The Pharos Lodge at 75
a member of
The Federation of School Lodges
As we, the Pharos Lodge (6967) come to the end of our 75th year, I thought it would be a good time to go back over this special anniversary year, the highlights and unfortunately the low points. Some of the content has been given before but I make no apologies for re-cycling it!
So to begin with on the 17th of May 2025 we celebrated the Installation of Brother Mark Pitchers as our Worshipful Master. His was to be a year unlike any previous Ruler of the Lodge had ever experienced.

In May a well-attended meeting witnessed the Presentation of the ‘First Degree Tracing Board’ by WBro Roy Skelton, something few have witnessed. This, followed by a 5-course meal, made for a memorable occasion. As members of the Federation of School Lodges, we were pleased to welcome WBro John Hubbard, one of the Joint Secretary’s as an Honoured Guest, emphasising our connection with the Federation.
The 26th of July gave us the first ever opportunity to take part in a Clay Pidgeon Shoot, arranged by W.Bro. Steve Davies, putting us in competition against the Shorncliffe Lodge 4330. Whilst we did not win, it was a memorable day for all.
On the 9th of August, thanks to the generosity of Brother Jake Pearson and his wife Zoe, the lodge BBQ was held at their beautiful farmhouse. Their Hospitality, and the weather, could not have been better!
The 16th of August, as a major part of our celebration we had the honour of hosting the Federation of School Lodges Annual Festival, a privilege never given to a lodge in the Province of East Kent before. With guests and visitors coming from across England and Wales, a lot of work went into the preparations. As the Representative for Kent and Sussex it was a busy schedule visiting Federated lodges in the region promoting the event, a job I’m sure other regional reps were likewise doing. The meeting at the Dover Grammar School for Boys was well attended, with just short of 100 Masons, Guests and Visitors dining at the Holiday Inn afterwards.


October meant the return to Masonic Business, for this meeting a presentation of the 1st Degree Lecture, organised by our Lodge Mentor, W.Bro. Garry Steed. In a new approach by the lodge, this was followed by a ‘White Table’ Festive Board, where guests and visitors, with their partners, had the opportunity to meet lodge members and ask questions.
November had us greeting a new Brother in an Initiation Ceremony, a pleasurable evening for all concerned.
With Christmas getting close, we had the W.M.’s wife to thank for arranging a Christmas dinner out at St. Margarets, and we thank her for the work in doing so.
January saw our new Initiate being passed to the 2nd Degree, a time of mixed joy and extreme sorrow. Joy as we welcomed our new brother on his next step in Freemasonry, but extreme sorrow for the loss of one of the stalwarts of the lodge, W.Bro. Roy Skelton.
I have touched on the positive side of 2025 but have avoided so far the sad events that were entwined. From August to December not including Roy, we lost four brethren. Roy’s Dad Bill amongst them. All were people who had had a great and positive effect on all of us.
With our 75th year drawing to a close, it was time to celebrate our Masters year with the now highly respected Ladies Night Cabaret! W.Bro. Garry Steed had once more secured a brilliant act in the person of Michael Appleton, with his Bublé Live act. Every act booked sells out in advance so Garry, keep up the good work.

The 14th of March had 5 members of Pharos attend the Septem lodge in an attempt to claim the ‘Group 7’ Travelling Gavel. 96 people from different lodges sat down to dine, with Dover Castle Lodge claiming the prize. We were only two members away from winning it ourselves. It is events like this that prove that, with the right motivation, we can attract more visitors.
And so to our new Worshipful Master, Bro. Andrew Martyn. Andrew, you have a superb team to support you and we know you will have a terrific year!

On the social side we have had a quiet but successful year, something we intend to expand. In the near future the Social Committee will publish a calendar that will include events such as Curry Evenings, Sunday Lunches, BBQ’s, possibly a camping/caravan night locally (still working on that one), lodge visits outside of our province and a trip to Grand Lodge. I hope to have all this available by the middle of next month, so watch this space.
At the time of writing, the next federation Festival is only 5 months away.so far we have 5 members attending. If we can get a couple more we can claim the Federation Travelling Gavel. If you would like to attend, please book soon. Details and booking forms are available on the following website, www.schoollodges.org.uk or by emailing arthur.fsl@outlook.com
Stay Safe, Stay Well,
Arthur Hornby
Secretary Pharos Lodge 6967






















