​On Friday 10th April, 10 Cadets from the Ashford Tobruk Cadet Detachment visited the Ashford Masonic Centre as guests of Invicta Lodge of Ashford.

Invicta Lodge are seeking to support the Ashford Army Cadets as part of the Armed Forces Covenant which was signed by the Provincial Grand Master on the 29th November 2022.

This was an opportunity for the members of Invicta Lodge to meet the Tobruk Cadets and learn about the Army Cadet Force (ACF); for the Cadets it was an opportunity to find out a little about Freemasonry.

Following the regular meeting of the Lodge, members remained while the Master and his Wardens invited 10 cadets along with their instructors and parents into the lodge room. The Master, W. Bro. Roger Bryan then gave a brief explanation of the ornaments, the principle officers and drew attention to the various aprons worn by masons, pointing out the masons’ clothing and contrasting it to the uniform worn by the cadets.

Then it was the turn of the cadets to tell the brethren about the Army Cadet Force. Lance Corporal Abbie McDermott impressed the brethren with her illuminating and passionate presentation about the life of an Army Cadet. Lance Corporal McDermott explained about the detachment, their badges and the cadets’ ranks. During the presentation we learned the various skills that the cadets learn; Shooting, Fieldcraft, First Aid, Drill, Navigation, Skill at Arms, and Physical Training – needless to say the least liked activity!

The ACF provides a range of activities not generally available to young people. They participate in weekend and summer camps often held at Army bases where they meet cadets from other parts of the country and it was described as a unique experience.

There are opportunities to gain qualifications including BETECs in Leadership, First Aid and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

When Lance Corporal McDermott spoke about the values and standards of the ACF there were nods and smiles around the room as it was clear we had a lot in common; Courage, Discipline, Respect for others, Integrity, Loyalty and Selfless Commitment.

On a personal note she told how the ACF had given her opportunities including being appointed the Mayor’s Cadet and had the privilege of carrying the Detachment Standard at the Remembrance Day Service, going on to say how it had improved her self confidence (that was clear to see!), made new friends and developed as a person. Freemasons will recognise those comments I feel sure.

Following the presentation each of the cadets stood in turn to give a short statement of what the ACF means to them.

We heard time and time again about how it has given them confidence and how it is fun. With one saying ‘The best days of my life. It has changed me and given me new skills’ and another ‘I had nothing to do, I just sat around in my room – it has changed my life’ . 

After the introductions the cadets and masons mingled and some were able to share their own cadet experiences. 

There were a number of guests who are involved with the Armed Forces Covenant Cadet initiative as well as two members of the Lodge who are Cadet Instructors.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Wayne Smith congratulated the Cadets and outlined how East Kent Freemasons can help in many ways including funding support, premises to use for holding events, members who could offer their services as instructors and trustees and some who are employers can also sign the Armed Forces Covenant. Wayne spoke about how the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity is supporting cadets and other youth groups.

The Master then invited the Cadets to ‘take the chair’ and photographs were taken before heading off to the dining room for a special informal festive board where the cadets and masons found out more about each other.

Unusually for Invicta Lodge, this being a very special occasion, a raffle was held and the proceeds amounting to £230 were gifted to the Tobruk Cadet Unit.

There are over 1000 cadets in East Kent and 16 Lodges in East Kent are engaged with this process. If anyone is interested in finding out more they can contact the East Kent Freemasons via the website https://eastkentfreemasons.org/contact-us/ .

If you are interested in the Army Cadets Force visit their website https://armycadets.com/

(Text and Images: Paul Goodwin)

During a wonderful sunny summer’s Friday afternoon, a group of from Ashford Lodge 8945, were at the Pluckley recreation area, to look around the work taking place to upgrade the play equipment, for the children of the village of Pluckley, and to hand over £500 towards the project, having recently received match funding from the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity.

As is the case with a lot of small villages, upgrading play equipment has become difficult. Firstly, the existing equipment is aging and being removed due to safety concerns, and replacements are expensive, and funding is difficult to come by. Typically, new play areas are funded as part of wider housing developments as part of the planning conditions, but in the areas where these developments aren’t taking place, it is up to the residents to raise funds in order to upgrade the play areas themselves.

Members of the Pluckley Rec Association explaining the project to David Burdon and Simon Gore of Ashford Lodge..

What is the Cornwallis Charity?

The Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity is a grant making charity. The primary focus of our giving is social welfare and need, including the prevention or relief of poverty. Grants are restricted to individuals, charities  and organisations with connections in or around Kent.

The CEKFC’s Mission

• To provide relief and support by the provision of grants to individuals in need, or other charities and organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty in East Kent.
• To make emergency grants to relieve poverty or distress arising from disasters occurring inside or outside East Kent which affect persons residing or working in East Kent.
• To support vulnerable people and the personal development of young people.
• To positively promote the community support and generosity provided by Freemasons in East Kent.
• To be visible, accessible, and responsive in our administrative procedures.