WK News - Issue 11 (5) - Flipbook - Page 17
ISSUE NO.11 WINTER 2023 | WEST KENT NEWS 17
ASSISTANT PROVINCIAL
GRAND MASTER: ANDREW
WADDINGTON
Brethren, it has been a busy few
months in Group two with Lodges
carrying out their normal business as
well as a flurry of Initiations and other
degree ceremonies.
with his 50 year Long Service
Citation see here pictured with two of
his Brethren who received 50 year
citations from London previous to
joining West Kent.
For some Lodges, growth is well
under way. For others, growth is
slower. Membership remains critical
for all of us. The future of our Lodges
is in our hands.
During
September
after
the
Installation Meeting of Ordnance
Lodge the newly refurbished bar area
at Welling was opened by the
Provincial Grand Master and Master
of Ordnance Lodge W. Bro. David
Huntley, APGM.
It is a fantastic space and I9m sure
you
will
find
very
appealing.
Congratulations to everyone at the
Westwood Masonic Centre that
worked so hard to achieve the
changes.
I would like to welcome Brixton Lodge
No. 1949 to West Kent from London
and in particular to Group two and to
their new home at The Westwood.
Their inaugural West Kent meeting
was on the 14th October where I was
extremely honoured to not only be
able to welcome the Lodge officially
to this great Province but also to
present W. Bro. Kenneth Bull, Lodge
Secretary,
I was also lucky to attend in November
Westwood Lodge where I witnessed a
first class initiation of an external
candidate. Bro. 8Dutch9 Oberia and
present a 50th Long Service Citation to
Bro. Geoffrey Wakem. One the longest
subscribing members of Westwood
Lodge
the
other,
the
newest.
Congratulations both of you.
On the 11th December I was again
honoured to present a 50th Citation. This
time to W. Bro. Gael Lewis of New Ash
Green Lodge in the presence of his Wife
Gillie.
I am sure that you will all join me in
welcoming them to this very special
Province. Consider visiting them,
their Festive Board was one of the
most enjoyable and entertaining that
I have been to for a long time. You
will not be disappointed.
Lesnes Abbey Lodge welcomed the
first batch of Light Blue brethren as
joining members. This is part of the
ongoing process to repurpose the
Lodge as an exciting new and vibrant
one for Light Blues where newer
brethren will be able to progress at
their
own
pace,
enjoy
new
experiences with streamlined working
practices, learning opportunities and
lectures as well as streamlined
festive boards.
Applications to join are welcome from
any Master Mason or above who is
Light Blue and wishes to. It is
envisaged that it will be in addition to
his Mother Lodge. Not instead of.
The two experiences of Mother
Lodge and Light Blues Lodge should
enhance his Masonic journey and
add to his understanding of the Craft
and Royal Arch in due time.
For myself, following the success of the
Pilgrims Way walk that I undertook with
my Son. W. Bro. James Waddington in
2021, we will be kayaking the Thames
for 200 miles from Cricklade to
Greenhithe in May 2024 in aid of the
2026 Festival. Look out for the details
and please, if you can, consider
supporting
this
endeavour.
Your
personal and Lodge totals will get the
credit. I will get the blisters…
As ever I look forward to seeing as many
of you as possible as I continue to serve
as your Assistant Provincial Grand
Master into 2024. I wish you and your
loved ones a Happy Christmas,
compliments of the season and a healthy
and prosperous New Year.
Best wishes, Andrew