West Kent News - Issue 12 - Flipbook - Page 34
GENERAL NEWS
HUNDRED OF AXSTANE No
7722, BRONZE, SILVER and
GOLD AWARDS 2026
FESTIVAL
The current Master Paul Masey
was delighted to receive, on
behalf of the members of the
Hundred of Axstane 7722, the
Bronze,
Silver
and
Gold
Achievement Awards, recognising
their latest donation of £14,000, to
the West Kent 2026 Festival.
PGM Mark Estaugh said that when
he was undertaking his review of
lodge summons, and spotted the
associated Notice of Motion, he
first thought it was a misprint, but
was delighted to find otherwise.
Louis Furner, Charity Steward,
explained that in total the lodge
has donated over £32,000, and
amazed, that such vast sums can
accumulate, as a result of all
lodge members making monthly
direct debits, buying Football
Scratch cards and supporting
Raffles.
Many of the new members are
adorned with Festival Jewels,
noting it is certainly not too late to
support this most excellent cause.
The meeting and following festive
board
was
a
most
jubilant
occasion, 55 brethren attended,
which included 35 guests. In
addition to the aforementioned,
Daniel Unthank, Provincial Grand
Director of Ceremonies, Steve
ISSUE NO.12 SPRING 2024 | WEST KENT NEWS
Rozier, Provincial Grand Charity
Steward
and
Festival
Liaison
Officers Andrew Butler and Martin
Eggleton, were also present.
The Lodge Charity Steward, has
said that he hopes the lodge will
soon attain a Platinum award, as a
result of the brethren’s ongoing and
determined efforts.
RETENTION INNOVATION
Supporting each other
across Provinces
When James Robinson was Initiated
into Balham Park Lodge No 6955 in
London, in March 2023, he had no
idea that just a few weeks later his
life would be turned upside down for
the better, with the offer of a new
job, which would result in a move to
the Kent side suburbs. For a range
of reasons this move meant that
James was then unable to attend
his Mother Lodge on a regular
basis.
Worrying that he might be forced to
leave
Freemasonry,
he
was
approached by a colleague, Danny
Banks, who fortuitously happened to
be the Membership Officer of
Rookesley Lodge No 8398. This
Lodge which meets at Sidcup
provided
an
opportunity
for
collaboration.
After a couple of visits James asked
for support. Balham Park Lodge
formally asked Rookesley Lodge to
complete James’ Degrees on their
behalf. Consequently, he will now
be Passed at a meeting of the
Sidcup Lodge in June and once he
has his Grand Lodge certificate he
intends to become a fully fledged
West Kent Brother.
Rookesley
Secretary,
David
Hedges, commented that this kind
of co-operation is essential if we are
to avoid the loss of Brethren that
fall by the wayside simply as a
result of changes in personal
circumstances.
34
LIFE LESSONS TAUGHT
THROUGH FREEMASONRY
Freemasonry is a fraternity that is
centred around the principles of
brotherhood,
charity,
and
the
pursuit of self-improvement.
It has a long history of teaching
practical
life
lessons
to
its
members, to be better citizens of
the world.
One of the key lessons taught by
Freemasonry is the importance of
being a good and honourable
person.
Freemasons are expected to follow
a code of ethics that includes being
honest, fair, and kind to others.
This lesson is particularly relevant
for young people as they embark on
their careers and begin to navigate
the complexities of the adult world.
By living up to the high moral
standards set by the fraternity, we
can set a positive example for
others and build a strong foundation
for a successful life.
Another important lesson taught by
Freemasonry is the value of hard
work and perseverance.
Freemasons are encouraged to
pursue their goals with diligence
and determination, even in the face
of challenges and obstacles.
By staying focused and committed
to their goals, individuals can
develop the resilience and tenacity
needed to succeed in whatever field
they choose to pursue.
Freemasonry is as relevant today
as it ever was. By being advocates
of
our
Masonic
values
and
encouraging others to join our
Fraternity we share in our mysteries
for living a fulfilling life where the
joys of giving are embraced.