Bat & Trap – On the 8th July 2023, Ardea Lodge (Herne Bay) and Septem Lodge (Dover) came head to head for our annual Bat & Trap competition, held at the Red Lion in Dunkirk. Although there was prediction of some rain the weather held off, and we had a blistering warm, humid day.
The teams, and those who were wishing to support, arrived at 3pm so that a practice could take place and for the team captains to pick their teams. During this selection process, the live singer, Millie Coppin, sang for us to provide some additional entertainment and to add to the ambience of what was already proving to be a wonderful day of inter lodge hospitality, challenge and fund raising for our 2025 Festival.
Graham & Jason busily cooked our wonderful BBQ consisting of burgers, sausages, chicken & pulled pork accompanied with the usual salad, coleslaw, and sauces followed by a choice of gateaux and very Wimbledon like Strawberries and cream. This delightful food complimented the day and fed the gladiators who were about to represent their lodges.
Two mixed teams of eight per lodge then made their way to their respective pitches. After an interactive warm up which was very tongue in cheek, the battle commenced, and a lot of friendly banter mixed with some remarkable bat and trap ensued along with a lost ball or two. Unfortunately for Ardea Lodge, both of their teams were beaten by the superior Septem Lodge who were a well organised and managed teams.
The final was set by Septem A – managed by Peter Sparrow and Septem B managed by Arthur Pybus, whilst Ardea’s teams played for the wooden spoon. The excitement for the final amongst the spectators was nail biting and after a thrilling game, saw Septem A triumphant and becoming this year’s winners.
Matt Jury thanked everybody for coming along and supporting in this wonderful event and then proceeded to present the winning trophy to the team captain Peter Sparrow and his courageous band of merry men. All who received individual medals for their triumph. The runners up trophy went to Septem B who also received medals. Congratulations Septem on a fine and well-deserved victory.
The customary masonic raffle took place and the final sum for our 2025 festival came to an amazing £674.00. As previously agreed, this allows each lodge to present a sum of £337.00 to the Masonic Charitable Foundation via our festival.
Special thanks to Kevin Kemp and his partner Anita, for allowing us to use the Red Lion for this event. Thank you to all those who contributed and supported this wonderful afternoon of fun and friendship, concluding with some usual masonic humour and talk of our lodges becoming more incorporated and the importance of fund-raising events.
We look forward to the re-match next year!
