Santa´s Little Helpers!

The members of the Provincial DANA Flood Relief Committee were delighted to attend the last day of term at the CEIP El Rajolar primary school in Aldaia, the town in the flood disaster area where we have been concentrating our relief efforts.  5 Brethren, RW Bro Rodney Bignell PGM, and W. Bro´s, Matthew James, Peter Johnson, Sergio Pereira and Chris Ward, all suitably attired, were welcomed by the Principle and teachers. Toys and sweets have been donated to the relief fund by Lodges, individual Brethren, the Costa Blanca Golf Society and most importantly, Provincial Royal Arch Chapter who donated the majority of the toys. The children range from 2 years to 11 years and each child will receive a lovely gift from the Masons of Valencia at the 3 Kings celebration.  The brethren were also able to visit each classroom, and hand out small toys to the exuberant delight of the assembled children, and the ¨masonic elves¨ were working flat out to keep up with demand.  It was a wonderful joyous occasion, and once again the delight on not only the faces of the children but the teachers, staff and the indeed the masons themselves was incredible and made a very special day to end the school year, in an area where so much tragedy has occurred.

Ps. We all decided it was best to give out the sweets at going home time (didn’t want a sugar rush as well)

All images reproduced with permission.

On Tuesday the 10th of December, Brethren, partners, family and friends of Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 enjoyed a lovely evening of Christmas carols at their annual “Carols by Candlelight” event, held at Maxims restaurant, Moraira.  This is a firm favourite in the Lodge calendar and is always well supported with over 80 attendees enjoying a fabulous traditional festive meal in a great atmosphere, interspersed with all the Christmas Carols that we enjoy so much.  The event and a super prize draw raised well over €800.

The Brethren, partners and friends of Armonia de Ifach Lodge No 46 started the Christmas celebrations early on Monday the 2nd December with a very festive party which followed their regular lodge meeting at the Tennis Club, Calpe.  Over 40 attended where the atmosphere was delightful, the food and drinks excellent, and the entertainment fabulous!  and to put the icing on the (Christmas) cake, the raffle raised €270 for the DANA flood relief appeal.

Puerto de Xàbia Lodge No 58 has made a donation of €500 to Todos Juntos Jávea.

Commenting, Worshipful Master John Young said, “Since the tragic events unfolded in Valencia there has rightly been a huge focus on helping the victims of the DANA floods. All of the Lodges here in Jávea and across the Province have given generously to the Red Cross Appeal and have collected and delivered vital goods and supplies to the needy in Valencia.”

John continued, “But we didn’t want to forget that, although the situation in Valencia is critical, there are also people in need closer to home and Todos Juntos Jávea do fabulous work in our local community.”

Marion Kenworthy, Secretary of Todos Juntos Jávea was delighted to receive the donation from John Young. She said, “On behalf of everyone at Todos Juntos Jávea, I would like to thank John and all of his colleagues in the Puerto de Xàbia Lodge for the very generous donation of €500.”

Left to Right: Marianne Von Troil, RW Bro Phil Gibson-Daw, Marion Kenworthy, W Bro John Young, Jean Halse

“The funds will be used in Jávea to support and help some of the most vulnerable people in our town, especially children at this time of year.”

Please see below the words the Provincial Grand Master used before the event continued:

You are all aware of the tragic events affecting the people of Northern Valencia. I stand here with a heavy heart not imagining the chaos and pain caused by the floods that these poor people are going through. The government has announced 3 days of mourning calling for all public events to be cancelled.  

I have had conversations with the Grand Master who has graciously agreed that this event can take place after assuring him that proceeds will be donated to the victims. 

Please join me for 1 minute silence in memory of those who have sadly lost their lives.

You can view/download the photos (courtesy of Jorge Prieto) HERE.

Members of the Province of Valencia delivering supplies to the towns affected by the floods in and around Valencia. These funds were purchased with money raised by the Provincial DANA disaster fund.

On Friday 25th October Lodge Dovre held one of its regular meetings which was attended by 31 brethren from Norway and Iceland.

This Lodge is not so well known in the Province, so it is a pleasure to publish a photo of the Lodge Officers

From left to right:
Secretary Per Bakkerud, Senior Warden Dag Børge Eriksen, D.C. Ole Gunnar Olsen, Deputy W.M. Erik Sandnes, Ass W.M. Ulf Høiem, who was leading the meeting, Junior Warden Morten Holm Gundersen, Orator Tom Halvorsen and Treasurer Stig Magnar Jensen.

Tuesday 22nd of October saw the Installation of W.Bro Jason Fowler at the Casa Caty Lodge room in Carlos D’En Sarria. Jason took over the reins of the Lodge from the capable hands of W.Bro Tony Hesketh Field. W.Bro Fowler and his Officers are to be congratulated on an excellently worked Installation. It was a full house with many Grand Lodge and Provincial Officers in attendance including W.Bro Jorge Prieto Cueto APGM as the official visitor accompanied by RW. Bro Phil Gibson–Daw, ProvGInsp. Many Brothers from other Lodges were also in attendance including nine Brethren from Santa Faz No48 making it 38 Dining Brethren, an excellent turnout.