The Duncan Rouse Bat 'N' Trap Trophy 2025
The Duncan Rouse Bat 'n' Trap Trophy 2025
Richard Dixey writes:
The Duncan Rouse Bat and Trap Trophy
For the third year running The Duncan Rouse Bat and Trap Trophy was up for keen Bat and Trappers to show their skills at this traditional East Kent Pub game event.
Fifteen teams competed for this prestigious Trophy and Medals on a beautiful Summer’s day at the Farriers Arms in Mersham, very kindly hosted by Landlord, John Hockley.
Players, friends and relatives began to arrive at 9am with the first game scheduled for 10am. Bacon Rolls, Tea and Coffee kick started the day. We were also very fortunate to have on board the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Graham Cuthbert, to manage the bar and keep everyone in order, ably assisted by Warren and Lynn Hyder. Kevin Kemp facilitated the event by kindly again supplying us the Bat & Trap equipment and was on hand as Chief Referee to oversee the games and to ensure that any disputes were resolved amicably. It was a pleasure to welcome prestigious guests, namely Colin Barden and Miki Smith, the Craft and Royal Arch Charity Stewards, along with Assistant Provincial Grand Master’s Peter Rhodes, Trevor Carter and of course the sponsor of the Trophy, Duncan Rouse.
Play got underway promptly at 10am, interspersed with Hot dogs and Burgers to keep the Players fuelled and, of course, some alternative liquid refreshment for the thirsty ones. After the preliminary rounds, we were into the 3rd place play-off , eventually won by the magnificent (no bias!) Commemoration Lodge, no. 5329 beating fellow Sandgateians, Valley of Elham Lodge no. 6649
Then to the Grand Final, between 2023 winners Martello Lodge, no 8712 and title holders, Septem Lodge, no 7788. After a hard fought battle came a well deserved and victorious win to Martello Lodge. Duncan Rouse APGM kindly stepped forward to present his Trophy and Medals to the now twice champions Martello Lodge.
Your generosity raised £ 2,200.00 for the 2025 Festival. Well done !
2nd Place
Septem Lodge, no 7788
1st Place
Martello Lodge, no 871
3rd Place
Commemoration Lodge, no. 5329
This is a great event and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves so we look forward to next year with great enthusiasm. Please look out for the date and enter a team in early for the next event. Can you be the team to topple Martello Lodge ?
Special Thanks to: Peter Herbert, Bob Hadlow, Graham Cuthbert, Warren and Lynn Hyder, Kevin Kemp, Steph Hadlow, Julia Dixey, Annie Dixey, Khrystal Ussher, Mike Barnard, Lorraine Mellor, Ray Ashman of St Johns Ambulance and last, but not least, Landlord, John Hockley.
The raffle for a Barra’ of Booze raised £530 alone, a great effort!
On behalf of the organisers, Thank You so much to everyone who attended.
Look forward to seeing you all again next year.
