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

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^o 48 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.

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

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

Brethren of Las Salinas Lodge No.79 Make a Food Donation to Alimentos Solidarios

The Brethren of Logia de Las Salinas No.79 have donated 1,300 € worth of food produce to the Alimentos Solidarios located in C/San Pascual, Torrevieja

Alimentos Solidarios fulfil a much needed task in feeding the needy of Torrevieja and supplying several hundred meals per week as well as milk an other necessities.

The Immediate Past Master of the Lodge, W.Bro. John Edwards had made the Alimentos Solidarios his nominated charity for his year in the Chair and along with funds raised via his Ladies Festival as well as a donation from the CHarity Fund of the Lodge, the Charity Steward for that year, W.Bro. Eddy Davies worked with local suppliers to secure 1,300 € worth of produce for a total cost of 1,000 €, all of which was donated to the centre.

Pictured are W.Bro. Eddy Davies, Mrs. Joan Edwards, Senor Juanjo (coordinator from Alimentos Solidarios) and W.Bro. John Edwards.

Senor Juanjo will be attending the January Saltpot for an official presentation.

More details on the activities of Alimentos Solidarios can be found at their website…
http://alimentos.kuentame.com/

Local Masons donate to El Preventorio Children’s Home in Gandia

On Thursday, 24^th November, WBro Keith Alcock, representing White River Lodge and who is also the Provincial Grand Charity Steward of Valencia, visited El Preventorio children’s home in Gandia to donate gifts collected largely from the Brethren of White River Lodge. The gifts consisted of no fewer than eight bin liners crammed with goodies and even more bags and boxes filled with toys and sweets. The larger bags were filled with clothes, shoes, games and toys for the children to help celebrate Christmas. Some were donated by Mason’s friends in the UK and brought back especially for the children. We were accompanied, as always, by Ms Silvia Barnish who regularly gives up her free time to help both the children and us. She acts as our liaison and translator and without her our visits would be much more difficult.

As many of the shoes and some of the toys were brand new, these were separated to be gift wrapped and put towards the gifts each child would receive for Christmas. The rest would be donated to children as and when needed. We were also greeted by old friend Sr Jorge Luengo, one of the many carers who help to run the home. He was a little tired this trip as he had just completed his first Valencia marathon at the weekend in a very creditable time of 3Hr37. Well done Jorge! As always the staff were incredibly grateful to receive these gifts and warmly thanked the Brothers of White River Lodge and indeed all the Brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia for their long and continuing support.

Sadly, as is always the case, the home still need donations on a long term basis. They are now looking after around fifty-five children including some who are disabled. They receive no money from the state and all work is completed by volunteers and donations from the general public. If you feel able to donate either money or gifts I can be contacted on the email address given below. Items can also be left at the offices of Bay Radio in Javea who also support this charity on a long term basis. Please think, are you are able to offer just one toy to some child who otherwise may not get one? As many children are looking forward to a new PC, IPad or other electronic goody, these children are hoping for a second hand toy costing maybe a few euros when new. Please try to help.

If you need further information about the work of El Preventorio or if you are interested in Freemasonry please contact me and I will answer all your questions.

prensa@glpvalencia.com

WBro William Turney Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia.

Local Freemasons continue support for Raquel Paya Special Needs School in Denia.

The Immediate Past Master of Logia Deportiva No 83, WBro Glyn Walters, is seen presenting a cheque for 500 euros to Miguel Lillimani, the Director of the Raquel Paya school. This money was raised from a fashion show held earlier in the year and, along with other events, represents total donations of 2,800 euros given this year alone to help the school. This donation will enable them to purchase specially adapted computer software as a teaching aid for speech therapy for use by children with vocal disabilities.

The Lodge has supported the school over the past seven years with the provision of specialist equipment ranging from a wheelchair swing, elevating massage tables, computers, training appliances and a dedicated mood and relaxation room. The School cares for those between 3 and 18 years old who need special care.

Students from the catering department are also pictured with their teachers, Bea Mayor and Niever Ramires, who prepared a lovely selection of sweet and savoury refreshments which were greatly enjoyed by all present.

The Logia Deportiva support for the school was started in 2009 by WBro Dave Oliver and then Worshipful Master WBro Neville Jackson who is pictured with the 2016 Charity Steward and Past Master WBro Darrell Clayton along with newest member of the Lodge Bro Peter Johnson. The party was also attended by our ladies and our Secretary WBro William Lloyd.

 If you would like further information about donating to the Raquel Paya school or would like more information about Freemasonry please contact me on the email given below

prensa@glpvalencia.com

WBro William Turney   Press Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia