We could not have wished for better weather on Saturday 17th June, the glorious hot sunny day making it perfect for the biennial East Kent Freemasons Provincial Garden Party. Several hundred members, their wives, families and friends enjoyed an afternoon of fun in the wonderful setting of the grounds of Godmersham Park, thanks to the kind generosity of Mr & Mrs John Sunley.

The Provincial Grand Master and Mr John Sunley

The object was to raise funds for the Provincial Grand Master’s Discretionary Fund, which makes grants to worthy causes in special need within the county. It was set up following the ‘Herald of Free Enterprise’ and other local disasters, to enable East Kent Freemasons to make grants to relieve suffering with a minimum of delay if any situation should warrant it.

During the afternoon there was musical entertainment which included the Herne Bay Sea Cadets, the Corps of Drums from the Royal Marine Cadets Chatham, and in particular a sterling performance from a live group called ‘Where’s Brian’. Mr Tim Hampson, reputed
to be Europe’s leading harp maker, also entertained us with some wonderfully soothing music. Something new this year was the somewhat more bizarre spectacle of both children and adults
engaging in ‘Sumo Wrestling’ by donning huge inflatable suits and then trying to push their opponents out of the ring Sumo-style. This provided great fun and victory finally went to the Stour Lodge, which edged out the Lodge St George Bahrain.

The main fund-raising work was achieved through stalls and sideshows of which there were more than 60. Lodges from across the Province manned every imaginable kind of stall – which included bric-a-brac, antiques, hot dogs, upmarket strawberries and cream, plants, cakes, coconuts, wet sponge throwing,‘cow pat bingo’ and games of skill. By the time the party closed more than £13,000 had been raised.

Many thanks must go to many people, from the stall managers to the car park attendants for enabling us to enjoy what was a wonderful day. A Message from the Provincial Grand Master “May I, through the auspices of ‘The Provincial’ news, express my personal thanks and gratitude to you all for the tremendous support given at the very happy and successful Provincial Garden Party at Godmersham Park by the kind permission of Mr & Mrs John Sunley. The venue was splendid and on this occasion we all experienced a lovely hot summer afternoon. My thanks are conveyed to WBro Tony Denne the Provincial Grand Charity Steward and his Committee for the organisation of the event, and in particular, WBro Kevin Stones who was responsible for the event itself. I also extend my thanks to those Lodges and Chapters who provided such a variety of stalls and attractions. The occasion was also enhanced by other entertainment and not least of all by the Junior Cadet Bands whose music was immensely enjoyed. The Garden Party was well supported throughout the day and I was personally delighted to see so many Brethren with their younger families who were enjoying the occasion. For me and my wife Sandra, this was truly a thoroughly enjoyable family event and a lovely opportunity of meeting with and talking to so many of you”.

RWBro Michael Bailey
Provincial Grand Master

From Ed44, P1