More Success for Mark Masons

Patients at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals National Health Service Trust will benefit from earlier detection and treatment of prostate cancer thanks to the donation of the latest transrectal ultrasound scanner for the urology unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.
    Donations of this kind continue to be made following the £2m raised by the Mark Fund of Benevolence for the treatment of this type of cancer. The landmark decision by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons to raise this money for the detection and treatment of prostate cancer has resulted in the purchase of many items of specialist equipment across the country. This has been achieved in cooperation with the British Association of Urological Surgeons and represents a unique partnership between a major masonic body and a prestigious medical institution.
    As was mentioned at the Craft Grand Charity General meeting this summer, prostate cancer is the single most common cancer in men, ultimately affecting one in four, but is the most treatable cancer when diagnosed early. The scanner donated in Wakefield is able to produce clear pictures of the prostate gland, enabling surgeons to take accurate biopsies to detect problems earlier, and offer patients a much enhanced chance of recovery.
    Brian Batty, the Mark Provincial Grand Master for West Yorkshire, formally handed over the scanner together with a cheque for over £6,000, to Tony Chambers, Operations Director for the Mid Yorkshire Trust.

Knights Templar Family Church Service at Lincoln Cathedral

At Lincoln Cathedral this summer, Knights of the Christian Order of Knights Templar in their full regalia together with family members attended a Knight Templar Family Church Service. There was a total of 1,000 people present at this event, which is held every four years at Lincoln.
    Before the service, the Knights assembled and changed into their regalia in the Chapter House and then marched to their seats in the Cathedral under the direction of the Great Marshal.
    The Cathedral Procession was led by the Dean of Lincoln, The Very Reverend Dr. Alec Knight, and was followed by the procession of the Grand Master of the Order, Leslie Felgate Dring, accompanied by his senior officers.
    At the start of the service, the Dean welcomed the congregation. The first reading was given by the Great Seneschal, Peter Cheney, and the second reading was given by the Grand Master. The address was given by The Very Reverend The Honorable Oliver Twistleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, K.St.J., Dean Emeritus of Lincoln. The Precepts of the Order were read by the Great Prelate, The Reverend Peter Cannon, and the Prayers of Intercession were led by the Dean who also gave the Blessing and Dismissal.
    A collection was taken during the singing of the Templar’s Hymn and was donated to the Cathedral authorities. The Bewdley Singers directed by Paul Bodley provided the choral music during the service and sang the introit Locus Iste by Bruckner and Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart.
    After the service, the Knights and their families enjoyed lunch, short speeches and fine weather.