A Grand Day Out Had By All.

Report by Arthur Hornby:
Photos by Matthew Steel

Click images to make them larger. 

The following is an excerpt from the Dover Grammar School Magazine ‘The Pharos’ in July 1950.

 ‘On Saturday, April 29th, 1950, some five hundred members of Masonic Lodges from all over the county had come to witness the consecration by Lord Cornwallis of a new Lodge—our own, the Pharos NO. 6967 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England, at the Dover Grammar School for Boys. So on to this year, 2025, we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, and to have the honour of hosting the FSL Festival, a privilege never given to a lodge in the Province of East Kent before, really was the icing on the cake!

 The School is not the lodges usual meeting place, the last visit there was in November 2021, prior to the demolition of the old building. For that, and to be allowed to meet in the new building is thanks to the support of the Head Master, Mr. Philip Horstrup. And so to the day…………………..

26th August 2025

Members of the Federation of School Lodges recently gathered for their annual meeting. The event began with a welcoming “Meet & Greet” at the Holiday Inn, hosted by our Worshipful Master. Guests and visitors then traveled by car and hired bus to the school for the day’s proceedings.

After settling in, those present were welcomed by Federation President, RW Bro Mark Constant, who expressed his gratitude to attendees who had traveled from across the country. Following the business agenda, the highly anticipated Travelling Gavel prize was awarded. With two lodges tied, the Old Oakhamian Lodge 8033 secured the victory due to the highest mileage traveled by its contingent.

A quick change of layout allowed the Lodge Meeting to open on time. WBro Graham Chisnell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, representing the Provincial Grand Master of East Kent, was welcomed, along with the President of the Federation and his escort. The Roll Call, led by WBro John Hubbard, Joint Secretary of the Federation, confirmed the representation of 28 lodges, four chapters, and two Mark Lodges.

WBro Graham Chisnell then delivered a talk titled “Indissoluble Links between Masonry and Education.” His presentation highlighted the national connection between schools and lodges, including the formation of the Pharos Lodge at Dover Grammar School. He emphasized the importance of explaining and promoting Freemasonry to younger generations. The meeting was then officially closed, and attendees made their way back to the Holiday Inn.

Arriving at the Reception

A Special Afternoon for Guests

While the business meeting was in session, guests and visitors were treated to a separate afternoon of cream teas and music. Staff at the venue provided excellent hospitality, even offering a complimentary guided tour of the Crabble Corn Mill. The afternoon was a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attended.

The Travelling Gavel