WK News Summer 2023 - Magazine - Page 29
ISSUE NO.10 SUMMER 2023 | WEST KENT NEWS 29
FRATERNAL LOVE AND
FELLOWSHIP
Back in 1975 a group of Brethren and
Companions in East Lancashire requested their
Masonic Centre to make a room available
occasionally in order that they might form a
Masonic Fellowship, essentially a club where not
only widows but older, perhaps lonely, Brethren
and their wives could meet socially on a regular
basis. Needless to say, it proved very popular and
a number of similar groups sprang up around the
country including one in our own Province which
meets in the Dartford Masonic Centre. The
Fellowships aim to further that sense of belonging
to the “Masonic family” thus enabling older
members and widows to maintain contact with the
Craft in a social environment
The Dartford Masonic Fellowship meets twice a
month, typically starting with mid-morning coffee
which is followed by a talk on some topic of
general interest given either by a visiting speaker
or a member of the Fellowship. The meeting ends
with an optional two course lunch.
The Fellowship also arranges day trips and holds a
Christmas Lunch. Upwards of 60 widows,
Brethren and their wives attend each meeting.
Currently the Fellowship has to charge a
subscription of £25 per year which just about
covers the basic running costs. The lunch costs a
further £16.
Ideally there should be similar Fellowships
throughout the Province, not necessarily at each
Centre but certainly covering every area.
However, there are a number of issues that have
to be faced if this is to be achieved. Firstly, the
availability of a low cost venue that can provide
affordable dining.
Secondly, finding a sufficient number of dedicated
volunteers prepared to take on the tasks of
setting up and running individual Fellowships.
Thirdly and by no means least, money.
These issues are not insurmountable, we are sure
that there would be sufficient support from
Brethren and Companions, the venues are
available at our Centres and the financial
arrangements at Dartford do work; although
ideally there should be a way of subsidising at
least part of the cost. In an ideal world groups of
Lodges would come together to assist and
support a Fellowship in their local catchment.
As the group charged with complementing the
work of our Almoners, specifically in improving the
well-being of our members and widows, the
Pastoral Care Team is anxious to encourage the
development of new Fellowships. We cannot
provide funds, we can do little to provide physical
support but we can share the experience of
others and assist in setting up new ventures.
Further, in conjunction with our Province, we are
able to provide support by communicating with
potential users. If you are interested and
prepared to help set up a Fellowship or if you
would like to become a member of a Fellowship,
just email - davidhedges@virginmedia.com