News - The 2025 An Afternoon At The Races

On Saturday 2nd August, on a warm and sunny day in Folkestone, the annual District Horse Race Day was held at the home of the District Grand Prefect R. W. Bro. Brian Alan Ward and his wife Toni.

As the event approached the 12:00 'Starters Orders”', many members of the District, accompanied by friends and family started to arrive at the home of the District Grand Prefect. The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone was looking forward to an enjoyable afternoon of racing, together with the delights of the ploughman’s buffet! More importantly, the task of raising funds for Charitable good causes was firmly fixed in the sights of all those in attendance.

Coupled with Friends and family were the all-important NEIGHbours (see what we did there?) helping to set up marquees, work the Tote, assist with food and beverages, sell raffle tickets, etc. The day went without a hitch and was most enjoyable for all those who attended.

The Itinerary of the day was to hold four races, then stop for lunch, hold a further three races and then proceed to draw the all-important raffle!

As the event opened, the District Grant Prefect, R. W. Bro. Brian Alan Ward welcomed all those in attendance, and invited some of them to act as jockeys for the first race of the day, after a bit of a slow starter, enthusiasm was soon whipped up when some of the District members were volunteered by other members; sound familiar? We’re sure it was a DC who made the suggestion.

The next three races were most enjoyable, as watching senior members of the District dressed as jockeys is always a particular highlight.

A fantastic Lunch then followed, with special thanks to Mrs. Toni Ward for all her hard work, and unwavering support of the event, and of course her team of helpers.

The final races all took place with much hilarity, probably fueled by good food and wine, and as the day reached the final furlong the raffle was held. A superb array of prizes was available, under an arch of AMD colored balloons!

Last year, the event was popular but this year was even more so, raising nearly £1000 more than 2024. The total raised for Charitable good causes was a staggering £3,029!

The annual event has become very popular and exceptionally well supported within the District of Kent, with this year’s event welcoming over 120 members, together with their friends and family.

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Article by Karl Bowman

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