Freemasons at the Kent County Show

Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July 2010

West Kent PGM Jonathan Winpenny, East Kent PGM Michael Bailey, East Kent APGM Brian Powell and Pat Marsh of BBC South East

When the Stand set-up crew arrived at the Detling Showground on the day before the Show, they did not expect to have their geometric skills taxed to the limit. Try as they might there was no way that the 6.0m long marquee could be fitted into the 5.8m space left between the neighbouring stands by the Show Contractors. After pursuing several alternatives, a compromise was provided by the Show Organisers who agreed to accommodate the stand in the Kent Pavilion Foyer, opposite the original site. With the wind blowing at 50 kph, gusting up to 80 kph, and threatening to turn any marquee sheeting into a great sail had the crew attempt to fit it over the stand framework, it seemed that a blessing in disguise had been offered. The layout of the display boards was sufficiently flexible to fit the new and larger space, while still providing a throughway for access to the Kent Pavilion. As well as those entering the Pavilion, It also meant that, as in previous years, visitors outside on the road could still be engaged.

Karen Warner and Jonathan Winpenny

This is the third year that the responsibility for staging the Freemasons of Kent stand at the Kent Show has been run conjointly by the Provinces of East and West Kent. The theme of presenting a more modern, youthful image, while stressing our place in society and our family considerations was continued. What was achieved with the layout last year by emphasising the perception that Freemasonry is a suitable organisation for the younger family man was built upon. The stand featured display panels showing various activities and the message 'Freemasonry in the 21st Century'. To emphasise this message, appropriate leaflets were enthusiastically distributed by the stewards to the public and were apparently well received.

On the morning of the first day, Friday, the West Kent PGM Jonathan Winpenny was presented with an award as the Demelza 2010 Group Fundraiser by Karen Warner the Demelza West Kent Community Fundraiser. This was in recognition of all the fundraising support by West Kent to the new Demelza Hospice at Eltham. Later in the afternoon Pat Marsh of BBC South East interviewed East Kent APGM Brian Powell, West Kent PGM Jonathan Winpenny and East Kent PGM Michael Bailey. This was broadcast live on Radio Kent. The interview was filmed and may be viewed in the attached video.

The following Saturday and Sunday were blessed with lighter winds and mostly sunshine, particularly on the Sunday, necessitating several helpers to resort to protective headgear.

The Show was deemed a great success and good interaction with the public resulted in many interesting enquiries. The new location was also deemed more successful than in the marquee position across the road and preliminary arrangements have been made to secure the Foyer for 2011.