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Membership of The Grand Lodge of England is open to all adult males without distinction to social position, religious faiths or political beliefs. Each year the RAOB (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes) gain joy and satisfaction by supporting one another, sharing the burdens and providing whatever is required to meet the needs of a less fortunate ”Brother” - even the dependant widow and children of a deceased Brother.
The chain of goodwill, forged in this attitude of a regard for others raises thousands of pounds for charities each year. The Guildford & District Provincial lodge which meets in the Addlestone clubhouse every month, is this year chaired by Andy Timney (46) who has chosen to support an extremely worthwhile local charity, The Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal (www.stephaniemarks.org.uk)
Andy, who lives in Woking was diagnosed five years ago with Type 2 Diabetes. ”I have had to learn how to carefully self-manage and control my blood glucose levels by diet, tablets and exercise, giving me energy to coach once again with Guildford FC2000”, explains Andy. ”As Provincial Grand Primo, I have chosen to support a really exciting local project which will increase access for everyone to information and care”.
In addition to a number of events taking place throughout the year, the Lodge will be selling branded lapel badges which you can purchase for £1 from members of the lodge directly or via the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Shop, Duchess of Kent Wing, St Peter’s Hospital. ”I was extremely impressed with the objectives of the Appeal which I heard for the first time when I saw the Drifters perform in concert for the charity last year in Woking”, explains Andy. ”Being an avid cricket fan re-enforced my decision when I realized Ian Botham is also Patron of the project”.
Launched two years ago, The Stephanie Marks Appeal looks to provide a specialist diabetes centre based at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey which will be closely linked to GP’s, specialist nurses and community hospitals throughout the catchment area served by the Trust. The centre will house treatment, education and research facilities and be state-of-the-art in terms of ensuring patients and their carers have up-to-the-minute information about diabetes and how to successfully self-manage the condition.
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