The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers enjoyed a most memorable Master’s Weekend in May in Kent, perfectly organised and hosted by our Master Tony Ginman and Consort, Margaret.
The group gathered at the Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells on Friday 9th May for an informal evening dinner prior to the start of a weekend packed with activity. 


The sun shone all weekend as the group enjoyed private guided tours of the historic Hever Castle. childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and the magnificent Penshurst Place, a jewel of Elizabethan architecture and royal heritage. The one disappointment was that Winnie the Pooh did not make an appearance during the coach tour through Ashdown Forest!

The Lightmongers enjoying the private tour of Hever Castle
 

… and then their visit to Penshurst Place

One of the many highlights of the weekend was our black tie dinner held in the private Sunderland Room at Penshurst Place, which followed on from a tour of the house and a warm evening wander around the magnificent gardens. 



Consort Margaret is Chair of the Trustees of Woodbury Park Cemetery and we were fortunate to have a very special tour on Sunday morning to hear about the amazing work being done to preserve the resting place of so many notable people as well as thousands of paupers in unmarked graves. 

As is customary, Senior Warden, Graham Smith MIET MInstCS, announced dates and venue of next year’s Master’s weekend. A full programme is planned from Thursday 8th May to Saturday 10th May 2026. Get the date in your diary now to avoid disappointment.

On behalf of all who attended, sincere thanks go to the Master and Consort for their generous hospitality, thoughtful organisation, and the beautifully considered gifts, which will serve as a lasting reminder of a special weekend.