News

Arenal Deportiva Celebrate Ladies Night

Published 25/05/2017 | By Phil

On Saturday, 25 May, local Freemasons from Arenal Deportiva Lodge No 65 celebrated their annual Ladies Night in style at Satari’s restaurant in Moraira. Arriving for a cava and canapé reception, at seven fifteen, almost seventy Masons, Ladies and guests arrived to a glorious summer evening and chatted among the flowers and bougainvillias of the restaurant. At eight o’clock they entered the restaurant for what turned out to be a fantastic four course meal prepared by the owner, Abi Satari, which included a wide selection of well prepared and well cooked food, including a delicious starter consisting of Persian specialities

During the meal the guests were entertained by the internationally renowned, and always popular, Ian Henry who played a wide variety of tunes on the piano and sang beautifully. Later, after dinner, many of the guests danced to more music and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There were gifts and flowers for all of the Ladies as a small thank you for all the support they have given over the past year.

The evening was hosted by the President of the Festival, WBro Bob Bullingham and his lovely wife Avril. This was a great chance for Bob and all the Masons of the Lodge to relax after a hard years work. This is Bob’s last formal event as Master of the Lodge as very soon at the beginning of June he will be installing his successor, WBro Ian Brown to take his place.

All in all a great evening and, judging from the comments I have heard, a great success. Many thanks to all involved in organising this event.

Armonia de Ifach Lodge presents new safety gear to firefighters.

Published 01/05/2017 | By Phil

As most of you will be aware, last year saw some of the worst wildfires ever seen in the local area of Calpe and Denia. Many private houses were destroyed, many citizens had to be evacuated and many local volunteer firefighters risked their own lives to save ours.

It is hard to find words to describe the bravery of these men and women. The truth is that when we are running away from a fire these gallant volunteers run towards it. I emphasise that all of these people were volunteers, acting on our behalf regardless of nationality, fighting fire and generally helping to save lives. It is a testament to their bravery that we didn’t suffer a massive loss of life and we can all give thanks that they are there to help us.

Much of their equipment is old and at least partly worn out. Much of it has a limited life span and needs to be replaced regularly for them to be able to function as a firefighting team. More still was lost in this and other fires. This equipment is absolutely necessary but also can be very costly! Many local organisations offered help when it was most needed including local Freemasons, from the Lodge of Armonia de Ifach, the Calpe Charity shop, and The Lions.

In the photos attached you will see some of the equipment bought for the future use of the Calpe Civil Defence Firefighters. This comprises, vital breathing equipment which allows the firefighters to fight the blaze from close quarters, a light portable pump, again allowing closer access than a fire tender might be able to get, the hoses necessary to be able to connect from the water deposit to the pump and some more new hoses for connecting the pump to the nozzles.

The first photo, above, shows one of the Civil Defence personnel and the breathing hood and oxygen tank that we helped to buy.

The second shows WBro Stewart Gammer of Armonia de Ifach Lodge, Councillor Carole Saunders, Mr John Bridges of the Calpe charity shop and Sr Mattias Torres from Civil Defence.

The third includes the mayor of Calpe Sr César Sánchez and two firefighters.

Masonic Homes of Valencia present cheque to Quesda Masonic Temple.

Published 28/04/2017 | By Phil

Members of The Masonic Temple in Quesada were recently delighted to receive a cheque for six thousand euros, donated by The Masonic Homes of Valencia to go towards the cost of installing a new lift at their premises. Unfortunately the old one had been condemned as unsafe and this situation was causing real problems at the centre. Many of the Masons using the centre are of advancing years and some not as fit as they once were. To constantly climb and descend quite steep steps was becoming a problem, especially for those such as I forced to use a wheelchair. It was also difficult to transport the various Lodge equipment for use in ceremonies.

The overall cost of installing the lift and making good was around fifteen thousand euros. No small amount! The rest of the money was raised from the various Lodges using the temple which, together with this donation, was sufficient for the work to go ahead. I am sure the Masons using this centre will breathe a sigh of relief that they can now visit their Lodge in style and with less hardship. The photo below shows WBro Bernard Wilson presenting the cheque to WBro Roy Mitchell

Oliva La Safor Lodge hold Quiz Lunch

Published 07/04/2017 | By Phil

On Thursday, 6th May, Oliva La Safor Lodge held a Quiz Lunch, at the very popular Viva España restaurant in Oliva, for members and guests. This was very well attended with almost fifty people turning out for what turned out to be a very enjoyable afternoon. The original purpose was just to have a get together, have a good lunch and hopefully raise a little cash for charity. However, it turned out rather more than that. Firstly because several members brought more extensive donations for the Gandia Men’s Refuge who are always in desperate need for the basics of life. Contributions included clothing, washing and hygiene products and a vast array of long life food. This consisted of, rice, pasta, sugar, bottled beans and various tinned items. As always the generosity of the Masons attending came to the fore and the Refuge will be very glad of their continued support.

In addition to the collection, a grand charity raffle was also held with some really good prizes to be won. This raised no less than one hundred and ninety euros which will be donated to charity later this year. The Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Ian Skipper has chosen several charities which he wishes the Lodge to support this year, one of which is to sponsor at least one underprivileged child (and hopefully more) to attend the Masonic summer school. Last year the Province as a whole sponsored eighteen children and hopes to achieve at least the same number this year.

The quiz, organised by WBro Mike Botten turned out to be trickier than many people had expected! At first glance it appeared quite easy, especially as the answers were multiple choice; this was not the case however, and most people found it more difficult than they had imagined. The winners were delighted to win and agreed that the contest had been quite difficult. Everyone who attended had a really good time and agreed that this was the sort of thing we should do more often.

If you are interested in helping worthwhile causes or would just like some more information on Freemasonry, please contact me on the address given below and I would be happy to answer your questions.

prensa@glpvalencia.com

WBro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia

Masonic Homes of Valencia Association present new nebulisers to Benichembla

Published 30/03/2017 | By Phil

A presentation was made on 28th March to the local Doctor at the Farmacia in Benichembla of two Nebulizers for use of the people in the village.

They only had one nebulizer in the whole village and in the winter so many people in the village had chest problems, that when the only one was in use, other people had to travel to other Medical Centres in other villages. These new nebulisers will be a great help to the villagers and should relieve the necessity of travelling to other villages for treatment.

pictured L to R

Benichembla GP and his Nurse, Jenny Hart (President) Pharmacist and assistant, and Bernard Wilson (Secretary)

Annual General Meeting of the Masonic Homes of Valencia Association

Published 30/03/2017 | By Phil

The Annual General Meeting of the Masonic Homes of Valencia Association took place on Friday, 24th March, at La Senieta Theatre in Moraira. The Masonic Homes is a charitable association which raises much needed money for worthy local causes. Much of this money is raised by the Charity Shop in Moraira whose volunteers work very hard to achieve this.

We are very sorry to have to report the death of Keith Hart our secretary and stalwart member. He will be very sadly missed. It is particularly fitting therefore that this year our new president is Keith’s wife Mrs Jenny Hart.

Several new members have been elected to the Board this year

One of which is Jenny Hart, the new President, also Brian Imber as vice President. Other new members include Norman Wheatley, Sue McAllister and Kath Taylor.

The photo shows the following members

Hugh Parker (Treasurer)

Sue McAllister (Board member)

Bernard Wilson (Secretary)

Jenny Hart ( new President)

Bruce Nightingale (Board member)

Kath Taylor (Board member & manager of Charity shop)

Brian Imber ( new Vice president)

Norman Wheatley (Board member)

Oliva La Safor Lodge continue to support the Gandia Hospice

Published 29/03/2017 | By Phil

On Tuesday, 21^st of March, the Charity Steward of Oliva La Safor, WBro Jim Jordan, made an urgent appeal for help from the Brethren of the Lodge to assist, once again, the residents of the Gandia Hospice. The need was, as always, for basic items which most of us take for granted including clothes, food and items for hygiene purposes.

By Tuesday 28^th of March the Brethren had collected, and donated, a huge pile of items for the residents, including shirts, trousers, sweaters and much more. There was a huge amount of long life foodstuffs such as rice, pasta, sugar and tinned goods, all of which will make life just a little better for these aged and infirm people. Also much needed hygiene equipment such as soap, deodorant, razors, shaving crème and much more.

These items are so little to us yet so much to those who don’t have them and have no means of getting them. These items and more will be donated to the Hospice in the near future.

If you feel able to help by donating a few unwanted items, or perhaps by buying just one extra item on your shopping list, or if you would like more information about Freemasonry, please contact me on the email address given below. Many thanks.

The photo shows the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, WBro Ian Skipper with the Charity Steward, WBro Jim Jordan with some of the donated items.

prensa@glpvalencia.com

WBro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia

Freemasons of Santa Faz Lodge No 48 make a further donation to Aspanion

Published 26/03/2017 | By Phil

On Saturday, 25th March a Strawberry Fayre was held at The International Club in El Campello and the Lodge Committee gave a lot of their time freely and voluntarily in full support of this needy cause. The idea was that everything for the Fayre had to be based on the theme of strawberries and those who contributed showed a great deal of initiative in the wide range of goodies they prepared, from strawberry pavlova, strawberry cakes, strawberry tarts, strawberry jam to strawberry and meringue skewers for the chocolate fountain. (Why wasn’t I invited?) 🙂
At the end of a well attended Fayre a few remaining items were auctioned and a grand total of almost two hundred euros was raised – this is in addition to the more than two thousand euros which have already been donated. This was again donated by the Santa Faz Masonic Lodge N^o48 towards their Charity appeal for this year, which is ASPANION – a sadly much needed Charity for Children with Cancer at Alicante General Hospital.

Our thanks go to everyone who made something for the Fayre and to those who gave their generous support.

Should you wish to learn more of this worthy charity or perhaps would be interested in Freemasonry please contact me on the email address given below.

prensa@glpvalencia.com

ro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia.

Javea 40 Masons visit Children’s Oncology department at La Fe Hospital, Valencia

Published 20/03/2017 | By Phil

Last week we had the opportunity to visit a Cancer Research Centre and witness the work they are doing. This was suggested by Worshipful Master, Matthew James, of Javea 40 Lodge, as it is his chosen charity for his Master’s year. It was a privilege to be able to visit the Oncology Research Department at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. We were met with great enthusiasm by Dr Jaime Font de Mora, head of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology. He was very pleased that we had made the time to visit and were aiming to raise money for their important research. We, ourselves, felt honoured to be given a personal insight into their work. And luckily for us perhaps, everyone spoke perfect English.

The major research for the Spanish Society of Oncology for Children is undertaken in this department, as well as specialising in Paediatric Oncology Surgery. As we all know, cancer has no boundaries, it affects both old and young. It is especially heart wrenching to see children and babies suffering from cancer. Dr Font de Mora’s team is currently working on a key project called ‘Oncology de Precision’, which involves identifying specific genetic characteristics of tumours found in children from birth to 15 years old. Analysing the DNA from tumour samples, they are aiming to identify the medication required for each patient’s individual needs, thus the correct treatment will be prescribed quickly and effectively, improving their recovery and survival rate.

We were introduced to the members of the team, all of whom were young, dedicated and highly motivated in their work. They work in small teams of 3 or 4 people in their own part of the facility, using highly sophisticated and expensive diagnostic equipment. We donned our ‘green suits’ and entered the sterile area and also we were able to witness cancer cells through a microscope and how they mutate and divide. To actually see this disease at this stage is a fascinating but sobering experience. The time, study and dedication the doctors give to their work has to be greatly admired. We felt humbled that these young people are trying their utmost to combat the biggest disease of our lifetime.
After ditching our ‘green suits’, we were invited to meet some of the young patients on the ward. The ward, by the way, was decorated like a children’s play room. Bright murals on the walls, everybody was casual and smiling and there was a separate school room so the children don’t miss any of their education. The children even have access to Wi-Fi, something which as we know, young kids today can’t do without with their computers and iPads!! Brother Matthew presented a Mason teddy to one little girl, who seemed very happy with her gift.
The doctors were obviously very caring towards their small patients but the atmosphere was kept very informal and cheerful, considering the seriousness of the situation. There is a maximum of 18 patients on the ward, each with their own room. The only children that have to be kept in isolation are those undergoing bone marrow treatments.

The aim of the Children’s Oncology Ward is to improve the children’s health so they are able to return to their family home as soon as possible and just attend as an outpatient.
Since our visit we have written to Dr Font de Mora and his colleague Dr Adela Cañete, thanking them again for allowing us to visit and see what they are doing first hand in Cancer Research. We have asked them to tell us which equipment they need and the cost. Obviously, some equipment would be too expensive for one individual lodge to provide. However, we really want to help the Cancer Research Department and await their answer. We can then make a decision on what the lodge can do to help.

If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry, please contact me on the address given below.

prensa@glpvalencia.com

WBro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia

Local Freemason’s Lodge Sponsors Child

Published 16/03/2017 | By Phil

At the regular meeting of Santa Faz Lodge No 48, on Monday 13th March, a motion was proposed, seconded and approved, to sponsor an under privileged child to attend the summer school which is being organised by Hiram Abiff Lodge No 80 in Guadalest this summer.

Various Lodges and especially Provincial Grand Lodge have sponsored many children to go to the summer school in the past which is both educational and entertaining. Last year the Province sponsored eighteen children and hope to achieve a similar number this year.

As the DPGM, W Bro R C
Bignell, the APGM, W Bro R A Mitchell and the ProvGCStwd, W Bro K Alcock, were all in attendance it was decided to present the cheque for 350 euros at the meeting. The cheque was presented to the ProvGCStwd by the WM, W Bro Brian Duncan and suitable photo’s were taken of the event. One photograph shows the WM, ProvGCStwd being flanked by the DPGM and APGM, the other just shows the WM and the ProvGCStwd.

The money has come from the Lodge Charity fund and has been raised as part of this year’s fund raising effort.

WBro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia