Chairman of Old Williamsonians RFC, Ian Pettman, took delivery of Spirit of Rugby Lodge’s #GiftOfBeer this week. He was a little down in the dumps but the donation of six crates of Sprit Of Rugby IPA from the Lodge soon cheered him up. Read more…
On behalf of the club, based at their clubhouse on the grounds of Sir Joseph Williams Maths School in Rochester, Ian welcomed the IPA which was brewed by The Nelson Brewery not far from the club. Thanking the lodge for generous donation the chairman said,
“If there’s one thing rugby players know, it’s how to drink beer“
Founding member of the Spirit of Rugby Lodge, Mark Lawson who presented the beer, reported, “Ian and the club members were a little disappointed as their game against Cliffe Crusaders had just been called off owing to opposition players testing positive for Covid-19. But Our #GiftOfBeer soon brought a smile back to their faces.
Ian said the club would use the beer to raise funds which would be used to help purchase new training tops for the players. The club run two senior men’s teams with the first team currently the highest placed East Kent team (3rd) in Kent Rugby Division One. The club welcomes new members of all abilities to play competitive and social rugby. To contact the club email: oldwillsrugby@gmail.com
Spirit of Rugby Lodge was founded in 2016 by a group of rugby enthusiast who recognised the shared values between Freemasonry and Rugby of: integrity, respect and benevolence. To find out more about becoming a Freemason and joining Spirit of Rugby Lodge please get in touch by email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com
WBros Bob Mitchell and Steve Jones were pilgrims to Canterbury RFC on Saturday to deliver Spirit of Rugby IPA to the Club ahead of their 8 try victory over Westcliff. Production of the beer has been funded by members of the East Kent Lodge and is being gifted to local clubs to help support their rugby programmes. Rugby and freemasonry share so many common values and these are often realised over a beer.
L-R: Bob Mitchell, Giles Hilton and Steve Jones
Lodge member since its consecration back in 2016 Stephen Jones said,
“we are delighted to be able to support the rugby community – for members at Spirit of Rugby it’s what freemasonry is all about”
The club play their rugby at the Merton Lane Ground just outside the walls of the City and provide the wider community with a full range of opportunities to get involved in rugby. Men’s and Women’s teams are complimented by a full mini junior and youth section for boys and girls as well as touch and wheelchair rugby teams.
Club Chairman Giles Hilton, unusually on the receiving end of a #GiftOfBeer, said,
“…a big thank you from Canterbury RFC. We are going to sell each bottle and put the proceeds to our Defibrillator Project”.
The club have recently set out to raise funds to provide every team and age group in the Club with a portable defibrillator machine and committed to a player screening programme to start next season.
The club have already had good reason to invest in defibrillators. Back in 2013 a player (Mark Jones) collapse on the pitch and was thankfully revived by the prompt use of the club’s defibrillator. Ensuring every team has access to a portable device is clearly very important to the club and Spirit of Rugby Lodge is delighted to be supporting such a great cause.
Spirit of Rugby Lodge is gifting Spirit of Rugby IPA beer brewed in partnership with Nelson Brewery to all rugby clubs in the Province of East Kent. To find out more about the Spirit of Rugby Lodge, membership and Freemasonry in general email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com To find out more about Canterbury RFC visit:https://cantrugby.co.uk/
Primus Master of Spirit of Rugby Lodge WBros Roger Waltham was joined by fellow members of the lodge: Keith Bennett, Mark Lawson, and Clive Lang to present the #GiftOfBeer to Tracey Bullock at Medway Rugby Club where he has been a member of since he was a teenager. Reflecting on more than 50 years in rugby Roger talks about the history and evolution of the club and his enjoyment of rugby as a Freemason…
“I joined Medway RFC in my mid-teens 53 years ago in 1968 (it was called Rochester RFC at that time) so it was really good to be at the Past Players lunch during the club’s ninetieth year, to celebrate the past, present, and future of the club. During the afternoon I talked to lots of people – older members (including an old friend who is now 91 years old and still enjoying his beer and rugby!), current players and supporters, and up-and-coming members of the club – and those widely varying conversations encouraged me to reflect on the history and evolution of this much-loved club…
THE PAST… It’s always good, of course, to enjoy the company of so many fellow players from the past, and re-live those happy days, on and off the pitch, well remembered.
THE PRESENT… It is also wonderful to be a part of how the club embraces modern thinking and attitudes, reflecting positive changes to the mindsets and attitudes of previous times (especially regarding race, gender, sexuality, and the inclusion of those with physical and mental challenges). Some very pleasing examples of those positive mindset changes are the massive expansion of women’s rugby, the very welcome and positive leadership of Tracy Bullock as the club’s first ever female Chair, the great expansion of youth and minis rugby, and the creation of an absolutely amazing mixed abilities team.
THE FUTURE… The evolution of the club to embrace what is new and positive continues and, at the same time, ensures full compliance with safeguarding and all the other regulatory requirements of a modern organisation. It is immensely exciting to witness that evolution and the positive way in which that success is being managed by brilliant teams of people, right across all aspects of the club’s operation. On the playing side of things, the men’s 1st XV play at a higher level than ever before and are currently positioned only behind London Welsh in the London 1 South league, Medway Ladies hold their own in the highly competitive South East 2 table of the Women’s Championship, and the Youth and Minis continue to compete effectively, consistently bringing enjoyment and life-long passion of the game to hundreds of young players. All of this, not to mention the buoyant and enthusiastic social side of the club’s operations, effectively seals its future in all the right ways, for all the right reasons.
With all of that in my mind, I found it immensely satisfying that afternoon to be part of the Spirit of Rugby Lodge team (including Keith Bennett, Mark Lawson, and Clive Lang) that presented bottles of the Spirit of Rugby Ale to Club Chair, Tracy Bullock, to underline the Lodge’s support of the future of rugby throughout the area. It is hugely gratifying to be a cog in that positive and enthusiastic wheel of support. The Lodge is founded on a shared commitment to the combined ethos of rugby and freemasonry, which includes respect, integrity, and benevolence. At the risk of repeating myself, the Lodge shares the determination of our local rugby clubs to seal the future for those who follow us, in all the right ways, for all the right reasons.
Roger Waltham Founding Chairman of the Vice Presidents Association at Medway RFC Founding Master of the Spirit of Rugby Lodge No.9922
Spirit of Rugby Lodge is gifting Spirit of Rugby IPA beer brewed in partnership with Nelson Brewery to all rugby clubs in the Province of East Kent. To find out more about the Spirit of Rugby Lodge, membership and Freemasonry in general email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com To find out more about Medway RFC visit: www.mrfc.net
Following a training session at The Fleetway Sports Ground on Thursday evening, Tony Fish from Spirit of Rugby Lodge presented Mike Hodge the Old Gravesendians’ Club Chairman, with 72 bottles of Spirit of Rugby IPA beer.
The #GiftOfBeer was greatly appreciated by the club who play their rugby in Kent Division Two. The beer brewed by Spirit of Rugby Lodge in partnership with Nelson Brewery is being gifted to all community rugby clubs in East Kent and OGs will use their quota to raise funds for the club. The clubhouse at the Fleetway is not tied to a particular brewer and the IPA will be a welcome addition to the existing range beers and ales.
The OGs men’s first team is currently positioned 4th in the league and coached by Spirit of Rugby Lodge member Bro Dan Buckland who said. “It’s great to be involved with both Old Gravesendians and Spirit of Rugby, I’m really pleased the lodge is supporting clubs like OGs”.
Mike Hodges added, “We are delighted to be supporting the Spirit of Rugby Lodge. Rugby is a true community sport and this initiative will help us and our community bond”.
For more information about Old Gravesendians RFC visit: www.ogrfc.org To find out about Spirit of Rugby Lodge and Freemasonry in general email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com
This evening Cranbrook RFC were the grateful recipients of Spirit of Rugby IPA. On a cold training night at the Tomlin Ground, Club President, Mark “Scotty” Scott and Chris “BigBird” Hambridge appreciated the opportunity to be inside whilst the men’s and women’s senior teams were outside training.
WBros Gary Lux and Matt Mitchell presented the #GiftOfBeer to the Club who boast teams in every age group for boys and girls as well as men’s and women’s rugby. The Women are currently sitting 6th in Women’s NC 1 South East (East) Division and the men 3rd in the London 3 South East League.
Sampling the beer brewed at The Nelson Brewery President Scotty described the brew as “a gentle smooth blend of flavour with an aroma of barley” and recommended it as a session beer. The club intend to use the beer, and turn it into cash for the club, at the their very popular Xmas Lunch ahead of their men’s 1st XV clash with Gillingham Anchorians.
The members of Spirit of Rugby Lodge wish all Cranbrook teams the very best and hope they enjoy the ale in the run up to Christmas.
Anyone interested in playing rugby at Cranbrook should contact the club by email: webmaster@cranbrookrugby.com or call the club on: 01580 712777. http://www.cranbrookrugby.com/
Anyone interested in finding out more about Freemasonry, the Spirit of Rugby Lodge and how the lodge supports the rugby community please email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com or call Matt on 07738999741.
Bros Mark Lawson and Tony Fish made their way towards the Isle of Grain bearing a gift of Spirit of Rugby IPA to Cliffe Crusaders Rugby Club earlier in the week. Head Coach Ian Lane (pictured) received the lodge’s #GiftofBeer gladly on behalf of the Club which is based at the Cliffe Village Club. Ian loved the idea of what the lodge was doing and was very grateful of our donation. He took charge of the beer ahead of a training session in preparation for a tough away league fixture against an undefeated Park House RFC.
Cliffe Crusader’s Coach Ian Lane receiving Spirit of Rugby IPA from Mark Lawson
We hope the beer helps to celebrate (or sooth) the result of the Park House match and that any / all funds raised from the beer will be used by the club to continue the crusade to preach the benefits of rugby to the uninitiated – the Crusaders welcome all new members (not just Christians). Likewise, Spirit of Rugby Lodge welcomes existing/past Freemasons and new members (of all religions) to our rugby lodge which currently meets four times a year.
For more information about Cliffe Crusaders RFC visit their web site www.cliffecrusadersrfc.co.uk or find them on Facebook @CliffeCrusadersRFC. For more information about how the East Kent Spirit of Rugby Lodge, and it’s members, are supporting rugby clubs in East Kent check out our news stories below or find us on Facebook @SoR9922. Interested in becoming a Freemason email us at: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com
Medway Dragons RL Club was the first club in the county to receive the gift of gifts from members of Spirit of Rugby Lodge. Martin Coyd Head Coach of the premier rugby league team in the Province gratefully received the crates of Spirit of Rugby IPA beer. The gift of beer (funded by the lodge) will be used by the club based in Chatham to raise funds to support their programmes which includes: senior, masters, and youth rugby league.
Lodge members Mark Lawson and Matt Mitchell delivered the beer to Martin as soon as it was ready and directly from the Nelson Brewery where the beer was brewed. The Brewery is based not far from the club who recently finished their (partly interrupted) 2021 season.
Spirit of Rugby Lodge aims to actively engage and support rugby in East Kent and this beer, funded by the members, has been produced to do just that.
Matt Mitchell (Past Master of SOR 9922)
For information about Medway Dragons Rugby League visit medwaydragons.com and to find out more about Freemasonry in general and specifically the Spirit of Rugby Lodge in East Kent contact us via our contact page here: https:/contact-form-page/ The lodge welcomes new members who are passionate about rugby and want to help make a difference in the rugby community.
Spirit of Rugby Lodge took delivery of over 2000 bottles of specially brewed and branded beer this week. WBro Mark Lawson (left) collected the IPA from Piers Macdonald (right) owner of Nelson Brewery based within the Historic Dockyard at Chatham.
The lodge will be gifting crates of the “Spirit of Rugby IPA” to rugby clubs within the Masonic Province of East Kent boasting a community of over 30 rugby clubs which the lodge has pledged to support.
“Rugby is about sharing a beer in the clubhouse after the game, what better way of supporting our local clubs than gifting them our beer”
WBro Matthew Jury (Worshipful Master of SOR 9922)
Members of the lodge have been tasked with contacting local clubs and presenting the beer which will be used by the clubs to: support club events, sell over the bar or simply to enjoy with club members and teammates. Which ever way the beer is used 100% of any funds raised from sale, raffle or auction will be kept by the club to help the club and rugby thrive in East Kent.
The smooth classic hand crafted Indian Pale Ale IPA has been made by boiling malts and hops before adding the yeast to allow the brew to ferment and develop the wonderful smooth hoppy taste that Piers and his team have helped us produce. The beer has been bottled, packaged and branded (label below) to direct the inquisitive consumer towards the lodge website (here) at www.freemasonsrugby.com
Spirit of Rugby Lodge’s Worshipful Master Matt Jury presided over his final full meeting on Monday 15th November. As part of the meeting at the Dymchurch Centre Matt ensured that Bro Steve Chandler successfully proved his proficiency and took the next step in freemasonry to become a Fellow of the Craft. The lodge members also elected Bros. Tony Fish and Clive Lang as Master and Treasurer Elect respectively.
Bro Steve Chandler was presented with the distinguishing badge of a Fellowcraft
The meeting was followed by a traditional festive board with thanks to the catering staff at the Dymchurch Centre who put on a tremendous spread which was super value for money.
Spirit of Rugby Lodge next meets on Monday 21st February 2022 at the Tovil Masonic Centre, Maidstone.
The catering team at DMC provided a delicious festive board
Rugby Clubs having struggled throughout lockdown are soon to get a generous boost from Spirit of Rugby Lodge 9922. With club rugby fixtures now well underway the members of Spirit of Rugby Lodge have plans to support all East Kent Rugby Clubs with donations of their very own beer produced in partnership with Nelson Brewery.
Cases of the Spirit of Rugby’s IPA brew will soon be delivered to rugby clubs across East Kent at no cost to any of the rugby clubs involved. Members of Spirit of Rugby Lodge hope the donated beer will help each club to support their own fund raising efforts by selling it over the club bar or by using it in creative ways to generate funds to support the club.
The Worshipful Master of Spirit of Rugby Lodge Matt Jury (also a member of Thanet Wanderers RFC) said, “on behalf of the lodge and our members I am delighted to be able to help the rugby community in this way; sharing a beer has always brought people closer together but this takes it to another level“.
Just as rugby players traditionally enjoy a post match beer, freemasons have (for over 300 years) enjoyed a beer after masonic meetings. Founding Master of SOR9922 (and Vice President at Medway RFC) Roger Waltham is looking forward to talking to club members about how Rugby and Freemasonry have similar values and tenets. Likewise members of the Lodge are looking forward to delivering cases of beer to their local clubs and continuing the conversation.
The beer is currently brewing and will be ready for distribution in the next few weeks thanks to Piers MacDonald and his team at the Nelson Brewery based in the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Spirit of Rugby Lodge welcomes new members with an interest in Rugby and Freemasonry. To arrange an introductory meeting or simply to find out about more about freemasonry and how we support the rugby community please get in touch or find us on social media; Facebook @Spirit of Rugby Lodge No.9922 Twitter @SoR9922
