wkn on-line - issue 8

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West Kent News On-Line ~ Issue 8 ~ March 2014

AS we approach the final year of our 2015 Festival for the Masonic Samaritan Fund, no doubt everyone will continue to give as much as they can through their Lodges and Chapters. In addition, the West Kent Lodge of Charity 9610 is, on behalf of the Province, working hard to ensure that there is a lot of fun in fundraising, with a series of events that should appeal to a wide range of tastes. Two of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ events have already taken place: ‘Romance at Oakley House’ on Valentine’s Night raised £3,500 and the evergreen Provincial Quiz a further £1,550. Full details of each event will be available on the Provincial website (most are already there) via the ‘Provincial Diary’ page. To whet your appetites for the remaining events, they are: ‘Golden Mile Walk’ at Oakley House from 10:00 a.m. on Sunday 27th April. ‘Kart Wars’ at Buckmore Park on the evening of Wednesday 4th June. ‘Golden Mile Car Rally’ at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday 29th June, starting at Oakley House and finishing at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. ‘Annual Raft Race’ at The Pier Hotel, Greenhithe on Saturday 30th August. ‘Produce Show’, a new type of event, at Dartford on Sunday 14th September. A total of 29 classes gives plenty of scope for everyone. The fact that 10 of them (ranging from jam, pie and pickles to beer and wine) will be consumed after the show gives an incentive for those not willing or able to produce their own produce! Many of you will doubtless remember that the Festival was launched with a variety of events at our Centres, including a Riverboat Trip, a ‘black tie’ Dinner/Dance and an ‘Olde Tyme Music Hall’. The man behind the successful launch was

Past APGM W Bro John Holder. It is therefore no surprise that John has been asked by our PGM to organise the celebration event after the end of the Festival. Planning for the finale is already underway, although W Bro John is, for the moment, keeping the details under wraps. What can be revealed is the event will have something to appeal to all ages, from children upwards, and that it will be staged at “The Warren” in Hayes on:

Sunday 28th June 2015 Get the date in your diaries now, and look out for further details in the coming months through the usual channels.

In this issue:

FITC - Rainbow Trust .................................. 2 FITC - Crossways Gymnastic Centre .............. 2 Festival Walks ............................................ 3 Running for RMBI ....................................... 4 Provincial Quiz ........................................... 5 FMH Tour DVD ........................................... 5 WKPGS Burns Night .................................... 6 Erdemont Lodge ......................................... 7 Rivermead Lodge ....................................... 7 Medway Lodge ........................................... 7 Merton Abbey Lodge ................................... 8 Provincial Quiz - Scriveners’ View ................. 8 The Great War ........................................... 9 Easter Egg Hunt ....................................... 10 North East Corner Club.............................. 10 Congratulations! .................................. 11-12 W Bro Roy Johnson ............................... 11 W Bro Tony Razzell ............................... 11 W Bro ‘Butch’ Butcher ........................... 12 W Bro Bob Noble .................................. 12

The deadline for Issue 9 of West Kent News

On-Line is Saturday 31st May. All contributions should be sent to :

Provincial Information Officer

No 8 The Magazine of the Masonic Province of West Kent March 2014

2015 FESTIVAL The Final Countdown

mailto: [email protected]

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Members of Sevenoaks Weald 8882 had a very successful Ladies Night in February 2014 where £1,000 was raised on behalf of The Worshipful Master, W Bro Kevin Holland and his wife Debbie, two donations of £500 each have been made to the following deserving charities: Cancer Research UK & The Rainbow Trust. The Rainbow Trust is a self-funding charity that assists terminally-ill children and their families. The photograph shows W Bro Graham Underdown, Festival Committee Chairman, presenting one of the cheques to Lorraine Rudge, Community Fundraising Manager of the Rainbow Trust, accompanied by Nick Searing, also of the Rainbow Trust.

Lorraine said: “We are really grateful to Sevenoaks Weald Masonic Lodge for their generous donation of £500. The money they have raised will help Rainbow Trust continue to offer practical support to families facing the most unimaginable circumstances, their child having a life threatening or terminal illness” Graham Underdown

Bill Watkins, a PM of Kemnal Lodge 6875 helps out every Tuesday at the Crossways Gymnastic Centre, particularly in the support of children with disabilities, including autism and Downs Syndrome. Crossways Centre operates effectively six days per week, helping young people with wide ranging abilities, in a facility constructed under a flyover arch in Thamesmead! It is actually quite a nice space, but in need of work, and in particular good gymnastic equipment. They suffer, however, by being subject to mixed Council responsibility, so they don’t get much help at all! It occurred to Bill to ask Kemnal Lodge to start the ball rolling in raising some money for equipment, which they did by making a donation. Their Secretary, Peter Wise, also spoke with members of the Provincial Charity Committee, and application was made for a Major Grant from the Province. The grant was approved, and all of a sudden the Crossways volunteers, who were expecting a very long slog raising money, had £4,750 from the Province of West Kent. On 21st January Bill, Peter and other members of Kemnal Lodge went to Thamesmead, along with Phil May, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, to present the cheque. They were treated to two displays, firstly by able bodied children ranging in age from just 5 years old to 12, and then by a group of disabled gymnasts ranging from low teens to thirties!

Peter Wise told the parents and coaches a little about Freemasonry and its charitable works, and introduced Mark Pratley, the WM of Kemnal Lodge, who presented the cheque to Janet Swann, their Administrator, and then proceeded to present awards to the kids from a recent gymnastic competition. Phil May then gave an outline of how the Province works. Crossways, of course, were absolutely delighted with both the cheque and the attendance from West Kent Freemasons, and

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Freemasonry in the Community - Playing Our Part

Rainbow Trust Crossways Gymnastic Centre

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said that the money would be spent on a new set of parallel bars, at a cost of £3,000 and the kids would be treated to new kit and tracksuits.

The atmosphere at the centre was amazing, and the sight of the kids, who all really wanted to be there, was uplifting. Kemnal Lodge will continue to help them out as it can, and maybe other Lodges might want to help as well! Peter Wise Secretary

W Bro Glyn Jones of Oakley Lodge 8958, who is a qualified and authorized City of London Walking Tour Guide, is offering a series of guided ‘Weekend Walks’, the proceeds of which will go to the 2015 Festival for the MSF. Each of the walks has a different theme. Most are on a Sunday but a couple are Saturdays so double check! The normal price for each walk would be £15 per person but as this is a charity venture and not a commercial enterprise (and because he likes us all so much!), he will be asking for just £5 per person. All walks will begin at 11:30am and last between 1.5 and 2 hours and for those who build up a thirst Glyn promises to finish near a quality pub! There are very few parking restrictions in the City of London on a Sunday. The maximum group size for one of these walks is 15 people. In addition to the Weekend Walks, Glyn can also offer the original City of London Whisky Tour, complete with a tasting of four whiskies, accompanied by an informed explanation of how whisky is made and why there are so many differences in flavour, etc. These walks will all start promptly at 4:30pm from Monument

Underground Station. The route goes around a number of sites in the City loosely connected with whisky until about 6:15pm when the tasting and presentation will take place at The Whisky Shop. The whole event will finish at around 7:30pm when there will be the opportunity to buy whisky at a discounted price. The normal price for the whisky tour would be £40 as the costs of the whisky shop have to be covered but for these dates, and in the cause of charity, the price will be £35 per person. Not bad for three hours entertainment and some good whisky! If you would like to book a walk please either email Glyn at [email protected] or call him on 07776 210 404. The weekend walks are great family fun as well as a good laugh for groups of friends. However please note ‘Fleapits, Fleshpits and Floozies’ and ‘Prisons and Punishments’ are not suitable for minors or those of a delicate disposition. The dates for the whisky tours are: Thursday 24th April, Wednesday 28th May & Wednesday 25th June. The Weekend Walk series is as follows: Sunday 13th April Thameside City Walk (Start: Blackfriars Station) This takes you along the side of the River Thames and tells you of its history as a major world maritime trading centre to the importance of the buildings along the river front today. You will travel in time and space and really feel the depth of History that makes London the unique, vibrant and ever-evolving city that it is today. All this next to the very river that is the reason for the city’s existence and is, in reality, still the life blood at its beating heart. Sunday 20th April The Great Fire of London (Start: The Monument by Monument Tube Station) A walk through the City of London looking at key sights connected with the destruction wrought by the Fire that started in a baker’s shop in 1666 and the renaissance City which rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Sunday 27th April The City Churches of Sir Christopher Wren (Start: Bank Underground Station by the statue of the Duke of Wellington outside the old Royal Exchange Building)

Freemasonry in the Community/2015 Festival

Crossways Gymnastic Centre

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Festival Walks

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A walk looking at what remains of the Churches Built by Sir Christopher Wren in the City of London. Beacons of awesome beauty that have survived for hundreds of years despite the wars that have ravaged their destruction on this great city! Sunday 4th May Fleapits, Fleshpits and Floozies! (Start: Outside the entrance to Vauxhall Train and Underground Station) A walking tour of the South Bank of the River Thames, the one-time pleasure garden of London and the original “Sin City”. Learn about the fishponds, bear-baiting, theatres, rookeries and brothels that served the City of London but were not fit to be within its walls. Sunday 25th May Barricades, Bombs and Bollards (Start: Tower Hill Outside Tower Hill Underground Station.) A walk through the history of the City of London, looking at how it has defended itself from those who would attack it. From the burning and destruction of Boudica in Roman times, the ages of revolution and revolt, two World Wars to the threat of modern day terrorism. Sunday 1st June City Clocks Tell more than the time (Start: Blackfriars Station) This walk takes you on a tour of some of the many public clocks in the City of London. This is not simply a walk about time-pieces but about the people who made them, the times in which they were made and the buildings upon which they can be found. Time will fly on this walk! Saturday 7th June Fabulous Fleet Street (Start: Blackfriars Station) There is a tremendously vibrant history in just this short street. The tour will touch on two churches, the obvious and not so obvious media connections, literary and true life tales as well as introducing you to some fascinating pubs and landmarks. Sunday 15th June The Phoenix City (Start: Outside the Mansion House by Mansion House Underground Station) This guided walk will demonstrate and explain the work of the great architects such as Sir Christopher Wren, Sir Norman Foster and Richard Rodgers amongst others. You will see architecture through the ages showing the development of the City of London from its past glories to its present astonishing architectural achievements.

Saturday 21st June Prisons and Punishments (Start: Blackfriars Station) This walk takes you through some of London’s darker history. From the filth and squalor of medieval prisons, to the public display of removed heads and the places of trial and persecution. A walk to make you glad to be a 21st century citizen who can visit the past and then leave it behind! We will finish with a visit to what are said to be 18th Century dungeon cells. Sunday 29th June The Literary City (Start: Tower Hill outside Tower Hill Underground Station.) Take a stroll through the City and take in the vast selection of great writers connected with the city. Visit the places they knew, the places that inspired their writing and for some, their final resting place! Learn about their hidden lives and the oddities of who they really were.

WHEN Christine McCarthy, the sister of W Bro Alan Larbey, a Past Master of Knole Lodge 1414, had a stroke on New Year's Eve 2012, it was a devastating blow to a very close-knit family. Things got worse in the early months of 2013, when it became obvious that Christine was going to need full-time specialist care. For a family that had never had to deal with such a traumatic ordeal, where did they start? Alan called Bob King, a friend of nearly 60 years. Of course Bob could do nothing himself, but he knew a man that could, The Provincial Almoner. Roger Friend got on the case and Bob rang another pal, Chris Caine. By March, Christine

2015 Festival/Masonic Miscellany


Festival Walks

Running for RMBI


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was safely tucked up in Prince George, Duke of Kent Court, Chislehurst. The care and attention that Christine has received has been exemplary and she enjoys a standard of living that the family thought would never happen. Neither Christine’s husband Mac nor son Ian is a Freemason but both are indebted to the way the fraternity has looked after her. This appreciation has spread through the whole family and Alan's daughter Claire, who was very upset when her favourite aunt had the stroke, decided that she wanted to show her appreciation. She entered herself for this year's Hastings Half Marathon on 23rd March. The RMBI were thrilled and advertised for sponsorship, and Duncan Washbrook sent her an RMBI shirt, which Claire happily wore on the day. She completed the course in 2 hours and 11 minutes, a very respectable time considering that she ran the last four miles in complete agony after her knee collapsed, but she would not give up. Proud dad Alan said that the pain must have been bad as she couldn't drink the champagne that was bought for her, but he thinks she will make up for that in a few weeks’ time when she reaches the big 40. Claire's magnificent effort raised £750, which will be used to the benefit of the residents of Prince George, Duke of Kent Court. Well Done Claire!

THANKS to Stephen Hall and his dedicated band of helpers, a good crowd enjoyed another splendid evening at Oakley House for the Annual Provincial Quiz. It was a neck and neck contest throughout the evening and therefore not a great surprise that it ended up as a dead heat for first place, with the third team only a point behind. The successful teams were West Kent Scriveners 9799 and Cross in Hand of Bickley 7060 (joint 1st) and Wells 5263 (3rd). They each demonstrated the importance of choosing the correct “Joker” round [double points], all three scoring the maximum 20 points on their respective Jokers. Whilst it was a first success in the quiz for WK Scriveners, Wells and Cross in Hand are ‘old hands’, as in

recent years the former have won it jointly twice (once with Cross in Hand) and the latter have won it outright twice and jointly twice. Stephen Hall’s photo shows the Provincial Grand Master, who presented the trophy (and won the internal Fiennes Cornwallis quiz stakes), and the captains of the three successful teams [l to r]: Chris Beames (Wells 5263), Mike Wheal (WK Scriveners 9799) and Robert Butt (Cross in Hand of Bickley 7060). Editor’s Note: I should perhaps point out that my stance and pained expression are because of my back problem; I was actually very happy that we had done so well!

The efforts of Stephen and his team were well-rewarded, as the quiz raised £1,550 towards the 2015 Festival. A report and photos by Harry Maton of the WK Scriveners team can be found on page 9.

THE Library & Museum of Freemasonry and Letchworth’s Shop have a new version of the popular Freemasons’ Hall Tour on DVD. Now called “Inside Freemasons’ Hall”, it has been completely revised with much new material, including a fascinating glimpse of the original “Goose and Gridiron” and an intriguing insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Freemasons’ Hall. It makes a great souvenir or provides a taster of what can be seen for those who haven’t yet been able to visit. The DVD costs £25 and is available from the Shop at Freemasons’ Hall or on line at: h t t p : / / l e t c h w o r t h s h o p . c o . u k / c a t /product_catalog.php?c=38

Masonic Miscellany

Running for RMBI


Provincial Quiz

FMH Tour Video

http://letchworthshop.co.uk/cat/product_catalog.php?c=38

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W Bro Ray Collings is one of the most active Charity Stewards in the Province if not the entire Craft! On Saturday 25th January 2014, on behalf of the West Kent Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge 8565, W Bro Ray hosted a Burns Night at Oakley House. This was a spectacular event with some 130 guests enjoying the evening. The event started in traditional fashion with Mr Victor Murrell, the piper for the evening, playing some traditional Scottish pipe tunes before piping in the haggis as ancient tradition demands. Having delivered the “Selkirk Grace”, W Bro Archie Torrance delighted the gathering with the “Address to a Haggis”, presented with his traditional aplomb!

His delivery was as impeccable and entertaining as ever and left many of us wishing we were also bilingual! W Bro Archie has been putting his talents to good use recently. As well as at this event, he has also delivered the Address at Alma Lodge 9792, Ninth Arch Royal and Select Masters’ Council 185 and Rose Croix Chapter 521. Aside from the amount raised at the Burns Night, W Bro Archie has raised a further £300 for the 2015 Festival, a tremendous achievement!

“Tam O’Shanter” was then recited by W Bro Bobby Smith [photo in preceding column], who followed up with the toast to ‘The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’. W Bro Bobby’s flawless and unprompted rendition of “Tam O’Shanter” was truly astounding and made reciting a Masonic Tracing Board look easy! The toast to the ladies was proposed by W Bro Ray Collings and an excellent response was delivered by Ms Shelagh Fitzpatrick.

The evening had two purposes: to have fun and enjoy good company; but also to raise money for the 2015 Festival. To assist with this, W Bro Ray acted as auctioneer and excelled at his task. The evening would not have been right without some Scottish dancing. Following a display of dancing skill, the Orpington and District Caledonian Society had little difficulty in convincing the majority of guests to join them for instruction and entertainment. Dancing to Tuxedo Class extended into the evening.

W Bro Ray’s effort and determination saw a staggering £1,500 raised towards the 2015 Festival. Grateful thanks are due to everyone who patronised the event and helped to make it such a success. Ian Gallehawk

Masonic Miscellany

Burns Night

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IT is not often that a Past Master of the Lodge carries out the initiation of his elder brother into the Fraternity. W Bro Alan Sanford did just that at the meeting of Erdemont Lodge 5865 on 1st February 2014, when he initiated his brother Raymond Sanford. Not surprisingly, there was a large turnout for the occasion. Sixty members and guests witnessed this very special day. Alan also delivered the Charge after Initiation, which was received with great attention and interest of his older brother. Ray made an excellent start in the Lodge with his very commendable speech at the Festive Board. Welcome to the fold Brother Sanford! Alan Sandford

ON very rare occasions, a father has the privilege and pleasure of being able to initiate his son. Such an occasion occurred at Rivermead Lodge 8278 on Tuesday 27th March 2014 when W Bro Phil Tadd took the Master's Chair to initiate his son, Paul Tadd. The ceremony was conducted with great conviction and skill by an obviously proud father. Everyone played his part to the full, seemingly in the knowledge that this was more than an average Initiation. Having delivered a sterling performance, there was a hint of emotion in W Bro Phil's voice as he brought the ceremony to a close. It is always excellent to welcome a new Brother into Masonry but to be present at such

an event was special for everyone. Bro Paul subsequently thanked the Lodge and his father and appeared to have been suitably impressed by events. Ian Gallehawk

ON Wednesday 28th March 2014, in the presence of APGM W Bro Mark Estaugh, the Brethren and guests of Medway Lodge 1678 witnessed something never before seen in the Lodge, and possibly never in the Province of West Kent.

Masonic Miscellany

A Very Special Day at Erdemont Lodge

From left to right: W Bro Alan Sandford, Bro Raymond Sandford and the Worshipful Master, W Bro Andrew Watson

Keeping it in the Family

A Family Affair at Medway Lodge 1678

L to R: Bro Alan John Simmons (Initiated 28/03//12), W Bro Alan Ronald Simmons (WM 2002 & 2014), Bro Robert James Simmons (Initiated 26/03/14), W Bro Mark Estaugh (APGM), W Bro Peter John Alfred Simmons (WM 2010 & 2011), Bro

Paul Christopher Simmons (Initiated 24/11/10)


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The WM this year, W Bro Shane Raggett has occupied the chair this year on the 50- year anniversary of his Father, W Bro Alan Raggett being the WM of the Lodge, so it is a special year anyway. However, W Bro Shane passed the gavel to W Bro Alan Simmons to enable him to initiate his son, Mr Robert Simmons, supported in the ceremony by his brothers W Bro Peter Simmons (Senior Deacon), Bro Paul Simmons (Junior Deacon) and his other son Bro Alan Simmons (Inner Guard). Bro Alan also presented the 1st degree working tools to his new-made Brother in Freemasonry. Members of the Lodge were delighted to be joined it our lodge meeting by APGM W Bro Mark Estaugh and the provincial delegation, who commented on the uniqueness of this very special occasion. Medway Lodge can truly now claim to be a “band of brothers”.

Wednesday 19th March 2014 saw a first for Merton Abbey Lodge 7742 when Dalen Gavin Smart was Initiated into the brotherhood at the age of 19 years. Dalen, an undergraduate student at Portsmouth University and young business entrepreneur, took the first step in Freemasonry in the presence of the Provincial Grand Master of West Kent, RW Brother Jonathan Stewart Winpenny. The Provincial Grand Master interviewed Dalen following his acceptance by

the Lodge Committee and he found Dalen to be an excellent candidate to be received into the Province of West Kent. Our Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Bradley Cox, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2013 for his services to young people and the community, carried out the Degree in an excellent manner giving Dalen his entrance into Freemasonry a special touch as Bradley was his proposer. Dalen is also a committed Scouter with his Sea Scout Group in Canvey Island, Essex of which Bradley is also Assistant Group Scout Leader and Skipper. The links between Scouting and Freemasonry are well-documented and Dalen’s initiation seemed to be a natural step forward. We as a Lodge are looking forward to Dalen’s progression within the Craft as he shows a natural aptitude towards the history of Freemasonry. Ivor Earl Secretary

FOR the fourth time, the Scriveners’ Lodge 9799 entered a team for the annual Provincial Quiz. Led by our captain Mike Wheal with his wife Sheila the team consisted of myself, Alan Short, Roger Friend and, hopefully bringing with him wisdom from the east, Roger Odd. Listed as Team 29 from a field of 35, we found our seats adjacent to one of the three Fiennes Cornwallis teams with the PGM and his wife Gillian at their head. No pressure then. Looking through the list of topics we would be quizzed on, there was some discussion over when to play our Joker (for double points). This was eventually resolved to be the “Dingbats” round, more by a process of elimination than anything else. Now nicely settled in, we awaited the first round on “Food and Drink” with some foreboding. I think we surprised ourselves on how well we thought we had done and moved on to “Geography”, our second choice for where to play the Joker. Disappointingly, we managed a full house of ten points which made our Joker decision seem less attractive. Nevertheless, we soldiered on until the papers were handed out for the “Dingbats” and “Underground Station Anagrams” rounds. Having worked out that ‘POLMOMICE’ was Mother in Law and

Masonic Miscellany

Undergraduate Initiation

L to R: W Bro Eric Hampson (Provincial GDC), RW Bro Jonathan Winpenny (PGM), Bro Dalen Smart & W Bro Bradley

Cox (WM)


A Family Affair at Medway Lodge 1678

Provincial Quiz A Scriveners’ View


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‘potOOOOOOOO’ was potatoes and so on, we were left with _ONDON _ARIS as the final riddle. Moments before the papers were to be collected, Sheila gave us Tale of Two Cities and we had answered all ten, together with all ten of the anagrams. When the scores were announced, we were unexpectedly in the lead. To celebrate, Alan passed round the sausage rolls made by a café local to his weekend hideaway in Rye and very delicious they were too. This was followed by a strawberry sponge from the same source and I think we have now all made a mental note of this café for a future visit. Looking at the remaining rounds our hearts fell as we had the “At Random” round (thus impossible to plan for) and the “Music of Our Time” round where we expected to do not very well at all. But still we continued, bolstered by our pleasant repast. Eventually the contest was over and the final scores were read out. There were two winning teams on 98 points and, while one was a regular winner in the form of Cross In Hand of Bickley 7060, the other winning team was Scriveners’ 9799! I should also mention Wells 5263, who were third by just a single point.

Our captain Mike went up to collect our winnings; the winners’ shield (ours for six months before we pass it on to Cross In Hand of Bickley) and a £700 donation to the 2015 Festival in the name of the Lodge. Once we had got over the shock of winning, we remembered to congratulate the PGM who had come first of the three Fiennes Cornwallis teams. Another splendid and enjoyable evening (these quizzes always are) and a good result for the cause of charity. If you’ve never been, why not try to field a team of six for next year - I’m sure you won’t regret it.

Harry Maton

AS everyone will be aware, we are approaching the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. To many of us, this was a conflict from a distant past, indeed my father was born in 1916, midway through the conflict. We all, however, appear to share a view that, regardless of the rights and wrongs of the conflict, we should never forget the sacrifice made by so many on both sides of the conflict. It was, therefore, with great interest and anticipation that the West Kent Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge 8565 invited W Bro Dr John Reuther, PJGD, PProvSGW (East Kent), Deputy President RMBI, to deliver a lecture at their meeting on 22nd February entitled "Freemasonry and the Great War".

Masonic Miscellany

Provincial Quiz A Scriveners’ View


Our winning team [l to r]: Roger Odd, Mike Wheal, Sheila Wheal, Alan Short & Roger Friend

(I’m the shy one taking the photo!)

The Great War


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W Bro John captivated everyone with the content and style of his delivery. His explanation of the role of Freemasonry on both sides of the conflict, as well as in prison and internment camps on both sides, was a revelation to everyone and certainly provided an additional and completely different aspect of the war for his audience to consider. It would be fair to say that many of the matters described were moving as well as interesting as the human cost of a distant conflict were made almost tangible for the audience. In an era when we are acutely aware of the need to ensure that we continue to recruit suitable people into The Craft, we can reflect on W Bro John's lecture and hope that Freemasonry and its principles can be strong and far-reaching enough to prevent such a conflict from ever occurring again. Ian Gallehawk

IF you have young children or grandchildren, there’s really only one place to be on the morning of Saturday 19th April, and that’s at Prince George, Duke of Kent Court, for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. It’s 10:30am for 11:00 to start and admission is £2.50. There are categories for “up to 5 years” and “6 years and over” to ensure fair competition. Don’t be late as it will be a prompt start, and do remember to bring a basket in which to put your eggs! For further information, call/email: David Ferdinando on 0333 011 8514/[email protected] or Paul Christopher on 01959 439 471/[email protected]

THE North East Corner Club (NECC) is being re-launched at Oakley House on Tuesday 29th April, at 7:30pm. Entrance is free, but please book to ensure all can be accommodated. The bar will be open for those who wish to refresh themselves (at their own expense). The dress code is ‘smart casual’. The evening comprises a demonstration by

members of the West Kent Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge 8565, covering the ceremony of Initiation, including the ‘Charge after Initiation’. A detailed commentary will give explanations of the meanings and origins of the Masonic ritual. The NECC is intended for, but not restricted to, newer Freemasons (usually Entered Apprentices) to provide information on various aspects of Freemasonry and enable them to ask questions at a relaxed, informal gathering. Ideally, attendees should be accompanied by their Personal Mentor, so that he is aware of what they’ve learned and is better prepared for any subsequent questions. Bearing in mind our goal of making “a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”, FellowCrafts and Master Masons are also very welcome; if the subject of a particular meeting is of interest, don’t be afraid to come along. To book your place(s), contact Perri Ahmet on: 07881 931 552 or [email protected]

This is the smallest issue of West Kent News On-Line since it was introduced in June 2012. There is a simple reason for this - a lack of input, and this despite the publication being put back from its intended date. I’m not aware that there has been a drop in activities in our Province. I have heard of, even been promised reports and photographs, for a number of events but then not received anything to publish. Apart from keeping each other informed of what is going on in our part of the Province, WK News, being in the public domain, is also a vehicle for letting the general public know more about us, particularly the many ways in which we help and support local charities and ‘good causes’, which is why I’m always happy to receive stories and pictures about ‘Freemasonry in the Community’. In short, brethren, it is your magazine in every way: you are the readership, but you are also the reporters and photographers. I can’t print it if I’m not told about it! Please send your contributions to me at the usual email address: Mike Wheal Provincial Information Officer The deadline for contributions for Issue 9 of West Kent News On-Line is Saturday 31st May. I look forward to having a bumper Inbox by then!

Masonic Miscellany

The Great War


Easter Egg Hunt

North East Corner Club

West Kent News On-Line

mailto: [email protected]

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AT their March Meeting, members of North Kent Lodge 2499 were honoured to welcome their Honorary Member, R W Bro Jonathan S Winpenny, PGM to officiate over the presentation of the 60-Year certificate, and badge, to W Bro Roy Johnson, PPGReg. W Bro Roy achieved 60 years in Freemasonry on 16th December 2012, but due to the records reflecting joining member dates, was presented with his certificate by our PGM at the North Kent Lodge meeting on Saturday 1st March 2014. W Bro Roy was Initiated into Old Priory Lodge 4331 on 16th December 1952 and became a joining member of North Kent Lodge in 1969, becoming Worshipful Master in 1980. W Bro Roy was presented by the members of the North Kent Lodge with crystal glasses to go with the decanter that was presented in 2003, for his 50-year celebration. W Bro Roy, who despite having suffered a major stroke, continues to attend the meetings in support of his lodge, and was given an additional gift of bottles of Brandy and Whisky in recognition of his support over the years in occupying the Chair, and serving as Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Lodge. Peter Smith

AT their February Meeting, members of North Kent Lodge 2499 were honoured to formally welcome their APGM W Bro Keith Fairweather to officiate over the presentation of the 50 Year certificate, and badge, to W Bro Tony Razzell, PGStB.

The Secretary read the Summons and a summary of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on the 1st February 1964, held at the Masonic Hall Bexleyheath. The APGM give a flavour of what our life and times were in 1964 in order that we can fully recognize the significance of the achievement in being a Freemason for a period of 50 years. Reminders included the General Election, the Summer Olympics which were held in Tokyo, famous people who died, notable films released, UK No.1 hits and the cost of daily items, and that the average home cost was £2,500. He then spoke about W Bro Tony Razzell from the time he was born in India on the 23rd November 1928 to Tony’s Masonic career to date, which of course was the main reason was there that afternoon. He then called for the Citation to be read by W Bro Andrew Mulryne before presenting it to W Bro Tony.

The WM presented Tony with a decanter and glasses from the Lodge. W Bro Tony thanked the APGM, and W Bro Mulryne for the citation, as well as the Brethren of North Kent Lodge for the gift which he assured them would be put to good use. He went on to share with the Brethren some of his experiences during his 50 years in Freemasonry. Peter Smith

Congratulations!

W Bro Tony Razzell North Kent Lodge 2499

W Bro Roy Johnson North Kent Lodge 2499

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W Bro ’Butch’ Butcher is the oldest and longest-serving member of Justin Lodge 5338. Although no longer an active member, he has maintained his links with the Lodge and Freemasonry.

For Butch’s convenience, on 17th March 2014 Group 2 APGM, W Bro Keith Fairweather, accompanied by W Bro Mark Olden, Secretary/Almoner of Justin Lodge, visited him at his home in Crawley, Sussex, to present his 60-year citation. W Bro Butch was initiated into Justin Lodge on 13th February 1954, which was a Saturday. He became Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1969 and was appointed PPrAGDC in 1979. Butch was born in Bellingham, South East London and will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this year - on 30th October. Mark Olden

On Tuesday 25th March, Rivermead Lodge 4278 was privileged to host a very special and exceptional event. W Bro Robert (Bob) Noble was a Founder of the Lodge when it was consecrated on 3rd October 1969. It goes without saying that W Bro Bob's Masonic history goes back beyond that date. W Bro Bob was initiated into St Thomas of Acon Lodge 5233 on 24th February 1964, some five years before the Consecration of Rivermead Lodge. Having been a Founder, W Bro Bob

became Master of the Lodge in 1974 and has remained an important and much loved members ever since. It was, therefore, the unanimous wish of the Lodge that Bob should be honoured by receiving a Fifty-Year Citation to mark his long service in Masonry. The Lodge was therefore delighted to receive a visit from its very own Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Mark Estaugh, who presented a 50-Year Certificate to W Bro Bob in a manner which touched everyone present. Bob is, sadly, the only remaining Founder of the Lodge and it was particularly poignant to hear W Bro Mark state that he had never before presented a 50-Year Certificate to a Founder of a Lodge!

The event was rounded off when W Bro Roy Cockburn presented W Bro Bob with a scroll from the Lodge to mark the fact that he had previously been elected an Honorary Member. Bob had been Roy's proposer when he was initiated in January 1978. Some 45 members and visitors were present to celebrate the event. The fullness of the Temple certainly added to the overall atmosphere. Mark Olden My thanks go to those brethren who have kindly provided the information and photographs for this and the preceding page. In today’s busy world with many counter-attractions, it is less likely that members will achieve such longevity of membership, so we should all celebrate those that do reach such milestones.

Congratulations!

W Bro Cecil ‘Butch’ Butcher Justin Lodge 5338

W Bro Robert (Bob) Noble Rivermead Lodge 4278

wkn on-line - issue 8

Documents

oakley house

evergreen provincial

provincial website

erdemont lodge

rivermead lodge

medway lodge

series of events

remaining events