Past President - Mark Benevolent Fund

14/08/2026

A superb example of the work of the Mark Benevolent Fund - the Blood Bike movement. 👏👏👏

06/08/2026

What level of reserves is right for your charity?

There is no single level of reserves that is right for all charities, but you should develop a policy on reserves that clearly explains your approach.

Find out how: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-and-reserves-cc19

06/08/2026

Many congratulations to Val Blake BEM at Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled on being selected to receive the RDA President’s Award this year. I send her my sincere congratulations on an award that is very well deserved.



Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald

16/07/2026

Help your charity make the most of social media and manage the risks. Use our checklist to think about what to cover in your charity's social media policy. ⬇️

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-and-social-media

16/07/2026

📢 Charities: do your supporters fundraise for you?

We teamed up with the Fundraising Regulator to publish public guidance for anyone planning to raise money for charity.

From bake offs to community events, consider sharing this guidance with them so they know their responsibilities 👇

gov.uk/guidance/raising-money-for-charity-public-guidance

16/07/2026

🤩 The Freemasonry community are a generous bunch!

Our Relief Chest Scheme helps groups such as lodges, chapters or Provinces to give more to the charities they support.

Learn more about Relief Chests: https://ow.ly/QaML50ZmV0x

16/07/2026

Well done, R.W.Bro. Vic Pomeroy and the brethren of Dorset Mark Master Masons. A terrific way to raise funds for your 2034 Festival for the Mark Benevolent Fund.

I was moved to read that the trophy you played for is called the Mike Whelan Golf Cup in memory of R.W.Bro. Mike Whelan, a Past Provincial Grand Master for Dorset and former Deputy President of the M.B.F. I spent many happy hours in Mike’s company and I miss him greatly. 🙏

I wish you all well with your 2034 Festival efforts.



Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald

13/07/2026

Great to see the Skoda Scout support vehicle, provided thanks to a £27,046 grant from the MBF in 2019, being put to good use by SERV Kent Bloodrunners - raising awareness of the work of blood bike charities and raising funds so they can continue to deliver vitally important services.



Darren Coleman-Heald
Mark Masons' Hall

Another great Paddock Wood Lions Carnival Parade & Fete! Lovely weather, lots of spectators along the Carnival route and lots of visitors at the fete.

12/07/2026

If you’d like to see an example of the good the Mark Benevolent Fund does by awarding grants to worthy causes why not check out the work of the Angle RNLI Lifeboat, the Mark Mason. Always makes me proud!

Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald

Angle lifeboat paged twice within 12 hours

At 3:00am this morning Sunday 12 July, the crew were paged following reports of a person who had fallen onto rocks at Freshwater West.
The lifeboat launched immediately and made best speed towards the scene. However, shortly after launching, it was confirmed that the casualty had been safely recovered from the rocks and was in the care of HM Coastguard Rescue Teams. With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
This was the crew's second shout within 12 hours.
At 6.17pm the previous evening, the lifeboat had launched following reports that the skipper of a yacht was experiencing symptoms consistent with a possible heart attack.
The lifeboat made best speed to the yacht, which was alongside the outer pontoon at Dale, arriving on scene at 6.40pm. Two casualty care-trained crew members were transferred aboard to assess the casualty.
Following their assessment, it was decided that the casualty should be taken ashore for further medical evaluation. The casualty was transferred to the lifeboat and taken to the lifeboat berth at the Port Authority Jetty, where ambulance paramedics were waiting. The casualty was then conveyed to hospital by ambulance for further tests.
With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down and made ready for service by 8.00pm.

11/07/2026

Well done all. Delighted to hear that Rosa continues to make those associated with the Mark Benevolent Fund proud. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻


Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald