The DGM also reminded Brethren on the excellent charitable donations of the Mark Benevolent Fund. Particularly the donation of £200,000 for a Nanoscope in the Cancer Unit at Southampton University Hospital Trust, which is a wonderful piece of equipment. In addition the Mark Benevolent Fund has also donated £37,000 to the Unit for a Sampling Cabinet for clinicians and scientists to carry out research into cancer and covid.
They were also joined by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. George John Deacon and W.Bro. Simon Lancaster, Provincial.Dep.G.Sec. who carried out the 2026 Festival Draw which raised a fantastic sum of £10,400. Congratulations go to Oakley Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No.886 who won the Elevation Ceremony to be delivered by the Provincial team. Winchester Lodge of Mark Masters No.969 won the Advancement Ceremony to be delivered by the Provincial team.
The monthly Wardens Swindle was won by the Provincial Grand Master (he also had the third prize!), both prizes were donated back by him to the Mark Benevolent Fund.