The Kent and Connaught Clubs
The Social Clubs for London Freemasons
The Kent Club: A Masonic voyage of discovery
The Kent Club is a welcoming hub of camaraderie and discovery, with meaningful experiences curated by a dedicated Committee. It’s open to all, embodying the enduring principles of Freemasonry while providing a lively platform for friendship, learning and shared experiences.
2023 closed with memorable events like Disney 100: The Exhibition, showcasing The Walt Disney Archives’ treasures. Members and their children marvelled at over 250 seldom-seen artifacts and memorabilia. And we hosted an informative and joyful Wreath Making Workshop at the Victorian Chapter Hall, St. John’s Gate.
2024’s highlights include the award-winning ‘Cognac Show’, featuring producers from across the Charente region of France’s finest spirits. The ‘Jack The Ripper Masonic Tour’ follows, guided by W Bro Mike Neville, published author and retired Scotland Yard detective.
Summer will feature an exclusive cocktail making masterclass, guided by our own bartender. This will be complemented by a tour of Temple Church, delving into its medieval history and architectural splendour, uncovering the secrets of the Knights Templar and exploring the tranquil courtyards amidst the bustling heart of London.
June heralds the elegance of the Kent Club President’s Gala Dinner, a fine dining event set against the magnificent backdrop of the Royal Air Force Club where we will be honoured with the company of our distinguished guest speaker, RW Bro Warren B Duke, Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master.
Following this, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to the Rum Show, featuring over 50 exhibitors devoted to the cane, followed in short order by the enduring traditions of the Whisky Show; a three-day celebration of whisky in all its diverse forms, featuring over 200 distillers, blenders, and bottlers from as far as India and Japan.
For details on the Kent Club’s activities and membership, visit the revamped https://londonfreemasons.club/
W Bro Andrei Padure
Club Communications Officer
The Connaught Club: for young Masons
December 2023 saw a milestone for the Connaught Club, with our largest ever Christmas Dinner. 72 young Masons joined for an evening of revelry at the In & Out Club to round out a year that was packed with events, and they celebrated in style!
2024 will be even bigger. An active membership representing 10% of all Freemasons under the age of 35 in Metropolitan Grand Lodge has meant that the Club’s Committee has been kept busy. Pub drinks, our annual quiz, our inaugural ski trip, and meetings of Burgoyne Lodge No 902 and Cavendish Lodge No 2620 have kept members very entertained.
Member feedback has led to a programme covering three main areas – social, Masonic learning, and supporting the Craft – young Freemasons contributing to wider Masonic life. Members of the Connaught Club have thrown themselves actively into Metropolitan life, serving on the Universities Scheme interviewing team, assisting in ritual support networks for younger Lodges and attending events such as Discover Freemasonry. The Club is a fantastic way to get involved beyond your own Lodge at any stage in your Masonic journey.
For Masonic learning, Fireside Chats will be a key feature of our calendar this year, with opportunities for Masons of all levels to attend informal Q&As and workshops. A trip to Chile in September will also be a fantastic opportunity for ‘daily advancement’ (and a brilliant break!)
And as for our social calendar, our monthly pub drinks now regularly attract more than 40 members and guests. The Connaught Club Casual series, introduced by our Chairman Bro. Adam Bradley, is set to focus on low-cost events from karaoke to go-karting. And we continue to deliver formal dinners in some of London’s most exclusive venues at otherwise unobtainable prices.
Brethren under 35 can energise their social lives at https://connaughtclub.org/
W Bro Jake T. A. Mossom PMetGStwd
Membership Secretary
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 54 April 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in the Arena Issue 54 here.
