Brethren, this is my first report since being appointed in 2006 and I must say we have all had a busy year. The two seminars held earlier in the year were well attended and more are planed for the near future to update data and for Almoners to get together.
During the period of this report, petitions on behalf of Brethren or their dependents have been made to all our Masonic Charities , I again thank those who have helped in identifying those in distressed circumstances but I must stress and make no apologies for repeating “ true distress”.
One area of support which is available to us and for which I have only one enquiry is Talent Aid, this is for Talent in Sport, stage, arts etc it is not for university or education.
I now report with details of assistance given to our Brethren in Hertfordshire with the previous year's figures in brackets for comparison. When reading the next part of my report Brethren please be aware that the total amount of support coming back into our Province from our charities is £335,788 hence our festivals and requests for your support of our Masonic Charities and perhaps answers a few questions about why we contribute.
THE GRAND CHARITY
This is the central grant-making charity for all Freemasons in England and Wales. It carries on a tradition of charitable support for both Masons, non Masons and the wider community, world wide. It also now administers the previously known RMBI Annuities. It also makes grants to:
-Freemasons and their dependents in need;
-other Masonic charities;
-non-Masonic national charities serving England and Wales;
-emergency relief work worldwide.
The Province of Hertfordshire presented 44 (35) petitions during the past year of which only 29 were successful and resulted in grants of £51,940 (£32,020). Under the terms of The Grand Charity Hospice Project, the following Hospices in the Province continue to be supported : Hospice of St Francis (Berkhamsted), Garden House Hospice (Letchworth), Isabel Hospice (Welwyn Garden City), Peace Hospice (Watford) and the St Albans and Dacorum Day Hospice (St Albans). Total £10,887 the England and Wales total was 217 Hospices and £499,997
THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION (RMBI)
The old RMBI Annuities are now dispensed by The Grand Charity who are also responsible for considering new cases and making appropriate payments. During the year 25 (28) annuitants from the Province of Hertfordshire received a total of £19862 (£21,805).
The RMBI continues to provide high quality care for older Freemasons and their dependents in their Homes. Currently there are 26 (26) Hertfordshire widows and elderly Freemasons resident in Masonic Homes, total in costs to the RMBI £310,000. Respite care is available from time to time.
Grateful thanks has been expressed by the RMBI for the support of our Province in respect to their Prince Michael of Kent Court Watford, and in particular for the work of the Association of Friends.
Welfare visits to a number of our widows and distressed Brethren have also been carried out during the year.
NEW MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND
Offering medical care to our Brethren and dependants who would otherwise have spent a long waiting period under the NHS. 20 application forms were distributed to applicants of which only 9 (12) were returned ! 7 were approved and have been successfully treated resulting in a total cost to the Fund of £34,066 (£105,377), 1 was refused assistance and 1 was withdrawn.
Almoners and Brethren are reminded that the Fund will in no circumstances consider retrospective applications for help where the relevant treatment or procedure has already been carried out or booked. In urgent cases, applications can be considered rapidly, so that treatment or procedures for which a grant may be provided can be carried out without delay. In such cases please request assistance of the Provincial Almoner.
ROYAL MASONIC TRUST FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
We have seen an increase this year in the number of children and young people from this Province being supported, Currently 46 (38) are being assisted with educational fees and/or maintenance grants totaling £219,033 (£122,379).
GENERAL The Lodge Almoner’s office is not always easy, it takes discretion, a sympathetic ear and of course total confidentiality. On behalf of our Province, myself, your members and families I thank all Almoners, Case Almoners and Visiting Brethren for their work, assistance and dedication in these important offices. I should also like to most sincerely thank my friend and predecessor W.Bro. Donald Pilley for his assistance during this year and continued support/ advice when needed.
George Taylor