The Kent & Connaught Clubs
The Social Clubs for London Freemasons
The Kent Club
We’ve had an incredible few months at The Kent Club, the friendly social club for London Freemasons. Our members have been busy exploring Special Interest Lodges (SILs) and making the most of some exclusive choices available to the membership.
We’ve had the privilege of visiting prestigious locations like Fitzroy Lodge No 569 at Armoury House, the Metropolitan Grand Stewards Lodge, and the Lodge of Joppa’s No 188 President’s Festival in sunny Bournemouth. And let’s not forget the breathtaking grounds of Stowe School, where we attended the Public Schools Lodges Council Festival, surrounded by exquisite landscapes created by Capability Brown.
A highlight this year was our Annual Dinner, which took place at the National Liberal Club. We had the pleasure of being joined by RW Bro Chris Hayward PJGW, DepMetGM as our guest of honour for a truly memorable evening.
As we look forward, we’re excited to expand our events even further. In addition to our regular Special Interest Lodge visits, we’ll be venturing into more challenging activities – like axe throwing, an exhilarating experience where you can test your aim by hurling axes at targets. It’s a popular pastime enjoyed by our American and Canadian cousins. Further activities on the cards include shooting, archery, whisky tastings, quiz nights, and even cocktail masterclasses. And don’t forget our regular and warm invitation to the Formula 1 Lodge.
Joining The Kent Club is easy and great value: you can be a part of our vibrant membership for just £10 per year. Whether you’re a seasoned Freemason or new to the Craft, The Kent Club is the perfect place to forge new friendships, indulge in exciting activities and create lasting memories.
Find out more at www.londonfreemasons.club
The Connaught Club
Since our last update, we are happy to report a wide array of excellent and exceedingly well attended events. In May, 25 members enjoyed the Inaugural Chairman’s Dinner at The Walbrook Club, indulging in excellent fine dining and lively conversation. The Burgoyne Lodge No 902 white table event in June welcomed 60 members & guests at Freemasons’ Hall, capped off with a lavish dinner at the Grand Connaught Rooms; and July saw our members improve their clay pigeon shooting skills, followed by a raucous dinner at the In & Out Club with many fine ports making for a fantastic evening.
As Arena goes to press, members and guests are invited to our annual picnic. Looking forward, September offers a unique opportunity to visit Denmark, immersing members in exciting Danish ritual coupled with a fun-filled weekend in Copenhagen. Every Connaught Clubber will await the Secretary’s dinner in October at Buck’s Club, and November brings an exciting talk from the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro Matt Hampson PJGW, on the formation of Metropolitan Grand Lodge, followed in December by our famous annual Christmas Dinner, hosted this year at the In & Out.
On the first Friday of each month, we host informal drinks around Holborn, open to all, so please join! If you’re not a Connaught Club member, under 35, and a Mason in London or elsewhere, do consider joining. Annual Membership costs just £25 (£15 one-off fee for tie and pin), providing access to great events and visiting opportunities. Sign up at www.connaughtclub.org and join us for an exciting year ahead!
Bro. Michael Parsey, Club Secretary
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 52 August 2023 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 52 here.
