“Around the Province”
Freemasons support Foodbank with £2,000 donation
Faversham Freemasons have come together to raise a total of £2,000 to support the town’s foodbank, which is seeing unprecedented demand from families caught out by the cost of living crisis.
The three Faversham Lodges, the Royal Arch Chapter and the Rose Croix all contributed in response to an appeal from the Lodge of Harmony’s Director of Ceremonies Ernie Warner. That sum was matched by the Cornwallis East Kent Freemason’s Charity and then topped up by The Rose Croix Harmony Jubilee Chapter and an individual donation to reach the £2,000 total.
Ernie, who handed over the cheque to Magdalen Deakins, Faversham Foodbank’s project manager, said the cash would help to provide the extra items that public contributions through supermarkets did not cover, such as nappies, formula milk, hot water bottles and food that needs no cooking facilities beyond a boiling kettle.
He said demand for the food bank had risen by 50% this year compared to last and that the charity was supporting more than 1,000 families.
Hallie and her mum, Rachael, met the members of the lodge at Franklin Road Masonic hall shortly before the start of their meeting. Hallie was an immediate hit with the brethren and was treated to a tour of the building including the lodge room. She tried out all the principal chairs for size and seemed very comfortable taking charge.
After the tour and a drink at the bar, Step and Learn trustee and treasurer, Karen Parsler, presented a sponsorship pack to acting Master, Peter Lacey. Among other things, the pack includes a detailed plan of Hallie’s progress and targets at Step and Learn, so the lodge can see a direct link between their charity and a positive outcome for Hallie.
East Kent v Sussex
On a bright sunny Saturday 20th May 2023, East Kent’s Provincial Clay Shooting Team hosted a visit from the Province of Sussex’s Clay Shooting Team. This was a return shoot as each year both provinces take it in turn to host each other for their annual clay shoot. This year we met at Hawley Clay Shooting Ground near Dartford where the owner, Andy, had arranged a 100-clay competition over 10 stands, each with targets that simulated game shots of varying difficulties.
After the obligatory bacon rolls and tea/coffee we split into 4 squads and headed off to stand 1, which did lead us into a little over confidence as these clays were quite straight forward, little did we know that the remaining 9 stands were to prove somewhat more challenging. Clay shooting can be a little like other single player sports where you are competing against others but also challenging yourself so after a bad shot you must move on and concentrate on the next one.
One hundred clays each later we all met up once more to enjoy some refreshments while the score cards were collated with some very good scores, high gun overall went to Dave Scales from Sussex with 89/100 with East Kent’s Steve Ball close behind with 84/100.
As always in Masonic competitions we take the top three scores from each team and on this occasion East Kent were the winners scoring 244/300 with Sussex coming in close behind with 230/300.
Next year we visit Sussex at Northall Clay Shooting Ground, which is one of our favourite grounds but this year was great fun as usual, perfect shooting conditions, great company and of course ‘it’s always nice to win’.
Winning Scores;
Steve Ball 84, Rob Styles 82, Martin Lane 78 244/300 East Kent.
Dave Scales 89, Will Smith 73, Neil Jelliff 68 230/300 Sussex.
Deal Hold an Open Day
Lodges in Deal came together last Saturday to promote Freemasonry in the local area. Opening its doors to the Masonic Temple, and allowing members of the publice to view inside a masonic lodge room, gave everyone the opportunity to see what is normally only open to members.
Along wiht a stand on the seafront, as part of Deal Craft Fair, members of the 5 lodges enjoyed the sun and visitors to the stall.
London Grand Rank Association
A quick reminder to anyone wishing to attend the above event, the meeting has been re scheduled.
Details below.
This is a reminder that the next Quarterly Meeting of the London Grand Rank Association has been rescheduled to
16.00 on Wednesday 7 June 2023
(to avoid planned rail disruption).
The meeting will be held at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street.
On this occasion any mason may attend the meeting – it is not restricted to members of the Association.
There will be a presentation by Richard Shuttleworth on behalf of the London Air Ambulance.
Regalia is not worn at our meetings. Members of the Association are encouraged to wear our tie (which is available from the Shop at Freemasons’ Hall).
There will be a retiring collection in favour of the Metropolitan Grand Master’s appeal for the London Air Ambulance.
It would be appreciated, if you intend to come to the meeting, you could advise the Secretary by email at lgra12@outlook.com so that adequate accommodation can be ensured.
Brian Matthews, Secretary.
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