Richard Watts Lodge Regains the William Blay Trophy

Richard Watts Lodge Regain the William Blay

On Friday 25th July, the East Kent Masonic Golf Association held its annual William Blay Trophy competition at the scenic Chestfield Golf Club. In a landmark moment for the Association, this year’s event proudly welcomed lady golfers from West Kent — the first time such participation has taken place in East Kent, marking a significant step forward in inclusivity and inter-Province camaraderie.

The competition, held in fine summer conditions, attracted 47 Players and guests from across Kent making it the busiest event of the year so far. The course, perched above Whitstable with coastal views and a mix of tight fairways and fast greens, offered a true test of skill and strategy.

The William Blay Trophy, usually housed in the museum at Canterbury was donated by the past Deputy Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Kent before its division into two provinces. The competition is a team Stableford format with the best three of four scores from each lodge team counting toward the result.

As in previous years, the entry criteria for each lodge were only two subscribing members with a selection of single players being randomly drawn to make up the teams. The support this year was exceptional with eight lodges entering at least one team ensuring a highly competitive and enjoyable day.

Runners Up – Weald of Kent Lodge

🏆 William Blay Trophy Results (Best 3 from 4 Scores)

🥇 1st Place: Richard Watts Lodge (1) No. 8534 – 111 Points

🥈 2nd Place: Weald of Kent Lodge No. 1854 – 103 Points

🥉 3rd Place: Richard Watts Lodge (2) No. 8534 – 100 Points

4th Place: Maeides Stanna Lodge No. 7868 – 97 Points

5th Place: Queenborough Lodge No. 3893 – 92 Points

6th Place: Douglas Lodge No. 1725 – 85 Points

7th Place: Malling Centenary Lodge No. 8068 – 81 Points

8th Place: Royal Navy Lodge No. 429 – 76 Points

⛳ Individual Stableford Winners

1st Place – Richard Cooper (Guest of Fleur-de-Lis Lodge) – 42 Points

Runner Up – Colin George (Weald of Kent Lodge) – 41 Points

Third Place – Ashley Lawrence (Richard Watts Lodge) – 40 Points

Best Ladies Score – Fiona Murray – 38 Points

Left to Right. Richard Cooper, Colin George, David Davenport & Fiona Murray

After a spirited day on the fairways, players gathered in the clubhouse for a well-deserved meal and the prize presentation. In his remarks, Roy Butler extended sincere thanks to all participants and guests, with special appreciation for the lady golfers from West Kent whose inclusion brought a fresh and welcome dimension to the day.

Captain Roy Butler also organized a raffle on the day which raised over £340 for the Five Acre Wood School

Thanks were also expressed to the team at Chestfield Golf Club for their warm hospitality and the superb condition of the course, which received high praise from all attendees.

⛳Other Awards

Nearest the Pin – 4th Hole: Daren Horne

Nearest the Pin – 8th Hole: Ash Lawrence

Nearest the Pin – 12th Hole: John Fairfax

Nearest the Pin – 16th Hole: Richard Cooper

Longest Drive – 11th Hole (Men): Paul Ames

Longest Drive – 13th Hole (Ladies): Fiona Murray

Longest Walk Award: Dave Davenport

For the Full results and Placings Click here

Fixture List 2025

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

← Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons The Duncan Rouse Bat and Trap Trophy →

Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons

Charity, News

Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons

Colin and Peter talking to one of the staff members

1,800 vulnerable children from families facing socio-economic challenges in Sheerness, will receive help and support thanks to a grant from East Kent Freemasons to Seashells Children and Families Centre.

The £50,000 grant will support Seashells ‘Bridging the Gap’ project, which will focus on children aged under five years old and their families to improve health inequalities and break the cycle of poverty with early interventions.

The project will deliver family activities, parenting courses, health and well-being programmes and home visits at no cost to ensure families get the support they need, while prioritising family engagement and active participation.

The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Sheppey by providing specialise assistance through the centres Early Childhood Development Coordinator. The practitioner will work directly with children and families, helping them to achieve developmental milestones, improve early learning outcomes and enhance health and well-being.

The grant will allow for Seashells to host daily play activities to support children’s learning and development, and six major family fun days each year, to promote key messages within the community, engaging over 150 families at each event. The broader goal is to increase vaccination rates, support school readiness and improve health & development outcomes for at least 65 per cent of the children we serve, allowing them to reach their full potential. Ultimately Seashells will act as a one-stop hub where families feel supported, children thrive and crate a lasting impact for generations to come.

Peter and Colin talking about the grant and how it will help

Children and Parents enjoying the day

Peter and Colin talking about the grant and how it will help.

It is estimated 12.7 per cent of children under 16 in Kent, live in absolute low income families. Sheerness specifically ranks first among Kent for the highest number of children living in absolute low income families, contributing to a cycle of disadvantage that affects children’s health development and education.

The area experiences higher rates of unemployment, child poverty and premature death, with life expectancy 12 years lower than other parts of Kent. Health data also reveals Sheerness children have a significantly higher rate of unhealthy weight with 23 per cent of children overweight at the beginning of school, rising to 34 per cent by year six – well above national averages.

Studies show that if you can address issues early on for children, they can still obtain good educational outcomes, good social skills and secure employment; the longer children are left unsupported, the greater the risk of them not attending school and reduced job prospects, leading them to be caught in the poverty trap.

Ian Townsend-Blazier, Head of Development at Children and Families, said:
“We’re very grateful to the East Kent Freemasons for agreeing to fund our project over the next two years. This grant will enable us to deliver our ‘Bridging the Gap’ project, and improve health inequalities for children by breaking the poverty trap. ‘Make and Munch’, ‘Seashells Strolls’ and ‘Solihull Wellbeing Programme’ are just a few of the many services we are excited to deliver as part of this project. These groups and activities will empower children and families to thrive from a young age and have the best opportunities in life”.

Peter Rhodes, APGM from East Kent Freemasons, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Seashells with their vital project aimed at some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community. If Seashells can give children the help they need at an early age and get them to a position where they are ready for school and able to take full advantage of their education, the effects of the programme could last their whole lives.”

About Children and Families

Children & Families is a children’s charity located in Sheerness, Kent that was established in 2002 with a main focus on addressing child poverty. Their work covers the whole county of Kent and Medway, providing several early years’ services and food related services to support our charitable goals, including: Seashells Children and Families Centre, FareShare Kent, Family Food Bank, Nurseries and Pantries. Services are dedicated to ensure that children can grow up healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, contribute positively to society, and secure economic well-being.

Last year Children & Families saw a footfall of over 52,000 people; volunteers and staff directly supported almost 40,000 family members across all services. The charity has been at the heart of its community for over 20 years, having a well-established profile, strong partnerships and deep commitment to ensuring equitable treatment of the most disadvantaged communities. www.children-families.org

The Masonic Charitable Foundation

We are the Freemasons’ charity

Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country.
We build better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence.

Our vision

Our Vision for Society
Everyone has the opportunity to lead positive, active and fulfilling lives, especially those that are in need, disadvantaged or marginalised

Our Vision for the Masonic Community

Masonic families are healthy, stable and secure thereby providing them with the opportunities to participate actively in their community and succeed in life.

Our mission

To be a force for good by providing support, care and services to Freemasons and their families in need, and supporting other charities to help the most disadvantaged in society.

Our values

Our strategy
These are the three strategic goals that will help us to achieve our mission between 2018 and 2022:

We will enhance our support and services
We will improve our ways of working
We will raise our profile
We are currently working with our staff, volunteers and trustees to create our next strategy that will take us up to 2030.

THE MCF

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 – Chart Hills Fishery Richard Watts Lodge Regains the William Blay Trophy →

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery

Charity, News

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery

Thursday 10th July 2025

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery

Our third event of the year found us back at the much anticipated Chart Hills Fishery and it was another bright and very hot day, again requiring lots of sun screen and water! We hosted the Five Acre Wood School on this occasion and the bus duly arrived at 10am as scheduled.

We were pleased to have APGM, Duncan Rouse, to make the presentation and also welcomed many distinguished guests: Peter Brooshooft, Roger Odd, Mark Costelloe and, of course, our very own team members Miki Smith and Colin Barden, Charity Stewards in Craft and HRA.

We were quickly paired off with our charges to set forth for the delights of this very pretty Fishery. Everyone easily caught decent sized Carp, around the 3-5lb range, with one or two a little larger.

When the lunchtime whistle sounded around 12.15, we made our way to the BBQ tent for the eagerly awaited Burgers, Sausages and very welcome liquid refreshment so everyone was re-charged and ready to get behind the rods for the afternoon session.

There were some interesting and heart-warming stories during the day. The first was Miki Smith and the student who accompanied him, quote care of Miki Smith.

“We really must congratulate ourselves for what we do at these events we brighten the lives of others who have not been so fortunate as ourselves.

The enjoyment on the faces of the students will live with us forever. The young lad who I had today was partially sighted he could not see the float so I got him to fish by feel by holding the line, it was joy to hear him exclaim “I can feel it” and gently reeled in a nice roach, which he held with glee.

After lunch, I set him up for floater fishing with a bright orange bobble float on his small rod and a floating dog biscuit, he still couldn’t see the float but he certainly felt it when a 4.5lb common carp shot off with his bait, he yelled “I can feel that”, and the smile on his face was electric and he played it like a real pro, brought it the bank and I netted it we then un-hooked and weighed it, he then held it and I took a photo on his phone for him, he looked at me and said thank you, I loved that.

I had to hold back the tears, he was such a lovely young man and I couldn’t have been more proud for him when he got his certificate at the end. I am sure you all have similar tales to tell, but today was a special day for me, one that I will always remember.

Thanks to all that organised today and you guys for making it possible.”

And the slightly amusing story of the disappearing rod ! Pat “anyone seen my rod ?” Todd had left a spare rod baited up somewhere in the lake and while he was attending to help his partner, the spare rod disappeared, skimming across the lake never to be seen again. Hook, Line, Sinker, Rod and reel….the lot ! Although some thought they had seen the Chart Nessie !!

Miki Smith with one of the Students

Before we knew it, the final whistle sounded around 2.15pm and off to the tent we went again for the exciting finale.

After words of thanks and congratulations, APGM Duncan Rouse 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!

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

Longshaw Fishery, Sturry, nr Canterbury on

Thursday 11th September 2025

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

← Ashford Lodge 8945 Supports Village Play Equipment Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons →

The 2025 Provincial Garden Party – Where Even the Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit!

Charity, Masonic Events, News

The 2025 Provincial Garden Party – Where Even the Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit!

A Grand Day Out Had By All.

Report by James Kitney:
Photos by Paul Gear & Nick Price

Click images to make them larger.

On Saturday the 5th of July, set against the backdrop of Godmersham Park’s 18th Century beauty, the provincial garden party was underway with music and stalls galore. The turnout was good, the program packed, the stalls erected, and the music was playing.

As the revelers arrived, they were greeted with music by Funk Soul Brother DJ Chris Spins, who set the mood in a wonderfully entertaining way and the BBQ was already providing burgers and sausages at a speed worthy of inclusion in the Guiness Book of World Records.

OPENING OF THE GARDEN PARTY

We were then welcomed by the event organizer Miki Smith and our Provincial Grand Master for East Kent, Neil Hamilton Johnstone who officially opened the Garden Party. Both did a masterful job of ignoring the passing showers.

The East Kent Chapter of The Widows Sons, Classic Cars and Scooters

By 12:30 guests had settled in and were entertained by a parade consisting of the East Kent Chapter of The Widows Sons followed by classic cars and scooters.

Southern Golden Retriever Society

When the stage was clear, it was time for the Southern Golden Retriever Society to put their wards through their paces. It was a wonderful sight, and the dogs had done a fantastic job at training their humans to walk away, turn, come back and other assorted tricks, all to music as well!

There is always one star of the show

It happened to be a Golden Retriever!

LIVE MUSIC

There was live music throughout the day from Funk Soul Brother DJ Chris Spins (left) and Gary O’Connor, who sang some hits from the 50’s and 60’s, though by his own admission he wasn’t a fan of the 70’s!

Next Up The Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadet Band

The Ashford Sea and Royal Marines Cadets Band gave a spirit lifting performance as they marched across the arena floor, some calming Folk Music was provided by the talented Reg Miles as well as others to ensure the atmosphere never was never lacking.

The Drum Major of the Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Band

The Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Band

The Order of Women Freemasons

One group that we just couldn’t have done without, was the Order of Women Freemasons, helping out in the orangery, they provided well desereved refreshments for the guests, with amazing cakes baked by Linda and helped by Sue, Debbie, Patricia, Shira and helped by fantastic cake donations.

If you would like to know about joiining Womens Freemasons, head over to their website at https://www.owf.org.uk

The Order of Women Freemasons with the lovely cakes

In between this there was a Japanese Sword Arts demonstration by Ben Emberly and Alex Ansell, the traditional Embu was a lovely sight to see and was well described throughout.

As well as the top-notch entertainment, there were also assorted stalls to keep the family entertained! Coconut shys, golf darts, merry-go-rounds, cork gun shooting ranges, bungee trampolines, tombola and kid’s games, combined with a bar for the adults, ice-creams and cake sales. There were raffles set up as well as various masonic social groups and even some other companion orders on display to tempt would be members.

Jason Nembhard writes:

“For my routine I did some songs and was pleasantly surprised when quite a few people got up and danced. Alan Chitty did a few short videos of me. I was asked to close the show, so I sang my own composition “Boomerang”, explaining that I had written and produced it in support of Prostate and Breast Cancer Research as a Kent Mason; and finished with UB 40’s Kingston Town – a nice closure to the evening.”

A big thanks goes to everyone who supported the Garden Party, the Stall Holders, The Provincial Grand Master and his wife Margaret. Miki Travis for a wonderful piece or organising and to Godmersham Park, for allowing us to use the wonderful settings. Not forgetting the Marshals, helpers, the Order of Woman Freemasons for the delicious refreshments.

Lastly, thank you to all who attened and support the event. Once we have a total of the monies raised, we will post it.

GALLERY OF IMAGES

click to make them larger

The main entrance

The food stall, yummy

Miki Smith the one and only

Funk Soul Brother DJ Chris Spins

PGM opens the Garden Party, with Miki Smith looking on

The East Kent Widows Sons

Jaguar Classic Car

Mods and Scooters takes us back

Southern Golden Retriever Society

The crowd look on

Photo Bomb!

Medics on hand

Rull and Kevin on the East Kent Combined Services Lodge Stall

Jim Mason treasurer hunt

The human Fruit Machine with Peter Rhodes attempting to win

Peter King of the BBQ with delicious Strawberries

The very helpful marshals for the day.

The Order of Women Freemasons with the lovely cakes

Graham Chisnell, one of our esteemed APGM’s

Paul takes charge and gives some lessons

Fore Nigel!

The PGM takes a swing

Cornet Player from The Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadet Band

Ashford Sea cadet and Royal Marines Cadet Band

The Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Band

The Drum Major of the Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Band

Having a go at the Golf

Our Provincial Director of Ceremonies Graham

Gary O’Connor

Pig Racing

Neil Hamilton Johnstone and his wife Margaret enjoying the day

Enjoying friendship

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

← East Kent Masonic Golf Association Claims Victory in Surken Silver Salver Ashford Lodge 8945 Supports Village Play Equipment →

East Kent Masonic Golf Association Claims Victory in Surken Silver Salver

Charity, Golf, News

East Kent V Surry Sports Association

Play For The

Surken Silver Salver

iiAn Impressive Day on the Greens Ends in Glory for East Kent Masons

The third Interprovincial competition of the 2025 season saw the East Kent Masonic Golf Association host the Surrey Masonic Sports Association for the prestigious Surken Silver Salver.

Having mislaid the trophy in 2024, the Surrey Team arrived at Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf club which was in top condition thanks to the recent glorious weather.

The day started with the usual breakfast meeting and the format would be decided on five single games between the two sides with each game being decided by the most Stableford points. As Surrey had some late withdrawals, the East Kent team comprised of Captain Roy Butler, Vice Captain Paul Ames past captains, Daren Horne, Leon Zacharow and Chris Metherell.

In the end, East Kent stormed to victory, winning all 5 games for a clean sweep.

Standout Individual Performances

While the team result was a cause for celebration, individual brilliance also lit up the day. Leon Zacharow of the Royal Engineers Lodge in Chatham and playing at his home course, delivered a masterclass in consistency and control, finishing with 42 points to claim his first win of the season.

Second place was tightly contested, with Dave Woodward of the Richard Watts Lodge taking the runner-up spot on 36 points, just edging out his lodge brother Ben Parrish, who also finished with 36 points but narrowly lost out on countback. The strong showing from Richard Watts Lodge highlighted their intent for the forthcoming William Blay event at Chestfield Golf club in July.

Congratulations to all participants, and especially to Leon Zacharow for his exceptional round. The spirit of Freemasonry was well and truly alive on the course, and the East Kent Masonic Golf Association can take great pride in a well-earned victory.

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.

Vice Captain Paul Ames with the Winner Leon Zacharow. (Royal Engineers Lodge).

Runner Up Dave Woodward (Richard Watts Lodge) – 37 Points

The Prizes were:

Nearest The Pin 4th Hole – Paul Day

Nearest The Pin 7th Hole – Roy Butler

Nearest The Pin 11th Hole – Steve Woodward

Nearest The Pin 15th Hole – Nigel Mann

Longest Drive – 17th Hole – Ash Lawrence

For the Surken Silver Salver

East Kent Beat Surrey 5 – 0

For The Full Results. Click Here

Fixture List 2025

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

← Older adults in Kent with dementia will receive help and support with diagnosis thanks to Kent Freemasons The 2025 Provincial Garden Party – Where Even the Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit! →

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Richard Watts Lodge Regains the William Blay Trophy

Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons

Vulnerable children in Sheerness will receive help and support thanks to East Kent Freemasons

About Children and Families

The Masonic Charitable Foundation

We are the Freemasons’ charity

Our vision

Our mission

Our values

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery

Thursday 10th July 2025

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Chart Hills Fishery

The 2025 Provincial Garden Party – Where Even the Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit!

A Grand Day Out Had By All.

OPENING OF THE GARDEN PARTY

The East Kent Chapter of The Widows Sons, Classic Cars and Scooters

Southern Golden Retriever Society

There is always one star of the show

It happened to be a Golden Retriever!

LIVE MUSIC

Next Up The Ashford Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadet Band

The Order of Women Freemasons