Masonic Lodges support Royal Surrey Eye Clinic

Today Michael Yalden (Deputy Provincial Grand Master) and his wife Janet came to the Royal Surrey together with others from Masonic Lodges in Surrey to present Anne Gilvarry, Clinical Director of Opthalmology, with £5,000 to support the development of imaging in the Royal Surrey Eye Clinic.  With the Yaldens were Major Charles Bendall, a patient of the Royal Surrey and a member of South West Surrey Masters who was the inspiration behind the ongoing support of the Eye Clinic from the Masonic Lodges.  Also in attendance were Derek Whelan, current Master of Southwest Surrey Masters, Roger Howland, past Master of the Southwest Surrey Masters, and his wife Sue, Andy Neill of Albert Edward Lodge, Don Fraser, past Master of Kingston Aero Lodge and the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Charity Committee, Ian Chandler. 

The Masons and their wives were shown around the department and the power of imaging was explained.  Anne said “Treatment of many medical conditions, such as diabetes and macular degeneration, has been revolutionised over the last few years. The work of the Eye Clinic has grown enormously in recent years with the advice of more imaging and more consultants.  State of the art imaging is absolutely essential to deliver this which is why we are so grateful for this generous gift.  Charitable support of this nature enables us to move forward given the financial challenges of the NHS and helps us to provide the very best service to our patients”. 

Andy Neill explained that amongst other activities Albert Edward Lodge had held a clay pigeon shoot.  Kingston Aero Lodge had held a Burn’s Night dinner.  Commenting on the support of the Masonic Lodges, Charlotte Langley said “The Royal Surrey always needs the support of the communities it exists to serve and charitable funding enables us to buy equipment and technology either more quickly, or to a higher specification with the ability to deliver better outcomes for our patients, who remain our most important priority.  We are most grateful to the Masonic Lodges”.