11 April 2026 – A Milestone Gathering at the New Centre in Ondara
The Asociación Unidad Fraternal held its Annual General Meeting on 11 April 2026 in a venue that symbolised both progress and promise: the newly prepared Centre at Ondara. Specially cleaned, organised and set up for the occasion, the building welcomed 30 unitholders and Lodge representatives.
A Warm Welcome to a New Era
The President of Fraternal Unidad, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the new Centre—now formally named Centro de Marina Alta.
Building Project Update: A Clear Path
W. Bro. Terry Whitehead provided an update on the building work. Although many brethren have offered their help, there are insufficient specialist tradesmen within our local Lodges to undertake some key tasks. As a result, we will need to contract local building firms to carry out these essential elements. The process of obtaining formal tenders is now underway, and it is anticipated that overall project costs will increase accordingly (see Treasurer’s report).
W. Bro. Whitehead then presented the latest development plan (Plan X), outlining the objective to host the Provincial Lodge of Instruction on 21 November 2026. From that point, the intention is to gradually transition away from the Costa Nova Masonic Centre, completing the move by Spring 2027.
Financial Overview: Strong Progress, Clear Targets
The Treasurer presented an updated financial snapshot:
- Cash in bank (January): 25,000€
- Funds raised in 2026 to date: 24,000€
- Money spent since January: (5,000€)
- Total in the bank today: 44,000€
- PLOI readiness in November: we need to raise 39,000€* more
- Launch with 1 Temple: we need to raise 81,000€* more
- To complete the vision: we need to raise 143,000€* more
*subject to finalising quotations from builders and suppliers
Already, we have received pledges totalling 11,000€ and is very clear that Lodges across the Province are organising events to raise extra funds. Further discussions with GLE and other Masonic bodies both in Spain and England may yield extra funds towards our objectives.
These figures underline both the impressive support already shown but also the continued need for fundraising as the project accelerates. The Treasurer paid tribute to all of the work done so far this year: so far we are averaging 2,000€ raised every week!
Golden Ticket Draw: A Winning Moment
The popular Golden Ticket Draw was made by Bro. Haakon Ellingsen of Green Parrot Tourism.
The lucky winner was W. Bro. Jason Fowler of San Juan Lodge No. 28, who receives a three‑night stay at a top hotel in Spain. The draw raised approximately 1,800€ for the Centre—another welcome contribution to the campaign.
Preparing for the Future: Centre Management & Crowdfunding Launch
The new Centre will have its own Management Committee, which will oversee operations once the building opens. It was emphasised that volunteers from local Lodges and Orders will be essential, as managing our own Centre will involve a significantly expanded workload.
An important milestone was also highlighted: the launch of the Crowdfunding appeal on Monday. This is really important as it widens the scope of our fundraising to non-Masons, other Provinces in Spain and also in England.
An example of the advertisements which will support the Crowdfunding campaign
Support for this initiative is already building:
• The M.W. Grandmaster of Spain, M.W. Bro. Shaun Parsons‑Herrera, has pledged to promote the appeal across all Provinces in the GLE.
• The R.W. Provincial Grandmaster is approaching UGLE to seek their support in promoting the appeal across English Lodges.
A Meeting Marked by Optimism and Purpose
Artists Impression of the finished Centro de Marina Alta
The 2026 AGM was more than a statutory gathering—it was a clear demonstration of collective commitment to creating the biggest and best Masonic Centre in Spain. With strong leadership, transparent planning and growing financial support, the vision of the Centro de Marina Alta is moving steadily toward reality.