The six lanes of the Green were taken up with two teams per lane. Most of the participants had never played before. After a little confusion those who had played, plus two members of the bows club, soon had things under control. The afternoon progressed well with winning teams moving to the right. This had the effect of all teams playing each other during the afternoon.

The soft shoes and woods (bowls to the uninitiated) were provided by the Club, although some participants had their own. Bowling finished at 4pm, when a cream tea and sandwiches was served at a seated venue. A raffle was held which raised three hundred and fifty euros to which was added a further donation which raised this to three hundred and seventy euros. 

It was decided by the Charity Steward that  all of the participants were to be deemed winners so each lady was presented with a bottle of Cava.

Forty eight brethren and guests attended the afternoon.

 On Saturday, 3rd June, local Freemasons from Javea Lodge No 40 held their summer barbeque in Hawaiian style at The Inn on the Green in Javea. More than sixty-five Masons, wives and guests arrived promptly at seven o’clock for what turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Entertainment was provided by no fewer than three different singer/musicians. First up was Frank Abrams a great saxophonist and singer. He opened with some mellow jazz numbers to start the evening then progressed to more pop and ballads as the evening went on. He also put in a lot of effort to get people enjoying themselves and getting them on to the dance floor.

Second up was ‘Grey Jam’ (better known to some of us as WBro Graham Scutt) who entertained us royally on the electric guitar. This was his first appearance in front of a Masonic audience. If he had any nerves he hid them well and received a huge round of applause after each number. I am sure we will be seeing much more of him at future events! Later we had yet another, guest, singer in the person of John Olliffe who played acoustic guitar and sang some great ballads. These three alternated throughout the whole evening and were very much appreciated by all present.

A barbeque was supplied with a choice of burgers, chicken, pork and several salads followed by a choice of desserts, though most guests seemed to eat all of them! There was also a grand charity raffle which offered some great prizes and raised the magnificent sum of five hundred and sixty-seven euros.

The Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Brother Matthew James thanked everyone for coming and said that this money will be donated later in the year, along with other funds raised, to La Fe Hospital Children’s Oncology Department where I am sure it will be put to very good use.

The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Michael Shilan also said a few words saying that thanks to the generosity of Javea 40 and their guests, and the other Lodges of the Province, that we had also raised sufficient money to sponsor thirty children to go to the Masonic Summer School which is held annually in Guardalest in July. This was a great evening enjoyed by everyone who attended. I am sure the guests are already looking forward to next year’s event.

The Masonic Homes of Valencia Association have presented a second, 4 wheel drive vehicle, to the Benedoleig Protección Civil. The presentation took place in the car park of El Cid Restaurant on May 31st at 1.0pm. The Association made a similar presentation of another vehicle a few years ago, and  last year also presented a water bowser on a trailer to be towed behind one of the vehicles. The service they provide gives a more rapid response to people living out in the campo areas around Benedoleig and the other small villages of the Orba Valley area. Larger fire engines and ambulances coming from Denia have difficulty getting to these small places quickly, and these smaller vehicles can be vital in being first on the scene and providing the necessary help quickly. The whole team of volunteers are well trained in all aspects of emergency work and each vehicle carries a vast array of equipment.

The Association operates a Charity Shop in Moraira, and is always pleased to receive donations of good quality clothing and  other saleable items. On this occasion the presentation was assisted by a donation from the Charity Shop in Ondara, who last year presented a scooter for this  excellent rapid response team.

WBro William Turney   Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia