The following announcement was made by the MW Pro Grand Master at Grand Lodge on 8 June 2005 about three Charity Festivals held so far this year:

The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, held by the Province of South Wales, Western Division on the 6th May which raised over a million pounds;

The Masonic Samaritan Fund, held by the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight on 10th May which raised nearly seven million pounds;

and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys, held by the Province of Cheshire on 13th May which raised over five and a half million pounds.

Brethren, I am sure that you will join me in congratulating those Provinces concerned on the great success of their Festivals and in particular those Masons who were instrumental in helping to raise so much money for these important Charities.