In these extremely difficult times, the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia,  Right Worshipful Brother Rodney Charles Bignell, has urged his Freemasons’ Lodges to support food banks within the Province of Valencia as much as possible.

Following recent Masonic donations of firstly, two thousand euros to the San Gabriel in Alicante and secondly, seven hundred and fifty euros to Reach Out in Torrevieja, the Provincial Grand Master decided to assist another food bank operating in the City of Valencia, this time the Amigos de la Calle.

Brother Andres, the Charity Steward from White River Lodge 153, recently visited Amigos de la Calle following a donation of one thousand euros to assist them with purchasing food and clothing for their invaluable work in helping the homeless of the City.

Starting as a group of friends to feed 70 homeless people, Amigos de la Calle now operates with 7 teams of volunteers to feed 700 people every Sunday,  gives boxes of food to 200 families with financial problems every 15 days, plus provides essential clothing.

The annual trip to Lake Como through the Provincial Stewards lodge, run by the Provincial Grand Master and his Lady is a wonderful experience. While you are in this beautiful part of the world, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery which surrounds the magnificent lake Como.

The trip is not all relaxation and enjoyment, as at the Gala Evening which is held in the hotel restaurant, the charitable side of masonry comes into effect. The generosity of the Brethren is always amazing to see, with this year proving no different, with 790€ being raised.

Also the Provincial Grand Master had great pleasure to announce that an amount of 5000€ from the Masonic Homes of Valencia, had also been donated to the the Provincial Grand Masters Charity.

The worthy Charity that is being supported by the Provincial Grand Master is to Help the Homeless and Hungry in the Province of Valencia, with the money that has been raised on this trip will help to assist so many people.

Recently, the new Provincial Grand Master of Valencia, RW Bro Rodney Bignell, informed local Lodges of the four principal charities he wished to support this year. Further to that request, by donating to his chosen Charities, helping food banks etc.

“On 4th July local Freemason’s Lodge Old Tower number 49 were able to assist the Provincial Grand Master by distributing their donation, of seven hundred and fifty euros, in supporting food banks in the Valencia region. The Old Tower Lodge Charity Steward, carried out a food shop with “Reach Out”, one of the designated charities. “Reach Out” provide food parcels for families in need and also provide hot food and showers for the homeless. The hard work that all of the volunteers carry out, help the needy in the Torrevieja area.”

Oliva La Safor Lodge held a very successful Ladies’ Night on Friday 24th June at Salones Curascco in Javea. where The Worshipful Master, Ken Cornforth and his lady, Corinne, welcomed Brethren and guests. In keeping with the time of year, the theme was a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’  with many entering into the spirit by wearing Carnival masks and dream catchers were presented to all the Ladies to add to the ambience.

Music was provided by ‘Chill Factor’ and everyone agreed it was an excellent occasion.

On a beautiful summers evening, on Saturday 25th June, with the sun setting in a crimson, western sky, and a gentle breeze to cool the heat of the day, members of Logia de las Salinas No 79 gathered at the restaurant  ‘La Cosecha’ in Benijofar  for their ‘Ladies Summer evening’, which was organised by Brother Malcolm and Mrs Ann Mander-James supported by their daughter Nina, this was the lodge’s first formal gather since pre – COVID. Settling down to dine at a feast fit for Royalty, the diners being serenaded by the fabulous Vocalist “Woody” with a medley of songs from across the years.

Over forty guests who had enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the small patio, surrounded by the strutting Peacocks and rare breed chickens were called to dinner by the Master of Ceremonies Worshipful Brother John Edwards, at seven-twenty sharp, Worshipful Brother John Chandler offered grace.

Between the main course and desert the Toast to the king was proposed by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Brian McArdle, the toast to the Ladies was proposed by Worshipful Brother Clifford Gingell, who gave some words of wisdom to the Brethren.  The ‘Ladies  Song,’ was sung by Worshipful Brother Colin Harlow who was in fine voice who followed this with a rendition of ‘Roses in Picardy’ whilst Brothers Mike Scott and Andrew Flowers presented a red rose to each of the ladies, receiving a kiss in return from each lady.

After the formalities were over Worshipful Brother Terry Sharley received good wishes from all on the occasion of his Birthday, The music moved up in tempo and the dancing began, the dancing was led by three ladies who would rather remain anonymous, (but we know who they are), They thoroughly enjoyed every minute, the dance floor remained a moving mass of people enjoying a good night out.

As the evening drew to a close the final act was to draw the raffle which raised 445 euros which will be donated to a local charity in the near future.

Once again Our thanks go to Malcolm and Ann for all their efforts it organising a wonderful evening.

PROVINCIAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 2022

On Friday the 17th of June at the Bonalba Golf & Spa Resort, Mutxamel, near Alicante, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell, hosted this year’s Provincial Charity Golf Tournament.

The PGM and his Wardens

Registration opened at 8am and, after a  quick practice at the nets for some, all 82 players were at their allotted tee for the “Charity Pairs Texas Scramble”. At 9am there was a pre-arranged “shotgun”start and play began from every tee.

The weather was fantastic, but very hot for the players, and with temperatures reaching the mid thirties refreshment was essential and regularly available.  After 4 to 5 hours play, it was back to the clubhouse for a well deserved drink, the prize giving, and the charity raffle, followed by tapas and refreshments.

This year’s winners of the the John William Harvey Memorial Trophy  were W.Bro. David Beale and W.Bro.  Paul Burleston of Old Tower Lodge No 49.  W.Bro.Terry Sharley and Bro. David Mullet, also of Old Tower Lodge, came a close second.

The best Score of the day was 47 Points by Barry Purvis and Lee Brown of Woodstock Golf Society.

The Provincial Grand Master was delighted that the event raised a total of € 2,185

The Province sends its sincere thanks to the players, and to the Bonalba Golf Club for providing a wonderful course, plus their facilities and support, the greens were cut to perfection  Bonalba Golf & Spa website

None of this would have been possible without W.Bro. Mike Wyatt’s golfing knowledge and organisational skills, W.Bro. Richard Davis of Santa Faz Lodge No48, who was our host at the Bonalaba Golf Club, and Bro. John Lonsdale’s ongoing support. They were aided by a small band of keen helpers both before the event and on the day, particuarly Jill Wyatt, Sue Lonsdale, and Helen Lovell.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the Sponsers and Prize Givers who are listed below.

Together, you will allow us to provide essential financial help to the PGM’s Charities supporting children and adolescents across the Province. These are :

• Elche Children’s Care home
• El Preventorio de Gandia Children’s Home
• Raquel Paya Colegio de Educacion Especial, Denia
• Colegio Nazaret, Alicante

Finally, I would like to add my personal thanks to everyone. It was a hot day, we all did our best, and we all enjoyed it. Looking ahead, let’s make 2023 bigger and better!

W.Bro. Malcolm March
Provincial Grand Charity Steward.

 Thank you to our Sponsers

• Golf Hotshots
• Sapphire Properties
• Edi Rent a Car
• Mike Probart
• Santa Faz Lodge No 48

Thank you for donations of Green Fees and Prizes

• Bonalba Hotel
• Altorreal Golf
• Alenda Golf Club
• Vista Bella Golf
• Oliva Nova Golf
• Campbell Lamont Golf