Walker Brothers, No Regrets

Five hardy brothers from Sidcup Lodge 6552 in the Masonic Province of West Kent took it upon themselves to walk 71 miles from Southwark Cathedral to Canterbury in five days, setting out on 21st July 2010 with overnight stops at Dartford, Rochester, Hollingbourne, Eastwell Manor, Ashford and, appropriately, the Pilgrims’ Hotel in Canterbury. There they were met by friends and family to enjoy a buffet and present charity cheques towards both the East & West Kent Festivals.

Fred Estaugh, Secretary of the Lodge made all the extensive arrangements, and together with Bob Raff, David Huntley, Mark Estaugh (an Assistant Provincial Grand Master) and Steve Godden walked the whole journey, but they were anxious to make sure that all members of the Sidcup Lodge and associate Lodges were honoured, as they had jointly raised an amazing sum in excess of £10,000.

A cheque for £10,000 was presented to Jonathan Winpenny, their Provincial Grand Master, towards the West Kent Masonic Samaritan Fund 2015 Festival. Most generously, a cheque for £1000 was presented to Roger Waltham, Assistant Provincial Grand Master for East Kent, towards our 2014 Festival for the Grand Charity. Roger was deputising for the East Kent Provincial Grand Master, Michael Bailey, who was on holiday with his wife Sandra; walking in Yorkshire and Derbyshire!

The presentations were made by Michael Calcott, the Master of Sidcup Lodge & Russell Hughes, their Charity Steward.

Jonathan Winpenny and his wife Gillian, together with Roger Waltham and his wife Gill, joined the five Brothers of Sidcup to walk the last 13 or so miles. The East Kent Provincial Information Officer Tony Elliott also managed appearances along the way during the last stint. They all arrived at the Pilgrims Hotel, looking as fresh as daisies, to enjoy a well earned beverage.

The word on the street is that a joint East and West Kent marathon is being discussed. Tony Elliott states that he will definitely be on Jury service that week!

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