Representatives from Yeovil, Mitcham, Canterbury, Reading, Woolwich joined Sister Dorothy Deacon, Grand Master of the Order for the Reunion and Bicentennial Dance of the St Mary Cray and Dartford District. The event was held at the Alexandra Suite at Swanley starting at 18:30 for 19:00 to 23:30. Following the grace by the Provisional Grand Master Sister Linda Drakley, members enjoyed a four course meal. The Toastmaster was the Provincial Correspondence Secretary of the District Brother Peter Clarke. The Loyal Toast was given by Linda Drakey. Brother Ron Wadlow gave a speech to Manchester Unity, the Response was from Sister Dorothy Deacon. The Chairman was Sister Linda Drakley and the response was from our Guest of Honour and Immediate Past Provisional Grand Master, Sister Rita Wetherilt. There was a toast to the many visitors from the Southern Region President Brother Graham Elliott, the response was from Sister Dorothea Laver from the Canterbury District.

In the speech from Rita Wetherilt she thanked her two Lodges of the Good Intent and the Garden of England for the support during her year. She explained that the intended charity had been Threshers Day Nursery but shortly after her Appointment of Vice Provisional Grand Master her close friend Brother Alan Chappell died from Moto-Neuron Disease. She had a word with the Threshers Day Nursery and explained that this year she felt it only right to have two charities, both agreed that would be fine. Rita has had a lot of events during her office and raised just short of £4000, this though was made up to £4000 by a kind donation of her Son-in-Law, who some of us had met at the Cream Tea they put on at their house at Meopham. Representatives from both of the charities were present and each received a check for £2000.

The Press Agent Sister Vera James took photographs of the presentations of the cheques and the presentation of Flowers by Brother Stephen Howden to Sister Linda Drakley, and the presentation of flowers to Sister Dorothy Deacon by Sister Jacqui Lowther.

Following this the staff at the Alexandra Suite moved the tables which covered the dance floor to the side and the Nick Weller Big Band started to play. Carriages arrived at 23:30 and all agreed it had been a very good evening.

The next event at the venue will be on Saturday 3rd July 2010
which celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Loyal Flower of Kent