On 21st June 2026, the Brethren, partners and friends of Oliva La Safor Lodge No. 112 gathered at the beautiful Xironets Restaurant in Els Poblets for their annual Summer Solstice Dinner — an evening filled with fellowship, symbolism and sunshine in every sense.

The President, W. Bro. David Clarke welcomed a total of 36 guests who enjoyed a superb three‑course dinner, accompanied by the unmistakable voice and easy charm of Dave Manhattan, whose live music set the perfect tone for a relaxed midsummer celebration. The atmosphere was warm, convivial and unmistakably Masonic: good food, good company and good purpose.

The evening’s raffle, generously supported with a wide array of prizes, added excitement and friendly competition. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of all present, the event raised over 300€ in support of the Centro de Marina Alta, continuing the Lodge’s strong commitment to strengthening our Masonic home in the region.

The Solstice: A Moment of Light and Meaning

The Summer Solstice has long held a special place in the Masonic calendar. It marks the moment when light reaches its fullest expression, symbolising clarity, renewal and the triumph of knowledge over darkness. It is a time when Freemasons reflect on the principles of enlightenment, the steady pursuit of truth, and the bonds that unite us as a fraternity.

Celebrating together on this day reminds us that, just as the sun reaches its highest point, so too should we strive to elevate our actions, our charity and our commitment to one another. The evening at Xironets captured that spirit perfectly — a gathering where harmony, generosity and joy were as abundant as the midsummer light.

Oliva La Safor Lodge No. 112 extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, contributed and supported the event. The Summer Solstice Dinner once again proved to be a highlight of the Masonic year: a moment of unity, celebration and purpose as we continue our journey together toward greater light.

Nine members of the Stewards Lodge, accompanied by their partners and led by our intrepid Provincial Grand Master, Rodney Bignell, together with his wife Jeanette, embarked on our annual pilgrimage to the beautiful shores of Lake Como on 12th June.

Unfortunately, our Worshipful Master, David Wynn, and regular attendee David Somerset were unable to join us due to health reasons and were greatly missed throughout the week.

After flying into Milan, we travelled by coach along the stunning lakeside roads to the Hotel Bazzoni in Tremezzo. The hotel provided magnificent views across the lake, with rooms overlooking the water – a perfect setting for the week ahead.

The week offered a variety of activities to suit every taste. Many members explored charming lakeside towns such Bellagio and Varenna, while others visited the spectacular gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbienolla. For the more adventurous, a memorable excursion on the Bernina Railway to St. Moritz provided breathtaking alpine scenery, glaciers and mountain vistas.

Sunday morning saw the traditional Lodge of Instruction take place, featuring a First Degree Ceremony. The standout performance came from our Master Elect, Paul Nicholls, who delivered the Charge after Initiation almost word-perfect despite having had very little time to prepare.

On Tuesday evening, members gathered on the hotel’s upper terrace for a delightful barbecue, enjoying excellent food, good company and stunning views as the sun set over the lake.

One of the undoubted highlights of the week was the murder mystery evening, Murder on Lake Como, expertly organised by Paul and Helen Nicholls. Armed with only a little background information and guidance on costume, everyone enthusiastically embraced their roles and entered into the spirit of the occasion. After much investigation, intrigue and accusation, the culprit was finally revealed to be Monica, a Tuscan mafiosa wife, otherwise known as Coral Guise-Smith. The award for Best Detective went to Sophia Orsini (Margaret March), while the accolade for Best Actor was awarded to the notorious Mafia Don Farnesa, brilliantly portrayed by Brian McCardle. The evening provided plenty of laughter and will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

The week concluded in traditional Masonic style with a splendid Black-Tie Gala Dinner. This provided an opportunity not only to reflect on a wonderful week of friendship and fellowship but also to thank our hosts, Ross and Doriana, for their exceptional hospitality. On behalf of everyone present, Peter Johnson presented Doriana with a bouquet of flowers as a token of our appreciation.

As we made our journey home, there was unanimous agreement that the week had been another outstanding success. It provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships, enjoy each other’s company, sample some excellent food and wine, and create many happy memories in one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. We are already looking forward to next year’s adventure.

Here is a selection of photographs from the event. Please double click to expand the images.

Report by W. Bro. Malcolm March

Dear Brethren

As we break into our summer activities, we reflect on how it is of the utmost importance that truth, honour and upright intentions remain with us throughout out Masonic Lives. When we look in the mirror in order to shave, ensure that the face that looks back is one that you are content with. Masonry is all about making good men better and I implore you to remember and treat it as such.

It is too easy to be tempted to waver from our Masonic teachings for whatever reason – Robby Burns summed it up with:

“Is there, for honest poverty,
That hings his head, an' a' that?
The coward slave, we pass him by,
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure, an' a' that;
The rank is but the guinea's stamp;
The man's the gowd for a' that.”

Our Masonic teachings inform us to hold firm on our principles, to do the right thing, even if sometimes it seems difficult to do so. The face staring back in the shaving mirror will then be a contented one.

With fraternal best wishes

R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell
Provincial Grand Master of Valencia

Queridos Hermanos

Al adentrarnos en nuestras actividades estivales, recordemos que es de suma importancia que la verdad, el honor y las rectas intenciones permanezcan con nosotros a lo largo de toda nuestra vida masónica. Cuando nos miramos al espejo para afeitarnos, asegurémonos de que el rostro que nos devuelve la mirada sea uno con el que estemos satisfechos. La Masonería trata de hacer que los hombres buenos sean mejores, y os ruego que lo recordéis y lo tratéis siempre como tal.

Es demasiado fácil sentir la tentación de apartarse de nuestras enseñanzas masónicas por cualquier motivo.

Robby Burns lo expresó así:

¿Hay, por la pobreza honrada,
quien humille la cabeza y todo lo demás?
Al acobardado, le damos de lado.
¡Nos atrevemos a ser pobres a pesar de todo!
A pesar de los pesares,
de nuestras oscuras labores y todo lo demás,
el rango no es sino el troquel de la moneda,
el hombre es el oro, a pesar de todo eso .”

Nuestras enseñanzas masónicas nos instruyen a mantenernos firmes en nuestros principios, a hacer lo correcto incluso cuando a veces parezca difícil hacerlo. Entonces, el rostro que nos mire desde el espejo del afeitado será uno satisfecho.

Con mis mejores deseos fraternales

R.H. Rodney Charles Bignell
Gran Maestro Provincial de Valencia

The Province enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, sunshine and great food on Saturday 6th June, as the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No. 154 hosted a Provincial BBQ Party at the International Club, El Campello, Alicante.

Around 100 Brethren, families and friends gathered for what proved to be one of the most successful social events of the year. The weather could not have been better, and guests relaxed in the sunshine while enjoying a sumptuous BBQ, live music, and the easy company that makes our Provincial gatherings so special.

The event also carried an important charitable purpose. Thanks to the generosity of all who attended, we hope to have raised around 1,000€ in support of the ongoing development of the Centro de Marina Alta, the new Masonic home in Ondara.

Speaking after the event, W. Bro. Richard Davis, Secretary of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge, said:

“It was a joy to see so many Brethren and families coming together in such good spirits. The laughter, the music and the sense of unity reminded us exactly what makes our Province so strong. To raise funds for the Centro de Marina Alta at the same time was the icing on the cake.”

The Province extends its sincere thanks to the Stewards Lodge for their hard work and organisation, and to everyone who attended and contributed to a memorable and meaningful day.

Photographs: W. Bro. Jorge Prieto Cueto

En Español

Gran Barbacoa Provincial en El Campello Reúne a Cien Asistentes

El sábado 6 de junio, la Provincia disfrutó de una magnífica jornada de fraternidad y convivencia durante la Barbacoa Provincial, organizada por la Logia de Grandes Mayordomos Provinciales Nº 154 en el International Club de El Campello, Alicante.

Alrededor de 100 hermanos, familiares y amigos se reunieron para compartir una tarde memorable. El tiempo acompañó de forma excepcional, creando el ambiente perfecto para disfrutar de una exquisita barbacoa, música en directo y la compañía fraternal que caracteriza a nuestros encuentros provinciales.

Además del aspecto social, el evento tuvo un importante propósito benéfico. Gracias a la generosidad de los asistentes, esperamos haber recaudado en torno a 1.000 € destinados al desarrollo del nuevo Centro de Marina Alta, el futuro hogar masonico en Ondara.

Tras la celebración, W. Bro. Richard Davis, Secretario de la Logia de Grandes Mayordomos Provinciales, expresó:

“Fue un verdadero placer ver a tantos hermanos y familias reunidos con tan buen ánimo. La música, las risas y el espíritu de unidad reflejaron lo mejor de nuestra Provincia. Poder contribuir al Centro de Marina Alta al mismo tiempo hizo que la jornada fuera aún más especial.”

La Provincia agradece sinceramente a la Logia de Grandes Mayordomos Provinciales por su excelente organización, así como a todos los que asistieron y colaboraron para hacer de este día un éxito.

Fotografias: V.H. Jorge Prieto Cueto

A Summer Party for the Lodge will take place on 28th June at Casa del Pizza. The evening will include live music from Renegades, a Quiz, and a BBQ with a vegetarian option.

The cost is 30€ per person, including two drinks. Please bring cash which will be collected on the day.

Traditionally, the Ladies have provided the Postres, and it is hoped this custom will continue. Members are encouraged to ask them kindly. The event is open to all Lodges, family and friends!

A prompt confirmation of attendance is requested to allow arrangements to be finalised in good time.

For questions or car‑sharing coordination, contact Jim Campbell at jamescampbell317@gmail.com or 630 475 468.

With warm fraternal wishes

W. Bro. Jim Campbell

Puerto de Xàbia 58 – Fiesta de Verano – ¡Reserva ahora!

Una Fiesta de Verano de la Logia tendrá lugar el 28 de junio en Casa del Pizza. La velada incluirá música en directo de Renegades, un Quiz y una barbacoa con opción vegetariana.

El coste es de 30€ por persona, e incluye dos bebidas. Por favor, traiga efectivo, que se recogerá el mismo día.

Tradicionalmente, las Damas han aportado los Postres, y se espera que esta costumbre continúe. Se anima a los miembros a pedirles su colaboración con amabilidad. ¡El evento está abierto a todas las Logias, así como a familiares y amigos!

Se ruega una confirmación rápida de asistencia para poder finalizar los preparativos con tiempo.

Para preguntas o coordinación de compartir coche, puede contactar con Jim Campbell en jamescampbell317@gmail.com o en el 630 475 468.

Con cálidos saludos fraternales

V. H. Jim Campbell

The Provincial Charity Golf Tournament 2026 took place on 28th May at the beautiful Bonalba Golf Resort in Mutxamel, Alicante, bringing together an impressive field of 21 teams — 84 players in total — drawn from Lodge members, Valencian golf societies and Bonalba’s own membership.

It was the fifth consecutive year the Tournament has been hosted at Bonalba, and once again the event proved bigger, better and more successful than ever.

A Perfect Day for Golf

Players enjoyed glorious sunshine and a course presented in excellent condition. Bonalba continues to undergo significant improvements, including upgrades to the lakes, greens and the magnificent new clubhouse and restaurant. Further enhancements to the final nine greens and the irrigation system will begin in June, supporting Bonalba’s ambition to become the premier golf course in the region.

A picnic lunch was provided on the course, and the day concluded with a relaxed Prize Presentation and cocktails on the outdoor terrace overlooking the fairways.

Supporting Charity in Our Community

Thanks to the generosity of our players, sponsors and Bonalba Golf Resort, the Tournament hopes to have raised in excess of 6,000€ for the Provincial Charity Fund. These funds will be used to support the Centro de Marina Alta as well as other worthy causes across the Province.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, including:

• Golden Leaves International
• C & M Plumbing (Jacob Magnussen)
• Green Parrot Tourism (Haakon Ellingsen)
• District Mark Grand Lodge
• Provincial Grand Chapter
• and many Craft Lodges in Valencia who contributed so generously.

We are especially grateful to Bonalba Golf Resort for their outstanding hospitality, the use of their superb facilities, their support in sharing green‑fee income, and their donation of several magnificent prizes.

And finally, our sincere thanks go to all the players, both returning and new, whose enthusiasm and generosity make this event possible each year.

Prize Presentation Committee

• R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, Provincial Grandmaster
• Jean Paul Le Roux, President, Bonalba Resort
• Juan Alberto Albert, Competitions Director, Bonalba Resort
• W. Bro. Richard Davis, Master of Ceremonies

Competition Results

• Winning Team – Scratch (39 points) – Nick Panter, Mick Ellis, David Isaac, Cheryl Isaac
• Winning Team – Handicap (49 points) – Steve Smith, John Fahy, Robin Bailey, Jack Michaels
• Leading Masonic Team & John Harvey Memorial Trophy (45 points) – Ian Skipper, Zoilo Gomez Cabrera, Jose Miguel Miralles Saez, David Cervera Usedo

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another outstanding day of golf, fellowship and charitable giving.

Photographs: W. Bro. Jorge Prieto Cueto

En Español

Torneo Provincial de Golf Benéfico 2026 – Un Día Récord en Bonalba

El Torneo Provincial de Golf Benéfico 2026 se celebró el 28 de mayo en el precioso Bonalba Golf Resort en Mutxamel, Alicante, reuniendo a un impresionante grupo de 21 equipos — 84 jugadores en total — procedentes de miembros de Logias, sociedades de golf valencianas y del propio club de Bonalba.

Fue el quinto año consecutivo en que el Torneo se celebró en Bonalba y, una vez más, el evento resultó ser más grande, mejor y más exitoso que nunca.

Un Día Perfecto para Jugar al Golf

Los jugadores disfrutaron de un sol radiante y de un campo presentado en excelentes condiciones. Bonalba continúa llevando a cabo importantes mejoras, incluyendo la renovación de lagos, greenes y su magnífico nuevo clubhouse y restaurante. En junio comenzarán nuevas mejoras en los últimos nueve greenes y en el sistema de riego, apoyando la ambición de Bonalba de convertirse en el campo de golf líder de la región.

Se ofreció un almuerzo tipo picnic en el campo, y la jornada concluyó con una relajada Entrega de Premios y cócteles en la terraza exterior con vistas a las calles.

Apoyando a la Caridad en Nuestra Comunidad

Gracias a la generosidad de nuestros jugadores, patrocinadores y Bonalba Golf Resort, el Torneo espera haber recaudado más de 6.000€ para el Fondo Provincial de Caridad. Estos fondos se destinarán a apoyar el Centro de Marina Alta, así como otras causas benéficas en toda la Provincia.

Expresamos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a nuestros patrocinadores, entre ellos:

• Golden Leaves International
• C & M Plumbing (Jacob Magnussen)
• Green Parrot Tourism (Haakon Ellingsen)
• District Mark Grand Lodge
• Provincial Grand Chapter
• y muchas Logias de Masonería en Valencia que contribuyeron tan generosamente

Estamos especialmente agradecidos a Bonalba Golf Resort por su extraordinaria hospitalidad, el uso de sus magníficas instalaciones, su apoyo compartiendo los ingresos de green‑fee y su donación de varios premios excepcionales.

Y finalmente, nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a todos los jugadores, tanto los que regresan cada año como los nuevos, cuya entusiasmo y generosidad hacen posible este evento.

Comité de Entrega de Premios

• R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, Gran Maestro Provincial
• Jean Paul Le Roux, Presidente, Bonalba Resort
• Juan Alberto Albert, Director de Competiciones, Bonalba Resort
• W. Bro. Richard Davis, Maestro de Ceremonias

Resultados de la Competición

• Equipo Ganador – Scratch (39 puntos) – Nick Panter, Mick Ellis, David Isaac, Cheryl Isaac
• Equipo Ganador – Hándicap (49 puntos) – Steve Smith, John Fahy, Robin Bailey, Jack Michaels
• Mejor Equipo Masónico & Trofeo Memorial John Harvey (45 puntos) – Ian Skipper, Zoilo Gómez Cabrera, José Miguel Miralles Sáez, David Cervera Usedo

Esperamos dar la bienvenida a todos de nuevo el próximo año para otro día excepcional de golf, fraternidad y solidaridad.

Fotografias: V.H. Jorge Prieto Cueto