Following an approach from the former Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Eileen Pallen – the West Kent Freemasons have stepped in to help support the local British Army Association, Bexleyheath Branch.
The Branch enables veterans of the British Army living in the South-East London area to meet and socialise at The Army Reserve (TA) Centre, Watling Street, Bexleyheath. The group of former comrades from all parts of the British Army gather together on the first Thursday of each month, to arrange support for similar organisations, such as the Royal British Legion and the Greenwich Gurkhas – and to ensure that bereaved families of their members are never forgotten, always supported, and included in the Association’s activities.
In recent years, primarily due to an aging membership, the Association was facing increasing financial difficulties, and was likely to close. On hearing this, staunch supporter of the Association, the former Mayor of Bexley, Councillor Eileen Pallen, approached the West Kent Freemasons about potential funding for the Bexleyheath Branch.
The West Kent Freemasons were delighted to help a local organisation with such a history, and were keen to donate £2,000 to the Association to ensure its future.
Speaking at the Association’s September Meeting, the Provincial Grand Master of West Kent, Mark Estaugh, said:
“ The West Kent Masons worked closely with Councillor Pallen when she was Mayor of Bexley – and were honoured to be offered the opportunity to help support the BAA Bexleyheath Branch. It is a real privilege for our members to look after those who have always looked after us. We wish the Association a long and happy future. ”
Membership of the British Army Association (Bexleyheath) is open to anyone who served in the British Army – and Associate Membership is open to all those who served in Royal Navy or RAF. They can be contacted on: 01322 449175.
