Past President - Mark Benevolent Fund

21/02/2026

More great news from the Mark Benevolent Fund. 👍

21/02/2026

A terrific initiative by R.W.Bro. Tom Quinn and the Mark Province of London. Getting a regular PSA blood test matters. It is an important indicator of prostate health and can identify men that require further tests, ultimately saving lives. 👏👏👏

Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald

On 17 February, with the kind assistance of the staff at Mark Masons' Hall and in conjunction with the CHAPS charity, the Mark Province of London organised and paid for almost 150 brethren to take a PSA test.
Funding for this screening had been raised as part of the Provincial Grand Master's Prostate Appeal which he had launched at the Provincial Annual Meeting in July 2025. Risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after the age of 50 and is the most common cancer found in men - the disease affects 1 in 8 men in the UK. The numbers reduce to 1 in 4 for men from ethnic minorities and also worsen if certain cancers have been found on either the paternal or maternal side of the family.
The test is a non-intrusive, small blood sample, which was taken by fully trained phlebotomists. The sample is then sent for analysis to specialist centres and, if detection occurs early enough, the treatment subsequently offered has a high success rate.
The picture shows R.W.Bro. Tom Quinn, Provincial Grand Master, with the two Provincial Grand Charity Stewards W.Bro. Brian McCormack (left) and W.Bro. Stacy Harman (right) who were the driving force behind this initiative.

Content Credits: Richard Criddle

21/02/2026

I am so pleased to see that the Visualase MRI-Guided Laser Ablation System at Bristol Children’s Hospital has been delivered and will now save countless lives. This is thanks partly to a large donation by the Mark Benevolent Fund in early 2024. I wish the hospital every success with the new equipment.

Well done to W.Bro. Darren Coleman-Heald, Charities Manager at Mark Masons’ Hall, on making the journey to Bristol, on behalf of the M.B.F. Trustees and Staff, to see the new equipment and to take part in the symbolic cheque presentation event. 👏👏👏

Mark Masons' Hall

28/01/2026

Delighted to hear that this collection of Mark Benevolent Fund festival jewels are now on display at MMH. What history that is!

Over 100 Years of Generosity: The Full Collection of Masonic Benevolent Fund Festival Jewels, celebrating a Timeless Tradition of Giving!

Visitors to the second floor of 86 St James’s Street will see a new display cabinet mounted on the wall directly opposite to the lifts. It contains what is believed to be the only complete set of Masonic Benevolent Fund charity festival jewels on public display, from the first festival in 1885 until 2021 when the design was standardised. (More recent jewels will be mounted separately in due course.)

For the years 1885 to 1887 inclusive, the Festival Stewards’ jewels were suspended from a ribbon to be worn on the breast; a similar design was adopted in 1889, 1893, 1894 and 1898. For 1890 the jewel was suspended from a bow. A simple badge first appeared in 1888, with this design being adopted again in 1891, 1895 and 1896, then continuously from 1899 until 2021. Until the Second World War, jewels were normally made from (or at least available in) silver, with enamel decoration.

Due to a shortage of metals, from 1941 to 1944 inclusive the jewels were made of cardboard and in 1945 and 1946 of plastic. Simple unenamelled base metal designs were used in 1947 to 1952 inclusive. Enamelled jewels were reintroduced in 1953, although from then on almost invariably only in base metal.

The collection of this complete set has been made possible by the efforts and generosity of a number of individuals over the years, including the late Martin Jeffrey Sale and Alastair Duncan. Their tenacity and persistence has to be applauded.

We are especially grateful to Dave Orwell of Object Conservation & Mount-making, High Wycombe, who purpose-made the cabinet to our exact specifications using conservation-grade materials. His craftsmanship and care have been essential in presenting and protecting this remarkable collection.

22/01/2026

I am sad to hear that the Deputy Grand President of the M.B.F., M.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman Pro Grand Master, passed to the Grand Lodge Above this morning. I shall remember the huge amount of work he did for the M.B.F. particularly as its President. Requiescat In Pace. 😢

It is with much sadness that we have to inform you that our well-beloved and highly respected Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman, passed to his rest this morning.

An official announcement has been circulated to all Provincial and District Grand Masters.

15/01/2026

14/01/2026

Well done to the Welsh 5s Rugby Squad on winning this competition, especially so far away from home. Delighted to read that a grant from the M.B.F. helped make it all possible. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Mark Masons' Hall
Darren Coleman-Heald

With the financial assistance of the Mark benevolent Fund, the Welsh 5s wheelchair rugby squad were able to participate in the Indonesian tournament, the first of its kind. Despite staunch opposition, the Welsh team were victorious, beating a powerful Singaporean team in the final.

As part of our continued charitable activities and outreach programme, members of our squad visited the Balinese International School and coached a taster session for students. Joined by Australian Paralympic stars, the Welsh led by their outstanding and highly experienced captain, Lee "Taff" Thomas, versed the children in the beauty of the sport, and engaged with a Q&A session at the end. Needless to say the students were highly impressed by the Welsh team's ability, professionalism and fancy kit!

The Welsh have been invited back in 2026 to defend their title, and look forward to meeting up with everyone involved in the event again.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🥳

25/12/2025

Season’s Greetings from Mark Masons’ Hall! May this festive season bring you joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones. 🌟

24/12/2025

Well done on another busy year. Please keep doing what you do in 2026. 👏👏👏

From everyone at Angle Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you all for your support over the past 12 months.