BEAUCHAMP LODGE 1422 - The West Kent Military Lodge

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A little bit about The West Kent Military Lodge

The lodge was formed 150 years ago, as a Masonic home for the Brethren passing through the military depot and engineering college at Roorkee in Northern India. Initially nearly all the lodge’s members were drawn from the British Indian Army; but over the years it has been a Masonic home for many distinguished civil and military figures, including Rajas and a holder of the Victoria Cross.

The Beauchamp Lodge has during its 150 year history seen some difficult times; but in true military fashion it has always looked to its strengths, and been ready to move forward again. Now is such a time, as building upon its unique history and military ethos the lodge aims to become the West Kent meeting place for Brethren with military connections or an interest in military history.

Like their forebears the present lodge members are very proud of Freemasonry’s military heritage; they will look to actively preserve many old military Masonic customs, and maybe even create a few new ones! They intend to both work hard and play hard; and in so doing create their own ‘Jhadughor’, or ‘magic room’, right here in Wilmington.

You can learn more about the history of our lodge here.

The Armed Forces Covenant

The Freemasons have signed the Armed Forces Covenant during a ceremony at Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden on 20 October 2021 led by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent.The partnership aims to support members of the Armed Forces community and ensure they have the same access to government as well as commercial services and products as any other citizen.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) will be able to demonstrate its support to members of the Armed Forces in a number of areas, including education, family wellbeing, getting a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.

Supporting Service Personnel from our Military & Civilian Services 

What is Freemasonry?

The first thing that most people will ask is: “What is Freemasonry?”  

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations in the world.

For most of us, it’s a really enjoyable hobby – and a huge amount of fun for us, and our families.

Our members are a truly diverse group of people, who come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and occupations.  There are many misconceptions about Freemasonry which can often put off potential new members.  Put simply, we have no criteria for membership that you wouldn’t see in any other club – and certainly nothing around what you do for a living, your educational history, or if you’re well off!   Freemasonry is open to everybody – and we always welcome new members.    

Freemasonry means different things to different people.  For some of our members it is a chance to meet new people, make new friends, and enjoy social events. For others, it’s about taking an active part in supporting deserving causes – and doing something for the local community.

Like most clubs, it can take as little or as much time as you have, or wish, to devote to it.  As you would expect, we have members who are heavily involved – and likewise we have some that we only see a handful of times a year.  It all depends on you – what you feel comfortable with – and what you want to do.

United Grand Lodge of England Mission Statement

WHAT WE ARE (Purpose)
We are a unique members’ organisation which has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
WHAT WE AIM FOR (Vision)
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Charity – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
HOW WE WILL ACHIEVE THIS (Mission)
Over the next 7 years, we will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.

WEST KENT 2026 FESTIVAL

The West Kent 2026 Festival is first, and foremost, about trying to support the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. This is what freemasons do so well. However, the future of freemasonry in general, and, more specifically, the ability of the Province of West Kent to deliver a successful festival – is, put simply, about the strength and activity of our membership going forward.

For that reason, and with the undeniable demographic issue that all Provinces face – West Kent is keen to lead the way around modernity, organisation, and the relevance of the Craft to the next generation of Freemasons We look, confidently, to all the energetic and committed members in West Kent to ensure, and deliver, a successful Festival for 2026. No generation has lived in certain times – our parents and grandparents will tell us that. We too live in a most uncertain world where resources and funding are always under the utmost scrutiny – and, as always, this can impact on the very weakest and most deserving in our communities. The purpose of West Kent’s 2026 Festival Appeal is simple – to come to the aid of those that need our assistance most and have been forsaken in their time of need by others.

We are proud to take up that challenge – and will not be found wanting.
News & Information
16 March 2024
Derek Ashburn - Incredible Member Profile
Here’s a Beauchamp Lodge Member Profile from Derek Ashburn. Our team has asked him a set of routine questions that will provide you with a brief insight into his career and journey into Freemasonry. We hope you find it of interest. If you are interested in joining our Military/Civilian Services Lodge simply message us using […]
2 March 2024
Amazing - On Parade 5th April
On Parade 5th - The West Kent Military Lodge We will shortly be on Parade 5th (the 1st Friday in April) at the Wilmington Masonic Hall, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1PA – what3words = small.market.putty (1730hrs). Please book as soon as you can as we have had to ‘close the book’ early for our […]
22 February 2024
Success Joining Members4
Joining members4 - update Joining members4 - The West Kent Military Lodge is extremely pleased to announce that at the January 2024 Lodge meeting 6 (six) new joining members joined its ranks. Of the 6 new members 3 are unattached Freemasons or Freemasons from outside of the Province. All of the new members are either […]
16 February 2024
Amazing 5 day trip to the Normandy Battlefields
The Beauchamp Lodge is arranging a 5 day trip to the Normandy Battlefields. This event is open to friends and family, if you would like to be included please contact Mark Eyles-Thomas Dates: RESCHEDULED - LATE 2024 Mark Smith (of Antiques Roadshow fame) will be our guide, accompanied by Peter Whapshott - Barbed Wire Tours So […]
15 February 2024
Incredible - Beauchamp Lodge 2024 events
Beauchamp Lodge 2024 events - What’s on, where and when? Beauchamp Lodge 2024 events - When was the last time you visited the Lodge website ‘Diary’ page? The Beauchamp Lodge website Diary page lists all the up-and-coming events and really should be your first port of call when considering what the Lodge is doing, where […]
5 February 2024
Incredible No 9393 Pegasus Forces Lodge
Pegasus Forces - The Airborne Forces Lodge No 9393 The West Kent Military Lodge brethren will visit the Pegasus Forces Lodge No 9393 on Friday the 23rd February 2024 for their Installation meeting, where none other than our very own W Bro Michael Bateman ‘Mushrooms’ will be installed as their new Master. If you would […]
31 January 2024
Incredible January meeting
January Meeting - A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all who attended the West Kent Military Lodge January meeting and our thanks go to all the Brethren for their continued support. The January meeting Salient Points: Due to the ceremonies being conducted (Induction & Double Raising) attendance numbers had to be restricted, as the […]
29 January 2024
Brilliant January meeting feedback
January Meeting Feedback - Was it a success, judge for yourselves? Friday 26th October, Wilmington Masonic HallLodge Room - Induction of New Master & Double RaisingFestive Board - Commemorating the Defence of Rorke’s Drift January meeting feedback Summary So let’s share some of the January meeting feedback & communications we have received: More January meeting […]
21 January 2024
Amazing - On Parade 26th January
On Parade 26th - The West Kent Military Lodge We will shortly be on Parade 26th (this Friday) and, due to the ceremony being undertaken (a double raising and an installation), we have had to restrict numbers as the Lodge Room simply cannot accommodate ceremonies with too large an audience. We can only apologise to […]
16 December 2023
Incredible Ceremony of the Keys visit - 12.07.2024
The Beauchamp Lodge is once again visiting the Tower of London to experience The Ceremony of the Keys. This event is open to friends and family but is limited to 50 people only, if you would like to be included please contact Mark Eyles-Thomas So What happens at Ceremony of the Keys? Since 1826, at exactly seven […]
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Integrity
Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity. Membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
Friendship
Freemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.
Respect
Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
Charity
A picture of two hands touching each other. One hand is coloured grey and the second hand is coloured red with a white heart shape in its psalm
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply engrained in our principles and gives our members the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their communities and various causes.
SERVICE
Putting others before self. Supporting our local communities. Supporting and celebrating those who are in or have served in the military services.
(C) bEAUCHAMP mILITARY lODGE 2022