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In 2015, the West Kent Freemasons donated over £3.25m towards the Masonic Samaritan Fund, which supports both Masonic and Non-Masonic Charities and many hundred of thousands of pounds continue to be donated to worthy and deserving causes across the Province, many of which receive no assistance from National, Local or any other form of funding sources.

The West Kent 2026 Festival is first, and foremost, about trying to support the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. This is what freemasons do so well and we look, confidently to all the energetic and committed members in West Kent to ensure, and deliver, a successful Festival for 2026. 

 The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) which is now known as Freemasonry for Women is a fraternity for women and organised by women. It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. Freemasonry has evolved over the centuries as a system of moral guidance, characterised by allegory and symbolism. It is compatible with all religions enabling men and women of different faiths and backgrounds to follow a common purpose of living a moral life for the good of themselves and others. In the UK there are single sex fraternities such as ours and mixed Fraternities. Our precepts are taught by a series of ceremonies. 

The Order of Women Freemasons is the oldest and largest Masonic organisation for women in this country and works on the lines of regular male Freemasonry. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) have, in a statement issued in 1999, acknowledged the regularity and sincerity of women’s Freemasonry, although they do not officially recognise it and their members cannot take part. Many of our own lodges meet in temples owned by the men’s Order and informal relations are cordial and co-operative. Similarly, there is a reciprocal agreement extended to members of UGLE holding their meetings on our premises. 

Women of any race or faith can join our Order but must be 21 years or older, be of good character and believe in a Supreme Being. Being formed in 1908 we have some 4,000 members grouped into over 300 Craft Lodges operating in the UK and overseas. Lodges meet a minimum of four times a year.