The Pharos Lodge in its 75th year proudly hosts the 77th Federation of School Lodges Festival
Back in July 1950, the “Dover Grammar School Magazine” reported on a very special day:
“On Saturday, April 29th, 1950, some five hundred members of Masonic Lodges from all over the county came to witness the consecration, by Lord Cornwallis, of a new Lodge—our own, the Pharos No. 6967 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England—at the Dover Grammar School for Boys.”
Fast forward 75 years, and here we are in 2025, celebrating that milestone in style. Hosting the Federation of School Lodges Festival was a huge honour for us, and all the more exciting because no Lodge in East Kent had ever done so before!
The school isn’t our usual meeting place—we last met there in November 2021, just before the old building was pulled down. So to be welcomed into the brand-new building was a real treat, and we’re especially grateful to Headmaster Philip Horstrup for making it possible.
Festival Day
The day began with a cheerful “Meet & Greet” at the Holiday Inn, where our Worshipful Master welcomed members, guests and visitors before everyone set off together—by car and coach—for the school.
Once settled, the President, R.W. Bro. Mark Constant, opened the Business Meeting with thanks to everyone who had travelled from far and wide to be there. The highlight was the presentation of the much-coveted “Travelling Gavel”. With two Lodges tied for numbers, it was the Old Oakhamian Lodge No. 8033 that carried it home, thanks to the longest journey made.
Left to right: W.Bro. Howard Pashley, PAsGChap, W.Bro. Terry Hall, SLGR (FSL Chairman), Sir David Wootton, PDepGM, W.Bro. Mark Pitchers, Pharos W.M. R.W. Bro Mark Constant, FSL President, W.Bro Graham Chisnell, APGM, R.W. Bro. Jeffrey Gillyon, PPGM
A quick change of furniture and we were ready for the Lodge Meeting itself. We were delighted to welcome W. Bro. Graham Chisnell, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, representing the Provincial Grand Master of East Kent, followed by the Federation President and his Escort.
W. Bro. John Hubbard, Joint Secretary of the Federation, called the roll: 28 Lodges, 4 Chapters, and 2 Mark Lodges represented—a fantastic turnout.
One of the day’s highlights was W. Bro. Chisnell’s talk, “Indissoluble Links Between Masonry and Education”. Drawing on examples from around the country, and of course our own history at Dover Grammar School, he reminded us just how important it is to share the values of Freemasonry with younger generations.
With that inspiring message, the Lodge was closed and everyone made their way back to the Holiday Inn.
An Afternoon at the Mill
While the meetings were underway, our guests enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the “Crabble Corn Mill”. Cream teas, live music, and even a free guided tour of the Mill kept everyone smiling. A big thank you goes to the staff, who looked after our ladies so thoughtfully.
The Banquet
The celebrations carried on in the evening with a sparkling glass of Prosecco, tasty canapés, and then a superb meal in the Holiday Inn’s “Grand Marquee”. Ninety-two of us sat down together in a truly beautiful setting.
Left to right: W.Bro. Roger Odd, R.W. Bro Mark Constant, FSL President, Sir David Wootton, PDepGM, W.Bro. Mark Pitchers, Pharos W.M.
And alongside them:
Right to left: Mrs Trish King, W. Bro. Ian King, DC, W. Bro. Graham Cuthbert, PrGDC, Mrs Carolyn Pitchers.
A highlight of the evening was seeing the “Travelling Gavel” formally presented to the Old Oakhamian Lodge by R.W. Bro. Mark Constant—a proud moment indeed.
See You Again Soon!
If you’d like to visit Pharos Lodge in Dover, our meetings take place on the “third Saturday” of October, November, January, March (Installation), and May. To book, just drop us a line at sec.pharos6967@outlook.com
It’s been such a pleasure to welcome you all this year, and we’re already looking forward to the next gathering: 15th August 2026 at Oakham. Do book early—it promises to be a busy one!
Fraternal best wishes,
W. Bro. Arthur Hornby, PPGSwdB
Secretary, Pharos Lodge (6967)
FSL Rep. Kent & Sussex