Incredible June 25 meeting

June 25 Meeting - A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all who attended the West Kent Military Lodge meeting and our thanks go to all the Brethren for their continued support.

The June 25 meeting Salient Points:

The June 25 meeting was ‘Tyled’ shortly after 1745hrs with nearly 60 brethren in attendance (later start due to traffic congestion on M25 and the major roads leading to the Masonic Hall).

The June 25 meeting started with the current Master W Bro Ray Armstead introducing a number of the visitors to the Brethren, the first introduction was W Bro Peter Nilsson CBE. Peter, in his past, had been instrumental in the forming of the Belgium Grand Lodge (under the auspices of the UGLE) and a brief resume of Peter’s activities (both Masonic and personal) including his military service was read to the brethren after which a number of the present (and Past) West Kent Executive were introduced. All visitors were received warmly by the brethren in attendance.

Lodge business included; a ballot for an initiate, planned for our October meeting (the ballot was successful). All Lodge Reports were then taken, prior to the second entrance, after which the main event of the event followed, being the ‘Ceremony of Raising’ of Bro Stewart O Conner (ex Royal Engineer). The ceremony was conducted by the WM ably supported by his Officers. A wonderful and most enjoyable ceremony.

The Membership Officer also announced that he was in contact with another potential candidate for initiation. The candidate was due for interview later in the month (June) and should all prove successful his details would be read out at the October meeting with a view to initiating him at the January 2026 meeting.

In addition there were also a number of other interested parties that have expressed an interest in joining our ranks in 2026 and we look forward to bringing them on in due time.

2025 marks 50 years of the Beauchamp Lodge meeting at the Wilmington Masonic Hall and it is hoped that the Lodge will arrange a celebratory event during the summer months.

The Brethren then retired to the Mess Hall to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and where a sumptuous Ploughman’s lunch had been prepared for them (with the ingredients being sourced from the finest of Kent’s Farmers). The brethren then burst into song, with a medley of tunes prepared by our very own ‘one-man Band-Master’ W Bro Bernard Tilley. It truly was a night to remember.

This June 25 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