AROUND THE PROVINCE
A MAN CAVE!
If you go down to Dymchurch today you’ll be sure of a big welcome!
Doug Smallman, Almoner of Romney Marsh Lodge No. 4743, came up with the idea of a ‘Man Cave’. The proposal was to set up a monthly ‘meet up’ of Brethren that may not attend Lodge Meetings as much as they would like due to varying circumstances. SO, to keep Brethren ‘in touch’ the ‘Man Cave’ evolved.
They meet up once a month to talk about everything, not just Freemasonry. The Caterer is also on hand to supply Tea/Coffee and of course the obligatory Bacon roll!!
I had the opportunity to visit on Thursday 23rd January and to chat with Doug and all the Brethren. The overall feeling was very positive with everyone generating ideas to develop the meetings further. The scheme has only being going for about 3 months and up to 20 Brethren can be present.
As we know the Masonic Centres have lots of free time slots for such events and it doesn’t have to be complicated to set up. Maybe the Lodge Almoners in the Centre could get together and come up with a plan?
It may be that many other Masonic Centres already have a similar set up and we would love to hear your stories. If not, perhaps you would like more information. You can contact Doug on smallman.d@sky.com or myself on rjdixey5329@gmail.com
Doug will also be available to talk at the upcoming Almoner Meeting on the 8th March at the Maidstone Masonic Centre, Tovil, please don’t forget to book in, details below.
Image shows left to right: Roger Townsend , Willie Leitch, Peter Bulmer, Des Bidwell, Paul Settle, Keith Warren, Doug Smallman, David Stedham and Ron Dean.
Report By Richard Dixey
Group 6 Almoner Co-ordinator and Visiting Volunteer
Our very own Dave Claughton
As previously promised, we are very proud to update you with the charitable activities of our very own Santa, WBro Dave Claughton. Despite being ill for the whole of 2024, he didn’t let it stand in the way of maintaining the standards he’d set in previous years.
Throughout November and December, Dave barely gets an evening or weekend to himself. He attends many events, helping various organisations to raise money such as school PTAs and Christmas fayres, the Santa Fun Run, and turning on the lights in Maidstone. In the main, Dave supports Step and Learn, Making Miracles and More Than Words Charity – three wonderful charities that benefit youngsters.
However, his charity of choice is Making Miracles as they mean so much to his family and friends who have suffered baby loss. He was honoured to receive an achievement award at the Making Miracles 10th Anniversary Ball last March and has been invited to the more Than Words 10yr Ball this year with another award nomination.
In total, Dave attended 22 events over the course of November and December, taking time off work at personal expense as he’s self-employed. Taking these expenses into account, he raised an amazing £8,200 this year – his 11th year in the role.
Dave said, “The best thing about this job is seeing the smiles on the faces of all those children. Some of whom have very little else to smile about. I often find it difficult not to cry.” He then said with a smile, “The next best thing is shaving the beard off after my last engagement on Christmas Eve.”
There’s no doubt that Dave fills that red suit with magic, and everyone at Honor Oak is very proud of him.
Here are a couple of reels from the party too.
Invicta Lodge 709
PM Invicta 709, W Bro Bob Gilliver presenting a cheque to Ashford Pilgrims Hospice to help fund the refurbishment of a family area for visitors.
The Invicta donation was also supported by the Cornwallis Charity.
Our thanks also to Charity Steward Bro John Hobbs for making this all happen.
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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