Pictured here at the ceremony with Bill’s daughter, Maralyn, are (l to r): Bros Malcolm Bray (Maeides Stana), with Mick Pollard, Bob Duffin (Almoner), Geoff Coomes and Keith Duffin (W.Master) of Amherst Lodge.

On a Saturday morning in October, a beautiful ‘Simba’ yellow rose was planted at Otham, near Maidstone in memory of the late WBro Bill Gardiner by Brethren of Amherst Lodge No.1223 (Sevenoaks), Maeides Stana Lodge No.7868 (Maidstone) and Stanley Wykeham Lodge No.6599 (Paddock Wood).

WBro Bill was very well loved and respected throughout both West and East Kent Provinces, and, in recent years, was especially known in East Kent as Tyler for a number of Lodges in the Maidstone area. He continues to be sadly missed by all who knew him.

What started off as a misty morning turned into rays of sunshine as the planting took place, and many happy memories of WBro Bill were shared between his family and the Brethren. Bill was a lover of gardening in general, and roses in particular, and the planting of the rose in the garden where he lived was seen by all as a most fitting tribute to this wonderful man and Mason.

Bro Geoff Coomes,
Amherst Lodge No.1223

Ed45, p2