2025 FESTIVAL ARE SO IMPORTANT In these challenging times it is understandable that certain activities may seem to take a back seat. Let’s just pause for a moment and consider one that should remain high in the minds of all us Masons and Companions: The East Kent Province’s 2025 Festival and the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Over the eleven-year period between the end of the last Festival and the end of the current one, our Province will have contributed £3.5 million and have received back a whopping £6.5 million in grants. Among the big beneficiaries are, of course, our Hospices and the Air Ambulance.

The MCF uses the money that it receives swiftly, spending today what it received yesterday. Thus it has been able to make considerable donations very quickly in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Apart from grants to the big local charities, much of the money from the MCF goes to individual Brethren and Companions and their families in the Province. Here are just a couple of examples of the many people we have helped: [as reported in The Provincial Lite Issue 2] Purchase of a mobility scooter for Barbara Woodcock, wife of Alan Woodcock of the City of Rochester Lodge No.7941. Barbara was confined to her house and garden owing to her dementia and arthritic joints but can now travel and accompany her family on holidays once more

[as reported in this issue] Financial assistance for Darren Robinson of the New Era Lodge No.5991 and his family when Darren was hospitalised with acute pancreatitis.

The MCF, in conjunction with East Kent Province, has set up a COVID-19 Emergency Fund. On our behalf they have purchased 12,500 Face Shields and fifty Samsung Galaxy Android Tablets. The Tablets have been distributed to the five main hospitals in East Kent and are allowing bed-dependent hospital patients receiving COVID-19 treatment to stay in touch with their families.

Continued overleaf â&#x17E;&#x201D;

Group Managers in the Province were invited to put forward charities and other initiatives in their locality for an allocation of funds. Grants, typically of £1000 or £1500, sometimes more, have been made to scores of good causes. Here is just a small selection: • All Scrubbed Up - to provide, scrubs, reusable aprons and reusable masks for use by • • • • • • •

• • •

staff in Care Homes and Hospices Gravesend Salvation Army - to provide boxes of food for the local community Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services – see separate article in this magazine Choices – to help the charity assist those who are suffering Domestic Violence and cannot leave home during the lockdown Group 3 Collective – to purchase full face shield visors for distribution to local Second Tier Care Workers, Care Homes and Pharmacies The Samaritans in Canterbury Bearsted Patient Participation Group (PPG) – see separate article in this magazine Time for the Homeless – meals for the homeless in Maidstone Zafir Nizamettin and Ibrahim Darwish – meals for Emergency Services at hospitals in the Ashford and Canterbury areas Deal Emergency Food Bank – to provide food for Deal, Sandwich and surrounding areas Thanet Face Masks – to provide masks, scrubs and scrub bags for Second Tier workers

Clearly, this can only be sustained if we and all the other Provinces and Districts continue to support our Festivals. Our regular contributions and event initiatives are helping enormously, but we need to make sure that we continue and do not slacken the pace.

Mark Bassant, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and Peter Rhodes and John Gallagher, Provincial Grand Charity Stewards for Craft and Chapter, are both delighted and impressed at all the marvellous work we have been doing. They urge us to keep the MCF and the 2025 Festival clearly in mind, to keep coming up with new ideas, and to make regular contributions to the Festival so that we can continue helping those of our Brethren and Companions who are less fortunate than we are. In our current situation, the need is greater than ever.

Donate online at www.2025festival.co.uk 8

EKLBB + DAG = DID In Issue 70 of The Provincial magazine last Christmas we reported on Provincial Grand Master Neil Johnstone’s evening in the hot seat in “Desert Island Discs”. The format proved very successful. Clearly there was long-term potential here. If you were organising it, whom would you choose for your next castaway? The East Kent Light Blues Brothers knew exactly! Here’s Mark Ravenwood’s report … The EKLBB launched on the 29th February this year with a fantastic event held at the Curious Brewery in Ashford. Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Graeme had taken on the role of President of the fledgling organisation and had offered Provincial support to the Committee. David’s cheery demeanour and positive attitude set the tone immediately for a talented team of new and young masons.

A serious moment at the EKLBB launch. Photo: Peter Floyd

With lockdown underway, the EKLBB’s programme of events for 2020 had to be postponed. The Committee hastily arranged a series of alternative events to keep members entertained and maintain interest in the group. David Graeme, bless his heart, has great difficulty in saying “No”, was keen to bare his soul and reveal his many dark secrets to the world through the medium of a ‘Zoom meeting’, which has itself risen to legendary status during the lockdown period. 9

Desert Island Discs is a very long-running radio show. First broadcast on the 29th January 1942, it has now amassed well over 3,000 episodes. The format is simple. Interviewees imagine that they are about to be marooned on a desert island. They must choose eight songs, a book and a luxury item to take with them. Far be it from me to question the logic of such a holiday, but participants seem very excited by the prospect of a few weeks in splendid isolation - and David Graeme was no exception.

Interviewing and marooning David on the island was EKLBB Chairman Howard Griffin. He and David kept us all well entertained for over an hour. The evening was well supported and we allowed non-Light Blues to attend, including members of David’s family. All those involved had an excellent time. You can see the recording on YouTube at: https://tinyurl.com/y7nbg6kd David Graeme was an Assistant Provincial Grand Master from April 2015 to April 2020. He became renowned for his great sense of fun, his quirky bow ties and his constant beaming smile. David’s main area of responsibility has been Membership, and he was instrumental in the relaunch of the EKLBB. His time as an APGM “was a huge privilege and one that I wanted to enjoy to the full”. His choice of “discs” was heavily influenced by his school life. He failed the 11+ exam that would have allowed him to go to Grammar school, and instead was given the ‘option’ of attending a boarding school. Despite any reluctance he might have had, being away from home and family (even with his brother attending the same school for his first year), David thrived. He spoke particularly of the impact of listening to 10

650 male voices performing in the chapel every day and twice on Sunday, which led to his appreciation of classical music – best played as loudly as possible! However, the highlight of his school career was joining the 5th Form, where he was allowed to sit in the study with a group of five friends, wearing long trousers and listening to Cream.

David “live on air” with interviewer and presenter Howard Griffin

Having worked his way up from the very bottom set, to one “slightly less embarrassing”, David had a promising future ahead of him and chose to attend Horsted College (Now MidKent College, Gillingham), studying A-Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry as well as Geometrical Drawing and O-Level Statistics. However, having been locked up with 650 boys for several years, his greatest desires were girls, cars and alcohol. Thus, his studies did not go quite as well as predicted. David is still unsure of how he ended up in an interview to join HM Customs and Excise. He assumes that his father applied for him. He performed sufficiently well at interview to be offered a job in the Valuation Branch. Unfortunately, he found this so tedious that every Monday morning he would place an application for transfer on the desk of his superior - until finally, seven months later, they realised it wasn’t a joke and allowed him to move to the Gravesend Uniform Branch. This suited David perfectly. He spent several happy years there. Next move was to HM Revenue Cutters, where he was accepted immediately into a permanent post by the sheer stroke of luck that he happened to have a similar name to another applicant who had recently retired. Doubtless, after David had 11

thrown up daily for the first five weeks of the voyage, the captain was cursing the administrative error. However, like Nelson, David did not allow his sickness to prevent him from being an excellent sailor, and when the fleet was expanded on EU instructions, David was raised from the ranks to captain his own boat. When he left public service, David went to work for his father’s business, setting up and arranging limited companies to enable small businesses to get started. He finally retired in May last year. David’s father and grandfather were both Freemasons, and both his brothers have also been on the Square, though it is David who has embraced it the most fervently. He Joined the Lodge De Wydemere No.6282 in 1984 having been proposed by two friends, Johnny Reid and Freddie Saunders. However, he nearly left Freemasonry after his Initiation, where poor preparation by the Master and his officers led to a ceremony of endless prompting from the back rows. It was Johnny who persuaded him to keep going, and he did not regret his decision when he was raised by Frank Holding at a Past Masters night and the ritual finally clicked into place. He later joined his father’s Lodge in 1989, where he was made Master the following year: in 1991 he was Master in one Lodge, Immediate Past Master in a second, as well as becoming a father and spending six months at sea. David struggles to say “No”, as I mentioned earlier. He has always been willing to step into a role to support a Lodge, comparing his ritual to a refrigerator – you open the door and the light comes on. Though he admits that when things go wrong – “and they do so in spades” - he says that the best thing to do is just keep going. David has a history of not collecting his honours, missing the presentation evenings for Provincial Grand Rank in 1999, and later his Grand Lodge honours – though he did eventually collect them when he was promoted to an active rank. He was due to collect Grand Chapter honours this May and was of course unable to receive them because of lockdown. David regrets not having collected his honours in 1999 and feels that he missed out as a result, urging others to not make the same mistake. However, he states that he “never chased an apron or badge” and simply loves Freemasonry, particularly the side degree Rose Croix. He has no further aspirations and is happy with what he has achieved and where he is now. Most of all he 12

believes that the best thing in Freemasonry is “to bring jollity and good humour with you at all times” and insists that new members should get out there and have as much fun as possible. David’s father once said to him that it is important that one should “Enjoy, not Endure” Freemasonry, and David has truly taken this to heart, bringing enjoyment both to himself and to those around him. In some ways the East Kent Light Blues Brothers will be part of David’s legacy. He spoke about the original group and its relaunch in February, describing it as the “Lifeline for the Future”. David is very positive about the future, both for the country and for Freemasonry. He looks forward to enjoying his free time once he is allowed to leave his isolation in Hertfordshire - but he has not ruled out further Masonic duties, for, as we have noted already, he struggles to say “No”. Our Castaway concluded by choosing his book and luxury item. As we left him sunning himself on his desert island, sipping a Gin and Tonic and finally getting around to reading “Treasure Island”, he proposed a Toast – “Here’s to the Light Blues, God Bless you all.” David’s song choices, with two extra for good measure : “Crossroads” – Cream “Village Green Preservation Society” – Kinks “Never Going Back Again” – Fleetwood Mac “Peggy Sue” – Buddy Holly “Romeo and Juliet” – Dire Straits “Toccata” – Widor “Zadok the Priest” - Handel “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” - Handel “Naval Hymn (particularly the final verse)” – Whiting “Anvil Chorus” – Verdi The music, recording and video editing were organised by Howard Griffin.

MASONIC ETIQUETTE: A

Freemasonry has existed for hundreds of years. In that time, all kinds of customs and practices hav masonic etiquette – how to behave as a Mason, both inside and outside your Lodge. Your Editor s Director of Ceremonies. Here he explores some of the behavioural do’s and don’ts in the life of a Lodge to Lodge, but the general principles apply everywhere. How much of what follows did you alr

PROCEDURES

DRESS CODE If visiting, you should conform, if possible, to the standards of the Lodge you are visiting. If in doubt, ask the member who invited you. If you become a Joining Member of another Lodge, you should not wear an East Kent Provincial Tie unless that Lodge is within the East Kent Province.

The Warrant is the responsibility of the WM. It need not act ly be displayed – except at initiation or installation – but m be present at the Lodge meeting. This would be a problem Belvidere if we ever had to hold a meeting at a different lo tion, because our Warrant is fixed to the wall!

REGALIA

If you are addressing the WM, you should stand facing him begin with the salute of the appropriate degree. There is need to hold the salute throughout, but you should repeat i the end of your address. This applies also if you are assis the WM in the ceremony by, for example, presenting and plaining the working tools.

In England, the apron is always worn over the jacket. Officers’ collars should only be worn in your own Lodge, except that the WM, SW and JW must wear theirs when attending Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge meetings. Gauntlets should only be worn in your own Lodge. If you are standing in for an Officer at a Lodge meeting and the Officer is present, you do not take over his collar of office. Previous Masters must wear a Past Master’s collar until they are appointed to Provincial honours. The current WM must not wear his Master’s collar when visiting other Lodges. I did so once when Master and got roundly ticked off! If you are a Grand Officer or Provincial Grand Officer, wear only the Royal Arch jewel.

A Candidate for Freemasonry should be consulted if he is no a faith that recognises the Bible, and the appropriate volu should therefore be obtained. Both should then be open.

Regarding brethren (other than Candidates) entering or leav the Lodge while it is open, the DC will escort Masters and P Masters and the ADC will escort other brethren.

FESTIVE BOARD

The Director of Ceremonies is responsible for the seating p at the Festive Board.

On the WM’s immediate right comes the Initiate (if any), th the Provincial Grand Master’s representative (if any), then o er senior visitors and senior members of the Lodge. On WM’s immediate left are the IPM and then other senior Lod Officers (DC, Treasurer, Secretary). Wardens are placed at ends of the outermost sprigs.

PRECEDENCE Those with an active office, as long as they continue to hold that office, rank ahead of all those with the corresponding past rank. If two brothers are appointed or promoted to the same Provincial Grand rank on the same day, they are ranked alphabetically. There is no Rule on saluting Grand Officers or Provincial Grand Officers at ordinary Lodge meetings. Many Lodges, including Belvidere, don’t salute a Grand Officer who is a member of the Lodge unless other Grand Officers are present.

The Province has stated that Brethren must sit down betwe the formal toasts.

Wine-taking should be kept to about six maximum. Speec should be brief and relevant, with humour if wished but avo ing simple telling of jokes, most especially smutty ones, wh may amuse many but offend some.

Diners should respect the gavel, and not talk over the WM, or other speaker.

ARE YOU A GOOD BOY?

ve developed. Some have s urvived, others have vanished. Underlying everything is the concept of served for several years as Belvidere Lodge No.503 ’s a Belvidere Freemason. Some details may vary from BEHAVIOUR eady know, and how much is new to you?

As Masons we are not allowed to discuss religion and politics. Mobile phones should be switched off, not simply put on silent: it is too tempting to text, or read emails, which is very bad form and discourteous. We are also forbidden to take photos or videos during e meetings.

VISITING

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and s no it at sting d ex-

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hen oththe dge the

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As a Visitor you are bound by the by-laws of the Lodge you are visiting. If you are not known, expect to be examined by giving the handshakes and passwords of the relevant degrees, and if you are ranked Master Mason or above you will have to produce your Grand Lodge Certificate. For this reason, always take your Grand Lodge Certificate with you – don’t frame it and hang it on your bedroom wall!

If Officers are going to be late or unable to attend, they should advise the WM and DC (not the Secretary, who has enough to deal with as it is). If you arrive late, please respect the Tyler’s judgement on when he considers it appropriate to knock and get you let in. Tylers know that it is generally very bad form to do so in the middle of a degree ceremony. The DC will escort Ruling and Past Masters, the ADC will escort other Brethren.

Masons in good standing are “eligible” to visit other Lodges but not necessarily “entitled” to do so. The WM can refuse them entry (except if they are visiting in an official capacity).

There is some debate about how you should address a brother. In Belvidere we address a Ruling or Past Master as, say, WBro. Smith, using his surname rather than his forename. Personally I have no objection to being addressed as WBro John, and I sometimes address others that way too, even though it is not strictly correct. Indeed, I expect that this informal method will one day become the standard.

As a Visitor you should try as far as possible to conform to the custom of the Lodge you are visiting, e.g. regarding dress code, but it’s quite OK to give and cut signs as you would back home. (If you become a Joining Member, however, you are no longer a Visitor and must do what they do.) It is very bad form to prompt if you are a Visitor. The only exception is if there’s a total dry-up and no one else has been able to help: but you will be taking a risk, for their words may be different from ours!

If we have been standing to order during some part of a ceremony, we should not sit down again until AFTER the Master has sat down.

If you are a Visitor at an Installation Meeting, it is OK for you to join the perambulations if asked.

Regarding prompting, the general principle is for the IPM to prompt the WM and for the DC to prompt everyone else. Other brethren should not prompt unless asked specifically by the DC to do so. The common-sense exception, of course, is when there is a total dry-up, when any accurate prompt will be gratefully received!

It is good form to write to your host after your visit, thanking him. It is even better form to send a letter rather than an email: this is especially important if you are a Guest of their Lodge: you should write to their Secretary.

All remarks should be addressed via the Chair and not directly to another brother. This is how the House of Commons works, all remarks by MPs being addressed via the Speaker.

I am always impressed by the generally excellent manners of the members of our Lodges. Much of all this is carried out instinctively by everyone anyway, and always with good grace. This is the true spirit of Freemasonry.

Please stand to attention during the National Anthem, not with your hands in front of you or behind your back.

Further reading: Masonic Etiquette Today, by Graham Redman, published by Lewis Masonic. 15

ALL CHANG

Big changes are taking place in Holy Royal Arch in our Province t

On the following pages, Chris Sanford fills in the details and invites me

GE AT HRA

this year, as some of the Top Team move on and others move up.

embers of the new Chapter Executive to say a little about themselves.

ALL CHANGE IN HRA EAST KENT Chris Sanford reports: In the normal course of events the Meeting of Provincial Grand Chapter, which was scheduled for the 21st of May, would have provided us with the opportunity to publicly recognise the contributions made by David Kershaw and Clive Manuel during their respective tenures as Deputy Grand Superintendent and 2nd Provincial Grand Principal for the Province of East Kent. Sadly, that opportunity has been denied us, but we are still able to reflect on the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm they have demonstrated in carrying out those roles.

Their combined experience and knowledge of the Royal Arch is substantial and this, combined with their insight and judgement, has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Royal Arch in the Province of East Kent as well as making it enjoyable experience for all of us who are fortunate to be members of it. David and Clive have undertaken a great deal of work to achieve this, some of which is not immediately obvious. Anyone who has been in their company will also be aware of their ability to put people at ease with their good humour and wit.

David and Clive have been loyal servants of this Province and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure they will continue to make a valuable contribution in the future. Companions cannot let the occasion pass without expressing their heartfelt thanks to both of them. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you will all join me in wishing them well for the future.

THE NEW CHAPTER EXECUTIVE John Kennett Baker - Deputy Grand Superintendent I was delighted to be asked to make a contribution to this edition of ‘Provincial Lite’, but it immediately begged the question, what do I say? I’m sure there will be some of you who will already be thinking, “hopefully not too much”! Of some relevance is a quote from the American comedian, George Burns, who famously said, “The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good end, and to keep the two as close together as possible”. It’s certainly not my intention to deliver a sermon but I shall endeavour to adhere to that maxim.

I’ve received many letters of congratulations since my appointment for which I shall be eternally grateful. It’s a great honour to become Deputy Grand Superintendent for the Province of East Kent and I’m very conscious of the fact that my predecessor is going to be a hard act to follow, but I know his background in the law will provide me with wise ‘counsel’ and help keep my feet firmly on the ground! I was born at Ruckinge on the edge of Romney Marsh in 1947, and that just about qualifies me to be a “Marshy”. I attended Maidstone Technical School (now Oakwood Grammar School) from 1958, leaving in 1964 to train as an engineer at Lucas CAV Ltd in Rochester. I worked as a toolmaker before becoming an Engineering Instructor, which was followed by a number of appointments in HR culminating in my appointment as Company Training Manager. During this time, I was also a part-time lecturer in Manufacturing Engineering at Mid Kent College, and a Governor of two local secondary schools. I left Lucas in 1993 to take up appointment as Managing Director at KITA Ltd, an HR and training Consultancy based in Sittingbourne. In 2000 I set up my own company – Stacks Consulting Ltd – an HR Consultancy working with a wide range of organisations in the public and private sector providing organisational and management development support. Since retirement I have maintained an interest in the HR sector. I also have a number of roles in the local community including being President of the Sittingbourne and Milton Division of St John Ambulance, and Chairman of Swale Council for Voluntary Service and been President of the Rotary Club of Sittingbourne and Milton on two occasions. I am married to Maureen; we have four children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild who between them continue to take up a considerable amount of our time (and money!). My hobbies include, gardening, collecting toys, and more recently woodturning. Over the years I have carried out several different roles within the Province and am currently the Chairman of the East Kent Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity. 19

The Royal Arch has been in increasingly good heart over the last few years. Before our enforced lockdown we were seeing an increased number of Craft Masons being attracted into the order and significantly fewer Companions leaving it, which is a great testimony to all those who have worked so hard to make it happen. The current ‘hiatus’ has given us the chance to reflect on the things we miss and perhaps didn't value as much as we should. We may appear to be have been living in a time warp where things have stood still but in practice that’s far from the case. Freemasons in East Kent have continued to be very active in coming together to support each other and their local communities, albeit in a different way, which has been facilitated by the use of social media and video packages such as ‘Zoom’. As time goes on, we will understand more about what we’ll be able to do and when. It’s easy to become disheartened but we have much to look forward to. We can certainly use the intervening period to increase our understanding of the Royal Arch by taking advantage of the wealth of information that is readily available on Websites such as ‘Your Province’ and ‘Solomon’, as well as through podcasts and so on. We have a strong team with which to move forward and build on the progress we’ve made to date. Our future strategy will continue to focus on encouraging more people to join the Order while ensuring our existing Companions get the fullest enjoyment from it. We will have much to catch up on when ‘the lights come on again; I for one am looking forward to the day when we can meet together and enjoy our ceremonies once more.

Patrick Kenneth KING, PAGDC – Second Provincial Grand Principal I was born in 1950 (on Battle of Britain day) at East Malling where I went to the local primary school and then to Maidstone Grammar School for Boys. At an early age I developed an interest in the Church and having attended Sunday School at St. James’s became a chorister, a Church Server and in my middle teens a church bell ringer - a hobby that took me all over the country but now sadly I have little time for. In common with many people, my faith has sustained me through a number of difficult times. In 1969 I joined the Kent Constabulary and was first posted to Sheerness. In 1974 I was appointed a Detective Constable at Folkestone and there followed a career as a detective, serving in many places throughout the county as well as the Regional Crime Squad. During my thirty-one years as a police officer I was involved in many high-profile murder enquiries. I retired as Detective Inspector in 20

2000. I then continued to work for the Force as the Crime & Incident Registrar, responsible for the accuracy of data, a post from which I retired in March 2013. My late father-in-law introduced me to Freemasonry. I was initiated into Union Lodge No.127 at Margate in 1985 and was Master in 1997 and 2019. From 2006 to 2011 I was the Director of Ceremonies and Preceptor. My first Provincial appointment came in 2005 when I was appointed Provincial Grand Pursuivant, which office I held for two years. In April 2009 I was promoted to Provincial Senior Grand Warden. Returning to study in later life I was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Mathematics and Computing Science at the Open University in 1995. I was mentored long before it became a recognised practice by a valued (but sadly no longer with us) member of the Lodge who soon encouraged me to join the Holy Royal Arch. I was exalted into Reculvers Chapter No.4123 in 1988. I was First Principal in 2000 and Scribe E from 2003 to 2014. As well as being promoted to Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2009 I was appointed as a Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in the HRA and subsequently Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2013. These were appointments that I thoroughly enjoyed: they provided me with opportunities to meet so many wonderful and dedicated Masons throughout this and other Provinces. I married Julie in 1981 and we have lived in Maidstone since 1985. I have three sons and three grandsons and more recently a granddaughter. Julie and I were avid caravanners for most of our married life, although have now settled for a static site in Norfolk where we escape throughout the summer as often as time permits. Apart from Freemasonry I have long been interested in genealogy and have established my paternal ancestry in East Malling back to 1700. I am also an enthusiastic amateur photographer, having been given my first camera when aged seven. I now have a studio at the end of my garden. My big boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toy is a 1972 red MGB Roadster. I can often be found negotiating the country lanes around Norfolk whilst endeavouring to elude my erstwhile colleagues from the local Constabulary .... Following my becoming a Companion of the HRA I have pursued my interest predominantly in the Christian and Chivalric Orders of Freemasonry. A particular favourite is the Red Cross of Constantine in which I had the privilege to serve as the Divisional Marshal (Prov. DC) for ten years, during which time I had the huge honour of being the Consecrating Marshal of a Conclave. In 2004 I joined the Royal Order of Scotland in the Provincial Grand Lodge of Kent later became the Provincial Grand Marishal (DC) in 2015, an office that I continue to hold. Latterly I joined Pentangle Mark Lodge and Kits Coty Council of the Royal & Select Masters. 21

In December 2019 the Provincial Grand Master invited me to take on the role of Deputy Chairman of the 2025 Festival Team in order that the HRA might be well represented. This is something of a very new Masonic experience for me and it is a delight to be working with the Masonic Charitable Foundation. As Provincial Second Grand Principal I will be focussing my efforts on encouraging Master Masons to complete their journey in Pure and Antient Freemasonry by becoming Companions of the Holy Royal Arch. I hope to be able to share some thoughts on the early beginnings of the HRA and how it is intricately and indissolubly linked to the Craft.

Terence Anthony McGlone - Third Provincial Grand Principal As a newly appointed 3rd Provincial Grand Principal I thought it might be helpful to provide you with some background concerning my Masonic and personal life. I joined Freemasonry in 1993 and was initiated into the Union Lodge No.127, Margate. I did not have any prior connections to Freemasonry. My main motivation to join was because a good friend was a member and he appeared to be having a really good time. My wife Linda and I talked it over and I decided to give it a try. Twenty-seven years later, with the benefit of hindsight and the wisdom which sometimes accompanies the years, I can say that it was an excellent decision. Now, as I prepare to embark on another journey in my Masonic life, I consider the challenges we face - but I also reflect on the opportunities that are open to us. In the Province of East Kent we are lucky to have many Brethren and Companions who possess great skills and experience and who are committed to Freemasonry, which they demonstrate each day through their individual contributions, charitable works and the assistance that they provide to their fellow Brethren and Companions and the community in general. Linda and I have three adult children and four grandchildren, which keeps us rather busy at times. In my working life I am a Chartered Secretary. My career has embraced both the public and private sectors. My first job was as a Clerical Assistant in the Education Department of Liverpool City Council. I studied for some qualifications which proved to be helpful later in life but I decided to move in another direction: the Ford Motor Company, Halewood, was my next stop. I continued with the car industry theme and moved to the Triumph Motor Company, Speke, working in production control and scheduling, where I enjoyed seven good years until the plant was closed as a result of the British Leyland mass closure programme. With the prospects of employment on Merseyside becoming more remote my wife and I decided to move to Margate, where her mother lived. Employment opportunities in the immediate area were limited and I decided to return to the public sector and joined the Corporation of London, Guildhall, where I spent twenty-five years in a number of areas (Housing, City Engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Education) until my final position as Support Services Director in Community Services and my eventual retirement from the Corporation. Subsequently I 22

became a member of the board of a large housing association for five years, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, the time came when I decided to concentrate more on other matters. From a Masonic perspective the office of 3rd Provincial Grand Principal will predominantly focus on membership. My priority will encompass the retention of our members. My colleagues and I are am under no illusion that addressing these key areas are formidable aspirations. I will be aiming to encourage unattached members to join the Holy Royal Arch and I am looking forward to visiting as many Chapters as I can during my tenure. Under the leadership of the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent and Deputy Grand Superintendent I look forward to a busy and fulfilling time during my period of office.

Graeme John Wyles - Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals My wife Carol and I have been married for over forty years. We have two children and two grandchildren who bring great joy to our lives. Carol and I come from Perth in Scotland, which explains my lifelong support for St Johnstone FC. I enjoy the usual retirement pastimes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reading, gardening and watching sport. In my younger days I played Rugby to a reasonable level. My career throughout my working life was in banking, ending as Head of Risk (UK) for The Royal Bank of Scotland / National Westminster Bank. Early in my career, my Bank employer sponsored me through University in Edinburgh where I was awarded a Degree in Economics, Finance and Taxation.

I worked in a variety of locations through the UK including the Law Dept Head Office in Edinburgh, Credit Department in London and Regional Manager in Kent. I was also involved in establishing Offices in Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore and working with Banco Santander to create a Joint Venture Banking Company in Gibraltar. Working in overseas locations taught me a lot about working with people from different backgrounds and cultures and treating them honestly and as equals. I remain in touch with many of the folk with whom I worked overseas. I also spent time through 2002 and 2003 as a member of a Business Group working with the Department of Business and Trade where the remit was to review various Government infrastructure projects. An extremely interesting few years! Since retiring, I have worked with The Princes Trust helping disadvantaged, young people establish their businesses, and have taken pride in what they have achieved. In Craft, I was Initiated into Kirkliston Maitland Lodge No.482 by my uncle. I joined 23

Douglas Lodge No.1725 in 1992, becoming Master in 2001, then Treasurer and, more recently, Chapter Liaison Officer. I was awarded Provincial Honours in 2013 and am currently PPDepGSupWks. In the Holy Royal Arch, I was Exalted into Maeides Stana Chapter No.7868 in 2006 and Installed as MEZ in 2012 before becoming Treasurer (there’s a theme here!) some two years later. In the wider Masonic world, I was involved in organising our Provincial Carol Service for 2012/13/14. In HRA I received Provincial Honours in 2015, was appointed PGSN in 2019 and am most honoured to have been promoted to Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. I think that being proud to be a member of The Holy Royal Arch underpins our future. Of course, the majority of Companions have that pride, feel engaged and enjoy their Royal Arch Masonry. We have to acknowledge, however, that not everyone feels that way. A variety of approaches addressing this latter aspect are being progressed by Terry McGlone and Paul Settle ProvGAlm. I look forward to joining Terry and Paul in this work. At the same time, I think Freemasonry has proved to be a key part of the community during these difficult times and, when it is possible for us to return to whatever “normal” will be, I think there will be exciting opportunities for us all to be a continual and visible part of our communities.

Edwin (Eddie) John Halpin - Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals I was born in Corby, Northamptonshire in 1946. The family moved back to their family roots in Leyton, London, soon afterwards. This was due to my father suffering severe burns whilst working at Corby steel works during the Second World War. I am from a boxing family: my brother boxed for the Army and RAF and at one time was Brian London’s sparring partner (Brian London lost to Muhammad Ali in 1966, knocked out in third round). My paternal Grandfather was a bare-knuckle boxer in his spare time, possibly a Mason in disguise, as he used to help many people, and donated any prize money to people less fortunate than himself. No one knows the true family name as Grandad Halpin was brought over from Ireland as a baby, brought up in England by Nuns, and was giving the surname Halpin. After leaving school, I studied electronics and after a variety of jobs joined Sumlock Anita, a company that manufactured one of the world’s first electronic calculators. As an electronics engineer I then became involved in computers and specialised in support of solicitors’ accounting computers and software. In1976, in my early thirties, along with other engineers I formed an Information Technology company specialising in computer maintenance, and was Personnel Director for the company.

Another company was formed in 1982 specialising in computer sales and on-site support to large corporate clients mainly in the oil industry. I was appointed Managing Director of this new company with the responsibility of growing the two companies and developing staff. I designed and ran training courses for staff in sales and engineering and organised, via the management team, exhibitions at various locations round the country. In 1992 I formed another computer company in Kent. I retired in 2004.

I married Carol in 1972. We have three daughters and six grandchildren. Very much into sports in my younger days, I was involved in football, boxing, table tennis and surfing. I played badminton to a fairly high standard until two serious injuries forced my retirement. I like to play golf but am considered by my friends to be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst golfer! Other interests when time permits are DIY, writing poetry, walking, reading and recently rugby - but I admit I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the laws! A fan of Leyton Orient, I have followed them since I was about six years old. I was Initiated into Lodge de Wydemere No.6282 in April 1998 and Installed as Master in 2006. I became a Provincial Grand Steward in 2012 and joined Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.5866. I was promoted to the Active Rank of ProvJGW in April 2016 and appointed PAGDC of the United Grand Lodge of England in April 2019. My career in the Holy Royal Arch has been equally busy. I was exalted into Artifex Chapter No.4555 in January 2001 and was MEZ in 2012 and 2013. Having been appointed Provincial Grand Steward in 2013 I Joined East Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter No.5866. I was promoted to ProvGSwdB in 2018 and to Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals this May. I have been involved in a number of roles in the Province: Mentoring, Case Almoner, Visiting Volunteer, Group 3 Almoner Co-ordinator, Membership Adviser Secretary to Membership Support Group and Secretary to the Group Chairmen. My new role in HRA is extensive and will carry a certain amount of responsibility, which I am looking forward to. In both my work career and Masonic life, I have always been keen for people to achieve their potential and to enjoy what they do. I have in the past assisted staff of my various companies to rise through the ranks and reach their potential and to enjoy their roles whilst doing so. I believe the same applies to Freemasonry and I would like to think that I could continue to help brethren grow, by them joining, enjoying and understanding the Holy Royal Arch.

LET’S SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS: WE’RE PROUD TO BE FREEMASONS! Nothing brings the British together better than adversity. And nothing brings Freemasons together better than our desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Here and on the next few pages you can see some of the great work that’s being done throughout the Province.

KINGSGATE HELPS THANET DISABLED RIDING CENTRE AGAIN In Issue 2 of The Provincial Lite, Peter Dickinson reported on Kingsgate Lodge No.4882 presenting a cheque for £1,000 last summer to Thanet Disabled Riding Centre to help it keep running. For over forty years, the Centre had provided a horse-riding experience for children with special needs. As Peter said, “You only have to see the joy on the faces of the children to realise what a contribution the Centre makes to their wellbeing”. The Lodge Master at the time, Jim Kerr, was so impressed that he determined the money raised by charitable efforts in his year in the Chair, which ended in November 2019, would go to the Thanet Disabled Riding Centre. £3,200 was raised, and Jim went along to the Centre recently to present the cheque. Jim added, “They aren’t able to earn any income from riding fees due to the lockdown, but all bills and overheads remain to be paid.” As you can see here, the Centre was extremely grateful. “We haven’t forgotten the 2025 Festival,” says Peter, “but we just had to support one of our favourite local charities at this difficult time to help keep them afloat”.

PER MARE PER TERRAM HELPS SOUTH EAST DOG RESCUE Founded in 2009, SEDR rescues and re-homes dogs across the UK, primarily helping 'death row' dogs in council pounds who would otherwise be euthanized. It also helps members of the general public to re-home their dogs when their circumstances change. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for helping some of the most abused, starved and neglected welfare cases in the UK and is regularly called upon to help such vulnerable dogs. Some of the animals that go to the Rescue Centre cannot cope in a 'traditional' home environment and are given sanctuary at the Centre for the remainder of their lives.

Like many charities, SEDR is run entirely by volunteers. Being a non-profit organisation, it relies solely on donations and receives no government funding. From monthly donations or sponsoring a Sanctuary Dog to cleaning kennels and fostering dogs, financial and practical support are always needed and appreciated. Per Mare Per Terram Lodge No.3609 were very much aware of SEDR and the increasing strain it was under: people were finding life more and more difficult under the COVID-19 lockdown and were being forced for financial reasons to give up their dogs. The Lodge was therefore happy to donate £400 to this remarkable charity.

Jamie Hastings, who nominated SEDR for its grant, said, "I wanted to help with buying food for the hounds, and when my Lodge supported my proposal I was extremely grateful to all of the members for their support. I was genuinely over the moon! I joined Freemasonry as I wanted to help those in unfortunate circumstances; no different to me becoming a Policeman. That help in my view is not restricted to just people. “Kymm White at SEDR does an amazing job. She spends her whole life tirelessly supporting our four-legged friends. I thought it was a fantastic gesture that the Lodge made to help out in this current time of need. “I urge our members to visit her Facebook page, or see her on Instagram or go to her website at https://www.sedogrescue.co.uk/ 28

Kymmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response: "I wanted to send a huge thank you to all of the Brethren of Pare Mare Per Terram Lodge for your generous donation for South East Dog Rescue. The last few months have been extremely difficult due to the pandemic halting all adoptions and fundraising, so we really do appreciate your support. With sincere thanks, Kymm and all the SEDR dogs"

Postscript: SEDR is now facing eviction from its premises in September: the site where the kennels are rented has been sold to developers for residential housing. Kymm White and her team are anxiously looking for alternative accommodation and are seeking additional donations urgently. See the SEDR website for further details. 29

3D PRINTERS AND AN MCF GRANT HELP BEARSTED CLINIC AND OTHERS Back in late March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was already well underway, Bearsted Medical Practice sent out an urgent request for protective visors. Three engineering hobby group members of the Bearsted Patient Participation Group (PPG) responded with offers to use their 3D printers to manufacture the visors. The chair of the PPG actively promoted the availability of the Face Shield to the local front line workers, and soon the Group were donating to other medical practices, pharmacies, care homes and local shops around Maidstone. With seven printers now at work, there was a need for additional funding. Several local charities and private individuals responded. William Lowder of Bearsted Lodge No.6069 advised the fabrication team, consisting of local hobbyists who loaned their 3D printing . With the help of Group 5 Chairman Roy Brooks, a Grant of £500 was given from the Masonic Charitable Foundation’s COVID-19 Disaster Fund towards the cost of raw materials. This funded a significant number of the 1000 face visors that were provided to the local frontline workers, doctors, pharmacies, care home workers and care visitors working in Maidstone and the North Kent area. The PPG takes up the story: “As demand for the visors rose, massive support for the extended project was provided by the Royal British Legion Industries, with critical donation of screen material, and by the Freemasons, extending the project. The community of Bearsted and beyond owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all those who worked on this project and who contributed in various ways to its extraordinary success. The efficiency and speed with which the project team delivered visors to help fill the gap in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic should surely serve as a model for effective, unheralded and unselfish community action. Who knows how many lives were saved?” Roy added, “These guys didn’t sit around. They got straight on with it, and we and the MCF were only too happy to make a donation to help keep the visors coming”.

NEW ERA LODGE No.5991 AND THE MCF HELP A BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY IN NEED Last summer, Darren Robinson, a 43-year-old self-employed electrician, and member of the New Era Lodge No.5991, collapsed at work with severe stomach pains. He was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. He was in hospital for five weeks. With three young children to look after, his wife Katie was desperately worried. Lodge Treasurer Ian Busbridge and Almoner John Ball visited Darren and were very concerned about his health. The Lodge rallied round, and within a few days had raised £1000 to help out. An approach had also been made to the Masonic Charitable Fund, who responded with grants to the couple to help them through a very difficult time, assuring them that the MCF would always be there if needed. Darren is constant in his praise for the MCF. Another of Ian Busbridge’s Masonic friends never ceases to echo that praise. “Whoever in the world needs us, we are always there to provide a helping hand – but maybe we are not so good at looking after ourselves, and sometimes forget the power and generosity of the MCF – our MCF. Lodges such as New Era couldn’t continue supporting their own Brethren indefinitely without the help of the MCF.” Ian himself adds, “Thank God for the Masonic Charitable Fund – and, please remember, it could be any one of us that needs help, so do all you can to support the MCF in our 2025 Festival”.

[L-R] Andrew Cornwell (acting Sec.), Carl Streets (Inner Guard), Darren Robinson (Steward), Matthew Turner (Director of Ceremonies), Gary Clarke (Senior Deacon) and Stephen Perks (Junior Warden) 31

WE BUY 3.6 TONNES FOR FOOD BANKS IN KENT When the lockdown kicked in, Food Banks came under mounting pressure to get enough supplies to vulnerable people. There was an increase of 150% in families and individuals requiring help. To make matters worse, local donations of food to the Food Banks dried up, leading to extra costs. East Kent Province stepped in, and donated funds to the Family Food Bank in Kent and many other established Food Banks, enabling them to buy some 3.6 tonnes of provisions and supply in excess of 80,000 meals. A single food parcel has roughly enough food to create thirty-two meals and weighs 12kg. Paul Underdown, Operations Manager for the Food Bank said: “There has been such a big demand for our food parcels over recent weeks, this donation from East Kent Freemasons could not have come at a better time. It will make a big difference to us. Potentially 8000 people will benefit from this donation”.

PGM Neil Johnstone:

“A number of families need support, but this virus has made life difficult for so many more people in different types of employment and self-employment, lost jobs or had their wages cut - so we were only too pleased to help. Our members across East Kent are all trying to help in different ways wherever they can”. APGM Mark Christopher Bassant: “We are pleased that our donation is going to help those in need. We are also looking at other ways how we can support charities, good causes and community groups in and around East Kent”.

DAVID HANGS UP HIS BOOTS — AND CASTS HIS EYE TO THE YARDARM David Kershaw has just completed a long and distinguished spell as the Province’s Deputy Grand Superintendent in the Holy Royal Arch. Assistant Provincial Grand Master Richard Wingett asks him about his time in office, his plans for the future and his advice to us all.

David, you have been the Deputy Grand Superintendent for some years. Can you remember the day you were appointed? I well remember the “tap on the shoulder” at a social event some months before, when I was asked if I would take on the job. The following day I awoke and pinched myself hard. The Investiture itself was a moving occasion, as was the warmth of the welcome and support from throughout the Province.

[L:R] Pro First Grand Principal Peter Lowndes, Neil Johnstone, David Kershaw

What was your main responsibility during your tenure of office? To know what’s going on; to support and encourage all Chapters and Companions; to ensure regulatory compliance; and to advise the Grand Superintendent as appropriate. How have you seen Chapter change over the years?

The last decade has been an interesting time. Craft and Royal Arch Masonry have grown ever closer. This is a direct result of leadership from Great Queen Street, and from within our Province. I am privileged to have been able to witness this convergence at close quarters. This transformation has been generously supported by the Brethren throughout 35

the Craft in East Kent, and has proved to be for the common good, particularly with regard to attracting and retaining Companions. We have successfully overhauled our whole approach to attracting and retaining Companions in this past decade, and we are at last beginning to see the benefits. We started by introducing initiatives that helped Companions understand more about the Royal Arch. These included performances of the Ceremony of the Veils; Talking Heads; In Camera and more recently In the Beginning. The introduction of the Prologues has also been successful in informing and explaining the Exaltation ceremony. David with Roger Waltham. Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the third one for? We then proceeded to provide support and encouragement for Chapter Almoners and Chapter Liaison Officers. Finally, we have recently been encouraging Chapters to hold Red Table Meetings with a view to attracting new Companions. The other noteworthy change in the past decade has been the restoration of our relationship with Canterbury Cathedral. We have again been able to attend and hold Services at the Cathedral, after years of being in the wilderness. In all this we are particularly grateful to the Dean, the Very Revd Dr Robert Willis. He says that in his previous appointment as Dean of Hereford he came to realise that Freemasonry was a force for good. If you had the opportunity to change just one thing, what would it be? To rename the office of Chapter Almoner to reflect the changes to the role that were introduced more than a decade ago, with emphasis on recruitment and retention. The current title continues to cause confusion. A change of name would require a change to the Royal Arch Regulations, and that will take time. Meanwhile in East Kent we have encouraged Chapters to appoint their Almoners as Chapter Membership Officers as well. Going further, maybe Chapter Membership Officer would be a more appropriate appellation for Chapter Almoner itself. You must have many tales to tell covering your time as the Deputy Grand Superintendent. What is the best one? Most good tales involve embarrassment or discomfort to someone. For that reason, they should best remain untold in public.

I will however mention my pleasure one year whilst proposing the toast to the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent at the Provincial Meeting. I had decided to estimate how much was spent each year toasting his health and whether it was cost-effective. My calculation was along the following lines: Number of Lodges and Chapters in East Kent Province at that time

250

Average number of Meetings of each per annum (including social meetings)

Thus, the number of times toast proposed each year

1500

Average number of Members and Guests present at each Meeting

Thus, the number of glasses of wine required

45,000

Converted into number of bottles at six glasses per bottle

7,500

I will leave you to work out the cost of 7,500 bottles, but suffice it to say I had the pleasure of revealing the answer to the Grand Superintendent and explaining that it would make more sense to abandon the toast and provide him with first class Private Health Cover instead. Will you be 'hanging up your boots' or do you have other things lined up? My family, my garden, and my yacht Yardarm have all been sadly neglected during the past decade and will now be in greater focus. In that time my wife has been patient; my children have each set up home, and I have become a grandfather three times over. As for my garden I have been totally immersed in maintaining and restoring it since the lockdown started. It is going to continue needing my attention for some while longer. Yardarm has been laid up for ten years and putting her back into commission is going to be a long and demanding challenge. From a masonic standpoint I intend to remain active but, of course, not at Provincial level. Because of the current suspension of Freemasonry I am unable to stand down as First Principal of the East Kent Provincial Grand Stewards’ Chapter No.5866, nor can I go into the Chair of my Mark Lodge. I am shortly due to become Master of two of my Craft Lodges, and am getting close to a similar position in Rose Croix. I hope to attain fifty years in Freemasonry in a couple of years — and am told this will coincide with the centenary of the Agricola Lodge No.4501, my Mother Lodge, whose history needs to be written in time for the Centenary, so I have “volunteered” to undertake the assignment. And finally, is there one piece of advice you would give to people? Service, not self. Freemasonry is not a spectator sport, neither is it a competition. It is all about pulling together for the greater good – and that means everyone, not just Freemasons. It’s all to be found in the First Degree Charge.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Services is a local independent registered charity that has been operating in Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley and surrounding areas for nearly thirty years.

Dedicated staff and volunteers offer a wide range of services that provide practical and emotional support for people living with dementia – including carers, supporters and family. The aim is to empower people affected by dementia to carry on their chosen lifestyle.

Their services, many of which are free, include: a 24-hour Helpline a Community Café Carers Learning and Support Groups Peer Support Groups Active Body Active Minds Sessions a Kindred Spirits Young Onset Dementia Group and Activity Group various community Memory Cafés Singing Back the Memories (a dementia singing group) Community Dementia Training Support at Home and Support and Home plus (personal care) Buddy Scheme Supporting local PCT/hospitals/GPs/Monthly Dementia Luncheon Club (for those who are on their own in the community) 38

Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Services have of course been much affected by the COVID -19 Pandemic. They are continuing to maintain contact with those affected by dementia through welfare phone calls (over three hundred a week) and have ‘virtual’ Carers Learning/Peer Support/ Singing Back the Memories sessions. They are creating dementia activity videos by sports specialists (BoxFit, chair exercise, yoga, chair ballet) as well as Arts and Craft videos which appear weekly on their website and on YouTube. ‘Virtual’ classes like these help to reduce stress, allow interaction, alleviate feelings of isolation, give focus and maintain fitness and fun. Virtual Group Sessions, supported by dementia staff, maintain contact and give a platform for learning coping techniques and an opportunity to air problems. Dementia Activity Packs, sent weekly to attendees of The Beacon Daycare and to various Care Homes, are helping to focus minds, challenge, evoke conversation and give a sense of achievement when completed. Staff are providing weekly ‘virtual’ chair exercise/activity videos, via Zoom, to increase physical activity, maintain client contact with staff and friends, reduce the feeling of isolation - and give carers a little break. Continued overleaf ➔

The demand for services is as high as ever with people affected by dementia needing guidance and support throughout the Pandemic. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services are ensuring that those they support “remain connected, engaged and safe”. Clive Liley of Northfleet Lodge No.4149 has personal experience with the Association. His mother (Jean) uses their services and Clive has attended a training course organised by them which has helped him to better understand the illness and look after his Mum. He thinks their help is fantastic. Times are difficult for charities like Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services, so Group 1 chose it to make a donation. Here’s the reply from Fundraiser Sheila Buckley (pictured below) to East Kent Province’s Group 1 Chairman Colin Barden:

Hi Colin I just wanted to let you know that the £1,000 you so kindly applied for from the Masonic Charitable Foundation arrived in our bank account today. I am writing to Mr Ward to give him our thanks and to acknowledge the donation. It was so kind of you to think of us and to make an application in support of us. Our services are needed more than ever at the moment and we are working hard to ensure that we are meeting the needs of those that we support as well as their carers. Demand for the new activities we have put in place due to covid-19 is really high and it is great to be able to deliver support to everyone ensuring that even though they had to remain at home they do not feel forgotten. Again our sincere thanks and keep well. Kind regards Sheila

Dementia appears in a number of forms, but no matter what type of dementia strikes, the illness can be debilitating not only for the sufferer but for their friends and loved ones. During the lockdown, it was very sad to see patients who could not receive visits from family or friends: so to help, Freemasons from Dover, Deal, Sandwich and St Margaret’s Bay pulled together to raise enough money to purchase ten Kindle Fire tablets to enable residents of Harmonia village in Dover to communicate with their families and friends. Harmonia village has six houses that look and feel like everyday homes. They are equipped to meet people’s needs, with the added peace of mind of care available twenty-four hours a day by the on-site staff. A highly skilled team of nurses and carers are there to support the residents to live as independently as they can. The village hub is a large multifunctional room that can be divided into three separate spaces, with projector screens and video conferencing facilities. They have an exciting programme of daily activities for people to choose from and a café serving home-made food. Rupert Williamson, Senior Strategic Development Manager, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A huge thanks for the purchase of the ten Kindle Fire ten-inch tablets. These will be a great resource for our residents.” Group 7 Chairman Steve Salisbury added: “We are delighted to help such a worthy course. It is wonderful to know that the residents are able to interconnect with their families: it will help give some light in these dark times”.

FOCUS ON:

ANDY STEVENS, PROVINCIAL GRAND DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES

Just imagine that you are the director of a stage show. Everything has to be rehearsed and timed to perfection. You’ve got a cast of hundreds. Each actor or singer has to know their part, respond to cues and synchronise with all the others. And, most important of all, the show is going out live! You’ve just imagined what it’s like to be a Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. Andy Stevens has been doing the job in our Province for a little while now. He took over the role from none other than our Provincial Grand Master, Neil Johnstone. Your Editor was lucky enough to be a member of the Provincial Escorting Team working for both Neil and Andy. I well remember taking part in the rehearsals, watching how they both dealt with any problems in a calm, unhurried way, while the rest of us were all rushing around like the proverbial flies with blue behinds.

Title and Job Description My official title is Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies. I report to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master and to Mrs Stevens – in ascending order of authority! My main role is to ensure that Ceremonial within the Province is carried out in an accurate and dignified manner, both at the Annual Provincial Meeting and at special meetings - Centenaries, Banner Dedications and so on. It’s also part of my job to organise an Escorting Party whenever the “Chains” are attending officially at meetings within the Province. The term “Chain” is an unofficial shorthand for anyone who wears a chain of office – the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and his Assistants. I also advise and help Lodge Directors of Ceremonies, Assistant Directors of Ceremonies and other brethren with any queries relating to ceremonial matters.

I conduct the twice-yearly Provincial Officers’ Mess meetings at the Winter Gardens, Margate, where the “dark blues” have an informal lunch and are entertained by a guest speaker.

Every year I organise a briefing for the incoming Active Provincial Officers. I do this in conjunction with my counterpart in the Holy Royal Arch, Ian White. I’m very lucky that Ian and I share a really good relationship and often exchange notes.

Sharing a joke with PGM Neil Johnstone and DPGM Peter Williams at the 2019 Provincial Festive Board. Photo: Peter Floyd

The Escorting DCs No Provincial DC could possibly carry out his role single-handed, so I, and Ian White, have a team of Escorting DCs to help. Currently my Deputies are Tim Pierpoint and Graham Cuthbert. My team of Escorting Directors of Ceremonies comprises Warren Morgan, Trevor Carter and David Martins, plus two previous Deputies, John Burgess and John England. So – how do we choose the EDCs? Team members tend to come from recommendations made by “Chains” or Grand Officers who might spot someone while they are out “repping” (representing the Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent at a Lodge’s or Chapter’s annual Installation meeting) – or they may be someone that one of the existing team has noticed. The brother will have been a Lodge DC. I then try to make sure that either I or one of the Deputies attend a meeting of the Lodge where he is a member so that we can see him in action. After that, if he seems like a suitable candidate, I will write to him to see if he would be interested in becoming part of the team. If he accepts, this doesn’t mean that he automatically becomes an EDC, just that he would start his training! 44

A typical official visit to a Lodge Assigning of a Provincial Escorting Officer and Active Officers (who decides?) on an Annual List. (I can probably write the bit about the Escorting Officer visiting the Lodge, rehearsing, and the actual event, the Deputation, etc.) I usually receive a list of the “Chain” visits for the upcoming period a few weeks before the start of the season – although this can vary as things change, and there are usually a number of amendments as other things happen throughout the year. I send the list out to the EDC team to ascertain their availability, then make a list from this, assigning an EDC to each meeting. One of our Deputies then sends the list out to the Active Provincial Officers to check their availability to Escort on these visits; once he has their replies, he assigns the Actives to the different visits – trying to be as fair as possible in terms of making sure the escorting duties are shared out. As for the Lodge visit, former EDC John Ray described the process in Issue 3 of The Provincial Lite. The annual Provincial Grand Festival Arguably the most important event of the year is the meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge. Its formal name is the Annual Craft Festival. Planning starts shortly into the New Year when I start putting together the Ceremonial booklet. This contains the full script for the meeting including the Investiture of any new “Chains”, the Provincial Wardens, new members of the Provincial Executive and the PGM’s merit awards. There will normally be one or two revisions as things develop during the weeks approaching the meeting. There will be a few meetings with the Provincial Secretary, Philip South, along with Ray Veness who has been a stalwart behind the scenes of our Provincial meetings for many years. The guys in the Provincial Secretariat deal with all the hard work in the organising of the event – sending official invitations to other Provinces, organising the Official Programme, working out seating plans, and so on, and so on. Ray in particular does a fantastic job in producing the lists for the processions coming into the meeting: the EDC team just have the tricky job of making sure everyone comes in in the right order – no mean feat at times!

I produce a rehearsal timetable for the meeting – starting on the Thursday evening to put the Provincial Stewards and the Sword and Standard Bearers through their paces. The EDC team all work particularly hard in dealing with much of this - our “Sergeant Major” David Tyler in particular has enjoyed whipping the Stewards into shape! [He also stands no nonsense from visiting Provincial Grand Masters, believe me! – Ed.] Rehearsals start again at 8.30 on the Friday morning. For the next few hours we rehearse the incoming and outgoing Processions, rehearse with the Provincial Wardens and Pursuivant, practise the “carousel” (where the Provincial Stewards bring up to the PGM those who are receiving appointments and promotions) and anything else that requires precision. There’s then time for a brief lunch, a quick change into our suits, a final rehearsal and 45

a briefing with the PGM before the show starts. We (try to) run to a very strict timetable on the day as there’s a lot to get through: but it all seems to work out in the end somehow!

Andy bringing up the rear of the PGM’s Procession into Provincial Grand Lodge, April 2019. Photo: Peter Floyd

I have to say that while I am seen doing much of the work on the day, the whole EDC team work very hard to get it all right and much of the success of these events is down to the hard work of the Secretariat and the Provincial “A” team (led by Ray Veness again, pictured) who work incredibly hard to get everything set up, make sure every thing is in order, organise all the seating and many other roles on the day. It’s a huge team effort! Afterwards, there’s the small matter of the Festive Board, Ray Veness which is naturally much more relaxed (that’s possibly to do with the wine, though!). It’s a hugely enjoyable day – probably the most enjoyable day of the year for the Provincial DC – but it’s also a long day, and by the time I get home I’m ready for a large G&T (or two!).

Other official escorting duties One of the most enjoyable parts of the job is being involved in some of the special occasions that a Lodge might be celebrating - Banner Dedication, Presentation of a Long Service Certificate or a Centenary Warrant. The PGM tries to attend as many of these as his diary will allow, and the Lodges are naturally delighted if he is able to be there.

We’ve had a number of Lodges celebrating their Centenaries in the last year or so, having been founded shortly after the First World War ended, so we’re hopefully getting quite proficient at them now! Our PGM is very easy to deal with on these occasions. As the brethren know, he is a pretty laid -back and unflappable sort of chap, so I have to say (and not purely for contractual reasons) that these sorts of events are always a great pleasure to be involved with! The main difference when escorting the PGM is that his Escorting DC (myself or one of the Deputies) will run the Festive Board – something that the Lodge DC is often quite relieved about!

I think it helps that our PGM and Deputy PGM have both held my job in the past, so they know Andy reads the Citation on the 50-year Long Service Certificate what’s involved and can appreciate from the Provincial Grand Master for Rick Barlow of the Lord st what their poor DC has to go Warden Lodge No.1096 at Walmer, 21 May 2019 through! It can be a challenge to keep everything moving and to make sure that the PGM gets away at a reasonable hour. Sometimes as these kinds of events can have a lot going on, but that’s part of the fun of the job, and everyone is always hugely helpful.

I’m very lucky to have been involved in some wonderful occasions so far – particularly working in liaison with the Grand DC’s team in organising our PGM’s Investiture Meeting in October 2018. I have been involved in a Consecration (Spirit of Rugby Lodge) as a Founder Member, but not as Provincial DC. Hopefully that will happen before I get my P45 – keeping my fingers crossed that I can keep my nose clean long enough! Mishaps, amusing and other memorable events Again, I’m lucky in that – so far at least – I’ve not had any serious mishaps or had that awkward moment when the words have escaped me. I hope I haven’t jinxed myself in saying that! There has been the odd occasion where a title or rank or two may have been missed in the moment, but usually I’m the only one who would have known (apart from the “Chain” sometimes who would be pleased to point it out in a quiet corner). As far as the rest of the team goes – you’ll have to ask them! I will say though that they are all far too professional and well-rehearsed that I’m sure they’ve never made any mistakes! On Duty: Deputy Provincial DCs John England and John Burgess with Andy at the 2019 Provincial Grand Lodge meeting

One very enjoyable and funny occasion was when Roger Waltham was making his last official visit as an APGM. He was announced by his Escorting DC John Burgess and escorted into the Lodge by a number of Active Officers, Grand Officers and the other three APGMs. After they had taken their seats, I was then announced as a latecomer to the meeting and entered the Lodge – only to produce a wand and announce that the PGM (then Geoffrey Dearing) stood without and demanded admission! I was Provincial SGW at the time so was not Escorting officially, so it came out of the blue for Roger whose face was a picture! I can’t repeat here what he said to be about it afterwards though…

Qualities required for the job Cool head, sense of humour, etc. Yes and yes! Quite often things will happen on the day that aren’t in the plan – sometimes the “Chain” might even throw you a curve ball – but you have to just deal with them and move on. Tact and diplomacy are also traits that are sometimes needed, and, on occasion, you have to be prepared to be quite firm! The important thing to remember is that if something goes awry, you can’t change it – you just have to get on with it and improvise or make the best of it. At the end of the day, the role of an Escorting DC is to make sure that the “Chain’s” visit goes smoothly and everyone departs having had an enjoyable time.

My masonic career so far

I was initiated into the Rutupiae Lodge in Sandwich in January 1997 – by my father, who the WM had allowed to take the chair for the evening. I was very lucky to have my Dad involved in all three of my Degrees. He and my Seconder, Charlie Smith, were great role models and mentors. Dad was the one who inspired me most to take on the role of DC in the first place, so I guess he’s to blame! I joined Chestfield Lodge in Whitstable in 2000 and became Master in 2006 – another family link as I was Installed by my brother-in-law! I held the offices of Charity Steward, ADC then DC, before going back onto the Stewards’ bench. I was hugely proud to be the Founding JW for the Spirit of Rugby Lodge at its Consecration, going into the Chair in 2018; I currently hold the office of Charity Steward.

To conclude I’ve been very, very fortunate to have some wonderful mentors over the years, without whom I wouldn’t be in the role I am in now. Not only my Proposer and Seconder into Freemasonry, but also my Proposer and Seconder into Chestfield Lodge, my Lodge DC when I was in the Chair, Ron Pinney (Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies in Holy Royal Arch, and who passed to the Grand Lodge Above last year), Lyndon Jones, who first brought me on to the EDC team, and my predecessor, our PGM – as well as many others. I’m also hugely grateful to the support of the whole EDC team (past and present) who, to a man, have been a joy to work with; particularly the Deputy DCs, John Burgess and John England (Past) and Tim Pierpoint and Graham Cuthbert (Present). I was told in the build-up to my appointment that Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies is the best job in the Province – and I certainly wouldn’t argue.

WHAT’S IN

Many of our Lodges and Chapters ha

But what do they mean, an

In Part 1 of this new series, we explore some of the more intriguing and fascinating exam bers for the i

AGRICOLA Agricola Lodge No.4501 The Lodge membership was originally intended to be for Farming and ‘Allied Trades’. Of the twenty-five Founders in 1923, nine were described as Farmers. Membership does not seem to have been limited by the agricultural reference, because the term ‘Allied Trades’ could include almost any occupation. Amongst the Founders were Solicitors, Surveyors, a Dentist, an Architect, a Clerk in Holy Orders, a Butcher, the County Analyst, and a “Gentleman”.

The Word Agricola is the Latin for Farmer. The Lodge was named after Farming, not after the Roman General Agricola who was responsible for much of the Roman conquest of Britain. The Lodge badge depicts Ceres, the Roman Goddess of the Harvest. She is shown holding a sheaf of wheat and a scythe, with a Farmer in the background tilling the land and with sheep at her feet. The badge is surrounded by hops, symbolizing the local produce of the Garden of England. Ceres was credited with teaching humans how to grow, preserve and prepare grain and corn. She was also thought to be responsible for the fertility of the land. Those not familiar with the name Agricola may have difficulty pronouncing it. The emphasis is on the second syllable: “Ah - GREE - co - la”. The Lodge will be celebrating its centenary in 2023.

N A NAME?

ave interesting, even exotic, names.

nd why were they chosen?

mples, beginning with the letters A to E. My thanks to the Secretaries and Lodge meminformation.

ARDEA Ardea Lodge No.6717 In 1885 Ethelbert Lodge No.2099 was founded and remained the sole Lodge in Herne Bay for many years. A proposal to form a Kent Coasters Lodge in 1920 was unsuccessful. Eventually, in 1948, the Ardea Lodge was founded. The formation of the Lodge is attributed to A Wells, a highly active mason in every sense, who was ADC and Preceptor of Ethelbert Lodge. Together with FP Butler he realised that with the return of members from war service and the large number of Candidates, progress would be slow. Ethelbertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership had almost doubled from 65 in 1939 to 127 in 1947. Accordingly, the new Lodge was Consecrated in December 1948, with Deputy Provincial Grand Master Wing Cd. BW Noble OBE PGD officiating. Nearly three hundred brethren attended. Among the items discussed by the intended founders was a name. The Heron was suggested as it had strong associations with the town, but it was considered rather hackneyed. Ridley was also considered. Bro Wareham suggested that Ardea, the Latin for Heron, might be the answer, and this was agreed unanimously. The Heron can be seen in the Lodge badge. It was also agreed that Emulation Nigerian ritual be adopted and strictly observed, and a copy of the Ritual is preserved in the Lodge archives.

ARTIFEX Artifex Lodge No.4555

Artifex Lodge was formed principally for the use of Chief and Engine Room Artificers of the Royal Navy and Officers promoted from those ranks. Several names were suggested for the Lodge, amongst which were “Prince of Wales,” “Emulation” and “First Artificer.” All were rejected by Grand Lodge. The Founders thought that “Artinmet” would be appropriate, but in fact was not put forward. The Grand Secretary then coined the phrase “Artifex Lodge”, informing the petitioners that, if the title was suitable, the Grand Master would be pleased to grant a Warrant. The petitioners were happy with the suggestion and proceeded with the application for the Warrant which was granted in 1923. The word Artifex is taken from classical Latin artific, artifex - practitioner of an art, expert practitioner of any art, skilled workman, craftsman, artist, etcetera. The crest adopted occupied quite a lot of attention. It was suggested that use should be made of the Aeolipile, which was a ball with two tubes bent at right angles and facing opposite directions. When filled with water and heat is applied, the escaping jets of steam caused the globe to rotate. The device was conceived by the Alexandrian inventor Hero. The Science Museum has a model of the apparatus said to have been made by Hero between 165 BC and 130 BC. [There’s a fascinating little video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4Afts7u7n1c showing you how to make one yourself with a drinks can and a few odds and ends – Ed.] The Lodge crest was created from a photograph of the model which exercised the source of energy - the steam turbine - that powered most ships in the 1920’s. 52

ATHELSTAN Athelstan Lodge No.4024

At the end of the First World War, it was decided to form a new lodge in Faversham. Three names were considered: St Vincent Lodge of Peace Athelstan The name “St Vincent” may have been taken from the name of the Rt. Hon. George St.Vincent Harris, of the Lodge of Harmony 133. And “Peace” reflected the end of the War and the peace treaty of Versailles.

Athelstan was King of England from 925-941, and his name was chosen. King Athelstan oversaw the translation of the Bible into English. He established a formal organization for masons which may have led to Freemasonry in England. In a legend of the Craft in the Old Charges it is said that he granted a Charter to the Masons to hold an Assembly every year. It is said that King Athelstan “loved thys craft ful well”. The Old Charges is a term applied in a general sense to many old manuscripts relating to Masonry. It was therefore appropriate that the name Athelstan should be chosen for the new Faversham lodge.

COMMEMORATION Commemoration Lodge No.5329

The Commemoration Lodge No.5329 was consecrated on the 14th January 1932 to celebrate, or commemorate, its Mother Lodge, Castle No.1436, raising the outstanding sum of £2,225 for the 1930 Festival - the second highest amount contributed by any Lodge in the Province of Kent. The Banner was a gift from the wife of the first Primus Master, Philip Driver, and was the handiwork of the Ladies of his household. The motto (Vintus – Vincit – Invidiam) translated means Virtue Overcomes Envy. The coat of arms is that of the family of the Lord Cornwallis CBE who was the Provincial Grand Master of Kent and who had officiated at the Lodge’s Consecration. The Annual Subscription at that time was the princely sum of £3,15s (£3.75).

DE SHURLAND De Shurland Lodge No.1089 The name De Shurland is well known on the Isle of Sheppey. As children, many are told the story of Robert De Shurland, who killed his horse. Three years later while walking on the beach he found the skull. He kicked it, and the horse’s tooth cut him, from which wound he subsequently died. The book “Grey Dolphin: A Legend of Sheppey” from the Ingoldsby Legends of the Reverend Richard Harris Barham and published in 1934, tells the story in much more detail.

From the time of Alfred the Great until after Cromwell, the De Shurland name occurs frequently amongst the famous names and characters of our history. There is a De Shurland Manor on Sheppey, but it is, and has been for a long time, little more than a ruin.

So why choose that as a name for a new Lodge? In his History of the De Shurland Lodge from 1866 to 1966, Tom Watkins said, “The choice of the name De Shurland as the name of the Lodge, was indeed a happy inspiration on the part of our founders, for there we have a name which revives memories of past glories and one which seems to breathe the very history and tradition of the Island”.

ENTENTE CORDIALE Entente Cordiale Lodge No.9657

In the late 1890s, France and Great Britain were seeking to expand their colonial empires in Africa. The British were expanding southwards from Egypt and the French westwards from West Africa. They met at Fashoda, an otherwise insignificant post in the Sudan on the West Bank of the Nile, which created a rather delicate situation in relations between the two countries. However, thanks to the efforts of French Foreign Minister Théophile Delcassé and, among others, our own Grand Master and King, Edward VII, an agreement, the Entente Cordiale, was eventually signed between the two countries in April 1904. The Lodge was formed in 1997 in order to allow and encourage Anglophone masons in the GLNF (Grande Loge Nationale Française) to become members of an English Lodge practising the Emulation Ritual. Primus Master was Bill Ratcliffe, who in 2004 on the one hundredth anniversary of the Entente Cordiale itself wrote a history of the Lodge (then only seven years old!) and its raison d’être. 56

ERCLEI Erclei Lodge No.7436

Chris Hudson writes that in 1955 a group of eminent Freemasons living in Hartley and Longfield met to discuss the forming of a new Lodge. The Warrant was granted by the then Grand Master, the Earl of Scarborough, and the Lodge was consecrated in 1956 at the Town Hall in Gravesend. Qualification for membership stated that, to be eligible, one had to “live within a five-mile radius of Hartley Green”. The name “Erclei” was one of the old names for the village of Hartley as recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. It was the Norman version of the old Saxon name “Heortley”. 57

DOUGLAS MOUTRIE CELEBRATES HIS CENTENARY

It’s the aim of most of us to live a long and fulfilling life. To reach your one hundredth birthday is an achievement in itself. Here, Chris Sanford reports on a very special member of our Fraternity who has made his mark in many ways:

Douglas William Moutrie MBE PPGOrg: Engineer, Organist, Brother Doug was born on the 19th June 1920 in Wood Green, North London, and lived in Hornsey. Until 1932 he attended local schools, and at the age of eight joined the choir of St Mary, Hornsey; that probably started him off on his life-time journey with church music and the organ. In 1932 his father was moved from the London office of Worthington Simpson Ltd, manufacturers of pumps and power station heat-exchangers, to the company’s Works at Newark-on-Trent.

Doug meanwhile attended the Magnus Grammar School, had some piano lessons and started to get familiar with the organ. At the end of the school year he started an engineering apprenticeship with Worthington Simpson. He started a course at Newark Technical College – one full day and two evening classes per week. In 1938 he transferred to Lincoln Technical College to work for a BSc degree. However, in 1939, with the outbreak of war, travel became difficult, and he had to revert to the Newark College where he resumed studies for the Higher National Certificate (HNC).

Douglas Moutrie after receiving his MBE

By 1941 London and major cities were suffering intense bombing, but Newark was more fortunate in having only one serious raid. Throughout this period, Doug had been working six or seven days a week (plus overtime) attending College and, as a member of the Home Guard, spending two nights per week on guard at the Works. Life was fraught! Up to 1943 Doug had not been conscripted into the armed forces because he had a reserved occupation: however, that year he received an invitation from the War Office to join the Army as a ‘Potential Officer’. He started his training in Hull - which, along with other recruits, involved shovelling an enormous heap of coke! That Christmas he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant. In March 1944 he got a posting to a REME workshop In Croydon. While he was there, he discovered that his HNC certificate entitled him to another pip, so he became a Lieutenant. Doug was sent on a course: the 51st FAE (Field Artillery Equipment). It embraced every aspect of big guns, for which he was sent all over the country, each place covering a different aspect– Croydon (again), Stoke-on-Trent, Burscough and Arborfield. Immediately after his leave he was posted to the Middle East, sailing to Alexandria on a French ship, the Felix Rousselle. Shortly after arrival he was transferred to a holding camp at Tel-el-Kabir on the Suez Canal near the Great Bitter Lakes. The next move was to 4 Base Workshop in Cairo. The Base Workshop consisted of a dozen or so separate workshops, each making a different range of products for Army use: bedsteads, cooking stoves, pistons for engines, canvas goods, all sorts of woodwork (that’s where his dining room chairs came from), ship propellers, vehicle modifications, refurbished engines, medical instruments, cranes – you name it, they made it.

It was while Doug was stationed in Abbassia, Cairo, that he had the good fortune to join the Garrison Church, which not only had two manual organs but had as its Organist and Choirmaster one Harry Gabb, who later became Sub Organist at St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral and Organist of the Chapels Royal. In the latter part of his stay in Cairo he had charge of the drawing office and was also Transport Officer with a total of 153 vehicles. Transport was easy, and Doug was able to see a lot of Cairo, the Pyramids and other sites.

Then after two years he got home on leave. At the end of his leave he returned to the Middle East where he was posted to Palestine. He was stationed in Gaza which is not too far from Jerusalem.

Doug had an enjoyable year in Gaza, at the end of which he was posted home for demobilisation. So, in March 1947 Doug became a civilian again. Doug returned to his old job as a draughtsman at Worthington Simpson Ltd, employed on power station heat-exchangers. He was appointed Organist of a small church at Winthorpe. The prospects at Worthington Simpson were limited, so Doug applied for and was accepted as a research engineer at Vickers Armstrong Ltd at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the manufacture of large naval gun mountings, the research department dealing mostly with their remote control.

In late 1965 he came to Kent for an interview with Blaw Knox and was offered the job of Chief Engineer Designate. The following year he became Chief Engineer. Unfortunately, world trade suffered a slump in 1982 and Doug was made redundant that December. During this period, he again had the opportunity to take some organ lessons with Barry Fergusson, then the organist at Rochester Cathedral. Shortly before his redundancy Doug had again been appointed Organist and Choirmaster at St Matthew, Wigmore, about half a mile from home. Shortly after he retired, he was invited to join REMAP, a charity whose members are retired engineers and members of the medical profession (occupational therapists, for example). They provide aids for disabled people on an individual basis. Doug ran the Medway and Swale Panel for about thirty years and was recommended for, and subsequently awarded, an MBE which he received from Prince Charles. Doug in 1976 was initiated into Hexagon Lodge No.5380, being passed to a Fellow Craft and raised to a Master Mason in the same year. After serving on several committees he was appointed Treasurer of the Lodge, where he remained for nineteen years before moving into his happiest role of Organist. Hexagon amalgamated with their daughter lodge Dickens No.8047 in 2019, where Doug still plays the organ in his 100th year.

Doug has never taken the chair of King Solomon. â&#x20AC;?It always seemed more important I kept the job I hadâ&#x20AC;?. But his attendance and service to his Lodge have been exemplary. He has been one of the select band of brothers who have gained Provincial Honours without going through the Chair. He was firstly appointed to the Rank of Past Provincial Grand Standard Bearer and then promoted to Past Provincial Grand Organist. He wears his Provincial apron with rosettes with pride. 62

The highlight of Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Masonic career occurred last year at the Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in Margate when Provincial Grand Master Neil Johnstone presented him with his personal Citation of Merit for his service to the Craft.

Doug had a fairly short career in Chapter: exalted into Pentangle Chapter No.1174, he only stayed a few years and resigned when he became Choirmaster at St Matthew, Wigmore, because the meetings unfortunately clashed. Doug still has an active masonic life and has played the organ for many Lodges including Pentangle, Manor of Gillingham, Loyal and True, Artifax and Fraternitas.

He continues to pursue a very active life. He still plays the organ for his local church, has been a member of Gillingham Rotary Club for over fifty years and is a prominent member of his local community. Many Happy Returns, Sir!

FREEMASONRY DURING WORLD WAR TWO This year we are marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War Two, with VE Day on the 8th May and VJ Day on the 15th August. Freemasonry had been a particular target of the fascist regimes in Germany and Italy, and many Masons were either killed or sent to concentration camps. Despite the horrors and privations, the spirit of Freemasonry remained unbowed. In this fascinating article we get a glimpse of what life was like, and how the motto “Keep Calm and Carry On” was never better illustrated.

The Outbreak of War 1st September 1939: 4:41am: the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany begins. 2nd September: the United Kingdom and France issue a joint ultimatum to Germany, requiring German troops to evacuate Polish territory. 3rd September 11:00am: the final deadline for the withdrawal of German troops from Poland expires. Fifteen minutes later, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain makes the following announcement on BBC Radio: "I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street. This morning, the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final note stating that unless we heard from them by 11:00 that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland a state of war would exist between us. I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and that consequently this country is at war with Germany". Australia, India, and New Zealand also declare war on Germany.

The Start of the Impact on Freemasonry 4th September: a letter is issued by the Grand Secretary at Freemasons’ Hall to all Lodges and Chapters as follows: “Having regard to the emergency orders of His Majesty’s Government, I am to inform you that until further notice all Masonic meetings are to be suspended. It is hoped that this may only be a temporary measure. Further instructions will be issued at an early date”. 2nd October: the order is lifted. Grand Lodge empowers Lodges, if necessary, to cancel any regular meetings and to alter dates up to seven days before or after the regular date, without the need to obtain a special dispensation. White gloves are soon dispensed with, because they are unobtainable. 64

May 1940: Grand Lodge advises the “non-admission of brethren who are enemy aliens”. Thus Freemasonry set out on the long journey through the War. At times there seemed a strange obsession that meetings should be held at all costs. Its significance lay in the fact that Freemasonry itself was threatened, both as a way of life and as a set of values proved and rooted in the past.

Fascists and Freemasonry As early as 1933, Hitler and Mussolini had begun their respective outrages against Masons and Masonic institutions. During the years that followed, they never relaxed that persecution. Nazi and Fascist publications left no doubt of their belief, that all the evil in the world had been the work of Freemasons, either alone or with the help of the Jews. One of the first official statements, made by Hermann Goering in his capacity as Prime Minister of Prussia, when the Nazis came to power in 1933, was that "in National Socialist Germany there is no place for Freemasonry”. Immediately upon Hitler's rise to power, the ten Grand Lodges of Germany were dissolved. Many members were sent to concentration camps. Nazi conquests of other European nations were followed automatically by hostile action against Freemasons. When Austria was annexed, the Masters of the various Vienna lodges were immediately confined in the most notorious concentration camps, including Dachau. The same procedure was repeated when Hitler took over Czechoslovakia and then Poland.

Immediately after conquering Holland and Belgium, the Nazis ordered the dissolution of the Lodges in those nations. From Norway to the Balkans, the progress of the Swastika brought persecution and death in its wake for all Freemasons. This then was the European backdrop to English Freemasonry.

The impact on Freemasonry At first, Lodges continued to meet as usual, but it was soon apparent that the number of younger members in attendance was dwindling, as they left to “join up”. In most Lodges the problem of progression was taken very seriously. Some went as far as to appoint “stand-ins”: this was so that Lodge officers who had joined the forces would not lose their places. Brethren were appointed to act for them, so that on their return they would be able to step back into the office they originally held. Unfortunately, of course, many never did return. 65

Emergency meetings became the norm. When it was discovered that a Brother waiting to be passed or raised was due home on leave, every effort was made to hold an emergency meeting to allow this to take place. At this time permission was not required. It was the onset of the first winter that brought on many problems. The blackout, which was total, made travel exceedingly difficult. Private cars were few and far between and, in any case, petrol was only available to those using their cars in the emergency services. It quickly became apparent that evening meetings were untenable: most Lodges rearranged their meetings for the summer months or weekends.

The impact of bombing raids on holding meetings It was in the second winter of the War (1940-41) that the “blitzes” began, firstly on London and very soon on other major cities. Despite the damage to homes, lack of sleep, the priority of war work and the demands of civil defence duties, very rarely did a Lodge fail to meet regularly. There are many examples of ceremonies being conducted at the height of an air-raid.

At a meeting of the Cutlers' Lodge No.2730 at Cutlers' Hall in London, the Grand Treasurer, having been welcomed in due form, rose to acknowledge the Salutation. As he stood up, the building was shaken by a large explosion nearby. He paused for a second and then said: “I'm glad you didn't salute me with five of those”! On another occasion, at the Portland Lodge No.1037 in Dorset, in the middle of an obligation, five bombs dropped only three hundred yards away. The Master gave a sigh, closed his eyes momentarily and then continued as if nothing had happened. At a Lodge in Cardiff, on the 2nd January 1941, a Grand and Royal Salute coincided with a crash of gunfire, much to the alarm of the brethren. At the end of the ceremony and as the result of a Report, the Inner Guard announced with some relish, “Worshipful Master, Queen Street is on fire”.

The Master replied: “Thank you, Brother Inner Guard, your Report will be attended to”, stolidly completed the Risings and closed the Lodge. Monkchester Lodge No.5762 held a meeting at the Temple in Stephenson Road Newcastle -upon-Tyne the day after an air raid on the 24th April 1942, and an unexploded incendiary bomb was discovered in the ceiling above the Master's Chair. The remains of that bomb can now be seen in the museum at the Northumberland Provincial Grand Lodge offices.

As the bombing receded in 1942/43, attendances increased, and meetings reverted to their normal times - but in 1944 the V1 or flying bomb attacks started. London and the South East bore the brunt of this bombing. When a bomb reached its target, the engine cut out and it fell silently to earth, to explode with great devastation. The bombs were 66

launched from the coasts of France and Holland and were usually aimed at London. Over 8,000 altogether were sent, resulting in some 6,000 deaths and many thousands of injuries. Later that autumn came the V2 rockets. By December 1944, Londoners had generally reached a fatalistic view regarding them – you were either hit, or you weren’t. In any case, no one knew when one was coming. One consequence of this fatalism was that Lodge attendances started to rise. On his way to work one morning, a member of the Lodge of Justice No.147 turned a corner and came face to face with an unexploded bomb hanging from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral and barring his way. He squeezed past and continued on his way to work. Such was the spirit of Freemasonry during those dreadful days. It was business as usual.

Proceedings and visitors Formal Festive Boards were virtually abandoned early in the War, but this did not prevent the partaking of refreshments, however meagre. Usually it was simply a matter of standing with a cup of tea and a spam sandwich. Although formal toasts were not encouraged, most Lodges still continued with the Loyal Toast, that to the Grand Master and, if appropriate, the Candidate. It was usually all over in about half an hour. One Lodge however managed to maintain its traditions at the Installation Meetings. For some reason it was quite unaffected by the prevailing beer shortage - probably because among its members were the Master Brewer and the two maltsters from the local brewery! Many Lodges received food parcels from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, and these were always distributed to widows and masons in need.

Regalia quickly came into very short supply and an enthusiastic second-hand market rapidly established itself. Such regalia during the War were of very inferior quality: at first the jewels were made of cardboard, and later produced in Bakelite. Benevolence maintained its very important place throughout the War. Charity collections were always made at Lodge meetings and remained high, while the work on behalf of orphans, widows and those in need continued unabated.

Many children whose fathers had been killed in action were fully provided for and many attended the Masonic Boys' and Girls' schools. In 1942 the Province of Northumberland raised £53,684 for the Masonic Girls School Festival (almost £2.2 million in today's money). 67

One of the features of Masonic meetings during the War was the number of visitors attending. These were mostly servicemen stationed nearby. Many reports comment on the vast variety of uniforms to be seen at meetings. On a reciprocal basis, thousands of British brethren were received with great hospitality by Lodges overseas: indeed, overseas Lodges of the English Constitution continued to meet, though sometimes under very difficult circumstances. Meetings were held in Gibraltar and in Malta throughout the War. During the Siege of Malta, one Lodge had at its Installation dinner a special treat – potatoes!

Damage to Lodges and Halls Like everywhere else, Masonic premises suffered heavily from bomb damage and destruction. Much Lodge furniture and regalia and many records were destroyed. Freemasons' Hall in Park Street, Bristol, was completely destroyed, with Warrants, furniture and Tools all gone.

All records of Liverpool Castle Lodge were destroyed by fire in 1941, while at Portland, bombs falling on the nearby beach set off a series of mines which blew the roof off the Masonic Hall. Many Halls were rendered unusable because of damage by blast and fire and this meant Lodges having to share premises with neighbours, or to find somewhere else relatively suitable, such as a nearby school, pub or restaurant.

Many Lodges, particularly in London, that had hitherto met in hotels and restaurants found themselves homeless during the “blitz”. As a result, Freemasons' Hall in Great Queen Street was much overcrowded, but managed somehow to accommodate the “homeless”. Amid much overloading of the organisation and despite the constant bombing, it managed to maintain the continuity that was vital to the well-being of the Craft. Many Masonic Halls were requisitioned by the military. Rothbury’s was commandeered by the military and used as a billet, but the Temple was exempted from this and meetings were able to continue. Iver Lodge No.5254 in Buckinghamshire had its Hall taken over by the Home Guard: before each meeting, the Lodge had to remove all the military equipment - and then put it back afterwards. Permission to use the Hall for a ceremony had always to be obtained from the Battalion Commander, but as the Lodge's Treasurer served in his orderly room, it appears that no real difficulty was experienced in practice!

A great many Lodges lost all their records in the fires and destruction of the bombings. Those that had not removed their Warrants to a safe place lost them also. Yet, despite the loss of financial records, Minute Books and sometimes Warrants, Lodges ploughed on undeterred. 68

Active Service Many Freemasons distinguished themselves greatly during their war service.

Brethren served in every theatre of war and from every part of what was then the Empire, and at every level of command and operation. The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was himself a member of the Craft, as was USA President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At home, Freemasons fought fires, rescued the injured, manned anti-aircraft guns and, by their undying efforts in all walks of life, added greatly to the morale of the nation. The awards for gallantry are too numerous to mention.

Not every exploit, however, was outstandingly successful: Bro Harry Wickett of Beadon Lodge No.619 was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and was on duty in the control tower of Debden airfield one night at the height of the RAF’s night raids on Germany. It was not unusual in those days for stray bombers who had lost their way while returning from a raid to land at Debden to get their bearings. As the duty officer, Bro. Harry “talked down” what he took to be a stray bomber, and later chatted to the pilot, who had climbed up to the Control Tower to ask for directions. There were many Poles serving in our Air Force, and it was assumed that he was one of them. In fact, when the plane took off it was seen in the glare of the flare path to be a Heinkel 111 on its way back to Germany.

Prisoner of War Camps As prisoners-of war, Brethren continued to practise their Craft. Masonic meetings were also held in camps in Austria, Germany, Italy and Czechoslovakia. One brother wrote of his Masonic activities in a prison camp as follows: “The peace and tranquillity of those meetings stood out in great contrast against the turmoil and irritations of the day. “Although it was very hot, and all of us were in rags, ill, hungry, tired and dirty, yet it was possible during those meetings completely to forget our lives as prisoners-of war. “To sit quietly among proven friends, and listen to the Ceremonies, took one's thoughts very far from a prison camp and lifted the mind above the reach of petty annoyances, restored one's balance and demonstrated the possibility of victory of mind over matter, a very important factor at such a time”.

We must never forget Many Freemasons served their country on active service during the War and many did not return.

Death while in service held no respect for position, status or rank. To us they were simply Brothers. It was on the 25 August 1942 that the then Grand Master, Air Commodore His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, was killed while on active service with the Royal Air Force. Following his death, all Lodges were in a period of Masonic Mourning for six months.

His successor (the Earl of Harewood) was elected at the Quarterly Communications meeting held on 2nd December 1942. He was subsequently installed on 1st June 1943 by a Past Grand Master, the His Majesty King George VI. We can only contemplate the nature of the sacrifice that these Brethren made, and perhaps see it as a gift - for without that gift, it is certain that we would not be at liberty to practise our Craft today. The War ended on VJ Day, Victory in Japan Day, in August 1945, when Lodges and Chapters throughout the world thanked the Great Architect of the Universe for their victory and for their deliverance. Today, seventy-five years later, we are perhaps once again in a critical period for Freemasonry - but what is certain is that the values implicit in Freemasonry not only held firm against the storms of war, but are today rooted more deeply than ever.

Acknowledgements This article is compiled from a paper by Charles Scott, Master of Alnwick Lodge No.1167, and has been abridged by Derek Warren, LOI Secretary of the Belvidere Lodge No.503 The following sources are gratefully acknowledged: “Freemasons At War” Keith Flynn, Prestonian Lecture 1991 Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)

“The Annihilation of Freemasonry” Sven G Lunden, The American Mercury vol. LII, February 1941 The Provincial Library at Neville Hall in Newcastle-upon-Tyne The History of Coquetdale Lodge No.5122 compiled by Ian Glendinning 70

COULD A KENT STUDENT FIND A CURE FOR MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE? Winner of the MND prestigious PhD studentship is Sam Bryce-Smith from Kent. Sam started his studentship last December under the joint supervision of Dr Pietro Fratta and Dr Maria Secrier at University College London. Sam is exploring two proteins, TDP-43 and FUS, that are associated with Motor Neurone Disease and are involved in processing molecules called messenger RNA, the molecule that provides the information for the DNA. This research could give a better understanding of how the disease develops, which in turn may provide new targets to develop treatments that can stop MND in its tracks. Sam’s PhD studentship is being fully funded by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons across England and Wales and of course East Kent.

David Innes, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, said: “I offer Sam my warmest congratulations on winning this very prestigious PhD studentship. Progress in his research could one day lead to a major breakthrough in stopping this terrible disease”.

Sam said: “ The chance to contribute to our understanding of the disease and provide opportunities for new potential treatments is something that really excites me, However the chance to have a positive impact on people’s lives through my studies is what really drives me, and I feel this studentship is a fantastic opportunity to do so”.

By supporting the Masonic Charitable Foundation, we can help build a better future for humanity.

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN STILL NEED OUR HELP Daniel John, Chaplain of Union Lodge No.127, writes: The other day, I dreamt that Prince Charles had sent me a cheque for £5,578,000 for Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. Then I woke up. Ho hum! To say I was disappointed would be something of an understatement - but what it brought to mind was that, since 2015, when Charlotte and I started working in the Ukraine on many different projects and situations, our fundraising has been overwhelmingly supported by Freemasons. A typical day would start with meetings held in a government building, assessing situations that we were likely to visit over the coming day. Then, often taking our lives in our hands, we would travel in what we would describe as “less than roadworthy” vehicles, going some considerable distances to meet families or communities and to discuss with them their most pressing needs – which could be anything from a child’s bicycle to village water pipes, from a washing machine to inside school toilets, from a food parcel to hospital medical equipment. The range of requirements was totally diverse and unpredictable. All needs duly considered, Charlotte and I would then retire to our lodgings and debrief the day’s events, trying to put some perspective on what we might be able to do with our available budget, against the sometimes wild aspirations of requests for underfloor heating!

On our final day of any trip, we would have built a picture of the most needed requirements and ascertained our ability to assist, with our financially available funds. Invariably, we would not be present at the handing out of funding or equipment, as we were ensconced at Kyiv’s airport with a well-earned glass of wine, awaiting the unenviable flight out of Ukrainian airspace, in the hopes that we wouldn’t be shot down but would make it safely back to England. So the disappointment of waking up this morning and finding that £5.6 million only existed in the fading memory of a wonderful dream was tempered by the fact that, on every project we have turned our hand to, the generosity of those giving to the cause has always, yes always, matched the required need.

At whatever fundraiser we have put on, attended so often by many Freemasons from across the East Kent Province, Charlotte and I have received precisely what was required. For example, young Veronica needed food supplements totalling £350.00. The sum was donated within moments of the request being announced. In this time of global needs, if we have the ears to hear, Charlotte and I know, with conviction, that those needs will be met.

Okay: we don’t need the best part of six million pounds to carry on the work we do at Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, but should anyone feel the urge to contribute, I know exactly what I will be doing with the money! For more information and details of how to contribute, please contact Daniel via his Lodge or visit the Charity’s website at www.ccll.org.uk

Want to join the many Brethren and Companions in East Kent who are using Social Media d

during lockdown? Our thanks to Metropolitan Grand Lodge for producing this simple Guide:

Sixty Years for Ron Martin Chris Sanford writes: Just before the lockdown when coronavirus took hold, the Sir Joseph Williamson Lodge No.4605 celebrated the presentation of a Sixty Year Long Service Certificate to Ronald Alfred Edward Martin, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden, the most senior of the ‘old boys’ in the Lodge. The Sir Joseph Williamson is a school-linked Lodge and was formed and consecrated in 1924 by its old boys. The school itself the Mathematical School, was founded in 1701 thanks to a five thousand pounds bequest from the estate of Sir Joseph Williamson, a leading politician and diplomat during the reign of King Charles II. Ron was presented with his Certificate by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Graeme at a meeting of the Lodge in Gundulph Square, Rochester, just before the lockdown. He is seen here with the Master and his stepson.

Ron Martin was born on the 27th November 1935, in St Margaret’s Cemetery, Maidstone Road, Rochester, where his father was Cemeteries and Parks Superintendent for Rochester Council. He was educated at Woolwich Polytechnic (now the University of Greenwich), Medway Technical College, and Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School. He pursued a very successful career in Civil Engineering and played a major part in the design and construction of major roadworks in Kent including the A289 Wainscott Northern Bypass, A229 Blue Bell Hill Stage 2, and the A2 Harbledowns Bypass. He was frequently admonished by the then Provincial Grand Master Geoffey Dearing that he could not go anywhere in Kent without being delayed by Ron’s works. Ron is a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Member of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. During his long and successful career he always made time not only for his Lodge but also for his school: he was Chairman of the Governors of Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School from 1989 to 1999 and Chairman of the Charity Trustees from 1990 to 2010.

Ron has also dedicated his time to charity and since 2001 has been a Trustee of Carers FIRST. The charity provides information and support to carers of people who cannot manage by themselves through ill health, frailty, disability, mental health or substance misuse. Ron has used his experience to guide and encourage the trust continued and has raised money for Carers FIRST with the help of the Sir Joseph Wiliamson Lodge, Pentangle Chapter No.1174 and the Province of East Kent.

In his spare time, he is a volunteer on the Thames and Medway Canal. It is a restoration project that will never be completed, as the North Kent railway line goes through the Tunnel. However, they have opened about five kilometres, and have plans for a further length to be made available for canoeing and general water recreation. For Ron it is a form of exercise every Tuesday morning â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and cheaper than a gym! Ron was Initiated into the Sir Joseph Williamson Lodge and becoming Master in 1975. He has held several Provincial Ranks and was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2011. He was exalted into Pentangle Chapter in 1977 and holds the Rank of Past Provincial Scribe N. He has been very active in other Chapters and in side degrees.

Ron (centre) ten years ago with two of Lodge 4605â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger brethren after receiving his 50th certificate

AND WE’RE OFF! Assistant Provincial Grand Master Mark Costelloe got into the swing of things at the West Malling Golf Club on the 10th July as he teed off to open the relaunched East Kent Masonic Golfing Association’s debut competition of the 2020 season. The event, splendidly organised by Paul McGuirk, was held on a pleasant but cool day with sunny intervals and a slightly testing north-westerly breeze. Winner of the competition was Derek Reed with 41 points. Runner up was Jess Roullier with 39 points. The fine bucket raised £50. Total sum raised was over £100, which has been donated to the East Kent Province’s 2025 Festival.

Photos by Peter Floyd

BEFORE AND AFTER Peter Floyd, our Photographics Manager, is looking for “before and after” photos. Did you take a good-quality selfie just before the lockdown? Have you neither shaved nor had a haircut since? If so, take another selfie now and send the two photos to him at pjfloyd4501@googlemail.com Please note that photographs need to meet certain criteria to be accepted for publication by the general media and our in-house magazines. Unfortunately, many potentially good images cannot be used because they do not meet these requirements. Here are the guidelines for submissions: • The picture resolution must not be less than 300 dpi. (dots per inch). If in doubt, always email the picture at maximum size. • Do not crop the photograph. • Make sure the picture is sharp and in focus - do not sharpen the image in photo editing software. • Think about the composition. If your camera or smartphone has the option of superimposing grid lines in the viewfinder or screen, make use of this to help compose the image; observe the rule of thirds. • Please name and date your photographs. If you are unsure of any of these guidelines, feel free to email Peter at: pjfloyd4501@gmail.com

THE PROVINCIAL GRAND CHALLENGE APGM David Alexander writes: Entry to the Provincial Grand Challenge was open to all Lodges and Chapters and was launched on 24th June. The Challenge comprised fifty questions on a variety of masonic topics covering the Craft and Royal Arch. It was hoped that the Challenge would provide some light lockdown relief, encourage members to work as a team and allow everyone to make their daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

From what I’ve heard it seems to have been successful on all counts, with some Lodges continuing with their own research topics as a result of subsequent demand from those team members who had worked together on the Challenge. Fifty-four submissions were made with the responses deemed to be of a highly commendable standard: thus all teams who entered will be eligible to receive the coveted “Provincial Grand Challenge Mug”. (pictured). Congratulations are extended to Group 5 for the enthusiasm which they showed through the number of entries submitted. To ensure scrupulous fairness, a process of moderation is currently in hand and it is hoped that the final results will be issued to all who took part within the next few days. May I take this opportunity to thank Richard Eastwood, Dennis Fordham, Duncan Rouse, Graham Chisnell and Jorge Dickinson, all of whom are members of the Education and Welfare Support Group and who were so actively involved in devising the Challenge . 79

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

Provincial Education Officer*

Graham Chisnell

31lodge@gmail.com

Photographics Manager

Peter Floyd

pjfloyd4501@googlemail.com

Communications Officer for the HRA Province of East Kent

Chris Sanford

thesanfords@screaming.net

Instagram

Mark Ravenwood

mravenwood1982@gmail.com

* Representative of the Education & Welfare Support Group

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