Eric Rhodes-Molden, who until his recent retirement was the International Liaison Manager at the University College for the Creative Arts based at Maidstone, became the second University Scheme initiate of St Augustine Lodge No.972 on the 21st May 2008. He explained that his father, who died whilst Eric was in his late teens, had been a Freemason, and although he had spoken little about his membership of the Craft had made plain the high regard in which he held the organisation. As a young student with little money, struggling to make his way in life without the support of a father, Eric became aware that at the times when the going was particularly rough someone would always seem to turn up with an offer of help. With this assistance he successfully completed his education and ultimately secured his future. It was not until many years later that he finally learned that the friends who had appeared when he most needed them were in fact the members of his father’s Lodge who had been keeping a watchful but discreet eye on his progress. Thus Bro Eric’s favourable opinion of Freemasonry was forged many years ago. Having now retired he is particularly pleased to become part of the organisation that helped him so much in the past.

Left to Right:

WBro Peter Fairweather (the candidate's proposer and the retired Dean of Business Studies at Christ Church University College, Canterbury) Bro Len Caney (SW), Bro Ben Hulme, WBro Bob Goodwin (WM), Bro Adrian Ruse, WBro Robin Masters (JW), and Bro Eric Rhodes-Molden