(L-R) W. Bro. John Young, W. Bro. Philip Bowick, Mrs Jenny Young, W. Bro. Jim Campbell, Candy Wright MBE, Donna Hoffmann

Charity remains a fundamental pillar guiding Freemasons’ contributions to society. Today, 7 July, Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No. 58 had the honour of presenting €2,025 to Help of Marina Alta.

The funds were raised at the Puerto de Xàbia Ladies Gala, held at Salones Carrasco. In addition to ticket sales, money was generated through a Grand Prize Draw, an auction of select items and personal contributions from local Freemasons.

Worshipful Master John Young emphasised the Lodge’s commitment to philanthropy: “Supporting good causes is an essential aspect of Freemasonry. Help of Marina Alta is one of our chosen charities for my year in office, and I am immensely proud of our Lodge’s achievement in raising this splendid sum.”

Accepting the cheque on behalf of Help of Marina Alta, President Candy Wright MBE explained, “These funds will support our Care at Home service, allowing more elderly and infirm residents to remain in their own homes while long-term support plans are developed. We are extremely grateful to John, his wife Jenny, and the Puerto de Xàbia Lodge for their generous donation.”

Have you got a story to publish on the Provincial Website?

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

Last night, Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 celebrated W. Bro. John Beavis’s 50 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry.

John followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both longstanding members of the Craft. His Masonic journey began with his initiation into Worton Lodge No 8225, Province of Middlesex, on 2 June 1975.

Advancing in his career as a senior police officer, John relocated to Surrey and joined Haroldslea Lodge No 7328, where he:

• Served as Worshipful Master
• Appointed as Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in Surrey
• Appointed to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Registrar in Surrey

Upon moving to Spain, John joined Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 on 10 October 2017. He was installed as Worshipful Master on 14 October 2021, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in March 2024 and, in March of this year, was appointed Provincial Junior Grand Deacon for the Province of Valencia.

The Lodge was honoured by the attendance of the Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Matthew James, who presented John with a 50-year distinguished service certificate on behalf of the Province of Valencia.

Following the formal meeting, the Lodge’s brethren retired to a local curry restaurant. There, W. Bro. John Young presented John with an exquisite bottle of Gran Reserva brandy on behalf of the Lodge, toasting half a century of steadfast commitment.

Do you have a Lodge story or News to share?

We are always delighted to publish your stories on the Provincial website. Please send your story and any photographs to prensa@glpvalencia.com.

R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, the Provincial Grand Master, together with members of the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge and their partners, gathered this weekend for the Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge annual summer retreat. Set against the timeless beauty of Lake Como, this cherished tradition affords an ideal balance of fellowship, reflection and forward-planning for the year ahead.

The retreat took place at the charming Hotel Bazzoni, where delegates enjoyed the splendid views and shared convivial company over local cuisine and wines.

More than a working meeting, the retreat reinforces the close bonds between Stewards across the Province of Valencia, ensuring our collective endeavours continue with unity and purpose. As with tradition, a Lodge of Instruction was held, with the rehearsal of a third degree ceremony.

We are pleased to share a curated gallery of photographs from this year’s gathering. Please see below to view highlights of friendship, inspiration and the stunning Lake Como setting that make this event a true highlight of our Masonic calendar.

Double click to expand the photographs.

On Tuesday 24th June, members of Arenal Deportiva Lodge No. 65 visited the Alzheimer’s Centre in Teulada (AFA) following a gracious invitation from the Association’s President, Mrs Sylvia Tatnell MBE.

As part of our ongoing support for the local community, Lodge member W. Bro. Graham Simons had identified a need for an orthopaedic chair at the centre. We were therefore pleased to fund this essential piece of equipment through our various fundraising initiatives.

The dedicated staff and nurses at the Alzheimer’s Centre deliver exemplary care to individuals with dementia, thereby easing the burden on carers and families. This cause is one of our most commendable, significantly benefiting those affected and their loved ones.

Pictured are Worshipful Brothers Ian Brown, Philip Bowick, Ricardo Estornell (Worshipful Master), Graham Simons and Peter Johnson alongside Centre President Mrs Sylvia Tatnell MBE.

The June Edition of the revised Provincial Newsletter, Sol y Compás, has been published and distributed via Lodge Secretaries.

A Flipbook version is available which can be viewed on mobiles, tablets and PCs. A PDF version in English or Spanish may be downloaded from the links below.

21st June marks the beginning of astronomical summer. Commonly known as the Summer Solstice, the name derives from the Latin words “Sol” (sun) and “sistere” (to stand still), referring to the sun’s apparent pause at the peak of its northward journey across the sky.

Interesting Fact: in 2024, due to the leap year, the solstice actually fell on 20th June.

For thousands of years, cultures across the globe have observed the Summer Solstice with festivals and rituals—often involving bonfires. These celebrations are traditionally associated with the Feast Day of St John the Baptist, held on 24th June. Historically, this date aligned with the solstice on the Roman calendar.

Along the Mediterranean coast, the occasion is marked with vibrant parties, fireworks, and fires in honour of Sant Joan—and the Brethren of Oliva La Safor Lodge No. 112 certainly embraced the spirit of the season.

More than 40 members and their guests gathered at La Bresca Restaurant in Els Poblets to enjoy a Solstice Dinner beneath the Jacaranda trees in the garden’s charming surroundings.

Double click on the images to expand them

The sun, the most honoured guest of the evening, made its presence felt with temperatures soaring past 30°C. Thankfully, a refreshing sea breeze brought some relief.

Live entertainment was provided by Dave Manhatten, who serenaded the crowd with classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. A few adventurous guests even set aside their fans to take to the dance floor to the songs of Billy Ocean, The Drifters and The Monkees.

Despite the heat, the spirit of Charity remained at the forefront. A well-supported raffle raised €300 for the Lodge’s charity fund. Worshipful Master W. Bro. David Clarke offered thanks to all those in attendance, remarking:

“We are truly grateful to everyone who joined us this evening. We hope you’ve had a wonderful time. As always, we are humbled by your generosity, and I can assure you that every euro raised tonight will go towards supporting worthwhile causes in the Marina Alta region.”

As the sun finally dipped below the western horizon, the team from Oliva La Safor ensured that every guest left well-fed, well-refreshed, and filled with fond memories of an evening spent in warmth, fellowship and celebration.

On Tuesday 17^th June, Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 saw its first native Spanish speaking brother, W. Bro. Ricardo Estornell Canet, installed in the chair of King Solomon.  This is a milestone for the lodge as it is primarily an English-speaking lodge. The installation ceremony was conducted in Spanish to great aplomb by W. Bro. Philip Bowick (outgoing Master) and W. Bro. Ian Brown (Secretary) who were ably assisted by other Officers of the Lodge.

W. Bro. Ricardo has been a stalwart member of Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 for over 10 years and has progressed admirably through all the offices in the Lodge. He is one of the Lodge’s most loved brothers.

The Lodge was honoured to have the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. David Wynn, along with his Official Escort. R.W. Bro. Wynn congratulated the lodge and its members on an excellent installation ceremony, especially in a second language, and hoped that this landmark will encourage more Spanish speaking candidates to consider joining what have been primarily English speaking Lodges in Valencia.

En Español

¡Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 saluda a un nuevo Venerable Maestro – en Español!

El martes 17 de junio, Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 contó con su primer hermano nativo de habla hispana, W. Bro. Ricardo Estornell Canet, quien fue instalado en la silla del Rey Salomón. Este es un hito para la logia, ya que es principalmente una logia de habla inglesa. La ceremonia de instalación se llevó a cabo en español con gran aplomo por W. Bro. Philip Bowick (Maestro saliente) y W. Bro. Ian Brown (Secretario), contando con la valiosa asistencia de otros Oficiales de la logia.

W. Bro. Ricardo ha sido un miembro incondicional de Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 durante más de 10 años y ha progresado admirablemente a través de todos los cargos de la logia. Es uno de los hermanos más queridos.

La logia tuvo el honor de contar con la presencia del Gran Maestro Provincial Adjunto, R.W. Bro. David Wynn, junto con su Escolta Oficial. R.W. Bro. Wynn felicitó a la logia y a sus miembros por una excelente ceremonia de instalación, especialmente en un segundo idioma, y expresó la esperanza de que este hito incentive a más candidatos hispanohablantes a considerar unirse a lo que hasta ahora han sido logias predominantemente de habla inglesa en Valencia.

The Quesada Summer Lodges of Instruction commenced successfully today, with Worshipful Brother Chris Ward, Worshipful Master of the Installed Masters Lodge No.108, delivering a captivating lecture on the intriguing mysteries of the first degree.

The lecture inspired a lively and engaging discussion on Freemasonry, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. The Summer Lodges of Instruction offer a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Freemasonry’s multifaceted aspects, benefiting all Masons regardless of their level of experience.

Those interested in joining the Quesada Lodges of Instruction may contact W. Bro. Chris Ward at chr1sward@outlook.com.

• 3rd July 2025 – The Second Degree – The allegories behind the words (Open only to FCs and above)
• 17th July 2025 – The work of the Provincial Secretariat (Open to all)
• 31st July 2025 – The work of the Provincial Almoner (Open to all)
• 14th August 2025 – The Building of King Solomon’s Temple (Open to all)
• 28th August 2025 – The work of the Provincial Charity Steward (Open to all)
• 11th September 2025 – Preparing for the Chair – A Warden’s Seminar (Open to all)