GRAND MARK CHARITIES

DEXA Scanner Officially Open

Pictured: left to right: Chris Kenyon (Trust governor), Peter Connolly (Provincial Grand Master for West Lancashire), Bryan Ogden (Provincial Grand Master for Cheshire), Allan Massey (Chairman of the Trust) and Dr Mark Caplan, at the presentation of the plaque.

A NEW mobile scanner is providing scans closer to home for Warrington people suspected of having osteoporosis.
The unit, currently situated at Warrington Hospital was made possible by a bid submitted to the National Osteoporosis Society in 2007. Funding came from the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, who had provided £3 million pounds nationally to fund more scanners to detect osteoporosis.
The DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scanner is used to detect osteoporosis accurately. It is a quick, painless procedure for measuring bone loss. It is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, with bone density measurements of the lower back and hips mainly taken. Each scan takes about 20 minutes and is a relatively pain-free procedure, and involves only a very low dose of radiation.
Bryan Ogden, Provincial Grand Master of Mark Master Masons in Cheshire said:
"The Mark Benevolent Fund made a donation to the National Osteoporosis Society to enable the society to fund a national scanning service that will provide over 30,000 bone density scans every year.
"The service will provide a local osteoporosis scanning provision which will operate in areas where NHS patients have to travel long distances or wait months for scans and hence greatly improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this condition.
"We are particularly delighted that a substantial portion of this funding has been given to Halton and Warrington Hospitals and we sincerely hope that it will make a significant impact on the quality of life of the people throughout the area."
Dr Mark Caplan, consultant radiologist said: "In the past patients have had to travel in excess of 20 miles to other hospitals to be screened, often with long waiting lists. We are now able to screen them within seven days of referral which significantly improves their health through the early diagnosis of osteoporosis, targeting treatment most appropriately, reducing the risk of fractures and future fractures."
Bone density scans are only recommended for people who are considered to be at high risk of having fragility fracture.

For more information click here http://www.warringtonandhaltonhospitals.nhs.uk/news_item.asp?fldID=300

On Saturday 9th May 2009 the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Alldred opened "The Mark Barn" at Dunham Massey Scout Camp, near Altrincham, Cheshire.

The purchase of the Barn was made possible by a donation from the Cheshire Provincial mark Benevolent Fund, for the benefit of all aspects of the Scout movement and will be a useful addition to the facilities for all weather activities.

The Provincial delegation were given a conducted tour of the very impressive facilities at Dunham Park prior to the opening ceremony which culminated with the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayors of three councils officiating at various presentations.

Cheshire Mark Masons donate £4000 to provide New Barn for Dunham Massey Scout Camp

Deputy Provincial Grand Master David Alldred opening "The Mark Barn"

David Sellers (Assistant provincial Grand Master), Alan Smith (Past Provincial Grand Charity Steward), David Alldred, Deputy Provincial Grand Master. Karen Salisbury (Provincial Office) Doug. Watts (Provincial Grand Charity Steward).

Donation Aids Restoration of Organ Case Pipes.

Following an application from Hyde Chapel, Gee Cross, Hyde, Cheshire, for help with the restoration of the historical organ case pipes, Cheshire Provincial Mark Benevolent fund made a grant of £1000.00 towards the cost of this restoration.

The work required took quite a few weeks to complete as it was part of the complete organ case restoration.

An invitation was received from Michael Holmes, director of music at the Chapel to attend a dedication service on Sunday 28th June 2009. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, along with Mrs. Alldred and members of Mark Lodges in the Hyde area were happy to attend the morning service, during which the work on the organ was dedicated and the donation from Mark Masonry in Cheshire was acknowledged.

Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Alldred with the Rev. Eric Breeze and Michael Holmes, director of music at Hyde Chapel with the plaque acknowledging the donation from the C.P.M.B.F.

Olwen Jones, former Trustee; Bryan R. Ogden, P.G.M.; Karen Roberts, head of care; Alan E. Smith; Dougie G. Watts, Prov. Charity Steward.

Our Biggest Cheque Yet ! !

£13,000 to Claire House

Children's Hospice.

Claire House Hospice is a centre of excellence providing respite, palliative and terminal care for children and young people from ages 8 - 23 with a life threatening or life limiting illness, and their families. The high quality facilities are superb and wide ranging.

Like many other charities, Claire House has suffered from the recession and also an increase in demand for it's services which has required extra staff.

C.P.M.B.F. were delighted and proud to be able to offer some help in this difficult time. We were presented with a framed certificate as a thank-you memento.

Claire House are holding an Open Day on 21st September 2009. Try and take the opportunity to go along and see for yourself the loving care and facilities provided. Te. 0151-334-4626. You will receive a very warm welcome.