from the Provincial Grand Master

Through the auspices of the Provincial Web Site I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all of the Brethren and Companions in the Province for so well and truly supporting various important Provincial Events over the past three months for our collective benefit and enjoyment.

Two very successful and enjoyable Provincial Annual Festivals were held in April and May respectively both of which were very well supported with a considerable amount of work undertaken by the Provincial Secretariat on both occasions.

At Upchurch Lake, we all enjoyed the inaugural Masonic Fishing Charity Event with some 18 youngsters taking part in the day’s fishing competition. This was most enjoyable and memorable for all those in attendance – particularly observing the smiles of delight and satisfaction on their faces. Each were entertained to lunch and all were presented with a Certificate! Additional support was kindly provided for each by family members and a considerable number of Brethren in the Province. Our thanks to the Past Deputy and his team for the successful arrangements.

We then all enjoyed the very special occasion of attending Canterbury Cathedral for Evensong with, I am informed, some 800 Brethren and families in attendance. This was a remarkable occasion and spiritually uplifting in all respects. The Dean, Very Revd Robert Willis spoke in such warm and generous terms of the part freemasons play in our communities. The arrangements on this occasion rested with the Companions of the Holy Royal Arch.

Following on from this we all enjoyed a very hot summer’s day at the Provincial Garden Party held at Godmersham Park. For myself and my wife Sandra it was a great pleasure to meet and enjoy the company of so many of you, older and our newer Brethren alike– particularly with many children enjoying this family event. On this occasion our thanks go to the Provincial Grand Charity Steward and his hard working Committee.

Finally, a record number of 600 enjoyed a splendid evening at the Provincial Summer Ball held at the Winter Gardens. The evening was packed with such a variety of entertainment and with the added surprise of Brother Rick Wakeman of the Chelsea Lodge in London giving such an enjoyable Cabaret spot with his Services donated to the Charity evening. Our thanks are expressed to the outgoing Board of Provincial Grand Stewards and their families who far exceeded my expectations.

All of these occasions demonstrate the vibrancy and happiness of the Province of East Kent made possible only by the Membership’s commitment and enthusiasm. I express my personal appreciation and gratitude to all of the Brethren and Companions along with their families for the tremendous support given over the past months. This embraces just one of the marvellous principals of English freemasonry for which all of us can be justly proud. I conclude by wishing you all and your families a well deserved enjoyable summer break and return in the early autumn fully refreshed for the activities of the new season which awaits us all. My warm and sincere thanks to all of you.


Michael Robin Bailey, Provincial Grand Master and ME Grand Superintendent.

Top of Page