“The Masonic Samaritan Fund provides medical assistance to needy Freemasons and their dependants.
 The Province of Warwickshire is proud to support this fund. Let us together attain and even exceed our goal for the 2012 Festival.”

A Message from RW Bro Michael J Price CBE, Provincial Grand Master

I am delighted that the Province of Warwickshire has been chosen to host this Festival fo
r the Masonic Samaritan Fund of which I am privileged to be a Trustee. The Festival runs for
 seven years ending in 2012.

The MSF is still a young charity. Established in 1990 it seeks to provide medical assistance to
 needy Freemasons, their families and dependants who are unable to obtain NHS treatment
 without undue delay, and who cannot afford private treatment without suffering further hardship.

The Fund has supported treatment for well over 6,000 individuals ranging in age from 2 to 104
. Whilst many of the conditions funded via the MSF may be associated with advancing years - hip
 and knee joint replacements, cataracts and prostate problems - funding can be available for
 everything from scans to major heart surgery. In each of the last three years approximately 50%
of the funds allocated have been for the wives, widows and dependants of Freemasons.

This is clearly a worthwhile cause. The Brethren of Warwickshire are renowned for their generosity
 and I am sure that the target I have set for the Province of £3.5m could well be exceeded.