On 12 May 2025 a new BMW 1250 RT was presented to SERV (Service by Emergency Response Volunteers) Kent on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund (M.B.F.). This is part of the initiative announced by the President of the MBF, Archie Torrance, of a major grant of £750,000 to support Blood Bike Groups across England & Wales. This significant grant reflects the Fund's ongoing commitment to the Blood Bikes family and our continued partnership. SERV Kent is an entirely voluntary group operating 24/7 and their last year’s figures recorded a total of 6,713 journeys covering 469,805 miles! A total of over 20,000 hours of life saving work provided tirelessly and selflessly by the volunteers. The presentation was completed after a short talk from MBF Trustee W.Bro. Dr John Shervington about the M.B.F. and its shared belief in the power of community and a reminder that when we come together, we can make a tangible and positive impact on the life of others. He also related his personal experiences, as a Consultant Obstetrician, of how the SERV Volunteers had been instrumental in saving the lives of mothers with severe obstetric haemorrhage. He was accompanied on this occasion by W.Bro. Martyn Summers, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Kent and and W.Bro. Peter Richards, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward for Kent.
After some enjoyable discussions with a good number of volunteers who had gathered for the occasion, we were treated to refreshments before the official cheque presentation. It was gratifying to see that next to the new bike, " Bravo 5", was the Skoda Scout presented in 2018 at the National Motorcycle Museum as part of our previous M.B.F. initiative, still in full operational service. It was clear from those present, including Bravo 5's Rider John, how appreciative they were of the donation of behalf of Mark Masonry. We in turn expressed our deepest gratitude on behalf of the Mark degree to all the Volunteers of SERV Kent and we were honoured to play a small part in supporting their mission.
Content Credits: Pete Richards and Christian E.W. Doll