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

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

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 West Malling Golf Club - East V West for the Kent Silver Salver →

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Charity, Fishing, News

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Thursday 1st May 2025

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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

← Provincial Craft and Royal Arch Annual Meetings Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch →

THE EVIE DOVE FOUNDATION (TEDF, CHARITY) A CELEBRATION PRESENTATION

Charity, News

THE EVIE DOVE FOUNDATION (TEDF, CHARITY)

A CELEBRATION PRESENTATION

In April 2021 at the young age of 13, Evie Dove was diagnosed with a brain tumour and over the next 11 months she and her family battled through brain surgeries, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and cutting-edge immunotherapy.

Her spirit, humour and love of life never waned but despite moving mountains she could not be saved. Her legacy inspired her parents, together with close friends and relatives, to create The Evie Dove Foundation (TEDF) (charity) in her memory, which is run entirely by volunteers, enabling almost all the funds raised go to the “Heroes”.

(A Hero is a person who has received sponsorship from the TEDF thus enabling them to carry out further studies and qualifications which are not funded by the NHS. Further details on the TEDF, their formation, fund raising events, sponsorship and Heroes can be found at their website – https://theeviedovefoundation.org )

The Foundation has been established for the benefit of sick children and their families, focusing on the advancement of children’s health and the saving of children’s lives and pastoral care of families going through traumatic experiences. In particular, the Foundation will issue grants and awards to help advance those working in, or returning to, paediatric care in UK hospitals, through education, to perform more senior and influential roles in paediatric health care and by doing so help to contribute more to the care of sick children and their families in local hospitals. This also helps address a serious shortfall in the paediatric workforce in the UK.

Led by WBro Peter Hagger, the Valley of Elham Lodge No 6649 committed £1500 towards the Foundation, and this initiative inspired support from Castle Lodge No 1436, and Castle Chapter No 1436, who pledged a further £500, and £100 respectively, and the CEKFC was pleased to match fund these contributions to give a total donation of £3200.

On November 2nd 2024 at the PGMs Cornwallis Charity award ceremony held in Canterbury, our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Neil Hamilton Johnstone presented The Evie Dove Foundation with the £3200 donation towards their charity following a moving and heartfelt presentation by some of the TEDF Trustees. Subsequently, this £3200 award was further matched funded by the MCF with another £3200, to give a total donation of £6400 to the Foundation.

Having received the donation from the RW PGM, TEDF Foundation specifically wished to thank the Sandgate Freemasons for their contributions.
Peter West, secretary to the CEKFC therefore set up a celebration presentation at the Sandgate Masonic Centre on 15th March 2025.
The morning started with a breakfast roll, tea and coffees for those attending which was followed by three of the Foundation Trustees – Howard and Katie (Evie’s parents) and Simon Hagger (WBro Peter Hagger’s Son), who each in turn had the privilege of presenting to an audience of East Kent Sandgate Freemasons and Charity Stewards accompanied by some of their wives and partners at the Sandgate Masonic Hall.
The presentation was also joined by one of their amazing Heroes, Humphrey Nyambe from the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Humphrey is in his second year of a master’s degree in paediatric allergies and was sponsored via the TEDF following the generous donations of the above-mentioned Sandgate Lodges, Chapter, CEKFC and the MCF.

During their presentation, which was accompanied by a short video, Simon Hagger, Trustee of TEDF stated:

“It was our absolute pleasure to present to you about our Foundation and its purpose coupled with the progress made to date in enabling us to sponsor 134 Heroes so far. (Just over £360,000 has been raised to date since its formation in 2022 to help sponsor the 134 Heroes)

One of the principles of our Foundation is that we always aim to connect an event or donation to a specific paediatric professional.

With the support of the East Kent Freemasons donations, we were enabled to fund Humphrey to develop his skills and help so many more children facing serious and life-threatening allergies. Without that funding, Humphrey simply could not have afforded to further develop his skills to enable him to help so many more children in his role.

These presentation events are always emotional for us as Trustees (and often for the audience) as we tell our story, talk about Evie’s inspiration and the “movement of kindness” the Foundation now represents. Evie lives on in us and the work of our many Heroes.”

Humphrey then talked through his day-to-day role, why he chose a career in paediatrics and the significant difference the funding has made to his own impact in caring for children on the hospital’s front line.

“To our delight and surprise, we were presented with a further £700 from the members of the Sandgate Masonic Hall and the Valley of Elham Lodge. This was totally unexpected and just incredible, and we were humbled to receive such generous ongoing support from these brilliant organisations.

We would like to personally thank Peter Hagger, Peter West, Steve Lay and all the members of the local Sandgate Freemasons who gave so generously and to everyone who took the time to attend our presentation.”

About the Cornwallis East Kent Freemaosns Charity

What is the Cornwallis Charity

We are 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.

Our 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.

Our Values

We value:

Honesty, Equality and Transparency.
Perseverance in the face of adversity.
Generosity particularly that of East Kent Freemasons, their families and friends.
Commitment to Lifelong learning.

Find out more on https://cornwallisekfc.org.uk

← Celebrating the Vital Role of Almoners: A Heartfelt Gathering at the Annual Almoners' Meeting Provincial Officers Mess March 2025 →

A Masonic Dragons Den Charity Event

Charity, News

Charity Dragons Den Style Group 8

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

The Event

Group Chairman Jim Mason

Nigel Mann
Group 8 Charity Coordinator (Chapter) Writes:

Towards the end of last year, the Chairman of Group 8 – Jim Mason – challenged his committee of Coordinators to come up with some new ideas for social events, stating that we need to imagine a new concept because we are all “quizzed and bingo’d out”.

It was by chance that a throw-away comment from a joining member of my own Lodge (Royal Navy) gave us the idea for the first Group 8 Masonic Dragon’s Den.

You will all be familiar with the popular television programme, set in an exposed brick loft building where a thrusting entrepreneur pitches a business idea to five hardnosed captains of industry, in an attempt to gain some financial support and added business acumen.

To say that our event mirrored this set-up would be a stretch, but in the warm and welcoming confines of the Margate Masonic Centre our first Dragon’s Den took place on Saturday 8th February.

Eight Charities were invited to offer a short talk about what they do, what they have done, current projects, and future aspirations.

Sat in front of the presenters were five of the softest, most malleable, and generous “Dragons” you have ever seen – the Charity Stewards from the Group 8 Lodges and Chapters, that sponsored each charity. (see picture above)

Behind the dragons sat an audience of some 70 members, their wives, friends and families who all listened intently as each charity outlined the amazing work that they do. Each presentation lasted for around 10 minutes (some longer, some shorter) and there was absolute silence in the room whilst we digested the enormity of work that these passionate individuals fulfil.

Each attending charity had been sponsored by one of the attending Lodges/Chapters and so there was no question of anyone going home empty handed. On top of this initial sponsorship, the Dragons would additionally donate funds (anonymously) to increase the size of the cheque to be presented at the close of the evening.

The Dragons listen to a pitch

A real understanding of where the money goes.

It must be stressed, that this event was never about asking a charity to “dance for our amusement”. As Freemasons we all give freely, but do we necessarily understand where our money goes, or indeed how those good causes put our donations to use?

This was an opportunity for the Charities to share with us the difference that our donations make, how youth is nurtured and developed, how those with terminal illnesses (and their families) are cared for, how those who live with disabilities have their lives enriched, and how our veterans are supported.

Some of the presentations were professional, some less so (but nonetheless impactful), and some were personal and raw. Claiming that this was a night of entertainment would be wrong but ask anyone who attended whether they enjoyed the evening, and the feedback was overwhelming.

Miki Travis presents the winner of the heads and tails with his prize

Some light entertainment, however, was afforded when Miki Smith – the Provincial Grand Charity Steward (Chapter) took to the floor as we were finishing our buffet meal and hosted a brief game of Heads & Tails in a manner that only Miki can. Ian Tremelling – WM of Royal Navy Lodge – with both hands on his posterior was the victor and made off with a big bottle of Grants Whisky and a ‘Cymbolic Penalties CD’.

And so, to the presentation……….

A total of £6,075 was distributed amongst the attending Charities who were:

Thanet Army Cadets
Pilgrims Hospices
SSAFA
Thanet Riding for the Disabled
21 Together
Cancer Research
STAK Life
Holy Trinity Sea Scout Group

An additional £430 was donated by Mark Howells (our photographer for the evening), and the Raffle and Miki’s Heads & Tails raised another £600.

A by-product of the event

There was also some unintended by-product that came out of the evening, the Charities networked together, some had resources that would benefit another, some had transport, premises, and others had kit that been replaced, but still had some life.

And members of other Lodges who attended but were unable to sponsor a Charity are already talking of supporting those who presented at our Dragons Den on future occasions.

The evening was without question a huge hit, our audience are now better educated, and they enjoyed a great social night out with friends old and new, our charities were all thrilled with the cheques presented, and not one of our many guests said that they preferred Bingo!!

Article by Nigel Mann pictured far right.

This was indeed a 1st for Group 8, and we, as a committee of Coordinators will be encouraging our members to recommend other Charities so that similar exchanges can be made at our Birchington, Broadstairs and Ramsgate centres.

Being sponsored by Lodges/Chapters meant that no charity went away ‘Empty Handed’ but left with promises of kit and assistance and of course new friendships.

Just one of the items of feedback, I would like to share with you from a Lodge member after the event.

Hi Jim,

“What a great idea and super evening with charities able to engage with all present to let us know what they do and how their fund raising donations enable their work to continue.

The company was good, food excellent and all presentations well received.

Good to see a different and fun approach to fund raising and the combined efforts of multiple Lodges / Chapters made a much bigger donation possible that could be shared by multiple charities.

Super evening and great PR opportunity for showing Freemasonry in the Community.

Well Done Jim and all who worked in the background to set it all up.”

Thank you to all who attended in support and of course the Group’s Committee of Coordinators, in particular Nigel Mann who pulled it all together.

Jim Mason
Group 8 Chairman

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

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

Malling Abbey Lodge and Chapter 1063

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

Thursday 1st May 2025

Masonic Fishing Charity Event – Horsham Lakes, Upchurch

East Kent Golfers Triumph again!

Season Opener, AGM & Captains Drive off

THE EVIE DOVE FOUNDATION (TEDF, CHARITY)

A CELEBRATION PRESENTATION

Charity Dragons Den Style Group 8

The Event

A real understanding of where the money goes.

And so, to the presentation……….

A by-product of the event

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