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The Light Blues Brothers visit Grand Lodge

The Light Blues Brothers visit Grand Lodge

Masonic Events, News

Light Blues Visit Grand Lodge

A truly memorable experience for the East Kent Light Blues.

A Memorable Grand Lodge Visit:

The recent visit to the Grand Lodge in London on May 31st, 2023, was a truly memorable experience for the EKLBB members. Attending Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10000, the group was honored by the presence of our Provincial Grand Master, Neil Hamilton Johnstone, and our newly appointed Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Graham Chisnell. This visit offered an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur and significance of Grand Lodge firsthand, enriching members’ understanding of the wider Masonic structure and traditions.  The visit proved to be both educational and highly enjoyable, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The EKLBB’s commitment to fostering fellowship, education, and charity makes it an exceptional organisation for any Freemason in East Kent who has not yet attained Provincial or Grand rank. Join us and experience the rewarding journey of brotherhood and personal growth. Visit https://eklbb.org.uk to learn more.

WHAT IS THE EAST KENT LIGHT BLUES BROTHERS?

The East Kent Light Blues Brothers (EKLBB) offer a vibrant and inclusive community for younger and newer Freemasons across the region.

The group aims to bring new and young Masons from across the region together to broaden their experience, connect with new friends and colleagues, and to enhance the value of being a Freemason. The group will host regular social events throughout the year and is fully supported by the Province of East Kent.

Membership of the East Kent Light Blues Brothers is open to any Mason from the Province of East Kent who has not yet attained Provincial or Grand rank, regardless of age or experience.

Unparalleled Benefits of Joining:

  • Expand Your Network: Connect with Freemasons from diverse backgrounds and experiences, broadening your perspectives and building lasting relationships.
  • Enhance Your Masonic Knowledge: Participate in educational events and discussions that deepen your understanding of Freemasonry‘s principles and practices.
  • Engage in Meaningful Activities: Enjoy regular social events, fostering camaraderie and strengthening bonds within the brotherhood.
  • Contribute to Charity: Support charitable causes through the EKLBB’s commitment to community service.
  • Embrace Modern Freemasonry: Explore the evolving nature of the fraternity and participate in initiatives that adapt to contemporary needs.
  • Gain Leadership Experience: Develop leadership skills and contribute to the future direction of the EKLBB.

 

 

Climbing the stairs at Grand Lodge
In the Temple
Ready to go!
Graham Chisnell (right) Paul McGuirk (Left), Steven Ford (Middle)
Outside the main Temple
Waiting to start
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

West Malling Golf Club – East V West for the Kent Silver Salver

West Malling Golf Club – East V West for the Kent Silver Salver

Charity, News

East Kent V West Kent

Golf Associations

 

Play For The

Kent Silver Salver

Runner up Nick Alder (right)

The second East Kent masonic Golf event of the 2025 Season got underway at West Malling golf club on the last Friday in May.

West Kent Masonic Golf association has seen a huge resurgence in the last couple of years thanks to their secretary and APGM Bipin Patel, whose enthusiasm and hard work has seen attendance at his events rise considerably.

The Kent Silver Salver is the trophy for the East V West competition and is hotly contested not only for the trophy but also the bragging rights for the county of Kent.  Having held the trophy for several years, it was East Kent’s turn to host and we returned to West Malling Golf Club and the shorter but tricky Hurricane course.

The event saw 40 golfers take to the fairways in this competition and, to enable as many people as possible to take part of each team, we held 9 individual matches.  The winner of each match would be decided by the highest combined Stableford score for each match earning a point for their own Province.  To add an element of camaraderie between the provinces, there was also an additional team competition with the best two from four scores on each hole being counted towards a team prize.

As the sun shone, East Kent’s Captain Roy Butler, accompanies by Julian Friel, led the way playing West Kent’s past captain Peter Richards and Victor Powell.  The matches then set off one by one to negotiate the tight fairways, dykes and water hazards that the Hurricane course offers.

In the end, East Kent Came home victorious with them winning 6 of the matches and drawing one meaning they retained the Kent Silver Salver.    

Captain Roy Butler also gave a heartfelt outline of his charity for the year which is Five Acre Wood school and as a result the “fine bucket” raised a wonderful £165 for the year.

Runner up Nick Alder (right)

Peter Richards (West Kent) Presents the Kent Silver Salver to Captain Roy Butler. 

In the individual competition, Dave Woodward, Richard Watts Lodge (8534) won the day with an impressive 42 points.    Second place was Leon Zachrow of Royal Engineers lodge Chatham (4465) who also had 42 points but missed out on countback.   Third was Julian Friel of Douglas Lodge (1725) with 41 points. 

In the additional 2 From 4 Competition, Nigel Mann, Leon Zacharow, Kevin Swift & Geoff Ellis won with a combined total of 91 Points

Nigel Mann Winner
Nigel Mann Winner
Roy Charter 2nd
Darren third Place

Left to Right.  Dave Woodward, (Richard Watts Lodge) –  42 Points.    Leon Zacharow, (Royal Engineers Lodge Chatham) – 42 Points.   Third place, Julian Friel, (Douglas Lodge) 41 Points.    Bipin Patel, APGM, & Secretary of West Kent Golfing association received Nearest the Pin for the second hole..

Other Prizes were:

Nearest The Pin 2nd Hole –  Bipin Patel

Nearest The Pin 4th Hole –   Dave Woodward

Nearest The Pin 8th Hole –   Leon Zachrow

Nearest The Pin 13th Hole – Keith Reynold

Nearest The Pin 14th Hole – Paul McGuirk

Nearest The Pin 17th Hole – Keith Reynolds

Longest Drive – 10th Hole – Pete Richards

 

In the Kent Silver Salver, East Kent won 6&1/2 matches to West Kent’s 1&1/2.  The matches were:

 

Roy Butler & Julian Friel Beat Pete Richards & Victor Powell

Ash Lawrence & Ben Parish Beat Ravi Patel & Alex Munro Kidd

Paul McGuirk Beat Bipin Patel

Peter Marno & Nick Alder Lost to Peter Morgan & Tim Stevens

Nigel Mann & Leon Zacharow Beat Kevin Swift & Geoff Ellis

Chris Metherall & Tony Calver Beat Dave Davenport & Paul Noutch

Daren Horne & Del Read Beat Odon Kasindi & Keith Reynolds

Andy Crowhurst & Roger Charter Drew with Peter Morgan & Richard Dawes

Steve Allen & Dave Woodward Beat Peter Smith & Phil Gray

 

For the Full results and Placings Click here

 Fixture List 2025

Friday 27th June 2025

Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club

EKMGA V Surrey Masonic Sports Association plus Social Stableford

09:00 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 10:00 First tee.  £65.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

 Friday 25th July 2025

Chestfield Golf Club

William Blay Trophy & Individual Stableford

10:00 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:16 First tee.  £60 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

 Friday 29th August 2025

Tenterden Golf Club

Geoffrey Gordon Dearing Bowl

10:30 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:24 First tee.  £50.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Friday 26th September 2025

Faversham Golf Club

Captains Day & Social Stableford

10:30 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:30 First tee.  £65.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Friday 17th October 2025

Upchurch Valley Golf Club, Sittingbourne

David Graeme Trophy – Light Blues V Dark Blues

09:00 Breakfast, 10:00 First tee.  £50.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for Disabled People (LGRCD) Local IT disaster solved!

Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for Disabled People (LGRCD) Local IT disaster solved!

Charity, News

Leybourne Grange Riding Centre for Disabled People (LGRCD) Local IT disaster solved!

Picture of Richard Dixy, a visiting volunteer standing next to the MCF banner

Malling Abbey Lodge and Chapter 1063

Gordon Brown writes:

The smooth operation of IT systems is critical for organizations, especially those like the Laybourne Grange Riding Centre, which provides over 5,500 therapeutic riding lessons annually to individuals with severe sensory and learning challenges. The meticulous scheduling and allocation of horses for these lessons relies heavily on efficient IT infrastructure. Therefore, when their aging computer system finally failed, the centre faced a significant operational crisis. As a charity serving West Kent and parts of London, the Centre operates on a tight budget, with every pound dedicated to its core services. Unexpected IT repairs were simply not financially feasible.

Fortunately, the Malling Abbey Lodge and Chapter 1063 of the local Masonic Centre in West Malling stepped in to offer crucial support. The members swiftly voted to fund a new computer system, demonstrating remarkable community spirit. Within a mere week, a state-of-the-art replacement was installed, much to the relief of Jo Fletcher, the Centre’s Manager. In a photo opportunity, Jo is pictured with Worshipful Brother Gordon Scott Brown, expressing her gratitude for this timely intervention. The upgraded system’s enhanced capabilities will significantly improve the Centre’s operational efficiency, allowing for better scheduling, record-keeping, and overall service delivery.

The image also shows Jo with Dylan, a gentle giant of a horse, highlighting the human-animal connection at the heart of the Centre’s work. This powerful visual underscores the profound impact of the Masonic Centre‘s generosity on the lives of the individuals who benefit from the Centre’s therapeutic riding program. The new computer system is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a lifeline, ensuring the continuation of vital services for those who need them most.

Jo Fletcher, Manager at LGRCD, seen with Gordon Scott Brown,

Jo Fletcher, Manager at LGRCD, seen with W. Bro/Ex Companion Gordon Scott Brown,

Jo is also seen with Dylan, a rather large and gentle horse, about to be saddled up

Jo is also seen with Dylan, a rather large and gentle horse, about to be saddled up

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

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Charity, Fishing, News

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Thursday 1st May 2025

What a Fish!

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

 

The new Masonic Fishing Charity season is upon us and opened at

Horsham Lakes, Upchurch on Thursday 1st May. 

We really kicked off this year’s fishing with a ‘BANG’ as the weather couldn’t have been better.  The hottest day of the year, so far, as was predicted!  Plenty of drinks were on hand, as well as Hats and high factor Sun Lotion, which was the order of the day. 

After the excellent start to the day with a cup of tea and bacon buttie, the casters set forth to prepare their chosen swims and get ready for the schools to arrive. Names were called and off we went to conquer the elements and fish of the deep. 

Small Carp and silver fish were being caught fairly readily, although it was evident from the thrashing in the reed beds around the Lake that many of the larger fish were spawning, which can often put them off feeding as their fish brains had other things in mind!!

Lunchtime break came and to the eternal joy of the Students and Anglers, we were well fed with Burgers and Sausages then the opportunity to compare notes.  Soon, we were off  again for the afternoon session. It felt that within no time at all, the call came for the Grand Finale of the day.

We were fortunate to have APGM Peter Rhodes who, after a few words of thanks and encouragement, made the presentation of Angling Ability Certificates and Medals to all of the students who took part and that, as always, is accompanied by loud cheering and hearty applause!  

Attached are several images of the day.  Even one with Gerry Stupple photo bombing!!

The next event of the East Kent Masonic Fishing Charity is at

Cottington Lakes, near Deal on Thursday 12th June.

We are always looking for more Anglers, so would love you to join us.  All tackle is supplied but you can bring your own if you want.  If interested, please contact: Richard Dixey at –  rjdixey5329@gmail.com

Roger Waltham presenting one of the certificates and medal

Free Fishing at some of the best Fisheries in East Kent!

A Free Breakfast and Free Lunch and meet new friends.

 Have I your attention?

 This is what you will receive in exchange for a few hours of your time

to help Children and Adults with special needs to experience a countryside adventure 

We are always looking for more Anglers and it would great if you would like to join us.

All tackle is supplied (but you can bring your own if you want).

If interested, please contact: Richard Dixey at –  rjdixey5329@gmail.com

 Report by Richard Dixey

Presentation of Angling Ability Certificates and Medals

East Kent’s Golfers Triumph Again!

East Kent’s Golfers Triumph Again!

Charity, Golf, News

East Kent Golfers Triumph again!

Season Opener, AGM & Captains Drive off

New Captain Roy Butler (L) takes over from Chris Metherall. (R)

The Masonic Golfing Season launched its 2025 season at the prestigious Westerham Golf on Thursday 22nd April.

The Season Opener usually incorporates The AGM and is the time when the accounts are presented and a new captain elected.  The aim as always is to observe the formalities required of the AGM but to keep it short, sweet and to the point.

Entering his 5th year as chairman, Keith Hodgson called the meeting to order at exactly 10:30 am and with the accounts and reports previously circulated, managed to conclude the meeting some 5 minutes and 14 second later.

Moving to the important part, which was the annual grudge match of, East Kent V  Metropolitan Golf Society, (Met GL) for the Russell Race Trophy.  Having only won the trophy once in the last 10 years, Met GL Golfers were keen for revenge and fielded 8 players for the event. As East Kent had 21 members and guests to choose from, we were able to pick from the plethora of talent we had available.

The format for day was individual Stableford competition with the Russell race trophy being contested by the first 4 teams on a 4 Ball Better Ball basis. After a light brunch of bacon rolls and coffee, 2024 captain Chris Metherell (Malling Centenary Lodge), handed over the baton to his successor Roy Butler. (Maides Stanna Lodge) (see picture)

Runner up Nick Alder (right)

The picturesque Westerham Golf Club provided the perfect backdrop for this friendly yet competitive encounter. The first match ebbed and flowed with each player stepping up at different points to keep the score within 1 of each other. Eventually the match ended with honours even which pleased both teams.

The second match was equally stressful with Nigel Mann & Paul McGuirk taking an early lead only to find themselves one down at the turn. They battled on and eventually scored a one point on the 12th Hole. The 13th & 14th holes were halved to retain the slender lead.  On the 15th Tee, Nigel Mann, having hit his drive so far left it was on the 16th fairway, played a magnificent shot over the trees which landed on the green and rolled into the hole for an Eagle and to make East Kents lead in their game to 2 up.

The strong pairing of Darren Horne and Derek Reed lost their match 2&1 making the scores 1&1/2 each and left us with a tense few minutes in the club house waiting for the final match to come in.

The paring of Chris Metherell & Leon Zacharow Came in triumphant winning their match 4&2 meaning East Kent could celebrate another victory.

Runner up Nick Alder (right)

Robert Grant Presents the Russel Race Trophy to Captain Roy Butler. 

East Kent team displayed remarkable skill and determination, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory. Their performance was a testament to their dedication and teamwork, as they outplayed their opponents in a closely contested match.

This victory adds another feather to the cap of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association, further solidifying their reputation as formidable competitors in the masonic golfing community. The match also highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines these events, bringing together players from different regions to celebrate their shared love for golf.

Nigel Mann Winner
Roy Charter 2nd
Darren third Place

Left to Right.  Nigel Mann Winner accepts his award from Roy Butler. Roger Charter Runner Up and Darren Horne 3rd.

Runner up Nick Alder (right)

East Kent team displayed remarkable skill and determination, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory. Their performance was a testament to their dedication and teamwork, as they outplayed their opponents in a closely contested match.

This victory adds another feather to the cap of the East Kent Masonic Golf Association, further solidifying their reputation as formidable competitors in the masonic golfing community. The match also highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines these events, bringing together players from different regions to celebrate their shared love for golf.

In the individual competition, Nigel Mann won the day with 42 points. Roger Charter came in with a magnificent 38 points for runner up with Daren Horne taking the third position with 36 points. Other prizes were

Nearest The Pin 4th Hole – Steve Collins

Nearest The Pin 8th Hole – Nigel Mann

Nearest The Pin 11th Hole – Robert Grant

Nearest The Pin 13th Hole – Leon Zachrow

Longest Drive 16th Hole – Andy Crowhurst

Captain Roy Butler also gave a presentation of his charity for the Year chich is Five Acre Wood School in Maidstone which is a Foundation District Special School for children and young people with Profound, Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Russell Race Trophy

Roy Butler & Paul Ames Drew with Henry Chaw and Gordon Beasley

Paul McGuirk & Nigel Mann Beat Graham Dear & Steve Collins 2&1

Derek Reed & Darren Horne Lost to Robert Grant & Anil Dhiri

Leon Zachrow & Chris Metherell Beat Barry Neil & Michael Choo 4&2

East Kent 2 & 1/2.  Met GL 1 & 1/2

 

Westerham – Full results & Placings

 Fixture List 2025

Friday 30th May 2025

West Malling Golf Club (Hurricane Course)

East Kent V West Kent for the Kent Silver Salver, Social Stableford & Team Event

09:00 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 09:56 First tee.  £72.50 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Friday 27th June 2025

Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club

EKMGA V Surrey Masonic Sports Association plus Social Stableford

09:00 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 10:00 First tee.  £65.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

 Friday 25th July 2025

Chestfield Golf Club

William Blay Trophy & Individual Stableford

10:00 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:16 First tee.  £60 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

 Friday 29th August 2025

Tenterden Golf Club

Geoffrey Gordon Dearing Bowl

10:30 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:24 First tee.  £50.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Friday 26th September 2025

Faversham Golf Club

Captains Day & Social Stableford

10:30 Coffee & Bacon Rolls, 11:30 First tee.  £65.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING

Friday 17th October 2025

Upchurch Valley Golf Club, Sittingbourne

David Graeme Trophy – Light Blues V Dark Blues

09:00 Breakfast, 10:00 First tee.  £50.00 Inc Lunch

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND BOOKING