The Hand of Friendship Lodge No 9587 was opened on Wednesday 28 June 1967 at the Blacksmiths Arms in Clyde St, Sheerness.
The Lodge met on a Sunday Morning at 11 am. Until late 1970 when it changed to a Monday night.
Secretary was Bro. Don Sheehan ROH and the Founder Members where Bro. John Goodspeed C.P and Bro. Frederick R. C. Jones KOM.
The original associated members where Bro’s Don Sheehan ROH, George Wilson KOM, Jack Picket CP, Michael Fitch KOM, Vic Merritt CP, Peter Fry CP, Dennis Lockwood and Danny Doherty.
There was 3 Initiates on the opening day ,Dave Roberts, Ralph Mills and Bill Barker, John Rymill and Richard Kulinski where initiated within the next couple of weeks.
The Lodge then prospered with new members & visitors but then in 1968 the Blacksmith Arms had a change of tenants who assured us all would be fine but relations became a little strained and the Lodge moved to the Nore in St Georges Avenue, Sheerness where we were made most welcome.
The first 4 Bro’s to be raised to the 2nd degree on 2nd December 1968 where Bro’s Bill Barker, Ralph Mills, Percy Sharmen & John Rymill which was held at the Seaview Hotel, Broadway.
The Lodge was very keen to involve itself in local charitable projects and raised funds to buy an oxygen tent for the Sheppey Hospital at a cost of £305 this was achieved with the help of Mrs Munns and friends from Minster who contributed half the cost.
The presentation took place on the 21st December 1968 in the presence of the P.G.P Bro. Henry Patten KOM together with Lodge members. Necessary funds where raised in just 7 weeks.
1969 to celebrate the success of the lodge held a combined dinner dance with the Albatross lodge at the Beach Hotel , Minster with 110 attending. In the summer of that year the Lodge invited the Invicta Lodge , North Kent, to join them for a Sunday on Sheppey. After they had settled in to Lodge we had an Initiation and an enjoyable time was had by all. Both Lodges with Wives in tow spent an enjoyable afternoon at Leysdown then back to the Nore for tea and a good old sing song until closing time. Unfortunately late in the year Secretary Bro. Don Sheehan ROH passed away. Bro Don known as Mr Albatross was a dedicated member of the Lodge having been Secretary since its inception.1970 saw another change of tenant at the Nore and the Lodge had to find a new meeting place which they found at the Fountain Hotel in Bluetown, Sheerness. The lodge then changed to a Monday evening in 1970/71. In 1982 when after a long spell of negotiating with the Labour Party over rent and volunteers to build toilets and cellar to the existing building the R.A.O.B Club , High , Street , Sheerness was bourn the club prospered until 2008/09 when the smoking ban came in started a decline. Sadly in July 2010 owing to financial problems the club had to close and the Lodge had to move once again this time found there home at the Beach P/H Seaside Ave Minster where Jennet the landlady made us very welcome.
Having now over 40 years under its belt and at one time members dropping down to only 4 or 5 Bro’s on the opening link and on the brink of closing, it now has recovered and enjoys at least 8 on the opening and between 9 & 12 on the closing link.
We meet at 20.00 every Monday night apart from Bank Holidays at the The Beach P/H , Seaside Ave ,
Minster on Sea, Sheerness , Kent , ME12 2NJ any visitor is assured of a hearty welcome.
Our Worthy Primo for the month of March is Bro. Dave Harris ROH
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