“£542 and Racing Strong for Heart of Kent Hospice!”
“The Worshipful Master Keeps Order as the Racing Heats Up!”
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Race Night in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice.
Together, we raised an amazing £542 for this incredible charity ❤️
Your generosity, energy, and support made the night such a success—we couldn’t have done it without you!
Looking forward to the next one already 👏
“Making a Difference, One Room at a Time”
Representatives of Duke of Kent Lodge No. 5818 recently gave their time and effort to support Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, helping to create a more comforting space for those receiving care.
Worshipful Master Alan Chitty, Worshipful Brother Paul Considine, Worshipful Brother Iain Knox, and Lynn Press spent the day redecorating a patient bedroom, carefully repainting and refreshing the space. Their work has helped transform the room into a brighter, more welcoming environment for patients and their families during what can be a very difficult time.
As part of their visit, the Lodge also presented a cheque for £250 to support the Hospice’s ongoing redecoration programme. The donation was gratefully received by David Dadswell on behalf of the Hospice, helping to ensure that more rooms can be maintained to the highest standard of comfort and care.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute and support the incredible work you do.”
”Riding with Purpose: Hengist Chapter Easter Egg Run"
W.B Alan Chitty & W/.B Stuart Skiilton pitcured above with the Widow Sons
WIDOWS SONS – EAST KENT – HENGIST CHAPTER
Masonic Bikers’ Association
Easter Egg Run – A Day of Service
This year’s Easter Egg Run saw 30 motorbikes, made up of Brethren, Cornerstones and friends, supported by 8 Cornerstones in the vehicle team, ride out together in good spirit despite the cold.
A touching moment before departure came when a young girl and her mother donated in thanks for the support she had received, reminding us of the real impact of this event.
Easter gifts were delivered to Millmead Children’s Centre, Rising Suns, Footprints and Seashells, with warm welcomes at every stop.
Also in attendance were WB Alan Chitty and WB Stuart Skilton of Duke of Kent Lodge 5818, both active members of the Widows Sons.
Thank you to all who supported and took part. A rewarding day that showed how small acts can make a big difference.
“Taking Off for a Cause: Raising £2,000 for Ovarian Cancer”
Many of us know someone whose life has been touched by cancer, affecting families, friends, and loved ones—my family included. Cancer is devastating, but I have been fundraising specifically for ovarian cancer, often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms often appear only at an advanced stage, when the disease has already spread.
Around six years ago, after extensive research and clinical trials, a new class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors was approved by the NHS. These drugs help prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves after chemotherapy, extending patients’ survival. Sadly, the disease can develop resistance over time. Continued research is vital to improve early detection and ultimately find a cure. Please consider supporting the charity “Target Ovarian Cancer.”
On a bright, sunny day at Headcorn Aerodrome, I nervously awaited my midday wing walk—strapped to the upper wing of a 1942 Boeing-Stearman biplane. As my family, friends, and members of the Duke of Kent Lodge cheered, I climbed into the harness, feeling both terrified and exhilarated. At speeds approaching 120 mph and just 400 feet above the ground, I soared through the skies, arms outstretched like a bird, thrilled by every swoop and bank.
Keeping my arms out was exhausting but exhilarating. The flight ended far too soon, and I was met with warm congratulations, feeling an incredible sense of achievement at 80 years old. The experience was made even more meaningful knowing it was all for a cause close to my heart—raising £2,000 in support of ovarian cancer research.
WB John Hammond
From ceremony to charity: raising £1,000 for The Urology Foundation in style!
Friday, 9th January 2026 - Duke of Kent’s White Table Event
The evening commenced with a brief ceremony in the Temple, during which W.B. John Hammond presented Brother Ben Downing with his Grand Lodge Certificate.
This was followed by the Annual White Table Event upstairs, culminating in the presentation of a £1,000 cheque to Ben Eddy in support of The Urology Foundation.
Hair Today, Heart Tomorrow: A Colourful Fundraising Success Raising £1,500
WB Paul McKenzie has been fundraising for the British Heart Foundation in honour of his son, Ian.
In 2011, Ian suffered a heart attack at work in London but was quickly stabilised and treated with a stent. His recovery was long and challenging, both physically and mentally, but with his family’s support and healthier lifestyle changes, he gradually regained strength.
The British Heart Foundation provided vital guidance and support throughout. Today, over 7 million people in the UK live with heart and circulatory conditions, and 12 under-35s die each week from sudden cardiac events.
We are proud of Paul for raising over £1,500 for this cause—his pink hair at the Duke of Kent Lodge 5818 luncheon certainly drew attention for all the right reasons! Thank you to all who donated and supported.
A Memorable Installation at Malling Abbey Lodge 1063
On Saturday 17th February 2024
Duke of Kent Brethren on tour again with our W.M. Paul Considine
VIsiting Malling Abbey Lodge No 1063 Installation
A lovely ceremony and very Festive Board afterwards..
We'll be coming back ! 😊
Monthly updates from DUKE OF KENT LODGE 5818
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