Consecrated in 1926, Reculvers Chapter no. 4123 meets in the Margate area on the Kent coast. Named after the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, the Chapter has faced declining membership over the years, with COVID-19 having a further impact on its numbers.
By December 2023, the Chapter had only six active members, prompting a critical decision: surrender their Charter or revitalise.
Excellent Companion Ian White, the Second Provincial Grand Principal of East Kent, chose to save the Chapter. With its centenary approaching, he collaborated with Companion Steve Wyatt, the Craft Provincial Grand Membership Officer for East Kent. They decided to transform Reculvers into a Special Interest Chapter, focused on whisky appreciation.
After consulting prospective members and leveraging Archway’s Grow and Involve guidance, they formulated a plan. Key steps included recruiting Steve Wyatt as a member and engaging with business contacts for support and sponsorship.
The Chapter’s new identity was launched on 28 March 2024, with a focus on whisky appreciation, fine wine and dining. Members could purchase personalised whisky glasses, while those who were driving could take a small bottle away for later. Fine wines were selected for dining events, and the caterers offered an excellent four-course meal. Agreements were made with the Margate Masonic Centre regarding corkage and bar sales, with profits from certain purchases going to the 2025 Provincial Festival.
The initiative’s launch was a success, welcoming six new members and conducting three Exaltations, including Ian White’s son, making him the third generation of his family in the Chapter. The evening featured a whisky tasting, courtesy of the English Whisky Company, and a high-quality Festive Board.
The next meeting on 13 June welcomed the Deputy Grand Superintendent for the Province and included a double Exaltation and a blind tasting of English and Scottish single malts. The Chapter has grown from five active members in February 2024 to a thriving membership, and is now off the list of vulnerable Chapters.
Mark Costelloe, Deputy Chairman of the Members’ Pathway Working Party, says:
‘The key to this turnaround was an honest Chapter profile, a SWOT analysis and strategic use of the Archway toolkit. The effort required was significant, but the reward of saving the Chapter has been immense, as both Ian and Steve can attest. I am sure there are many other Chapters that could reinvigorate themselves in a similar way.’
