Due to all your wonderful efforts during the past year we have continued to raise substantial amounts for the Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund which, I remind you, exists to help Masonic and Non Masonic Charities and thus we demonstrate that we are not only the “Friendly” Degree but also the “Caring” Degree. The generosity of both Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Lodges continues to amaze me as I visit them around the Province.
During 2007, there had not been a specific cause identified to support but the Province presented a cheque for £6500 to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for the purchase of specialist equipment for crew members.
In addition, Members of the Degree, or their dependants, as identified by the Provincial Grand Almoner, received £1500 in assistance.
At the Provincial Annual General Meeting, to be held on 26th April 2008 at the Guildhall, Portsmouth, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John H. Prizeman will announce the setting up of a Provincial Mini Festival in aid of the Brachytherapy Service for Prostate Cancer at St May’s Hospital, Portsmouth, which you remember was the beneficiary of a £93K donation from Mark Grand Lodge. This Unit is acknowledged to be a Centre of Excellence for this form of treatment. The £20K gift will enable the Unit to purchase an Ultrasound Probe to treat kidney cancer without having to remove the kidney and an Ultrasound Probe for the Brachytherapy service to allow improved quality of images, more rapid treatment etc.
Assistance will continue to be given to individuals whom the Provincial Grand Almoner identifies to be in need.
If you or your Lodge feels there is a cause worthy of consideration, please contact your Lodge Charity Steward for the matter to be considered by the Provincial Executive.
Individuals may wish to contribute towards the Mini Festival by completing a “Relief Chest Donation Form”. Both One-off and Regular donations enable the Charity to reclaim tax if the giver is a UK tax payer. Please ask your Lodge Charity Steward for a form or click on this link to download/print a form
The Provincial Grand Master extends his sincere thanks for your past support and looks forward to a successful Mini Festival being supported by your Lodges and individual Mark Master Masons.
Charles A. Bailey, PAGDC
Provincial Grand Charity Steward.