Late June in the Garden of England. In sporting terms, a time of year usually associated with the gentlemanly sound of leather on willow, or this year – being a World Cup year – the boorish repetitive chant of “Yoo-essay” from our colonial cousins. But for the Freemasons of East Kent the sound was more of a silent bewilderment as another golf ball disappeared into the trees at London Beach Golf Club near Tenterden.

Every June (well, since 2023) Freemasons from the Thanet Lodges, and our Brethren from Maidstone and surrounding areas, have competed for the prestigious Mark Bassant Trophy – hotly contested over 18 holes of golf at the Tenterden resort. It is fair to say that London Beach is not a “bombers course”, it is probably better described as “fiddly”, or a course that requires strategy ahead of distance. The fairways are tight, the water hazards well placed (as I can attest) and the greens have subtle slopes that challenge the eye.

On this occasion we were delighted to welcome Julie Stichbury – Partnerships Officer for 21 Together, who would be setting the target for the rest of us to beat. So 22 golfers followed Julie down the first fairway, challenged the course, each other, and the elements. But rather than the more traditional menu of wind and rain, the elements this year were those of searing 34° temperatures and not a cloud in the sky. Of the 23 starters we had 20 that stood the distance, but three of a slightly more delicate constitution (wisely) turned it in at the halfway point. To say that the heat was offensive would be an understatement. 

Julie Stitchbury of 21 Together receives the cheque for £1544

Historically, the charity supported by this day has been the Masonic Charitable Foundation, but this year we were pleased to be supporting 21 Together. 21 Together is a Kent based organisation that support children and young adults who suffer with Down Syndrome, they also provide extensive services and respite to the families of these children. At the present time, there are approximately 450 children and young adults living with this condition, and 21 Together (so named because every Downs child has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome) are able to provide services to almost half this number but would clearly like to be able to support many more. They currently operate two hubs in the county, one in Maidstone, the other in Thanet – this geography made the charity a natural choice for our annual golf day.

I realise that we are English, and we will grumble about it being too cold, too wet, too windy, and on this occasion too hot, but it really was bloomin’ hot !!

This said, the competition was fierce, the talent (like the sun) shone through, and the scores ebbed and flowed as the holes were chalked off. As the early results came in it looked as if a draw could be a likely outcome, but as more flushed (and sweaty) golfers arrived back at the sanctuary of the air-conditioned clubhouse, it became apparent that the Thanet team would capture the honours for the third time in four years.

Peter Rhodes Presents the Mark Bassant Trophy to Area 5 Captain Nigel Mann

 The team game decided, it was now down to the scorers to declare the individual winner of the day. It transpired that none of us could get close to Julie’s magnificent total of 38 points, and it was a genuine pleasure to present our guest with the winners prizes.

Overall Winner Julie Stichbury of 21 Together – 38 Points

The “Nearest the Pin” prize went to Ken Burton, the Long Drive prize to Nigel Mann, and the final prize of “Most Golf Played” went to Miki Travis.

Nearest the Pin (4th Hole) Ken Burton (Area 5)

Most Golf Played – Miki Travis

 Our day raised a wonderful £1,544 which was presented to Julie, and to Charity CEO Kevan Hodges. There is further fund raising planned for 21 Together throughout 2026 – the work that they do is truly incredible – and I would urge anyone who is planning a fund-raising event to consider 21 Together as the recipient of your efforts.

Longest Drive (12th Hole) Nigel Mann (Area 5)

We look forward to next June – same time, same place, same fun, same fellowship. 

To find out more about the work of 21 together, please visit 21 Together Down’s syndrome Charity