Where can you go and be rained on, blown away and burnt to a crisp all in the course of a day? The Kent Showground at Detling during the Kent Show was the place to be this year, although the weather was generally kind and allowed the visitors to the 80th. Show to enjoy what was on offer.

Once again the Masonic Provinces of East and West Kent combined to provide an interesting stand which satisfied the public and members alike. The layout was based on a portion of a lodge room with a master's chair, his column and a chequered carpet. Display boards were used to show craft regalia and posters from the four Masonic charities.

Three APGMs with Michael Bailey, PGM for East Kent

On the Friday, the stand displayed additional material focusing on the East Kent 2014 Grand Charity Festival and the West Kent Masonic Samaritan Fund 2015 Festival. Both PGM's were present together with many members of their Executives. Katrina Baker, on behalf of the Grand Charity, and Richard Douglas, CEO of the Masonic Samaritan Fund, attended to provide support.

From L to R: Lynn Hyder, Jonathan Winpenny and Katrina Baker - Marketing, Grand Charity

Jonathan Winpenny, the PGM for West Kent, had the pleasant duty of presenting a cheque for £4,000 from the Grand Charity to Lynn Hyder, the Kent Area Fundraiser, for the Kent Air Ambulance.

Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, were at the Show and walked past the stand with their entourage, but even a prominently positioned poster of his uncle, the Duke of Kent, failed to attract the attention of the Earl!

On the Saturday it was the turn of another charity, Teddies for Loving Care, to be given a prominent display. A combined TLC team from both Provinces were present together with a large walking, talking, teddy bear who proved to be a great attraction for the youngsters. Saturday was the hottest day of the weekend so that Teddy, zipped up in his furry suit, lost a few pounds.

Teddy meets the children

A large teddy was prominently displayed on the stand to encourage the younger visitors to enter a competition to design a Christmas card. The competition was divided into two age groups and judging by the large take up of entry forms, the TLC group will have their work cut out to choose a couple of winners.

Sunday had no special theme, which allowed the stand to be more open and display the basic material more easily. The visitors seemed to appreciate this and many ventured onto the stand to view the exhibits and discuss points with the Stewards.

Click here to see a short video of the event

The reaction of the visitors over the weekend was so encouraging that planning for 2010 is already in hand. Put the 16th, 17th and 18th July 2010 in your diaries.

Provincial Stewards and TLC team

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