Some of the attendees at the final meeting

On 2 July, the Marina Alta Installed Masters Lodge No. 144 launched its Summer Lodges of Instruction at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre in Jávea.

Over the following seven weeks, 39 Brethren from 11 different Lodges took part in the programme. Attendance averaged 20 Brethren per session, and with each meeting lasting around two hours, the Summer LOIs delivered an impressive 280 hours of Masonic education and learning.

Topics covered included:

• Processing in and out
• Opening and closing in the three degrees
• The three Degree ceremonies
• Calling on and off
• The Inner Workings
• The Installation Ceremony
• The Festive Board

A new feature for 2025 was introduced by W. Bro. Cliff Gingell, who organised a weekly Jotform Quiz to test attendees’ knowledge of Masonry, its symbols, and the history behind the symbolism of our rituals. Some of the answers certainly raised an eyebrow or two, but the aim of deepening our Masonic understanding was undoubtedly achieved.

In week 4, W. Bro. Philip Bowick also delivered a fascinating lecture on the Royal Arch, explaining how joining it completes the journey of the Master Mason degree.

On 23 August, the final meeting of the summer was marked with a celebratory Festive Board. Before the meal, W. Bro. Cliff Gingell gave an engaging talk on the customs and traditions of the Festive Board itself.

Double click to enlarge the images. Reading left to right from the top (1. W. Bro Cliff Gingell and R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan, 2. Bro. Rafe Parker, 3. W. Bro. Peter Farrell, 4. W. Bro. Ray Pease, 5. W. Bro. Malcolm March, 6. W. Bro. Ray Guise-Smith, 7. Bro. Rafe Parker and R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan and 8. Bro. Max Heinrich and W. Bro. David Clarke

During the Festive Board, the following Brethren took on key roles:

• Worshipful Master: Bro. Rafe Parker (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
• Director of Ceremonies: W. Bro. David Clarke (Oliva La Safor 112)
• Senior Warden: Bro. Stephen Young (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
• Junior Warden: Bro. Max Heinrich (Jávea 40), who proposed the Toast to the Visitors
• Immediate Past Master: W. Bro. Jerry Roberts (San Juan de España 28)
• Chaplain: W. Bro. Malcolm March (Jávea 40) – also Master Elect of the Marina Alta Lodge of Installed Masters No. 144
• Response to the Visitors’ Toast: W. Bro. Ray Pease (Puerto de Xàbia 58)
• Tyler – W. Bro. Ray Guise Smith (Jávea 40)

The 2025 Summer LOIs were hailed by everyone who attended as a great success. At the Festive Board which marked the conclusion of the 2025 Programme, in his response to the Toast to the Worshipful Master, Bro. Rafe Parker expressed heartfelt thanks to all members of the Marina Alta Installed Masters Lodge for their hard work in organising the programme.

Bro. Parker made special mention of R.W. Bro. Michael Shilan, the current Master; W. Bro. Peter Johnson, who diligently recorded the minutes; W. Bro. Cliff Gingell who organised the Quiz and, last but by no means least, W. Bro. Peter Farrell, Preceptor of the LOIs, whose energy, knowledge, and wise counsel illuminated every meeting and made the time both valuable and enjoyable.

W. Bro. Sergio Pereira Behm, Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary (L) and W. Bro. Matthew James, Provincial Grand Secretary (R)

What we do

The Provincial Secretariat underpins every aspect of our Lodges, offering governance, communication and practical support. By coordinating administrative, technical and advisory services, it equips Lodge officers and Brethren with the tools and guidance they need to work effectively and uphold Masonic protocol.

Digital Support and Technical Services

Central to the Secretariat’s remit is the management of our digital platforms. This includes regular upkeep and development of the provincial website, oversight of social media channels and the provision of Zoom facilities for virtual meetings. The team administers online forms and surveys, maintains an up-to-date provincial calendar and delivers general IT support. These services ensure that Lodges remain accessible, connected and fully supported—whether Brethren gather in person or online.

Membership Enquiries and Applications

All inquiries about joining our Order pass through the Secretariat. We promote membership via the Provincial website, social media campaigns and press releases, before forwarding each incoming inquiry to the relevant Lodge Secretary. The Secretariat also processes Lodge applications (“Solicituds”) swiftly and accurately, ensuring every candidate receives a prompt response.

Training Programmes and Guidance

To foster personal growth on everyone’s Masonic journey, the Secretariat develops and publishes comprehensive training materials. These include certificates for incoming Worshipful Masters, information leaflets for new initiates and dedicated guides for each Lodge office. Regular revisions to the Secretaries’ Guide, Intranet Guide, Toast Lists and Social Media Guide help maintain consistent standards across the Province.

Communications

Acting as the conduit between the Grand Lodge of Spain, the Province of Valencia and our individual Lodges, the Secretariat circulates directives, dispensations and by-law amendments.

The Secretariat publishes details of all Provincial and Lodge news and events on a dedicated section of the Provincial website. On a regular basis, we produce a Provincial newsletter, keeping every Brother informed of news and developments. We also manage relations with Press and media outlets and issue Press Releases on all News and events to ensure that a positive image of the Order is maintained.

Events Coordination and Venue Liaison

From the Provincial Lodge of Instruction to our annual Assembly and Ladies’ Night, the Secretariat co-ordinates all bookings, negotiates room rates and menus, and liaises with venues to secure favourable terms. It publishes event summonses and maintains an accurate calendar of engagements, all while nurturing positive relationships with other Provinces and progressive orders.

Supporting Lodge Governance

Beyond its visible services, the Secretariat offers confidential guidance on Lodge by-laws and constitutional queries. By advising on amendments and interpreting regulations, the team helps preserve each Lodge’s sovereignty and integrity, enabling Worshipful Masters and Secretaries to fulfil their duties with confidence. It offers expert advice on constitutional matters and Masonic protocol, ensuring clarity and fostering fraternity.

Conclusion

Through its wide-ranging responsibilities, the Provincial Secretariat ensures that our Lodges function smoothly, our rituals remain intact, and our bonds of brotherhood grow ever stronger. By shouldering these tasks, the Secretariat enables every Mason to focus on their labours, knowing that expert support is always at hand.

Who we are

Key Responsibilities:

• To oversee and manage all aspects and duties of the Provincial Secretariat
• To assist the Provincial Grand Master with the management of the Provincial Grand Lodge
• To disseminate all communications from the Grand Lodge of Spain and the Province to all lodges
• To maintain up-to-date guidelines, documents for lodge secretaries and brethren of the Province
• To maintain a strong relationship with the Grand Lodge of Spain and other Provinces
• To maintain an active management role with all Provincial events
• Membership of the Provincial Executive team

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Provincial Grand  Secretary in all matters relating to the administration of the Province of Valencia
• Act as administrative liaison between the Grand Lodge of Spain, the Province of Valencia, and its lodges
• Advise and guide lodge secretaries and members of the Province
• Administer and control all dispensations for all lodges
• Control all reservations for the Provincial Instruction Lodge and the Provincial Assembly
• Control documents related to lodge applications
• Translation of provincial documents

Key Responsibilities:

• To prepare and maintain up to date versions of the following Provincial Guides:
  • Secretaries Guide
  • Intranet Guide
  • Toast Lists
  • Social Media Guide
• Maintain up to date list of Provincial and Grand Officers
• To provide guidance on constitutional and Masonic Protocol matters
• Maintain up to date information leaflets for Initiates and Worshipful Masters

Key Responsibilities:

• As Webmaster, maintain and develop the Provincial websites (glpvalencia.com & .org)
• Provide IT support to the Province, Lodges and brethren including account creation and password management
• Advise the Provincial Grand Secretary about the use of 3rd party software packages to improve Provincial processes
• In conjunction with the Recruitment Officer, manage all incoming inquiries from the Provincial websites
• Liaise with GLE in relation to the Intranet system
• Ensure that internal IT processes (security, data storage, GDPR etc) are in line with best practice and legal requirements
• As Provincial Education Officer, roll out and develop the Provincial Masonic Education Program
  

Key Responsibilities:

• To adapt the contents of the provincial website to the Provincial Social media sites
• To use social media marketing tools to create and maintain the Provincial Grand Lodge brand
• To research social media trends and recommend action to be taken
• To set key performance indicators (KPIs) for social media campaigns, such as targets for a certain number of shares or likes and measuring performance against those KPIs
• Crafting engaging content for the Provincial Social media sites. Constantly align content with users trends and market changes to interest and engage people

Key Responsibilities:

• To process and respond to all incoming membership inquiries
• To distribute those inquiries to local Lodges for follow up
• To ensure that all Lodge applications for membership, passing, raising and leavers are promptly processed
• To liaise with the Grand Lodge of Spain to ensure that all registrations are processed

Key Responsibilities:

• To write Press Releases and maintain relationships with the media
• To author News and Event posts for the Provincial website
• To produce and edit the Provincial Newsletter
• Maintain the Provincial Events Calendar
• Maintain the Provincial Summons Library

On 13th and 14th June 2025. W. Bros Kjell-Arild Vaage, Jason Fowler, Jacob Magnussen and Jerry Roberts and Bro Johan Nilsson of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia, travelled to Madrid and were honoured to become founder members of the Grand Chapter of the Widows Sons Spain. Although a well-recognised world-wide association of Masonic motorcyclists, this was the inauguration of a Spanish Chapter, with a charter from the Grand Lodge of Spain.

Prostate Cancer and the Importance of Risk-Based Testing for Older Men

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in England, with cases surging by 25 per cent between 2019 and 2023 and claiming a life every 45 minutes despite its high curability when caught early. As in many countries, Spain and the UK lack a formal screening programme, leaving many older men at risk of late diagnosis and advanced disease.

Understanding the Stakes for Older Men

Many of us in the Masonic community find ourselves entering the age bracket where prostate cancer incidence climbs steeply. In the UK alone, on average, more than 55,000 men are diagnosed annually, and over 12,000 die of prostate cancer—making it the second most common cause of cancer death in men.

Globally, prostate cancer ranks as the second most common male cancer, with new cases set to approach three million annually by 2040 and mortality rising by 85 per cent if no action is taken.

Why early testing matters

A one-size-fits-all approach to prostate cancer testing has drawbacks. Traditional PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests can detect elevated protein levels, but they miss some cancers and generate false positives that lead to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. That’s why recent UK research is focusing on classifying men by individual risk—using age, family history, ethnicity and, in the future, emerging genetic tools—to target testing where it will have the most impact.

• Brethren aged 50 and over should consult their doctor and consider a PSA or other test; those aged 45 and over who are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer are strongly advised to discuss testing sooner.

• In the UK, one in five men present with incurable, advanced disease compared to under one in ten in countries with formal screening programmes such as the United States—largely thanks to routine PSA testing.

• Socio-economic and educational disparities mean that affluent, health-literate men are more likely to seek testing, while many others slip through the net simply due to lack of awareness or inconsistent advice from doctors.

Practical Steps for Masons

The Provincial Almoners team has produced a Factsheet which provides information on Prostate Cancer, the different tests available and signposts to where brethren can seek individual advice on their risk and the different tests available to them.

1. Know your baseline risk: consider age, ethnicity and family history.

2. Discuss testing with your doctor once you turn 50, or at 45 if you’re Black or have affected relatives.

3. Keep abreast of developing work on Prostate Cancer.

4. Use the strength of our fraternity: share experiences and encourage one another to take proactive steps.

Looking Ahead

By staying informed and supporting one another, we can help ensure that prostate cancer is caught early—when it is most treatable—and safeguard the health of our brethren for years to come.

REMEMBER – EARLY DETECTION IS YOUR BEST PROTECTION

On Sunday 13th July, under blazing sunshine and with the mercury reaching 30 °C, a handful of our brethren took the plunge at Les Marines Beach for the Provincial Sponsored Swim. Many others sent their best wishes—and, as importantly, generously sponsored our intrepid swimmers.

Among the participants was W. Bro. David Clarke of Oliva La Safor Lodge No 112, accompanied by his partner Kristina. In good humour, David revealed that the Lodge had contributed €20 for “testing the waters” and a further €180 to spare us from photographing his entry.

Before braving the gentle Mediterranean surf, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Rodney Bignell; the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. David Wynn; and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W. Bro. Terry Whitehead, ceremonially adjourned from labour to refreshment – Cheers!

Our swimmers enjoyed robust support from a distinguished assembly of brethren – pictured left to right:

• W. Bro. Ian Brown, Provincial Grand Treasurer

• W. Bro. Terry Whitehead, Assistant Provincial Grand Master

• W. Bro. Peter Johnson, Provincial Grand Charity Steward, co-organiser

• W. Bro. Peter Farrell, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies

• Bro. Mike Tullett (Jávea Lodge No 40), co-organiser

• R.W. Bro. David Wynn, Deputy Provincial Grand Master

• W. Bro. David Clarke (Oliva La Safor Lodge No 112) and his partner Kristina

• R.W. Bro. Rodney Bignell, Provincial Grand Master

Below are a small sample of photographs of our swimmers racing hard up and down the coast (ahem!) – double click on the thumbnails to expand the photograph.

Finally, we include a rare photograph of our Province’s Communications Officer, Bro. Steve Young of Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58, whose lens captured every memorable moment.

Thanks to the brave swimmers and the generosity of all of the brethren who sponsored them, the Swim raised €800 for the 2026 Festival.

Every contribution brings us a stroke closer to our goal of acquiring a new Marina Alta Masonic Centre.

Does your Lodge have a story for the website?

We’re always happy to publish your news or stories. Please send details to Bro. Steve Young at prensa@glpvalencia.com.

(L-R) – W. Bro. John Young, Jayne Blake, Mrs Jenny Young and volunteers from Cancer Care Jávea

On 15th July, Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 had the honour of presenting a donation of €2,025 to Cancer Care Jávea. These funds were raised at the annual Ladies Gala on 30th May 2025, and will directly benefit those in our community facing the challenges of cancer.

“Charity is the cornerstone of our fraternity,” remarked Worshipful Master John Young. “It is through our collective efforts that we bring light to those who most need our support. Today’s donation exemplifies the very essence of Freemasonry—working together to uplift our community.”

Cancer Care Jávea’s Lynwen nursing team provide vital services across the town, ensuring that every patient and family member affected by cancer receives compassion, guidance and practical assistance. Their professionalism and dedication embody the spirit of care that the Lodge strives to foster.

Jayne Nuttall Blake, President of Cancer Care Jávea, offered her heartfelt thanks: “The generosity of Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 makes a significant difference to the lives of those affected by cancer. Our team of Lynwen nurses is truly grateful for this support, which enables us to extend hope and comfort to every individual in Jávea facing this journey.”

Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 remains committed to charitable endeavours that strengthen our local community.

W. Bro. Young concluded, “We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our friends in other Lodges who attended the Ladies Gala and contributed to this worthy cause. Together, we will continue to uphold the proud Masonic tradition of benevolence and compassion.”

(L-R) Mark Richards, W. Bro. Alex Wilkins, Ian McCarthy and Darrel Jones

On July 9th, Jávea Lodge No. 40 held its annual lively and fun filled Race Night on the terraces of Casa de la Pizza at the Costa Nova Masonic Centre in Jávea.

Fifty members, friends, and generous sponsors gathered for an evening of virtual horse racing, laughter, and community spirit, raising 1,050€ for the local firefighters and other masonic charities.

The Balcon al Mar Voluntarios Firefighters are a group of dedicated volunteers covering the whole of Jávea and who rely largely on donations to keep going.

Double click on images to expand them

The atmosphere was tremendous, with cheering and celebration, all the while helping to protect the Jávea area. Those of us who experienced the terrible forest fires of 9 years ago, remember how bravely the local volunteers battled to save our homes.

Jávea 40’s Worshipful Master, Alex Wilkins, said “Supporting our local Firefighters is so important – they need essential equipment to keep us safe, and every euro helps.”