Prince George
Duke of Kent Court

 

Association of Friends

The Prince George, Duke of Kent Court is one of 17 homes 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.

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.

To become a Friend will cost you £10.00 as an Annual Member, £50.00 as a Life Member, or you can become a Patron for £100.00 or Grand Patron for £200.00. Any other donations are welcome.

Click HERE to download more information, including an application/donation form.

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.

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.

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 wheel-chair adapted vehicle and a multi-seat ambulance.

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.

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 dependents – and helps to improve their quality of life. Additional help is always welcome, so we’d love to have you join us.

Fees over £50.00 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 tax payer, 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.

If your Lodge, Chapter or other organisation wishes to assist us in our work by becoming a Corporate Patron, this will cost £250.00, or Grand Patronage at £500.00, however, 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.

The Association of Friends

Click HERE to visit the website.