Report by W Bro Andrew Farleigh SLGR
On a hot summer’s day on 7th August 2022, a fabulous Garden Party and Barbeque lunch was arranged by the Prince Michael of Kent Court Care home for its residents, their families and volunteers from the Association of Friends.
The main garden was set out in a tropical theme, and a steel band played Calypso music throughout the afternoon. A sumptuous barbeque lunch was served, with cold Pimms flowing freely. The atmosphere was wonderful, and it was obvious that residents and guests were having a really great time.
The lunch was sponsored by Welwyn Garden City Lodge No 5748 with practical assistance on the day from members of the Association of Friends in serving and generally helping the staff of this ’outstanding’ RMBI Care Co. home.
In a surprise visit, the retiring MW Pro Grand Master, Peter Geoffrey Lowndes, visited the home and enjoyed the atmosphere and joined the residents for lunch before delivering a brief speech to the attentive audience. He congratulated the home on its incredible quality of care and the facilities, considerably enhanced by the work of the Association of Friends.
It was acknowledged that the Friends have spent some £250,000 over the past few years on improvements and developments to ensure the happiness and well-being of the residents. Arena readers are familiar with the recent additions to the facilities, including a jukebox, fitness centre and a small but well-stocked shop for residents to obtain a broad range of requisites for their personal use.
The Association of Friends runs activities for the residents at the home throughout the year, all of them sponsored by different Lodges and Chapters in Middlesex, London, Hertfordshire and beyond.
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 50 December 2022 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 50 here.