Incredible January 26 meeting

January 26 Meeting

West Kent Military Lodge No. 1422 – January 26 Meeting Report

Adapt and Overcome: Another Outstanding Evening at Beauchamp Lodge

Another wonderful meeting was enjoyed by all who attended the West Kent Military Lodge (Beauchamp Lodge No. 1422), and our sincere thanks go to the Brethren for their continued and steadfast support.

Traffic Disruption met with true Military Spirit

Early in the afternoon, the Lodge issued a Traffic Congestion Warning to members, honorary members, and visiting Brethren following the unexpected closure of the Dartford Tunnels and multiple incidents in the surrounding areas. With over 70 Brethren booked to attend and nearly 70 dining, there were understandable concerns that the disruption would significantly affect attendance at the Jnauary 26 meeting.

Members and guests were advised to allow additional travel time and, where possible, to set off early. In true Military Lodge fashion, the Brethren adapted and overcame.

Despite the challenges, the Lodge Room welcomed approximately 70 Brethren, with 67 dining later in the Mess. As the Royal Navy would say, “Bravo Zulu” to all concerned.

The January 26 Meeting – Key Details:

Lodge Attendance

• Meeting tyled shortly after 17:30 hrs
• 60+ Brethren present at the opening
• 54 apologies received from members and regular supporters unable to attend
• Attendance later increased to approximately 70 Brethren
  

Worshipful Master

W Bro Ray Armstead, Worshipful Master, had submitted apologies due to illness. The Brethren wished him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back at the next meeting.

In his absence, the Lodge was ably led by W Bro Dan Unthank, Immediate Past Master.

Distinguished Visitors and Warm Welcome

W Bro Dan Unthank formally introduced a number of distinguished visitors to those attending the January 26 meeting, including W Bro Peter Nilsson CBE, whose remarkable Masonic and military career includes instrumental involvement in the formation of the Belgium Grand Lodge under the auspices of UGLE.

A brief résumé of W Bro Nilsson’s Masonic, professional, and military service was read to the Lodge, after which current and past members of the West Kent Executive were introduced.

All visitors, including those attending Beauchamp Lodge for the first time, were warmly and enthusiastically received by the Brethren.

Lodge Business and Ceremony

Key items of Lodge business at the January 26 meeting included:

• Deferral of the audited accounts to the next meeting
• Obligation and Induction of W Bro Alan Hyland, Master Elect, conducted with fitting dignity, military precision, and ceremonial splendour
• Ballot for the Candidate, overseen by W Bro Hyland, which proved in favour

Ceremony of Initiation

The Ceremony of Initiation was conducted to the evident enjoyment of all present, following which Bro Stuart Sturgess was warmly welcomed into the Lodge and invited to take his seat among the Brethren.

Appointments and Notices

• Appointment and investment of Lodge Officers - January 26 meeting
• Notice of Motion proposing three Brethren for Honorary Membership
• All Lodge Reports duly received (Almoner, Charity Steward, Lodge Mentor, Lodge Membership Officer, Military Attaché, Royal Arch Liaison Officer, and the Wilmington Masonic Hall Representative)

A Moment of Recognition – 50 Years’ Service

A particularly moving highlight of the evening saw W Bro Malcolm Thompson presented with his 50th Year Citation and Pin by W Bro Dan Unthank APGM, PAGDC.

Following the presentation, Malcolm briefly addressed the Lodge, reserving fuller remarks for later in the Mess, and received rapturous applause and a standing ovation from the assembled Brethren.

Festive Board – Celebrating a British Icon

The Mess Dining paid tribute to a 110-year-old British invention: the Tank.

The Mess Hall was transformed:

• Scrim nets adorned the room
• Lighting was deliberately subdued
• Authentic background sounds of tank engines, tracks, shell fire and machine gun fire created a fully immersive experience

The Menu

Starter – Entrenching Tool Pâté

• A hearty country pâté to properly open proceedings

Main – “Tank Your Chance”

• Slow-cooked beef stew: rich, warming, and classified until deployment

Pudding – Cheese Cake (Tank Style)

• A traditional slab of fruit cake served with a solid block of cheese — simple, filling, and entirely period-appropriate

Tea and coffee followed   

Fellowship, Respect, and Shared Service

This exceptional meeting once again demonstrated the deep bonds of friendship, respect, and shared experience that unite serving personnel, veterans, and those associated with the civilian services within the West Kent Military Lodge.

Thinking of Visiting?

If you are:

• A veteran,
• Currently serving, or
• Associated with the services or civilian services,        

and have not yet visited Beauchamp Lodge No. 1422, you are truly missing something very special.

Even the Masonic Fire included a special nod to the theme; “Clankety-Clank... I'm a tank” (those who know, know).

Our final thanks must go to W Bro Kerry Norris and Bro Colin Wheeler, who undertook the important responsibility of caring for the Lodge Warrant and Banner, both incredibly delicate and precious artefacts in the history of Beauchamp Lodge No. 1422. With great care, attention, and generosity, they ensured that each item was professionally placed into its own individual frame for long-term safeguarding. This thoughtful action will help preserve these treasured symbols of the Lodge for decades to come, and the Brethren are eternally grateful to W Bro Norris and Bro Wheeler for this outstanding act of kindness and stewardship

This January 26 meeting post has been created by the West Kent Military lodge for information. If you would like to now more about the Lodge contact us here