It’s good to question certain things like why did I recently leave Kenilworth to drive all the way to Leamington Spa for a meeting of Kenilworth Lodge?  Also, why did I not know too much about the Masonic Housing Association and, in particular, Reading Court?  Well, the incoming Master, WBro Alan Smith, more than amply answered the latter.

The rooms at Victoria House were bustling as members and visitors alike gathered for the much-anticipated installation meeting of Kenilworth Lodge.  No fewer than 10 acting Provincial Officers joined not one but two Asstant Provincial Grand Masters and a number of Grand Officers on the lodge’s birthday.  Having enjoyed a fabulous and busy year, complete with seven initiations, Kim Sharpe was looking forward to installing Bro Alan as his successor.  His previous term as Worshipful Master somewhat curtailed by the pandemic, so he can enjoy a busy year with another two candidates in the pipeline and one or two passings to conduct!  He is also looking forward to making the Reading Court Charitable Association the focus of the lodge’s giving – but why, you may ask?

Reading Court is one of the five schemes managed by the Masonic Housing Association and can be found in the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon and provides sheltered accommodation for the over 55s who wish to continue independent living in one of the 45 flats available – click here for more information.  In addition to accommodating folk with a Masonic connection, some lettings also go to nominees from the local Housing Authority.  Currently 35% of residents, some say inmates, enjoy a link with Freemasonry.  Alan has a very strong relationship with Reading Court having been the live-in scheme manager for three years from 2021 until 2024.  Now retired, he still enjoys living there and has stayed on as a trustee of the Reading Court Charitable Association and is indeed their fundraising lead.

The Presiding Officer, John Kisbey, also boasts a strong connection with Reading Court as a past-chairman and the current Provincial liaison officer.  He was delighted to be joined by David Butcher, another past-chairman (and the one who employed Alan!), and Peter Clarke, a previous Provincial liaison officer.  Having enjoyed some scrummy Leamington fayre, the usual toasts followed.  The honour of responding to the toast to the visitors fell, most appropriately, to the current chair of Reading Court, Tony Cheesman.  Keen to thank the members of Kenilworth Lodge for their hospitality, he also reinforced all that the Master has said about the important work of Reading Court and assured the assembled throng that it was not being sold.  The Master was delighted to then announce that the alms had amounted to £230 and wished everyone a safe journey home.

Oh, and if you were wondering about my first question, there are apparently no suitable rooms in Kenilworth!  It was certainly worth the (short) drive to Leamington and to learn more about the special place that is Reading Court.

Photographs curtesy of Graham Venn and Simon Grove