Brethren of local Lodge, Oliva La Safor along with their wives recently visited the Franciscan Men’s Refuge in Gandia to see for themselves how the refuge is run and how the money and gifts raised by the Lodge are being spent and distributed. The Masons did not arrive empty handed! Each brought at least one, and in some cases several, bags of food, clothing and shoes all of which are sorely needed by the refuge. The visit was arranged by the Charity Steward of the Lodge, WBro Jim Jordan and Mr Stephen Carden, a local representative of the Church of England, who regularly visits the refuge and helps out, along with his wife, Linda, in numerous ways. During this visit he acted as both guide and translator and made an excellent job of explaining how the place is run and what magnificent services they provide.

The Franciscan Hospice at Palma de Gandia provides a home and nursing care for around fifty-five homeless men, many of whom suffer from mental or physical illness. Some are terminally ill. These men would otherwise be on the streets and unlikely to survive without this special care. Admission is solely on the basis of need. All nationalities and all religions (or none) are accepted. The hospice is funded entirely by charitable donations, not a cent is received in state aid. Three Franciscan Brothers, (Hermano Guillermo, Hermano Pepe and Hermano Martin) assisted by local volunteers, care for the residents around the clock, every day of the year.

Stephen and Linda Carden coordinate the efforts of all English speaking supporters and were most helpful in providing much of the information written here.

This wonderful place is a refuge of love and charity. When there is so much bad news in the world, a visit here restores your faith in human nature. It is hard to explain to people who are familiar with the UK system of social security what the Hospice actually does. Traditionally in Spain, disadvantaged people have been cared for within their family. The state provision is limited to people who have worked and paid their social security contributions. The Hospice cares for men who, through no fault of their own, have fallen out of the system. Many were abandoned by their families and have never worked, others suffer from severe mental health problems.

Although it’s called a Hospice, it’s a hospice in the Mediterranean sense. Not all the residents are terminally ill, although some are. It’s a cross between a UK hospice, a nursing home and a refuge for the homeless. Some of the residents are long term, others come and go. Not all vagrants want to stay. Some come for a shower, a change of clothes, a square meal and a bed for the night, then move on.
The Brothers are chronically short of funds to keep the doors open. They need around five thousand euros a month just for their regular bills; but they are always cheerful and resilient. Unpaid bills are put under the statue of St Francis, in the hope of divine assistance!
Amazingly, the Brothers have raised sufficient money over the last fifteen years to build a modern infirmary extension. They still need funds to fully use the new facilities, but their commitment to their vows and their Christian faith keeps them going.
Fantastic regular support over many years has been received from local Masonic Lodges, including Oliva La Safor and others along with other charitable organisations.
At the moment, the men need shoes and trainers (particularly those without laces) socks, underwear (new and NOT white please) and baggy track suit bottoms to fit over adult nappies. They always need long life foods and ‘consumables’ such as soap, shampoo/shower gel, shaving foam, and disposable razors.
At the end of the visit WBro Jim Jordan commented on the beautiful setting of the refuge, the cleanliness and order and the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. All of the Masons and wives were impressed by how well the refuge was run, particularly as everything is run entirely on charitable donations and volunteer workers. It is a great example of how love, caring and generosity can truly overcome many of the problems encountered by the residents and visitors of this wonderful refuge. It is a great pity that there is ever a need for such a place but without it every resident we met would be living on the streets, hungry, uncared for, homeless and friendless. Everyone we encountered seemed happy and content and I suspect each knew what an enormous amount of gratitude they owed to the three hard working Brothers and all the many wonderful volunteers who give up their time and efforts to help.
If you would like further information about the work of the Franciscan Hospice please contact Stephen or Linda Carden by e-mail on cardenstephen@yahoo.co.uk

On Friday, 30th March, local Freemasons of Caledonia Lodge held a very successful Easter Bonnet competition.This was held at the La Cosheca restaurant in Benijofar and was very well attended by both Masons and guests. As well as a delicious dinner the guests were royally entertained by cabaret act Marie O’Hara who, by general consent, was excellent.

As well as the Easter Bonnet parade, where many of the Ladies (and indeed a few of the gentlemen!) tried on and paraded in, their Easter bonnets, there was also a grand raffle in aid of local charities which raised three hundred euros. This will be added to other money raised over the year and donated to a charity of the Masters choice.

This was a well organised and well attended meeting which was enjoyed by all and which raised a substantial amount of money for the less fortunate among us. All in all a great evening and our thanks must go to the Master of the Lodge and all involved in organising this event.

Saturday,24th March, saw the gathering at the Hotel Masa Torrevieja, of the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall, his Wardens and Brethren of Logia de las Salinas with their Ladies, Guests and members of Other Lodges to celebrate their ‘Ladies Gala Dinner Night’.
A cava and canapé reception was held prior to the assembled guests being called to dinner promptly at seven thirty The President for the evening, Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall and His Lady, Carol, were introduced by Worshipful Brother Clifford Gingell Director of Ceremonies of the Lodge, who (by special request) as a ‘Professional Toast Master and Master of Ceremonies’ came out of retirement and donned his red Toast Master rig for one evening only.

The one hundred and five guests were wined and dined with excellent meals, with choices of Asparagus soup, Seafood Cocktail, Sole fillets with Menuiére sauce, Loin of pork with Pepper sauce, Banana cheese cake with Berries and Custard or Strawberry Cake, accompanied with copious amounts of wine.
The Toast to the King was made by the President ,Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall, followed by the toast to the Ladies proposed by Worshipful Brother Keith Hutchinson, The Ladies song was sung by Worshipful Brother Colin Harlow, who was accompanied by the Brethren of the Lodge who formed a choir to sing the Corus.
The Presidents Lady, Carol, responded to the Toast and the Ladies Song extending thanks to all those who had assisted in putting the evening together and thanked all of the guests for supporting the evening. Norman and Carol then made a number of presentations, including a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Joan Waddington who’s Birthday fell the next day, the assembled guests all stood and sang happy birthday and raised their glasses to Joan. Carol concluded the presentation by presenting Norman a ‘Half Hunter’ Masonic pocket watch.

The Master of Ceremonies introduced Mrs Mary Chambers co-ordinator of ‘Debra’ who gave a short but moving talk on the Masters chosen charity for the year. The charity ‘Debra’ supports ‘Butterfly Children’. The Butterfly Children suffer from extreme fragility of the skin, and need lifelong support. The proceeds of the evenings raffle which raised seven hundred and seventy-five Euros will be donated to the charity. More information on the Charity can be found at www.butterflychildrencharity.com

The formalities concluded, the President and his lady, Norman and Carol led the dancing, with the first waltz of the evening; they were joined in quick succession by all of the guests, Music for the evening was provided by Karen Noble a female vocalist who sang a wide range of songs from the fifties through to the present day including a selection from the operas and musicals, during the interval the guests were entertained by Brother James Bowyer whilst conducting the raffle, The evening continued with more dancing and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all until the time for carriages came all to soon; guests departing to fond farewells, some gliding to waiting cars whilst other stumbled upstairs to bed. Many thanks again to all concerned for a wonderful and memorable evening.

On Saturday, March 10th, Freemasons of local Lodge, Santa Faz, held their annual beach walk, organized by WM Mick Rayner and his lovely Lady,  Maureen, to raise much needed funds for the Children’s Home at Rellue. This is the chosen charity, for this year, by the Master of the Lodge.

More than seventy Freemasons and guests took part, and were very lucky in that the weather stayed fine for them. The walk was followed by an excellent barbecue and the extremely good entertainment was provided by our very own WM Mick Rayner.As well as providing an extremely pleasant day for the Freemasons and their guests an extremely useful sum totalling one thousand euros was raised for the Children’s Home.

This will be presented at a later date. Well done to all of those who helped to organise this very successful day and especially to all those who turned up and walked for charity.

Freemasons support local charities.

On Saturday, 17th March, local Freemasons Lodge, Dama de Elche held their annual Ladies Night. This took place at Salones Brindis, Catral and was very well attended with over one hundred Masons, wives and guests putting in an appearance. This turned out to be a fantastic night with great food, great company, great music and much dancing to the sound of ” It Takes Two “, a fabulous duo consisting of Paul & Linda Randall who entertained the assembled guests and were very much enjoyed by all.

The Master of the Lodge, WBro Nigel Sanders, much assisted by his lovely Lady, Lynne and the rest of the Brethren of the Lodge are, this year, supporting two local charities, the first being the Elche Children’s Home and the other, is the Paul Cunningham Nurses for Cancer. Two very important charities and both well deserving of our support.
Over five hundred euros was raised for the two Charities – a fantastic amount. Many thanks for the very strong support to everyone who attended.