Association of Friends
Prince George, Duke of Kent Court
Like all Masonic Homes, The Court has a thriving Association of Friends and the members play a large part in raising funds to provide for the extra facilities that the residents would not otherwise receive from the RMBI.
The Court
A Masonic care home in the heart of Kent
The Prince George, Duke of Kent Court is run by the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI). It is a first-class Care Home for Freemasons and their dependants where dedicated, skilled staff give round-the-clock, loving care. The Home was opened in July 1968, by MW Bro HRH the Duke of Kent. It stands in some two and a half acres of flat ground, situated in a very beautiful area of Kent, and can accommodate residents with various needs.
What the Friends do
Making life better for residents
Events through the year
The Friends directly organise and support many events during the year. Some of these are regular events, such as the Spring Fair in May, the Strawberry Tea in June and the Christmas Fair in December. Some are organised on an ad-hoc basis and include Cheese and Wine evenings, quizzes and similar social events. The Friends pay for Christmas presents every year – delivered to each resident by our very own Santa.
Activities and entertainment
In addition, we provide assistance and/or funding at a number of events organised by the Activity Co-ordination Team at the home – from manning the residents’ bar to providing an entertainment budget of £7,500 per annum.
Items for the home
The Friends have also paid for a number of material items for the home ranging from sun-shades, awnings and raised flower beds and plants for the garden through additional televisions, computers and public address/entertainment equipment, up to a wheelchair adapted vehicle and a multi-seat ambulance.
Monthly Coffee Morning
The Friends organise a Coffee Morning and Raffle each month, sponsored and manned by members of a different Lodge or Chapter, with proceeds going directly to the Home’s Amenity Fund.
Get involved
We’d love to have you join us
Many Friends get involved with the events at The Court, as helpers / organisers, stall holders or just as attendees. Residents enjoy seeing new faces and talking to new friends.
Working with the Home’s Staff for the benefit of residents is an immensely rewarding and satisfying experience for us all. It enables us directly to assist our Brethren and their dependants – and helps to improve their quality of life. Additional help is always welcome, so we’d love to have you join us.
Membership
Become a Friend
You can become a Friend as an Annual Member or a Life Member, or support us further as a Patron or Grand Patron. Any other donations are welcome.
For further information and an application form, please contact the Association’s Chairman, Mike Bowyer-Jones, at aofpgdokc@gmail.com.
Fees can be paid in a lump sum or in yearly instalments. All donations after Life Membership count towards Patronage and Grand Patronage. If you are a UK taxpayer, these sums can be Gift Aided and we can then reclaim tax for every pound you give us – just fill in the Gift Aid declaration and we’ll do the rest.
For Lodges, Chapters and other organisations
If your Lodge, Chapter or other organisation wishes to assist us in our work by becoming a Corporate Patron or taking up Grand Patronage, donations of any amount will be faithfully applied. All donations are cumulative.
All Patrons & Grand Patrons receive a certificate of Patronage and have their names added to our Patrons’ Honour Boards.