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Festival 2025 Review & ABM 2025 Minutes
The Pharos Lodge at 75
The Pharos Lodge at 75
Honoured to Host
Honoured to Host
The Federation of School Lodges 77th Annual Festival
The Federation of School Lodges 77th Annual Festival
The following is an excerpt from the Dover Grammar School Magazine ‘The Pharos’ in July 1950.
‘On Saturday, April 29th, 1950, some five hundred members of Masonic Lodges from all over the county had come to witness the consecration by Lord Cornwallis of a new Lodge—our own, the Pharos NO. 6967 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England, at the Dover Grammar School for Boys. So on to this year, 2025, we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, and to have the honour of hosting the FSL Festival, a privilege never given to a lodge in the Province of East Kent before, really was the icing on the cake!
The School is not the lodges usual meeting place, the last visit there was in November 2021, prior to the demolition of the old building. For that, and to be allowed to meet in the new building is thanks to the support of the Head Master, Mr. Philip Horstrup. And so to the day………………….
After a ‘Meet & Greet’ by our Worshipful Master at the Holiday Inn, guests and visitors made their way to the school by car and hired bus. After settling down for the Business Meeting, those present were greeted by the President, R.W. Bro. Mark Constant, who thanked them for travelling from all over the country to attend. After going through the usual agenda items, the much sought after prize of the Travelling Gavel was presented. With two lodges having the same number in their contingent, it was the Old Oakhamian lodge 8033 that secured it due to highest mileage travelled.
A quick rearranging of furniture allowed the Lodge Meeting to open on time. W. Bro. Graham Chisnell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, representing the Provincial Grand Master of East Kent was welcomed, followed by the President of the Federation and his Escort.
The Roll Call of Lodges was given by W. Bro. John Hubbard, Joint Secretary of the Federation. 28 lodges were represented along with 4 Chapters and 2 Mark Lodges.
W. Bro. Chisnel then gave a talk entitled Indissoluble links between Masonry and Education. With content relating to the links between Schools and lodges nationally, including the Dover Grammar School and the forming of the Pharos Lodge, he emphasised the importance of explaining and promoting freemasonry to younger minds. The lodge was then closed and the journey to the Holiday Inn was made.
(L-R) W.Bro. Howard Pashley, PAsGChap, W.Bro. Terry Hall, SLGR (FSL Chairman), Sir David Wootton, PDepGM, W.Bro. Mark Pitchers, Pharos W.M., R.W. Bro Mark Constant, FSL President, W.Bro Graham Chisnell, APGM, R.W. Bro. Jeffrey Gillyon, PPGM
The Crabble Corn Mill
The Crabble Corn Mill
Let’s not forget our Guests and Visitors, who were treated to an afternoon of Cream Teas and music. The staff really looked after our ladies, even providing a free guided tour of the Mill. An afternoon I am sure they will remember with pleasure.
The Banquet
After a welcoming glass of Prosecco and canapes, 92 people sat down to enjoy a wonderful meal in a truly beautiful setting, the Holiday Inn Grand Marquee!
W.Bro Roger Odd, R.W. Bro Mark Constant, Sir David Wootton, W.Bro Mark Pitchers, Pharos W.M.
Mrs. Carolyn Pitchers, W.Bro. Graham Cuthbert PrGDC, W.Bro. Ian King, DC, Mrs. Trish King
The Traveling Gavel, presented to the Old Oakhamian Lodge by R.W. Bro Mark Constant.
If you would like to visit the Pharos Lodge in Dover again, our meetings are the 3rd Saturday in October, November, January, March (I) and May. Email: sec.pharos6967@outlook.com to book.
It has been a pleasure to meet you, and we look forward to seeing you all again on the 15th of August next year at Oakham. Book early, it’s going to get busy!
W.Bro. Arthur Hornby, PPGSwdB
Secretary of the Pharos Lodge (6967)
FSL Rep. Kent & Sussex
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