In the Community

Wellington Lodge

No. 784

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Virtutis Fortuna Comes

Wellington Lodge No. 784 has been part of the fabric of Deal since 1859. Our commitment to the town goes well beyond the Lodge room. Whether visiting a Brother in need, serving meals to those who are struggling, or walking ninety miles to protect a building the whole community uses, our members give their time where it matters.

WBro. Malcolm Gibbons serves as the Lodge Almoner, a role that sits quietly at the centre of everything the Lodge does in the community. He maintains regular contact with Brethren and their families, visiting those who are unwell or in need of support, and ensuring that no one connected with the Lodge feels forgotten.

Malcolm also organises the Deal Masonic Wives Club programme of social events for widows, wives and partners of Brethren. These include a Fish and Chips Lunch, a Strawberry Tea at the Masonic Hall, and a Christmas Lunch with Carols, warm, well-attended gatherings that are a valued part of Lodge life.

Beyond the Lodge, Malcolm has served as Vice Chairman of the Royal British Legion for the region, and is actively involved with the Air Cadets in Deal.

Lodge members volunteer in the wider community, distributing food to those in need, particularly at Christmas, and helping to prepare and serve meals at local churches. The Methodist Church on Union Road in Deal hosts a weekly Tuesday meal for people who need it, and Lodge members are among those who turn up and help make it happen. It is steady, practical work that makes a direct difference to people's lives.

Until recently, WBro. Laurence Bednall-Wibberley, the Lodge Secretary, drove members of the local community to hospital and medical appointments, a simple but vital service for those who would otherwise struggle to get there.

WBro. Laurence (Laurie) Bednall-Wibberley set out this summer on a sponsored walk to support the Lodge's contribution towards essential repairs to the Masonic Hall on Sondes Road in Deal. The Hall, home to several Lodges, requires urgent external works to protect the building and keep it safe and fit for purpose for many years to come. The cost of those repairs is being shared collectively, and this walk is his personal contribution to Wellington Lodge's share.

The Masonic Hall on Sondes Road will be opening its doors to the public for a free Open Day on Saturday 19 September. Everyone is welcome, whether you have always been curious about Freemasonry, want to see inside one of Deal's historic buildings, or simply fancy dropping in for a chat.

Members of the local Lodges will be on hand throughout the day to show visitors around the Temple, explain a little about what Freemasons do, and answer any questions in a relaxed and friendly setting. There is no pressure and no obligation, simply an open invitation to come and see for yourself.

Last year's Open Day was a resounding success, with over 130 visitors during the course of the day. We hope to welcome just as many this year.

No booking is required. Simply call in any time between 10 am and 4 pm — we look forward to seeing you.

Charity is at the heart of Freemasonry. Wellington Lodge No. 784 is proud to support causes that make a real difference — locally in Deal and beyond. Each year the Lodge directs funds to organisations and individuals in need, guided by the principle that those who can help, should.

Since 2021 the Lodge has donated to a wide range of causes, from the Deal Food Bank and the Royal British Legion to Martha's Trust and the Landmark Centre. In 2026 the Lodge contributed towards the reimagining of Deal's Maritime and Local History Museum Boat Courtyard, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the town's heritage and public spaces.

The Lodge also makes an annual donation to the Deal Masonic Widows Fund, which supports the widows and families of former Brethren through social events, welfare visits and practical help throughout the year.

Christmas Gifts

Chislehurst Masonic Care

Deal Masonic Widows Fund

Air Cadets

Deal Hospital

Duke of Kent's Association of Friends

Deal Masonic Widows Fund

Deal Food Bank

Royal British Legion

Martha's Trust

The Ivy Appeal *

Landmark Centre

Deal Maritime & Local History Museum — Boat Courtyard

Wellington Lodge has contributed over £6000 over the last few years.

In July 2024 representatives from several Deal Masonic Lodges, led by Wellington Lodge No. 784, gathered at the Sondes Road Masonic Temple to present a charitable donation to the family of four-year-old Ivy Ward.

Ivy has a rare chromosome abnormality resulting in physical and learning difficulties. The specialist equipment and support she needs are expensive and will be required for the long term. Her family approached the Deal Lodges for help, and the response was immediate.

The Deal Lodges, with support from the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, donated a significant amount to Ivy's family to help provide essential equipment and improve her quality of life. The event was organised by Wellington Lodge's Charity Coordinator and Secretary, and attended by Worshipful Masters from Wellington Lodge No. 784, Lord Warden Lodge No. 1096 and Downs Lodge No. 6855.

Charity is one of the four core values of Freemasonry. Nationally, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemasons' Charity, is one of the largest charitable grant-giving organisations in the country. At Lodge level, Wellington No. 784 is committed to supporting our community in Deal, one donation at a time.