MedicalDentalRespite

Issue 28 January 2010

In this issue:

President’s Review

Around the Provinces

New Quick Crossword

InNeedThe Newsletter of the Masonic Samaritan Fund

in this issue...

3InNeed Issue 28 January 20102 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010

Welcome 2

Medical Care 3

Dental Care 4

Respite Care 5

The Application Process 6

President’s Review 7

Around the Provinces 8-9

Letters 10

Crossword 11

Hello! 12

Masonic Samaritan Fund 60 Great Queen Street

London WC2B 5AZ

Registered Charity No. 1130424

Email: grants@msfund.org.ukWebsite: www.msfund.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7404 1550Fax: 020 7404 1544

MEDICAL

DENTAL

RESPITE

Medical

MSF welcomes applications for a wide variety of medical treatments. During the last year grants have been provided towards the cost of treatments as diverse as hip replacements, cardiac surgery, digital hearing aids, drug treatment for cancer and degenerative diseases, stomach banding and macular degeneration. With only a few exceptions, if treatment is licensed for provision by the NHS, the Fund will consider an application for support.

The Fund will also consider applications for grants for specialist medical equipment or home adaptations in response to a specific medical need.

Grants are not available where the proposed treatment is purely cosmetic or where an applicant simply prefers to receive private treatment.

Care

MEDICAL

The Masonic Samaritan Fund provides financial help in support of:

Medical Care and TreatmentDental Care and TreatmentRespite Care

Support is available to:•Freemasons•Thewives,partnersanddependantsofFreemasons•Thewidows,survivingpartnersanddependantsof

deceased FreemasonsWho•haveanidentifiedhealthorrespitecareneed•arefacedwithalongwaitfortreatmentorcareAnd•cannotaffordtheirownprivatetreatmentorcare

without incurring financial hardship.

For further details or confidential advice please contact the Fund by phone, email, letter or fax.

Welcome

Orthopaedic Surgery “I would like to sincerely thank the Masonic Samaritan Fund for financial assistance relating to private medical treatment for my recent hip replacement. My application was handled with the utmost care and efficiency and I would like to thank you all for your efforts on my behalf.

I am recovering well from the operation although at my advanced years it may take a little longer for me to run the marathon!

Both my late husband and my son have been keen supporters of the Fund and you have demonstrated its value to me personally for which I will always be most grateful. May the good work of this Masonic charity continue to prosper.”Margaret Wiley, c/o St Olaves Lodge 2764

Cover Photo: Kevin Pardell enjoys a period of respite at the Kielder Forest thanks to a grant from MSF, see page 10.

Bariatric Surgery Following gastric bypass surgery Darrel Linden wrote to the Fund last year to say:

“I am writing to you now that I am two weeks post operative and feeling 100% better than before I had my gastric bypass. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help and everyone who raises and contributes to the Masonic Samaritan Fund, which has enabled me to get my life back. Having spoken to other people at a support group I attend, it would appear that it normally takes 5 years to get funding for this operation and as my GP and hospital consultant have both said that there would have been a good chance with all of my medical problems that I may well have not been around in 5 years to have the operation.

I can therefore only reiterate my sincere thanks for the Fund’s help in obtaining my operation so speedily.”

A year later the hospital where he had his surgery provided an update:

“His pre-op weight was 26st 4lbs. His weight has now dropped to 14st 7lbs. This is a loss of 11st 11lbs and an excess weight loss of 97.3%. He is off all his medications for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hypothyroidism and is very well.”

What a difference a year makes! Darrel Linden, Mayflower Lodge 7241

Before AfterWelcome to the latest edition of the Masonic Samaritan Fund’s newsletter. Although you will notice a number of changes all your favourite features remain in their usual place. We hope that you will enjoy the new style and new features – including an extra ‘quick clue’ version of the ever popular crossword.

The purpose of this newsletter is to inform all those who may benefit from the work of the MSF and to thank all those who continue to give so generously in support of our work. It is hoped that the new format will help us to achieve both objectives but if you have any suggestions as to how we can do even better please do let us know. In particular we would welcome suggestions as to whether “In Need” remains the most appropriate title for the newsletter.

DENTAL RESPITE

Looking after a family member, partner or a friend is something that will happen to most people at some point in time, yet it remains one of those things people do not speak of mainly because they often do not see themselves as carers.

We know breaks (respite) are important to your own well being and quality of life. Having a break also means that the person you care for has the benefit of a change of scene, other people to talk to, and other things to talk about.

Grants are available to support carers. Support is available to those who have an ongoing caring commitment. Funding is available towards the cost of short periods of residential care or to provide regular short breaks at home. (MSF is not able to fund convalescence care.)

Respite in a Residential Care Home provides a break for carers, by admitting the person being cared for to a care home for a short period of time. The MSF will normally consider providing support for up to six weeks in any twelve month period.

Respite at Home also enables carers to have a break, but support is provided in the applicant’s own home. The need may be for a break of a few hours, a few days, or one or two weeks. This may be needed either for an occasional, or a more regular break.

Dental

CareA Familiar Story “For many years I was an NHS patient at a practice run by two middle aged dentists and their two sons. As time went by the fathers retired and the sons took over, and in turn obtained additional dentists to the practice.

Eventually the sons retired and for a time

the remaining dentists ran the practice resulting that you didn’t have the same dentist attending you, and standards became slack! The practice was then taken over by a large regional practice and on my next appointment I saw another new dentist who stated I would in future be a private patient. I was advised that most of my teeth would be either bridged or crowned, and the cost would be colossal! I took a very dim view and joined another practice – although still private the new dentist was highly efficient.

After discussion with my Craft Almoner, who passed on my details to the Provincial Almoner who in turn liaised with the Masonic Samaritan Fund, treatment commenced! I have only one more appointment.” Richard Janion, Lindsey Lodge 712

In recognition of the well publicised difficulties of finding an NHS dentist in some areas, the MSF has extended its support to include dental treatment.

Grants are available to cover all or part of the cost of dental treatment that is clinically necessary. Funding is not available where the proposed treatment is purely cosmetic or where applicants simply prefer to receive private treatment.

Support is available where eligible applicants are unable to get NHS treatment, cannot afford the cost of private treatment or are unable to afford NHS dental charges.

Applications must be accompanied by a copy of the treatment plan detailing the proposed treatment. Applicants must therefore have been seen by a Dental Surgeon, ideally on the NHS, before initiating an application.

If you are not currently registered with an NHS dentist, advice on local availability is available from NHS Direct (0845 46 47) and NHS Choices (visit www.nhs.uk and click on Dentists). If you are still unable to access an NHS Dentist you may opt to see a dentist privately however you will remain responsible for the cost of this initial consultation. Anyone who is unable to afford the cost of a private consultation should contact their Lodge Almoner or the Fund for further advice.

Major ReconstructionThe Rev Dennis Oakes was advised by his dentist that the chemotherapy and radiotherapy he had received following a brain tumour had caused deterioration in his gums and teeth to such an extent that all of his teeth would need to be removed. As his gums and jaw bone settled down, and despite regular adjustments to his dentures, a more permanent solution was required. The MSF funded a new full denture for his upper jaw and the provision of four implants on to which a full denture for his lower jaw could be secured.Rev Dennis Oakes, St Michael Lodge 2747

Respite

Care

A Well Deserved Break Dick and Sheila Sturt first approached MSF in June 2006. At the age of 91, Dick was increasingly dependent on his wife who in turn needed a break from her caring responsibilities. In conjunction with the Local Authority MSF funded regular periods of respite care for Dick in a residential care home enabling Sheila to take time to look after herself and focus on her own health needs – the MSF funded much-needed knee replacement surgery for Sheila in 2007.

Following the success of these respite breaks, and in recognition of his deteriorating mobility, Dick has now moved into the care home on a permanent basis. Regrettably Dick is no longer able to attend his lodge (Ethelbert 2099) and it was therefore entirely appropriate that when he recently reached the landmark of his 60th Anniversary in Freemasonry his certificate was awarded to him in his new home.

Photo shows: Dick Sturt receiving his 60th Anniversary certificate from RWBro Michael Bailey (PGM East Kent) whilst Sheila keeps an eye on them both.

Please help us to

reach all those who

need our help.

Call 020 7404 1550

or visit www.msfund.org.uk

5InNeed Issue 28 January 20104 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010

The Fund’s main objective for the year was to increase the availability of support to its beneficiaries. Whilst there has been a small increase in the number of grants allocated, it is disappointing to note that the total of funds allocated has reduced slightly. Demand for both respite care and dental treatment has increased significantly and is expected to increase again in the coming year. The decline in applications for medical treatment is expected to be reversed as the NHS is confronted by the full impact of the recession. The cumulative impact suggests that demand for the Fund’s services will increase in the coming year.

The Board is aware of the changing needs of potential beneficiaries, and has implemented plans to widen the areas in which the Fund offers support, whilst continuing to publicise the Fund’s work. It is clear that there remains a widespread lack of awareness among the Craft about the Fund, and that there are many potential applicants who do not apply for help. It remains our aim to ensure that no potential applicant misses out on our help

because of a lack of knowledge about the work of the Fund.

The problems in the financial markets have inevitably had a significant impact on the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, but much of the damage has been made good during the year, and it is expected that the value of the portfolio will continue to grow in the longer term. Changes have been made in the Fund’s investment arrangements, and we look forward to working with the new managers to ensure a healthy return on the funds which have been so generously donated.

In conclusion, I am very grateful to all those who continue to make donations and work to raise money for the Fund. Their support is vital if we are to continue to meet the demand for help from those who in need. Their gratitude is beyond words. I am also most grateful to the members of the Board of Management who give so freely of their time and to our dedicated and hardworking staff for all they do to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

This summary financial information has been extracted from the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet contained in the Fund’s statutory financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2009. Copies of the full statutory financial statements are available on application to the Fund’s offices at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ, applications to be accompanied by an A4 stamped addressed envelope. The statutory accounts were approved by the Board of Management on 3 December 2009 and have received an unqualified audit report. The Fund’s annual report and accounts have been submitted to the Charity Commission.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Management

H. W. J. Stubbs President

3 December 2009

Independent Auditor’s Statement to the Board of Management of The Masonic Samaritan Fund We have examined the summarised financial statements set out here.

Respective responsibilities of Board of Management and Auditors You are responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements. We have agreed to report to you our opinion on the summarised statements’ consistency with the financial statements, on which we reported to you on 3 December 2009.

Basis of opinion We have carried out the procedures we consider necessary to ascertain whether the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been prepared.

Opinion In our opinion the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2009.

Russell New Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Registered Auditors Steyning, West Sussex

3 December 2009

President’sReview

Masonic Samaritan FundStatement of Year to Year toFinancial Activities 30/9/09 30/9/08 £000 £000IncomeDonations, Legacies and Grants 4,140 4,001Investment Income 1,277 1,355Other 1 1 5,418 5,357ExpenditurePatient Costs 2,306 2,559Patient Care and Development 446 501Festival and Donor Records 117 132Finance and Support Services 154 128Income Generation 189 167 3,212 3,487

Surplus for year 2,206 1,870Investment gain/(loss) 1,796 (5,429) 4,002 (3,559)

Funds at start of year 35,462 39,021Funds at end of year 39,464 35,462

Balance SheetFixed Assets and Investments 38,137 34,276Debtors and Prepayments 249 288Cash 1,375 1,240Creditors (297) (342) 39,464 35,462

The ApplicationProcess

DIAGNOSED NEED?

Need identified by appropriate Medical, Dental or Care professional

CONTACT THE FUND020 7404 1550

Initial contact is encouraged from Applicants or Almoners

APPLICATION FORM ISSUED

Form sent the same day to Almoner. If applicant prefers not to involve his Lodge Almoner a Visiting Brother will be appointed from another Lodge or Province

COMPLETED FORM RETURNED

Part 1 completed by Applicant & AlmonerPart 2 completed by the appropriate Medical, Dental or Care professional

APPLICATION CONSIDERED

All applications considered within one month of receipt of completed application

DECISION

Applicant and Almoner informed if support has been approved

DENTAL MEDICAL RESPITE

TREATMENT OR CARE IS ARRANGED

MSF PAYS THE BILL!

Dental Care Medical Care Respite Care

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS ENTIRELY CONFIDENTIAL

The Masonic Samaritan Fund is

one of the four Central Masonic

Charities. For further details of

the support they each provide,

please make contact direct

using the details given below.

Supporting people in needTel: 020 7395 9261Email: info@the-grand-charity.orgWebsite: www.grandcharity.org

Meeting the needs of older Freemasons and their dependantsTel: 020 7596 2400Email: enquiries@rmbi.org.ukWebsite: www.rmbi.org.uk

Relieving poverty, advancing educationTel: 020 7405 2644Email: info@rmtgb.orgWebsite: www.rmtgb.org

Audio copies of this newsletter

are available on CD for the

blind and partially sighted.

Please telephone the Fund for

further details.

DentalMedical

Respite

7InNeed Issue 28 January 20106 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010

Around the Provinces

West Lancashire 2010 Stuart Thornber, Festival Chairman, reports that there is a feeling of feverish and frantic activity as the Province of West Lancashire begins the final chapter of its Festival Appeal for the Masonic Samaritan Fund, “I get a sense of ‘we’re nearly there, we need to do more’ as Lodges and Chapters throughout the Province in ever increasing numbers gear themselves up to raise their game and come on board to support the fundraising in these closing months of the Appeal”.

November saw a welcome visit by WBro Maurice Johnson, a member of Helvetica Lodge No 4894, a London Lodge that continues to provide generous support to

the Masonic Charities through their Festivals. He joined the Installation celebrations at Torrisholme Lodge No 5245 and, watched by a very happy audience of some 75 Freemasons presented on behalf of Helvetica Lodge a magnificent cheque for £25,000 to Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber in support of the 2010 Appeal. Having already received a cheque for £1,500 from the members of Torrisholme Lodge the Chairman was, for once, lost for words.

“We have set no target” adds Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber “we will do just what it takes to make this a Festival that the Province will look back on with pride”.

Give the 2012 Festival

A Head StartBaseball Cap with Festival logo Available in adult or children’s size Send your order to: Harry Owen, Provincial Grand Lodge, 2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9SB or call 0121 454 4422

Maurice Johnson of Helvetica Lodge presenting a cheque for £25,000 to Festival Chairman Stuart Thornber at the Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe

Oxfordshire 2011 Eighty golfers in teams of four teed off for the Oxfordshire Masonic Golf Day at Drayton Park Golf Club, Abingdon, on a very blustery September day. All had ambitions of winning the Joe Mitty Memorial Trophy but the combination of a testing course and the very strong winds soon sorted the men from the boys. The winning team; Team McKenna, scored a magnificent 86 points. Team Captain Brian Maddison thanked the organiser Peter Mace and his team for a great day, and the Golf Course owner Mike McKenna for his continued sponsorship of the 20-11 Festival Golf Day.

Cooperating with one aim in mind... Driving Charity forward. David Burton, who works for the RMBI, joined with the MSF team for the day and is shown receiving his prize as winner of the longest drive competition. Truly a joint Charity effort!

Three of the team members are pictured above receiving the Trophy and prizes from Oxfordshire’s Provincial Secretary WBro Tony Taylor. (L to R Eddie Hart, Michael Quirke, Brian Maddison and Tony Taylor)

Cornwall 2013 The members of St. Stephens Lodge at Saltash, have received approval for the production and sale of the Cornish Masons lapel pin.

Measuring 18 x 4mm, the pin shows the Square and Compass with the background of the black and white Cornish flag. On sale at £5 plus £1 postage, all of the proceeds will go to the 2013 Festival. To order, please contact WBro Rimmington on 01752-840797. Other items also on sale to Brethren include cuff links and the Provincial tie – a firm favourite amongst members.

Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Certificates are now being awarded to Lodges where members achieve an average donation to the 2013 Festival of £200, £250, £300 and £500 respectively for each member. Already there are Lodges who have achieved the Gold certificate.

West Kent 2015 The Potty Pensioner Rides for the Festival At 7:00 am on Saturday 26th September 2009 WBro Douglas Holmes aged 70 years set off to travel by motorcycle to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Having travelled over 8,500 miles through Europe, Asia and a good part of Africa, at 1:00 pm on Friday 6th November – he arrived. During the six weeks of this marathon journey Doug had many experiences too numerous to mention here, but which no doubt will make excellent reading in a future publication of the West Kent News.

Whilst Doug is taking a well earned break with his son Stephen in Africa, he has expressed his thanks for all the support he has been given in the form of donations to the 2015 Festival, which have exceeded £1000. He hopes that his efforts will inspire other ‘young OAP’s’ to do similar crazy things in support of this magnificent Festival Appeal. To add your donation, please contact: WBro Tony Whiting email: tony.whiting3@btinternet.com

The Potty Pensioner is seen off by WBro Phillip May, Provincial Grand

Charity Steward

Derbyshire 2014 Flyfishers’ Land a Big One! When the Provincial Grand Master launched the 2014 Festival in April 2008 he did not imagine that the Province would make such good progress towards its goals. Less than eighteen months later one Lodge has already achieved its target with others not far behind. Flyfishers’ Lodge No 9347 were first to this milestone thanks in no small way to the efforts of WBro John Mitchell and his wife Judy who organised the sale of unwanted fishing tackle on eBay.

In anticipation of other Lodges recording similar achievements, the PGM, RWBro Graham Rudd, has announced that he will present a specially commissioned ‘Charity Maul’ to every Lodge that achieves its target before the end of the Festival.

WBro Tony Harvey (left) with WBro David Marriott and Flyfishers’ Master, WBro John Rooks.

To steer the bark of this life, o’er the seas of passion, without quitting the helm of rectitude In October the WM and members of Saint Thomas Lodge No 2583 welcomed APGM WBro Peter Hodcroft and presented him with a cheque for £10,000 towards the Festival Appeal. We offer our grateful thanks to all members of the Lodge and especially WBro William McNicoll who has organised a number of events which have collectively raised over £1,000 already.

Lodge Secretary, WBro Raymond Fuller decreed, “With full sails, following wind, good currents and our well able crew, we hope to achieve, our lodge target, within the next two years”.

P.S. In case anyone was wondering about the seafaring references – especially as Derbyshire could not be further from the coast – WBro Bill McNicoll is a former Commander RN.

WBro’s Mike Knifton, Martin Bates, APGM WBro Peter Hodcroft, WM Carl Stirland, WBro’s Francis Sherratt, Richard Boot & Raymond Fuller.

Only

£10 each

Warwickshire 2012 The Festival within Warwickshire continues to progress very nicely with over £1.6 million having been raised to date. We have tried something old, something new and something borrowed.

The something old was a repeat of last year’s successful concert. A fantastic evening of entertainment was provided by Barry Walker’s SMACKEE at this year’s concert, organised by WBros Gordon Scott and Robin McConkey of St Barbara Lodge 4930. The packed audience enjoyed another magnificent show from the famous performers at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington. It featured brilliantly choreographed medleys from West End,

Broadway and Big Screen productions, as well as remarkably accurate renditions of hits from the 50s and 60s, and ABBA tributes.

We ventured with something new when the world famous Anthony Christian put on a display of his work at the Clarendon Suites in Birmingham, the home of Freemasonry

in Warwickshire. Anthony is considered a world class artist of supreme gifts; amongst countless praise he has received in the press he has been called ‘the greatest Renaissance style Master alive

today’. This fantastic exhibition greatly enhanced our Festival appeal.

Following the massive success of the walk organised by Northants & Hunts Deputy PGM WBro Max Bayes we have ‘borrowed’ the idea for Warwickshire. At Easter WBro David Macey, Festival Director, will embark upon a four day walk across the county using the canal towpaths so prevalent within Warwickshire. Lodges are invited to sponsor David and indeed to join him on part of his walk.

9InNeed Issue 28 January 20108 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010

Your

Letters

Crossword and Winners of No 27:A very strong response with 142 replies of which 111 were correct. Congratulations to the 6 (yes 6!) winners, chosen at random, who will each receive a tankard from the Fund.

PRIZE CROSSWORDN.B. Nos 8,10,17,26,31 Across, and 3,4,6,7 and 20 down are of a kind and are not otherwise defined.

Across5 Force on Company just a bit

part (3)8 Peaceful act before Victory in

Europe (4)9 Could be Scotch with an

e-number? (5)10 Not Game but a game piece (4)11 Wipe clean permit in river (6)12 Change urged at a College

leaver? (8)13 Look in cocktail olive and find

poem in it (8)15 Side legs? (6)17 Steam engine, real flier (7)19 Plain folding ladder with

additional excercise (7)22 Troops in favour of Church

service starting (6)24 Ornamental Dressing without

wine (8)26 Court caught in cut short (8)28 Two groups from one? (6)30 With two notes it’s not hard to

become obsessed (4)31 Have pins and needles in

reverse? (5)32 Finger tip fastener (4)33 Regret note after game (3)

Down1 Position a bit over size in Gym

class (4)2 Specialist troops call for action

to put right (8)3 Con victim (6)4 Most of 3 with old penny (7)5 Much of European capital

follows rebel leader to obtain minimum cost (8)

6 Greek river (6)7 Caught back also (4)14 Fully adult form in periodical

held by mythical white heifer (5)

16 Lady leads preservation society’s function (5)

18 Peer’s son contrived to answer (8)

20 Old farm worker swallows hard (8)

21 Plant one of 3,4,6,7,8 etc...ate? (7)

23 Sponger gives up Brock’s head for cow’s (6)

25 Rock solid wager set at crossroads? (6)

27 Instrument with note missing from ex-pupil’s dictionary (4)

29 Feature gossip with WAG (4)

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QUICK CROSSWORDAcross5 Lamb’s mother (3)8 Big cat (4)9 Clothe (5)10 Close (4)11 Page size (6)12 Briny (8)13 Pledges; deposits (8)15 Attraction; charm (6)17 Resin based paint (7)19 Keenly enthusiastic (7)22 Stain, slur (6)24 Go too far (8)26 Small US rodent (8)28 Stripped (6)30 Rourkes Drift warrior (4)31 Western horse show (5)32 One (4)33 Month (3)

Down1 Metallic element (4)2 Clumsy (8)3 Hateful (6)4 Stick at it (7)5 Prankish exploit (8)6 Set up for the night (6)7 Behind time (4)14 Royal Race Course (5)16 Mistreat (5)18 Rushing (2,1,5)20 Pay attention! (6,2)21 Colourful hat adornment (7)23 Plaster of Paris basis (6)25 Use (6)27 Drag (4)29 Amend (4)

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Crossword No.28In response to popular demand the crossword, compiled as usual by WBro Jim Whitehead, is now bigger and better. In addition to the usual prize version Jim has produced a ‘quick clues’ option which we hope you will enjoy. The same grid applies to both sets of clues but please don’t mix your answers!

Deliberate Misteak It is always a mixed blessing to receive a number of suggestions for the Deliberate Misteak. We continue to be grateful to all those who read the newsletter so carefully and provide polite advice on how we could do better. It is however comforting to note that no two responses highlighted the same suggestion with the exception of the genuine Deliberate Misteak. One reader, Bro John Hart from Worcestershire (a previous D.M. winner) even had to admit defeat;

“I dare say that there is some D.M. lurking, but I’m hanged if I can spot it... we wait with bated breath.’

The wait is over. Congratulations to Dr R.L Kahn L9029, C. Innes L5916 and I. Graham L145 who all spotted that we announced 6 winners for the crossword competition but only awarded 5 prizes.

Answers for the quick crossword are available on page 12. Entries for the prize crossword should be forwarded by 30 May 2010 to: The Editor, ‘In Need’, MSF, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZPlease remember to include your name, full address and, if applicable, Lodge number.

Name:

Address:

Post Code: Lodge Number:

27

J.E. Holt L1635, Dorchester A. Burstow L8446, Sidcup A. South L6971, Coggeshall P. Bulmer L6630, HailshamJ.S. Robson L531, HartlepoolP. Thompson L995, Barrow-in-Furness

Making Good Progress Faced with a three month wait for cardiac surgery via the NHS Mrs Joyce Hayter turned to the Masonic Samaritan Fund who agreed to fund the full cost of her treatment. Following the replacement of her aortic valve she needed a further procedure in order to fit a pacemaker before being fit enough to be allowed home. This additional treatment was also funded by MSF.

Unfortunately further complications since her surgery have so far prevented the full recovery everyone hoped for. However, she is continuing to

make progress and the Fund continues to be available in case she can not get the support she needs via the NHS without a further wait. Joyce Hayter, c/o Harmondsworth Lodge 7028

The Smile Has Returned “I have delayed writing to you until now about the progress of WBro Ivor England. In the early days when the surgeon had expressed his concern at the seriousness of the operation it was very much a worrying time for Ivor’s family and friends. The operation and after care was successful and when we look at the copy of the x-rays one can only admire the skill of the surgeon and the length of time spent in theatre. Our hopes and prayers were certainly answered that day. There is still a lot of progress to be made for his recovery and I would like to express most grateful thanks to the Samaritan Fund staff from Ivor’s family and friends for the support that you provided. He was in a very low state of health but the smile has returned.” WBro Gordon Walker, Almoner St Edburgha Lodge 4621

Thanks To The Secretary“I would like to thank the Samaritan Fund for the help and assistance you gave me in response to my application for dental implants. The treatment has now been completed and I am very pleased with the result. I would also like to thank my Lodge Secretary for his part in directing me to the Masonic Samaritan Fund.”WBro Jim Simner, Raynes Park Lodge 4377

Quality Of Life “It is now a little over 6 months since my wife Marjorie was granted the funding to go onto the drug Duodopa by yourselves, and I wanted to write and let you know that although we never expected a miracle cure for her Parkinson’s Disease her quality of life has improved immensely. You have our heartfelt thanks.

Despite your help I will continue to seek funding by the NHS. Although I have been unsuccessful for the past 18 months they have now invited us to make another application. The Masonic Samaritan Fund gave a yes in 6 weeks (even with the Christmas Break).” WBro Ian Robinson, North Watford Lodge 6918

COvER STORyRespite But No Rest!

Kevin Pardell, c/o Lodge of Perseverance 371

11InNeed Issue 28 January 201010 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010

According to the Charity Commission charity trustees must “exercise reasonable care and skill, using personal knowledge and experience to ensure that the charity is well-run and efficient”. It is therefore a pleasure to welcome three new trustees to the Fund who offer extensive ‘personal knowledge and experience’ which will be of direct benefit to the MSF.

RWBro Steven Adcott, PGM for Cheshire: In addition to his obvious Masonic credentials Steven is a qualified optometrist who continues to use his professional skills to supply optical and hearing aid products. Throughout his working life he has put his professional skills to use in helping disadvantaged

people through ‘Vision Aid Overseas’. In this voluntary capacity he has, during the last 5 years alone, spent time working in Malawi, Ghana and Ethiopia.

RWBro John Clayton, PGM for Yorkshire West Riding: Having taken retirement after 25 years as a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology John Clayton continued to use his professional experience for the benefit of others as a medicolegal expert witness. He also

somehow managed to find time to act as a mentor helping “gynaecologists in distress” and supporting the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology membership examinations.

RWBro Eric Heaviside, PGM for Durham. His experience as a member of the Consett Citizens Choir may help to liven up the proceedings at Trustees meetings but his extensive management skills gained in and around the Teeside Steel Industry are perhaps of more immediate relevance to the Fund.

Having successfully steered the 1999 Provincial Festival and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham Millennium Project – to build a replica masonic hall at Beamish Open Air Museum – his fundraising skills and experience will also be in great demand as a Trustee.

We have also recently welcomed a new member of staff to the team.

Andrea Watson took over as Grants Director in July. Her previous employment within the charity sector has included leadership of Guildford and Waverley Crossroads Care and as housing manager within the English Churches Housing Group. Combined with her experience within the West

Surrey Health Authority she brings to the role a wide variety of skills that provide a firm basis from which to continue to develop the grant making function of MSF.

Hello!Chief Executive’s

Report

Quick Crosword Answers Across 5 Ewe, 8 Lion, 9 Dress, 10 Near, 11 Octavo, 12 Seawater, 13 Earnests, 15 Appeal, 17 Acrylic, 19 Zealous, 22 Stigma, 24 Overstep, 26 Chipmunk, 28 Peeled, 30 Zulu, 31 Rodeo, 32 Unit, 33 May

Down 1 Zinc, 2 Ungainly, 3 Odious, 4 Persist, 5 Escapade, 6 Encamp, 7 Late, 14 Ascot, 16 Abuse, 18 In a hurry, 20 Listen up, 21 Cockade, 23 Gypsum, 25 Employ, 27 Haul, 29 Edit

As we report on our achievements in the last year it is pleasing to note that grants have been awarded to applicants from all areas of the UK as well as to many overseas Districts. The Fund has been able to provide benefit to Masons and their dependants from Cornwall to Cyprus, from Norfolk to New Zealand and from Surrey to South Africa.

Despite these successes I remain convinced that there are many more eligible Masons and members of their families who have not applied because they remain unaware of what is available. As you read this newsletter please spend a few minutes thinking about whether there is anybody you know - a Mason, his wife, partner, dependant or widow who has an identified medical, dental or respite care need and, faced with significant wait for treatment or care is unable to afford to fund their own private treatment or care. It is worth emphasising that we give a broad interpretation to dependants and dependancy, which can be physical or financial and can, for example, include the mother of a mason who is living with her son and his family. Each case is considered on its merits.

If you would like further copies of this newsletter, or copies of other publicity material, please contact the Fund. If you would like to arrange for a speaker to address a Lodge meeting, or any other function or event, please contact WBro John Williams (john@msfund.org.uk or 07931533648) or WBro Mike Thurman (mike@msfund.org.uk or 07540 899815).

Please help us to help all those who need our help.

Masonic Samaritan Fund 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZRegistered Charity No. 1130424

12 InNeed Issue 28 January 2010