M.B.F. Donates New BMW Blood Bike to SERV Kent in Lifesaving Partnership Boost

 

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

Visit to Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, to present a new electric car

On a bright and sunny day in May, Surrey Mark, represented by our Prov.G.M. and Dep.Prov.G.M., had the privilege of presenting a ‘cheque’ and turning over the keys to an electric vehicle to the Princess Allice Hospice, on behalf of the M.B.F. R.W.Bro. John French and W.Bro. Bill Barr were welcomed by the CEO, Nigel Seymour and the Head of Philanthropy, Michelle Gulliver. It was quite an occasion, as the staff had parked the vehicle in the beautifully tended gardens so as to set the scene for photography. The car has been adorned with two, quite noticeable M.B.F. stickers and is already, in fact, in service. It is being used for night visits to the thousand patients that are served in their own homes by the Hospice. During some nights, the vehicle has been in action no less than eleven times and has helped bring comfort and medical assistance to many patients. The CEO, Nigel, was also pleased to point out that the roof of the Hospice was covered with solar panels and so the running costs of the car going forward, would be minimal.


The Hospice was alive with staff and volunteers, yet with calm areas in the garden and courtyard. Each room looks out on to either the Gardens or a moat which runs round two sides of the building. There are family rooms which can be deployed as en-suite bedrooms should the need arise, teaching suites and bright, well equipped nursing stations. John and Bill departed with the certain knowledge that the donation from the M.B.F. has been gratefully received and will be faithfully applied.

Content Credits: Bill Barr

A wonderful donation to Wessex House from Berkshire Mark Master Masons

 

01 May Bro. Brian McCormack was back in his mother Mark Province to attend a ribbon cutting at Wessex House. W.Bro. Bob Watson, our Provincial Grand Almoner & BeMBA secretary, and Brian, were representing BeMBA to present a cheque, for £3100, to The Bridge – help our young people. It’s always a pleasure to accompany Bob whose great fun to be with and is very committed to supporting our chosen recipients. Wessex House is a newly refurbished building, providing live in accommodation for 7 young people who are transitioning from foster care, or homelessness, into adult life. The photos show one of the flats. These flats are immaculately decorated and the electrical appliances, in each, were purchased using our donation. The ribbon was cut by Pandora Christie, a Heart FM DJ, whose own back story is why she empathises with the aspirations of The Bridge. From the day she was born, she was in and out of care as her mother had a variety of personal issues leaving her, at times unable to care for Pandora. 


To complicate matters, her mother died when Pandora was 9 and resulted in Pandora going into full time foster care. At that time nothing like Wessex House existed. When Pandora heard of its work she immediately got involved in supporting & promoting it. Today was a fitting day for her to officially open it. Brethren, on behalf of Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons – Berkshire & Berkshire Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Freemasons, we thank you all for allowing BeMBA to support such an important charity. Across Berkshire, The Bridge now has the ability to support 19 young adults and this is, in part, down to you. Once again you have enabled our relatively small charity to make a huge difference, you can all be very proud of how you’ve all helped.

Content Credits: Mark Davis