Latest News ... from East Kent Masons

Information Officer Trevor Pankhurst 01622 - 630732 or E-Mail Trevor

Mike Neville’s Masonic Walking Tours

A City with Secrets – London
The Birthplace of Modern Freemasonry & Its Myths ............
Want to know when the the tour starts ... read more and contact details

Kent Library & Museum of Freemasonry ... follow them on Facebook

‘Where are all the Cricketers’?

West Kent v. East Kent - Provincial Craft Cricket Match

The annual Provincial Craft cricket match between West Kent and East Kent was played on Sunday 4th September 2011 in pouring rain at Leeds village nr Maidstone and for the second consecutive year victory went to West Kent. Far from being deterred by the inhospitable conditions the teams padded up and got on with the game with West Kent scoring an impressive 179 off 20 overs, In spite of only 7 players turning out for East Kent they fought back bravely under the captaincy of Robin Evans facing some pretty nippy bowling on what was a very wet and lively wicket. Stumps were pulled after just 11 overs with East Kent scoring 22 runs for the loss of 6 wickets resulting in the coveted trophy being retained by West Kent. The question on everyone’s lips was “where are all the East Kent cricketers?” It is a shame for those that made the effort to turn out that the event is not better supported. Lets hope that East Kent can field a full team next year and give West Kent a proper run for their money! 

Congratulations to West Kent and well played to the East Kent team.

Article by Trevor Pankhurst
Assistant Provincial Information Officer, East Kent

Paddock Wood Freemasons Hold Open House

Building on the success of the open day in 2009, Paddock Wood Masonic Centre again opened its doors to the public on Saturday 10th September as part of this year’s Paddock Wood Heritage Days. The all day event followed the format of previous open days with display material depicting the origins of Freemasonry, the history of Freemasonry in Kent and the work of Grand Charity and East Kent Provincial Charity. Other displays included examples of Masonic jewels and regalia and the TLC team were on hand to talk about the charity, accompanied by the usual army of teddy bears. There was considerable interest in the event with over 70 visitors throughout the day. Local people expressed surprise at what has previously lain behind closed doors and found the visit to the Temple both interesting and stimulating. There were comments like:

‘I have lived in Paddock Wood all of my life and I had no idea how wonderful the building is inside.’

‘My daughter attended ballet lessons in the hall downstairs and I had no idea what was upstairs. The Temple is magnificent and a real eye opener’

‘The charity work that you do is fantastic and I am pleased that you are now more open about it’

‘It has been a real eye opener today and I have met some lovely people that are clearly passionate about what they do. I now feel that I know a lot more about what Freemasonry stands for’

‘I’m really pleased that I came along, it is has been a very interesting and worthwhile visit’

The organising team, which was led by W. Bro Peter Hayler of The Stanley Wykeham Lodge 6599 was very well supported by W. Bro Phil South and members representing other Lodges that meet at the Paddock Wood Centre. Assistant Provincial Grand Master’s Roger Waltham and Andy Notley, accompanied by his wife Mary attended the event, which was also supported by W. Bro Brian Barden, W. Bro David Kershaw and W. Bro Roger Croucher. The Kent Air Ambulance, Hospice in the Weald and St John’s Ambulance also supported the event with information displays.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Councillor Elizabeth Thomas was unable to attend the event on Saturday but was given a guided tour of the Centre on Thursday 8th September as part of the Heritage Open days by W. Bro Croucher and W. Bro Hayler.

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