​My most hearty congratulations to the Brethren receiving such wonderful preferment from the Most Worshipful Grand Master in Grand Lodge.  

Normally there would be a great celebration at the Annual Investiture in London followed by a formal acknowledgement with acclamation at our own Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting at Harrogate. Alas!  Things are anything but "normal" however, that takes nothing away from your achievement.  ​
Wear your regalia with pride, not only to reflect your great contribution of service to the Royal Art but also in anticipation of the even greater service of example and precept that is now expected from all Grand Officers. 

When normality returns, as it will, it will be my intention to hold a magnificent local celebration with yourselves as the focus of our congratulations. 

Well Done! Worthy Masons All!​

To honour Prince Philip, who passed away last week, the Freemasons have launched a campaign inviting their 200,000 members to raise funds for charities that the Prince dedicated his life to. 
 
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was himself a Freemason, having been introduced to Freemasonry in 1952 at the age of 31 by his Father in Law King George VI.  Throughout his 99 years, he was associated with some 992 charities, either as president, patron or as an honorary member. 
 
The Prince supported charitable organisations in the fields of scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, conservation and the environment. 
 
Dr David Staples, chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), said: “Prince Philip was well known for his charity work, having been involved with numerous organisations. He was devoted to philanthropy and therefore the best way to celebrate his life is by supporting the charities that the Prince himself supported. 
 
“For us, this was an easy decision as Freemasonry’s core values are charity, integrity, respect and friendship. The Freemasons have been quietly getting on with making society and the lives of those less fortunate better for more than three centuries,” said Dr Staples. 
 
Freemasons worked some 18.5 million hours each year as volunteers in a range of different areas, including driving vulnerable people to hospital, preparing meals, taking care of people at risk, organising care packages, and producing scrubs, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser. 
 
They also donated more than £1m last year to the Covid effort, with the funds being used to help communities in various critical areas, including foodbanks, support for unpaid carers, PPE, supplies for hospitals and hospices, support for women’s refuges, and funds for NHS workers, ambulances and equipment. 
 
As a Freemason, the Duke of Edinburgh was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December. On 6 March 1953, HRH Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953. The UGLE issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he remained a member up until his death. 
 
The Duke of Edinburgh was born in Corfu on 10 June 1921, the only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. He therefore also held the title Prince of Greece and Denmark. 
 
Freemasons can also count other members of the Royal Family among their number, including HRH the Duke of Kent, who is the longest-serving Grand Master of the UGLE. 

The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Primary Care across Doncaster, and as this is the largest vaccination programme ever embarked on in Doncaster, volunteers are being sought to support marshalling the five vaccination sites across the town.
 
The marshalling support will involve the following duties;
 
●      Greeting and directing those people being vaccinated to the correct place within the venue
●      Taking temperatures/asking questions re symptoms
●      Informing attendees about COVID safety measures
●      Maintaining flow and social distancing 
●      Observing people for 15 minutes post vaccination
●      Support to anyone requiring additional assistance eg mobility issues
●      Provide general support to staff working at the site
●      Maintain confidentiality at all times
●     Keep good time keeping and show regular commitment
 
As a Vaccination Marshal Volunteer you will not be asked to provide medical assistance/advice or personal care to patients
 
The role will be an active one and volunteers will need to be mobile/on their feet for the duration of the session. This role is open to those aged 16 and over.
 
The rotas are subject to change according to the availability of the vaccine and this can be at short notice.  Typically a session will be from 8am to 1pm and 1pm to 6pm daily.  Volunteers will be required to attend a briefing on arrival at site and therefore arrive 15 minutes prior to the session start time. It may also be necessary to stay on-site for a de-brief/handover at the end of each session.
 
Anyone who is able to help out should, complete the short form on Voluntary Action Doncaster website -
https://www.voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk/
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Please send any queries tovolunteering@voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk
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