West Lancashire receives a 2nd St John Ambulance Treatment Centre
 
Wednesday 13th of June was the day after Grand Lodge in London, where our recipients and all the members from West Lancs had a spectacular day in the capital. It was also the day when our wonderful Province received a second St John Ambulance, donated by the Mark Benevolent Fund.  Ours is the only Province to receive 2 such vehicles, such is the size and importance of our Province, as the biggest outside London.
Proudly donated by the MBF for West Lancashire!
Tony Morris, Vice-President of the MBF, with his wife Jan, again came up North to present this latest vehicle, with Keith Beardmore our Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by Ian Nairn, Giles Berkley and John and Jennifer Bicknell.  It is a rare occasion when we actually have the honour of meeting the recipients of our hard work for charity, but this day was an exception.
Tony Morris from the MBF presents our 2nd West Lancs vehicle
Keith and Tony with the recipients
Testing the suspension!
A proud day for the MBF & West Lancs
Ian Nairn & Giles Berkley take a test drive
We were greeted by the management, volunteers and supporters of the St John Ambulance charity for the official handing over of the vehicle. The close bonds between the Mark Degree and St John were highlighted by Tony Morris, who informed us that the MBF have donated 52 new vehicles, at a cost of £3.3m. He also informed our friends at St John that they could apply, through West Lancs Mark, for the running costs for the life of the vehicle.  A magnificent extra surprise that clearly added significantly to the gift!
The Chains chatter & chant..........
Tony Morris (right) from the MBF comes aboard
We were so proud to see the defibrillator on the vehicle, and Keith Beardmore informed them of our own 22 de-fibs, donated by Mark members all around the Province.  After a very welcome buffet we all departed Liverpool to return home, feeling very proud of all the fund-raising efforts by all our brethren, who made this wonderful and generous donation possible.  Thank you to you all - you should be proud! 
Luckily, we didn't lose the keys!
Our recipients, already having fun as they volunteer
Words by Giles, pictures courtesy of John Bicknell and St John