Ionic Lodge

RMBI Care Co. (The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company), part of The Masonic Charitable Foundation, operates 17 Masonic homes throughout the UK for over 1,000 residents. 

W Bro Ketan Jashapara reports,
pictures by W Bro Daren Lewis

In 2023, generous contributions from the community of Freemasons through direct donations, legacies and donations via the Masonic Charitable Foundation totalled £6.9m (2022 £12.4m). Its three core values are to be Kind, Supportive and Trusted.

RMBI Care Co. was established some 180 years ago by UGLE to provide care for Freemasons and their families, as well as members of the wider community. A major expansion of care homes has occurred since the 1960s; and most today are purpose built. The average age of residents is 87 years old. RMBI’s homes provide an exceptional quality of care, as recognised by the industry regulator (the Care Quality Commission in England and Care Inspectorate Wales in Wales), industry awards and a consistently high number of positive user reviews.

Prince Michael of Kent Court, situated in Watford (20 miles north-west of UGLE), celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The home offers care for up to 55 residents, covering standard residential care plus specialist dementia support, respite care and palliative care. 

The home is in an idyllic setting, with well-manicured grounds, close to the town centre. A detailed assessment is undertaken prior to admitting any resident. Care is “person-centred’, which means that carers put effort into understanding a resident’s likes and dislikes; and staff get to know residents well – which is beneficial both to the resident and the staff! Residents are even given the option of decorating their rooms to their own tastes prior to admission.

Residents are split into five houses, in order to give a feeling of being in a family environment. Each house features its own dining room and lounge. The home has manicured courtyards including sensory spaces which have been shown to provide important stimulation for dementia residents. And there are many facilities on-site, from professionally catered and highly varied varied ‘home style’ healthy meals, a gym and ample medical access (GP/dentist/physiotherapy). Residents are kept busy both mentally and physically through numerous activities such as themed events, keep-fit classes, art and crafts, gardening, cooking and baking, and musical entertainment.

Being our first visit to the home, we were given a detailed guided tour by Rosalie, Business Relationship Manager. It was a pleasant summer’s day, and the setting was full of special areas beyond the main lounge, including several gardens. Personal touches like war memorabilia, a jukebox, and a ‘dementia street’ with shop fronts and a telephone box are there to aid dementia residents. The whole complex has plenty of natural light and is surrounded by tall trees to provide a safe and relaxed covered setting.

We met with two residents, Brian Godfrey and Jim Compton, both long-time Freemasons. Our biggest takeaway from our visit was how happy they were to live there. Being a sunny day, we met in the main garden and, with their permission, I am pleased to share highlights from our conversation.

Brian, 90 years old, is a retired primary school teacher from Harrow. He was initiated as a Mason into Joseph Lancaster Lodge No 3439 (a teacher training college Lodge consecrated in 1910, closed April 2023) in Harrow at 27 years old. He served as Almoner for 13 years (and recalled not claiming any expenses incurred in that role!); and holds SLGR rank. He joined Byron Lodge No 7426 in Harrow a year ago and continues to attend meetings there. Having no family, he was proud to report being adopted by a Mason and his family, with whom he has contact. Brian is a keen reader and joined the care home in February 2021. He remembered bringing several technical books with him. Prior to moving in, he lived in a home on his own, and positively remarked on the difference it makes to now have friends and carers who look after him. He has been very happy since the outset and is quick to recommend RMBI.

At 96 years old, Jim still has fond memories of his time as a Middlesex Mason at Kenton Lodge No 5046 and Romanum Lodge No 8758. At the latter, he served as founder Treasurer for over 11 years. He was initiated in January 1965 – 59 years ago! – and is currently an Honorary member of both Lodges. Jim lived in Bricket Wood and was self-employed as an electrical contractor, running a very successful business. He was an avid coin collector and ultimately sold his collection for a princely sum. He played football till the age of 35, and says the game is no longer the same. Having a sailor’s (anchor) tattoo on his arm, he also mentioned having served three years in the Navy. He joined the RMBI care home at the beginning of this year, and is also hugely positive about his experience, saying “I would not go back for all the tea in China”.

When asked about any challenges or hurdles they faced, both men were quick to respond that neither had experienced any, the transition to care being very smooth and the staff very supportive. They talked about the regular daily, weekly and monthly care and wellbeing programmes available to them, which are set in conjunction with feedback from all residents. 

Beverley Roberts, Prince Michael of Kent Court’s Home Manager, is very welcoming. She explains that there is a very close relationship between the care home, The Association of Friends and Caterplus; the home’s caterers. She tells us that around 80% of residents are Freemasons or family of Masons, with around one third of residents being male. And whilst Brian and Jim are definitely locals, residents have come from as far afield as Cornwall and Newcastle, in order to be closer to family members. A few residents have been at PMKC for several years. The current trend is generally for residents to join in their mid-eighties, with an increasing demand for dementia care. Having worked at other large care home providers, she ranks RMBI Care Co.’s offering and overall management structure more favourably than the rest of the market.

The care home is surrounded by four Masonic Provinces: Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Middlesex and London. Several development projects (courtyards, fitness equipment etc.) have been funded by The Association of Friends (comprising Freemasons and other benevolent institutions). Beverley values the tremendous support she receives, adding that these extra projects transform the home into a much more welcoming place. The website, pmkcfriends.co.uk, lists opportunities to get involved.

The RMBI Care Co., and Prince Michael of Kent Court in particular (mbi.org.uk/home/prince-michael-of-kent-court-watford/) provides our Fraternity and many others with a tremendously all-embracing offering. They welcome visits from Masons & their Lodges.

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This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 55 Summer 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 55 here.