Este año, la respetable Logia Germanies nº 8 ha colaborado, como ya hizo el año anterior, con el proyecto “El árbol de los deseos” de la asociación benéfica Ca La Mare, que opera en la zona de Catarrosa y Albal con niños de familias en exclusión.

Esta colaboración ha consistido en acompañar a personas de esta asociación y comprar juguetes y oros artículos de una lista que la entidad facilita teniendo en cuenta las cartas de los niños a los reyes Magos, para que les sean entregados el día de Reyes.

Giovanna Rodríguez Tirado, Presidenta de la Asociación ha manifestado su agradecimiento a la Respetable Logia Germanies nº 8 y ha posado junto con su Venerable Maestro y su Hermano Tesorero, quienes han llevado esta acción solidaria en representación de la misma.

This year, local Freemasons Lodge, Germanies No. 8, has collaborated, as it did in the previous year, with the project “The Tree of Desires” inaugurated by the charity ‘Ca La Mare’, which operates mainly in the area of Catarroja and Albal and supports children from families less fortunate than ourselves.

This collaboration has consisted of accompanying people from this association and buying toys, and other items from a list, that the entity provides, taking into account the children’s letters to the Three Kings, so that they may be delivered to them on the day of Three Kings.

Giovanna Rodríguez Tirado, President of the Association, thanked the Respectable Lodge Germanies No. 8 and posed, together with the Worshipful Master and Treasurer of the Lodge, who have carried out this solidarity action on its behalf.

Local Freemasonry, in general, has not had a good year. Virtually all of our meetings have had to be cancelled, along with our usual social events and our many charity events.

Oliva La Safor Lodge however, has had an even worse year. Not only has it been closed down, along with the rest of Spanish Masonry, but, after only being able to have three physical meetings, our newly installed Worshipful Master, WBro. Colin Williams passed away shortly before Christmas.

Following a number of virtual meetings, held over the Internet, it was decided that, in Colin’s name, Oliva La Safor Lodge would make a charity donation of eight hundred euros to some of the neediest people in the area.

Four hundred euros were given to four families in the village of Beniarbeig, Alicante. These families were picked by the charity organisation Amigos de Beniarbeig, in association with local Social Services.

These gifts, in the form of one hundred euro vouchers for Carrefour supermarket, were given to Amigos in early January and immediately handed over to the four families in time for them to use the money for clothes, and other items for the children in time for the Three Kings celebration.

The donation was handed over by WBro. Ian Skipper, the Lodge charity steward and Bro. David Clarke, who is a resident of the village.

The second gift will be given to other needy families in a village in the Valencia area at a later date.

Attached photo of the presentation. Bro David Clarke is on the left, WBro Ian Skipper on the right with Sally representing Amigos Beniarbeig in the centre.

This year has seen a great increase in the number of local families who are struggling financially, particularly due to the various lockdowns and the general restrictions placed on both businesses and families.  So, when the Javea based Red Cross launched an appeal for Christmas presents, for needy children, our “Dinner Ladies” set to and raised a magnificent sum of more than seven hundred euros.

The ‘Dinner Ladies’ are the wives and partners of the Freemasons of Javea Lodge No 40.

This fantastic sum was enough to fill twenty large bags with gifts for the boys and girls aged between three and sixteen years.

Pictured here is Mrs Margaret March with Mrs Muriel Shilan the wife of our Provincial Grand Master, and RW Bro Michael Shilan himself, whose shop, “Humpty Dumpty”, received some of the many gifts. Shown here with the car loaded ready to deliver to the Red Cross depot in Javea.

Margaret and the Red Cross wish to thank all the Ladies for their generosity.  RW Bro Michael Shilan also congratulated the ladies on their tremendous effort. Hopefully, these children will have a better Christmas than they would otherwise have had.  Many, many thanks to all the generous and warm-hearted donors who gave so many gifts.

During the very hard year that many of us have recently suffered our thoughts are naturally turning towards happier times: the upcoming Christmas season and, in particular, the children who will enjoy that very special day. Unfortunately, there are still many children who will not be able to celebrate as well as the rest of us. It is these children whom we most want to help.

As a result, several local Freemason’s Lodges including Caledonian Lodge, Las Salinas Lodge and Torrevieja Installed Master’s Lodge have arranged collections and donations to try and help them as much as possible. One such initiative was started by WBro Freddie Samrai and his wife Carole, who organized a “Christmas Shoebox Drive” for the Cruz Roja in Torrevieja, ie to collect shoeboxes filled with toys for the under privileged children of Torrevieja. After doing this for several years this has now become something of an annual event.

Fortunately, many of our friends and Brothers have very big hearts and more than one hundred boxes have now been donated. So, it is hoped that many more children will have at least one present to open on Christmas morning, even in these very difficult times. Children are our future and this generosity will hopefully give them some good and happy memories. All this has only been made possible by the kindness of so many good and generous people. So, to all of you a very big thank you on behalf of all of these under privileged children of Torrevieja.

During these strange and difficult times, when Coronavirus has caused so many problems to so many people, it has become increasingly difficult for local Freemasons to raise and distribute money for the many needy and worthy charities in the Province of Valencia.  Almost all of our meetings have been, and continue to be, for the foreseeable future, completely suspended under the current lockdown regulations.  Unfortunately, this means that our social and charity events have ceased almost completely.  However, the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia, RW Bro Michael Shilan, has determined that as much help as possible should continue to be given.  Local Masons are nothing if not ingenious, and so some important donations have continued to be made.

Recently, Worshipful Master, W Bro Ted Cooper, and the Brethren of Dama de Elche Lodge No 163, have donated one thousand litres of fuel oil to the Elche Children’s Home for the provision of heating and hot water to keep the home, and especially the children, who range from eight to eighteen years old, warm in the coming winter months.  This will be the tenth year of Masonic support for this home.  Donations have also been made to Paul Cunningham Nurses and DEBRA (butterfly children).

The Worshipful Master of Regeneracion Lodge No 132, W Bro Martin Jiminez, together with Germanies No 08, Genesis No 61 and White River No 153 Lodges, have been collecting food and non-perishable goods for the Valencian Food Bank.

The Freemasons of local Lodge, Arenal Deportiva No 65, have made a donation of two thousand euros to the Raquel Payá special needs school.  This will pay for much needed new uniforms for the staff which now need to be replaced much more often, due to the now increased need for more frequent cleaning.  This is one of the charities selected for support by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, RW Bro Danny Coburn during his now extended year in Office.

Recently, Javea Lodge No 40 presented local charity ‘Todos Juntos Jávea’ with a cheque for two thousand, five hundred euros to pay for the installation of a hot and cold air conditioning system at the Jávea Autism Association centre.   Visiting the centre, W Bro Malcolm March, Worshipful Master of Javea 40, together with W Bro Peter Farrell the Lodge’s Charity Steward, presented a cheque to Raquel Maldonado, one of the therapists.

The Worshipful Master of Santa Faz Lodge No 48, W Bro Greg Hustler and the Brethren of the Lodge have started their Christmas Children’s Charity appeal – “Add a little extra to your basket”, in conjunction with the International Club, and are collecting any non-perishable food for the Cruz Roja in the El Campello area. This will make a huge difference to those who are unable to afford such items during this Pandemic.

Caledonian Lodge No 68, under Worshipful Master Melvyn Young, have donated two hundred euros to the Butterfly Children’s charity, DEBRA.  This was raised from the collected ticket money for their Annual Ball after it was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.  A fantastic effort from all.

W Bro Freddie Samrai of Caledonian Lodge No 68 and his wife Carole are providing the Cruz Roja with Christmas Gifts for Children, including filling many, many shoe boxes full of toys, in order that each child shall receive at least some Christmas presents.

There have been many more donations from our members from Lodges all over the Province which are just too many to detail. We will continue to try and help those charities most in need until we are able to resume our normal activities.

Some pictures of the Valencian Food Bank drive.

Local Freemasons help Jávea Autism Association  

Recently, the Javea 40 Freemason’s Lodge presented local charity ‘Todos Juntos Jávea’ with a cheque for two thousand, five hundred euros to pay for the installation of an air conditioning system at the Jávea Autism Association centre.  Visiting the centre, W Bro Malcolm March, Worshipful Master of Javea 40, together with W Bro Peter Farrell the Lodge’s Charity Steward presented a cheque to Raquel Maldonado, one of the therapists.

Malcolm said that in these difficult times and working within all the coronavirus restrictions, local Freemason’s took great pride in continuing their charitable activities. He said that he had been surprised and shocked to discover that the autism centre had been operating without a satisfactory heating or cooling system. With winter rapidly approaching, he said that Javea 40 had been very pleased to arrange for this to be fitted in order to improve the working conditions for all the young people and their dedicated team of therapists.

Forty-four children, teenagers and young adults, together with their therapists, were attending for therapy, in a large apartment, supplied by the Ayuntamiento, with no heating or air conditioning.  We can all understand how unbearable this must have been in the harsh heat of summer and now as the cold winter months approach. The centre, which was set up in 2015 with 19 children, has rapidly increased in numbers.  While the families pay for the therapists and there is some help from the Ayuntamiento, the Jávea Autism Association relies upon charitable donations, particularly from Todos Juntos Jávea for much of the essential equipment and support.

Last year local Freemasons donated two thousand euros to set up a multi-sensorial stimulation room at the autism centre and Malcolm March said that Javea 40 would continue to provide additional support in future whenever possible. He was proud and thankful that Masonry had been able to help and make a much valued improvement to the lives of these children and young adults.

WM R.W Bro Danny Coburn.

R.W Bro Danny Coburn.

The Freemasons of local Lodge, Arenal Deportiva, have made a donation of two thousand euros to the Raquel Payá special needs school. This is one of the charities selected for support by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Right Worshipful Brother Danny Coburn during his now extended year in Office.

Due to the requirements of the school in normal times and in particular at present, and particularly to the many hardships and problems caused by the current coronavirus pandemic, there are many more calls on the school’s very limited funds than would be expected.  In particular there is a greater demand than usual for staff uniforms which, as you can imagine, are very heavily used and need washing twice per day.  This means that each of the one hundred staff, need two uniforms, a total of four thousand.  These cost forty euros each! So, it is no small undertaking to constantly supply new, clean uniforms.

When the Masons of the Lodge heard of this, they felt they should offer immediate help.  A special vote was held between all members, as there would not be possible to attend a Lodge meeting due to the ongoing lock-down.  The Masons all voted in favour of making this immediate donation to help the school.  In addition to a generous donation of two thousand euros from the Masonic Homes of Valencia organisation, the Lodge agreed to donate a further donation of two thousand euros to permit the purchase of the full four thousand uniforms required.  These will be given in the immediate future.

Local Freemasons Lodge, White River No 153, recently attended the Per Ells school for Children with special needs in Turis,* to celebrate the Tres Reyes Festival, deliver gifts and hopefully spread a little joy to the school children, and the young at heart who attend the centre. As many will know, this celebration to commemorate the arrival of the three wise men is more important to Spanish children as this is when most receive presents.

All were gathered at the centre entrance, eager to get a glimpse of the three Kings, as they arrived particularly as they were delivering sweets. This is a tradition that has been celebrated in Spain for many centuries, and also in most Spanish speaking countries in the West. The three kings were actually Freemasons dressed for the part and joined by one member of staff.

This Lodge has been coordinating this activity for the last six years and in, addition to presenting gifts to the children, the Lodge supports the school financially, with several large donations over the past six years for building improvements, maintenance, etc.

The Freemasons dressed as the Kings were WBro Keith Alcock and New Mason Bob Harris. The third King was played by a member of staff at the centre.

Together with most of their ladies, the group included W Bro’s Ian Skipper, Adrian Brooks, Keith Alcock, Frank Wallace, David Watts, Sergio Svalina and our new Initiates Bro’s Andres Massa and Bob Harris.

Each of the children and youngsters received a present or two and enjoyed the celebrations as do all Spanish children at this time of the year.

*(Per Ells – Amics del discapacitat de Turis – check www.perells.com)

Recently Freemasons of Caledonia Lodge visited the San Jose Obrero Orphanage, in Orihuela, to present them with a surprise Christmas gift of one thousand euros for the benefit of the children.

W Bro Ian Bullock had the pleasure of sitting down with the Director of the orphanage Sr. Vicente Martínez Agulló, who informed him of the history and many achievements of the San Jose Obrero Foundation over recent years.

They now care for and house eighty orphans, of all nationalities, and there is also a day centre with twenty-four places available for children who have  very few other resources. Most of these children arrive at five in the afternoon, do their homework, shower and have dinner before going back to sleep in their own homes.  They also provide sheltered accommodation for young people, helping them to make the transition from orphanage life to becoming self-sufficient in the outside world a little easier.  A very important function as the transition is never easy.

The San Jose Obrero Orphanage is also responsible for the running of the local school, which four hundred children from the Orihuela district attend. In addition, they operate skills workshops in carpentry, hairdressing and car mechanics, which offer a full four years of very useful training with fully qualified staff. After these four years they are able to obtain a Certificate of Competence before leaving the home and hopefully finding gainful employment within local industry.

The motto of the organisation is “No One Grows up Alone”.

Local Freemasons, W.Bro Ian Bullock, the Immediate Past Master of Caledonia Lodge, and W.Bro David James, the Lodge Charity Steward, are seen in the photograph presenting  the Director, Sr. Vicente Martínez Agulló with the gift of one thousand euros, in the form of Primark vouchers, for the benefit of the children of San Jose Obrero Orphanage in Orihuela, on the 23 December 2019.

Recently local Freemason, Freddie Samrai, and his wife Carol, organized a “CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX DRIVE” for the underprivileged children of Torrevieja.

With much support from other Lodges, over one hundred and seventy boxes have now been donated.  A private donation of a children´s car seat, booster seats, push chairs and various other children’s items was also made.  Hopefully, every child will now have a gift to open on Christmas morning.  All of the other Lodges, already support many other charitable causes but, have found it in their hearts to dig just a little deeper to help these children. The whole experience has left many of them very emotional with the over whelming generosity of so, so many kind people.  THANK YOU all very much on behalf of the children of Torrevieja.

The money from the Lodges was raised by holding raffles, theme events, BBQ’s and many other individual private events. They were kind enough to donate some of these monies to the “CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX DRIVE.”

At this point everything went into over-drive and many people started to donate independently.  All of these boxes were given to Alimentos Solodarios de Torrevieja who will give these out to the children on Christmas Day.

Many thanks must be offered to the following Lodges who donated; including  White River Lodge, Dama de Elche Lodge, Old Tower Lodge, the Installed Masters Lodge, Torrevieja Chapter and Caledonia Lodge. Donations were also received from Salvador Artesano, Torrevieja Christmas Shop San Luis, and many other anonymous donors.