At the special meeting of the Masonic Benevolent Fund Court of Governors in Bridgend Temple on July 11th, our Provincial Grand Master was pleased to present a cheque for £2500 to Melanie and Mike Davies, toward their commendable work in seeking to establish a world class centre for recovery and rehabilitation for all that need it, based at the Morriston Hospital site outside Swansea. The cheque brings the total donated by Freemasonry thus far to £7,000, from Provincial and Lodge fund raising.
Melanie gave those present a well delivered and passionate insight into how she became injured herself, and then inspired to dedicate herself to the establishing of the TREAT Trust centre, in the positive and amusing way she makes her own. The fund raising goes on, Lodges perhaps wishing to help in further ways. That can be done by contacting W.Bro Paran James on 01792-702217 or paranjames@nulltiscali.co.uk, who can co-ordinate matters, including possible Lodge visits – Melanie can attend wheelchair accessible Lodges to make a presentation in a quite remarkable fashion, present her equally remarkable book, all proceeds from sales used to benefit the TREAT cause, and give you a real insight into her hopes and plans. Her aim of the centre dedicated to recovery and rehabiitation is steadily gaining ground, supported not only by us, but leading figures such as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Michael Sheen, Paul Potts, and Max Boyce to name but a few, and your writer is seeking to help with major fund raising via Lottery application. It is also possible that other Freemasons with talents that can be utilised to help the cause in a particular way may be prepared to become involved, so please – if you feel you fit that description – let us know by email at rogergale@nullaol.com.
Lastly, but by no means least congratulations to W.Bro. Martyn Daley, elected to succeed the outgoing Chairman W.Bro James R. Bevan on his retirement, Martyn speaking warmly of the dedication that Jim brought – often unseen and unsung – to his role in the MBF South Wales, and pledged to do his best to continue that excellent effort.
RW.Bro Gareth Jones is pictured with Melanie and Mike Davies, along with various members of the Executive, and Members of the Court of Governors.