Saturday 21st February 2026 saw the District Grand Council of Kent meet at the Gillingham Masonic Centre for their Annual District Grand Council Meeting. The day commenced with a very welcome break from a particularly wet start to 2026, with the sun shining down on the Gillingham Masonic Centre.

With the arrival of many distinguished brethren from neighboring Districts, the centre was soon buzzing with conversation, in between the consumption of the obligatory bacon rolls of course. The brethren of Kent were pleased to welcome old friends and new alike, and it was soon time to move to the temple.

With military precision under the guidance of the District Grand Director of Ceremonies, W. Bro. Jody Townsend, the processions entered, with the brethren assembled in a ‘Standing room only’ temple, greeting them with warm applause in true Kentish fashion.

At 11.00am the District Grand Prefect R.W. Bro. Brian Alan Ward opened District Grand Council, and salutations were given.

The sad duty of reporting those who had been called to Higher Service was carried out in a very fitting manner by the Deputy District Grand Prefect, W. Bro. Geoffrey Edward Whale. A very fitting tribute was given to W. Bro. Terry Bowler, by the Past Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Clive Manuel, giving a heartfelt eulogy of a very respected Freemason. R.W. Bro. Clive Manuel then called the brethren to rise and pay respect to departed merit.

The District Grand Prefect was pleased to give a personal presentation to newly admitted Brethren.

A challenge that had been set at the last District Grand Council meeting, by the District Grand Prefect himself, was to admit ten new brethren to the order by the next meeting. R.W. Bro. Brian was delighted to inform those assembled that not only had the target been met, but had been exceeded by two A truly wonderful achievement, and one that would set the bar for the future, but more of that later!

The District Grand Prefect was pleased to re-appoint W. Bro. Geoffrey Whale as Deputy District Grand Prefect, and thanked him for all of the work he had done in supporting him in the previous years.

The next items of business of District Grand Council was then carried out in superb fashion, with a smooth transition from item to item, arriving at the highlight of the meeting. The District Grand Prefect was delighted to appoint and invest his officers, and in true Allied camaraderie, the investitures were carried out with good humour and good grace in equal measure, illustrating the sense of fun and friendship in our wonderful order.

The District Grand Prefect announced a new position within the District. A non-collared office of District Grand Communications Officer was to be created, to ensure the District was in a position to be represented on all of the Social Media platforms, and to work with Councils to enhance their online presence and promote the order in general, and the District in particular. R.W. Bro. Brian appointed Bro Karl Bowman of the Canterbury Council No.56 to the position, and thanked him for accepting the appointment.

Addressing the Brethren assembled, the District Grand Prefect mentioned again the success in recruiting twelve new members to the order in the previous twelve months, but of course “Nothing breeds success, like success”, so a new challenge was set; twelve new members will be the target for 2026, with a stretch target of fourteen. This target will be promoted as part of the recruitment challenge, and the media campaigns which will be run by all Councils in the District, by creating an online presence, and raising awareness of the friendship, fun, and beautiful ceremonial of the Allied Masonic Degrees.

There are now three Councils who have achieved the Grand Masters’ Keystone Fund Jewels, and one Council who has achieved the MBF Vice-Patron award for their sterling efforts in charitable donations in to the MBF. Congratulations go to Invicta Council, Canterbury Council, Ashford Council, and West Kent Council respectively.

The District Grand Prefect was hugely proud of the Annual Horse Race Event, held at his house in the summer of 2025. Of course this event would not be possible without the unwavering support of his wife Toni and their many friends and supporters who help to make the event come to life. The event raised a fantastic £3000 for charitable causes and the R.W. Bro Brian stated that he wished every council to nominate a charity of their choice, to be the beneficiary of a share of that fabulous total. As a result of the success of these events, which have raised £6,700 in thre years, the District Grand Prefect was pleased to announce that there would be another event in 2026, with a date of Saturday 8th August, with more details to follow, so please keep a lookout on the District social media and the website!

District Grand Council was then closed, and the Brethren retired for a truly wonderful Festive Board. The Festive Board was enjoyed by nearly a hundred Allied Masons, and the sense of Fun, Friendship, and Fraternal affection was certainly evident. The District of Kent would like to express their sincere thanks to all those dear friends who made such a huge effort to support the District Grand Prefect, and the District in General. Without this support, the meeting would not have been such a pleasurable experience, and again highlights the warmth of this beautiful Order that we have the privilege of sharing together.

Article by Karl Bowman

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