Godmersham Park, Saturday 5th June

Saturday 5th June was probably the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures in the upper 20’s. And in a field, seemingly a long way from the hustle and bustle of life as we know it, a large number of apparently sane and intelligent people had gathered, in a formation roughly approximating to a square! But this was no ordinary field and no ordinary location, and indeed, they were no ordinary people! This was the beautiful setting of Godmersham Park near Ashford, a private estate not normally open to the public and to which we had, once again, been granted privileged access.

Yes, this was the biennial East Kent Provincial Masonic Garden Party.

The gates opened officially at 11.00am. A steady flow of people had already started to arrive, to be greeted by W Bro Chris Metherell performing his jovial meet and greet act at the entrance.

Face Painting. Isobel Lewis, age 6

Thirty two East Kent Lodges and Chapters turned out and set up stalls ranging from Sumo wrestling to wet sponge throwing, guess how many coins in a jar, the TLC Appeal, who supply teddies for children in A &E units, Support Our Soldiers, a book stall, a children’s corner, and many more. Also represented were the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution selling merchandise and holding various competitions and raffles and one of our regular recipients, Demelza House.

The day witnessed a packed schedule of events. The proceedings opened with the 1066 Pipe Band from Hastings, looking resplendent in Black Tunics and Kilts, sponsored by W Bro Phil Lambkin and Miami Sounds, setting the happy mood for what was to follow. The diverse musical element was further enhanced by the welcome return of the renowned Cantium Brass Band who played two exquisite sets during the afternoon under the baton of John Gould and by the inclusion of the Burt Butler Jazz Pilgrims who entertained in the Food Court marquee and who were sponsored by four lodges, Sir Edward Elgar Lodge, Millennium Lodge of Charity, Cinque Ports Lodge and St. Martins Lodge of Mark Master Masons. The Food Court was an innovation this year and provided a range of culinary delights. It is rumoured that the Provincial Grand Master and Mrs Sandra Bailey thoroughly enjoyed their fish and chips!

Bro Joe Ellis introduced the Kent Karate School of Martial Arts and his team of Black Belt Karate exponents who thrilled the, by then, huge crowd by demonstrating their amazing skill and discipline in the ancient Japanese Art of Self Defence.

At 1.00pm the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Bailey, officially opened the event. He welcomed the assembled crowd and thanked Mr and Mrs Sunley, the owners of Godmersham Park, for their generosity in allowing us to hold the event there. He invited W Bro Stewart Cale, the Provincial Charity Steward to present Mrs Fiona Sunley with a cheque towards the building fund for Godmersham Village Hall. A bouquet of flowers was also presented, and Mrs Sunley expressed her thanks. The Provincial Grand Master explained that the purpose of the day was to have fun, and to raise money for charity, adding that among the many local charities that had benefited from Freemasonry was the Air Ambulance who had received £500,000 with a similar sum going to Demelza House. He thanked W Bro Stewart Cale and his Committee for organizing the event and all the Lodges who had arranged the many stalls. He wished everyone an enjoyable and happy afternoon.

The fun continued; ‘Jo Jingles’ gave two displays of the under fives singing, dancing and playing various instruments, to the delight of their audience and themselves.

Classic cars at the Pilgrims' Hospice

At about 1.45pm the Classic Cars started to arrive. This year they had set out from the Pilgrims Hospices at Ashford and Canterbury, giving the staff, patients and visitors a chance for a photo opportunity and to have a look over the cars. They were welcomed by nursing & volunteer staff and by Mike Johncock, Assistant to the Chief Executive. It is clear that the Hospices greatly appreciate the ongoing support we give to their work. The cars and drivers then met at the Halfway House at Challock for refreshments before making their way in convoy towards Godmersham Park escorted by two motorcycle outriders, one leading, and the other (a lady) following at the rear of the pack. We had a record number of entrants, almost 40 vehicles, to what is becoming a major feature of the Garden Party. Many classic vehicles were represented ranging from a Model T Ford to a Rolls Royce, a Ford Prefect (100E), a Morris Commercial, a Military Armoured Vehicle, a 1923 Austin Seven, several MGBs and some fine examples of Jaguar and Rover and many others. First prize of Champagne was handed by the Provincial Grand Master to Tony Eldridge for raising the largest sum of charity sponsorship money, over £850. 2nd prize for the best presented vehicle went to John Whyman for his immaculate 1960 Ford Prefect. 3rd prize to Ray Hubbard for the most interesting vehicle, a 1967 Wolseley 6/110 Police car complete with blue light, two tone horns and radio. The car has been used in the ‘Heartbeat’ TV series that was set in the1960’s and many films including ‘Buster’ and ‘The Krays’. It can also be seen on ‘YouTube’ in its undressed state taking Amy Winehouse to Highgate Cemetery in the official "Back to Black" Video.

In the centre of the arena ‘It’s Quackers’ gave an unusual, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable display of sheepdogs herding ducks. This was especially entertaining for the children and thanks must go to Chris and Julia from Honeycrooks Farm. A huge crowd gathered in the centre of the Arena to be entertained by the Shepherd, Chris Jupp and his Dogs and Ducks. Chris had brought along three dogs, a fifteen week old puppy, who he was just starting to train, a two year old, who was approaching his best and his prize winning Champion, thus demonstrating the various levels of skill (EA, FC and MM?). Children and adults alike were fascinated by the teamwork between a man and his dogs.

The various winners of the raffles, tombolas and competitions were announced and in time honoured style the cow arrived for the ‘Cowpat Bingo’.

DepPGM 'Cowherd Roger Odd' leads the cow out		Cowherd and assistant PAsstPGM Charles Boxer get a result

The day proved to be an outstanding success and sincere thanks are due to all who took part, and those who offered their support by coming along with their families and joining in the fun

Among those who rarely get a mention, but without who the event could not have run so smoothly, are the members of the Provincial Charity Committee, in particular, Ray Hubbard and Mark Pierpoint (Classic Cars), Mike Bremerkemp, Kim Gibbs and team (Car Parking), Phil Lamkin (Marquees), Charles Pottle and Warren Morgan (Monies), Chris Metherell (Meet and Greet), the shy and retiring Jake Jackson! (Public Announcer) and Tom Sutton and Bob Ayling for assisting the Principle Organiser, John Jones, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, greatly assisted and supported by his wife Sue. Well done to them both. Thanks also to all who came along on both the Friday and Sunday to assist in setting up and clearing away.

The weather remained extremely kind to us throughout the day, which saw the largest ever attendance at one of our Garden Parties. Most pleasing of all, was to see so many children running around enjoying themselves at the many attractions put on especially for them.

1066 Pipe Band

But all good things must come to an end and the day concluded as it had begun, when the 1066 Pipe Band marched to the centre of the Arena and treated the crowd to a rousing musical finale.

And so we said goodbye to the lovely Godmersham Park with its walled gardens, ornamental gardens, landscaping and the fine house, built in 1732 and once the home of Edward Knight, brother of Jane Austen who was a frequent visitor to the house and it is said that in her second novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ she depicted many of the characters and scenes from the local area. Nowadays the house has a ‘day job’ and serves as a College for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and operates as a centre of excellence in raising standards of optical education

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