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Malling Centenary Lodge Claims William Blay Trophy at Faversham

Malling Centenary Lodge Claims William Blay Trophy at Faversham

Golf

The East Kent Masonic Golf Association enjoyed another successful day of fellowship and friendly competition as golfers from across the Province gathered at Faversham Golf Club to contest the prestigious William Blay Inter Lodge & Chapter Team Competition.

Played in excellent spirit, the event combined an individual Stableford competition with the coveted inter lodge and chapter team championship, ensuring every player’s score contributed to both personal and team success.

Individual honours decided on countback

The individual Stableford competition produced a thrilling finish, with Daren Horne taking the title after scoring 36 Stableford points. He edged out EKMGA Captain Paul Ames, who also returned 36 points, on countback. Third place went to Paul Routley, while the light-hearted award for the day’s “Most Golf Played” was presented to Dave Woodward.

Individual Results

  • 1st: Daren Horne – 36 points (Countback winner)
  • 2nd: Captain Paul Ames – 36 points
  • 3rd: Paul Routley
  • Most Golf Played: Dave Woodward 

Individual Runner Up – Paul Ames

Individual Winner – Daren Horne

Longst Drive – Derek Reed

Most Golf Played – Dave Woodward

Nearest the Pin – Gerry Miller

Nearest the Pin – Paul Stanger

Nearest the Pin – Steve Allen

William Blay Inter Lodge & Chapter Competition

Alongside the individual contest, players represented their own Lodge or Chapter in teams, with the William Blay Trophy awarded to the team with the highest average Stableford score.

Congratulations go to Malling Centenary Lodge No. 8068, whose three-player team of Keith Miller, Bob Appleby & Gerry Miller produced an impressive average of 31.33 points to secure this year’s title.

Second was the Sir Edward Elgar Lodge (9837) with team members ere Captain Paul Ames, Keith Hodgeson and Roger Charter closely behind with an average of 30.33 points. 

Malling Centenary Lodge – William Blay Winners

Sir Edward Elgar Lodge – William Blay Runners Up

Final Team Results

Position Lodge / Chapter Players Average
1st Malling Centenary Lodge No. 8068 3 31.33
2nd Sir Edward Elgar Lodge No. 9837 3 30.33
3rd Maeides Stana Lodge No. 7868 3 29.33
4th Spirit of Rugby Lodge No. 9922 2 27.50
5th Royal Navy Lodge No. 429 3 26.67
6th Douglas Lodge No. 1725 3 26.33
7th Richard Watts Lodge No. 8534 4 21.50

Download competition report

Special prize winners

The day also featured a range of on-course competitions, with prizes awarded to:

  • Nearest the Pin – 3rd Hole: Steve Allen
  • Nearest the Pin – 9th Hole: Daren Horne
  • Nearest the Pin – 13th Hole: Gerry Miller
  • Nearest the Pin – 16th Hole: Paul Stanger
  • Longest Drive – 4th Hole: Derek Reed

Supporting the Captain’s Charity

The generosity of members was once again evident throughout the day. A collection of fines in support of the Captain’s Charity raised £141.73, while an auction of generously donated golf vouchers added a further £180—including £70 for a two-ball voucher and £110 for a four-ball voucher, both kindly donated by Kings Hill Golf Club.

In total, £321.73 was raised for the Captain’s Charity, rounding off a memorable day of golf, camaraderie and charitable giving.

The East Kent Masonic Golf Association extends its sincere thanks to Faversham Golf Club for hosting the event and to all players who made the William Blay Competition another outstanding success. Congratulations to all the prize winners, and especially to Malling Centenary Lodge, the 2026 William Blay Inter Lodge & Chapter champions.

 

Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral

Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral

News

EVENSONG at CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

On the balmy summer evening of 26th July, a gentle warmth lingered in the air as people gathered in the heart of Canterbury. Among the many who assembled were over one hundred East Kent Freemasons along with their family and friends, each drawn to the city’s ancient spiritual centre: the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral. With a history stretching back 1,400 years, this magnificent edifice never fails to humble and inspire those who walk through its doors.

Before the Evensong for the 8th Sunday after Trinity began, a special and private moment unfolded. With the spirit of generosity that is indicative of all Freemasons, the Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, presented a donation to the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith. It was a gesture that spoke volumes of the enduring partnership between the Freemasons and this iconic place of worship.

The PGM and the Dean

 

With the presentation concluded, at 17:20pm and with an air of quiet dignity, Worshipful Brother Gerry Stuppple guided the Provincial Grand Master and his guests to their seats. Anticipation was building when at half past five, the majestic Cathedral organ filled the sacred space with sonorous music that accompanied the choir and clergy as they processed into the Quire. The Dean then offered a warm welcome to the congregation, expressing particular pleasure at seeing so many Freemasons in attendance. His words underscored a proud tradition because for very many years, Freemasons of the Province of East Kent have supported Canterbury Cathedral helping to preserve this national treasure by funding vital repairs and nurturing the craft of apprentice stonemasons.

The highlight of the service was the breathtaking performance by the Vasari Singers, one of Britain’s most renowned chamber choirs. Their voices, pure and crystalline, resonated through the ancient stone moving listeners to silent awe. Their rendition of the Magnificat especially captivated all present by weaving a tapestry of sound that seemed to lift the spirit of the congregation.

The first reading was movingly given by Second Provincial Grand Principal, Excellent Companion Graham Wyles, and with further readings punctuated by beautiful music, the service continued with eloquence and grace.

As the service drew to a close, the collection reflected the generosity of all those present. After which, the choir and clergy processed out to the triumphant strains of the Organ Voluntary, a performance so powerful, the reverberations could be felt deep within every chest. The phrase “pulling out all the stops” came vividly to life, as the organist brought the evening to an exhilarating finale.

This Evensong was more than a service, it was a testament to community, tradition, and the enduring commitment of the Province of East Kent to the Cathedral. The support of the Province continues to help sustain this magnificent building, ensuring that the harmonious notes of Evensong will echo around its hallowed stone walls for centuries to come.

Article: Derek Lindars

Barbara receives a new wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Masons

Barbara receives a new wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Masons

Charity, News

Barbara receives a new powered wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Freemasons

On Sunday 14th June 2026, W.Bro Alex Coppin, representing the Septem Lodge, L7788 based in Dover W.Bro David Bragg, representing the Royal Military Lodge L1449 based in Canterbury, W.Bro Kevin Kemp, Representing the Millennium Lodge L9730 based out of Tovil Maidstone as well as Military Jubilee Chapter C2195 based out of Dover& Bro Chris Eason also of the Septem Lodge L7788 and father of Jerra Eason, met up with Jerra and ‘Barbara’ her newly purchased Powerchair, funded by the successful Match funding application of the three Lodges and Chapter, to the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, bringing together the basics of the 3 Pillar Strategy by making a difference to people in our local communities.

Figure 1- Pictured with Jerra & ‘Barbara’ L to R are: 
W.Bro Kevin, W.Bro Alex, Bro Chris & W.Bro David

The story starts with a conversation between Bro Chris and the Septem Lodge Almoner  Alex, about whether Jerra could be helped to purchase a Powerchair to help Jerra be able to get out of her house and get back to her work with the Girl Guide movement amongst other things.

The request was made to the General Purpose Committe (GPC) of Septem and Kevin said, why not look at getting some Lodges together and apply for a Match Funding Grant form our own Charity, the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, (CEKFC).
In addition to the Septem Lodge, Kevin approached, Royal Military Lodge in Canterbury, Millennium Lodge of Charity in Tovil (as a member) and  James Wright approached the Military Jubilee Chapter, all four agreeing to support an application.
Application made online very easily,

  1. decision made by the CEKFC Trustees,
  2. cheques collected from the 4 units paid to CEKFC,
  3. CEKFC makes payment to Jerra’s bank account,
  4. ‘Barbara’ purchased the wheelchair

Very shortly after the purchase of the Chair, we received the following letter and photographs from Jerra;

Dear Kevin, Alex, David, and James,

I can’t thank you enough for funding my wheelchair. The difference it has made and will make to my life is incredible. I can do things for myself for the first time, things I thought I would never be able to do. From day-to-day things to big things, for example I was able to go and get some milk when I had run out, which may seem small but it’s the first time in years I’ve been able to just go and get it. It usually involves asking someone else to either get it for me or take me there. I’m sure I had a silly grin on my face the whole way there and back!

Jerra continues, “I am Tawny Owl at Brownies, I’ve volunteered at Girlguiding on and off since I was in my early 20’s. I had an accident at 21, a brain virus at 33 and I turned 43 in April.
For the first time ever I was able to go on a trip to London with my fellow leaders. To say it was emotional would be an understatement, I don’t think any of the leaders had dry eyes”

Left to right

 Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Out and About in London

 Jerra & ‘Barbara’ in Girl Guiding HQ

Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Travelling to London’

“We went on a badge quest which involved seeing several landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square”,

“We also visited Girlguiding HQ. This is a huge deal to me, being able to join in with my friends around London and really enjoy it with them. 

“I have popped a photo below of us in The Foundling Museum”

Jerra finishes her letter saying “The improvement to my family has been amazing, I can go out for a ‘walk’ with my boyfriend and our dogs, something I haven’t been able to do for around 20 years. I can finally go birdwatching again with my Dad, a passion we’ve shared since I was little but had been taken away from us by my mobility issues. I can go out with my sister Georgia and my nieces Ada and Betsy and enjoy day trips with them. There are too many things for me to list, just small everyday things that people take for granted have been given back to me through your generosity.

There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am. To you it may just be a wheelchair, but to me it’s a whole new way of life. I hope you enjoyed the photos of me out and about on ‘Barbara’ as I have affectionately named her!

Thank you,

Jerra Eason

The brethren present all agreed that together as a Fraternity we can make a huge difference to members of our local community, enhancing lives and building lasting relationships.

We would like to thank those Lodges and Chapter that took part in this initiative and to all at the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity for their kindness, professionalism and help to make this possible for Jerra, without your help Jerra would have continued to struggle.

 

We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk

Dover and Deal Cadets Mark 100 Years

Dover and Deal Cadets Mark 100 Years

Charity

Dover and Deal Sea Cadets Mark 100 Years

On Sunday, 8th June 2026, the streets of Dover were alive with excitement as the Dover and Deal Sea and Royal Marine Cadets paraded with pride to St Mary’s Church. This special day celebrated a remarkable milestone: a century of nurturing courage, friendship and adventure among young people in the picturesque White Cliffs country. Supported by the generous Globe & Laurel Lodge 4657 and Peace and Harmony Lodge 199, the Cadets have flourished and representing the Globe and Laurel Lodge at this wonderful event were Mark Simpson and Phil Rashbrook.
After a heartfelt church service, the Cadets marched with heads held high to Dover Town Hall, where families, guests and dignitaries eagerly anticipated their arrival. The hall buzzed with anticipation as the Commanding Officer inspected the Cadets, presenting each with a treasured ‘Challenge Coin’ – a symbol of achievement and belonging. Lively conversation filled the room as refreshments were shared and stories exchanged, all expressing admiration for the Cadets’ spirit.
As the afternoon drew to a close, voices united for the song ‘Sailing’ and the stirring sound of bagpipes echoed through the hall. The celebration was more than a commemoration, it was a testament to tradition and hope for the future. All joined in wishing the Dover and Deal Cadets another century of adventure and camaraderie.

We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk

A Little goes a long way

A Little goes a long way

Charity, News

MAKE A WISH

King Edward VII Lodge No. 3252 has received a heartfelt letter of thanks from Make-A-Wish UK following a recent donation of £300 made to support the charity’s remarkable work with critically ill children and their families.

The donation was raised through the Lodge’s fundraising activities in May and follows an earlier contribution of £400 made in December, bringing the Lodge’s total support for Make-A-Wish UK to £700 within the last six months.

In their letter, Make-A-Wish UK expressed their gratitude for the generosity shown by the Brethren and supporters of King Edward VII Lodge. They explained that donations such as these help bring joy, comfort, and hope to critically ill children and their families throughout the United Kingdom.

Make-A-Wish UK is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. These wishes can take many forms, from creating magical family experiences such as visits to Disneyland Paris, to helping fulfil a child’s personal dream or ambition. Sometimes the wishes are simpler but equally meaningful, providing opportunities and experiences that create treasured memories for families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

The charity’s work recognises the importance of creating moments of happiness, hope, and togetherness, helping children and their loved ones build lasting memories at a time when they need them most.

The Lodge’s connection with Make-A-Wish UK has developed over several years through the efforts of members who have supported the charity in various capacities. The opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile cause aligns closely with Freemasonry’s long-standing commitment to charity, compassion, and service to others.

Receiving a personal letter of thanks serves as a reminder that every fundraising event, raffle ticket purchased, and donation made can have a genuine impact on the lives of people facing extraordinary challenges.

King Edward VII Lodge No. 3252 is proud to support the work of Make-A-Wish UK and would like to thank all those who contributed towards making these donations possible.

Make-A-Wish UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (295672) and Scotland (SC037479).

Letter from make a wish foundation
We need your stories, so please let the comms team know of the the good work your Lodges and Chapters are doing throughout East Kent. Just drop us a line on news@ekprovince.co.uk