During the week commencing Monday 27th April, Provincial Grand Masters were invited to take part in an initiative to supply Provinces in England, Wales, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man with PPE (personal protection equipment) full-face visors and to distribute within their local community to those on the front line of fighting coronavirus (COVID-19). A week later (5th May) over 70 orders for around 9000 visors have been received. Members of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons General Board have been delighted to witness the way in which the initiative has been received. Asked for a comment, the member who set the initiative up and who continues to manufacture the visor said, “It’s just Mark Men Marking Well!’

Since the demand has outstripped initial supplies, things are now back ordered. Therefore, on review of the logistics and production, priority will be focused on delivering initial orders from Provinces. Around 3000 visors have already been shipped and 100’s continue to be sent daily.

The member producing the visor has applied for approval to BS EN 166:2002 quality status through the BSI (British Standard Institute). This will provide our front-line health workers the comforting reassurance that the visors are fit for purpose.

The General Board would like to thank Provinces for responding to this initiative. To those waiting for delivery, thank you for your patience as work continues to get these much needed items of protection out as quickly as possible, so those who desperately rely on them may continue to maintain their excellent service provided to our country.