Incredible Military Lodge April meeting

April meeting summary

Well what a fantastic night we all had at the April meeting and our thanks go all to all the Brethren for their continued support of the West Kent Military Lodge. The Lodge was celebrating the very first meeting of the Lodge, held over one hundred and fifty one (151) years ago, on the 2nd April 1872 in Roorkee, India. To this end the meeting and festive board had an Indian theme.

The April meeting salient points:

The Lodge was ‘Tyled’ at 1730hrs with 76 Brethren in attendance (additional chairs being placed in the Lodge Room), of which there were; 3 x Entered Apprentices, 2 x Fellow-crafts, 16 Master Masons, 1 x reigning Master & 5 Past Masters, so over a third attending were light blues,

The Master introduced to the brethren a number of special guests who had attended the April meeting:

• Simon Burrows, Secretary Lodge Jamrud (special affiliation with the Military Lodge),
• Dr John Reuther, Guest Speaker, Grand Vice President of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company,
• Malcolm Brooks, Holder of the Grand Master’s Order of Service to Masonry (OSM) and Past Grand Tyler,
• Roy Huntley, Provincial Grand Secretary/Scribe E,
• Graham Tarran, Provincial Grand Almoner & Martin White-Peart, Provincial Grand Membership Officer (and Lodge Visiting Officer),
• Bipinchandra Patel, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal,
• Past Executive members included; V W Bro Chris Roberts, Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master and W Bro Paul Christopher, Past Provincial Grand Secretary/Scribe E,
• Of the 9 original Beauchamp Lodge members, prior to its reinvigoration, 7 brethren were in attendance, with apologies tendered from the 2 absent brethren.
• R W Bro Mark Estaugh, Provincial Grand Master for West Kent entered the Lodge under the second entrance (1800hrs) being accompanied by Ian Gallehawk, Deputy Provincial Grand Master and David Huntley, Assistant Provincial Grand Master,

Also in attendance at the April meeting was Dr John Reuter

Dr John Reuther delivered his presentation on Field Marshal Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts (a British Victorian era General who became one of the most successful British military commanders of his time, Commander-in-Chief of the British India Army). After the presentation Mark Estaugh, PGM surprised Dr John Reuther, guest speaker by presenting him with a 50 year long service citation award. A standing ovation ensued.

Finally, and prior to closing the Lodge, 6 joining members details were read out and the Brethren balloted and approved Steve Rozier, Provincial Grand Charity Steward and Norwell Roberts, Past Master of Beauchamp Lodge (2000-2001) as Honorary Members.

Approximately 70 Brethren, all wearing their ‘pith’ helmets, were treated to; Mixed Starters – Samosas, Onion Bhajis, Hyderabadi Paneer and Poppadoms, Main Course – Chicken Biryani, served with Roti and a vegetable side dish, Pudding – Malai Ki Kheer (an Indian style pudding and a popular dessert prepared in many households throughout India). Every course was absolutely delicious being washed down with a Cobra beer very kindly donated by W Bro David Huntley APGM, who had recently celebrated his 60th birthday.

A truly fun-packed evening, with still one final surprise for all those attending. W Bro Kerry Norris & W Bro Colin Wheeler presented to the Lodge a gift, which had been hand-crafted by them. A picture speaks a thousand words so here it is ….

This April 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