Presentation to RNIB

Prior to the Lodge meeting on Monday 10th November 2008, Brethren of the Ashfield Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1146 assembled to present two talking books for the blind to Ms Jackie McGuire area representative for the RNIB. Also in attendance was Mrs Pat Jackson together with daughter Sally as the recordings were dedicated to the memory of W Bro Ray Jackson P Prov GSO and a Past Master of the Lodge.

Ms McGuire expressed her thanks on behalf of the RINB, explained how the talking books system worked and demonstrated the new recordings.

The presentation by W Bro J H Bates WM was for one adult book (The Wind that Shakes the Barley by James Barke) and one child’s book (What I Was by Meg Rosoff) and was the result of the Lodge’s charity efforts over the past year – most being raised through raffles at the Festive Board. It is not unusual when attending Ashfield Mark Lodge on winning a raffle prize to go home with a pound of sausages, a leg of lamb or a chicken. The Lodge owes a great debt of gratitude to W Bro Derek Clay for his generosity which was a major contributing factor enabling the Brethren achieve their target of £1,500.

The Lodge was honoured by the presence of W Bro Terrence Desmond Ward, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons. He was pleased to appoint Bro John Storey as PPrAGSTB in recognition of Bro John`s work and service over many years to the benefit of the lodge.