Recently, the new Provincial Grand Master of Valencia, RW Bro Rodney Bignell, informed local Lodges of the four principal charities he wished to support this year. Further to that request, by donating to his chosen Charities, helping food banks etc.

“On 4th July local Freemason’s Lodge Old Tower number 49 were able to assist the Provincial Grand Master by distributing their donation, of seven hundred and fifty euros, in supporting food banks in the Valencia region. The Old Tower Lodge Charity Steward, carried out a food shop with “Reach Out”, one of the designated charities. “Reach Out” provide food parcels for families in need and also provide hot food and showers for the homeless. The hard work that all of the volunteers carry out, help the needy in the Torrevieja area.”

Oliva La Safor Lodge held a very successful Ladies’ Night on Friday 24th June at Salones Curascco in Javea. where The Worshipful Master, Ken Cornforth and his lady, Corinne, welcomed Brethren and guests. In keeping with the time of year, the theme was a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’  with many entering into the spirit by wearing Carnival masks and dream catchers were presented to all the Ladies to add to the ambience.

Music was provided by ‘Chill Factor’ and everyone agreed it was an excellent occasion.

On a beautiful summers evening, on Saturday 25th June, with the sun setting in a crimson, western sky, and a gentle breeze to cool the heat of the day, members of Logia de las Salinas No 79 gathered at the restaurant  ‘La Cosecha’ in Benijofar  for their ‘Ladies Summer evening’, which was organised by Brother Malcolm and Mrs Ann Mander-James supported by their daughter Nina, this was the lodge’s first formal gather since pre – COVID. Settling down to dine at a feast fit for Royalty, the diners being serenaded by the fabulous Vocalist “Woody” with a medley of songs from across the years.

Over forty guests who had enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the small patio, surrounded by the strutting Peacocks and rare breed chickens were called to dinner by the Master of Ceremonies Worshipful Brother John Edwards, at seven-twenty sharp, Worshipful Brother John Chandler offered grace.

Between the main course and desert the Toast to the king was proposed by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Brian McArdle, the toast to the Ladies was proposed by Worshipful Brother Clifford Gingell, who gave some words of wisdom to the Brethren.  The ‘Ladies  Song,’ was sung by Worshipful Brother Colin Harlow who was in fine voice who followed this with a rendition of ‘Roses in Picardy’ whilst Brothers Mike Scott and Andrew Flowers presented a red rose to each of the ladies, receiving a kiss in return from each lady.

After the formalities were over Worshipful Brother Terry Sharley received good wishes from all on the occasion of his Birthday, The music moved up in tempo and the dancing began, the dancing was led by three ladies who would rather remain anonymous, (but we know who they are), They thoroughly enjoyed every minute, the dance floor remained a moving mass of people enjoying a good night out.

As the evening drew to a close the final act was to draw the raffle which raised 445 euros which will be donated to a local charity in the near future.

Once again Our thanks go to Malcolm and Ann for all their efforts it organising a wonderful evening.

PROVINCIAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

On Friday the 17th of June at the Bonalba Golf & Spa Resort, Mutxamel, near Alicante, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, hosted this year’s Provincial Charity Golf Tournament.

The PGM and his Wardens

Registration opened at 8am and, after a  quick practice at the nets for some, all 82 players were at their allotted tee for the “Charity Pairs Texas Scramble”. At 9am there was a pre-arranged “shotgun”start and play began from every tee.

The weather was fantastic, but very hot for the players, and with temperatures reaching the mid thirties refreshment was essential and regularly available.  After 4 to 5 hours play, it was back to the clubhouse for a well deserved drink, the prize giving, and the charity raffle, followed by tapas and refreshments.

This year’s winners of the the John William Harvey Memorial Trophy  were W.Bro. David Beale and W.Bro.  Paul Burleston of Old Tower Lodge No 49.  W.Bro.Terry Sharley and Bro. David Mullet, also of Old Tower Lodge, came a close second.

The best Score of the day was 47 Points by Barry Purvis and Lee Brown of Woodstock Golf Society.

The Provincial Grand Master was delighted that the event raised a total of € 2,185

The Province sends its sincere thanks to the players, and to the Bonalba Golf Club for providing a wonderful course, plus their facilities and support, the greens were cut to perfection  Bonalba Golf & Spa website

None of this would have been possible without W.Bro. Mike Wyatt’s golfing knowledge and organisational skills, W.Bro. Richard Davis of Santa Faz Lodge No48, who was our host at the Bonalaba Golf Club, and Bro. John Lonsdale’s ongoing support. They were aided by a small band of keen helpers both before the event and on the day, particuarly Jill Wyatt, Sue Lonsdale, and Helen Lovell.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the Sponsers and Prize Givers who are listed below.

Together, you will allow us to provide essential financial help to the PGM’s Charities supporting children and adolescents across the Province. These are :

• Elche Children’s Care home
• El Preventorio de Gandia Children’s Home
• Raquel Paya Colegio de Educacion Especial, Denia
• Colegio Nazaret, Alicante

Finally, I would like to add my personal thanks to everyone. It was a hot day, we all did our best, and we all enjoyed it. Looking ahead, let’s make 2023 bigger and better!

W.Bro. Malcolm March
Provincial Grand Charity Steward.

 Thank you to our Sponsers

• Golf Hotshots
• Sapphire Properties
• Edi Rent a Car
• Mike Probart
• Santa Faz Lodge No 48

Thank you for donations of Green Fees and Prizes

• Bonalba Hotel
• Altorreal Golf
• Alenda Golf Club
• Vista Bella Golf
• Oliva Nova Golf
• Campbell Lamont Golf

We are sure you have been delighted to have see the Jubilee celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that were beamed around the world.

Who else would have been better to accompany Her Majesty on her first appearance during the Jubilee celebration weekend as the longest serving British monarch, than the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent, who was elected more than 50 years ago and is UGLE’s longest-serving Grand Master.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia joins all Freemasonry in a jubilant celebration to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen who has become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of outstanding service.

Since her coronation on the 2nd of June 1953 Her Majesty has been a rock of strength and fortitude for the British people and for many around the world.

Her Majesty the Queen has always protected Freemasonry and the rights of Freemasons to celebrate our Rituals and practice our Fraternity and Charitable Causes in total freedom and harmony.

The Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell calls on all Freemasons to raise a glass over the coming days and join him in toasting the health of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen”

Recently, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia held the second Provincial Garden party, which I am sure will now become an annual event. Last year was a little difficult as we were still suffering the lockdown events of Covid but we still managed to tempt over fifty Freemasons and their guests to come along to what was a very special event. This year there were no such restrictions, other than those of common sense, and we met with over one hundred local Freemasons and their guests.

The idea of the garden party is that all bring their own food and share, usually with their friends, on the same table. Drinks are bought from the hosts, Los Arcos restaurant in Pedreguer. These are provided at very reasonable rates. This seems to work well. Entertainment is provided, this year by local group ‘Match,’ who gave a very spirited tribute to ABBA and were very well received.

A grand charity raffle was also held with no fewer than thirteen different prizes which raised over five hundred and thirty euros. This year the money will be donated to the four local children’s charities chosen by our new Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Rodney Bignall. These charities are: the Elche Children’s Care Home, El Preventorio children’s home in Gandia, Raquel Paya special needs school in Denia and Colegio Nazaret, Alicante.

Prizes were also given to the best dressed ABBA costume and the best dressed table. These were won by WBro Dennis Squirrel and the San Juan Lodge table respectively. The numerous pictures that follow show the party and the raffle winners.

Recently, Freemasons of local Lodge, San Juan de Espana Number 28, held a lawn green bowling championship, to raise money for charity. This was organised by the Worshipful Master, W Bro Makin at which seventeen Freemasons and several invited guests and non-players took part.

Between them the Masons managed to raise was just over three hundred euros, this will be added to a further one hundred and seventy euros raised by a golf competition, also organised by WBro Makin.

The winning team nominated the “Doggie Angels” a non profit making organisation to receive the collected money which will be donated at a later date. Miss Jenny Leach was awarded a trophy as the best player of the day.

Recently, on Friday 20th May, local Freemason’s Lodge, Javea 40, held its “Fun Charity Evening” styled on the famous Ascot race at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre at Casa de la Pizza in Javea.

More than sixty racegoers, from the Lodge and invited guests, many of them complete novices, had sponsored races, horses, and even pigs, in what was a really enjoyable evening. This gathering also had the more serious purpose of raising much needed funds on behalf of local charity Todos Juntos Javea, for a young Ukrainian refugee at a Javea school who requires urgent funds to assess his level of autism.

There were prizes for the best Ladies Hat and Gentleman’s “Leary Shirt” as well as the auctioning of terrific gifts donated from very generous local businesses.

Nine hundred and eighty-seven euros was raised during the evening,which was quickly topped up to an even one thousand euros. This was sufficient to fund the autism assessment in full, with a little money remaining to go to other local good causes. An excellent evening’s work by all concerned. Well done and a huge thank you to all those who gave of their valuable time and money.

On Sunday, May 8^th, Freemasons of local Lodge, San Juan de Espana, held a charity golf match to raise money for local charities. In beautiful weather the Masons enjoyed a very pleasant day of golf and succeeded in raising over one hundred euros which will be donated to a local charity in the near future. Several competitions were held as can be seen in the following photographs.

The first photo shows the overall winning team. The second shows the winner of the under eighteens competition. The third shows the Worshipful Master and his wife presenting the prize to the overall winner, Jason Fowler, the fourth, Jason Fowler and the fifth, all players dining together after the conclusion of the match. A great afternoon, enjoyed by all, with the added bonus of making a donation to charity.